J.Crew’s leading man, Logo-less luxe, Hermès goes street, Nordstrom matches view, Diane Pernet’s world

| Daily Digest

J.Crew Takes a Leading Role in Men's Fashion (Bloomberg) "The men's fashion landscape has long been dominated on one side by luxury brands... [or alternatives] that no longer seem au courant.  J.Crew has emerged in this void as the merchant of a new style that bridges work and leisure, youth and age, vintage and contemporary, gay and straight." Will Chinese Shoppers Embrace Luxury Goods–Sans Logo? (Forbes) "Although luxury shoppers in established, recession-stung markets may gradually be lured back into stores by understated items...will this trend appeal to potential buyers in emerging — and lucrative — markets like China, where garish still equals good?" Hermès launches street style website (MyFashionLife) "Dedicated solely to its signature square scarves, the new website, called…

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Richemont disappoints, UK retail plunges, J Crew beats Street, Zara’s Indian move, DIY design blogs

| Daily Digest

Chloè Spring-Summer 2010 | Source: Chloè

Richemont downbeat over sector prospects (FT) “Richemont’s restraint, along with lower than expected net profits, disappointed some analysts. Sales fell by 4 per cent to €5.18bn ($6.4bn), while net profits from continuing operations dropped 18 per cent to €603m. The closely watched margin fell to 16 per cent from 17.9 per cent.” Falling retail sales dampen recovery hopes (Times) “Retail sales plunged to a

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Mulberry blooms, Mickey Drexler’s jewel, Bored with frugality, LVMH cautious, Valuing Facebook fans

| Daily Digest

Mulberry Spring/Summer 2010 featuring the Alexa bag | Source: Mulberry

How Mulberry bagged success in the battle for affordable luxury (Guardian) “Many women spending nearly £1,000 on a handbag may salve their conscience by telling themselves it is an investment. But is it? ‘I am rather keen on the idea,’ chuckles Godfrey Davis, the chief executive of the fast-growing luxury brand Mulberry.” Mickey Drexler Has Yet Another Reason to Be Giving High Fives (Vanity Fair) “The

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Levi’s hipsters, PRL shares soar, JCrew’s Jenna Lyons, McQueen’s genius, Prabal Gurang pays his dues

| Daily Digest

House of Holland for Levi's Spring/Summer 2010 | Source: Levi's

Levi’s Shoots for the High-End Hipster (WSJ) “The 157-year-old company is trying to reinvent itself as not just a purveyor of basics but as an edgier brand suitable for the fashion cognoscenti.” Polo Ralph Lauren: The Winning Streak Continues (Smart Trend) “Shares of Polo Ralph Lauren traded near a new 52-week high yesterday, touching a price of $90.89. Approximately 758,000 shares traded hands yesterday vs.

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J.Crew on Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom’s sees results, British creativity, Liberty’s call, Chistopher Kane in bloom

| Daily Digest

J. Crew Spring/Summer 2010 Preview | Source: J. Crew

J. Crew Is Going Global on Net-A-Porter (Stylelist) “Now, the classic American outfitter, currently available only in North America and Japan, has entered into an agreement with Net-A-Porter to be sold globally starting in May.” Nordstrom’s Profit More Than Doubles (WSJ) “Upscale department-store chain Nordstrom Inc. reported a 152 percent increase in profits during the quarter ended Jan. 30, underscoring

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