Tommy Hilfiger Spring/Summer 2010 | Source: Tommy Hilfiger

Can Private Equity and Fashion Look Good Together? (Bloomberg)
“Private equity and fashion are a bad combo, kind of like pairing a Dior dress with Ugg boots. That at least was the established wisdom until March, when Apax Partners sold Tommy Hilfiger for $3 billion, quintupling its investment in the American clothier in just four years.”

All Saints secures extra funding on strong results (Retail Week)
“Fashion retailer All Saints almost doubled EBITDA to £23.6m last year, helping it secure further investment from Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets to ramp up overseas expansion.”

Juicy Couture hires hip designer Erin Fetherston (Guardian)
“Juicy Couture, the American clothing label that made tracksuits sexy, has hired the hip, New York-based designer, Erin Fetherston as its creative consultant and guest designer.”

Social media increases intent to purchase (Biz Report)
“Ads in the social space are more effective than other ads. Researchers found that consumers are more likely to notice ads in the social space, to remember the ad message and are more likely to make a future purchase after seeing a social ad.”

Fashion’s Night Out to Bring Runway to Public (WWD)
“This year’s edition of the global shopping event, scheduled for Sept. 10, will be preceded by a public fashion show… The open-air show is being billed as the largest of its kind ever to be held in New York.”

Hermès Timeless Silk Twill Ties | Source: Hermès

It’s a Man’s World (Newsweek)
“Just as some educators believe that single-sex classrooms are better for learning, some luxury brands are finding that single-sex boutiques boost the bottom line. While it’s not exactly a man’s world on Main Street, luxury brands are increasingly offering greater exclusivity in men-only shops.”

Versace Agrees on Job Cuts, Unveils Lower-Priced Women’s Line (Bloomberg)
“Gianni Versace has signed a preliminary agreement with unions on job cuts in Italy and introduced a lower-priced women’s wear collection as part of a plan to return to profitability in 2011.”

H&M fashions hopes of revival (FT)
“The results suggested H&M could be turning the corner after a series of disappointing sales figures last year… Karl-Johan Persson, H&M chief executive, said the economic outlook remained uncertain but predicted same-store sales would increase in 2010.”

Despite Economy, Neiman Marcus Stays Glamorous (Brand Channel)
“‘We have no intention of changing our business model or trading down,’ chief executive Burt Tansky told Wall Street analysts on a conference call last month. ‘It’s important to reiterate that we will continue to offer our customers the luxury and designer merchandise that they want to buy.’”

Juicy Couture’s Founders Step Back (Fashionista)
“Juicy Couture’s dynamic co-founders Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy are stepping down as creative directors.  There will soon be a new creative director—Nash-Taylor and Skaist-Levy will transition into creative consultant roles.”

Pawnshops doing brisk business (USA Today)
According to USA Today, “the miserable economy is a boon for pawnshops and consignment stores across the USA.”

The Price of Luxury: Debt Burden Strains More European Firms (WWD)
European luxury goods firms with high leverage are at risk.

Consumer confidence hits new low (Drapers)
According to Drapers, “one in five people optimistic that the recession will be over within a year.”

Juicy Couture’s Decadent Chic: Recession? What Recession? (WSJ)
Juicy Couture unveils an over the top store in a difficult time for the economy and retail.

Pawnshop, photo courtesy of USA Today.