Barneys New York Spring/Summer 2010 | Source: Barneys

Burkle Angles for Controlling Stake in Barneys (WSJ)
“Billionaire Ronald Burkle is angling to take a controlling stake in Barneys New York, people familiar with the situation said, a bet that the company and battered luxury retail sector have seen the worst of the recession.”

Bloomingdale’s opens in Dubai (The National)
“From today, people in Dubai will be able to indulge in the magic of Bloomingdale’s as the American department store ventures outside the US for the first time in its 138-year history.”

Versace’s New Look (WSJ)
“At the House of Versace, Donatella is back in the saddle again. She now signs off on every leather bag, dinner plate and evening gown… With the House of Versace facing the toughest times since it flirted with bankruptcy in 2004, the family must now steer the company through the current crisis in luxury goods.”

Fluff flies as fashion writers pick a cat fight with bloggers (Independent)
“Enthusiasm has waned for bloggers such as Tavi Gevinson, the 13-year-old wunderkind who waltzed into the front row of the biggest catwalk shows, as former fans complain bloggers have been ‘bought off’ by the industry.”

Davos 2010: Gucci boss on the rise of the shrewd customer (BBC)
“Robert Polet, boss of Gucci group has said he has seen a shift in the way customers are approaching the purchase of luxury good… ‘People want to know does the promise you give as a brand really stands up’.”

Burberry Autumn/Winter 09 | Source: Burberry

Burberry targets India’s brand-aware middle class (Times)
“Burberry, the British luxury brand, is poised to enter a joint venture to expand its presence in India, a market in which the ultra-rich are thriving because of a soaring stock market.”

Phillips-Van Heusen 3Q profit up, raises outlook (AP)
“Clothing maker Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. on Wednesday posted a jump in third-quarter earnings, boosted by a $30.4 million tax benefit, and raised its full-year 2009 profit outlook citing factors including higher expected royalties.”

Burkle Acquires Large Stake in Barneys Debt (WSJ)
“Ronald Burkle has become a significant investor in Barneys New York in recent months, with his Yucaipa Cos. buying a chunk of the struggling luxury retailer’s debt.”

Gap profits rise 25 percent (Drapers)
“Profits at American casualwear giant Gap grew 25% over its third quarter boosted by improved sales at its value fashion chain Old Navy.”

My Techno: A Designer Viewpoint (IHT)
“Some are cyberexperts and others are technophobes, but most designers today embrace a variety of technology applications… there are all sorts of ways that designers are using technological skills without necessarily navigating through cyberspace.”