Dolce and Gabbana Summer 2010 | Source: Dolce and Gabbana

Keeping it Masculine (WSJ)
“Men have more style than ever to choose from. Luxury labels from France’s Hermés to American icon Ralph Lauren are opening stores dedicated to men…  — Gucci, Prada, Dior, Chanel, Burberry — dress men too.”

India Innovates, China Makes, America Buys (WSJ)
“Anyone whose daily commute includes the clogged roads of Mumbai would be temporarily enthralled by the butter-smooth roads and highways of China… it is not hard to marvel at the infrastructure built by the Chinese to boost their economy and support their factories.”

Tiffany reiterates 2010 expansion plans (Bloomberg)
“Fernandez affirmed Tiffany’s plan to open 16 stores in 2010, including six in the Americas, eight in Asia-Pacific and two in Europe. Tiffany now operates 223 stores in 22 countries.”

Department store pushes the envelope (Inside Retailing)
“[Canadian] department store, The Bay (formerly known as Hudson Bay), has pushed the envelope on department store retailing when it comes to its Toronto designer fashion space, The Room.”

Fashion Spawn for Sale (NY Times)
“Styletrek will start officially on Sept. 7, when 50 designers will have clothing and accessories for sale. Candidates must be in business at least three seasons and submit to a review process.”

Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany's | Source: Tiffany & Co.

Shine returns as Tiffany’s sales rise (FT)
“Tiffany, the US jeweller, raised its profit outlook yesterday as strong holiday sales brought some shine back to an industry that cash-constrained consumers shunned during the worst of the recession.”

Tony Blair could help LVMH’s forays into new markets (Reuters)
“Tony Blair’s expected appointment as adviser to LVMH… could help it penetrate tough yet promising markets such as India… The former British Prime Minister, a friend of LVMH boss Bernard Arnault, is now free to pursue other commitments having been passed over for the EU presidency in November.”

Italy fashion to exit crisis first, body says (Reuters)
“Italy’s fashion sector will emerge from the financial crisis before others but the government needs to help companies be more competitive, the head of an industry body said on Tuesday.”

Have the Wealthy Changed their Values? (WSJ)
“A new survey from PNC aims to show how the wealthy have changed their values because of the recession. According to the survey, of more than 1,000 people with net worths of at least $500,000 in investible assets, 88 percent agreed with the statement that it is ‘more important than ever to live within my means.’”

Fashion on the web: Le click, c’est chic (Independent)
“Ten years ago, you had to head to the city to buy designer threads. Then a clutch of new websites changed the way we shop for ever.”

Retailers Offer Big Discounts, and Then Pray (New York Times)
Retailers have been offering doorbuster sales before Thanksgiving in order to lure customers in store despite the economic downturn.

Tiffany Profit Drops, Cuts Forecast as Sales Fall  (Bloomberg)
Tiffany & Co. “said profit fell and cut its forecast as sales dropped for the first time in almost seven years amid the global financial crisis.”

Cavalli Cleared of Tax Evasion (WWD)
Roberto Cavalli has been cleared of tax evasion by the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation.

Where To Find Small-Store Holiday Sales  (Forbes)
 ”Independent retailers are cutting prices and adding personal touches in order to stay afloat.”

Doorbuster deal at Toys R Us, photo courtesy of the New York Times.