CH by Carolina Herrera | Source: Carolina Herrera

Spain’s Puig Group succeeds by swimming against the stream (FT)
“Puig is an anomaly in the luxury market in a number of ways. It is the only Spanish luxury group. It is private and remains family-run.  And it is… a ‘hybrid’ of fashion and fragrance… Marc Puig, chairman and the third generation of the family to run a company founded in 1914, says ‘We don’t really follow the normal rules.’”

Middle market: Second-tier brands tap into straitened times (FT)
“The public’s shopping habits have not reverted to their previous ways – with lasting consequences for [the] ‘middle market’… But one nuance of the past three years is that the middle market has become a curiously compelling place for ultra-hip designers who would not have been seen dead there before.”

Moncler puts off IPO plans after Eurazeo deal (Reuters)
“Luxury clothing brand Moncler postponed plans for an IPO after investment company Eurazeo said it would acquire 45 percent of the company for 418 million euros. The announcement comes just a few days after Moncler got the go-ahead for its planned initial public offering.”

Buyers dictate this season’s look (FT)
“More demanding customers, generational shifts, new loyalty rules, an increasingly integrated offline and digital customer experience and the continued growth of China and other emerging markets is transforming the luxury industry.”

Todd Lynn: Tailor-made rock’n'roll (Independent)
“So what’s the logic of courting the preened masses… bearing in mind that Lynn was the man who once dressed goth-rocker Marilyn Manson in a coat made from Icelandic horse, replete with Flicka-esque manes… ‘I recently discovered my customer base is much broader than I thought.’”

Tory Burch Boutique in Seoul, Korea | Source: Tory Burch

Tory Burch’s Many Second Homes (WSJ)
“Business or pleasure? Both. As her empire grows globally, Tory Burch designs each shop differently, but all are inspired by her own home.”

Black, White and Plaid All Over (NY Times)
“This season has brought plaid of a more restrained stripe just for them: shadow plaids — that is, subtler patterns rendered in blacks, grays and whites. A kind of mash-up of vanguard and rear guard, of Antwerp and Edinburgh, they offer some of the dandyish charm of tartans while paying homage to the black mood that never goes out of fashion.”

Temperley Time (Vogue.co.uk)
“Temperley London is coming back to the capital for February’s London Fashion Week. Launched in 2000, the label went on to show in New York between 2005 and 2008 but returned to London to show the spring/summer 2009 collection.”

Todd Lynn – Dressing the Rock n Roll Elite (Clash Music)
“Todd Lynn has been dressing the rock ‘n’ roll elite for years. Legends of the music world seek creations by the masterful tailor. He has dressed the Stones, Marilyn Manson, Bono and Courtney Love.”

Fashion Triumph: Deflecting the Male Gaze (NY Times)
“Since April, Ms. Medine, 21, has been publishing photos of herself wearing these pieces on her blog, the Man Repeller, as well as shots of similarly challenging recent runway looks: fashions that, though promoted by designers and adored by women, most likely confuse — or worse, repulse — the average straight man.”

Celebrating Canadians in Fashion at the Canadian High Commission in London

LONDON, United Kingdom — On recent trips home to Canada, much to my dismay, I have struggled to find local fashion stories to share on BoF. Yes, Canada has a history of superstar models, and occasionally there is a retailer like Brian Hill of Aritzia or a young designer like Rad Hourani who captures my attention, but for the most part, getting a good Canadian fashion story has proven to be a challenge.

As it turns out, I was looking in the wrong place the whole time. I missed the quiet Canadian fashion revolution happening in my own backyard, right here in London.

On Wednesday evening, James R. Wright, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and his charming wife Donna Thomson, together with their daughter Natalie, hosted an intimate dinner at their home to celebrate the great success that London-based Canadians are having in the global fashion industry. It was only by bringing all of us together in one room that the full force of London’s Canadian fashion mafia could be truly comprehended.

Let’s take stock, shall we? … Continue Reading

Beth Ditto magazine cover, courtesy of LOVE

LONDON, United Kingdom — With the economy in the doldrums and the raging debate about “how long this will last” in full throttle, we have been distracted from the creative heart that is the fashion industry.

Thank goodness for Katie Grand, Todd Lynn and Christopher Kane.

In a recent interview with Ponystep about the launch of LOVE magazine, Grand reveals herself to be true to her creative sensibilities, especially given the emotional depth with which she approaches her magazine projects. She’s candid about her widely-publicised departure from POP, a magazine she created more than eight years ago, billed as “the world’s first superglossy.”

… Continue Reading