Fern Mallis and Calvin Klein by John Calabrese | Source: WWD

The House That Calvin Klein Built (WWD)
“Omnipresent as Calvin Klein is throughout the world, the man behind the brand has a reputation for being anything but that… Yet during a rare public tête-à-tête with Fern Mallis Monday night, the designer opened up… No subject seemed to be too personal for the 68-year-old Klein, who appeared relaxed and affable throughout the interview — his first at 92Y in 12 years.”

Flash sales pioneer Vente-Privee targets U.S. (Reuters)
“Vente-Privee, the French start-up that pioneered the now much-imitated model of on-line flash sales, plans to launch its U.S. website by mid-November in partnership with American Express and aims to reach $500 million in sales in the ultra-competitive market in the next five years.”

A Site for Do-Gooders Who Want to Look Good, Too (WSJ)
“Move over, Gilt and Net-A-Porter. These innovators in selling high fashion online are being joined today by Community Collection – a new web company that is marrying several post-financial-crisis cultural phenomenon into one url:  People who want to donate to good causes, can do so by buying fashion online.”

Luxury retailers eye “bleak to chic” east London (Reuters)
“Shoreditch is set to be home to a “mini Bond Street” as luxury fashion houses Christian Louboutin, Ralph Lauren and Vivienne Westwood home in on London’s east end, setting the stage for a possible doubling of rents over five years. The three fashion houses, which have sites in high-end areas of London’s traditional West End shopping district, are among luxury retailers targeting the once down-at-heel Shoreditch to capitalise on its edgy image, lower rents and increasingly affluent population”

Birth of a Salesman (WSJ)
“In the summer of 1994, Mr. Bezos quit his job in New York as a vice president at the financial-services firm D.E. Shaw… Moved to Seattle to take advantage of the explosive growth of the Internet and to start Amazon… Mr. Bezos’s unusual management style began to develop. He’s not always a “nice” CEO. He can inspire and cajole but also irritate and berate. He can see the big picture—and micromanage to distraction. He’s quirky, brilliant and demanding.”

Rodarte Spring Summer 2011 | Source: Rodarte

Post-Recession, the Rich Are Different (WSJ)
“Bentleys and Hermès bags are selling again. Yet the wealthiest Americans are emerging from the financial downturn as different consumers than they were… What’s showing up in the latest research is a broad-based caution—a sudden aversion to salespeople, a tepid response to ads focused on brand images, and a new interest in price-shopping.”

Vente Privée Founder Explains AmEx venture (Business Insider)
“This is a tremendous opportunity. Amex is one of the world’s best brands, with 42 million card holders. We can combine our specific know-how with their reach… we have the same values around customer service, and creating great offers for members. We have been working on this project for over a year and a half, with thousands of pages of legal documents. It’s a big undertaking.”

A Stitch in Time… at the Speed of Smartphones (WSJ)
“New multitasking sewing machines strive to be as accessible as a smartphone. Modern machines have added decorative stitches, automatic threading and touch screens for easier use. There are smartphone apps for matching thread to fabric and software that digitizes embroidery designs. With the USB port on the latest embroidery machines, users can transfer an image from laptop to sewing machine.”

Supergroup shares hit as sales growth slows (BBC)
“Shares in Supergroup, the company behind the Superdry fashion brand, have slumped 23% after a slowdown in its sales growth… Its chief executive Julian Dunkerton said… the slowdown in sales was merely a blip, and that the firm was now looking at entering the Chinese market.”

The New Sirens of Statement Shoes (JC Report)
“As platforms and spikes have lined our closet floors, cobblers continuously prove that standing on a pair of uniquely soled shoes will never go out of style… Joanne Stoker and Lislie Yeung, two new statement-making designers, will readily compete with even your most prized Valentinos for space in the closet.”

Lamarthe at www.vente-privee.com | Source: Vente-Privée

Cyber Monday: busiest online shopping day ever (Telegraph)
“In recent years the first Monday of December has become the busiest day for online shopping, with consumers scouting for the best deals over the weekend before making their decision on the Monday. Between the hours of 1pm and 2pm alone, Brits spent a combined total of £33 million, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent.”

Clothing sales hit in November (Drapers)
“Clothing sales in November were adversely impacted by the mild weather during the month and comparisons with 2008 when the high street was in the throes of a discounting war. Total retail sales values rose 1.8% on a like-for-like basis in November according to the British Retail Consortium-KPMG.”

Lacroix shows fashion sector’s quick change (National)
“Once the darlings of the well-heeled shopper and the style maven, haute couture houses are struggling to keep needle and thread together as they shed jobs.”

David Lynch to direct for Dior (Independent)
“French fashion house Dior has confirmed… that filmmaker David Lynch will follow in Oliver Dahan’s footsteps, directing the label’s next ‘Lady Dior’ ad… Lynch, the maker of US TV series Twin Peaks and movies such as Mulholland Drive, is no rookie to the fashion world: he previously collaborated with shoe designer Christian Louboutin on a photo exhibition and directed the ad for Gucci’s signature fragrance.”

If Amazon Buys Vente-Privée, What Happens To Gilt Groupe? (Fashion Beat)
“Regardless of whether or not Amazon buys VP, there’s little doubt the sample site that started it all will eventually going to open up shop in the U.S. How can Gilt Groupe continue to flourish when this happens?”