In France, Second Lines Finally Can Come First (IHT)
"For French brands, there is always a sneaking feeling that a second line is second best. The Milan designers rejoice that Just Cavalli or Emporio Armani are on the runway... But French 'subsidiaries' are either non-existent, hidden or given slightly pejorative names, like 'diffusion' line."

France's Hermès loses China trademark fight (Reuters)
"French luxury group Hermès International has lost a lawsuit against China's Trademark Appeal Board over the board's refusal to cancel a trademark that bears similarities to Hermes' Chinese name."

Cédric Charlier Strikes Back (On the Runway)
"Cédric Charlier, the former creative director of Cacharel who was let go a year ago during that awful season of fashion bloodletting, was back on the runway with a signature collection that is being backed by the Italian manufacturing company Aeffe."

DiorMag to Launch Online Today (WWD)
"Christian Dior boasts nearly 7 million fans on Facebook — and now the French house is out to conscript more readers and viewers with today's launch of DiorMag."

Frida Giannini: Rewriting History (WSJ)
"Frida Giannini is the woman who out-Tom-Forded Tom Ford. I intend this as a compliment to both designers. When Ford left Gucci in 2004 after a dispute with owner PPR over creative control, many doubted that his like—and his unique take on what was then an 83-year-old brand—would be seen again."