Continue reading "Launch My Line: Why the Pierce Mattie Fashion PR Team Loved It" »
Posted by Sara Goodman on February 8, 2010 1:00 PM
Ever wondered who paved the way for the Mario Testino’s and Nigel Barker’s of this world? Now more akin to Michael Muller, in his era, revolutionary fashion photographer, Edward Steichen, would have been considered the David Lachapelle du jour. Yet it seems that something has gone woefully awry, for all my style-history knowledge, the name did not ring familiar to me. Major fashion faux pas. Don’t fear if you find yourself in the same, embarrassing, position; Steichen’s unprecedented contributions have been reproduced and bound to educate the sinfully ignorant among us. Hopefully, this soon-to-be-released book will make the name Edward Steichen synonymous with fashion photography, immortalizing his work in the same way he did his subjects.
Conde Nast exhumed over 2,000 original vintage photographs from their archives for the publication of the informative hardback; Edward Steichen: In High Fashion: The Conde Nast Years 1923-1937, due to hit shelves this summer. This 228-page retrospective contains Steichen’s striking portraits of popular personalities, from Greta Garbo to Winston Churchill. Steichen worked for glossy style and society bible’s Vogue and Vanity Fair and, in his 14-year employment, also lavishly showcased the creations of couturiers Chanel and Lanvin and “invented modern fashion photography as a genre”.
Continue reading "Fashion Photography: Edward Steichen: The Conde Nast Years 1923-1937" »
Posted by Jamaique Campbell on February 5, 2010 9:48 AM
Fashion PR News: New York Fashion Week is fast approaching, but this season young, budding students will also get the chance to showcase their products. Global luxury brand LVMH announced the launch of a new project “The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: New York". A back-to-basics approach to craftsmanship and creativity, Parsons students were partners with local New York City artisans in late 2009, to learn from and shadow.
As a result of the project the students created an original fashion piece and documentary shorts, that were inspired by the Master Artisan their shadowed, and applied the skills they had learned throughout their experience. On February 17 the students' fashion creations and films will be unveiled at Milk Studios, as a part of MAC & MILK Fashion Week. A panel of judges will select the three winning teams.
This is not the only project with a focus on grooming or fostering new or established talent in New York. The Design Trust recently announced Project Fellows for "Made In Midtown," a Landmark Study with the CFDA of NYC's Garment District. The project will illustrate the huge role the garment district plays in the fashion industry, and interviews with key people such as designers, garment workers, landlords and suppliers will be shown on a dedicated website. Project Fellows will demonstrate how fashion industry businesses are tied to each other, and to the buildings and to the public spaces.
Both projects are integral to the growth of craftsmen and fashion designers, both established and up and coming. Each project is important in helping to secure and solidifying New York’s place on the international fashion map.
Posted by Jenelle Forin on February 4, 2010 9:03 AM
Too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. Right now, one in three women die of cardiovascular disease and 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease in the future. On February 5, the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women® movement is launching a nationwide call for stories and inviting women to Speak Up about heart disease. Jennie Garth, actress and Go Red For Women spokesperson, will kick off the national casting call at Macy's Herald Square in New York City. Additional casting call events will be held in more than 25 cities across the country.
"After learning of my own heart condition and losing my father to heart disease, I know how important it is to speak up about this silent killer," said Jennie Garth, actress and heart health advocate. "Too many women remain unaware. We must spread the word to our friends, family and community about how to make the right choices every day. You can truly save lives with the power of your very own voice."
Go Red For Women is looking for women to share their heart stories and the choices they make to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, empowering others by example. Women who share their stories have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause – representing Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, on GoRedForWomen.org and possibly in a national television special about women and heart disease.
"Heart disease can be prevented. In fact, research shows that 80 percent of cardiac events in women are linked to poor choices, involving diet, exercise and smoking. Women must make the right choices to change this statistic," said Nieca Goldberg, M.D., Go Red For Women spokesperson and medical director of New York University's Women's Heart Center. "We must speak up and spread the word in order to motivate women to make lifesaving and heart-healthy choices."
Casting Call Information
The New York City casting call event will be held on February 5, 2010, at Macy's Herald Square in New York City from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST on the 8th floor. Highlights include:
For more details on local casting call events or to join the conversation online, visit GoRedForWomen.org.
Speak Up by Wearing Red
Help bring a voice to the silence by wearing red on National Wear Red Day Friday, February 5. Join thousands of other women, television personalities, news anchors and even national monuments by speaking up about heart disease. Women can "Go Red" by wearing a red dress, red t-shirt or even red lipstick. Register for a free red dress pin at GoRedForWomen.org.
For more information about Go Red For Women, the casting call or National Wear Red Day, please visit GoRedForWomen.org.
Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.
Posted by Pierce Mattie on February 3, 2010 9:02 AM
As MAGIC, the fashion industry's premier meeting place, unveils two unique campuses this month in Las Vegas; expect to see an awe-inspiring display at WWDMAGIC. For its debut in Central Hall of The Las Vegas Convention Center – you'll see a vastly expanded show floor, new product classifications, enhanced amenities and inspiring trends.
For years, WWDMAGIC has been virtually sold out – and now with over 50% more space to blossom and celebrate the artistry of fashion, WWDMAGIC's floor will be merchandised into three chic and fashionable neighborhoods featuring eclectic lounges and amazing fashion installations on the Trend Concourse, provided by FashionSnoops.
"With much more space and an open airy atmosphere, WWDMAGIC will be infused with a fresh fashion energy and perspective," says Chris DeMoulin, President of MAGIC International and Executive Vice President, Advanstar Fashion Group. "WWDMAGIC is truly a fashion event and you'll see a completely new approach to the women's show this February."
Incredible Brands:
With over 1100 exhibitors onboard, expect to see brands like ADRIENNE VITTADINI, DESIGUAL, MANGO, Z. Cavaricci, LANCASTER PARIS, David & Goliath, DICK & JAYNE, INDIGENOUS DESIGNS, LILLA P, LEVI'S, FAB/STARPOINT, TONY BOWLS, SILK CULTURE, 525 AMERICA, ROCK & ROLL, COWGIRL, MAYA JUNK, HOBO INTERNATIONAL, VERA BRADLEY, LIQUID METAL INC., ROXSTAR, VFRAAS, BIG BUDDHA, DAVID KAHN JEANS, MOD-O-DOC WOMEN'S, IDI BY MATTHEW, CHINESE LAUNDRY, JUNK FOOD, MIGHTY FINE, SKECHERS, XOXO, SAY WHAT?, TRAMP ARYEH, CELEBRITY PINK JEANS, DIVINE RIGHTS OF DENIM, FRENZII, ROYAL PLUSH, YVETTE MANDELL, DIDIER PARAKIAN, ELLIOTT LAUREN, KAREN KANE, NOT YOUR DAUGHTERS JEANS, CHARLOTTE TARANTOLA, DEREON FOOTWEAR, FREE PEOPLE, FRENCH CONNECTION WOMENS, JESSICA SIMPSON and more.
Posted by Pierce Mattie on February 2, 2010 10:20 AM
Karl Lagerfeld, brilliant fashion designer and an undeniably eccentric man, has a new paperback book coming out this May called The Beauty of Violence. Lagerfeld's muse, Italian fashion model Baptiste Giabiconi, is said to be enacting an "erotic seizure" through body language and fashion throughout the 96 pages of what is sure to have art and fashion lovers talking. Let me say that again just in case your eyes glazed over like mine did, "erotic seizure."
Continue reading "Karl Lagerfeld's The Beauty of Violence" »
Posted by Shannon Nelson on February 1, 2010 12:10 PM
Kersh, the prominent Canadian fashion label specializing in contemporary women's fashions, extends its brand with the debut of its first-ever line of handbags at the WWD MAGIC Conference and trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada Feb. 16 through 18, 2010. The handbags represent one of the many licensed products that the Kersh brand is looking to sign.
The new handbags, designed and developed in Italy, perfectly reflect the Kersh brand's natural west coast vibe with a look that is relaxed, chic, sexy and feminine. The line is a brand-strengthening addition to the Kersh signature fashion collection that includes dresses, skirts, pants, cardigans, sweaters, jackets, blouses and tees.
"A strong brand is a company's market identity, and whenever you license your brand to new product categories, it's crucial to ensure those branded products deliver a seamless, consistent message to your customers," observed Judi Seidman, President of InGroup Licensing. "InGroup is working with Kersh to bring their highly regarded international reputation for chic and sexy contemporary fashion to a wide range of women's apparel and accessory products their customers will love. We're proud and excited to see the first of these – the handbag line – make its public debut."
"We're thrilled to introduce this beautiful new line of handbags at MAGIC. We see it as a big step forward in enhancing our brand awareness," commented Sandy Dombroski, Sales and Marketing Director for Kersh's parent company, International Fashions Ltd. "InGroup thoroughly grasped our brand's vision and commitment to quality as well as the style, look and attitude of our target audience. Judi has an exceptional sense of which products fit best with our brand, and the business acumen to select the right licensing partners to effectively extend our brand in the market."
InGroup Licensing, Kersh's exclusive licensing agents, orchestrated the brand licensing partnership between Kersh and Luxelite, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-end handbags and luggage. The deal expands the Kersh brand for the first time into a new product category, and affords Luxelite the opportunity to bring their products to different markets, leveraging Kersh's well established distribution channels. The handbags will be marketed through leading department stores and specialty boutiques in the U.S. and Canada.
The Kersh fashion line, including the new handbags, will be featured in the Kersh booth #73921 in the Central Hall exhibit area at the Women's Wear Daily Magic 2010 convention. WWD Magic showcases the complete fashion range for women's wear, highlighting hot brands, new lines and upcoming trends. The convention brings thousands of manufacturers from all around the world together, giving retailers an unparalleled opportunity to survey and shop the entire marketplace.
Posted by Pierce Mattie on February 1, 2010 10:30 AM
Jewelry trends for Spring 2010 include the sometimes underrated bangle bracelet. Designers this year have found ways to make bracelets demand attention through large gemstones and embellishments. The style this season is more along the lines of a bold and very overstated elegance. Just as we've been seeing with statement rings and bib necklaces (which to me is really making a statement at its core and something Ranjana Khan excels at), bangle bracelets are now taking their place as a must-have accessory for Spring.
Continue reading "Spring Fashion Report w/ Ranjana Khan, Giles & Brother and Alexis Bittar" »
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 29, 2010 1:39 PM
Shoebuy.com, one of the largest retailers of footwear, accessories and related apparel on the Internet and an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), today celebrates the tenth anniversary of its site launch. Founded in the midst of the dot-com boom, Shoebuy.com is one of the few Internet companies to emerge successfully from that period. And even in the wake of our recent Great Recession, Shoebuy.com has become one of the most heavily-visited apparel shopping sites in the U.S. with over eight million visitors in December alone.
Shoebuy.com was created with one overarching purpose: to revolutionize how people shop for shoes online while keeping the customer the number one priority. To do that, the company introduced then-unheard-of features such as free shipping, free returns and a 100 percent price guarantee and focused on delivering the broadest possible selection in an extremely convenient manner. Shoebuy.com offers more than 1,000 brands and 800,000 products which is the equivalent to the stock of 15,000 brick and mortar stores, all available with a few clicks of a mouse. And while Shoebuy.com originally focused solely on shoes, its namesake product, it has expanded into all categories of bags, active wear, watches, sunglasses and other related accessories in order to adequately meet customer needs. It is this focus on service and selection by which Shoebuy.com has not only aggressively grown its customer base year-over-year but has also gained Shoebuy.com a loyal base of millions of customers, resulting in increased revenue from new and repeat customers annually for the entire decade.
Just as Shoebuy.com entered the retail market as a game-changer, its leadership plans to retain that role in the coming decade.
"We're energized about the next 10 years at Shoebuy," said Scott Savitz, Founder and CEO of Shoebuy.com. "We've worked hard to be at the forefront of service for mass retail, and especially as customers expect more value than ever for the dollars they spend, we believe this is the future hallmark of the retail industry. We know that being able to provide the right product along with a great customer experience is the only option for e-tailers. As we move through the next decade, no longer because you live in one area or only have limited time to shop, will the best product for you be out of your reach. For this reason, we've remained totally committed to offering the breadth of a mega store with the ease of access and personalization of a boutique."
As it entered its 10th year, the company commemorated its impending anniversary by expanding into several other retail arenas. For example, it recently unveiled Designer.shoebuy.com, a site that offers a specialized shopping experience and design-focused products, and ProductExpress.com, which provides free overnight delivery on a broad selection of shoes and accessories. Shoebuy.com also replicated its business model in another product category with the November launch of FloraFlora.com, an e-tail flower supersite. The company also recently unveiled an iPhone app, enabling shoppers to enjoy all of the traditional Shoebuy features from their mobile devices.
"We've experienced success far beyond what I could have ever anticipated 10 years ago," said Savitz. "I'm proud that our commitment to our customers drove our success and continues to serve as the impetus for our growth. I cannot wait to see what the next decade has 'in-store' for Shoebuy."
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 28, 2010 9:13 AM
Aeropostale, Inc., a mall-based specialty retailer of casual and active apparel for young women and men, today announced that it has been named one of the "40 Best Companies to Work for in New York for 2010" by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We are proud to be recognized, not only for our exceptional financial results, but also for our unique corporate culture. We truly value our employees and recognize the role that they have played in our success. We thank them for their dedication to Aeropostale, year after year."
Companies were selected for inclusion in the list based upon an assessment of the employee policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics, as well as the results of an internal employee survey conducted by the Best Companies Group to measure the employee experience. Forty New York-based winners were selected in two categories: 25 small and medium-sized companies of 15-249 employees, and 15 large-sized companies of 250 employees or more. Aeropostale was among the winners in the large-sized company category.
Further details about the "2010 Best Companies to Work for in New York" initiative can be found online at www.bestcompaniesNY.com.
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 27, 2010 9:18 AM
(Fashion Cause Related Marketing) JA Apparel Corp. announced today that it will initiate a week-long, nation-wide promotion to benefit Haiti and other victims of humanitarian crises through Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres, the medical humanitarian organization. Beginning Sunday, January 24th and continuing through Saturday, January 30th, Joseph Abboud will donate a portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of all Joseph Abboud suiting purchased at any of Nordstrom's 181 stores nationwide including Nordstrom Rack stores as well as online at Nordstrom.com to Doctors Without Borders. JA Apparel Corp.'s decision to collaborate with Nordstrom represents one of the industry's most ambitious charitable efforts on behalf of Haiti to date. "We at Joseph Abboud are proud to associate with Nordstrom and to do our part in ensuring Haiti's full recovery and helping victims of crises around the world," said Marty Staff, President & CEO of JA Apparel Corp. "As a key Nordstrom supplier, we feel they represent the very best in our society: honest, of high integrity and smart. We are proud to contribute a portion of our sales at Nordstrom to Doctors Without Borders. Our combined effort creates an impactful team, and we will continue to help in any way we can," he concluded.
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 26, 2010 1:23 PM
Brand Carmen Steffens in Support of Their Pledge to Donate 50% of U.S. Sales to Help Haiti
Model Kylie Bisutti, the new face of Victoria's Secret, headed to the U.S. flagship store of women's exclusive shoe and handbag brand, Carmen Steffens, in Sherman Oaks, CA to shop in support of their Haiti fund-raising efforts. In an effort to help support emergency relief efforts, Carmen Steffens pledged 50% of U.S. sales from January 13th - 20th to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief and Development Fund.
"The outpouring of donations and overall support for Haiti during this tragic time has demonstrated the true compassionate nature of the American people," says Mark Willingham, president of Carmen Steffens' U.S. initiatives. "I would like to personally thank our customers for their support of our Haiti fund-raising endeavors."
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 25, 2010 1:18 PM
Just because we are past the traditional holiday season doesn't mean the party dress has to go by the wayside. This Spring and Summer, the party dress is a must-have that screams flirty, sexy and fun with its colorful palette, but also with a more modern LBD.The number one trend in party dresses this season? Ruffles.
Ali Ro and Phoebe Couture party dresses are abound with ruffles this Spring and Summer. Ruffles evoke playfulness, which is the key in the arsenal of any savvy party girl. Whether it is Ali Ro's pink tiered tank dress with a more simple asymmetric tier of ruffles or Phoebe Couture's incredibly flirty black ruffled tank dress, you can't go wrong no matter which style you choose.
Continue reading "Party Dress Fashion Trends w/ Ali Ro, Phoebe Couture and Mark + James" »
Posted by Shannon Nelson on January 25, 2010 1:07 PM
TLC today announced that Clinton Kelly, co-host of TLC's hit series WHAT NOT TO WEAR, is hosting the one-hour special MISS AMERICA: BEHIND THE CURTAIN, airing Friday, January 29, 2010 at 10 PM, immediately following the airing of WHAT NOT TO WEAR's 250th episode.
Clinton also returns as special correspondent to the MISS AMERICA PAGEANT when it airs Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 8 PM ET - live from Las Vegas. As host of BEHIND THE CURTAIN, Clinton takes viewers behind the scenes of the iconic pageant, sharing exclusive insight about the 53 contestants and never-before-seen footage from the preliminary competition that leads into the live event. Using his trademark charm and visionary sense of style, he checks in on the state titleholder's gown and bathing suit picks. In turn, Clinton receives insight into the pageant experience – from succeeding in the interviews to perfecting his pageant walk.
BEHIND THE CURTAIN will also reveal the 12 state titleholders who are eligible to be voted by America's Choice into the finals. The next night, Clinton returns for his third year as a special correspondent for the live MISS AMERICA PAGEANT, joining host Mario Lopez as they prepare to crown 2010's Miss America live from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 22, 2010 10:15 AM
Tonight, the wedding. Tomorrow night, cocktails. That's the style statement of 57Grand, the new bridesmaid dress collection designed to suit the chicest of bridesmaids at a palatable price. Unveiled at New York's 2009 Bridal Fashion Week, 57Grand merges timeless uptown flair with downtown individuality. 57Grand design team Carmen Ho and Saukok Chu Tiampo have hitched up their fashion and business acumen to create a collection of dresses to suit a wide variety of bridesmaid personalities. Each design is inspired and named after a New York City street– Beekman is high-society sophistication while Mulberry emotes bohemian romance. All 57Grand dresses are made in New York City in twelve weeks. With over 40 colors and fabrics, 57Grand is fit for any maid, from the chicest prep to the edgy urbanite. 57Grand currently provides 9 dress styles retailing between $145 and $200, available to ship in 12 weeks. To combat the traditional stress surrounding the bridesmaid dress search, 57Grand has created an innovative online shopping domain at their website www.57grand.com. Shoppers can access their entire showroom online and request a sample in a specific color. Additionally, 57Grand offers a custom shopping cart where brides can create a shopping list for their maids and track orders, and a chat feature where they can connect via their own online discussion board.
A former investment banker who chose to start 57Grand after the 2008 financial crisis, Saukok and her partner Carmen are approaching the bridesmaid business with a fresh take on multiple fronts, from dress style and design to rewear and donation options, original online shopping features, and a gentle price point. "The bride we're designing for is modern, stylish, fun-loving. On her big day, it's all about her and yet it's not," says designer/owner Saukok Chu Tiampo. "Our collection speaks to that balance – timeless, with a hint of runway. Something you can wear time and again, to dinner, on a date, to the office." 57Grand showcases rewear options for their collection with style editorials at www.57grand.com, and bridesmaids may donate dresses to 57Grand's nonprofit partner for girls hoping to attend prom.
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 20, 2010 6:06 PM
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 20, 2010 10:38 AM
Footwear News: Iconix Brand Group, Inc. announced today it has renewed its exclusive partnership with international icon, Britney Spears for its Candie's brand, which is available only at Kohl's Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) and Kohls.com. Spears will appear in the Candie's only at Kohl's marketing campaigns throughout 2010.
Commenting on the partnership, Britney Spears stated, "I had a great experience working with Candie's and Kohl's last year and I am thrilled to be asked to sign on again for a second year. We're planning some very cool photo shoots and I can't wait for my fans to see them."
Dari Marder, chief marketing officer, Iconix stated, "We had such a successful year with Britney in 2009 that we wanted to keep the momentum going and offer our Candie's customers new, exciting campaigns with Britney in 2010. Britney has been a great partner, truly embracing the brand, and we know her fans worldwide will love what we have coming next."
Posted by Pierce Mattie on January 19, 2010 10:43 AM
