Christian Dior Haute Couture 2008 Video:
Christian Lacroix Exhibits Haute Couture Tour de Force in Paris:
“Christian Lacroix pulled off an exuberant tour de force with his summer haute couture collection on Tuesday, which was a riot of colour and brimming with gowns in which to get noticed . . . every single number was a testament to the level of workmanship and perfection that is the hallmark of couture.”
Two Overcome by Fumes at Donna Karan Store:
“Two people fell ill because of an odor at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets yesterday afternoon, according to Orange County Emergency Services Commissioner Walter Koury . . . Hazardous materials crews from Orange County and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point responded to the scene, he said. Woodbury firefighters and ambulances also responded . . . The incident unfolded at a Donna Karan store, Koury said.”
Despite High-Profile Designer Collaborations, Target Loses Market Share to Wal-Mart:
“Target, known for its cheap chic fashions and limited offerings from designers such as Proenza Schouler . . . has suffered from declining traffic as economic concerns sent budget-conscious shoppers to its larger discount rival Wal-Mart Stores . . . Sales are expected to be near the low end of Target’s forecast range of a 1% decline to 1% increase.”
Pamela Anderson Wishes Anna Wintour a Violent Death:
Pamela Anderson sees nothing contradictory about agitating for cuddly, furry animal-rights while wishing hideous death and dismemberment on a fellow human being, namely Anna Wintour. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Anderson had this to say — “Question: Which living person do you most despise and why? Answer: Anna Wintour, because she bullies young designers and models to use and wear fur. Question: Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? Answer: Jack the Ripper and Anna Wintour.” Of course, this is the same Pamela Anderson who wore Uggs for years without a clue that they were made from sheepskin . . . with less than brilliant “advocates” like this, it’s no wonder fur is making a comeback.
***Meanwhile, hot designer Giambattista Valli has launched a new fur line to complement his clothing collections. “The market is very receptive and open to fur these days, especially when it’s treated in a new and modern way,” said Valli.
Swatch Experiences Double Digit Growth:
“Switzerland’s Swatch Group, the maker of Omega, Swatch and Breguet watches, on Friday said “outstanding” double-digit growth in Asia and the Middle East drove its full-year sales ahead a better-than-expected 17.6 percent . . . Meanwhile, it predicted that strong market conditions for high-end watches would continue this year.”
Made In America is Good for St. John:
“With almost 4,000 employees based mostly in California, St. John is among the leading single employers in Orange County. Its all-American image, which at times has hurt business, is now seen as an asset in the luxury market. ‘The Made in America label is really important for St. John,” said CEO Glenn McMahon (former president of Dolce & Gabbana USA) . . . ‘We are also not as vulnerable to the fluctuations in currency, meaning we’ve been able to hold our price position for St. John in a more consistent range, while a lot of European luxury brands have seen pretty dramatic increases.’”
