March 28th, 2008

France's First Lady Steps Out in French Designer Dior While Visiting Abroad:
"Bruni-Sarkozy, an Italian-born pop singer and former model who married the French president in February, caused a mighty splash in Britain, a country where politicians and their spouses are more stolid than stylish . . . Her appearance on the trip . . . was one of demure elegance -- and British commentators were charmed. Wednesday brought three daytime ensembles: all gray, all Christian Dior . . . For Wednesday's state banquet, Bruni-Sarkozy wore a midnight blue silk georgette dress from the same designer. British observers noted the aptness of the choice. Dior is a French fashion house whose chief designer, John Galliano, is English."

Below is a clip of the British media frenzy that followed the Sarkozy couple during their visit -- note Carla Sarkozy in a striking Violet top coat (Dior, I assume):

Cleveland Area Woman Gets Jail Time for Selling Counterfeit Designer Goods:
"Juanita Trois . . . sold fake designer purses, scarves and jewelry at the Kirtland Grange in February 2007. A jury convicted her of trademark counterfeiting and possession of criminal tools . . . During the sentencing hearing, Lake County Common Pleas Judge Eugene A. Lucci said he was concerned that not just Troisi but also those who buy counterfeit purses did not recognize the severity of the
crime. 'What I found interesting and somewhat disheartening is there were a lot of prospective jurors who said they've been to these knock-off purse parties. One said she'd even been to one held by the defendant,' he said. 'That indicates to me that it's pervasive in the community.'" -- In case three years in jail sounds harsh for selling fake handbags, Ms. Troisi had a previous conviction from 1999 for the same offense. The judge at one point asked her if she had learned nothing from her previous arrest and conviction.

Stella McCartney Takes the Express Passage to India:
"Stella McCartney is planning to open six shops in India after (signing a) new contract (for) long term distribution with TGS Internationa Marketing Pvt. Ltd, the company (that also distributes) brands Alberto Ferretti and Lanvin in Asia . . . Stella is planning to open the first two shops by the end of 2008 . . . TSG has the exclusive rights on the designer name in India and will be responsible for the building of the brand in that area."

A video clip of Stella's Spring/Summer 2008 collection follows below:

Laura Ashley Bucks the Downward Economy, Revenues Surge:
"Profits at fashion and homeware retailer Laura Ashley surged by more than 60% in 2007, despite what the company described as a 'challenging trading environment' . . . Dresses were among Laura Ashley's best sellers in the spring/summer season, while the company's expanded coat range was a strong performer in autumn/winter."