1.) ABC Says Ix-Nay on the Ig-Bay Ending-Spay:
"In an internal memo circulated to all ABC shows, the network makes it clear that wardrobe stylistas are expected to tighten their belts (get it?) and find some less expensive ways to tart up their stars . . . no more than $150 can be spent on men's and women's accessories. A pair of women's shoes has to cost less than $250; for men's shoes, less than $200. Men's suits are capped at $1,500, and although the price cap on women's clothing isn't mentioned, you can bet Eva Longoria is sobbing into her last season Marc Jacobs blouse."
Remember when studios used to employ a fully staffed wardrobe department that actually made the wardrobes instead of purchasing them? Yeah, well, neither do I, but that's the way it used to be. Costumes were whipped up to suit the director's mood, the producer's budget and the actor's figure. I wonder if we'll see this start to happen again.
Video clip below from designer fashion extravaganza, Desperate Housewives:
2.)There's Always a Silver Lining:
"Markdowns seem to be starting earlier than ever, as department stores try to clear out merchandise and maintain market share . . . Doneger Group's Goldreyer said the better customer is shopping in all channels and is willing to shop down-market, whereas designer, bridge and contemporary customers aren't likely to move to the better floor, despite the tough economy. The customer who traditionally shopped the better floor is still shopping, Goldreyer said, but is buying three items, rather than six."
Credit Crunch = bad, but Retail Markdowns = fantastic! I'm torn. Really.
But the economic fallout doesn't affect all brands with retail presence equally: "More moderately-priced brands such as Coach and Ralph Lauren have already seen sales flatten out as middle-class customers curb their spending, (a) Bain study says. A little further up the scale, 'aspirational" brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci are still growing, though more slowly. But those at the top of the price heap, such as Hermès and Chanel, are barely feeling the pinch at all, with sales estimated to grow 8% this year.'"
3.) Girls (in Red) Just Want to Have Fun:
"There is a reason I don't wear red. Quite a few, actually: it is bright, attention-grabbing, not a little tarty and, together with my blonde hair, makes quite an arresting combination. According to a new psychological study these are exactly the reasons men love a lady in red . . . the results show that wearing the colour makes you appear prettier, more desirable, more likely to be asked out on a date - and that more cash will be flashed for your benefit on said date."
Well, obviously. I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that wearing the brightest, flashiest color in the rainbow is going to make men think you're bold and outgoing, or maybe even a little dangerous:
4.) Tom Ford Gets His Mitts on the Movie Biz:
"Tom Ford is putting fashion design aside to spend some time as a film director, Perezhilton.com reports. The Gucci designer is slated to direct a film called "A Single Man." It stars Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and Matthew Goode. The flick takes place in 1962 and revolves around a British college professor and how he deals with the loss of his (gay) partner of 16 year."
If his movie turns out to be anything like his subtle-as-a-jackhammer advertising campaigns, I'm not certain it'll find much of an audience. The splashy sexual style of his ads are highly effective for pushing retail products and brand image, but I've yet to see Ford have anything more interesting to offer (outside of clothing design) than a brand logo shaved into a model's pubic hair. Pass.
5.) Versace Aims for Uber-Exclusive Luxury with New Perfume:
"Next month, Versace will launch Gianni Versace Couture, a new luxury limited edition perfume for women. It is the first fragrance release from Versace's couture division . . . Versace Gianni Versace Couture will be available in very limited distribution, and will be $2100 for 100 ml, concentration unknown, in a white leather bottle inside a hand-stitched white leather train case. Only 100 bottles will be produced, although the company will produce additional units on request."
Yeah yeah yeah, great bottle, nice box, limited edition, whatever. And guess what? It's a . . . fruity floral! With sandalwood. For $2100.00. Yes, I think that's insane, too.
The perfumer behind the new Versace Couture is Sophie Labbé, who was awarded the 2005 Prix François Coty prize as recognition for her work in the perfume industry. I read through her list of fragrance credits, and there isn't a single one I've any compunction to search out -- her fragrances don't seem to inspire much interest in the perfume blogs as a whole, either. I don't expect the introduction of Versace Couture to change that (beyond raised eyebrows and catty remarks about the packaging and the price).
6. Dior Designer John Galliano Fined for Plagiarism:
"A Paris judge has fined British fashion designer John Galliano and his company and ordered them to pay 200,000 euros in damages to American photographer William Klein for plagiarising his artwork in an advertising campaign . . . William Klein said the copying of his work was "gross plagiary" and exclaimed: "I am insulted and furious" . . . The Paris judge ordered John Galliano to pay 150,000 euros as compensation for the abuse of William Klein's rights as author and 50,000 euros in damages because of the poor quality of the copied work."
Plagiarism isn't funny, but how hilarious is it that the judge tacked on an extra fine because the plagiarism was poorly done . . . ! Video clip below of a BBC interview with the photographer:
7.) World Diamond Conference Postponed Due to Economic Slowdown:
"The annual diamond conference in Antwerp has been postponed due the financial crisis currently gripping the world economy. Due to take place on November 17 and 18, 2008, the short notice postponement shows the extent to which diamond traders are concerned about the impact of world events on their industry . . . 'With the turmoil now taking place in the financial markets, we felt that it was essential that we allow the dust to settle first. We therefore thought it prudent to postpone the conference,' said Antwerp World Diamond Centre Chief executive Freddy J. Hanard."
And can anyone explain to me why we're still digging these rocks out of the ground when we can just make them in a laboratory? As you'll see in the video clip below, synthetic diamonds are now as beautiful as real ones, and without any of those pesky moral quandaries involved (Blood Diamonds, anyone?):
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