by Michele Obi
Banana Republic, opened its first store in the UK yesterday in Regent Street, London, amidst allegations of promoting unfair working conditions. According to the charity War on Want, workers in its Indian factory are forced to work 70 hours a week for 15p an hour, often receiving only half payments for overtime.
Even worse, the Guardian claims that workers are verbally abused if they dare complain, and petty disputes often result in docked pay.
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by Michele Obi
You may remember a while back we wrote about Pharell’s new jewellery line for Louis Vuitton- called Blason, well finally the man himself talks in detail about the collection to IHT.
Inspired by secret societies, it appears that Pharell actually did more than just put his name on the lucrative project and after watching the video we wouldn’t be surprised if the collaboration becomes more permanent.
by Michele Obi
Rumours that Pharrell has been hard at work designing a line of jewellery for Louis Vuitton have been doing the rounds of a while now and finally they were proven to be true. The collection is called Blason and is actually a joint effort between Pharrell and Louis Vuitton’s creative consultant, Camille Miceli. It’s much anticipated unveiling occurred during couture week and pictures from the line have been floating around the internet since.
Our thoughts? Well to call the line pretentious would be an understatement. Most of what we’ve seen has been completely over the top and dare we say tacky?
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by Michele Obi
What: Moschino Collectibles
Why: Shop the Moschino archives exclusively online with YOOX.com! All pieces represent Moschino’s design ethic over the years making it a brilliant opportunity to pick up a piece of Moschino history.
Most importantly all proceeds will be donated to the AMREF foundation.
When: Hurry over to YOOX now as the offer ends Oct 31st.
by Michele Obi
Face of L’oreal, Scarlett Johansson has signed a multimillion dollar deal to be the face of her new range with sports clothing company Reebok. Bit of an odd partnership as Johansson is known more for being glam rather than athletic, but no doubt it will be successful one. The retro range will be called Scarlett Hearts Rbk and is scheduled to be on sale in Spring 2007….
According to Reebok,
“Scarlett embodies the pulse points of our brand — individuality, authenticity and a life lived to the fullest in perpetual motion. These characteristics make her the perfect fit for our new women’s footwear and apparel collection and also for our exciting new women’s campaign.”
Simply, Reebok hopes the deal will attract more female customers….and they believe Scarlett is the right person for the job…..
[Brand Republic]
by Michele Obi
Beyonce and Tina Knowles are cashing in on the apparent success of the House of Deréon and venturing into kiddies wear. According to Victor Azrak owner of the Check Group who will be manufacturing the line, the collection will be for girls who like Beyonce’s look but don’t want spend money for it.
Prices will range from $13.50 to 53.50 for tops, bottoms and dress and $63 and $179 for outerwear and the look tasteful of course!
[WWD]
by Michele Obi
After the success of H&M’s collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney, the high street fashion retailer has announced it will be teaming up with Dutch design duo Viktor and Rolf to produce a collection for Autumn/Winter 2006. Of the venture, Viktor & Rolf said,
“If haute couture is the most sublime form of fashion, then H&M is fashion at its most democratic. Our roots are based in couture. It’s the heart and soul of our work. But we also love to play with opposites: Transformation is a key element of our signature style,”
H&M must have high hopes for the collection after reporting total growth in sales of only 9 per cent compared to a previous 15 per cent. Aside from poor sales it’s also lost its position as Europe’s largest clothes retailer to Spanish fashion group, Inditex. (owners of Zara)
by Michele Obi
Kate Moss shot to fame in 1992 in the black and white Calvin Klein adverts featuring Mark Wahlberg and now over 10 years on, she’ll be returning to star in the new autumn ad campaign for Calvin Klein in a deal worth £500,000. This time it’ll be alongside Keira Knightleys ex, Jamie Dornan.
According to the CK creative director Fabien Baron,
“Kate and the Calvin Klein brand have a long history together and it felt natural to reunite them for this new jeans campaign, which will inevitably reignite that spark and highlight the sexy, cool essence of both Kate and Calvin Klein.”
Meanwhile Kate is reportedly intending to start her own fashion line, once her modelling career is over. Althought she’s still unsure of the name, Kate is close to finalising a deal….
by Michele Obi
CEO of American Apparel, Dov Charney headlines an episode of 20/20 about exciting entrepreneurs and their companies. Watch the video here
