To help or not to help ….

Here is an interesting read from the New York Times on how people prefer to shop in stores - and how others like the 'solitary' shopping experience on the Internet. Click on the link http://tiny.cc/zeged

Dior Homme joins menswear resurgence

Dior closed its women's flagship in San Francisco's Union Square to little fanfare nearly two years ago, and replaced it recently with Dior Homme, a concept that aims to capitalize on a resurgence in men's fashion. High-end retailers including Saks say they're seeing former customers return as well as the next generation of newly wealthy businessmen with a passion for fashion. Read more.

GAGA's Workshop at Barney's

This winter, a creative interpretation of Santa's workshop can be found at Barney'sNew York, as pop superstar Lady Gaga has created her own workshop inside the luxury store.

Over-the-top in every way, the 511-sq-m space is filled with eye-popping colours and patterns. In true Gaga style, elaborate structures and installations fill the space; there are eight stations in total. A jewellery shop is made of a massive Gaga-spider, while a boudoir is shaped like a giant wig.

Gaga's Workshop can be visited on the fifth floor of the Madison Avenue men's Barney's. In addition, shop windows have been transformed into four themes including a constellation, machine, boudoir and crystal cave.

The project was realized by Lady Gaga and her stylist Nicola Formichetti, in collaboration with Eli Sudbrack and Christophe Hamaide Pierson of assume vivid astro focus (avaf), and Barney's Creative Director Dennis Freedman.

25 per cent of all sales will be donated to the Born This Way Foundation, which Lady Gaga recently founded to support youth empowerment and equality. Gaga's Workshop can be visited until 2 January, 2012.

ralph lauren - denim & supply launches in amsterdam

An integral part of the ralph lauren empire, denim & supply targets a younger demographic with an americana-inspired clothing line that's built around a staple of premium denim and vintage-inspired sportswear. this is denim & supply's very first stand-alone store, and we don't think amsterdam was randomly picked as the city has developed into a global denim hub of sorts these past few years. the store measures approx. 200 sqm. spread over two floors, and features an interior that blends hints of american heritage aesthetics - a long-time signature theme of the ralph lauren brand - with funky props referencing contemporary music culture.

an open ceiling, brick walls, worn wooden floor, metal-framed windows and weathered doors are matched with polished aluminum spotlights and pendant lights. adding further authenticity are the many black-and-white photograps, vintage concert posters and distressed black leather furniture. the ground floor features a complete selection of menswear and one floor up the women's collection is presented. location: kalverstraat 55 [centrum].

Watching the Catwalk, and Clicking ‘Add to Cart’

Burberry, the British design house, will not only stream its women’s runway show live from London, but also will allow anyone with a computer and a credit card to order the merchandise as models strut in it.

Next big trend: virtual fitting rooms (FT)

“Augmented reality, also known as interactive video technology… is set to transform the consumer experience. ‘It’s the next step in creating a seamless experience for the consumer at home, closing the gap between the store and online shopping.’”

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/57b1fea6-1f55-11e0-8c1c-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss#axzz1BHechP2r

Sarah Jessica Parker launches Bitten

Can sensibly priced clothing from a down-to-earth actress stand out in an increasingly crowded market for celebrity-branded fashion?
Sarah Jessica Parker's bubbly personality was evident as she strode through the Manhattan Mall's Steve & Barry's store Thursday at the launch of her clothing line, Bitten, greeting shoppers with a cheerful, "Hi guys!"
With Bitten, Parker joins Madonna, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and other stars who are seeking success with celebrity clothing collections. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Organic apparel becomes fashionable

No longer just scratchy hemp frocks for hippies, organic clothes are riding the green fashion craze into consumers closets this spring.
Looking to capitalize on the popularity of eco-conscious products that have gained mainstream acceptance in grocery stores and car dealers, merchants from H&M to Barneys New York are hawking new collections of organic garments.
"All the retailers are rushing to organic. You can't afford not to. It appeals to the two biggest markets: youth and the baby boomers," said Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at NPD Group, a Port Washington, New York, research firm. "It's cool to care today. Five years ago, it was self-indulgence. Now it's self-indulgence with concern." (INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE)

Will Coach become too popular?


The stylish handbag maker had a blowout quarter. But rapid expansion may jeopardize its upscale image. Read more via Business Week