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].