Google Shop vs ASOS Marketplace

Google is set to launch tomorrow its first significant venture in to fashion retail.

"The site, which will work in a similar way to Google's ubiquitous search engine, will allow users to save items, brands and looks they love in their own personalised shop."
(http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/101115-google-fashion-site-boutiquescom.aspx)

Google has asked designers and celebrities alike to put together shops for the opening of the site tomorrow. All of the rumours circulation are about America figure heads, in particular the likes of Katie Holmes, Sarah Jessica Parker and designers such as Oscar De La Renta and Tory Burch are said to be hosting their own boutiques.

This announcement came alongside the ASOS Market place which was revealed last week. The site which is featuring at present the vetted designers that the 'Marketplace' will host, aims to allow designers, vintage collectors and people like you to sell and buy clothes in virtual shops.
(http://www.missyloves.co.uk/News/ASOS-latest-addition-ASOS-marketplace/)

Could this be the beginning of shopping in the 21st century?

Erdem for Matches

JUST IN

Erdem's unique collection for Matches is now in.


There are 23 pieces from maxi dresses to scarfs. My particular favourite is the Alula long skirt.

'Having noticed a niche in the industry for eternally graceful, beautifully feminine clothing Erdem launched his label in 2005.
Characterised by captivating floral prints which have been stunningly updated using cutting-edge techniques, his seasonal collections are a masterclass in grown-up glamour. For AW10, the designer’s signature style gets a decadent makeover, perfect for working dark sophistication."

View and purchase them on Matches website:

http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/categorylist/designer/womens_erdem

Last Week

Vivienne Westwood it was announced last Monday is to give a make over to the Brit Awards. England's Queen of Punk will be redesigning the trophies, which will see other leading figures in the future do the same.

To read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/11/08/vivienne-westwood-to-give-brit-awards-trophies-a-makeover-115875-22699428/

Fashions Dirt Secret was broadcast last week as part of Chanel Four's Dispatches series. To watch the episode in full please follow the link bellow .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHNgj6s_Us

It exposed the human cost of cheaper than cheap clothing in the UK, and the toll our desires places for the newest and hottest looks.

"Over three months, secret filming is carried out inside a number of textiles factories and suppliers and the footage shows the poor treatment and illegally low pay of workers as they make clothes destined for major fashion retailers.

The working conditions are dangerous, poorly ventilated, dirty and cramped, and workers are paid as low as under half the minimum wage."

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/episode-guide/series-75/episode-1

See the Victoria Secrets show on Vogue:

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/101111-victorias-secret-catwalk-show-2010/gallery.aspx#

It was full on angles and feathers as usual. Katy Perry performance was an added extra, and gave the show which is famed for being fun both to watch and walk for a extra buzz.

Lanvin for H and M

Vogue.com today hosts a preview of the Lanvin for H and M collection, which is out latter this month on the 23rd of November. Right in time for ones Christmas list... The highlights for me are definitely the shoes, with their studded heels and ribbon bow ties.

Elbaz says of this colloboration ""H&M approached us to collaborate, and to see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less," says Elbaz. "I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public."



Read more and see the gallery at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100902-lanvin-hm-collaboration.aspx

132 5. Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake launches a new clothing line, the first for over a decade. 132 5. The clothes come in flat packs, and unfold in to almost origami like creations.

"132 5. springs from "a union between mathematics and clothes-making". It uses new computer software created by one Professor Jun Mitani of the University of Tsukuba, who was, apparently, more than a little surprised when Miyake's team contacted him. The computer scientist's work has, until now, concentrated more on abstracted theories than anything as user-friendly, or indeed as earthly, as clothing."

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/fashion-in-a-flat-pack-miyakes-new-clothing-concept-2121713.html

Primark Expansion

As Marks and Spencers look to expand across the channel, Primark The Independent reported this morning is looking to:

"turn the screws on its clothing rival Marks & Spencer in the crucial festive trading period by opening six new UK stores before Christmas."

This move comes after an announcement last week that Primark had regained its crown as England's largest shopping retailer over the summer. This move was not unexpected as shops such as Primark and ASDA, usually get a summer boost as consumers buy up their cheap t-shirts, shoes and swimwear. For this reason M and S is expected to move back into the lead over Christmas, although with these shops opening up the leadership is now in question.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/primark-and-mamps-plan-store-expansion-drive-2121992.html

M and S

Marks and Spencer is understood to have approached rivals in Spain and France in an attempt to buy back some of its shops in Europe. England biggest clothing retailer, which started as market stall in the undercover Market in Leeds, drew out of Europe in 2001, after incurring losses.

'"M&S is considering buying back some of the nine shops it sold to the Spanish department store chain El Corte Inglés nine years ago. The retailer also has its eyes on some of the 18 French outlets that were snapped up by retailer Galeries Lafayette. These include the store on Boulevard Haussman in Paris, its first ever European store which opened in 1975."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/oct/31/marks-spencer-european-comeback

Rigby and Peller

Rigby and Peller have announced a £214, 000 loss on last years pre tax profit of £168, 000.

The Queens Corsetier, has epanded over the past few years to include stores in shopping centers cush as Bluewater, and Westfield, and new shops on Chelsea's King's Road, and in Essex and Cambridge. This expanision is thought to have over stretched the compnay, which was previously a more exclusive outfit.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/the-queens-corsetier-hits-hard-times-as-bra-wars-intensify-2121836.html

Harry Potter Rip Off

It was spotted yesterday by a very canny blogger that the dress used in Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour‘s wedding in the new Harry Potter film, bears and uncanny resemblance to that of a 2008 Alexander McQueen dress.

This is not the first time a designer has found one of their designs replicated.

LVMH and Hermes

LVMH the luxury goods conglomerate who own Louis Vuitton and Don Perignon among other brands, finalised its percentage stake in Hermes at 17pc.

The deal which was finalised on Saturday, saw LVMH buy at 14.2 percent stake in Hermes for 1.3 billion euro. This holding was then added to their 3 million derivative options, culminating in the 17pc stake.


"LVMH also admitted for the first time on Saturday that it owns 3m derivative options – thought to have been built up in the past two years – which it plans to turn into Hermès shares. "

It is thought that this move is likely to increase Hermes share value considerably.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8083916/LVMH-closes-in-on-17pc-stake-in-Hermes.html

Worlds Most Expensive Barbie

The worlds most expensive Barbie was snapped up last week by an anonymous bidder for $302,500, at Christie's in New York.

The Barbie whose estimated worth was between $300,000 and $500,000, is the most expensive Barbie ever to be sold in the world, despite coming in at the low end of her value. The reason for her wild price is her necklace created by Australian fine jewelry designer Stefano Canturi, which contains a one-carat square-cut pink diamond.



Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/10/21/barbie/#ixzz13dngkMgV

Best of the ASOS dresses

And all of them in the sale....who could ask for more?

Style.com - Monday 18th

Style.com has posted their top collections from the Spring/Summer shows:

http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/101410_Top_Ten_Collections/

Vogues 'Fashion's Night In'

On the back of the Post Offices survey Vogues 'Fashion's Night In' sounds like a savvy idea. Shoppers get the opportunity to succumb to a little retail therapy all from the comfort of their very own sofas.


The shoppers will have exclusive opportunities with purchases on the evening such as, free postage, gifts with purchases, and fashion and beauty competitions.

Online etailers from Asos (who will be donating £1 from every sale on Fashion's Night In to Kids Company), to Matchesfashion.com and Liberties, will be partaking in the evening designed to be "the most stylish stay-at-home shopping experience".

For more information and up to the minute releases go to: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/101013-fashions-night-in-launches.aspx

Monday 18th October - The Observer

LOVE Magazine started it off with their last issue focusing gloriously around a women's best asset, her breasts. As the editor Katie Grand said in her introductory letter to Issue Four: 'Tits are obviously in the air this season.'

Well The Observer is hot on her heels, with Eva Wiseman yesterday wondering if 'Big Breasts are the new small breasts' in fashion. She like many fashionisters and designer this season looked to the role and figure model of the Mad Men star Christina Hendricks, who it seems has taken the fashion world by storm. Inspiring the sleek minimalist autumn winter designs and perhaps the figure under neath it all as well.

And it seems as though everyone wants to comment on it:

"Lynne Featherstone, the Liberal Democrat and equalities minister, called the Mad Men star a "curvy role model"; Cosmopolitan editor Louise Court said: "This year loads of girls want to look like Christina Hendricks, not Kate Moss." "The Bosom is Back" trumpeted the Times, "Big is Beautiful" cheered the Star, every piece illustrated with a picture of Hendricks spilling milkily out of a low-cut dress, her magnificent arse curving into frame like the first sight of the beach on a long car ride."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/17/big-breasts-small-breasts

Monday 18th October - The Telegraph

According to a survey by the Post Office online shoppers save in the region of 300 pounds a year.

This means "that the nine million who did not have access to the internet were paying £2.7 billion a year extra."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8069911/Shoppers-who-are-not-online-pay-2.7bn-a-year-too-much.html

With this in mind why not consider a little 'Spending to Save' at the OutNet.com or peruse the Asos.com mid season sale?

Monday 18th October - The Telegraph

Debenhams is expected to announce a rise in profits this week. Alongside this announcement the department store is set to release a new TV advert, said to have cost around 2 million pounds. The advert (voiced by the 'Withnail & I' actor Paul McGann) launches the new slogan of the store 'Design in every department', which is replacing the retailers 'Styling the nation' strapline.

"The Roxy Music-soundtracked ad was directed by Thomas Napper, who worked on the film adaptations of Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, and will receive its first airing at during the ad break of tomorrow's episode of Coronation Street."

This published yesterday on The Telegraph website means we can look forward to this this evening.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/6359843/Debenhams-to-return-to-TV-advertising-amid-11pc-profits-rise.html