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