• André Leon Talley‘s been busy these days. But sometime in between snagging a gig as Editor-at-Large for Numéro Russia, inking a deal for a late night talk show, and his duties for Vogue‘s digital arm, he has managed to publish a book celebrating the LBD, aptly titled Little Black Dress. The book, boasting personal essays from Robin Givhan and Maureen Dowd on the wardrobe staple, is to accompany the latest Talley-curated exhibit at the SCAD Museum of Art. Little Black Dress also charts the history of the famed frock, from its rebirth (thanks to one Coco Chanel), to modern interpretations of the classic. Talley even included Marc Jacobs’s see-through lace LBD moment from last year’s Met Gala in the book. But if that information doesn’t convince you of the book’s awesomeness, ALT says all his fancy designer friends co-sign its brilliance: “What I love most is that people who have seen the book and are in the book — the designers — are very impressed with the book,” he told The Cut. “Marc Jacobs loves the book, and that makes me very happy; his opinion is highly important to me. Tom Ford loves the book.” If it’s good enough for Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford, it’s good enough for me! (The Cut)
• H&M is making a push to tighten their grip on U.S. markets. Just this year, the fast-fashion retailer has opened 40 new stores in the US and are looking to add even more this year. The brand’s trendy offerings and affordable prices have made them a hit in the 269 stores currently open in the US. But H&M’s President for the United States, Daniel Kulle, says there is more to come. He did not explicitly say how many stateside stores the retailer hopes to open, but “The [store count] of major apparel tenants in the U.S. is one benchmark for the potential.” WWD pointed out that competitors like Forever 21 and Express have 500 and 600 units open, respectively. Can you think of any cities that could use an H&M? (WWD)
• Tadashi Shoji is adding a fragrance to his growing brand. The designer inked a licensing deal with the Fragrance Group for his very first scent scent, which will drop in the fall of 2014. (WWD)
• Opening Ceremony is cashing in on the hub-bub surrounding Spring Breakers, teaming with the film for a limited edition range of beach essentials. The collection, created with the movie’s costume designer Heidi Bivens, and NYC artist REAS, is said to offer mesh tank tops, unisex sweatshirts and pants, bikinis, beach towels, and more. WWD notes, “the designs are adorned with graphics like pot leaves, dripping ice cream cones and the indelicate acronym ‘DTF,’” The collection is set to bow next Friday, March 22nd. Will you be checking it out? (WWD)
• Patrick Robinson, former creative director of The Gap, is launching a new label, Pashko, due to drop in July. The label is described as “cool, sexy urban clothes designed for pursuing your passions.” The designer has no financial backing for this project, choosing instead to finance the burgeoning label via kickstarter.com. Robinson hopes to raise $50,000, and will only produce clothing if people pre-order them. At any rate, according to Vogue UK, the first collection promises “19 athletic menswear pieces, from cargo shorts and cotton shirts to more technical performance wear.” Want to support Robinson’s latest endeavor? Donate to his kickstarter here.(Vogue UK)
~ Jihan
March 15, 2013 10:47 am
H&M needs to sell clothes online its 2013 for goodness sake. This is part of the reason I don’t wear H&M now I never have time to go to a location.
March 15, 2013 10:58 am
Yes@Lindsey. I contacted them and this is what they said ” Right now we are really looking forward to being able to offer the US population both e-commerce and mobile shopping by summer 2013″.
March 15, 2013 11:07 am
H&M should open a location in Southbend, IN, where Notre Dame is
March 15, 2013 2:18 pm
@Lindsey. I so agree with you. It is getting on my nerves that HM does not have an online store in the US. I don’t have to time to go to the stores because they are not nearby.
I wish Patrick all the best. It is tough to find money to launch a label. I admire his tenacity. Hopefully the clothes will look nice.
March 16, 2013 1:29 am
@Lindsey:H&M has an online shop here in Europe,and let me tell you it will be worth the wait.It’s amazing,they have everything!