Despite coming in shy of analysts’ expectations, luxury fashion house Hermès International recorded strong results for fiscal 2005. Sales for the year were up 7.2 percent to 1.43 billion euro (£983 million). The fourth quarter saw sales rise 8 percent to 437.1 million. The company reported “excellent” consumer reaction to its new fragrance Un Jardin…
In the heady world of fashion, cotton is the most commonly used fabric and in agricultural terms accounts for 10% of world agriculture. So far so good – until you take on board that to turn these natural fibers into items of must-have clothing conventional cotton farmers use pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers (approximately 25%…
Having added German lifestyle brand Bogner to its stable, the Jacoby Partnership will be entering the menswear market for the first time. Prior to this, the brand was distributed in the UK by Parkers. According to Drapers, Jacoby will start selling Bogner’s women’s wear, men’s wear and premium skiwear in for autumn 2006. The firm’s…
The property consultant Donaldsons is predicting that returns on investments in retail property could grow by more than 20 per cent during 2006. The firm’s position contrasts with other industry estimates, such as the IPF Forecast Survey which is predicting returns on commercial property of 11.2 per cent. Retailers have been complaining of tough conditions…
Retail sales during August exceeded retailers’ expectations with the fastest year-on-year growth for twenty months, according to the CBI’s Quarterly Distributive Trades Survey published last week. Retail jobs continued to decline in the year to August, but at a far slower rate than the record figure seen three months ago. Positive sales growth will come…
Sexy lingerie brand Agent Provocateur is diversifying with a line of maternity and postnatal underwear. The British brand, which was established by Serena Rees and Joseph Corre in 1994, has always been known for its provocative, ultra-feminine designs, also launched its first collection of bridal lingerie in March. According to Reese, the coinciding launches are…
British shoe retailer Oliver Sweeneyis launching a custom-made shoe service for summer 2007. Customers will be able to choose from a range of exotic skins including ostrich, crocodile and iguana; plain leathers in seasonal colours; as well as detailing like laces, piping and lining. Built around Oliver Sweeney’s two popular toe shapes, Twister and Venice,…
Our favourite discount retailer Primark will open the doors of its brand new flagship store on Oxford Street this week. Making a commitment to environmentally friendly retailing, the store will fly its environmentally-friendly flag, will sell a new range of organic cotton clothes and continue to reduce the use of plastic bags. In fact, Primark…
Each fashion season will come with its own must-have status pieces. Last season’s Fendi Spy bag springs to mind, or YSL’s tower wedges, whatever the item, they come with a hefty price tag. But this season a pair of expensive shoes or designer handbag doesn’t cut it for those seeking true luxury. In fact, A-listers…
Gareth Pugh’s SS08 show started with a big bang. An enormous red rubber balloon blocked the runway entrance, and then it exploded to make way for the models. The first model was wearing a glitter cube headpiece and a with Swarovski crystal mesh covered outfit. Black coats with wide shoulders, a white mink mouse stole…