LANVIN FALL AD CAMPAIGN: MEISEL FEAT. KRISTEN MCMENAMY

WEEKEND READS

Does Fashion Subjugate Its Female Workforce? [39th and Broadway]

When Your Phone Costs More Than Your Degree [FWD]

Valley of the Dolls | Jeffrey Turns 10 [The Moment]

Bloomingdales "Screen Test: A film & Fashion Project" [Frillr]

Susan Boyle, Unsung Hero [Harper's Bazaar]

MUCH LOVE FOR TAVI

Who says fashion magazines are old school? Well, LOVE magazine is testing that notion by continuously pushing the boundaries between fashion and art. Its debut cover shot featured a curvaceously naked Beth Ditto and the September issue's cover girl will feature 13 year old blogger Tavi of Style Rookie

check out her blog here

HERMES FALL ADS 2009: ERIC VALLI FEAT. RAQUEL ZIMMERMANN

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SCHEDULE

Via COACD

WAR OF THE WORDS: LO VS. KRUPP

This week has been filled with as much drama for the publishing and fashion world as there would be on an episode of The Hills. New York Post writer and my professor, Danica Lo exchanged some nasty dislikes for Carla Krupp, famed StyleWatch contributor and fashion commenter. Ding Ding Ding, let the games begin.

The issue was really about the copycat syndrome. Danica, in 2006 published her style guide book, How Not to Look Fat, while Karla followed in her footsteps by publishing a book How Not to Look Old. With a brush of that under the rug (Dancia was clearly annoyed but did not react) Karla's next book has been in the works for a 2010 release. The title - How Not to Look Fat Ever Again.

Danica, a very outspoken, individual has been blasting her disappointment, scolding Carla, and winning over the public from the more recognizable fashion connoisseur. After all of Lo's statements even going as far as to call her a jerk, and witty comments in the Post that would suggest Carla would continue this pattern, (Danica joked that her next book would be titled The Great Great Gatsby). An announcement in today's WWD crowned Danica the winner.

The news: Carla would be changing her book title to How to Never Look Fat Ever Again. Despite a still similar sounding title Danica gave her the one-two punch, knocking her down for the count and definitely bruising an ego in the process.

Victory never tasted so sweet. 

To read the play by play click here

GILTY PLEASURES & CHEAP THRILLS

Introducing Gilt Fuse Dear Ashley: We have some exciting news. We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Gilt Fuse! Gilt Fuse gives you inside access to a new lineup of fashion, exclusively for women. It’s a great way to shop for today’s most-wanted labels as well as tomorrow’s hottest emerging brands – at prices that are impossible to resist. Fashion that suits your need for effortless, everyday style. It’s your style, Gilt Fuse lets you express it. Stay tuned, Alexis and Alexandra

The power of Gilt is astonishing. Gilt Group launched in 2007 and boosts an impressive online closet of designer goods, as well as earnings. The company founded on the sample sale concept (offering designer goods for less by invitation only) through e-commerce earned an impressive $25 million in revenue last year, projects $150 million this year, and $500 million next year. 

While the site's success has clearly created a wave of imitations (Ruelala.com, Outnet.com,Hautelook.com),  Gilt has also pursued opportunities to expand its e-tailing venture to a diverse clientele.  

On August 10, Gilt will launch Gilt Fuse, a lower price point driven shopping experience (everything under $100) with a focus on a younger demographic but still promoting the designer names. Its first sale, is expected to feature Plenty by Tracy Reese, Kova & T, Modern Amusement, CC Skye, TKO Orologi, RJ Graziano, and BCBG, all at prices up to 70% off retail.

I am extremely impressed with Gilt's business model . Its reliance on excess designer inventory is strong (thanks in large part to the economy) as well as their ability to create prestige and demand through limited quantity offerings, timed sales, and invitation only status. And despite the doubt of some analysts, I feel like Gilt Group has the ability to continue to expand its business on its founding principles. There has already been talk of penetrating new markets (currently the site only operates in the US and Japan) as well as new product categories beyond accessories and apparel, such as travel packages. 

All in all, Gilt has created an online shopping experience breaking the consumers perception of Internet shopping as the complicated less than perfect shopping mall. Rather, Gilt has emerged as one of the leading dot-commers changing the fashion game from the browse and buy to the bid and buy. A bright futures a head both for the fashion hunters and the Gilt gatherers!