Flávia Linden
Lauren Peacher
Olivia P
Nhi Py
Austin Levine
Luxury-art partnerships between well-known fashion brands and Chinese contemporary artists are becoming common.
Stepping into the Swiss Pavilion in the World Expo at Shanghai, visitors are amazed to see four giant art works from local artist Yu Hong. In a collaboration with watchmaker Swatch, Yu combines silk, polyester resin, and the shapes and colors of the watches' dials and straps, in her works.
Oil painter Yu Hong at her Shanghai studio. Provided to China Daily
Named Purity, Nature, Extreme, and Relationship, the four works reflect Yu's understanding of the Swiss.
"I have visited the country many times. In my mind, it is a country of blue skies, green trees and snowy mountains, all of which can be felt in my works," Yu says.
Meanwhile, in Beijing, Xue Song showed up at Salvatore Ferragamo's launch party at Shin Kong Place boutique store. He was here to promote a limited-edition series he designed for Ferragamo in the middle of May.
Known as Xue Song for Ferragamo, the series includes two bags, small leather wallets and a casual T-shirt. The basic pattern for these products is a Chinese painting featuring two crouching tigers, which represent power, beauty, life, spirit, and progress.
Both Yu and Xue are leading figures on China's contemporary art scene. Yu specializes in oil painting, while Xue is famous for his modern interpretation of traditional calligraphy and wash-and-ink paintings.
These are not the first cases of leading luxury brands cooperating with contemporary Chinese artists. The trend started at the end of last year, when artist and curator Ai Weiwei designed a T-shirt for Comme des Garcons. Bearing the slogan "Thanks to Ai Wei Wei", it was priced at 1,600 HK dollars ($206).
One month later, Yang Fudong, who is famous for his video works, was invited to make a mini movie for Prada man's 2010 spring/summer fashion show. Named First Spring, it was inspired by the old Chinese saying: "The whole year starts with spring", and features old, black-and-white Shanghai scenes.
Also, painter Zhang Qikai cooperated with Swiss watchmaker Titoni, after its CEO Daniel Schluep said he fell in love with Zhang's panda paintings at first sight.
Believing fashion is a kind of art, Yu said the artists' creations for fashion brands are different from their usual works.
"These works target different consumers. Pure art works are created for art collectors, but fashion aims at a larger group. Usually, cooperative ventures between fashion and art cater to the ordinary fashionistas, not art collectors. But it has a positive influence: It brings art and artists closer to the ordinary people," Yu says.
Angelica Cheung, editor-in-chief of Vogue China, says China's contemporary art scene attracts more attention than the local fashion industry on the global stage, which makes these brands keen to start these crossover projects.
"It is a good phenomenon, as these crossover works can show the Western world Chinese ideas and creations," Cheung says.
Yu believes the booming economy in China is the main reason that many global fashion leaders have their eyes on Chinese artists. "Only a fast-growing economy generates people who demand fashion and art," she says.
A glamour-filled ceremony was held Sunday in Shanghai to honor Chinese winners of the Elle Style Awards, also known as the Oscars of the fashion world, Sohu.com reports.
Actress Fan Bingbing was named Elle Female Style Icon of the Year. Accepting her award, the prolific actress told the audience, "I'm on my summer vacation right now. I wish myself a good vacation."
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" actor Chang Chen won the title of Male Style Icon of the Year.
Pop singer Li Yuchun, who was named Singer of the Year, entertained the audience with a live performance.
Other honorees included TV Actor of the Year Wen Zhang; TV Actress of the Year Hai Qing; Silver Screen Star of the Year Zhang Jingchu; Designer of the Year Anna Sui.
The annual Elle Style Awards are sponsored by the stylish magazine Elle China.
The 12th Dongguan China Shoes. China Shoetec Incorporating China Bags Zone will be staged at GD Modern International Exhibition Center, Houjie, Dongguan, P.R. China from Oct 28 - Oct 30, 2010, right before Canton Fair (Shoes and bags section). While the global economy is picking up, it is recognized that the emerging markets have a faster recovery than traditional European and US markets. Along with the launching of zero tariffs in China-ASEAN regions, many enterprises believe that it is the right time to develop the business in ASEAN regions.
Soaring Potential in ASEAN Region
The 11th Dongguan China Shoes . China Shoetec Incorporating China Bags Zone was closed successfully on May 6, 2010. 14,836 trade visitors from 70 countries and regions attended and there was a significant growth on the number of visitors from some overseas countries. No. of visitors from ASEAN regions and Hong Kong were increased by 12% and 15% respectively when compared with the previous edition, visitors from Russia was doubled. The statistics reflect the fact that there is an increasing significance and potential in these emerging markets, organizers will continue to reinforce the visitor promotion in the respective regions so as to facilitate exhibitors to further develop their business.
Effective Business Matching Services to Help Exhibitors to Explore New Markets
For more effective business matching, organizers will arrange one-to-one meetings for exhibitors and buyers during the fair by actively cooperating with different media and related associations. In addition, online exhibition is also available for exhibitors to look for target buyers before and after the fair.
Overwhelming Response from Exhibitors
Various industry associations highly support the fair and plan to organize exhibiting pavilions again in 2010 Autumn show, including China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Light Industrial Products and Arts-Crafts, Hong Kong Footwear Association, Putian Footwear Manufacturers Association, Dongguan Shoes Materials Association, Dongguan Leather & Footwear Association, Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry Pavilion and Dongguan Shoe-Making Machinery Association, etc. Presently, over 50% of existing exhibitors have reserved booth in coming edition. Mr. Huang of Long Yuan Shoes Co., Ltd. expressed that the exhibiting result was far good beyond his expectation and he received some new orders during the fair. He also planned to enlarge their booth size in the next edition. Mr. Fong of Peninsula International Corp. Ltd. said the participation result was good, their new product launching received overwhelming response from buyers. He has confirmed the participation in next edition. Portugual exhibitor Tatuaggi also said the participation result was very satifactory and planned to enlarge their exhibiting area. As the business environment gets better, enterprises become more active in participation, it is anticipated that the scale of the fair will reach 20,000sqm.
Dongguan China Shoes China Shoetec Incorporating China Bags Zone is jointly organized by China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Light Industrial Products and Arts-Crafts (CCCLA), Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai Ltd., Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. and Guangdong Modern Convention and Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. It is the only professional shoes and handbags exhibition in Dongguan as well as the UFI-approved event.
UK retail sales values rose 1.2% on a like-for-like basis from June 2009, when sales had picked up 1.4%, helped by the heatwave in the second half of the month. This June was slightly less hot, but sunny for most of the month. On a total basis, sales were up 3.4% against a 3.2% increase in June 2009.
Stephen Robertson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said:
"This is decent sales growth, mainly explained by good weather and earlier summer clearances. The performance is better when you remember the comparison is with a similarly strong performance in a sunny June a year ago.
"Barbecue products, salads and ready meals were in big demand. In non-food retailing it was a mixed picture. TVs were really the only football-related item that generated significant spending. Other items, flags and souvenirs, were high profile but relatively low value. Most of the time, minds were outdoors. Homewares and indoor DIY lost out. Garden goods did better. Summer clothing sold less well than the weather might suggest because many people had bought when the sun first arrived in May.
"The Budget is affecting confidence but it won't be until the impact of the measures is actually felt that it really hits spending.”
Helen Dickinson, Head of Retail, KPMG, said:
"Trundling along is an apt description for this month’s sales. While the World Cup did impact performance on individual days and provide a welcome uplift for some, it did not shift overall spending patterns much one way or the other. Despite the good weather clothing and footwear did not do as well as in May – and men’s continues to underperform. Furniture and floorings had a better month, although against poor comparatives. While the emergency Budget has delayed any impact of the VAT rise until later this year/early next, the effect of the wider fiscal tightening measures on consumer spending remains to be seen. The risk is all on the downside."
Clothing
Having improved in May’s sunny spells, sales showed only marginal growth in June, but this was against a good gain in last June’s hot weather. Overall, childrenswear continued to outperform adult’s clothing, being seen as more essential, while men’s and women’s lagged. Having bought summer clothes in May, and faced with continued uncertainty about jobs and incomes, people were more cautious about buying, though good deals and clearance discounts attracted many. Lightweight knits, T-shirts and tops, dresses, shorts and swimwear all sold well but knitwear, trousers and jackets were more difficult. Accessories were mixed, with jewellery, handbags and sunglasses good for some but marked down for others.
Footwear
Overall sales growth was weaker than in May but against a stronger comparative a year ago. Children’s improved, to show stronger gains than for men’s and women’s, which both slowed after picking up in May. The hot weather boosted sandals and casual shoes, but formal and smart shoes struggled. Clearance sales did well as shoppers, uncertain about future spending power, looked for good deals. For some, sports shoes enjoyed a World Cup boost.
Diamonds have always been the most desirable jewellery for every woman. Understanding the growing inclination and fondness for diamond jewellery, Tanishq, India’s most preferred jewellery brand introduced over 200 new exquisitely crafted designs in high value diamond jewellery segment amidst glitz & glamour in Mumbai.
Crafted elegantly for a distinctive appeal and style, each piece of jewellery has a story to speak, making them unique and timeless. These beautiful and magnificently designed hi-value diamond jewellery collections comprising of necklace, earring and bangles are priced between Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh. Some exquisite diamond jewellery pieces with intricate designs are priced upto Rs. 1 crore.
The evening saw some prominent names from the entertainment & fashion industry present at the wine and cheese party organized to launch the exquisite designs in hi-value diamond jewellery from Tanishq. Gorgeous and renowned super models Nethra Raghuraman, Tapur & Tupur Chatterjee, Alecia Raut among others walked the ramp at the fashion show showcasing the exclusive collection. It was an evening adorned with style and substance.
Speaking about the collection, Mr. Sandeep Kulhalli, Vice President, Tanishq said, “The demand for diamonds has been rising steadily and even the conventional gold buyer is now opting for diamond jewellery. As a part of our strategy, we are focusing on high-value jewellery which is targeted at the affluent buyer who is less focused on the investment value and is looking more at the ornamental value.”
Tanishq, from the Tata Group, has been synonymous with superior craftsmanship, exclusive designs and guaranteed product quality. Designed to embody the modern day Indian women, Tanishq hi-value diamond jewellery is an ode to her sensibilities. Tanishq has been continuously evolving to suit her needs at various occasions in her life. It has built itself the envious reputation of being the only jewellery brand in the country that strives to understand the Indian woman and provide her with pure jewellery that meets both her traditional and contemporary jewellery needs.
Tanishq, India's only national jeweler offers gold and gem-set jewellery (in 22 and 18 karat gold) in over 6000 traditional, western and fusion looks. The jewellery is manufactured in a fully integrated manufacturing plant with state-of-the-art equipment. The Tanishq retail chain currently includes 115 exclusive boutiques in 75 cities, making it India's first and largest jewellery retail store chain.
Little Rock Fashion Week was featured on Good Morning Arkansas on Friday, July 9. Little Rock Fashion Week (LRFW) is an “experience that merges fashion with entertainment.” Brandon Campbell, founder of LRFW, was interviewed and some of the innovative clothing collections created by local designer were modeled. Also featured was jewelry by Novel Approach. Kari Bryde, Designer and Owner of Novel Approach, creates original “au courant” bridge jewelry designs using high-end metals and gemstones.
Nicole McGehee, of Nicole McGehee Collection and one of the clothing designers showing at Little Rock Fashion Week, chose to pair a natural brass multi layer chain and “open spear” pendant necklace with her jumpsuit modeled on the news show. The necklace is “bib style” and closes with an unusual “open leaf” toggle – playing on the tribal look that is going to be very popular this coming Fall/Winter. The necklace is part of Novel Approach’s “Brass Tacks” collection for Fall/Winter 2010.
Two other collections shown by Novel Approach were “Holding Court” and “Kept.” Holding Court features high-end gemstones, lots of chain, and metal embellishments – pieces fit for royalty. “Kept” are necklaces and bracelets with simple strands of gemstones closed in front with a sterling padlock clasp or 14K gold filled toggle and chain dangles. Kept is understated but definitely unique.
Little Rock Fashion Week was “established to showcase the talents of local designers, models and artists and connect them with consumers, marketers and buyers.” Little Rock Fashion Week runs July 12th through July 17th. Monday, July 12th LRFW will host a benefit party for “Watershed” at Lulav Restaurant. Tuesday, July 13th a party will be held showcasing local musical talents. Wednesday, July 14th is the “Art of an Artist” exhibit and Novel Approach will be showing along with other local artists; the event will be held at Lulav Restaurant. Friday , July 16th kicks off the fashion shows with the “Young and Fabulous” show. Come by the Novel Approach booth in the Robinson Exhibition Hall beginning at 7 PM. Saturday, July 17th is the “Posh Expression” show and Novel Approach’s jewelry will walk down the runway accessorizing some of the designers’ fashion collections showing that evening. The fashion show begins at 8 PM. Dillard’s will be receiving the “LRFW Icon Award” that evening as well.
Starla Sandals, a new line of handmade, embellished luxury sandals, announced their participation in the Addicted to Fashion events at Nikki Beach Miami. Starla Sandals has been named the official shoe sponsor. Nikki Beach is a global luxury lifestyle entertainment group that is holding a series of events at their Miami Beach location in conjunction with Miami Swim Week, from July 16th to 18th, 2010.
Starla Sandals will be featured in fashion shows, sold in a boutique, and spotlighted poolside throughout the weekend. Eleven (11) of the world’s most renowned swimwear designers, including Agua Bendita, Keva J. from the Kardashians, AZ Araujo, and Azure Swim will showcase their newest creations on runways set against a stunning backdrop of sun, sand, and sensuality.
"Starla is proud to be the Official Shoe Sponsor of the Addicted to Fashion events at Nikki Beach. This is the perfect venue for introducing my new line of luxury sandals to Miami Beach along with the fashion and swimwear community,” commented Starla Sandals designer and founder, Michele Paredes. “My brand is inspired by the sexy and glamorous Southern Florida lifestyle, which is epitomized by Nikki Beach and Miami Swim Week.”
Designer Michele Paredes combined her passions for jewelry and footwear, creating Starla Sandals, a luxury line of handcrafted, jeweled footwear in 2010. Starla, which connotates sparkle and shimmer, has an esthetic that is rooted in the casually elegant lifestyle of South Florida. Made with the finest leathers, stones, and crystals, new styles and collections are launched seasonally.
ASEAN nations are in the eye of some of the world’s leading fashion brands, to manufacture their apparels.
Many industrial segments have dreamed of ASEAN integration for long. But in the apparel business, planned relationships amidst different parts of the supply chain could probably turn the region in to an attractive place to do business.
Key fashion brands such as Guess, Polo Ralph Lauren and Marks & Spencer, along with five more brands, total for US $32 billion in international sales. Just last month, these brands inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Singapore with the Sout-East Asian suppliers.
The three-year debut program, named SAFSA or Source ASEAN Full Service Alliance is aimed to capitalise on efficiency along the supply chain. Although, competing with strong competitive markets like China is difficult, cooperation amongst ASEAN nations can together sharpen the regions capacity and efficiency.
Explaining the cooperation, RJ Gurley, Director of ASEAN Competitive Enhancement Project said that, basic and practical concept of integration across all nations is very simple. For instance, consider an apparel factory from Cambodia and partner this factory with a textile firm from Thailand. Then the integration will provide the buyer with the basic service of sourcing fabric.
Gurley further added that, in this kind of integration deals, the apparel factory will be a partner of the textile firm in Thailand, instead of a customer. Hence, linking different stages of the supply chain from different ASEAN nations is the main focus and this will surely take time to happen.
Switching from customer oriented supply chain to partnerships, between textile mills and apparel firms or virtual vertical factories (VVFs) will be aimed at establishing global standard for production quality, value-added service and speed to market.
These aspects are important for a buyer, who prefers to develop a long-term relationship with suppliers. Most of the apparel producers are contractors.
B2B Trend Content and Software as a Service (SaaS) Provider
Offers Exclusive Look at Fall/Winter 2011 Accessories Trends
July 7, 2010 – New York, NY – Stylesight, the leading global provider of trend content, tools and technology for the style and fashion industries, presented a Trend Seminar surrounding F/W 2011 Accessories Trends during the recent S/S 10 Hong Kong Fashion Week. Stylesight’s Trend Director for Asia, Valerie Wilson Trower, offered Stylesight subscribers and Fashion Week attendees an exclusive look at Stylesight’s unrivaled Trend Forecasting and Analysis.
Stylesight’s Seminar was held Tuesday, July 6th at The Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Trend Director, Valerie Wilson Trower, presented an analysis of emerging fashion accessory trends to over 140 attendees, showcasing both Stylesight’s F/W 11 Forecast, and directional items from the F/W 10 global runway collections. Valerie focused on essential themes, colors, patterns, silhouettes and details for all major categories, including belts, bags, footwear, jewellery, hats, scarves, gloves and more.
In addition to Stylesight’s successful Trend Seminar, Stylesight was among the over 1,300 fashion organizations that exhibited during the 3-day event (July 5th – July 8th). Stylesight’s Sales and Client Service Representatives were on hand for custom demonstrations of Stylesight.com.
Stylesight.com is the premier provider of trend content and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) designer tools, and the only online trend service available in Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Turkish translation. Stylesight offers its global subscribers the unrivaled ability to intercept, interpret and transmit the impulses of the style industry through its timely, relevant trend content and state-of-the-art technology.
About Stylesight
Stylesight is the leading online provider of trend content, tools and technology for creative professionals in the fashion and style industries. Founded in 2003 by apparel manufacturing veteran, Frank Bober, Stylesight targets style professionals involved in the creative design and product development processes, assisting through useful tools that make the design journey more efficient, less costly, faster and accurate. Stylesight is headquartered in New York, with a Forecasting Atelier in Paris and satellite offices stationed in style capitals spanning the globe. To learn more about Stylesight, please visit: www.stylesight.com
Topshop has unveiled Mark Fast's first capsule collection. The high-impact five piece knitwear collection echoes the aesthetics of Mark's mainline label, featuring his trademark intricate knitwear and sexy skin-revealing panels.
Mark was inspired by sleek exotic birds for his collection for Topshop, particularly the shimmer of their wings and the movement of their feathers as they fly. This references his SS09 mainline collection, his first collection following his graduation from Central Saint Martins which captured the attention of the international fashion press.
Mark Fast is a Canadian born knitwear designer. His work is often inspired by the endless possibilities of lycra yarns, sculpting areas of tension and areas of volume over the body. He is also obsessed with texture, and the relationship between garments and the wearer's body. All these things are evident in his latest exclusive work for Topshop.
The star of this five piece collection is a body-conscious high-impact dress which is heavily embellished with matte rubberised beads, adding weight and drama to the fine knitwear. A knitted skirt in dark grey hugs the hips, whilst a one-shoulder dress in pale pink is subtle and understated.
The Mark Fast collection is concluded with a lilac-grey crochet dress covered in tiny holes, so as to appear moth-eaten, and a black sleeveless mid-length dress.
The collection is available from Topshop stores in Oxford Circus, Liverpool and Manchester Arndale as well as through the Topshop website.
Topshop was established in 1964 and is part of Arcadia Group Ltd. Sir Philip Green became owner of Arcadia Group Ltd in 2002.
