Lauren Peacher
Jess A
Steve Frous
Luci Matheus
Mikko Puttonen
The 2010 World Cup has increased the turnover of Turkey’s ready-wear clothing industry up to 15 percent, according to an industry representative.
As some of the global sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, Umbro and Puma have significant production operations in Turkey, the rising demand is helping the Turkish economy, according to ?enol ?ankaya, the chief executive of Ye?im Tekstil and chairman of the Uluda? Clothing and Ready-Wear Exporters Union, or UHK?B.
Ye?im Tekstil also manufactures products for leading international brands such as Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Zara, Esprit and Hugo Boss.
Global sports events generally provide an important revenue increase in many industries, especially in ready-wear clothing, ?ankaya told Anatolia news agency. During such events, companies experience high demand in various products, he said.
“Take the World Cup,” he said. “A national team moving up to the quarter finals creates a boom in demand for that country’s football uniform or flag production,” ?ankaya said. Thus, Turkey’s not making it to the World Cup hurt the economy, he added. “We can talk about a serious loss of between $200 million and $250 million in business volume.”
Still, companies that produce in Turkey are shoring up business to some extent. “We have had between 10 and 15 percent of additional production in the Turkish ready-wear sector,” ?ankaya said.
Meanwhile, Turkish exports to South Africa increased 14 percent to $101.5 million in the first five months of the year, compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Turkish Exporters' Assembly, or T?M.
In a statement Thursday, T?M said the 2010 World Cup was the main contributor.
Net revenues at Levi Strauss & Co. increased during the first quarter ended 28 February, reflecting the continued growth of the Levi's brand worldwide including the benefit of business acquisitions made during 2009. Revenue improvements were partially offset by revenue declines in the wholesale channel in certain markets.
"We’re off to a good start for 2010 with revenue growth and our Levi’s brand performing well around the world," said John Anderson, president and CEO. "Our strategies are beginning to fuel top-line growth, with the acquisitions we made last year contributing to our overall revenue gains. We continue to invest in our business even as retail conditions remain challenging in many mature markets around the world, especially in Europe. These investments will put pressure on the bottom line in the near-term, but are essential to achieve our goal of sustained, profitable growth."
Gross profit in the first quarter increased to USD533 million compared with USD445 million for the same period in 2009. Gross margin for the first quarter increased to 51.5 percent of revenues compared with 46.8 percent in the same quarter of 2009. The gross margin improvement reflected strong Levi's brand performance, lower inventory markdown activity and increased contribution from company-operated retail stores, which typically generate a higher gross margin than the wholesale business.
Net revenues in Asia-Pacific increased on a reported basis and decreased on a constant currency basis. Growth in the company's developing markets in the region – driven by brand-dedicated retail store expansion – was more than offset by lower revenue performance in several mature markets.
Mariah Carey's latest fragrance name was inspired by her engagement.
The 'Hero' singer recently launched her new scent, Lollipop Bling, and says the moniker came to her when thinking about how Nick Cannon proposed to her in 2008.
She said: "The inspiration for Lollipop Bling was Nick's marriage proposal to me. He first surprised me with a ring-pop - romantic, fun and young-at-heart - like me!"
Lollipop Bling comes in three different smells - chocolate-and-raspberry- inspired Mine Again, Ribbon, which features blue raspberry, and tropical pineapple infusion Honey - and will all come in bright butterfly-topped bottles.
Last year, Mariah released her third fragrance, Forever, and said the smell was a "representative of her life".
She added: "I am in a wonderful place right now, surrounded by all the things I love, and Forever captures this moment in time.
"Fragrance is so personal and Forever captures that glamorous feeling that I want to share with my fans."
Bosses at Elizabeth Arden, who she worked with on the floral scent, revealed the combination of blossom, tuberose, gardenia, exotic woods and white musk perfectly echoed Mariah's life.
The Girls Aloud singer - who is a slender UK size 10 - insists she has insecurities about her body but dresses carefully in order to hide her flaws.
She said: "I hate my muffin tops - that's why I like leggings. They're good at disguising them. People never believe I have muffin tops, but I'm just very good at hiding the fact."
The 'Biology' hitmaker admits her weight often yo-yos, particularly as she is currently on hiatus from the group, but refuses to moderate her food intake to stay "unreasonably" thin.
She explained in an interview with heat magazine: "I've put on a bit of weight in the last year as we haven't been touring. I was a 12 when Girls Aloud formed.
"I've definitely become increasingly conscious of my size as time's gone on, especially being in front of the camera so much. But you need to remember that you're a role model for young girls and being skinny-tastic is unreasonable and just doesn't look nice.
"If your body wants a McDonald's, give it one. I live in the country now and it's easier to eat healthily. We have a veg patch - I grow leeks, carrots, strawberries and lettuce."
Sarah - who is in a relationship with DJ Tom Crane - also insisted she eats more when on tour, despite criticism of the group's weight.
She added: "When we tour, people always think we're not eating enough, but actually we're eating more. If I put on weight, it's all muscle and I tend to look thinner."
Selena Gomez's fans inspired her 'Dream Out Loud' clothing collection.
The 17-year-old 'Wizards of Waverly Place' actress - who first announced plans to create a fashion line in October 2009 - revealed her main aim when designing the range was to make something her fans will like.
She said: "My inspiration for my clothing line is mainly my fans. I love clothes and I love fashion. I think it's a wonderful way of expressing yourself.
"I basically wanted to create a line that was very personal to me and something I think my fans would like. Hopefully they will enjoy it when it comes out."
The 'Naturally' singer - who also owns her own production company July Moon Productions - explained she wants her female fans to be encouraged to "believe in themselves".
Selena said: "My message behind my clothing line is the title of it, 'Dream Out Loud', so I just want to encourage girls to believe in themselves.
"My clothes are very simple, classic pieces that they can layer, and they're very girlie. The overall message is to embrace themselves and embrace their dreams."
The family movie star recently revealed all the materials she will be using in the collection will be "eco-friendly and organic".
She explained: "I want the pieces that can be easy to dress up or down, and the fabrics being eco-friendly and organic are super important.
Elizabeth Arden, Inc. and Bazooka Candy Brands, a division of Topps Company, Inc., announced a strategic partnership for the launch of Mariah Carey's new candy-inspired fragrance collection, Lollipop Bling. This partnership represents the latest innovation from Elizabeth Arden, bringing together three powerful entities--fragrance, candy and music--under the name of one superstar, Mariah Carey.
Mariah Carey has always been an incredible partner for Elizabeth Arden; her approach to fragrance creation is authentic, incorporating her life experience into her brands. Lollipop Bling was inspired by the fun and playful nature of Mariah's marriage proposal - an engagement ring hidden inside an iconic Ring Pop lollipop package.
"As an artist, I'm always looking for unique business models to connect with my fans and reach out to new segments of the audience, through different creative endeavors in music, partnerships or fragrances," said Mariah Carey. "That's why I'm so excited for everyone to experience Lollipop Bling for the first time! I think this line really comes with a fresh approach that is both innovative and accessible to my loyal fan base and beyond, but will bring something new to the market with a well-rounded, universal appeal."
Mariah Carey's Lollipop Bling, a trio of candy-inspired fragrances, is a breakthrough concept unique to both the fragrance and candy categories. The collaboration between Elizabeth Arden and Topps sets apart this fragrance launch in a competitive marketplace.
"At Elizabeth Arden, our strategy is to develop innovative brand experiences for our customer," said Scott Beattie, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Elizabeth Arden. "In today's dynamic and competitive environment, we must continue to evolve and execute at a higher level than is expected by our retail partners and consumers. Lollipop Bling is innovative and delivers something truly unique to the category."
The inspiration for Lollipop Bling, Mariah Carey's marriage proposal, and the brand story will be told in multiple ways. Each fragrance purchase will include a Ring Pop, and the national advertising features Mariah Carey wearing Ring Pops. The fragrance and packaging are candy- and flavor-inspired, and an interactive online experience will also incorporate the Ring Pop inspiration.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Elizabeth Arden on this campaign," said Ryan O'Hara, Chief Executive Officer of Topps, of which Bazooka Candy Brands is a division. "Ring Pop, which has long been associated with celebrity and the aspiration to be famous, and often spotted on the hands of many starlets and musicians, is the perfect fit for Mariah Carey and her fragrances."
Lollipop Bling's 1.0 fl oz scents, Honey, Mine Again and Ribbon will be available at select department stores nationwide in July 2010, including Macy's, Dillard's, Belk, Bon Ton, Boscov's, Ulta and Sephora inside JCPenney. Candy-inspired promotions, including a gumball machine gift set and a lollipop rollerball fragrance set, will roll out beginning in Fall 2010. All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices in US dollars.
France proposed that the use of Lead and its compounds in jewellery and the use of Dimethylfumarate in consumer articles should be restricted. ECHA invites interested parties to comment on the restriction reports prepared by France by 21 September 2010.
Lead in jewellery
Children may be exposed to lead when they suck or ingest jewellery. In general, the adverse health effects of lead are severe. Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects lead can have on the central nervous system. In order to protect children from exposure to lead, France proposed that the use of lead and its compounds in the production of jewellery and the placing of such articles on the EU market should be restricted.
Dimethylfumarate in articles
Dimethylfumarate (DMFu) is used as an anti-moulding agent to protect articles during storage and transport. Consumer articles containing DMFu (e.g. furniture, clothing and shoes) can cause severe skin problems (dermatitis). Currently, there is a temporary ban that requires EU Member States to ensure that articles containing DMFu are not placed on the market. France proposed a restriction under the REACH Regulation to make this temporary ban permanent.
Comments to ECHA preferably by 21 September 2010
ECHA encourages stakeholders to comment on the reports and proposed restrictions by 21 September 2010 to enable the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-economic Assessment Committee (SEAC) to take the comments fully into account in their draft opinion on the two proposals. However, comments can be submitted until 21 December 2010.
The final opinions of the committees on the proposed restrictions are scheduled for June 2011. The European Commission will subsequently decide whether and when the restrictions will enter into force in the EU.
The restriction reports contain the background and justifications for the proposed restrictions. They include the identified risks, information on alternatives, the effectiveness of the restriction in reducing the risks and the costs of the restriction.
The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles had launched the ‘Campaign for Wool’, earlier this year in January from UK. The campaign will try to raise consumer awareness of wool as a natural and sustainable fibre and thereby increase demand.
As part of the campaign, a company producing products with more than 50 percent wool content, can use the campaign's stylish sheep logo and promotional material, for a token fee of £100 with the right to use the logo for five years.
The New Zealand leg of the campaign is being administered by the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests and will provide an opportunity to domestic companies to put the royal seal of approval on their products.
Big time retailers like Marks and Spencer and Selfridges are also providing support to the campaign by providing shelf space for promotion of wool products at no cost.
Designer Trina Turk, known for her sophisticated sportswear and signature prints, is this season's "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer with plans to debut a Spring 2011 swimwear collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim located at The Raleigh in Miami Beach on Thursday, July 15, 2010.
The "Mercedes-Benz Presents" program recognizes designers that demonstrate dedication to use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design. Trina Turk joins a prestigious list of "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers including Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, Red Carter and CHADO Ralph Rucci.
The Trina Turk collection showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim incorporates unique prints in a range of colors including sophisticated use of black and white to multi-colored patterns of free flowing shapes. A significant amount of emphasis and detail is placed on hardware throughout the collection going beyond the typical loops and rings to a sophisticated use of unique pieces in gold inspired by Trina Turk's signature patterns and her love of vintage jewelry and architecture. Trina Turk draws inspiration for this season's collection from the city of Acapulco in the 1960's & 1970's, an era known for glamorous getaways by Hollywood's rich and famous and the international jetset.
In addition to her runway show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, Trina will make a personal appearance on Saturday July 17th, 2010 from 4-6pm at her store located in the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops - one of only 5 standalone Trina Turk stores throughout the Country. Hosted by Amanda Fernandez-Leon, Jacquelynn Powers, Jilian Sanz and Sarah Arison, the latest styles from the Trina Turk pre fall and swim collections will be featured. A raffia clutch purse will be a special gift with any $300 purchase for this event.
"Trina Turk's signature patterns and designs are sophisticated yet fun and dynamic," said Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "Her swimsuits and clothing appeal to individuals who enjoy luxury and warm weather lifestyles, which is a natural fit with the newest Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible in South Florida."
"It's always special to be recognized for my work in a large industry with many talented designers," said Trina Turk. "Being the Mercedes-Benz Presents designer is an honor as it acknowledges my commitment to unique design and craftsmanship from a brand that is a leader in innovative design."
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will take place in Miami Beach, Florida at The Raleigh from July 15-19. Designers presenting their Spring 2011 collections, include White Sands Australia, Beach Bunny Swimwear, Dolores Cortes, Swell Suits Miami featuring Naila, park & ronen and Olasul, Ed Hardy Swimwear, Crystal Jin, Swimwear Anywhere, Mara Hoffman Swim, Poko Pano, True Religion Swimwear, Aqua di Lara, Qiss Qiss, A.Z Araujo, Red Carter, Cia.Maritima, Luli Fama, Caffe Swimwear, Nicolita, Marysia Swim, Lisa Maree, Kooey Swimwear Australia, Aquarella Swimwear, Lisa Blue and Tyler Rose.
A make-up artist applies henna on a model's hand during a bridal competition in Peshawar June 23, 2010. Over a dozen make-up artists and fashion designers from beauty parlours across Peshawar took part in the competition to promote the local bridal industry.
Models get ready for a bridal competition in Peshawar June 23, 2010.
