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Ala Konturek
The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, announced the promotion of Todd Spaletto to president, The North Face, Americas, effective immediately.
"Todd has a unique understanding of The North Face brand’s global business strategies and key account relationships, and we are thrilled to have him take on this role,” said Steve Rendle, vice president VF Corporation and group president, Outdoor and Action Sports Americas. “Todd’s deep connection to our culture and his natural leadership skills made him a strong and obvious choice for this important leadership position."
Todd joined VF in 1998 and has progressively held senior leadership roles at JanSport and The North Face. Since 2004, he has served as The North Face vice president of sales, Americas and has been a key contributor in managing sales agencies and key accounts to achieve record sales results.
"Todd’s deep understanding of The North Face DNA and strong presence within the brand’s global executive leadership team have positioned him to assume responsibility for the next wave of growth and success for the company," continued Rendle.
Spaletto holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Sports Marketing and Management from Indiana University.
"These are very exciting times at The North Face and I am thrilled to take on this role,” said Spaletto, “The strength of The North Face brand is a testament to the talent of the entire team. I look forward to helping the company expand upon past successes, continue to drive innovation and building upon our commitment of social and environmental sustainability.”
The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snowsport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snowsport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains.
Stanley Lewis men’s socks are made in Italy by the world’s most acclaimed sock maker. Each of these designer socks is created using colors and technology not previously seen. Stanley Lewis is renowned for his edgy designs and is first to go beyond traditional design codes with a desire to achieve ground-breaking results. From Paisley to Floral, and Spheres to Striped socks, this collection is without doubt one of the most extensive and innovative collections of men’s socks in the world.
SS11 marks the introduction of the Classico Sock Collection. For the slightly more conservative but still fashion conscious gentleman, the Classico Sock Collection consists of 4 different shades of the one designer sock. This sock design features a more solid base color with an alternating diamond pattern. A contrast color features within one of the diamond patterns while the other diamond has a subtle lattice design. Presented as a boxed set of 4 pair, the Stanley Lewis Classico Sock Collection is available in either a navy, rich red, pale blue and charcoal black combination, or a navy, ruby red, giallo gold and khaki combination.
As well as a magnificent selection of both innovative and staple designs such as paisley and striped socks, the Stanley Lewis SS11 Collection of men’s designer socks brings with it a vibrant and compelling Tartan collection. These Tartan designer socks reflect the Stanley Lewis commitment to designing ‘outside the square’.
The intricate use of design and color has added verve to an already dynamic collection of men’s designer socks. Keeping in mind all Stanley Lewis product is designed ‘Inspired by the need for balance’, every pair of these exquisite men’s socks is created to be paired with other accessories in the Stanley Lewis collection of fine men’s accessories to give a total look in men’s fashion today.
Stanley Gentleman’s Accessories Pty Ltd was founded in 2008 by Anne Harding and Stan Crinis in an effort to restore balance to men, both in life and wardrobe. The collection is comprised of a selection of fine Italian-made ties, socks, pocket squares, scarves and cufflinks that coordinate to bring polish and sartorial flair to every gentleman's ensemble.
Ecolab Inc introduced the new Stackhouse Disposable Helmet System, a unique, fully disposable product that offers a clean, sterile helmet for medical staff performing surgical procedures.
Invented by an orthopedic surgeon, the disposable helmet system is made with a breathable viral barrier tri-laminate material. It offers effective barrier protection and eliminates the cleaning and equipment maintenance associated with reusable helmet systems.
"Surgeons and staff need barrier protection that is comfortable, breathable and easy-to-wear," said Paul Chaffin, Healthcare vice president and general manager for Ecolab Healthcare North America. "The Stackhouse Disposable Helmet System allows surgeons and staff to focus on the task at hand, while helping to protect their health and safety."
Surgical helmets are primarily used during orthopedic procedures to help protect the surgical team from fluids and debris. In addition, helmets are used in open surgical procedures during which airborne contaminants and potential infections for health care associates are a significant concern.
The new disposable helmet keeps surgical team members cool during long procedures via breathable garment material and helmet air circulation. The lightweight helmet includes a fan and four-hour battery pack for routine and extended procedures. Additionally, the helmet offers a superior field of vision via oversized lens and greater freedom of head movement by eliminating a chin bar, which is a common design in reusable helmets.
With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries.
Tex-Ray Industrial Co. Ltd., a textile manufacturer based in Taiwan, recently said that China’s Yueda Textile Group has taken a decision to become a stakeholder in the Taiwanese company’s subsidiary in the Jiangsu Province.
The company added that Yueda will hold 40 percent stake in its mainland subsidiary by means of a fund-raising strategy which will enhance the factory’s paid-in capital to US $30 million.
Once the investment is made, Tex-Ray will only have 60 percent stake in its subsidiary located in Jiangsu Province, which was established in 2009, as per the company.
According to Tex-Ray, the Jiangsu subsidiary is constructing several new production units. A dyeing line is likely to start its operations in April, while a knitting line is scheduled to begin manufacturing products in September.
It further informed that Yeuda's networking in China is likely to help the Taiwan-based company, in its attempt to make a distribution network on the Chinese mainland.
Tex-Ray has also said that, at present, Yeuda is running 140 stores in central China and the strong distribution base is likely to boost the Taiwanese company’s presence in China.
BP plc confirmed that it is proceeding with its project for a major increase in purified terephthalic acid (PTA) production capacity at the BP Zhuhai Chemical Company Limited (BP Zhuhai) site in Guangdong Province, China, a JV between BP and Zhuhai Port Co., Ltd. (formerly named Fu Hua Group) and also announced that it is planning to build a new world-scale PTA plant at the same site.
The planned debottleneck at Zhuhai will increase capacity by more than 200,000 tonnes a year from its second unit (Z2), making the total PTA production capacity of the Zhuhai site some 1.7 million tonnes a year.
BP has completed engineering design work for the Z2 debottleneck and expects the expansion to be fully operational in 1Q2012.
A new third PTA plant in Zhuhai is under pre-engineering planning. With a capacity of 1,250,000 tonnes per year, it will be the first to employ BP’s latest generation PTA technology and, subject to approval from its shareholders and relevant Chinese government agencies, is expected to come on stream earliest 2014 to meet PTA demand growth in China. This will make Zhuhai the largest PTA site in BP’s global PTA system.
Sue Rataj, BP’s Chief Executive in Petrochemicals, said: “This investment will be the world’s largest single train PTA plant, built in the world’s largest and fastest growing PTA market with the world’s best and lowest cost technology – once again reinforcing BP’s commitment to the PTA business and to China."
The new technology will deliver a step change in environmental performance, particularly reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and other waste streams significantly. It enables scale and cost efficiencies which significantly reduce both capital cost and conversion costs to lower levels than any other PTA technology.
"The significantly reduced environmental and energy footprint of the new technology will help China meet its commitments to environmental protection, energy savings and safety, and should set a new standard for the industry,” said Rataj.
James Yim, President, BP Aromatics Asia and China Olefins & Derivatives added: “With the deployment of this new technology, we will be the most competitive PTA producer in the world. We will actively pursue additional PTA investment options in other area of China as well as other growing markets in Asia.”
The new technology to be used at the expansion of the existing Zhuhai site is also applicable across BP’s global PTA system, enabling new globally competitive expansion options.
PTA is the preferred raw material used to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate, a widely used polyester polymer for the production of textiles, bottles, packaging and film products. Government statistics showed that China’s PTA consumption in 2009 exceeded 18 million tonnes, of which only around 65 per cent was supplied by domestic production.
BP Zhuhai was formed as a joint venture between BP (85 percent) and Zhuhai Port Co., Ltd. (formerly named Fu Hua Group) (15 per cent) in 1997. The venture’s first and second PTA plants, with total capacity of some 1.5 million tonnes a year, began production in 2003 and 2008 respectively.
BP has been a leader in PTA for over 30 years, with a global market share of 15 per cent on an equity basis (or 18 per cent including joint ventures). BP operates 21 PTA plants located in Asia, the Americas and Europe with a total combined annual production capacity of more than 10 million tonnes.
BP is one of the world’s largest oil, gas and petrochemicals groups, generating revenues of over $300 billion in 2010, among which Refining & Marketing Segment generated over $260 billion with profits before interest & tax of over $7.2 billion. BP employs about 80,300 people worldwide and has activities in more than 80 countries.
Zhuhai Port Co., Ltd. (formerly Fu Hua Group ) was established in 1986 and became the first Zhuhai company to be listed on the Shen Zhen Exchange (stock code: 000507) in the People’s Republic of China in 1993 with a registered capital of 345 million RMB and total assets of 1.2 billion RMB. Zhuhai Port Co., Ltd has now formed three major business categories, including port logistics, comprehensive development of port real estate and investment in power energy.
GUESS open the doors to its largest flagship location in the world on February 17, 2011. The store is located at 575 Fifth Avenue at 47th Street in New York City.
Situated in the heart of Fifth Avenue, one of the world's premier shopping areas, the GUESS store will add to the ever-exclusive neighborhood. The 13,000 square foot, two story flagship retail location draws inspiration from the new global flagship concept launched in Milan last year.
Unique and custom-design features are present throughout the store, including hand-applied Venetian plaster and silver leaf wall coverings, custom-made chandeliers and an elevator draped in faceted black chain mesh made by Hudson Furniture in New York City. The store proudly celebrates GUESS heritage through eye-catching commissioned artwork on the store's upper level, including a denim rug made from over 500 vintage jean patches, and a handcrafted installation of over 7,000 authentic denim buttons mounted on a black background and painted with the original GUESS triangle logo. High gloss black and white fixtures juxtaposed against distressed steel and black wood finishes complement the store's aesthetic.
The first floor of the store houses the brand's fashion-forward women's collection including exclusive pieces only available at US flagship locations. Backed by a 12 foot high LED screen playing behind the scenes videos from fashion shows and behind the scenes videos from campaign shoots, the first floor also features a denim anchor wall with illuminated translucent red glass and floating shelves displaying accessories. Located in the center of the floor is an elevated runway showcasing an expanded assortment of all GUESS accessories categories, including the European jewelry collection, which is sold exclusively at the Fifth Avenue flagship location and GUESS Accessories stores. A new dress section along with additional women's apparel and the full men's collection are located on the second floor.
"We are thrilled to announce the opening of the 575 Fifth Avenue Flagship," said Paul Marciano, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GUESS?, INC. "New York is the fashion capital of the United States, with Fifth Avenue at its epicenter. We've come a long way since designing our first pair of jeans, and opening this store is one way of celebrating our accomplishments over the past thirty years."
The 575 Fifth Avenue space is a mix of GUESS heritage and high fashion, creating a retail experience completely aligned with the GUESS brand. This store will be the fourth retail location in New York City for the GUESS company. The newest flagship joins the GUESS and GUESS by Marciano Soho flagship locations and South Street Seaport.
Established in 1981, GUESS began as a denim company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Today, GUESS designs, markets and distributes full collections of women's, men's and children's apparel as well as accessories. Throughout the years, the GUESS image has been portrayed in unforgettable, innovative campaigns that have made the brand a household name.
Harvey Nichols is launching its own menswear label ‘Harvey Nichols by Harvey Nichools’. The label’s new tailoring additions to their designer clothes menswear fashion collection, promote a sharp business look for the Spring/Summer 2011 fashion season.
The men’s tailoring suits feature classic tailoring touches with a contemporary edge and use only the finest Italian fabrics. Suits are available in sizes from 36R – 48L.
The single breasted jacket features a mid break two button through front, sleeves with four faux kissing buttons at the cuffs. The front of the jacket has AMF stitching, giving an Italian contemporary twist as well as two front flap pockets. Notch lapels mean the suit is ideal for daytime through to evening, and padded shoulders give extra shape to the jacket. There are 4 internal pockets and the lining is on Harvey Nichols silver and grey with a piano face detail to give a sharp finish.
There are 3 plain options all in 100% natural stretch wool. Two mohair mix options in blue and grey, which have a sheen to the fabric, meaning they are ideal for business or event wear. One textured pinstripe in navy and one pin dot in grey which give two very on trend options daytime wear.
The trousers feature a zip fly with button fastening and additional hook and eye closure at the waist, two slit side pockets and single button fastened back pocket. With unfinished hems ready to be tailored to your desired length, a free service available in store.
To complete the look Harvey Nichols has introduced a range of classic business style shirts and ties.
The classic 100% cotton designer men's shirts feature a classic collar. There are four plain single cuff options, four semi plains and four stripes. The plain options have 2 double cuff options in blue and white which also have a breast pocket for a more classic tailored look. Shirts are available in neck sizes from 15 – 18 and available in white, blue, pink, lilac and black.
With LA Fashion Week just around the corner, now is the time for local brides to own a couture-inspired wedding gown thanks to a first-ever union between celebrity designer Kirstie Kelly and Costco.
The Kirstie Kelly Signature collection launches four-day trunk shows at select Los Angeles and San Bernardino Costco locations. With a limited number of dresses available, brides-to-be are encouraged to schedule their appointments now to find their designer dress at an exceptional price.
Introducing six new styles with classic silhouettes and gorgeous fabrics, the Kirstie Kelly Signature collection is trend-right, perfect for any wedding setting. Finished with soft embellishments including Alencon lace, crystal and pearl beading as well as handmade flowers and petals, the beautifully designed gowns -- available in organza, satin, diuponi or taffeta -- perfectly complement a range of skin tones. The gowns feature quality construction detailing which allows each dress to drape perfectly on any body type. Cathedral and fingertip length veils are also available to complete the perfect look.
Complete with a private salon that includes a fitting room, lounge and expert bridal consultant, the collection features a breadth of sizes from 2 to 24 so that women can see immediately what they will look like on their big day.
Kirstie Kelly Signature trunk shows will take place at the following Costco locations:
• Torrance, Calif. -- March 3-6 (2751 Skypark Drive, Torrance 90505)
• San Bernardino, Calif. -- March 10-13 (1099 E. Hospitality Lane, San Bernadino 92408)
• Los Angeles, Calif. -- March 17-20 (2901 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles 90039)
• Van Nuys, Calif. -- March 24-27 (6100 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys 91411)
"Kirstie Kelly Signature is designed to ensure each bride looks and feels radiant in a dress that complements her natural beauty," said Kirstie Kelly, designer of the Kirstie Kelly Signature collection. "The Signature line looks gorgeous on any bride and gives her the look and feel of splurging on the dress of her dreams, without the overwhelming cost or guilt."
Available exclusively at Costco, Kirstie Kelly Signature offers quality couture-inspired bridal gowns for the smart woman who wants both elegance and affordability. The Kirstie Kelly Signature collection is part of Signet Design, LLC.
The rag trade expert and Chairman of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman has put up the UK based fashion chain, Jaeger for sale.
Tillman, who saved the business from insolvency some eight years back, is supposed to have acquired the business from Richard Thompson, an entrepreneur who used to manage the Queen's Park Rangers in 2003 for a meagre sum.
Tillman, pursuing his success with Jaeger, in 2009 acquired the striving 158 year-old business, Aquascutum from its Japanese proprietor, Renown.
Tillman has engaged investment bankers Rothschild to contemplate over the strategic options for Jaeger and to access the bids that have been actually made for acquisition of the business over the past one month.
Jaeger now operates 46 outlets across the UK with a total annual turnover of £86million and a profit of seven million pounds, which is a real twist in the circumstances which appeared at the time of its acquisition, when it registered a loss of £12 million.
Recently, the company revealed that it has signed a partnership agreement with a Russian luxury brand distributor, Jamil Company, which would ensure that Jaeger launches its first outlets in Moscow during the forthcoming spring season.
BERNINA of America is pleased to announce that its 830 Limited Edition (LE) is now available at dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. Only 4,000 of these unique machines will be made and each features a special design, engraved with its own production number.
830LE customers can also celebrate this momentous occasion by gaining access to an exclusive two-day retreat in the Chicago area where they'll experience a VIP reception and inspiring workshops, while learning new techniques and creating engaging projects. Each 830LE machine also comes with an exclusive Alphabet Collection and Embroidery CD with 1,000 unique designs, a limited edition collector's tin and a specifically designed USB stick.
"We are very proud to offer the BERNINA 830LE," said Martin Favre, president of BERNINA of America. "The 830LE is the crown jewel of all machines and showcases the amazing capabilities of our 8 Series, while offering sewers the opportunity to own a machine that is as unique as their creativity and projects."
Inspired by creative sewers and designed by Switzerland's leading engineers to outperform any other home sewing machine, the BERNINA 830LE features include:
Most Space. No matter what type of sewing you do, the BERNINA 830LE gives you all the space you need to always be at your most creative. An expansive 15-inch extended arm reaches a full 12 inches to the right of the needle. Plus, the 12.8-inch diagonal space and 5.12-inch height provide the 830LE with the highest degree of maneuverability of any home sewing machine.
Blazing Speeds. The BERNINA 830LE boasts up to 1,100 sewing stitches per minute and up to 1,000 for embroidery. Sturdy construction keeps your machine steady. Even at those high speeds, the 830LE doesn't vibrate, it hums with quality. And the slide-speed control makes speed easily adjusted.
Jumbo Bobbin. With 40 percent more bobbin capacity more time can be spent sewing and less time spent preparing to sew. Plus, the Jumbo Bobbin pops in and out with ease.
BERNINA Stitch Regulator. Innovation comes standard; a technologically advanced, but simple to use presser foot lets the sewer easily master free-motion sewing. The BERNINA Stitch Regulator controls the length of the straight and zigzag stitches.
Unsurpassed Embroidery Capabilities. The BERNINA 830LE provides the sewer with a full range of on-screen editing capabilities. From combining designs to rotating, mirror imaging, skewing and personalizing with a variety of text options, the embroidery options are limitless. Endless embroidery allows the sewer to seamlessly align motifs with automatic reference points. With the optional Jumbo Hoop, no repositioning or rotating is required with extra-large designs and design combinations.
Centralized Color Touchscreen. The BERNINA 830LE's centrally located touchscreen allows sewers to view both needle and screen. Ultra responsive to the touch, it also features brilliant, high-definition graphics and vivid colors.
Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA is the world's premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery systems, sergers and embroidery software. BERNINA's leadership is marked by an impressive number of industry leaders, influencers and artisans who chose to partner with the company.
