Florence Broadhurst for Kate Spade Tour Bus Pop-up
David and I are in L.A. for a long weekend with the family, and we popped over to The Grove this afternoon for a bit of shopping. And weren’t we lucky that the Florence Broadhurst x Kate Spade pop-up bus was parked front and center!
We love everything Kate and Jack Spade — they simply have the most beautiful and fun product and the most gorgeous, whimsical and unique retail formats. So leave it to Kate to roll-out a stunning tour bus pop-up shop to celebrate their collaboration with Australian artist Florence Broadhurst. If you happen to be in one of the cities where the bus is parking you should definitely pop in for the fun! I took a few pics of the bus and pieces that are totally lustworthy.
Oh, and while your at it…check out everyone’s favorite stylist, Brad Goresk’s, top picks for Spring! #POC
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Loading ...Vogue Fest 2012
Need an excuse to go to London next month? How about this: Vogue UK is hosting Vogue Festival 2012 where Christopher Bailey (swoon), Diane von Furstenberg, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, and even Tom Ford (double swoon) are slated to speak. Apparently Rachel Zoe is even expected to trot her tiny little frame out for an appearance (get ready for the fashion platitudes). Tickets are only £75 per session — a steal of a deal for some time with Messrs Ford and Bailey if you ask me…
Inspiration: Discussing Retailing in Japan with Nick Wooster
I came across this video from PROJECT earlier this week, but with NYFW happening at the same time it got lost on my list. What Nick Wooster says mid-way through the video about picking the right product, and not just assorting your floor with product for the sake of trying to hit a financial target (i.e. comp), I believe is so very important for people who run apparel businesses (small or large) here in the U.S. (merchants, planners and leadership) to hear.
People, its a brave new world in retailing and you can no longer just focus on just your comp. It’s about selling great shit. Pick the right shit, and pay attention to and respecting the detail of that shit. And then its about putting that shit in a compelling environment that people actually want to shop in.
God I love Nick.
See more from PROJECT and PROJECT Wooster. And, of course, all MD coverage on Nick!
[Video via PROJECT]
jcpenney’s CEO Responds to Ellen Controversy
jcpenney’s new CEO, Ron Johnson, responded to the Ellen controversy on yesterday’s CBS Morning Show. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see a retailer responding this way, doing what’s right and not giving in to bigotry.
Way to go, Ron!
For more MD coverage on jcpenney.
[Video via CBS News]
ACL Visits Mr. Porter’s London Office
One of my favorite bloggers, Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean, just so happens to also be one of the most important people in menswear today. And Mr. Williams recently got a chance to tour the incredible Mr. Porter offices in London. After I gasped at how beautiful this office space was, I was struck by how very similar the Mr. Porter office’s are to my former employers Old Navy HQ office here in San Francisco, albeit the Mr. Porter space is much, much more high-end and (and a bit tidier…).
The Mr Porter offices are very appropriately situated atop one of the most massive shopping malls I have ever seen. Thankfully, American culture was not to fault for this carnival of consumerism, it was the Australians who are to blame. I’m thinking the Aussies saw it as some sort of modern day colonial revenge complete with valet parking. Interestingly, it is not everyday you see that in London. This point was illustrated by the fact that the valet required a sign explaining that they “park the car for you”.
It sort of makes sense for a company running an online store to be located so close to so much physical retail. It likely serves as a daily reminder of the need to think uniquely to serve the customer in a different way. I’m told though that the main reason the Net-a-Porter / Mr Porter offices are located at the Westfield is because of the availability of large footprint office space. These office space needs are obvious when you look at the growth and scale of things at the company.
Read the full ACL post on Mr. Porter’s London offices.
[Photos via A Continuous Lean]
jcpenney Plots A New Course
Putting the beyond annoying commercial aside, I’m really intrigued and excited by the news announced last week at a press conference in NYC that there is much, much-needed change coming to jcpenney (and yes, apparently it is all lower case with no punctuation now). Recently installed CEO, Ron Johnson, (formerly of Apple and Target) made a bold statement for the future of the iconic retailer, “We don’t want to be America’s favorite department store; we want to be America’s favorite store.”
Last month I talked about the need for drastic innovation in the mass retail space for sustainability and a better consumer experiences. So I find the news coming from jcpenney not only thrilling and long over-due, but a breath of fresh air. Which is a suitable feeling given that the folks at jcpenney tilted their presentation in NYC last week, “In Praise of Fresh Air.”
In this presentation Ron Johnson and Michael Francis (president) detailed a new vision for jcpenney, the changes we can expect to see, and when they will occur. Among the most radical changes that is being introduced surrounds the complicated pricing and promotional structure that has plagued jcpenney for decades, and I would argue this same pricing issue applies to most retailers. Radically re-thinking the layout of the sales floor and how the customers shop and interact with product, and the roster of brands that are carried. And lastly, launching a new brand identity.
While there is some healthy skepticism out there surrounding a few points of this transformation (i.e. length of time for complete transformation, new logo, etc.), I believe that the boldness of the vision and scale of the change at jcpenney is fantastic and encouraging. A new approach to the business of mass retailing is much-needed in an industry that is often not fast enough to innovate. If executed well, jcpenney’s changes should push both department stores and big box stores to innovate their shopping experience much faster than may have happened otherwise. And with luck, that ripple effect will be felt throughout the retail industry.
And in the end, that is only good news for the consumer. Clearer and more honest pricing with less confusion surrounding promotional messaging is an absolute necessity across the industry, and we would appreciate better and more inspiring actual shopping experiences.
Read the full jcpenney press release. Check out WWD’s thoughts on the change. And, NRF has a great blog piece on the announcements.
[Photos via WWD by John Aquino]
David Beckham Bodywear for H&M
In addition to their full-time gigs, David and Victoria Beckham have built themselves a rather large apparel empire in recent years. David’s latest collaboration, Bodywear, for H&M may or may not generate the out-the-door lines of die-hard fashion fans that the Versace, Lanvin or Karl Largerfeld collaborations did, but it will certainly generate some heat.
As part of the global campaign to introduce the world to the David Beckham Bodywear collection, H&M has produced a stimulating (ah-hem..) commercial which will debut during Sunday’s Superbowl game. The ad, while certainly steamy, shows just about every part of David’s body except for the obvious part. Given how conservative the American football audience can be I understand the careful editing, but I also wonder if an unedited version featuring a full frontal Beck’s in those tighty whites may be lurking around… One can only dream, right? Perhaps the good folks at H&M will share that with us as well.
H&M and Mr. Beckham have inked what the Sweedish company is calling a “long-term alliance” the result of which is Bodywear. The collection, designed by David and his in-house creative team, will be sold exclusively at H&M with a focus on fit, function, comfort and design; and comprised of briefs, boxers, vests, T-shirts, pajamas and long johns. The collection will be available beginning February 2, 2012 at 1,800 H&M stores worldwide.
J.Crew to Expand Suiting Business With Dedicated Store Front
J.Crew continues its growth push with the opening of a new standalone suiting concept in TriBeCa next month. The Ludlow Shop will feature the now iconic Ludlow suit along with Thomas Mason shirts and their killer shoe assortment among other niche needs. J.Crew’s mens business has made a big impact over the past few years as they have gone after market share with increased attention to detail, quality and fit, killer assortments season-after-season featuring curated third-party product, and the opening of dedicated menswear only shops in Manhattan, San Francisco, and Boston. So it is not with too much surprise that the team at J.Crew is seeking to exert authority in specific specialty areas of the apparel business.
J.Crew’s CEO, Mickey Drexler, spoke to WWD last week:
The Ludlow suit has become a business unto itself at J. Crew…We were so squeezed at the Liquor Store that we found we were not able to service the Ludlow customer properly.
With J.Crew’s success in creating strong and unique destination experiences, such as The Liquor Store, and with a strong focused point of view on menswear trends then The Ludlow Shop will surely be an amazing opportunity for the retailer. And I can’t wait for my next trip to NYC to check it out.
Check out more MD coverage on J.Crew and Mickey Drexler. And read the full WWD story.
PROJECT NY Jan ’12 Recap
“Our goal is to create a different kind of environment. A marketplace that really stimulates creativity and inspires retailers.” – Andrew Pollard, PROJECT, President
PROJECT is unlike any traditional trade show that you’ve ever seen. With a focus on creativity, community, and the authenticity of brands; PROJECT brings together emerging talent, brands that we all know and love with the most influential people in the business in beautifully curated spaces. PROJECT represents a fundamental shift in thinking for the retail industry and suppliers, and provides a forum for discussion on new ways to approach the business.
I find the work that the folks at PROJECT do so incredibly inspiring, and I love and appreciate the creativity that comes to, and out of, each show.
Check out this recap of the latest PROJECT NY, including commentary on the show by Brett Fahlgren; Todd Snyder, Todd Barket, and even a glimpse of style icon Nick Wooster. PROJECT NY was held Jan 16 – 18, and PROJECT LV will be held Feb 13 – 15.
100 Years of L.L.Bean
L.L. Bean is perhaps the most iconic American retailer there has been. After 100 years of continued success they are the absolute essence of Americana. You can’t have grown up in New England and not have fond memories of Bean boots, long underwear, backpacks and flannel sheets. But they really are so much more than that. And you may know what a big fan I am of the L.L. Bean Signature collection. Watch this great short video on the history and heritage of the brand. Congrat’s to L.L. Bean, and here is to 100 more!
And check out all of our coverage of the great L.L. Bean.
