tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50134892963280197672023-12-07T21:23:39.371-05:00THE FASHION LAW BLOGa blog about fashion and law and everything in between~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-47684417074143965572013-09-16T22:49:00.004-04:002013-09-16T22:51:53.843-04:00Move Over Celine Luggage Tote, A New It Bag is in Town<span id="goog_480124810"></span><span id="goog_480124811"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Louis Vuitton</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The latest It Bag is sold out at Louis Vuitton stores across Europe so you may want to get your's soon before the fad hits the the U.S. - if you can afford it that is. The Louis Vuitton Capucine leather handbag starts at $5,150.00 for the MM and $5,600 for the larger GM and there is already a long waitlist for the bag in Europe when it first debuted in June. It's part of LV's Fall 2013 collection and named after <i>rue des Capucines</i> which was the location of the first LV store when it opened in Paris in 1854.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what makes this bag an It Bag?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, the understated LV logo only appears once instead of the common monogram pattern. This attracts consumers who don't need to shout, "Hey! look I'm carrying an LV bag!" Second, the leather is full-grain Taurillon calf-leather meaning it comes from the top layer of the hide and its the same leather Herm</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">è</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s uses for its Birkin and Kelly bags. There is minimal chemical processing which allows it to retain durability for longer. Third, the astronomical price truly weeds out the haves and have-nots so if you can get your hands on one given the wait list, you must be important. Fourth, celebrities have been seen toting around this bag so ofcourse you want it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Here's some more ad images </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you can drool over</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of Michelle Williams holding the Capucine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebs seen carrying the Capucine: Angelina Jolie (top) and Diane Kruger (bottom)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read More:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reuters: <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/16/lvmh-louisvuitton-idUSL5N0H92V820130916" target="_blank">Sold out leather bags suggest Louis Vuitton turnaround pays off </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spotted Fashion: </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.spottedfashion.com/2013/09/13/louis-vuitton-capucines-tote-bag-reference-guide/#prettyPhoto" target="_blank">Louis Vuitton Capucines Tote Bag Reference Guide</a></span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-15611574894717520222013-09-16T21:49:00.002-04:002013-09-16T21:53:58.331-04:00Peter Pilotto for Target Debuts February 9, 2013!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrnIs9aQojg/Ujeu8235I1I/AAAAAAAAAs4/q6iZ_E3kimk/s1600/peter+pilotto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrnIs9aQojg/Ujeu8235I1I/AAAAAAAAAs4/q6iZ_E3kimk/s1600/peter+pilotto.png" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Phillip Lim for target just launched yesterday and now everything is sold out online! If you missed it there may still be some leftovers in stores although your next best bet may be paying a premium on eBay! After just launching this very successful collab, Target wasted no time in announcing it's next collaboration - with Peter Pilotto, a London based designer. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peter Pilotto for Target will debut February 9th 2014! Mark your calendars ladies! (sorry nothing for the gents this time.) If you missed Phillip Lim save up your money because this is a collection you won't want to miss!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love Peter Pilotto's color and print combinations reminds me of Mary Katrantzou's prints as well. Remember her collection for Topshop where pieces were $300-$600 but still sold out in minutes? I'm so glad this one will have a much lower price point! Most of the items will retail for under $60 and start at $14.99</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the First Look video for the collaboration after the jump</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">According to the Target press release Peter Pilotto's collection will stay true to their aesthetic!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Expect to see the same distinct spirit and elegance of PETER PILOTTO in the Target collection, with kaleidoscopic prints, bold color combinations (picture striking blues and greens and warm reds and oranges) and sculpted silhouettes.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, UK fans will be able to purchase the collection as well through Net-a-porter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Given the brand’s UK roots, Target is making the collection available to international fans through online luxury retailer </span><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #cf0000; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Net-a-Porter</a><span style="line-height: 18px;">, which will carry a curated assortment of the limited-edition collection. After all, Target has always partnered with the best and brightest—from both near and far—to make great design accessible.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we wait for 2014, check out Peter Pilotto's complete Spring 2014 RTW collection<a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2014RTW-PPILOTTO" target="_blank"> here</a>. It's beautiful and gets me more excited for the collab. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't wait to see the target collection!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read More:<br />Target Press Release: <a href="http://abullseyeview.com/peter-pilotto-for-target-spring-2014/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=peter-pilotto-for-target-spring-2014" target="_blank">PETER PILOTTO for Target is the Next Must-Have Collaboration</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-67394052350267030082013-09-13T20:37:00.001-04:002013-09-13T20:40:16.182-04:00The Latest Sneak Peek of Isabel Marant for H&M!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBYSZxEGG_A/UjOt62NckLI/AAAAAAAAAso/pHZEHltf3cs/s1600/isabel-marant-for-hm-pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zBYSZxEGG_A/UjOt62NckLI/AAAAAAAAAso/pHZEHltf3cs/s1600/isabel-marant-for-hm-pics.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">H&M released another teaser for its <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/isabel-marant-for-h-to-debut-november.html" target="_blank">highly anticipated Isabel Marant for H&M collection</a> in its latest magazine (which can be found in stores) and if you weren't sure that lines would be out the door and around the block for this collection, now you know! Those black and gold shoes?? Ugh, to die for! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marant gave fans some insight as to how this collection will be designed in the latest interview with H&M:</span></div>
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<em style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realized that the best thing to do for H&M would be the pieces that I love the most… I picked out things I have in my own wardrobe that I’d never want to lose. They’re like my treasures, and I wanted to share them with H&M.</span></em></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out a close up of the pics after the jump.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a pic of Marant picking out fabric for the collection.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zyYMmrtcKg/UjOscKPyhFI/AAAAAAAAAsc/FZ9jlsgvQJ4/s1600/Isabel-Marant-for-HM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zyYMmrtcKg/UjOscKPyhFI/AAAAAAAAAsc/FZ9jlsgvQJ4/s1600/Isabel-Marant-for-HM2.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A close up of the shoes as promised! How breathtaking are these??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you more excited than ever? I am!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-38353015372043449002013-09-05T21:06:00.000-04:002013-09-05T21:06:10.687-04:00Details about Balenciaga's Lawsuit Against Ghesquière Emerges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TvJlPB_UOwg/UikjrLuTp-I/AAAAAAAAAsE/JnIjmBVkpoo/s1600/Nicolas-Ghesquiere+systemmag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TvJlPB_UOwg/UikjrLuTp-I/AAAAAAAAAsE/JnIjmBVkpoo/s1600/Nicolas-Ghesquiere+systemmag.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in June it was rumored that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/balenciaga-sues-ex-creative-director.html" target="_blank">Balenciaga was suing its ex-Creative Director, Nicolas Ghesquière</a> over the candid interview </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ghesquière gave in System magazine which detailed his dissatisfaction at Balenciaga. Turns out that rumor is in fact true and Balenciaga lawyers confirmed that the comments made in the interview prompted the fashion house to sue. The lawsuit also revealed that Ghesquière signed a contract before exiting Balenciaga, agreeing to not to make any comments that would damage the image of the label.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;">"Balenciaga didn't want its designer to justify his departure by criticizing the house that employed him," court papers state. "In general, the parties, knowing the hypersensitivity of the fashion industry to changes in creative direction, were forbidden from commenting on the break in order to avoid any detrimental effect on their economic interests or their image." </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I cannot imagine that </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ghesquière did not know at the time he was giving his interview that this would cause an uproar and embarrass the label that used to employ him. Contracts like these that impose a gag order sort of speak are commonplace in all industries when high level people leave the company. Maybe he just didn't care or really needed to vent after all these years? Note of caution: vent privately!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In any case, Balenciaga is going to make sure </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ghesquière pays for his statements. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">They are suing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">€7 million (or $9.2 million) in damages and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">publication of the judgment in a variety of French fashion and business publications (to make sure </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ghesquière is equally </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">embarrassed perhaps?).</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> The court date is set for October 15, 2013 although a verdict probably won't be reached until spring of next year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We will be following this closely!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">WWD (sub req'd): <a href="http://www.wwd.com/business-news/legal/hearing-date-set-in-balenciaga-case-7107299?module=hp-topstories" target="_blank">Hearing Date Set in Balenciaga Case</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fashionista:<a href="http://fashionista.com/2013/09/balenciagas-lawsuit-against-nicolas-ghesquiere-reveals-juicy-new-details/" target="_blank"> Lawsuit Reveals Juicy New Details About Nicolas Ghesquière’s Split from Balenciaga</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">Vogue UK: <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/09/04/balenciaga-nicolas-ghesquiere-hearing-date-set---balenciaga-sues" target="_blank">Ghesquière Vs Balenciaga: The Battle Begins</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-59499899483944381942013-09-04T01:03:00.005-04:002013-09-04T01:09:49.738-04:00Homiès & Other Streetwear Parodies Test Designer's Trademark Rights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdv3IU9F_hs/UiaviM2fXTI/AAAAAAAAArM/e3PjuUeu7dg/s1600/homies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdv3IU9F_hs/UiaviM2fXTI/AAAAAAAAArM/e3PjuUeu7dg/s1600/homies2.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>WWD</i> came out with a great article last week on the prevalence of designer parodied trademarks on apparel that have become a huge trend as </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">celebrities and fashion bloggers have embraced these re-created logos. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most popular may be the "Homiès" sweatshirts and t-shirts created by Brian Litchenberg and seen on the backs on Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, the Kardashians and Cara Delevingne. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what are the legal ramifications? Find out after the jump and see more designer parodied </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As <i>WWD</i> notes, "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">Central to the trend, however, are the legal issues of trademark protection — and what legal strategies designer brands should pursue to guard their logos while cultivating a potential constituency of style-savvy customers."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">“I think this is a very current trend and issue. You have the convergence of constitutional law, free-speech issues, intellectual property law and a general overlay of business and commercial law. It’s a fascinating area,” said Douglas Hand, a partner at Hand Baldachin & Amburgey, a firm with a large fashion industry practice. “I think designer brands should be very vigilant to these issues. The main value of these companies is their intellectual property, specifically, their trademarks. Given that, to not diligently police and enforce trademarks in this industry is just not good business.”</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, it has also been well established that parodies of a trademark is a defense to a claim of trademark infringement since the audience will not mistaken the parodied work for the original and there is less likelihood of confusion. Although courts have also been less sympathetic when the parodied work is for commercial purposes instead of an exercise of First Amendment rights which are meant to serve a critical and artistic function. Considering these t-shirts are selling for around $60 a shirt the creators must be making a hefty profit but does it also serve a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">critical and artistic function?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few of the many parodied shirts on the market:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBi9TMsgJ9o/Uia1dyME0dI/AAAAAAAAArc/cQMen90qK_A/s1600/aintlaurent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBi9TMsgJ9o/Uia1dyME0dI/AAAAAAAAArc/cQMen90qK_A/s1600/aintlaurent.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tfo6J1MaDI/Uia2UWCfkcI/AAAAAAAAAr0/ctGNshcbEao/s1600/felineceline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tfo6J1MaDI/Uia2UWCfkcI/AAAAAAAAAr0/ctGNshcbEao/s1600/felineceline.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you think and which one is your favorite?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">WWD (sub req'd): </span><a href="http://www.wwd.com/menswear-news/fashion/designer-parodies-test-legal-boundaries-in-streetwear-7103033?full=true" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Designer Parodies Test Legal Boundaries in Streetwear</span></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-82929875899950634632013-09-03T23:41:00.001-04:002013-09-04T01:06:11.679-04:00Louis Vuitton Will Not Appeal Fine Over Hermès Stake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa_KrM6U32U/Uian3xdHucI/AAAAAAAAAqw/gTVaGa0Sp04/s1600/hermes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oa_KrM6U32U/Uian3xdHucI/AAAAAAAAAqw/gTVaGa0Sp04/s1600/hermes.jpeg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Louis Vuitton has decided not to appeal <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/french-regulator-fines-louis-vuitton-10.html" target="_blank">the fine imposed from the AMF</a> (France's equivalent of the Securities Exchange Commission in the U.S.). The AMF fined LVMH a record <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">€</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">8 million</span> a couple of months ago for failing to disclose a significant amount of Hermès' </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">stock it accumulated by using complex derivatives to avoid detection in the public markets. While the company initially stated it would appeal the decision, it has now changed coursed and decided to pay the fine and move on. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LVMH said in a statement, that the decision was to avoid further costs and time dealing with an appeal and to "[ensure] the soundest possible management of its investment in Hermes." The company also reiterated that it "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.953125px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">never breached regulations regarding ownership thresholds or engaged in insider trading or market manipulation."</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read the entire statement after the jump.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>LVMH has decided to terminate the AMF proceedings in relation to its acquisition of approximately 10% of Hermes' share capital in October 2010. This decision reflects LVMH's commitment to ensuring the soundest possible management of its investment in Hermes. To this end, LVMH will not appeal the 25 June 2013 decision of the AMF's disciplinary commission.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Throughout its proceedings, the AMF expressly confirmed that in acquiring its equity stake in Hermes, LVMH never breached regulations regarding ownership thresholds or engaged in insider trading or market manipulation.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The AMF's only criticism, (other than in relation to certain accounting records which the AMF confirmed had no impact on LVMH's annual accounts), concerned the timing of LVMH's disclosure of the Hermes equity swaps, which the AMF considered should have been made in June, rather than October, 2010. The AMF argued that LVMH reached an agreement with two of the three banks involved in June 2010, when in fact the agreement was not achieved until October. As promptly remarked by eminent observers, the AMF disciplinary commission's position is therefore highly questionable, both in law and in fact.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>As a result, LVMH would be entirely justified in appealing the disciplinary commission's administrative decision, as envisaged at the time it was announced. However, the interests of LVMH's shareholders go beyond the defence of these legal principles. Instead, LVMH must also consider the time and cost of further proceedings and the fact that such proceedings would interfere with the sound management of LVMH's investment in Hermes.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>These priorities have led LVMH to decide to bring a definitive conclusion to the AMF proceedings. In the same spirit, LVMH will take all necessary action to end the baseless legal proceedings being pursued by Hermes management and to recover compensation for the serious harm their actions have caused.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-5533265318215290232013-08-12T21:57:00.002-04:002013-08-12T22:04:42.437-04:00Entire 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Collection Unveiled!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRqNfmb1yPc/UgmLm9EZn8I/AAAAAAAAAng/byNI0Iq8Puk/s1600/phillip.lim.target.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRqNfmb1yPc/UgmLm9EZn8I/AAAAAAAAAng/byNI0Iq8Puk/s1600/phillip.lim.target.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">3.1 Phillip Lim for Target</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entire 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection was release today and I am so impressed with the collection!! From the <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/phillip-lim-for-target-debuts-september.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">first announcement</span></a> to the <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/sneakpeek-of-phillip-lim-for-target.html" target="_blank">teasers and sneak peaks</a>, I'm happy to say this collection does not disappoint! The collection has clean tailored looks, perfect for work and play. See the photos after the jump!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jzwE0AkuZOE/UgmRP8s_CLI/AAAAAAAAAoA/NUobYdWh794/s1600/morning-look-05-053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jzwE0AkuZOE/UgmRP8s_CLI/AAAAAAAAAoA/NUobYdWh794/s1600/morning-look-05-053.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TS-0tQy02R4/UgmRQDmbYtI/AAAAAAAAAoU/WNEqDGp4tNM/s1600/morning-look-06-048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TS-0tQy02R4/UgmRQDmbYtI/AAAAAAAAAoU/WNEqDGp4tNM/s1600/morning-look-06-048.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u12zu4yreGk/UgmRQb1dJMI/AAAAAAAAAoM/FCIM4T6pfuI/s1600/morning-look-07-044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u12zu4yreGk/UgmRQb1dJMI/AAAAAAAAAoM/FCIM4T6pfuI/s1600/morning-look-07-044.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8fDxBXYFHA/UgmRQgxY2tI/AAAAAAAAAoc/H-o3aPVzh_Y/s1600/morning-look-08-061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8fDxBXYFHA/UgmRQgxY2tI/AAAAAAAAAoc/H-o3aPVzh_Y/s1600/morning-look-08-061.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjg6fVx3eMo/UgmRQ2TvHFI/AAAAAAAAAok/Qdq5vbFLGD0/s1600/night-look-01-050-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjg6fVx3eMo/UgmRQ2TvHFI/AAAAAAAAAok/Qdq5vbFLGD0/s1600/night-look-01-050-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--M-PyHHHGsc/UgmRRK5lljI/AAAAAAAAAos/T0mh4_P7t-A/s1600/night-look-02-034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--M-PyHHHGsc/UgmRRK5lljI/AAAAAAAAAos/T0mh4_P7t-A/s1600/night-look-02-034.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUPAoL-j4bY/UgmRSkZpzXI/AAAAAAAAApU/p_V9YljBZg0/s1600/noon-look-01-064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUPAoL-j4bY/UgmRSkZpzXI/AAAAAAAAApU/p_V9YljBZg0/s1600/noon-look-01-064.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Se1untZ7XBU/UgmRS9MjrxI/AAAAAAAAApc/9hoxkfTlUXA/s1600/noon-look-02-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Se1untZ7XBU/UgmRS9MjrxI/AAAAAAAAApc/9hoxkfTlUXA/s1600/noon-look-02-005.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-4013584293184852442013-08-12T20:27:00.000-04:002013-09-04T01:06:59.025-04:00Naeem Khan Settles Suit With Ex-Creative Director<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtS-igAYbpg/Ugl2TckmhyI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/nEX_tRP0mXI/s1600/NaeemKhan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtS-igAYbpg/Ugl2TckmhyI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/nEX_tRP0mXI/s1600/NaeemKhan.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Source: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naeem Khan, an Indian-born American fashion designer who has dressed Michelle Obama, Lady Gagga, Eva Longoria, Beyonce and many other starlets, found himself in a dispute with his former creative director, Lionel Geneste. Geneste worked for Khan from 2003 to 2006 and at Givenchy before that. The ex-creative director is seeking $200,000 in unpaid commission claiming breach of contract. Khan claims Geneste was fired because he discovered Geneste committed "identity theft" by using his boyfriend's social security number. Khan gave Geneste 18 months to clear up the situation before letting him go. The case may seem pretty cut and dry but not so, there was much dirty laundry to be aired during the trial.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geneste's attorney called character witnesses to discredit Khan, claiming that Khan used cocaine, was manic, caused an ex-executive assistant to be terrified of him, tried to gift fake Hermes Birkin bag to a Neiman Marcus buyer, etc, etc. Other witnesses claimed that Khan only rose to popularity because of Geneste who made Khan's clothing desirable and younger. Who knew a breach of contract claim could be so interesting?? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the end, the lawsuit settled for $125,000 today with 75 percent payment due in one week. One wonders what else would have came out had the lawsuit not been settled. Geneste said the matter was settled "</span><span style="font-family: arial;">because there were a lot of other things that were going to come out that were not p</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">retty." On the contrary, Khan had other things to focus on, "The thing is, I have my collection to show Sept. 10. I want this to be over with.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD (subscription red'q): </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.wwd.com/business-news/legal/naeem-khan-settles-suit-7085677?module=hp-topstories" target="_blank">Naeem Khan Settles Suit</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vogue UK: <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/08/12/naeem-khan-court-battle---lionel-geneste-former-creative-director" target="_blank">Naeem Khan Goes To Court</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NY Post: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/gown_and_dirty_uit_EhKoT5NHV6tVHukdN75IMO" target="_blank">‘Gown’ and dirty $uit: Socialite rips designer Khan</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-19629189930503824972013-08-09T18:25:00.000-04:002013-08-12T22:03:41.655-04:00Jason Wu to Launch Beauty Line with Lancôme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyF1krDS16A/UgVnnC9R7KI/AAAAAAAAAm8/Fnqzq7DuQQU/s1600/jason-wulancome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyF1krDS16A/UgVnnC9R7KI/AAAAAAAAAm8/Fnqzq7DuQQU/s1600/jason-wulancome.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Seems like a lot of fashion designers are taking the leap into beauty. First, <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/marc-jacobs-beauty-to-launch-at-sephora.html" target="_blank">Marc Jacobs' beauty launched in Sephora today</a> and now<a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/michelle-obama-wears-jason-wu-again-to.html" target="_blank"> Michelle Obama's go to designer, Jason Wu</a> has announced a beauty collection. Wu's beauty collaboration with Lancôme will be offered exclusively as Nordstrom. the collection will feature 15 prices with 3 eye shadows, dark navy mascara, and many red lipsticks and nail polishes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The collection will launch in September during New York fashion week and is expected to take in $1 million during the first 2 months of debut.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wu said in an interview with WWD, "I think make-up is one of the closest parts to fashion - it goes hand in hand in almost every single case. When you have great hair and make-up, it brings out the clothes even more" and "[e]</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">very little detail has been customized and designed for this collaboration, so it feels very special and complete"</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Lancôme previosuly collaborated with L'Wren Scott, Jenny Packham and Lanvin's Alber Elbaz.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elle UK: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elleuk.com/beauty/news/jason-wu-s-lancome-collaboration#image=1" target="_blank">Jason Wu's Lancôme collaboration</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Telegraph:</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/news-features/TMG10232910/Jason-Wu-to-launch-make-up-range.html" target="_blank">Jason Wu to launch make-up range</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-46102081901658250062013-08-09T17:58:00.002-04:002013-08-12T22:03:59.815-04:00Sneak Peek of Phillip Lim for Target!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9UG612_3tpA/UgVj3LKfbUI/AAAAAAAAAmc/pTsQtsqxf_Y/s1600/philliplimtarget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9UG612_3tpA/UgVj3LKfbUI/AAAAAAAAAmc/pTsQtsqxf_Y/s1600/philliplimtarget.jpg" height="352" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Back in May, when it was </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/phillip-lim-for-target-debuts-september.html" target="_blank">announced Phillip Lim would be designing a collection for Target</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">, fashionistas swooned. Now as we get closer to the debut on September 15, 2013,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> a sneak peek of the collaboration has already been released! Lim's collection is divided into morning, noon</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> and evening outfits for the "everyday man and women". Lim says he grew up shopping at Target as well so this collection is very personal for him.</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The collection ranges from $20 to $300. Lim's favorite piece from his collection? A men's grab and go mesh bag containing socks, bri</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">efs and a t-shirt for the busy men on the go.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R60qsiNx0ic/UgVlcBGC6tI/AAAAAAAAAms/ZGEieAtyESI/s1600/2013-8-phillip-lim-target-ad7-thumb.jpeg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R60qsiNx0ic/UgVlcBGC6tI/AAAAAAAAAms/ZGEieAtyESI/s1600/2013-8-phillip-lim-target-ad7-thumb.jpeg.png" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="credit"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://instagram.com/p/cuFB3xiR7S/" target="_blank">Instagram/@fashionfoiegras</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One bag from the collection looks like a similar version of the Phillip Lim mini Pashli satchel which originally costs $895 (check it out at <a href="http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/31-Phillip-Lim-Pashli-Mini-Mixed-Media-Satchel-Bag-Black/prod89960040/?ecid=BGCIGoogleProductAds&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=prod89960040skuBLACK" target="_blank">Bergdorf</a>) but the Target version is expected to retail for a wallet-friendly $35!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Things are looking good for the designer who recently had to create a <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/phillip-lim-creates-new-logo-for-china.html" target="_blank">new logo to combat trademark squatting in China</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">NYTimes: </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/09/perfect-pairing-phillip-lims-stylish-everyday-wardrobe-for-target/?_r=0" target="_blank">Perfect Pairing | Phillip Lim’s Stylish Everyday Wardrobe for Target</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.1em; text-align: center;">Racked: </span><a class="post-title" href="http://racked.com/archives/2013/08/07/see-a-dress-and-a-bag-from-31-phillip-lim-for-target.php">Your First Look at 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target</a></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-28437188877643456812013-08-02T01:32:00.004-04:002013-08-02T01:36:36.617-04:00Macy's & J.C. Penney Trial is Close to an End (Finally!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1y0maEwdxe8/Ufs9kArHGSI/AAAAAAAAAmM/VWvVLBB87WU/s1600/martha_stewart+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1y0maEwdxe8/Ufs9kArHGSI/AAAAAAAAAmM/VWvVLBB87WU/s1600/martha_stewart+logo.jpg" height="225" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The<a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/macys-jc-penney-to-go-to-trial-over.html" target="_blank"> dispute between Macy's and J.C. Penney over Martha Stewart</a> branded home goods is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drawing to a close. Lawyers for both sides gave closing arguments Thursday morning after a three month break. This means a decision by New York State Supreme Court Judge Oing may be rendered soon, possibly as early as Friday. The lawsuit started when J.C. Penney entered into a contract with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia ("MSLO") to sell Martha Stewart goods in "store within a store concept" but Macy's claimed to have exclusive rights to sell </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Martha Stewart home goods and attempted to block JCP from those sales which was only <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/appeals-court-denies-macys-injunction.html" target="_blank">partially successful</a>.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>The <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"store within a store concept" was contrived by fired CEO Ron Johnson and the current CEO Mike Ullman (who was CEO before Johnson and brought back after Johnson's "no coupons" strategy completely failed with consumers) isn't keen on such a plan so even if JCP is prohibited from selling </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Martha Stewart home goods in mini stores, it may not be a huge disappointment.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> JCP may still have the option of selling Martha Stewart designed products without her name on them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD (subscription req'd): </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wwd.com/business-news/legal/macys-martha-penneys-trial-goes-on-7073898?module=hp-topstories" target="_blank">Macy's, Penney's Trial Winds Toward a Ruling</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reuters: </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/01/us-macys-penney-idUSBRE97003T20130801" target="_blank">Macy, Penney to wrap up trial on Martha Stewart home goods dispute</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-73942390711415421382013-07-31T21:43:00.001-04:002013-08-02T00:46:24.335-04:00Rihanna Wins Lawsuit Against Topshop in U.K.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rihanna must be all smiles as she recently won a lawsuit in the U.K. against fashion retailer Topshop. <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/rihanna-sues-topshop-for-unauthorized.html" target="_blank">Rihanna sued Topshop in May over Topshop's use of her image</a> on a tank top which was taken from her "We Found Love" music video. However</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, U.K. law doesn't recognize image rights. In fact, if you legally purchase an image, you can use in any way you want to without </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">royalty payments, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">unlike in the U.S. So what makes this case so different?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rihanna's lawyer argued that by using Rihanna's image, Topshop misled customers into the false belief that Rihanna endorsed the use of her image on the tank top. This would be confusing to the consumer and damaging Rihanna's reputation and goodwill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he judge agreed and found that many Topshop customers and Rihanna fans would be under the belief that the top was authorized by the singer, which was clearly not the case. The sale of the shirt also damaged her goodwill and reputation since Rihanna never endorsed it.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I accept that a good number of purchasers will buy the T-shirt without giving the question of authorization any thought at all, in my judgment a substantial portion of those considering the product will be induced to think it is a garment authorized by the artist.</span> </i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The persons who do this will be the Rihanna fans. They will recognize or think they recognize the particular image of Rihanna, not simply as a picture of the artist, but as a particular picture of her associated with a particular context, the recent ‘Talk That Talk’ album.</span> </i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those persons, the idea that it is authorized will be part of what motivates them to buy the product. I am quite satisfied that many fans of Rihanna regard her endorsement as important. She is their style icon. Many will buy a product because they think she has approved of it.</span> </i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Others will wish to buy it because of the value of the perceived authorization itself. In both cases they will have been deceived. This would clearly be damaging to Rihanna’s goodwill.</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Topshop said it was “surprised and disappointed by the judgment handed
down today,” and may look to appeal the decision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD: <a href="http://www.wwd.com/business-news/legal/british-judge-rules-for-rihanna-vs-topshop-7071551" target="_blank">British Judge Rules for Rihanna vs. Topshop</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Guardian: <span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; line-height: 1.154;"><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/shortcuts/2013/jul/31/rihanna-topshop-t-shirt-face" target="_blank">How Rihanna stopped Topshop selling a T-shirt with her face on</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-13143319175708268272013-07-30T01:03:00.003-04:002013-07-31T22:08:35.409-04:00Former Tiffany Exec Pleads Guilty to $2.1 Million Jewelry Theft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_GFPq9dMnk/UfdDwgYtj0I/AAAAAAAAAlk/ovsyUdH1s6Q/s1600/Tiffany_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_GFPq9dMnk/UfdDwgYtj0I/AAAAAAAAAlk/ovsyUdH1s6Q/s1600/Tiffany_Logo.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The former executive at Tiffany & Co. plead guilty to stealing $2.1 million in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made of diamonds, platinum and gold less than a month after being charged. Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun, in her position as</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">vice president of product development,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was given permission to "check out jewelry from Tiffany for reasons that included showing items to potential manufacturers for cost production estimates." However, instead of bringing the jewelry back, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lederhaas-Okun reported them missing or damaged and resold them. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. So how did Tiffany finally find out?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lederhaas-Okun was laid off in February and the Company decided to do an inventory which resulted in a finding that 165 items were missing and all check out by the former exec. Normally, Tiffany does a daily inventory of items worth over $25,000 but the complaint stated each item stolen by </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lederhaas-Okun was under $10,000.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> By pleading guilty, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lederhaas-Okun will pay $2.24 million in restitution to the company and faces up to ten years in prison.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forbes: <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonydemarco/2013/07/27/former-tiffany-vp-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-over-2-million-of-jewelry/" target="_blank">Former Tiffany VP Pleads Guilty To Stealing Over $2 Million Of Jewelry</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reuters: </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/26/us-usa-crime-jewelrytheft-idUSBRE96P15920130726" target="_blank">Ex-Tiffany exec pleads guilty to $2.1 million jewelry theft</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NYTimes: </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.083em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/27/nyregion/ex-tiffany-executive-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-jewelry.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Ex-Tiffany Executive Pleads Guilty to Stealing Jewelry</a></span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-7466239120654757452013-07-22T23:38:00.002-04:002013-07-31T22:08:08.229-04:00Looking for that It-Bag? Try Sears.com!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COB22b8PKl4/Ue32gnCBNKI/AAAAAAAAAk8/vr1twJrAuTo/s1600/celine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-COB22b8PKl4/Ue32gnCBNKI/AAAAAAAAAk8/vr1twJrAuTo/s1600/celine.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Celine Luggage Tote on Sears Marketplace</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I recently googled the Celine Luggage Tote, last year's It-Bag that hasn't dropped in popularity at all. I've been eyeing it forever but just couldn't bring myself to splurge on one. I googled it just to see where it was still available for purchase while I debated with myself more. I expected my search to take me to retail websites like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, N</span>et-a-porter<span style="background-color: white;">, etc. but to my surprise my search returned multiple links to Sears!! - the department store known for appliances and cheesy Kardashian clothes. I was so confused but clicked on the </span><span style="background-color: white;">link anyways which displayed prices lower than the MSRP and were also sponsored listings from Google. I was intrigued. Is Sears trying to be like eBay and Amazon? </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did Sears secretly get a luxury makeover? </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or both?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">According to the WSJ, it's a little bit of both. Sears added a "Marketplace" section to their website featuring upscale items from third party sellers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In one of the more counterintuitive strategies in retailing today, Chairman and Chief Executive Edward Lampert has been pushing his beleaguered company to secure upscale offerings for the Marketplace section of its website, which features goods sold by third-party vendors.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So now in addition to the Chanel bag and Rolex watch, Marketplace browsers can find $445 Balenciaga sunglasses, $600 Pour La Victoire boots and a $500 Zac Posen dress, according to a recent scan of the website.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In addition, Mr. Lampert has made a priority of e-commerce, hoping to position the company to better compete with larger online marketplaces run by Amazon.com Inc. and eBay Inc.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The article notes that many shopper end up at Sears through an internet search and not by going there directly. This is exactly what happened to me. It seems like no one expected Sears to offer the high-end items they were searching for and thus, people are skeptical what Sears is doing selling luxury items. It may take some getting used to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The breadth of items, particularly at the high end, has some shoppers confused, especially since they usually land there through general Internet searches, rather than by going to Sears.com.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>On an online forum for handbag aficionados, a string of members were questioning whether a Gucci purse listed on Sears' website was fake, merely because of its association with the department store.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Sears would be the last place most would think to purchase high-end bags from," a member quipped. Another wrote, "Gucci @ Sears? hmmmmm don't think so!"</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A Sears spokesman said every seller goes through a registration and approval process to ensure the validity of their items.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Offering luxury goods seems like such a strange divergence from its usual lines of business and targeting a completely new consumer base but it's possibly a good diversification plan. We'll see how it plays out. It's also smart of Sears to pay Google to have their listing sponsored as well because it definitely caught my attention and I would never have gone there otherwise. Maybe next time, I will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a screenshot of the sponsored links to Sears that appear when one searches for "celine luggage tote"</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMVrIJ46gOc/Ue351iX0zTI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PozheyCbPJM/s1600/celine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMVrIJ46gOc/Ue351iX0zTI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PozheyCbPJM/s1600/celine2.jpg" height="305" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you guys think, is this a smart move? Would you buy a luxury item from Sears.com?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSJ: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324263404578613751354714698.html" target="_blank">Christian Louboutin shoes and Chanel bags on Sears's website? Yes, but they aren't sold by Sears</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-20217763281484352262013-07-17T22:13:00.002-04:002013-07-31T22:09:32.599-04:00Louboutin and Charles Jourdan Settle Lawsuit Over Red Soles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6rQ1LikQFY/UedLsbNIIJI/AAAAAAAAAkY/I2Y5LNlb4wo/s1600/louboutin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6rQ1LikQFY/UedLsbNIIJI/AAAAAAAAAkY/I2Y5LNlb4wo/s1600/louboutin2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Christian Louboutin</span></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christian Louboutin SAS v. Charles Jourdan Fashion Footwear LLC has been settled out of NY federal court less than one and half month after the case was filed. Louboutin alleged that</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Charles Jourdan along with discount shoe retailer DSW infringed on Louboutin’s trademarked red soles when it offered for sale, Charles Jourdan shoes with similar red soles. According to <i>WWD</i>, Louboutin referred to Jourdan’s shoes as “counterfeit” versions of its own shoes, and claimed that it supplied the infringing product to select DSW stores in Brooklyn and Manhattan.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Louboutin’s lawyer, Harley Lewin of McCarter & English said the parties came to an "amicable resolution" and they "received excellent cooperation from the parties." The terms of the settlement was confidential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The case was similar to </span><a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/louboutin-vs-ysl-who-won.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Louboutin's claim against YSL</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> which Lewin also tried, in which the court held that Louboutin trademark applied to the red soles when the rest of the shoes were a different color.</span><br />
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<span class="st"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more:</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD: </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/louboutin-jourdan-settle-7055229" target="_blank">Christian Louboutin and Charles Jourdan Settle Suit</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bloomberg: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-04/louboutin-sues-charles-jourdan-over-red-sole-trademark.html" target="_blank">Louboutin Sues Charles Jourdan Over Red-Sole Trademark</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-89918764302921260742013-07-17T00:23:00.001-04:002013-07-17T21:41:11.228-04:00Versace Counterfeit "Victory" is Disputed by Griffith Suisse Luxury Group<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdcMQMFvAlM/UeYO-fj5aSI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Z3Zmuuo8MqY/s1600/versace+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdcMQMFvAlM/UeYO-fj5aSI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Z3Zmuuo8MqY/s1600/versace+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In May, it was widely reported that <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/after-four-and-half-years-versace-wins.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">Versace had won a counterfeit lawsuit against Griffith Suisse Luxury Group</span></a> after four and a half years of litigation. Since the announcement, the alleged counterfeiter, Griffith Suisse has disputed Versace's victory stating that the matter was settled "</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wherein both parties agreed not to pursue legal action against each other."</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> With respect to the 2011 lawsuit filed against online auction house, eBay over similar matters - that is being appealed a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fter <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">California state trial court dismissed Griffith Suisse claims</span>. Read </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Griffith Suisse's statement after the jump.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Griffith Suisse Luxury Group's statement:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Griffith-Suisse Luxury Group has released a statement refuting announcements by the Versace Group that it had won a court victory in a counterfeit case in Northern California against them after 4 years. </i></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>On the contrary, it was Griffith Suisse Luxury Group who first initiated the lawsuit against Versace and Ebay in 2008. Versace was alleged to have abused its VERO rights by instructing Bay to take down multiple of Griffith-Suisse Luxury Group’s listings even though they were evidently all authentic. Ebay took the listings down without the required NOIC (Notice of Claimed Infringement), clearly abetting the luxury brand’s attempt to control the market by removing goods without evidence or basis. As a matter of fact, eBay has <u>not been able to produce a single</u> properly filled out NOIC document for any luxury items de-listed on Griffith-Suisse Luxury Group’s eBay account. It is obvious that eBay has been making biased decisions in favor of the luxury brands at the detriment of it’s own sellers. </i></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ms. Lara Griffith reiterates their Company’s firm stand on the matter, “As far as we are concerned, Griffith Suisse-Luxury Group, did not sell any counterfeit Versace items on it’s eBay account. The settlement with Versace was a mutual one, wherein both parties agreed not to pursue legal action against each other."</i></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The case against eBay is still in the process of being appealed. If the appeal is successful the public will be able to hear the testimony of former TSAM (Top Seller Account Manager), Adam Smit who stated that at that time, “eBay’s Top management acted like Gods” in regard to determining what to do with it’s members. It will be very interesting to see what else this former eBay employee will reveal about the inner workings of eBay’s top management when he is called to testify against them.</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entire 2011 complaint against eBay can be found <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5kwvyO-nRQ_dTZNaE1takdSMUU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further, Griffith Suisse provided us with more insight to their company and to what lead to these lawsuits, as well an inside look at the enforcement of eBay's VeRO policies which allows third parties who hold certain intellectual property rights to report listings that infringe on their rights. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The GRIFFITH-SUISSE LUXURY GROUP OF COMPANIES was established in 1997. Unlike most companies that are moved only by the dollar bill, Mr. Griffith saw this business as a means to help the poorest in society. The Company dedicated part of its profits to the Tuloy sa don Bosco Street Children’s Village in the Republic of the Philippines and at one point became its largest benefactor. As the years went by, the Company became one of the leading sources of Fine Hand carved Traditional Furniture in the Philippines. In 2003 the Company expanded into the United States.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The Company joined eBay USA in 2004 and started auctioning fine Luxury Furniture under their own brand names, Georgian Lane, Dominic Gerard and J Emmanuel. It was their belief that eBay provided them with a worldwide audience to whom they could successfully market and advertise their products. By late 2005 eBay became the Corporation’s leading marketing and selling medium in the USA, encompassing 85% of all United States retail sales and reaching numerous clients worldwide.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The response of the eBay community was very encouraging and through the dedicated assistance and insightful suggestions of their eBay Titanium Account Manager Adam Smit, the Company began diversifying into selling other luxury items. All this was based on a brilliant suggestion by their Titanium manager that “in order to catch a BIG Fish, you should throw out a LITTLE Fish”. Embracing this concept, their Chairman invested in various Brand name products such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Versace, AT DuPont, Maitland Smith, Cartier, Rolex and countless others in order to sell on eBay in conjunction with their own luxury products. Versace was a particularly favored brand because they were entering the Home Furnishings sector and many of their accessories greatly complemented the Fine Mahogany Furniture. The idea worked well, The Company, under the eLuxuryGroup user name was bringing in Clients for their own Luxury Furniture Brands through the sale of smaller value Luxury Brand items. Because of the vast amount of products listed, over 3 Million unique visitors viewed their auctions a year on average.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most buyers did not expect to receive such quality furniture from an eBay Seller and were absolutely amazed with their products when they arrived. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The problems began in 2006, when numerous of the company’s items were de-listed on eBay due to alleged VeRo Infringement. The V</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">erified Rights Owner (<b>VeRO</b>) Program </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">was set up by eBay in order comply with the Digital Millennium Act. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">It was created so that intellectual property owners could easily report listings that infringe their rights. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">But this whole VeRo de-listing matter was very unclear because the Company made sure everything it was selling was authentic. It was in Company’s best interests to ensure everything sold was authentic because ultimately, the main goal was to sell the furniture and listing the luxury goods was only a means to do that. Mr. Griffith frustratingly told their (TSAM) Top Seller’s Account Manager, Adam Smit that he could not understand why so many of their items were still being de-listed. In November 6, 2006, the Company’s account was again suspended by eBay due to multiple de-listings by VeRo member, Versace who through eBay, took out each and every single one of Versace’s product off the site. This was alarming news because not only were there hundreds of items removed, but they were accused of selling counterfeit goods – something the Company vehemently denied. The Company offered to send Versace the items to prove the goods were all authentic. Most were purchased at “OFF FIFTH”, a Saks fifth Avenue Outlet, where the Company purchased the goods at 70% off its price. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found out during the discovery process of the case that eBay could not produce a single properly filled out NOCI form yet they de-listed the items anyway. Oddly enough, just when they needed him the most, long time titanium account manager Adam Smit, unexpectedly told Mr. Griffith that he was resigning from eBay to join another Company. The Company’s eBay account was assigned a new account manager by the name of Kelley Vance, who said “Their hands were tied” and that this problem was now solely between the VeRo Member and the Company - totally out of eBay’s hands. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts to contact them, to the point of even hiring lawyers to try to reach them, the VeRo accusers proved to be indifferent or uncooperative. Kelly said in one e-mail that she did not really have any pointers to give us how to go about it. She also said in another e-mail that “they (Versace) is not required to give eBay any specific information”;“Bay cannot make Versace accountable”. Apparently, VeRo members are given the right NOT to reply at all. The Company was so desperate that it even promised Vero Members that they would no longer list any other item except their own furniture so long as they can get reinstated but it was all to no avail. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">S.T. DuPont was the only one who responded and they told the company that they would only agree to write eBay a letter of reinstatement if an agreement can be signed stating only 3 pieces of St. DuPont items will be listed at a time. According to their lawyers, the infringement eLuxurgroup committed was due to the excessive quantity of items sold and the venue in which the goods were sold, all of which was detrimental to their “brand image”.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the company does understand the necessity of a VeRo program, in fact it greatly appreciates and encourages the protection it seeks to provide, it cannot accept the unfair and unbalanced policies nor the abuse it promotes. So long as the eBay VeRo program does not require accusers to answer for their allegations when they are challenged, there is no justice nor fairness in the System. EBay’s policies are unjust and biased policies that are in fact pro-Vero and anti-seller. Despite numerous pleadings for help, Kelley Vance purposely concealed the option of using a “counter notice” (DMCA Act), which would require eBay to re-list all the items by law if not contested. Adam Smit, prior to resigning mentioned it only once but at the same time gravely discouraged its use.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eBay’s VeRO policies are blatantly biased. In a recent statement, Adam Smit (former TSAM) admitted that at that time, eBay’s Top Management Acted like GODS!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Since when in the United States is someone permanently sentenced on the basis of a baseless accusation, especially when the accuser is suddenly nowhere to be found – or worse, is <u>not even required</u> to prove the veracity of their accusations? Suddenly, eBay who first enticed and encouraged their member, to invest lots of money into growing their eBay business is totally abandoned by them saying there was absolutely nothing they could do to help the situation because of the unproven word of a 3</span><sup><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">rd</span></sup><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">party, not even involved in the transaction in the first place. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">eBay will on one hand say that they are in no position to determine the authenticity of any item sold therefore leaving that responsibility solely to their VeRo members but on the other hand will tell that seller that the reason for their permanent suspension is because they are selling too may counterfeit goods. How is it that they can suddenly be able to determine the goods to be counterfeit as fact? Does that not sound contradictory? It is almost as if eBay conspired with Versace to deliberately kill the seller’s account. Apparently there is truth to this because a letter was discovered addressed to eBay from Versace in Milan, Italy asking eBay to do precisely that – de-list EVERYTHING and</span>suspend the seller. eBay simply just followed was what Versace wanted from the beginning without question, totally disregarding the NOCI Policies requiring the VeRo Member to sign under the penalty of perjury. Even Versace later admitted under penalty of perjury that they did not send any official NOCI (Notice of Claimed Infringement) to eBay at that time, implying it was eBay that violated their own policies. eBay made it effortless for Versace or any VeRo member to abuse its program.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> It seems that eBay’s Vero program is a “Guilty first until proven innocent” program that is grossly in favor of its Vero members, turning over to these Big Companies the SOLE power and right to re-instate an accused seller so long as they conform to their demands (as with ST. Dupont). It is unjust for eBay to be allowed to enforce a policy that does not give sellers any recourse to redeem themselves from false accusations. It is obviously “unfair business practice” because it does not give a person the RIGHT to a FAIR hearing. EBay’s Vero Program promotes the environment wherein VeRo Members can very easily abuse their authority to de-list items for other self-motivated intentions other than legitimate copyright/trademark infringement issues without having to answer to anyone for it. This is evident in the reply of ST DuPont when they stated that the reason for their de-listings is not a matter of authenticity but a matter of quantity, brand image and venue. The reality is that some companies do not want their products sold on eBay at all and the Vero program makes it especially easy for them to do so without any real consequence.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But as if that was not enough damage inflicted by eBay on our Company; Apart from unfairly suspending the company’s main selling account, eBay then added insult to injury by <b>hosting and publishing the</b> malicious contents of an eBay Forum (lasting several months) containing numerous defamatory statements which further harmed the Company’s reputation as well as the reputation of its chairman, Mr. Griffith before the entire eBay Community and the broader community of the worldwide web.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">This forum ridiculed, scorned and bred contempt for the Company by personally attacking its chairman, Mr. Griffith by way of generating untruthful attacks on character through malevolent insinuations, derogatory statements, lies, and wishing harm against his person and the Corporation. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November 12, 2006 Mrs. Griffith’s brother through another account called GroupdeLuxe, tried to post a message of explanation and assurance to Clients in the forum, but his post was immediately taken out by Susan of the Trust and safety department claiming that it is against eBay’s policy to post a message about a “no longer registered member”. Clearly she should have taken out the forum right then and there because the title of the forum in itself, “eLuxuryGroup, no longer a registered member” was obviously a violation based on her own words. This removal of GroupdeLuxe’s message is undeniable proof that eBay’s Trust and Safety Department was well aware of existence of the Forum and its contents and yet they did not protect the suspended eBay member by taking it out even though it was reported to their Account Manager, Kelley Vance. The forum in itself along with its entire decorum was clearly AGAINST eBay Policies and yet eBay allowed it to progress into a deliberate character assassination by scornful individuals who continued to worsen for several months still. In fact, eBay <b>encouraged participation</b> in this destructive Community Forum by disseminating these defamatory statements via e-mail, message-forwarding systems. The Forum was also made easily accessible to general public access through search engines.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the only information eBay was willing to give the general public was the statement “NO LONGER A REGISTERED USER”. Clients who had pending orders upon seeing this notice began panicking and there was a sudden surge in Credit Card Charge backs and PayPal Refunds. It was this very forum, which alarmed majority of eLuxuryGroup Clients and created the false notion that the company was a big “SCAM” and that everybody should try and get their money back immediately. This forum triggered rampant charge backs and refunds for goods that were already exported out of the Plant and within the shipping company’s possession. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Without any voice, the company did not have a means good enough to directly dispute the rumors and assure Clients that these lies were totally false and that the company would continue to make every effort to honor all its commitments. Mr. Griffith tried his best to assure the community through e-mail messages about the integrity and stability of the business and the Company’s intent to supply all furniture obligations, but eBay’s ban on communication leaving only the forum’s devastatingly negative influence on clients made the situation so severe and that the financial damage inflicted became irrecoverable. It became so brutal that the rumors did ring true after all, and the Company was literally forced on its knees with money pouring out unceasingly, so much so that eventually there was no money left. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Mr. Griffith was literally forced try to find a way to log in and report the forum to eBay’s Trust and Safety department, even giving them the links and e-mailing the actual pages but three times they denied it was them hosting it and said it was some sort of “spoof” website – not eBay. We cannot believe that after conducting their own investigation, eBay’s Trust and safety department is so incompetent that they cannot even tell the difference between a “spoof” and what is genuine within their very own website - three times it was reported to them and three times they denied the obvious. Then after a day or so, suddenly it was taken out by eBay. No admission, No apology… just gone as if nothing happened.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But after all that damage, did eBay according to their own policies reprimand any of these members for their actions? Was anybody even warned? suspended? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The damages eBay’s gross negligence and unfair business practices have caused Company and the Griffith Family is unquantifiable. The Griffith family spent many years training their staff until they reached the skill levels necessary to make some of the finest furniture produced today. Each long time employee, most of whom worked for Mr. Griffith’s parents, was important to the Company which was more like a family. Because of eBay, these old friends find themselves out of work after so many years of loyal service - no amount of money can buy that back. This is why in a last ditch effort to try and save jobs and provide payroll for their suffering employees for Christmas, Mrs. Griffith sent a letter of appeal to eBay and VeRo, hoping that somehow, if they promise not to list any items except their own, their account could get reinstated - but this plea for mercy it fell on deaf ears. In fact the reply was so cold that they even mentioned not to bother writing to them again. It was absolutely heartless especially after all the damage they had done!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Mr. and Mrs. Griffith with their own life savings, hard work, blood, sweat and tears built up their Company from what little they had. They believed they could make a better life and so invested into the United States, “The Land of Opportunity”. The hope and the dream was to possibly make a better life for themselves, for all the Street Children in the Philippines and to make a better life for all their employees. The mere fact that the Brands they promoted even bear Mr. Dominic Griffiths own name and the name of his only son means that they valued it tremendously. They put enormous effort, time and energy into building up their company’s reputation. It was the one legacy they wanted to leave their son. Can you imagine how horrible it was for them to see it dragged through the mud and riddled with insinuations and lies? People everywhere were saying they were a big SCAM. What this family treasured most and protected most dearly was the very thing eBay destroyed.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">“It doesn't happen often, but occasionally there is misuse on eBay. Should misuse occur, </span><a href="http://www.ebay.ph/helpIndex?page=helpPQI" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #103cc0; text-decoration: none;">Safe Harbor</span></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> springs into action and tries to resolve issues related to fraud, trading offenses, and illegally listed items.”</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EBay will advertise and promote that eBay is “SAFE”. This experience shows us otherwise. How can eBay be “Safe” when their policies reflect UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES and their Trust and Safety Team cannot even tell the difference between what is real and a spoof within their own website. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been almost 5 years now since the case was first taken to the Santa Clara County Court in 2008. Summary judgment was recently awarded in favor of eBay on the grounds of upholding the “USER AGREEMENT” - an unconscionable agreement that you cannot avoid. Even if you do not agree with it, you are given no choice – it is this unconscionable agreement that gives eBay its power to “act like gods”. You would hope that our numerous motions in accordance with the law would win over an unconscionable user agreement like that, but apparently not. Anyway, we are still fighting and hope that someone would see the reality of the damage eBay has done and continues to do. May our appeal that we are about to file find its way to open minds who will listen to the plea, not just for our sake but for the sake of the hundreds who have been unjustly treated by bullies in big business who think they can get away with anything.</span></span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Readers, what do you think?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-73260245137145530922013-07-15T21:05:00.000-04:002013-07-15T21:09:07.146-04:00Juicy Couture Founders Seek to Buy Back Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hj21RzZyp-o/UeSW2aCgZhI/AAAAAAAAAj4/F8d6gEdlY9g/s1600/Juicy_Couture_Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hj21RzZyp-o/UeSW2aCgZhI/AAAAAAAAAj4/F8d6gEdlY9g/s1600/Juicy_Couture_Logo.png" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The founders of Juicy Couture, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, who transformed velour tracksuits into a sexy must-have piece in the early 2000's are looking to take back their company. The founders sold Juicy Couture to Fifth & Pacific Cos. (f/k/a Liz Claiborne) around the peak of the craze in 2003 for $226 million. However, now with the label faltering and the <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/fifth-pacific-looking-to-sell-juicy.html">parent company secretly shopping the label to buyers</a>, it's clear that consumers are tired of "juicy" plasters on their behinds and change is needed. </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The duo believes they can revitalize the company they started back 1996 and has reportedly been in talks with several private equity firms to raise funds to buy back their company. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>If anyone can turn the brand around and give it back its energy, they can</i>,” Gary Wassner, co-ceo of Hilldun Corp., told WWD. “<i>They know who they are designing for. The product never evolved once they left the company.</i>” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary Epner of Mary Epner Retail Analysis, told the trade publication, “<i>Consumers are interested in athletic apparel. What they want is nice-looking, comfortable apparel. They run around all day long in Lululemon. That’s what Juicy used to be. Can someone stay in the same vein and update the look for 2014? That’s the question</i>."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD (subscription req'd): <a href="http://www.wwd.com/business-news/mergers-acquisitions/juicy-founders-look-to-buy-back-brand-7050819?module=hp-topstories" target="_blank">Juicy Founders Look to Buy Back Brand</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BusinessWeek: <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-12/juicy-couture-founders-wonder-does-the-track-suit-still-fit" target="_blank">Juicy Couture Founders Wonder: Does the Tracksuit Still Fit?</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-53977874622466201142013-07-15T20:35:00.003-04:002013-07-15T21:20:18.192-04:00Michael Kors Sues Costco Over Misleading Ad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOPHgwc_nJM/UeSKlcWStKI/AAAAAAAAAjg/9Oj9lhHri7U/s1600/MKcostco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOPHgwc_nJM/UeSKlcWStKI/AAAAAAAAAjg/9Oj9lhHri7U/s1600/MKcostco.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael Kors Holdings has filed a lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corp. in New York federal court on July 11th. The lawsuit stems from an advertisement seen above which MK says falsely advertises MK bags for sale. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ad shows handbags with MK's signature pattern and gold logo. The problem is, Costco has never been an authorized</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> retailer of the designer. Further, that MK handbags were never available for sale and MK alleges Costco used MK's handbag images to lure customers into the store. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the ad was distributed via emailed on April 16th to promote a selection of designer handbags for Mother's Day. </span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The claim filed by MK states, "<i>Costco is not, and never has been, an authorized dealer of Michael Kors handbags, and upon information and belief, Costco does not currently sell Michael Kors handbags.</i>" Further that, "<i>To this date, consumers who arrive at Costco's web site through the bait-and-switch ad, or via Costco's main web site, will not find any Michael Kors handbags available for sale.</i>"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MK is seeking an injunction to enjoin Costco from advertising its products and also requests damages for loss profit, revenue Costco received as a result of diverting customers and punitive damages resulting from the alleged false ads.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This isn't the first time Costco has gotten into trouble. High-end jeweler, <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/tiffany-sues-costco-over-fake.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Tiffany & Co. also filed a suit against the wholesaler for trademark infringement</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD (subscription red'q): <a href="http://www.wwd.com/business-news/legal/michael-kors-sues-costco-7051353"><span style="color: magenta;">Michael Kors Sues Costco</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BusinessWeek: </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-15/michael-kors-tries-to-wipe-some-costco-mud-off-its-gold-plated-brand">Michael Kors Tries to Wipe Some Costco Mud Off Its Gold-Plated Brand</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MailOnline: </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2364043/Costco-sued-misleading-ad-99-Michael-Kors-handbags-authorized-retailer-doesn-t-sell-store.html" target="_blank">Costco sued over 'misleading' ad for $99 Michael Kors handbags because it is 'not an authorized retailer and doesn't sell them in store'</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vogue UK: <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/07/15/michael-kors-handbags---costco-court-case-legal-battle-lawsuit" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Michael Kors Vs Costco</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-9632465203572548512013-07-10T22:58:00.002-04:002013-07-10T23:00:45.396-04:00U.S. Retailers' Safety Plan for Bangladesh Announced, Falls Short<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The U.S version of the plan for improving factory safety in Bangladesh was formally announced today and will be signed by 17 major North American retailers such as Wal-Mart, Macy's, Target, Sears, Nordstrom, and Gap. The plan will be known as "Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety" which will provide low-cost financing for factory owners to improve conditions, an anonymous hotline for workers to report issues, and funding the training of workers and inspection. But not everyone is celebrating...</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main issues that labor groups have with the North American plan is that it is not legally binding like their European counterpart's plan - "Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh" and does not require as much monetary contribution by the retailers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The North American plan is for five years and requires contributions of up to $1 million a year depending on the amount of business it does in Bangladesh to create a $42 million fund. The companies will also work to standardize safety. Further, unlike the European plan, the American plan will not require owners to improve the factory but if it doesn't, the company will do business with a factory that does comply with safety standards. In the European plan, the companies take greater responsibility in making sure the factories are up to par. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main reason why American companies formed their own plan as opposed to signing with the more favored European plan was that the European plan contained a legal provision that they claimed would subject them to "unlimited legal liability." Nonetheless, labor groups are unappeased. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to the NY Times, Scott Nova, an executive director of the Worker Rights Consortium, a monitoring group based in Washington said, "It's clever. It’s designed to sound like the accord. They talk about inspections. They talk about renovations. They can use all the rhetoric they choose, but if you look at the substance, there’s very little there." </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He added, “They can walk away whenever they want and there is no real obligation to pay a penny to repair and renovate factories.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NY Times noted, "[u]nder the terms of the agreement, participating retailers can leave the alliance whenever they like, though if they do so before two years are up, they must pay what remains of their five-year financial commitment to the alliance."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-divide-between-two-bangladesh.html">here</a> for a comparison of the 2 plans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NY Times: <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.083em;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/11/business/global/us-retailers-offer-safety-plan-for-bangladeshi-factories.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">U.S. Retailers Offer Plan For Safety At Factories</a>; </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.083em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/business/global/clothiers-in-deal-for-inspecting-bangladeshi-factories.html">Clothiers Act to Inspect Bangladeshi Factories</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.083em;">WSJ: </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323740804578597600220490718.html">Wal-Mart and Other U.S. Retailers Commit to Factory Safety in Bangladesh</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-50221035632438834702013-07-08T22:14:00.002-04:002013-07-09T00:36:57.353-04:00Current Owner of Versace Mansion Files for Bankruptcy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l61k8L8PS8o/UdttMVi1UuI/AAAAAAAAAjA/xHple_LvFqM/s1600/casa+casuarina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l61k8L8PS8o/UdttMVi1UuI/AAAAAAAAAjA/xHple_LvFqM/s1600/casa+casuarina.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">PHOTO: <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 11px; text-align: right; text-transform: uppercase;">CASA CASUARINA LLC/AP</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The current owner of the mansion once owned by Gianni Versace, Casa Casuarina LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an effort to stave off foreclosure. Casa Casuarina LLC is owned by<span style="background-color: white;"> Peter Loftin, a </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">telecommunication magnate who purchase the home in 2000. The mortgage to the pro</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">perty is held by VM South Beach LLC, which is owned by the family that created Jordache jeans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mansion was converted to a hotel in 2009 and was listed for $125 million last year which price was reduced to $75 million in May after no buyers came forward. By filing for bankruptcy protection, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Casa Casuarina will continue to seek a buyer instead of going into receivership. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mansion was built in 1930 and has 10 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and opulence frescos and statues and a huge mosaic pool with Versace's trademark medusa logo in the pool grounds. See photos of the mansion <a href="http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mhj45ihgk/casa-casuarina-miami-beach-fl/">here</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The home made international news in 1997 when Gianni Versace was murdered on its steps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSJ: <span style="line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2013/07/08/owner-places-versace-mansion-in-bankruptcy">Owner Places Versace Mansion in Bankruptcy</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mail Online UK: </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2336818/50million-slashed-price-Versace-mansion-legendary-designer-shot-dead-set-75million.html">Designer discount: $50 million slashed off price of mansion where Gianni Versace was shot dead (but it will still set you back $75 million)</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NY Daily News: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/versace-mansion-hits-market-125-million-article-1.1093480">Versace mansion hits market for $125 million</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-37528349096876694892013-07-08T21:43:00.004-04:002013-07-08T21:46:06.753-04:00LVMH Takes Control of Loro Piana for $2.6 Billion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgCKp8n47Do/UdtjQAb_RrI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Fu5Zwa5sPNY/s1600/loropiana-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgCKp8n47Do/UdtjQAb_RrI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Fu5Zwa5sPNY/s1600/loropiana-logo.png" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;">LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton purchased an 80 percent stake in Loro Piana, costing LVMH €2 billion ($2.56 billion) and valuing the company at €2.7 billion ($3.48 billion). Loro Piana, t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he Italian luxury clothing company best known for its luxury cashmere and wool goods where a</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> cashmere cardigan will set one back $1,250 and cashmere lined rain coat, almost $11,000, has weathered the recession well and is expected to have sales of over </span><span style="font-family: arial;">€700 million this year. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">LVMH CFO, Jean-Jacques Guiony said during a conference call,</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> "<i>We have a big respect for the brand and have been looking at [Loro Piana] for many, many years.</i>" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Loro Piana has been family run for generations since 1924 when the company was officially founded although the company has been in existen</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ces as early as 1812. It is one of many family owned Italian luxury companies that have chosen to sell. In recent years, Bulgari and Brioni has also sold to luxury conglomerates.<span style="line-height: 20px;"> Hermès has been resisting being taken over by LVMH after<a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/hermes-takes-louis-vuitton-to.html"> LVMH secretly amassed a minority stake in the company</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">great-great-grandchildren of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Giacomo Loro Piana</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">co, who founded the company, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana will continue to be co-CEO and</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> manage the company day-to-day as the family retains a 20 percent stake. The brothers s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">aid, </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">“<i>LVMH has proved that it respects and nurtures family businesses and is most likely to respect the values and traditions.</i>"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Read more:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">NY Times: </span></span><span style="line-height: 1.05;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/lvmh-to-buy-control-of-loro-piana-for-2-6-billion/">LVMH to Buy Control of Loro Piana for $2.6 Billion</a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.05;">WSJ: </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323368704578593780343466700.html">LVMH Buys Control of Loro Piana</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-86173300452290280732013-07-01T20:32:00.002-04:002013-07-01T20:35:04.719-04:00French Regulator Fines Louis Vuitton $10 Million Over Hermès Stake<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOuWEnNYNgA/UdIeuyVP-ZI/AAAAAAAAAig/P-DeyNUxLks/s406/001434iaf1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOuWEnNYNgA/UdIeuyVP-ZI/AAAAAAAAAig/P-DeyNUxLks/s406/001434iaf1+(1).jpg" height="117" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
French regulator, Autorité des Marches Financiers (AMF") fined LVMH €8
Million ($10.4 million) which is less than the maximum penalty of €10
Million ($13 million) which the company was facing. The fine was due to <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/french-regulator-to-decide-hermes-lvmh.html">LVMH's failure to disclose a large accumulation of Hermès stock</a> under French securities laws. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the largest fine ever imposed by the AMF,
which noted in a </span><a href="http://www.amf-france.org/documents/general/10912_1.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">press release</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that such fine reflects the "<i>seriousness of the successive
breaches of public-disclosure requirements which
consisted in concealing each stage of LVMH's stake-building in Hermès</i>"
and that "<i>circumvention of the rules intended to ensure transparency,
which is so vital to
orderly markets, must be punished to the same extent as the disruption
it
causes.</i>" </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The AMF spent two years investigating how LVMH was able to
secretly amassed such a large stake before imposing the fine. Nonetheless, LVMH will not be
obligated to give up the stock it accumulated by circumventing securities laws which makes the fine of €8 million like
a slap on the wrist compared to the paper gains of €2 billion ($2.6 billion) that LVMH has already accrued from the purchase
of Hermès stock. It seems to me that the AMF hasn't done anything to
intimidate future companies from doing the same given the amount of the fine and potential upside in rewards.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LVMH said it would appeal the decision immediately. Hermès has not yet commented on the fine as of this writing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NY Times: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/02/business/global/02iht-lvmh02.html">French Regulator Fines LVMH for Hermès Stake</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSJ: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324436104578579651490572348.html">LVMH Fined Over Hermès Stake </a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bloomberg: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-01/lvmh-fined-8-million-euros-by-france-over-stake-in-hermes-1-.html">LVMH Fined 8 Million Euros by France Over Stake in Hermes</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-27413349834582436382013-06-30T21:23:00.002-04:002013-07-10T23:01:59.577-04:00The Divide Between the Two Bangladesh Safety Plans <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qikVOUjEAo/UdDFqJqPJWI/AAAAAAAAAiA/NQgwRQdgx_U/s537/bangladesh-safety-accord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qikVOUjEAo/UdDFqJqPJWI/AAAAAAAAAiA/NQgwRQdgx_U/s537/bangladesh-safety-accord.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since the <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/bangladesh-death-toll-exceeds-620.html">deadliest accident in garment industry</a> recent history, which occurred in Bangladesh in April, large retailers around the world have forced the confront and tackle the issue of how to prevent future accidents. Two distinct plans have surfaced as the retail industry's answer to improving factory worker safety and working conditions. Just how different are they?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/h-and-zara-endorses-safety-accord-after.html">Bangladesh safety accord</a> was the first plan to come about and has been signed by many large European retailers including, H&M, Inditex (which owns Zara), Benetton and only a few U.S. retailers such as </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abercrombie & Fitch and PVC (which owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The safety accord is a legally binding pact which carries a five year commitment to conduct inspection of the factories and contribute up to $500,000 a year to fund and implement the accord. There will be greater worker rights and fire training as well as greater transparency for unsafe factories. Further, there are legal penalties for failure to adhere to the pact and binding dispute resolution procedures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, many other big U.S. retailers have been holding out and hoping to find their answer in something less binding. Wal-Mart, Gap, Target, Macy's and Sears have created their own accord which calls for establishment of a $50 million fund to improve factories and working conditions. Critics say that is a minuscule compared to the fact that Bangladesh's exports $20 billion worth of exports a year. Further, there is very little legal liability which would only come about if a company agreed to commit money then backed out or they continue to produce garments in unsafe factories.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protesters have been targeting Wal-Mart and Gap for not signing the accord. Gap claims that it is ready to sign but the binding arbitration provision needs to be changed. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bangladesh has about 5,000 factories; Wal-Mart does business with almost 300 of them and Gap with 80 of them. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's quite sad and discouraging when the U.S., which is supposed to be a beacon of human rights, U.S. companies cannot agree to something more firm and cannot put their money where their mouth is as their European counterparts have done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSJ has a simple table which lays out the two plans:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXfMznYsZkc/UdDKP5TQD5I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/HpNNGo7btyg/s628/WSJ+bangladesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXfMznYsZkc/UdDKP5TQD5I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/HpNNGo7btyg/s628/WSJ+bangladesh.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you think about the two plans?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WSJ: </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323419604578569631699636720.html">U.S. Retailers Near Pact on Bangladesh Factory Safety</a></span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-89314108934902530072013-06-21T18:21:00.002-04:002013-06-21T18:21:53.419-04:00Marc Jacobs Beauty to Launch at Sephora<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09Lab6VvgO0/UcTQ4GCYY-I/AAAAAAAAAhg/b_m4HtQoFog/s1600/MJsephora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09Lab6VvgO0/UcTQ4GCYY-I/AAAAAAAAAhg/b_m4HtQoFog/s1600/MJsephora.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marc Jacobs is launching a beauty collection exclusively as Sephora and
select MJ stores. The collection will consist of 122 different products
and be available for purchase on August 9th! However, on July 19th,
Sephora will offer ‘teaser’ by allowing shoppers to purchasing five
products
from the collection early. The products will range in prices from $24
to $59. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marc Jacobs already has a lucrative
fragrance line but cosmetics have always been riskier. Sephora is not
worries as it plans to debut the collection in the United States and
Canada, for its first ever global product launch.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacobs was very involved in the process and was inspired from everything ranging from his tattoos to his table. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacobs explained why he decided to get into cosmetics:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
"<i>I like the transformative qualities of fashion and fashion to me is not just
clothing, it’s handbags, it’s shoes, it’s clothes, it’s hair, it’s makeup, it’s
fragrance, it’s the whole ritual of making those choices, of enjoying the
ritual, of making the choices that will tell the world who you want to be that
day</i>."</span></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Refinery29: <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2013/06/48488/marc-jacobs-makeup-line-sephora">Marc Jacobs Debuts Cosmetics Line, Thinks Natural Makeup Is "Lazy" </a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD (subscription red'q): <a href="http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/color-cosmetics/marc-jacobs-launches-beauty-at-sephora-6989744">Marc Jacobs Launching Beauty at Sephora</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04138019631706227573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5013489296328019767.post-84521316931781486762013-06-20T20:48:00.004-04:002013-06-20T20:56:58.090-04:00Hermès Sues Louis Vuitton in Commercial Court <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdHSGBUDqng/UcOhQLJZOQI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/9TBIfOJkTtw/s1600/hermes-paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BdHSGBUDqng/UcOhQLJZOQI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/9TBIfOJkTtw/s1600/hermes-paris.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, it seems like the two premier luxury brands
will never make peace as both have been filing lawsuits against each
other. Now add one more. In its complaint filed with commercial court
in Paris, Hermès accused LVMH of "most important fraud in the history of the French stock market." Hermès
wants the court to undo the transactions that allowed LVMH to secretly
build up a large stake in its company. LVMH used a series of equity
swaps to purchase shares without having to declare its stake over 5%.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">As explained by 4-traders.com,</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">"<i>Equity
swaps are market instruments that allow investors to bet on movements
of a share price without actually owning the shares. LVMH initially
built up a position in Hermes shares through equity swaps over a period
of several years and decided to settle the transactions with actual
shares instead of cash. LVMH eventually acquired 12% of </i></span><i>
Hermè<span style="text-align: justify;">s through the equity swap contracts.</span> </i></span><i> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Because
of the fragmentation of the stake, LVMH was able to avoid, for a time,
the legal obligation to reveal it, which usually becomes necessary when
an investor owns at least 5% of a company, according to French market
rules. Since 2010, LVMH has continued buying shares on the market and
now holds a 22.3% stake in Hermes the luxury giant disclosed in a filing
to France's stock market regulator</i>."</span> </span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According
to French newspaper, The Local, "<i>Hermès demands that LVMH sell back the
stock to the three banks - Societe Generale, Natixis and Credit
Agricole - which are themselves accused in court of acting as de-facto
fronts for the alleged takeover attempt.</i>"<br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hermè<span style="text-align: justify;">s</span> also
filed a criminal complaint against LVMH alleging insider trading
earlier in the year which got the <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/french-regulator-to-decide-hermes-lvmh.html">French regulators involved</a>. LVMH then <a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/louis-vuitton-files-criminal-lawsuit.html">counter-sued claiming slander by an Hermè</a><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://thefashionlawblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/louis-vuitton-files-criminal-lawsuit.html">s executive</a>.</span><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WWD (subscription req'd):<span style="color: #1d1d1d;"><span style="letter-spacing: -1px;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.wwd.com/business-news/legal/french-luxury-brands-head-to-court-7002371">French Luxury Brands Head to Court</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Local: <a href="http://www.thelocal.fr/20130619/french-luxury-brand-lvmh-accused-of-historic-fraud">Hermès vs Louis Vuitton: Brand wars turn ugly</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4-traders: <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.4-traders.com/HERMES-INTERNATIONAL-4657/news/Hermes-Files-Lawsuit-Against-LVMH-17033009/">Hermes Files Lawsuit Against LVMH</a></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
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