Move Over Celine Luggage Tote, A New It Bag is in Town

Photo: Louis Vuitton

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 rue des Capucines which was the location of the first LV store when it opened in Paris in 1854.

But what makes this bag an It Bag?

Peter Pilotto for Target Debuts February 9, 2013!

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. 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!

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

Check out the First Look video for the collaboration after the jump

The Latest Sneak Peek of Isabel Marant for H&M!

Photo: H&M

H&M released another teaser for its highly anticipated Isabel Marant for H&M collection 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! 

Marant gave fans some insight as to how this collection will be designed in the latest interview with H&M:

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.

Check out a close up of the pics after the jump.

Details about Balenciaga's Lawsuit Against Ghesquière Emerges

System Magazine

Back in June it was rumored that Balenciaga was suing its ex-Creative Director, Nicolas Ghesquière over the candid interview 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.

Homiès & Other Streetwear Parodies Test Designer's Trademark Rights

Photo: Asos.com

WWD came out with a great article last week on the prevalence of designer parodied trademarks on apparel that have become a huge trend as celebrities and fashion bloggers have embraced these re-created logos.   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.  

But what are the legal ramifications?  Find out after the jump and see more designer parodied 
logos...

Louis Vuitton Will Not Appeal Fine Over Hermès Stake

Louis Vuitton has decided not to appeal the fine imposed from the AMF (France's equivalent of the Securities Exchange Commission in the U.S.).  The AMF fined LVMH a record €8 million a couple of months ago for failing to disclose a significant amount of Hermès' 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. 

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 "never breached regulations regarding ownership thresholds or engaged in insider trading or market manipulation."Read the entire statement after the jump.

Entire 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Collection Unveiled!!

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

The entire 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection was release today and I am so impressed with the collection!! From the first announcement to the teasers and sneak peaks, 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!

Naeem Khan Settles Suit With Ex-Creative Director

Source: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

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.

Jason Wu to Launch Beauty Line with Lancôme

Photo: WWD

Seems like a lot of fashion designers are taking the leap into beauty. First, Marc Jacobs' beauty launched in Sephora today and now Michelle Obama's go to designer, Jason Wu 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.

Sneak Peek of Phillip Lim for Target!

Phillip Lim for Target

Back in May, when it was announced Phillip Lim would be designing a collection for Target, fashionistas swooned. Now as we get closer to the debut on September 15, 2013, a sneak peek of the collaboration has already been released! Lim's collection is divided into morning, noon 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.

Macy's & J.C. Penney Trial is Close to an End (Finally!)

The dispute between Macy's and J.C. Penney over Martha Stewart branded home goods is 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 Martha Stewart home goods and attempted to block JCP from those sales which was only partially successful.

Rihanna Wins Lawsuit Against Topshop in U.K.

Rihanna must be all smiles as she recently won a lawsuit in the U.K. against fashion retailer Topshop.  Rihanna sued Topshop in May over Topshop's use of her image on a tank top which was taken from her "We Found Love" music video.    However, 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 royalty payments, unlike in the U.S.  So what makes this case so different?

Former Tiffany Exec Pleads Guilty to $2.1 Million Jewelry Theft

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 vice president of product development, 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, Lederhaas-Okun reported them missing or damaged and resold them. She was charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. So how did Tiffany finally find out?

Looking for that It-Bag? Try Sears.com!

Celine Luggage Tote on Sears Marketplace

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, Net-a-porter, 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 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? Did Sears secretly get a luxury makeover? or both?

Louboutin and Charles Jourdan Settle Lawsuit Over Red Soles

Photo: Christian Louboutin

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 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 WWD, 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.

Versace Counterfeit "Victory" is Disputed by Griffith Suisse Luxury Group

In May, it was widely reported that Versace had won a counterfeit lawsuit against Griffith Suisse Luxury Group 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 "wherein both parties agreed not to pursue legal action against each other."  With respect to the 2011 lawsuit filed against online auction house, eBay over similar matters - that is being appealed after California state trial court dismissed Griffith Suisse claims.  Read Griffith Suisse's statement after the jump.

Juicy Couture Founders Seek to Buy Back Company

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 parent company secretly shopping the label to buyers, it's clear that consumers are tired of "juicy" plasters on their behinds and change is needed.  

Michael Kors Sues Costco Over Misleading Ad

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. The ad shows handbags with MK's signature pattern and gold logo.  The problem is, Costco has never been an authorized 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.  According to WWD, the ad was distributed via emailed on April 16th to promote a selection of designer handbags for Mother's Day.  

U.S. Retailers' Safety Plan for Bangladesh Announced, Falls Short

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...

Current Owner of Versace Mansion Files for Bankruptcy

PHOTO: CASA CASUARINA LLC/AP

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 Peter Loftin, a telecommunication magnate who purchase the home in 2000.  The mortgage to the property is held by VM South Beach LLC, which is owned by the family that created Jordache jeans.  

LVMH Takes Control of Loro Piana for $2.6 Billion

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, the Italian luxury clothing company best known for its luxury cashmere and wool goods where a 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 €700 million this year.   LVMH CFO, Jean-Jacques Guiony said during a conference call, "We have a big respect for the brand and have been looking at [Loro Piana] for many, many years." 

French Regulator Fines Louis Vuitton $10 Million Over Hermès Stake

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 LVMH's failure to disclose a large accumulation of Hermès stock under French securities laws. 

This is the largest fine ever imposed by the AMF, which noted in a press release that such fine reflects the "seriousness of the successive breaches of public-disclosure requirements which consisted in concealing each stage of LVMH's stake-building in Hermès" and that "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."  

The Divide Between the Two Bangladesh Safety Plans

Ever since the deadliest accident in garment industry 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?

Marc Jacobs Beauty to Launch at Sephora

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. 

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.

Hermès Sues Louis Vuitton in Commercial Court

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%.

Dolce and Gabbana Found Guilty of Tax Evasion

The Italian design duo of their eponymous label Dolce & Gabbana were found guilty by a Milan court of tax evasion.  This criminal verdict is separate from the verdict the tax commission handed down in April.  For the criminal case, they are now sentenced to 20 months in prison and were also fined a half billion euros (or approximately $650 million) on top of the €344 million the tax commission levied.  Things are definitely not looking good for the newest members of the billionaires club, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.  

Balenciaga Sues Ex-Creative Director, Nicolas Ghesquière

System magazine

Rumour has it...Balenciaga is suing its ex-Creative Director, Nicolas Ghesquière.  It may stem from the candid interview Ghesquière gave to System magazine in April after he departed from Balenciaga.  While Ghesquière gave the standard statement when he departed in November, saying, it was a "joint decision to end their working relationship", that was clearly not the entire story.  Ghesquière expressed his dissatisfaction with working at the luxury fashion house to System magazine, calling it "unfufilling" and a "bureaucracy", adding he felt "dehumanized" and "sucked dry".  Very candid indeed.   

Phillip Lim Creates New Logo for China to Combat "Trademark Squatter"

New Phillip Lim logo

Phillip Lim, who recently announced a collection for Target, also debuted a new brand mark for its 3.1 Phillip Lim collections.  The new logo is shown above.  According to the company, "a trademark squatter" currently owns the Chinese rights to the brand's name for ready to wear and footwear and without letting that stop Phillip Lim from launching its collection in China, it went to easier route of creating a new logo. 

Kate Spade Wins Trademark Dispute Against Saturdays Surf NYC

Photo: Glamour.com

Kate Spade's new diffusion line, Kate Spade Saturday which debuted in the Spring came across resistance and opposition from Saturdays Surf NYC who complained that the name was too similar to its own. Saturdays Surf said the names would cause confusion since the logo fonts are very similar and they are both in the business of selling apparel even though marketed towards different demographics, Saturdays Surf said they planned on starting a women's line at some point.

Kate Spade Saturday is a new global lifestyle brand created to evoke the spirit of Saturday seven days a week and has lower prices compared to Kate Spade New York but contains the same colorful and optimistic vibe. Whereas, Saturdays Surf is a retailer selling surf gear and ready-to-wear accessories for men in SoHo and West Village as well as in Tokyo.

Gucci Appeals Milan Court's Ruling in Guess' Favor

Photo: Gucci

"If at first you don't succeed, try try again."  This seems to be Gucci's motto as it decided to appeal Milan court's dismissal of its infringement claims against Guess this past May.  Gucci requested the decision be overturned and all evidence of "brand infringement and unfair and parasitic competition against Guess be admitted." 

Gucci issued a statement saying:

"The appeal is a necessary action to protect its extraordinary historic wealth of iconic distinctive signs, famous the world and, more generally, to protect the values of creativity and innovation of quality of Made in Italy products.  Gucci, in fact, considers this sentence as potentially dangerous for the protection of the inestimable wealth of intellectual property represented by Made in Italy products."

Book Review: The Knockoff Economy: How Imitation Sparks Innovation

I came across this book while browsing inside Strand Bookstore in Greenwich Village and after reading the first couple of pages, I was captivated and knew I had to read the entire book.   The premise of the book is that despite preconceived notions that intellectual property laws spur creativity and innovation by protecting those ideas and the originator of those ideas, the authors, Kal Raustiala and Christopher Sprigman propose instead innovation thrives and is greater when there is no intellectual property protection.

New York's Child Labor Law Will Change the Modeling Industry

The fashion industry which worships youth and beauty will be in for a change as the New York State legislature yesterday passed a bill proposing that models under the age of 18 be protected by the same labor laws that apply to child actors, singers, and performers.  The bill just needs to be signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in order to become law.  His office said it is reviewing the legislation and will take several months before a decision is made.  In the likely event it does pass, what will it mean for those fashion houses hiring models under-aged models?

Isabel Marant for H&M to Debut November 14th!

Photo: H&M

My heart skipped a beat when I found out French fashion label, Isabel Marant, known for her cool and care free Parisian chic-ness has teamed up with H&M!  Isabel Marant is every cool girl's dream wardrobe at a very steep price.  Her laid-back boho yet edgy look made her a hit among trendsetters. I love browsing her collection unfortunately only to be turned away by the price.  However, the collection for H&M should be priced similarly to past collaborations making it very accessible for budget-conscious fashion lovers.  My imagination is running wild with all the possibilities!  I cannot wait to see the looks from the collaboration because I know it will be amazing! (Continue reading to check out the Isabel Marant for H&M video!)

Louis Vuitton Files Criminal Lawsuit Against Hermès

Photo: Judy Wu

The tension between LVMH and Hermès is here to stay.  Just a few weeks before the French market regulator is expected to decide LVMH's fate for secretly amassing a large stake in Hermès, LVMH decides to file a criminal complaint against an Hermès manager for slander.  The manager's identity has not been disclosed but LVMH is claiming that the manager made implications that LVMH acted fraudulently.  The media has speculated that the lawsuit is against Hermès International's CEO, Patrick Thomas.  

J.Crew Profit Slips But Sales Are Up - Why I'm Not Surprised!

Photo: J.Crew

J.Crew Group Inc., a privately held company which owns J.Crew, known for its colorful preppy chic clothing, and Madewell, a more rustic but hipper sister store, reported its first quarter earning today with a 4.5% decrease in profit but store sales are up 5% and revenue increased 12%.  This means they are selling more but their margins are lower and expenses are off-setting revenue. 

I can't say I'm surprised as J.Crew and Madewell have been having amazing sales this year.  I don't even bother looking at regular-priced items anymore because I can find relatively current items marked down and a good variety and selection too; it's just overall a better deal in the sales racks. Both online and in stores seems like there's a continuous sale everyday. J.Crew has been promoting 25% off everything (or 30% off with a J.Crew card) and these promotions seem to be more frequent these days.  Of course I had to stop by J.Crew after work to check it out and boy am I glad I did!

French Regulator to Decide Hermès - LVMH Dispute

On October 23, 2010, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA announced that they had acquired a significant stake in Hermès International, which is now at 22.3% to everyone's surprise including Hermès themselves.  We now know since 2001, LVMH has slowly been acquiring shares of Hermès below the 5% threshold in which an amount over would require disclosure under French securities laws.  The company also used complex derivatives and other financial instruments to amass its stake without tipping off the public, which may have been in violation of those securities laws.

After Four and a Half Years, Versace Wins Counterfeit Lawsuit [UPDATED]

Versace won a lawsuit against Griffith Suisse Luxury Group yesterday after four and a half years of litigation.  The lawsuit was filed over Griffith Suisse Luxury Group selling counterfeit Versace items on eBay from the Phillipines and Australia.  Versace CEO, Gian Giacomo Ferraris told WWD that he was pleased with the ruling and "counterfeit goods not only bring a dilution to the brand, but are connected to organized crime, child labor and harmful working conditions."

Further, in order to combat counterfeits, authentic Versace products now carry a Certilogo code, which allows customers to verify the authenticity of their purchase online. 

Will "Made in China" Ever Be Considered Luxury?

Photo: Shang Xia website

When one thinks of the origin of luxury goods, two countries come to mind without hesitation - Italy and France - they are the top two countries that originate the most high-end luxury brands for apparel and accessories.  Even for non-luxury brands such as J. Crew, marketing an item to the public as "Made in Italy" creates a sense that it was made with superior craftsmanship and higher quality materials which comes along with premium pricing, of course.  

Meanwhile, "Made in China" has always been synonymous with cheap materials and poorly constructed goods made with sweatshop labor.  That has been the case for decades with no Chinese labels ever catching on internationally as a luxury label.  However, as China continues to rise and the Chinese nouveau riche quench their insatiable thirst for luxury, a few Chinese brands are trying to change that - one even has the help of Hermès.

Hermès Scarves Unveiled: "No Sex. No Blood."

Photo: Hermès

I love Thursdays not just because it means the weekend is almost here but also because on Thursdays, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times have sections dedicated to fashion.  I'm always so curious to see what the story of the week will be.  This week, the WSJ featured a story on the makings of one of the most desired and revered accessories in fashion, the Hermès scarf.  Hermès scarves are a status symbol and if you've ever looked closely at one, they are an amazing work of art.  Unfortunately, at $400+ a piece, it doesn't come cheaply either.  (Check them out on Hermès' website). 

Lawsuit Filed to End Fashion Week at Lincoln Center

Residents who live around Lincoln Center are fed up with the restriction on their access to Damrosch Park, a public neighborhood park, due to commercial events such as NY Fashion Week and Big Apple Circus.  These events cause the park to be occupied 10 months out of the year.  Moreover, environmentalist complain that 67 trees had to be removed from the park in order to make room for Fashion Week tents.

Rihanna Sues Topshop for Unauthorized Use of Her Image

UK fast fashion retail giant, Topshop is being sued by Rihanna for $5 million. Topshop is selling a tank top with her image on it (as seen above) and even though Rihanna's team has tried to work out a deal with Arcadia Group, Topshop's owner, in order for them to sell the shirts, negotiations fell apart. Topshop has continued to sell the shirts without her consent forcing Rihanna to hire global law firm Reed Smith L.P to file a claim in London.

H&M and Zara Endorse Safety Accord After Rana Plaza Collapse

The collapse of Rana Plaza which to date killed over 1,100 people has finally prompted action by major retailers who rely on factories in Bangladesh to produce their garments.  Many companies have agreed to endorse a safety accord, which will be binding on retailers to create, implement and finance fire safety and building improvements.  The pact is gaining momentum in the U.S. and in Europe as fast fashion giants including H&M, Zara, Benetton, and Mango have already signed on.  

Kardashians' Khroma Beauty Forced to Change Name

Photo: Sears

Kardashians will be forced to change the name of their beauty line, Khroma Beauty to...(take a wild guess)...Kardashian Beauty! I guess they couldn't think of anything more original that started with a "K".  Nothing like slapping the Kardashian name on everything to make a pretty penny.  The name change came in light of a $10 million lawsuit by a similarly named beauty company, Kroma who won an injunction to stop sales of Kardashian's Khroma Beauty.

Phillip Lim for Target Debuts September 15, 2013!

Photo: Target

Ladies, mark your calendars! 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target is set to debut on September 15, 2013! The collection will contain looks for women and men so be sure to grab something for the men in your life.  Target has been courting Philip Lim for the last five years and the designer finally gave in because according to Lim, he was such a small brand five years ago and wasn't sure he could handle the scale of a target collection. Five year later, Lim now has 400 stores all over the world and lucky for us, is ready to commit to a Target collaboration.

Parsons Cancels Galliano Workshop

Parsons the New School for Design has cancelled the previously announced workshop taught by the controversial designer, John Galliano, who last year was found guilty of making anti-Semetic comments.  The school issued a statement explaining the circumstances that led them to cancel:

"An important element of the planned workshop with John Galliano was a candid conversation about the connection between his professional work and his actions in the world at large. Unfortunately, we could not reach consensus with Mr. Galliano on the conditions of this conversation, and the program could not move forward."

Gucci vs. GUESS: Who Won and Who Lost More Than Just the Case

Left: Guess; Right: Gucci

On May 2nd, the Milan Court presiding over the trademark infringement case filed by Gucci against GUESS ruled in Guess' favor essentially agreeing with all of their arguments.  They ruled that GUESS' diamond pattern and floral motifs are common in fashion and further that the popular GUESS Quattro G logo pattern did not infringe on Gucci's interlocking Gs.

This is surprising because one would assume that Gucci had home court advantage in Italy as the birthplace of the brand but not only did the Milan Court reject Gucci's infringement claims, they added insult to injury by cancelling 7 of Gucci's trademark registrations.  The trademarks included 3 Italian trademarks and 4 trademarks for the EU.  The Court reinforced GUESS'  defense that it was never trying to dilute Gucci's brand or confuse consumers that GUESS was Gucci.

Bangladesh Death Toll Exceeds 620

Munir Uz Zaman / AFP - Getty Images

Updates and stories from the collapse of Rana Plaza, a garment factory in Savar, Bangladesh a couple of weeks ago are still coming in strong.  The death toll has now surpassed 620 and has sparked outrage across the country and globally.  Initial government investigations said vibrations from generators located on the upper floors may have caused the collapse as the building was constructed from sub-par materials.  Locals are calling for the death penalty for the owner of the building and others involved.

Appeals Court Denies Macy's Injunction Against J.C. Penney

Photo: David Handschuh/Bloomberg

Macy's request for a preliminary injunction against J.C. Penney has been denied by the  Appellate Court, giving JCP the right to continuing selling items designed by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia ("MSLO").  These items will be sold under the "JCP Everyday" label and cannot bear or be marketed under Martha Stewart's name.  Macy's requested the preliminary injunction in order to stop JCP from selling these products while the two companies litigate the claim in New York State Supreme Court before Judge Oing.  The New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division decision upholds Judge Oing's April 12th ruling in favor of JCP which will allow the company to avoid a estimated $100 million loss.  

Bangladesh Factory Collaspe Kills Hundreds; Owner Arrested

A.M. Ahad/Associated Press

Last Wednesday, Rana Plaza, an eight story building housing several factories collapsed in what is one of the deadliest in recent history for Bangladesh's garment industry.  At least 362 people have died from the collapse and still counting.  The building was built without a permit and the day before the collapse, an inspection team discovered large cracks within the structure.  First floor shops closed immediately but the owners of garment businesses on the higher floors still ordered workers to report for work the next day.  

Former Victoria's Secret Model, Kylie Bisutti, Causes Controversy

Photo: Wire Image

Although I'm not personally a big fan of the NY Post for its sensationalist news reporting, I admit I loved reading the article they wrote on Kylie Bisutti, a former Victoria's Secret model. The article contains an excerpt of her book, I'm No Angel: From Victoria's Secret Model to Role Model and an interview with Bisutti that goes into the horrors of the modeling industry and her struggle between what the modeling world wanted of her and what God wanted of her as a Christian.