Fashion & Style News: Tracy Reese Expands Plenty Brand

Tracy Gives Us Plenty

Designer Tracy Reese is expanding her Plenty line with a new footwear and home accessories collection. The shoe collection will feature 30 styles including flats, heels, clogs and boots to coordinate with the Plenty apparel line.The shoes will work for day or evening and be priced from $95-$200. Reese also plans to produce handbags and a cosmetics collection. The home collection will feature bath accessories and scented candles.

Visit TracyReese.com for more information.

Fashion & Style News: Gap Launches Premium Pants Collection

 Just when you thought you Gap couldn't come up with anything to top their Gap 1969 denim initiative, they go and come up with something else. The San Francisco based retailer is introducing a new line of men's and women's pants, a premium collection for those of us with more discerning tastes.

The pants are deemed more suitable for elegant affairs, such as the after-hour cocktail party where looking your best is a requirement not an option.

Gap Designer Patrick Robinson spent months perfecting the collection to make the garments look "four or five times it's price". These aren't pants for throwing on and running out of the house. These are the pants that will hang in that special section of your closet with clothes you wear to turn heads.

The price tag for the Gap Premium Pants Collection is astonishingly reasonable at $49.50 t0 $59.50 a pair. The women's collection includes the stylish Really Skinny fit as well as the Boyish fit, a flared trouser, and curvy fit for those with a little bit more cushion.

Add-ons will include sheer white blouses, cozy cashmere sweaters, leather and shearling aviator jackets and peep-toe wedges designed by Pierre Hardy. The Gap Premium Pants Collection advertising campaign will launch in glossies as early as September for women and February for men.

(Photo courtesy of WWD.com)

Fashion & Style News: Celebrities Boost Shapewear

 Rihanna sees the big picture in shapewear.

The mere mention of shapewear can fall on deaf ears, but celebrities have been the driving force behind an increase in sales. Thanks to people like Oprah, who remarks about her Spanx and  Rihanna and Beyonce, who performed at the Grammys and American Music Awards respectively, in shapewear inspired garments, have helped brands are seeing an increase in sales.

Shapewear trends have also been popularized by television shows like Mad Men and HBO's Diary of a Call Girl. Magazines like Harper's Bazaar offer tips on how to build undergarment wardrobes and many women are adding all-in-one body shapers, control camis, waist cinchers and all-in-one body shapers to their undergarment wardrobes.

Among the popular brands, Spanx, Slimpressions, Jockey, Flexees and Body Wrap. Stores are also rushing to include larger size shapewear in sizes up to XXL. As people become more body-conscious, shapewear is bound to see even more sales.

Fashion & Style News: Luxury Goods Are Still Selling

 Everybody loves a Louis Vuitton.

The recession isn't stopping some luxury brands from raking in the cash. LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey) have seen significant improvement in the sales of their brands. March ended with about $6.2 million in sales $5.26 million during that time in 2009. In plain English, sales increased by 13%.

LVMH has seen dramatic increased in all of its business divisions including a 10% increased fashion and leather goods; 12% in perfumes and cosmetics; 13% in selective retailing; 20% in wines and spirits, and 34% in watches and jewelry.

Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs, who also fall under the LVMH umbrella saw an increase in sales as well, while Celine closed up shop at a few of their stores. Dior revenues reached nearly $250 million compared last year's $221 million. Sometimes you just can't keep a good brand down. 

Fashion & Style News: Rock & Republic Files Bankruptcy

Premium denim line Rock & Republic has filed for bankruptcy. The worldwide brand will continue to operate while it goes through Chapter 11 and reorganizes.

The upscale brand is said to have filed bankruptcy to take the pressure off their finances. In other words, they are overextended. Rock & Republic although extremely popular is undoubtedly overpriced in my opinion. High price tags for denim have always puzzled me. I mean seriously, it's denim.

While I do like Rock & Republic's jeans, I think they should reevaluate their pricing strategies as well. It won't take away from the allure of the brand, it might just reinvent it. We shall see.

Fashion & Style News: Tom Ford Assembling Design Team for Women's Line

From Ford's final run at Gucci for fall 2004.

Designer Tom Ford is compiling his design team for his new women's ready-to-wear collection. Known for his spectacular marketing efforts and popularity among the celebrity set, Ford has yet to set a date for when his collection will launch. But one thing is clear, he's going after the best designers in the business to help him create the line.

Current designers on tentatively on board include Givenchy women's ready-to-wear designer, Caroline Tixier and Alexander McQueen accessories designer Pablo Coppola. Rumors are circulating that Ford plans to have the collection ready for fall 2011, giving him a little more than a year to prepare.

The exterior of Ford's Vegas store.

The former Gucci designer is said to be contemplating a New York or Milan debut as well as scouting for retail partnerships for the brand. Financing is also an issue, as many investors are reluctant to shell out money due to the economy.

Currently Ford has a licensing deal with the Ermenegildo Zegna Group for his men's collection, as well as the Marcolin Group for eyewear and Estee Lauder for fragrances and beauty products. We'll be watching Ford closely as his women's brand develops.

Photos courtesy of Style.com (runway shots) and WWD.com.

Fashion & Style News: Alberta Ferretti Adds Personal Touch for Online Shoppers

Alberta Ferretti's online shoppers are up for a big treat. The designer will personally respond to her most loyal shoppers' questions, providing suggestions and advice based on their style profiles. Online buyers can buy Alberta Ferretti and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti clothes, accessories and fragrances on their respective sites.

Ferretti decided to launch both the Alberta Ferretti and Philosopy di Alberta Ferretti e-commerce sites simultaneously, making them readily available for shoppers in the U.S., Europe, Japan and the Far East regions.

For more information on creating a style profile or to shop Ferretti's collections, visit, AlbertaFerreti.com and Philosophy.it.

Fashion & Style News: Missoni Comes to 90210

 Joy Bryant (r) with Margherita and Angela Missoni.

Nicole Richie

Missoni Beverly Hills boutique  exterior.

Missoni has opened it's first boutique in Beverly Hills yesterday. Margherita and Angela Missoni hosted the event. Joy Bryant and Nicole Richie dropped by to celebrate with the Missonis. 

Monday Fashion Madness: Daily Updates

Fashion & Beauty Happenings This Week:

Models of Color Missing From Fashion Week Runways 

White Sorority Zeta Tau Alpha Wins Step Competition Wearing Boots & Trench Coats 

30% Off Trench Coats and Free Umbrellas at The Limited!

$6 Lip Paint Gloss at Carol's Daughter!

Bread & Butter, Briana Erin and Jennie Liu at BillionDollarBabes.com

Also this week at BBB:

Monday 2/22 – Tuesday 2/23 – CHANEL Vintage Handbags, Karmel & Alden, Plume

Wednesday 2/24 – Thursday 2/25 – Ella Moss, Paige Premium Denim, Rhys Dwfen

Friday 2/26 – Saturday 2/27 – Bravo New York, ecoSkin, Heys USA

Michelle Obama Greets Glee Club Members from Washington D.C. Elementary School 

Fashion & Style News: Alexander McQueen Commits Suicide

Alexander McQueen

Women's Wear Daily and Huffington Posts reports that 40 year-old fashion designer Alexander McQueen has committed suicide. He was found dead in his London home Thursday morning. Read the Huffington Post article here. McQueen who is best known for his bold and elaborate designs was born on March 16th, 1969. He began his fashion career Savile row tailors Anderson & Sheppard. He earned his master's degree in fashion from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. He worked for Givenchy, succeeding John Galliano in 1996, then went on to create his own line which included apparel, footwear and fragrances.

 McQueen's body is removed from his home.

McQueen was one of the youngest fashion designers to receive the British Designer of the Year Award which he won four times between 1996 and 2003. He was the first designer to design a makeup collection with MAC Cosmetics and in 2008 he launched his own ecommerce site for ready-to-wear and accessory sales.

We send our prayers and condolences to the McQueen family.

CFB

Fashion & Style News: Mary J. Blige and Catherine Malandrino Join Forces

Malandrino and Blige

Mary J. Blige is continuing her plight to help women. She's teamed up with famed designer Catherine Malandrino to create a t-shirt collection to empower women. The t-shirts will make their debut in stores beginning next week.

Blige and Malandrino will make an in-store appearance in Bloomingdale's in Manhattan in hopes of bringing attention to Blige's FFWAN foundation where Malandrino sits on the board. FFAWN or Foundation for the Achievement of Women Now. The shirts which come in hot off-the-shoulder styles with abstract designs. The shirts will start at $39 and will be sold in department stores and freestanding Catherine Malandrino stores.

Blige and Malandrino have affectionately dubbed the shirts T-Luxe for t-shirt luxury. Now that's hot. 

Fashion & Style News: Tory Burch Opens Up Shop in Tokyo

The exterior of the Tory Burch store in Ginza, Tokyo.

Tory Burch has gone abroad, opening a flagship store in Japan. The Tokyo store is the first international store for Burch whose plans for the brand include a massive international market. There are 30 additional stores planned for Japan next year. The Tokyo store comes after an earlier opening in Manila this month.

Tory Burch executives are looking at tapping the Chinese and European markets. The Tokyo store opened December 8th, with lines of customers who waited eagerly to purchase Burch's signature ballet flats and limited edition tote bags. Ten lucky shoppers who found a "golden ticket" in their bags were able to party with Burch opening night at a separate location.

The customer base in Japan rivals that of the U.S. market, and even with slightly higher prices, the company for-sees significant growth in the market. Japanese consumers enjoy luxury brands and don't mind paying for them. Tory Burch plans to introduce a Japanese inspired collection for spring 2011 as well as introduce a beauty and fragrance collection worldwide.

Fashion & Style News: 2009 Fashion Flashback

Gone but not forgotten: Michael Jackson. 

Women's Wear Daily takes us through a few of the more memorable fashion events of 2009. Who could forget Aretha's hat, the auctioning of Michael Jackson's blinged out glove or Victoria Beckham's racy Emporio Armani underwear ads. We can only hope that 2010 will be just as exciting.

Hats off: Aretha's Inauguration hat was a huge seller. 

Utter footwear ridiculousness at Nina Ricci. 

Charmed, I'm sure. 

Our president, does the classic male well.

Kanye West, proof that some people should stay in college.

Thierry Mugler's outfits for Beyonce's tour. 

Victoria Beckham revealed. 

See more looks on WWD.com.

Fashion News Feature: Shopping While Black

Watch the video first. And feel free to post your comments after. ABC conducts these "What Would You Do?" episodes with some surprising results....

This is probably one of the most disturbing things I have ever seen. As a black woman, I have indeed seen certain behavior exuded by employees when I enter a store. In some stores on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, boutique employees are adamant about watching certain types of people. Do celebrities get treated this way? One can only wonder, as of course you've seen tabloids with celebs, black and white plastered all over the pages.

I was in Loehmann's here in Los Angeles about a month ago where at least three times I've been there, I have witnessed people shoplifting, none of them were black. Most recently a woman was escorted from the store and paraded past customers in handcuffs after she attempted to leave the store with stolen merchandise. She was not black.

For the retailers who automatically assume that black people steal, you'd better check your memos again. The average shoplifter is the middle-aged white woman who doesn't work for a living a.k.a. The Soccer Mom. And if you feel you have been discriminated against, do something about it. If you're stopped by security, frisked, or questioned, get the names of every person you talk to in the store and take pictures if you have a digital camera. Hard evidence cannot be disputed. Though racial discrimination of any kind is nothing new , it does prove that even with a Black President, some things just never die.

-- O 

Fashion & Style News: Uptown Magazine's 2009 Best-Dressed List

Halle Berry always has A-List style. 

Uptown Magazine has named their Best-Dressed for 2009, an incomparable list of movers and shakers from entertainment, art and culture; business, and politics. Hailing from L.A. to Chicago to D.C. to New York City, there are some real chocolate fashionistas holding court on the list.

The 2009 Best Dressed Ladies

Alicia Blythewood

Andrea DuBois

Ann Walker Merchant 

Bonnie Morrison

Brie Blythewood

Cheryl Creuzot

Cheryle Robinson-Jackson

Constance White 

Crystal McCrary Anthony (l)

Desiree Rogers

Dorys Madden Erving

Fatima Robinson

Halle Berry 

Holly Robinson-Peete

Jaci Reid (The Philanthropist)

June Haynes 

Maggie Betts

Michelle Obama 

Naomi Campbell

Nicola Vassell

Paula Patton

Ruby Rucker Cooper

Shakara Ledard

Shauna Bain Smith

Susan Fales-Hill

Tracey Ferguson

Tracie Howard

Tracy Mourning 

Zoe Kravitz 

Zoe Saldana

Fashion & Style News: Penney's Prepares to Roll Out Mango

Mango, the line endorsed by actress Penelope Cruz and her sister Monica is headed to JC Penney's. Mango's appearance at Penney's will be the largest of its kind. The collection will feature casual and career sportswear and accessories.

The Barcelona-based line has proved to be a successful brand worldwide with nearly 100 stores in 94 countries. The U.S. houses a mere 12 stores but Mango is holding it's own, competing with the likes of Zara and H&M.The Penney's deal will allow the brand to expand it's U.S. market and give customers European inspired fashions. MNG by Mango will also provide a boost in Penney's contemporary women's department.

The collection will include jeans, tees, woven tops, dresses and careerwear. Prices have not been determined but will likely be comparable to the current contemporary brands J.C. Penney's houses.

Fashion & Style News: Zac Posen Heads to Target

Zac Posen is the latest designer to join forces with Target to create a collection for the store's Go International Series.

The collection will feature tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. Prices have not been determined but mostly likely be comparable to previous Go collection ranging from $14.99 to $149.99. His designer collections range from $900-12,000 for ready-to-wear and up to $20,000 for custom designs.

Recently Posen launched Z Spoke, a lower-priced collection exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue.

Fashion Feature: The Evolution of Rocawear

By no means am I a streetwear kind of girl. I like to keep it simple with a pair of jeans and a fitted tee for weekends looks, and at night I prefer to be a little more glammed up. Still one has to recognize an iconic brand when it celebrates 10 years in the business.

Rocawear had modest beginnings, initially serving as a tee shirt collection for hip-hop fans who bobbed their heads to likes of Sean "Jay-Z" Carter. In 1999 he and then partner Damon Dash started a line of clothing they simply wanted to wear, and dubbed it Rocawear.

The first collection included simple jeans, tees, and warm-up suits, staples in the urban hoods of which the inspiration of Roc-a-Fella Records began. The simple "RW" logo has become a iconic symbolism of not only fashion but hip-hop as well. Music and fashion have always been intertwined so it was only natural that Rocawear founder Jay-Z evolve into a full-fledged music and fashion mogul. Even though he has traded his baggy jeans for tailored suits and tuxedos at time, he is almost always spotted in his brand's gear. 

And what better way to sell your product than to wear it? Jay has been the poster boy for Rocawear since day one and even enlisted a few friends to help with the task. Super model Naomi Campbell appeared in 2003 alongside Victoria Beckham. Zoe Saldana also lent her lovely looks to a 2007 campaign. Rocawear's target audience is hardly what I would call fashionistas. They are likely to live on life's edgier side and be all about trends and get their fashion tips from music videos. Still Rocawear has managed to fill the hearts of many and sales have been consistent and profitable, unlike brands like J. Lo and G-Unit which have found their way to bargain bins across the country.

Fortunately for Rocawear, it's street cred has encouraged sales and evolved into one of the most successful urban clothing lines of its time. We'll look forward to seeing Rocawear in another ten years.