Saturday, December 18, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: how to select a cashmere sweater - The Boston Globe

Holiday Gift Guide: how to select a cashmere sweater - The Boston Globe

Monday, November 1, 2010

What to wear to spin class? Cashmere of course!

Ashley Olsen wearing cashmere sweater by Polo Ralph Lauren
Do as the Olsen twins do when they attend spin classes at Soul Cycle in Tribeca in deck yourself out in glamorous cashmere. The girls were recently spotted at a 5pm Sunday class wearing long-sleeved cashmere sweaters. These girls certainly love cashmere and therefore we love them!

Leather Turban - The new must-have!


Victoria Beckham wearing the latest look
 Oh, fashion. Why do you do this to us? Just when we’ve come around to one ridiculous trend (peep-toe shoe boots with a wedge, anyone? Knee-high socks with sandals?), you throw another one at us.


And this month it’s the leather turban. The brainchild of Swedish designer Carin Wester, the £60 ruched, black leather headpiece has been flying off the shelves at branches of Urban Outfitters here and in the U.S.

It seems that hipsters can’t get enough of the Hilda Ogden biker look.

It sounds so wrong. And yet . . . why does a tiny part of us think it’s quite cool?


Back in the golden age of Hollywood, the turban was a staple in any starlet’s wardrobe: Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel were fans.

The Queen has even been partial to the odd one in her day. But, in the real world, it’s not an easy look to master.


Kate Moss wore a gold one last year and looked like a genie who should have stayed in her bottle.

This summer, actress Salma Hayek turned up at Paris Fashion Week looking like she had a blue nappy on her head. Fat chance of carrying off the look in Tesco — but hats off to you if you try.

Dailymail

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Kid sized Luxury

Whose little darling doesn't deserve a $750 Burberry coat, even if it will probably be outgrown in a few months?

Loretta Lazar, a full-time mother in Paris, says her three kids, aged 10, two and infant, "don't wear Gucci or Dior every day," but their wardrobes are full of designer gear because she wants them to look nice.
Gucci and Burberry Group are both tempting status-conscious parents with treats like fur-lined suede infant boots for $340 US; a cashmere baby outfit for $375; or a girl's gaberdine trench coat for $750.
Celebrity culture and status-seeking are driving the growth, according to Fflur Roberts, luxury-goods research manager for Euromonitor International.
"Lots of children will follow Paris Hilton or Victoria Beckham and want to have their clothes," Roberts said.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

Friday, August 27, 2010

The Car to Own!

The special edition Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe 60th Anniversary was unveiled at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the company says it managed to sell it in minutes. The Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Pebble Beach has a Stillwater Blue exterior paint job chosen as a tribute to Stillwater Cove on the Monterey Peninsula.

The special edition model also features navy blue soft top lined with cashmere and a light creme leather upholstery. The interior of the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Pebble Beach also features various other styling accents, including a cross-banded Santos Pallisander veneer contrasted with a silver pinstripe inlay.


Saturday, August 21, 2010

LV leather still in demand

PARIS–French luxury goods behemoth LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton Tuesday reported a 53% jump in first half net profit, heralding a strong return of high-end consumption and, in a departure from cautiousness seen in previous quarters, expressed confidence in the rest of the year.

The world's largest luxury goods company, which owns Krug champagne and shoe-maker Berluti, posted net profit for the first six months of €1.05 billion (US$1.36 billion), up from €687 million a year ago as all divisions posted double-digit revenue growth.

In a sign the company plans to solidify its position as the industry's largest player, LVMH executives pledged to employ marketing efforts and invest in fast-growing markets like China to make market share gains.

"In the current recovery from the economic crisis, LVMH will continue to gain market share," the company said in its statement.

Revenue for the six months to June 30 was €9.1 billion, up 17% from €7.8 billion a year earlier and ahead of analyst expectations of €8.85 billion. All divisions, from perfume to wine posted double digit sales growth with the highest increase coming from watches and jewelry, up 28% to €443 million. LVMH said there was a strong recovery in orders. The business was one of the hardest hit in the sector as retailers dramatically cut back on orders during the crisis, preferring to draw down stocks before buying new products.

The fashion and leather goods division, which houses the company's star brand and one of the industry's strongest performers throughout the crisis, the leather goods maker Louis Vuitton, posted 18% growth to €3.52 billion. Luxury consumers took refuge in more classic leather accessories during the economic downturn, preferring staid brands to the trendy handbags of the boom years.

"We were the highest in the consensus, but they managed to beat us anyway," said Luca Solca, analyst with Bernstein.
by Mimosa Spencer WSJ.com

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

High Hopes for Pringle

PRINGLE boss Mary-Adair Macaire has revealed her plans to turn the knitwear brand into Scotland's answer to Chanel.She spent more than 20 years at the French fashion house before leaving to rescue the struggling firm. And she's confident that Pringle, started almost two centuries ago in Hawick, will soon win a place among luxury brands from around the world.

The traditional golfers' v-necks are now only part of the story as designers create a catwalk collection shown at London Fashion Week and secure trendy celebrity clients such as Scarlett Johansson, Madonna and Ewan McGregor.

But repositioning the iconic brand so far hasn't transformed Pringle's fortunes and Mary-Adair has a battle on her hands to make it profitable.

The company has lost more than £9million for the third year running. But if anyone can do it, the smart, chic Philadelphia lawyer can. Her aim is to marry the firm's rich heritage with modern design and shake off its "rampant Scottishness". Mary-Adair, who has Scots ancestors, said: "Our idea is to ask 'What is the new Scotland?' "It doesn't have to be a heavy woolly sweater." Mary-Adair was made chief executive almost two years ago. She originally trained as a maritime lawyer but moved into fashion, which she found far more creative and satisfying.

While working as a sales assistant for Tiffany jewellers, she so impressed one customer, who happened to be a Chanel executive, that she was offered a job on the spot. It was the start of 22 years with the company, first in the US and then Paris, which led to her becoming director of global marketing. When she announced she was leaving Chanel, which has annual sales of £2billion, for Pringle, with its turnover of around £60million, colleagues were surprisingly encouraging. Then the recession started. She said: "Many people told me I'd done good because Pringle is a company that could really go places. Like me, they didn't understand why it hadn't become a big success.

"When the recession hit two weeks after I started, I wondered if I should have just stayed where I was.
"And the last factory in the Borders closed a few months before I started. I found out about it after I'd signed on the dotted line."

The 2008 closure of the historic mill in Hawick was a blow not only to workers but also to the community. Some Pringle products are still made in Scotland, with cashmere and handknits produced by other factories in the Borders region. Mary-Adair is keen to increase Scottish production, saying: "Every mill in the Borders contacted us to say 'If you have business, please bring it our way.' And we are doing just that.

"We have never stopped making Scottish knitwear. It's just the amount that's made in Scotland that has decreased but we're growing that back. There's a real intrinsic value to Scottish knitwear. It got too expensive or the competition got too good and the Borders dropped off". But fashion customers will say there is real value to wonderful, luxurious Scottish knitwear. "Key retailers want to work with us at the luxury end because a lot of labels are made in Asia or somewhere else and it's not the same. Not the same longevity, not the same feel."

Mary-Adair's appointment follows the critical acclaim of Clare Waight Keller's collections for the company. Designer Clare joined after stints at Ralph Lauren and Gucci and said of Pringle: "I want to move away from the sportswear associations and all that rampant Scottishness."

Another high-prof ile addition to the company was Scots actress Tilda Swinton. She will front Pringle's advertising campaign for the second time this autumn, in pictures taken near her Nairn home.
Mary-Adair said: "Tilda designed a twinset for us for an exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery. It was copied from one that had belonged to her grandmother. "She changed the buttons and added a brooch but kept the colour. Many people, like Tilda, have a connection to Pringle and an opinion on it."

Clearly Mary-Adair has high hopes for the company and cites another British brand, Burberry, as an example to follow. She said: "Look at the genius of what Burberry did, a very British label that has become a successful fashion brand on the back of a raincoat and lining. What can you not do with knitwear?"
Pringle of Scotland: And the Hawick Knitwear Story

Lindsay Clydesdale

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Janet Jackson is the new Blackglama girl

by: Rod Hagwood
PETA will not be pleased.

Janet Jackson is the latest mega-celeb to wrap herself in the furs of the Blackglama label.

Blackglama is famous for their “What Becomes a Legend Most” advertising campaign which – in the past few decades – has featured such style-stars as Sophia Loren, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Lauren Bacall, Lena Horne, Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, Faye Dunaway, Joan Rivers, Lillian Gish and Audrey Hepburn.

More recent legends have included Cindy Crawford, Elizabeth Hurley, Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson, Giselle Bundchen and Linda Evangelista.

“Janet is to entertainment what Blackglama is to luxury,” said the furrier’s CEO Joe Morelli in a press release.

Jackson’s shots were lensed by fashion shutterbug Rocco Laspata, who is a SoFla regular with clients such as Harry Winston, Estee Lauder, Revlon and Miami-based Perry Ellis.

“The chemistry between who is before and behind the lens is crucial in any successful sitting,” said Laspata. “Janet completely gets that dynamic and delivers 100% in establishing a one-on-one connection. She is extremely focused on set and I fell completely in love with her.”

The ads will debut in September glossies (Vanity Fair, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, etc.) and a billboard in Times Square.

Blackglama is a co-op of ranch-raised mink furriers based in Seattle with origins stretching back to 1941 and the Great Lakes Mink Association (GLMA). Blackglama is a play on words with “glamor” and the initials “GLMA.”

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Chicago gets some New Cashmere

A Los Angeles-based retailer known for its casual cashmere and leather offerings is opening a store on Oak Street this fall.


Vince plans to open at 106 E. Oak St. in October, the 15th location nationwide for the designer of luxury, contemporary men’s and women’s fashion.

Vince, which is carried in upscale departments stores including Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue, has been expanding its stores nationwide recently and later this year will open a 16th location outside Seattle.

Vince plans to open its first international store next year in London, according to a news release from Chesterfield, Mo.-based Kellwood Co., a clothing manufacturer that acquired Vince in 2006.

At 106 E. Oak, Vince will lease 1,500 square feet on the first floor, beneath the Ultimate Bride on the second level and the Charles Ifergen Salon on the third level. The space was formerly the local fashion retailer Chasalla, which closed there around the beginning of the year, says Mr. Ifergen, who has owned the building since the late 1970s.

Mr. Ifergen says he began talks with Vince this spring. He’s excited because Vince caters to a young clientele, with prices just below those of couture designers.

“As soon as I told my wife and daughter, they said that’s great,” says Mr. Ifergen, who also sees the deal as a hopeful sign for Oak Street. “Slowly but surely, the street is getting filled up again. We took a hell of a beating. Now lots of stores are moving in.”

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Naomi dons fur in summer!

British model Naomi Campbell has proven she takes her job seriously after she donned a fur vest on a 90-degree afternoon to model for Dennis Basso’s fall/winter 2010 campaign.
A team including photographer Tom Munro and stylist Patti Wilson took over the Mobil gas station at 10th Avenue and 14th Street for the shoot, the New York Post reported. Campbell took a moment out from working to chat with Ellen Barkin, a faithful Basso client, and Mickey Rourke, who stopped by together to say hello.
The leggy supermodel has been the face of Basso since last year. The new ad campaign will break in September.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Cashmere Holiday!

If you love cashmere, you will want to stay in the Cashmere Suite at Stobo Castle in Scotland.
Upon arrival receive:
• A complimentary bottle of Bollinger champagne

• Stobo chocolates
• Slippers
• Bottled water
• A luxury Molton Brown Gift Set

The Bedroom

The bedroom walls are dressed in rich claret coloured cashmere, sourced from Holland & Sherry in Peebles.
Integrated "his and her" plasma screen televisions are placed at the bottom of two cashmere covered 7 x 5 ft beds from Italy which are hand painted and detailed to reflect the design of the silk curtains in the living room.
A discreet dressing room is entered via the bedroom, panelled in the American Black Walnut finishing that is the theme throughout the suite.


The Bathroom
The bathroom within The Cashmere Suite is a true haven in itself. Handcrafted from one piece of limestone and weighing over a ton, is a breathtaking cream bath, which is the focal point of the room.

Amber and aubergine up-lighters illuminate the room and complement the colour scheme. With under-floor heating and an integrated flat screen television, no detail has been excluded.

The Lounge
An abundance of silk complements the cashmere in the lounge with the most superior lighting technology available on the market place. The floor boasts a truly stunning Zeigler rug that embraces all the colours of the suite and covers most of the room.

Truely heaven for the cashmere lover!

Contact http://www.stobocastle.co.uk/ for more details

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Fur Buying Guide

A fabulous coat is an essential piece that helps complete any feminine wardrobe. They are practical items as well as products that spell luxury and style. They perform the dual purpose of keeping you warm from the cold, chilly winds and more importantly, make you look elegant and chic. Just by simply slipping on the right coat can elevate your beauty and confidence!




Choosing which type of fur coat to buy can be a hard task, so here is a quick guide:



Sable:
Sable is one of the most luxurious furs available which a rich cultural history and tradition behind it. Jackie Kennedy worse a sable trimmed coat to President Kennedy's Inauguration. It was even worn by the Russian Royal Family for a long time as a way of distinguishing themselves from the common people due to its exorbitant cost. The sable fur that adorned the shoulders of the Russian royalty was embellished with beautiful diamonds, pure gold and silver.

Nowadays, there are a few types of sable used for making coats. The best is considered to be from Barguzin Valley in Russia. Yeniseyskiy sable comes in different shades of brown. There can also be a dash of bright, vivid silver visible and generally lighter in color than Barguzin. Also, it showcases a lesser number of silver hairs as compared to the former. The third renowned kind of sable is the Canadian sable that is used by fashion houses around the world. Chinese and Japanese sables are deemed to be of the lowest quality.



Mink:



Mink fur also originated from Russia. It is derived from the hairs present on the body of the mink, which is a type of weasel. What sets this particular fur apart from all other kinds is that the hair on the body of the mink is of the exact same length. This fur is stunning to look at as there is no discrepancy when it comes to varying hair lengths, giving it a smooth finish. It is formed of perfectly proportioned hair. This is a very easily usable fur which makes it the most preferred choice for making different items of clothing like coats, jackets, capes, etc. as it gives an understated, elegant look.



Fox:

Fox fur has been patronized and appreciated in all major European countries in the centuries gone by. It is said to denote luxury, opulence and extravagance. Fox fur is readily available and used frequently by fashion designers. There are innumerable colour choices in the case of fox fur. Colour choices ranging from pure white to jet black depending on the tastes of the customer. There is a dramatic elegance that comes with wearing this fur.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Fur is the 'New Cool'


A growing list of fashion icons have sworn off fur, from Carla Bruni and Michelle Obama to Pink and Lady Gaga. But times have changed since the early 1990s, when supermodels such as Naomi Campbell declared they would rather go naked than wear fur.

Now Campbell fronts a campaign for the furrier Dennis Basso – and campaigners admit that, on the catwalk and the high street, the trend is hotter than it has been for years.

Fur coats made an appearance during the New York, London and Milan fashion weeks. Karl Lagerfeld covered motorcycle helmets with mink and chinchilla. Dolce & Gabbana added bright pink fur sleeves to jackets. Fur also featured prominently in the collections of Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Prada.
Last month French Vogue featured the Brazilian supermodel Raquel Zimmermann in a flurry of fur. Keira Knightley attended an awards ceremony in a karakul lambskin coat and Jennifer Lopez makes no secret of her fondness for mink and chinchilla.
Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue, is unapologetically pro-fur, running positive editorials and fur-themed photo shoots. “Fur is still part of fashion,” Wintour said this year, “so Vogue will continue to report on it.”
Celebrities’ enthusiasm for fur has seen sales rocket. In 2007, fur sales worldwide totalled $16.5bn, up by 11% on the previous year, following nine years of continuous growth. Last year the fur trade contributed $21bn to the global economy.
Campaigners admit they are concerned that the industry is winning its fight to redefine fur as something worn by chic, edgy kids rather than the sort of moth-eaten, fusty choice made by traditional grandmothers.
“Young people are more comfortable showing their love of fur,” said Mathews. “Hopefully, our Worst Dressed Award will wake these cold-hearted celebs up to the truth about fur.”

From The Guardian

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Dennis Basso does it again!

Check out the video of Dennis Basso's S/S 2010 show.
Featuring some fantastic, modern takes on fur.. as per usual!

dennisbasso.com/SPRING-SUMMER10/spring2010.html


You can find Dennis Basso boutiques in NY, Chicago + Aspen

Monday, April 5, 2010

Fur Fan Liz Hurley



Elizabeth Hurley wearing a heavenly 'Ice Queen' outfit of white fur and lavender gown at a Grey Goose fundraiser in London. Previously, she was the face of Seattle-based mink coat producers Blackglama and it seems she has stayed loyal to the fur wearing cause. Copy Liz's style with your own mink vest 28 In White Mink Vest w/Platinum Fox Shawl Collar USA Made

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Goyo's Cashmere Runway Show

Watch Goyo's fashion show featuring a great range of cashmere items.