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fashionMarc Ecko Forced to Sell Control of His Label
What do the brands London Fog and Mossimo have to do with fashion mogul Marc Ecko? After this week, they've become one in the same. Or rather, all under one big umbrella, as the designer, known for his love of spending lavishly, has been forced to sell off the majority stake in his company to the Iconix Brand Group. This comes after more than a year of Ecko struggling to pay creditors, laying off staff, and trying to sell off portions of his holding to stay afloat, which most are attributing to both the economic crash of the past couple of years and the designer's history of writing more checks than he probably should have been. Here's from the NY Post, which announced the news with the headline "Ecko Slam-Dunked": "I've had a crazy, wild ride. I've done a lot of things that have been naive," Ecko told The Post. "I'll take my lumps for a lot of things that, in retrospect, were a little indulgent. Life happens. I don't regret any of it." The designer will be staying on as the company's top creative officer, but will no longer have complete control in guiding the company. Yet despite what Ecko's new owner's CEO may be saying about revenue and earnings being way up, Iconix itself hasn't been having the best week either, following the company's release of its reportedly disappointing 2010 financial forecast. Henri Bendel Scouts for Designer Goods, Good Designers
Designer Giles Deacon Clothes Giant Chocolate Rabbit
Without doubt, Giles Deacon is a big-shot in the world of fashion. Having worked at Gucci and Louis Vuitton before launching his own line six years ago, he's gone on to win countless awards (including British Designer of the Year), celebrity endorsements (when they wear his stuff) and was was called, by the Independent two years past, the "king of London." He even dated Beth Orton in the 1990s. So what's next for the man after he sweeps into Paris to "show the French capital what he's made of"? Well, it involves chocolate. And the head of a rabbit. To be more clear, the Cadbury chocolate company has decided to revive their Cadbury Caramel Bunny, who is sort of the Jessica Rabbit of chocolate, and to tie this all together, in the multi-million dollar ad campaign, Ms. Bunny will be wearing a dress designed by Giles Deacon. Why she's in a designer dress and not, say, just a dress an animator would come up with? We have no idea. We are sure, however, that this sort of thing probably needs to be authorized before it can be used, and because of that, it makes us like Deacon all the more. We can imagine him saying, "Sure, why not. Now please end the check to..." Or could he have even decided to take the job to design specifically for Ms. Bunny? Either way is good by us. And hey, here's to hoping it leads to lots more dress sales, to chocolate-y, human-like rabbits or otherwise. H&M Signs Up Sonia Rykiel as Guest Designer
What's new? Lingerie, for one thing. "We loved the joyful chic of Sonia Rykiel's 40th anniversary runway show [held last fall at the Parc de Saint-Cloud in Paris] and in that spirit this collection is all about revelling in great lingerie for its own sake," said H&M creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch in a statement issued today announcing the collaboration. "This is a totally modern, new kind of lingerie look, and when we started to work together with Rykiel on it, we just couldn't stop." Other than addictive underthings, which will debut in 1,500 H&M stores on December 5, the company promises "an iconic knitwear collection for women and girls accompanied by playful accessories." The second collection is slated for a more limited launch (at approximately 250 stores) in late February. Look for a surfeit of black with pops of jewel tones, stripes, lacy flourishes, and cut-rate intarsia. Maria Pinto and Hart Schaffner Marx to Design Chicago's 2016 Olympics Delegation Uniforms
If you've not been within about a 200 mile radius surrounding Chicago, you've likely been spared all the pro and con arguments about the city's bid to land the Olympics. It's been a lot of talk about taxes and relocation and all sorts of unpleasant things. But it will all be over soon, one way or another, as the city who gets the games in 2016 will be decided in just over a week. And when the official announcement is made in Denmark, the Chicago delegation headed there is set to look fairly sharp, as it's been released that two of the Obama's favorite Chicago-based designers, Maria Pinto and Hart Schaffner Marx, are behind the outfits the traveling group will be wearing. Pinto, you'll recall, designed Michelle Obama's nomination night gown and the Des Plaines-based Hart Schaffner Marx has long been on President Obama's must-call list. Will be interesting to see what they come up with. Narciso Rodriguez Loosens Up for Spring, Creates Lower-Priced Collection for eBay
Last night, Narciso Rodriguez showed his spring 2010 collection (pictured above) at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. The well-edited line-up, influenced by the work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth, turned up the volume on the designer's signature graphic minimalism with relaxed, layered silhouettes in a mostly neutral palette. Come spring, Rodriguez's latest designs will appear in stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and...eBay. The Bryant Park tents were abuzz with the news of "Narciso Rodriguez for eBay," a lower-priced capsule collection that will be sold exclusively through an eBay store beginning early next year. In a nod to First Lady Michelle Obama's Rodriguez-designed election night ensemble, the red, black, and white collection will include a black dress with a slash of red across one shoulder. As for the pricing, think "buy it now" as opposed to bidding. The eight pieces will be available at fixed prices ranging from $75 to $350, a fraction of the cost of items from Rodriguez's signature line. "We've catered to a high-end, designer customer," said the designer in a video interview with eBay's Constance White. "This is a unique way to take what I do and reach more people with it, in a different way." Here are some preview sketches... Strike a Pose! It's Fashion Week
It's Fashion Week, and not even a full day of rain can dampen our sartorially minded spirits. Shows and presentations of spring 2010 collections are taking place throughout the city, but the big top is still Bryant Park, where the Mercedes-Benz-sponsored fun kicked off yesterday with a travel theme. In a nod to the event's imminent move across town, the tents are adorned with images of colorful vintage suitcases, old-school lugggage labels, and flight tickets. "Our tent graphics are a reminder that we will start packing soon, as this is our next to last season in this location," explains Fern Mallis, senior vice-president of IMG Fashion. "It will take some time to pack up, but the move to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center in September 2010 is exciting for everyone in our industry and beyond." The week is young, but an early standout is ERRO by Anna Larson, a moody and modern line that debuted on Wednesday night at the Ohio Theatre in Soho. Inspired by "light in motion, as it is framed, fractionalized, [and] faded by shadows," Swedish-born Larson presented a cool line-up of worldly, wearable pieces in a graphic palette of white, gray, indigo, and faded black. Most impressive was the craftsmanship, evident in a tunic of washed, pleated, and intricately woven black silk (pictured above, at left) and knitwear (like the tunic at right) made from yarn that had been hand-printed to simulate a sun-baked fade. Distressed and perforated lambskin and corset-like details sealed the deal. "For me, the effect of putting these pieces together is like seeing light slant through half-open blinds," said Larson in the show notes. "You're only getting a fraction of the story, and so you gather your own story out of the shadows." ELLE UK Pulls Out All the (Tube) Stops for London Fashion Week
As we prepare to count down our picks for the top fall collections before the spring 2010 looks take to the New York runways beginning later this week, we stop to tip our Philip Treacy-designed hats to some fashionable chums across the pond. London Fashion Week, which kicks off next Friday, turns 25 this year and ELLE UK is celebrating with a series of chic posters that will be displayed throughout the city's Underground network. The magazine commissioned 25 designers and other fashion figures to contribute artwork for the project. From the always colorful Paul Smith comes a Brice Marden-y whirl of clothes hangers (squint and it becomes a subway map), while Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey offers a shot of classic British wellies during London showers. Gareth Pugh invites Tube riders to ponder his Rorschach blot-like image of a torso (at least that's what we see), makeup legend Pat McGrath contributes a golden kiss, and from Naomi Campbell comes a signed photo of, well, Naomi Campbell. Meanwhile, Henry Holland never tires of text-based cheekiness, filling his poster with a Union Jack and stacked sans-serif capitals that read "25 years of LFW and all you get is this lousy poster." Mark Your Calendar: Fashion's Night Out
"It was an idea that was generated during the [fall] Paris collections in response to the tidal wave of negativity and uncertainty that Anna Wintour perceived among people in the industry and among her colleagues in retail," explains Sally Singer, Vogue's director of fashion news and features. "She called a meeting of all the major editors of Vogue—for all the major editions of Vogue around the world, of which there are about a dozen—and said, 'Let's get people out and about, and if not shopping, then at least enjoying the pleasure of stores.'" Stateside, the Fashion's Night Out fun will also usher in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which will pause the opening-day Bryant Park action to allow for celebrations at stores throughout the city. The list of participating designers and retailers is vast, but among the events we're most looking forward to is the bash at Barneys, where Simon Doonan and his team have lined up events including a book signing with Ruben and Isabel Toledo, trunk shows from Barbara Tfank and Zero + Maria Cornejo, and appearances by Narciso Rodriguez, Thom Browne, and Jonathan Adler, who Doonan promises will actually be throwing pots in the store (live-action potting!). A few blocks away, Assouline is keeping its sublime bookstore at the Plaza open late, serving champagne, The American Fashion Cookbook, and a scavenger hunt based around the tasty tome. Down in Soho, Michael Kors has recruited Billy Norwich to draw caricatures of guests, while famed photographer Arthur Elgort will be snapping away at the Dior flagship on Fifth Avenue. Smile and say "Galliano!" Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk; Wear It!
Previously on UnBeige: PreviouslyTakin' It to the Street: Gap Outfits New York Stock Exchange in Jeans Yves Behar Wants You in His Underwear American Fashion Cookbook Serves Up Designers' Favorite Dishes YSL Makes Sloppy Move Into Social Media, Namesake Designer Spins in Grave Lady Gaga's Personal Homages to Architecture and Design Through Fashion Kanye West Takes Summer Internship at Gap Michael Fink Named Dean of SCAD School of Fashion Isabel Toledo, Glenda Bailey Appear as Guest Judges on Bravo's The Fashion Show Coming Soon: Fashion Week-Themed Video Games Philippe Starck Launches Fashion Line None of Us Will Understand for Three Years Peter Blake Designs Print for Stella McCartney Katy Perry Fires Back Over Bad Press for 'Katy Perry vs. Katie Perry' Eddie Van Halen Goes After Nike Over Shoe Design Singer Katy Perry Goes After Designer Katie Perry, While Kay Celine Sues Stein Mart Rodarte Wins Big at CFDA Awards Stella McCartney Inks Deal to Create Collection for GapKids, babyGap Veronique Branquinho Folds Fashion House Trovata's Lawsuit Against Forever 21 for Alleged Design Thefts Reaches Courtroom Kiefer Sutherland vs. Jack McCollough Head-Butting Feud Comes to a Civil End House of Lacroix Files for Bankruptcy Zaha Hadid Designs 'Undulating, Radiating' Boots for Lacoste Morley Safer Journeys to Planet Fashion for 60 Minutes Ralph Rucci to Receive Pratt Fashion Icon Award Fainting, Falling, and Head-Butts: A Tough Week for Fashion Designers Project Blue: Barneys and Elle Auction Redesigned, Recycled Denim for Charity Target Readies Tracy Feith-Designed GO International Collection Does Low Turnout for Matthew Williamson-H&M Pairing Signal End of Fashion Frenzy? Romance Was Born Wins Top Aussie Fashion Design Award House of Lacroix to Change Hands? Harper's Bazaar Partners with Bravo on The Fashion Show Project Runway Says 'auf Wiedersehen' to Lingering Lawsuit Todd Oldham Takes Old Navy to Court Over License Agreements Yoox Moves Forward with IPO Plan Isaac Mizrahi on His New Bravo Show: 'This is Going to Inspire People' Marc Jacobs, Mulleavy Sisters, Narciso Rodriguez Among CFDA Award Nominees Behind the Scenes at RISD Designing Cardigans for Gap Top 10 Quotes of New York Fashion Week Friday Photo: Taking a Shine to Domenico Vacca Joseph Ungoco Leaves Zink for Fashion Site WhatsWear.com Isaac Mizrahi's Fashion Week Fuel: Champagne Truffles, Chocolate Bark Put on Your Sequined Pants, It's Fashion Week! Barbie Rings in 50th Anniversary with Fashion Week Debut Fringe Fashion: FIT Symposium to Explore Subculture and Style Donna Karan Approached Fall Collection with 'Consciousness' Intact On Mark, Get Set, Go Shopping for Vintage! Listen Up, Guys: The Return of the Power Suit, No Apologies Fashion Week Moves Out of Bryant Park and Designer Jason Wu Bows to Anti-Fur Pressure Want the Fabric Used to Create Michelle Obama's Inauguration Outfit? Stiff Upper Lip London and Hats Obama Fashion Round-Up: Hats, Sox and Other Controversies Tony Duquette Sues Michael Kors for Trademark Infringement Mad Men to Take Costume Design to Retail? High Fashion Decides to Ignore Financial Crisis Michelle Obama Now Under Fire for Not Selecting African American Designer Aretha Franklin's Hat Leads to Massive Sales and Jason Yu Called a 'Killer' Design Museum Spotlights Hussein Chalayan Puma Teams with Alexander McQueen for New Line of Clothing, Accessories Fashion Designers Prepare for Our Bleak Future Today Marks the End of the Endless 'Michelle Obama Designer Watch' Roberto Cavalli In Talks to Sell Minority Stake in Company Laid Off? Learn from Lynn Yeager Michael Roberts Takes Care of Business in Cathy Horyn's Vogue Critique Designer Maria Pinto Keeps Quiet on Michelle Obama's Inaugural Attire, Promises to Stay in Chicago Stephen Sprouse Mania!: 2009 Brings Retrospective, Book, Website, and New Louis Vuitton Collection Ecco Domani Announces Fashion Foundation Award Winners Hyped Russian Teen Fashion Designer Kira Plastinina Files for Bankruptcy Bucking 'Sucky Economy,' Thakoon Panichgul Expands Label The Continued Growth of the 'What Will Michelle Obama Wear?' Cottage Industry New York Fashion Week Quickly Losing Designers Brooklyn Museum Will Transfer Costume Collection to Metropolitan Museum Barack Obama Choses Designer for Inaugural Night Tux Microsoft Launches Fashion Line Sneak Preview of Thakoon Panichgul's Collection for Target H&M Confirms Matthew Williamson Is Next Guest Designer, Plans Homegoods Launch Designer Marc Jacobs Pays $1 Million to Get Out of Bribery Charges Alexander Wang Wins CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Prize Fashion Designer Nathan McCarthy Embraces DIY The Daily Beast Gets Hit with Michelle Obama Design Prank Sotheby's Selling Full Set of Visionaire Target Announces Continued Design Push, First with Alexander McQueen Collaboration John Maeda and RISD Staffers Team Up with Threadless Select Potential Preview of Michelle Obama's Election Night Wardrobe by Maria Pinto Met's Costume Institute to Celebrate 'Model as Muse' Candy Pratts Price on Style.com and Substance: 'We Run It Like a Magazine' Pierre Cardin: 'The Future of Fashion Is Sleeveless' Karl Lagerfeld is Sick Of Hearing About Karl Lagerfeld Donald Baechler Enters Artist Handbag Fray A Return to Zaha Hadid's Space Shoes Former Martha Stewart CEO Susan Lyne Has Brand New Bag Museum Pieces: Spring Fashion Inspiration Roundup Seven Questions for Rodarte's Kate Mulleavy Eau de Rodarte: Designers Collaborate with Lexus on Eco-Friendly Candle |
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