Fashion Market Watch: Serena Williams Serves Fashion

Athletes and celebrities are all trying to be the ultimate entrepreneur these days.... perfumes, clothing lines, shoes and the list goes on. Serena Williams is not exactly someone who serves the fashion world with fabulousness like she does the tennis court; but that isn't stopping her from launching her own line. On April 30th the tennis star will debut her clothing and accessories collection on HSN, called Signature Statement . Ranging from $30 to $100, the collection will include jewelry, handbags, and knitwear. Serena says "One of my dreams has always been to share gorgeous gifts of fashion and luxury with the world".

Um.....this should be interesting. My question to you is.....Are you buying it?!?

Smooches,

Chloe Elle

Source glitt3r.com

Fashion Market Watch: American Apparel 4th Quarter Sales Are Up

The media and our pockets won't let us forget that we are in one of the worst financial crisis of our lifetime. Despite numerous businesses cutting back on employment, and closing stores, there are a mere few that are still booming. Last month we discussed how Gucci is surviving in this economy, post, and it appears American Apparel is in the same league. American Apparel, Inc. has reported a fourth quarter net sales of $145.6 million, a 31% increase for the quarter alone compared to 2007. Their net sales for the year of 2008 were $545.1 million, a 40.8% increase from 2007. It's the survival of the fittest and American Apparel seems to be on top!!!

In these hard times we all are being more responsible when we shop, we want affordable quality, and it appears consumers are turning to American Apparel to find just that. It all makes perfect fashion sense. Amercan Apparel offers affordable quality clothing, and I personally know each piece can be worn more ways then one. It's all about reinventing what you already have!!! Most of their pieces are basics, but a blank canvas is all a Fashionista needs, and it doesn't hurt to also have an array of colors to choose from. You can expect to see an estimated 25 to 30 more American Apparel stores popping up around the country this year and possibly in a city near you.

See Some American Apparel Goodies Below...



Pinpoint Oxford Shirt Dress $69


Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Bodysuit $33
Can be worn over 16 ways...as a top, please do
not wear alone


The "Infamous" Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau
Dress $41 Can also be worn over 16 ways



Regatta Sunglass $50

Nylon Tricot High-Waist Legging $42


Find information about the pieces and plenty more at http://www.americanapparel.com/

Smooches,

Chloe Elle

Fashion Market Watch: Gucci To Outlast Recession

The French luxury and retail group PPR that owns Gucci Group, which includes the brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Bottega Venata, Alexander McQueen, and Serigio Rossi, reported a 5.8% increase in sales for 2008 and 4.4% increase for the fourth quarter alone, mainly contributed by....you guessed it international activity. International sales made up 61% of PPR's activity for 2008, 21% from North America, and the star luxury brand that just about contributed to all of the companies success and staying power was Gucci . The Gucci brand is the largest of PPR's portfolio and continues to rank in the most revenue over the rest of the Gucci Group brands. PPR's revenue between October and December alone rose to $6.71 billion from a year ago, if that's not outlasting an economic crisis I don't know what is.

Gucci, founded in Florence in 1921, has obviously made it's mark in the fashion world, but there will always be critics. Fashion elitist are saying Gucci is only selling because of it's lower prices and it's availability to the masses. Once deemed a luxury power house, after saturating the market Gucci has struggled to reposition itself with the most luxurious high fashion brands. Gucci has changed it's target market and the old target isn't happy at all. It's a catch 22 though, do they keep their brand affordable to continue to have profitability; or do they reinvent themselves by increasing prices and product quality to re-establish their original namesake. It seems like PPR likes revenue in these struggling times, as they plan to open more Gucci stores this year and increase advertisement...Good idea right? Business wise yes!! Brand wise, maybe not.

The only people that are upset about Gucci's low prices and availability to the masses are those who can afford to pay $5,000 for a bag. I'm not complaining at all, but I do agree that the image of the brand continues to decline. In fashion we want to feel like what we have is exclusive and it's almost a sense of disappointment when you see everyone walking down 5Th ave. with the same bag or shoes. It definitely cheapens the image of the brand in my eyes. None the less PPR is enjoying making a profit is this horrible economy. I guess we will just have to wait and see if Gucci will ever re-establish itself among the high fashion houses in the future; but in the mean time they definitely are outlasting the recession and that's what matter most.

Look Below For Gucci Goodies......

New Jackie Shoulder Bag

$2995

Rampling Ankle Strap

$1475

Ladies Web Large Hobo
$795

Joy Medium Boston Bag

$730

Iman Ankle Strap

$1295

*Click here to find info on these products : Gucci

Smooches,
Chloe Elle


Sources: WSJ.com, bussinessweek.com, PPR.com