Fashion blogs and fashion comment from the Drapers team
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Fashion Blogs: The Drapers Daily
Deputy Diary: M&S - the saga continues Video
This time last week, we were waiting for Marks & Spencer to unveil its autumn 13 womenswear collection (see Drapers’ thoughts on this Reuters video) to see if it could rescue falling clothing sales; today we await its less favourable full-year results due out tomorrow.
Bangladesh: 'Ethics' is not a dirty word
It is impossible for the images coming out of Bangladesh in the past few weeks not to leave their impact and, in discussing the business response to the tragedy, we must not lose sight of the fact that people have lost their lives because sufficient precautions were not taken.
With £600 gilets, M&S autumn 13 falls wide of the mark
The much-anticipated preview of Marks & Spencer’s autumn 13 collection drew everyone’s focus to the quality of the range – but at what expense to the actual customer?
Deputy Diary: It’s blip or trend time for M&S’s womenswear
After seven consecutive quarters of falling general merchandise (GM) sales, Marks & Spencer boss Marc Bolland is pinning his hopes on the retailer’s autumn 13 collection, which was unveiled this week after months of anticipation and speculation.
Deputy Diary: M&S' big reveal - did it work?
When an invitation to a fashion event indicates that doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm presentation, no-one expects guests to be on time; the punctual ones will start to file in at around twenty past with more than a handful arriving after the presentation starts.
British manufacturing needs support of industry
Over the past couple of years there has been a huge resurgence in British production as both retailers and manufacturers have realised the need to keep the UK’s skills alive.
Deputy Diary: Lack of support for Coggles is appalling
I don’t know which is more disappointing: Coggles falling into administration or the complete lack of support and cruel comments left by “anonymous” supposed peers on the Drapers website.
Russian Revolution: Has Asos got what it takes to corner the market?
Debuting five months earlier than planned, Asos launched its Russian site this week. Victoria Gallagher takes a look at how Asos will make its mark on the country.
Asda's new campaign will banish the bad weather blues
Asda’s new weather-responsive advertising campaign offers a solution to coping with the unpredictable British weather, writes Caroline Parry.
Deputy Diary: Two high-profile exits, two very different sized holes to fill
In the past fortnight, we’ve seen several high-profile departures from big fashion businesses.
The death of omnichannel?
Well, the word at least. Ecom directors hate it, or at least that was the consensus at Drapers’ Etail Fashion roundtable yesterday.
Was Debenhams right to blame the weather?
As Debenhams cites the snow in January as the reason for the fall in first half profits - bu Ruth Faulkner considers whether that is the whole story.
Has the H&M bubble burst?
With like-for-like sales falling at H&M yet again, Victoria Gallagher wonders whether it’s time to ask if the H&M bubble has burst.
Aldo can't depend on heritage for Shellys' success
Aldo’s wholesale arm APS is hoping to return footwear brand Shellys to its glory days. But the business must rely on more than ’90s nostalgia to survive, writes Ruth Falkner.
Drapers Debate: Can the branded market survive?
The men’s young fashion branded market appears to be in decline as shoppers seek cheaper alternatives, but can the sector survive? Drapers debates…
Deputy Diary: High street’s menswear is the talk of the town
I wouldn’t want to be a menswear indie operating in the young fashion market right now.
Who will buyers pick in the clash of the menswear titans?
Menswear buyers could once again be faced with the decision of whether to skip Pitti Uomo or London Collections: Men after the Florence show staked its claim for early January dates for the next four years.
Can 3D printing be anything more than a fad in fashion?
The last few weeks have seen 3D printing hit the catwalks and red carpets, but with an exhibition looking ahead at future possibilties, Catherine Neilan asks if it can be more than a fad.
Are retailers right to blame bad sales on weather?
You can usually hear the collective groan from journalists and analysts in the retail sector for miles on results days when a company blames their poor trading on the weather.
Deputy Diary: Customers’ tough love should be embraced by M&S
It doesn’t look good: another predicted decline in general merchandise sales, the rumoured launch of yet another sub-brand and a consumer forum full of criticism.
Did Miinto have a future?
Miinto announced last it week it was pulling out of the UK and Ireland. Ruth Faulkner asks whether it should have given the market more of a chance.
Is in-store technology just a passing fad?
This week I attended the Art of Digital event, which showcased a number of in-store technologies that aim to bring the digital world to the bricks-and-mortar store.
Deputy Diary: Focusing on hot product can help retailers beat the chill
I’m bored of my coat. I’m bored of my boots, bored of my jumpers. And I’m fed up with wearing tights.
Who is front of the queue for Bench?
This week it emerged that yet another young fashion brand, Bench, could be sold. Victoria Gallagher considers who is lining up to take on the business.
Counting the costs of counterfeiting
The fashion industry must work harder to actively tackle the problems of counterfeiting, with the issue costing the Western European market £5bn a year.
Drapers Follow Friday: Patrick Grant
In this week’s instalment of Drapers’ Follow Friday, group production editor Steve Draper tells you who he is following on Twitter.
Deputy Diary: Binnie’s early exit from Jaeger means full price never had a chance
How long should it take to turn around an ailing business? One year? Two years? Five?
Bottom Line – was there any good news for fashion businesses in the budget?
Seconds after chancellor George Osborne finished unveiling his budget for 2013, my inbox was awash with outraged comments, complaining that yet again the high street had been overlooked while other sectors secured tax breaks and investment.
Drapers Debate: Can French Connection turn it around?
Reporting a hefty loss this week, French Connection boss Stephen Marks said the business was starting to respond to a revived strategy. But does French Connection have what it takes to turn the business around? Drapers Debates…
Deputy Diary: Mary Portas gets all feisty on stage
Mary Portas versus Bill Grimsey: what a delicious spat that was.
Drapers Follow Friday: Donna Ida Thornton
This week Drapers’ follow Friday updates return, and features editor James Knowles tells you who to follow from the Twitterati.
What needs are Zalando's "fashion car" actually meeting? Video
Every so often, a press release drops into my email account that has me scratching my head and wondering if it’s April 1 already. This week it’s the turn of European etailer Zalando to get me checking the diary.
Could the high street be set for further failures?
There is absolutely no doubt about it - 2013 is going to be a long hard slog. Victoria Gallagher looks at the potential for further decimation on the high street in the coming weeks.
Video: & Other Stories London launch Video
Drapers braved the rain, along with some of its fellow Londoners, to head down to Regent Street’s latest arrival & Other Stories
Has rubber soled out?
Following on from Micam, Ruth Faulkner considers the footwear trends set to take over this autumn.
Deputy Diary: Aurora Fashions to become Fresh Channel… sounds like a food business to me
When I saw this morning’s headline about Aurora Fashions’ decision to spin off Coast and rebrand the remaining business as Fresh Channel, I almost choked.
Drapers Debate: Is My-Wardrobe.com right to discount?
Indies are up in arms over My-Wardrobe’s recent spring promotion - but is the etailer right to discount? Drapers Debates…
Road opens to fashion
With Crossrail regeneration well underway, fashion is gaining a foothold on the east end of Oxford Street
Deputy Diary: High street innovators blaze a trail for the luxury sector to follow
Who would have thought the luxury industry would look to the mere mainstream mortals for direction on growth?
Republic acquisition strengthens Sports Direct's high street dominance
Sports Direct’s latest acquisition of Republic swells Mike Ashley’s store portfolio by more than 110 branches.
Ecommerce Summit: Fashion paves the way for digital revolution
In the world of ecommerce things can change in day, let alone a year, so it was really fascinating this week to be able to compare the main issues raised by our speakers at this year’s Drapers Ecommerce Summit with those from last year.
The future of online shopping?
As online fashion sales increase many etailers are taking steps to make their sites as user friendly as possible, Ruth Faulkner tried out the latest initiative from Baukjen.
Is White Stuff on the right track?
With a new chief executive, the lifestyle retailer is looking to shake things up. But, asks Catherine Neilan, is it on the right track?
Drapers Follow Friday: Hadley Freeman
In the latest weekly instalment of Drapers’ Follow Friday, news editor Catherine Neilan gives her opinion on who is top in the Twitter stakes.
Drapers Follow Friday: Hilary Alexander
Drapers’ Emily Norval explains why the former fashion director of the Daily Telegraph who holds the title of one of Britain’s most respected fashion commentators is her Follow Friday this week.
Is La Senza right to target younger customers?
As La Senza sets its sights on a younger customer in order to drive growth, Ruth Faulkner questions the move to focus on what is already a competitive market.
Stitch – All sewn up?
Plans to relocate Stitch and update the show couldn’t come too soon, says James Knowles.
Deputy Diary: Why indies are the best, better than all the rest
Someone once said to me that editing a collection of the world’s most coveted fashion brands under one roof can only truly be done by an independent retailer.
Calling all brands and agents - what is happening in your market?
Are you a fashion brand or agent dying to know how the sector is performing?
Drapers Follow Friday - Honor Westnedge
In the latest weekly instalment of Drapers’ Follow Friday Victoria Gallagher gives her opinion on who is top in the Twitter stakes.
What are Gio Goi's prospects under JD?
Once again another brand has been bought by one of the big boys of the young fashion/sportswear sector. Victoria Gallagher investigates what this could mean for JD’s latest acquisition Gio Goi.
Why is the value sector so polarised?
This week we heard of the woes of value chain Store Twenty One who has had a visit from the bailiffs after failing to pay rent. Victoria Gallagher looks at why the value sector seems to be so split with some performing strongly and others struggling in the weak economy.
Bombay dreams?
This week Drapers reported that former Asos non-exec chairman Lord Waheed Alli and former Asos product and trading director Rob Bready have teamed-up to launch a new online fashion venture aimed solely at the Indian market. Ruth Faulkner considers this move and what Koovs.com could mean for Asos should it ever decide to launch in India.
Deputy Diary: A new era for Copenhagen Fashion Week?
At the press conference to mark the opening of Copenhagen Fashion Week, Anja Bisgaard Gaede, the editor in chief of Danish fashion business magazine Toj, told me that visitor numbers to the event have been down in the last few years.
Drapers Follow Friday – Henry Holland
In the second of Drapers’ Follow Friday updates, online editor Keely Stocker picks this week’s tweeter.
Lost in translation - why is M&S struggling in China?
While growth in the UK stagnates, retailers are increasingly looking overseas to build their top line – but to succeed you need to do more than transplant the formula to another country.
UKFT is more fash than flash-mob at awards relaunch Video
On Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the launch event for the UK Fashion and Textile Association’s (UKFT) annual awards, where a flash-mob of strutting models drew in the crowds armed with their camera phones at the ready.
Drapers Follow Friday - Christopher Shannon
Welcome to Drapers’ Follow Friday, a new feature where we unearth some of fashion’s most fluent, lucid and interesting tweeters. Here’s our inaugural suggestion, from fashion director Ian Wright.
Drapers Debate: Is launching an own brand the right move for indies?
Two high profile indies are preparing to launch their own label, claiming it is a great way to keep customers coming back. But does it compromise their independence? Drapers Debates…
RSS feed for Fashion Blogs: Unzipped
Fashion Blogs: Unzipped
Dior cruise 2014: Wow with a capital W
Raf Simons’ show in Monaco was a gamble that’ll surely pay off.
Marks & Spencer hopes flirting with fashionable 50-year olds will pay off
The retailer’s pursuit of a more upmarket older lady will take more than a few fancy images
M&S autumn 13: This could mark a turning point
As one of the lone voices of support (anywhere, it has often seemed) for Marks and Spencer’s fashion offering in the past few seasons, I’ve been excited to see what their new collection will look like under Belinda Earl’s guidance.
G-whizz, IP law isn’t half complicated
The Guess v Gucci fiasco has brought into question judges’ judgements
Autumn 13 Press Days: Weekly Round Up Two
Drapers’ exclusive preview of the key trends from the week’s brand and high street press days.
Autumn 13 Press Days: Weekly Round Up One
An exclusive look at the top trends and best bits from all the brand’s and high street press days this week.
Saint Laurent Music Project: the pictures
Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson front campaign for French label.
A tale of four cities – H&M’s & Other Stories opens on Regents Street
The latest brand from the H&M stable has landed - metaphorically and physically between its core business and Cos.
Fashion Week Trends: Autumn 13 sets
Trends weren’t just seen on the catwalks, they were the catwalks.
The Oscars 2013: getting the fashion right is as easy as falling up stairs
Fashion director Ian Wright takes a look at the good, the bad and the just plain ugly Oscar dresses.
Fashion and Food: A recipe for success?
There’s something interesting occurring with fashion and food lately, and I don’t mean it’s being avoided at all costs.
IMAGE GALLERY: London Fashion Week: Street Style at Somerset House
With London renowned for its creativity when it comes to fashion, it’s hardly surprising that London Fashion Week brings out the best street style on offer.
London Fashion Week: Day five highlights
Junior fashion editor Graeme Moran picks his best bits from the final day of LFW.
London Fashion Week Day 5: runway to retail
Draper’s fashion director Ian Wright says sitting pretty in pink is the way forward for retailers.
Fashion Week Photobomb part 2: This time it's P'Trique Video
New York hasn’t had all the photobombing fun as Kinder Aggugini knows only too well
London Fashion Week: Day Four Highlights
The penultimate day of LFW saw some of the city’s big guns show alongside its rising stars, here are junior fashion editor Graeme Moran’s best bits.
London Fashion Week Day 4: from runway to retail
Commerciality reigned supreme, even with kings and queens of off-the-wall style, says Drapers fashion director Ian Wright.
London Fashion Week Day 3: Runway to retail
Drapers fashion director Ian Wright hopes Topshop’s latest collection won’t be Unique to the show.
London Fashion Week: Day Three Highlights
From his favourite shows and to fashion week parties, Drapers’ junior fashion editor Graeme Moran brings you the best bits from day three.
London Fashion Week Day 2: Runway to retail
Drapers fashion director Ian Wright gets technical with the styles that’ll be hitting stores come August.
London Fashion Week: Day Two Highlights
Here are Drapers’ junior fashion editor Graeme Moran’s best bits from the second day of LFW.
London Fashion Week Day 1: Runway to retail
Drapers fashion director Ian Wright pulls out the key looks and trends that’ll be hitting stores come August.
London Fashion Week: Day One Highlights
Drapers’ Junior Fashion editor Graeme Moran brings you the inside scoop from the first day of LFW, with a little help from Fashion Director Ian Wright, reporting in from the not typically fashionable No. 10, Downing Street.
Blending in: emerging trends from Premiere Vision, Paris
Our junior fashion editor Graeme Moran reports from the Parisian textile trade show.
Hot dawg! Did Galliano overshadow De la Renta’s autumn 13 show?
So the fruits of the most high-profile internship since Kanye did his werk placement at Louis Vuitton were unveiled last night when Oscar de la Renta showed his autumn 13 collection at New York Fashion Week.
New York Men’s Fashion Week: an apple pie in the sky idea?
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has finally woken up and smelt the cawfey and announced it is looking into the prospect of holding a men’s fashion week separately and earlier to their epically late (for the menswear buying season) main unisex week.
Drapers book club: Loake's sales book
In an era of such digital advancement, it’s sometimes nice to hold in your hands something tangible that captures your attention.
You know your branding’s bad when...
…cool kids create a mildly mocking sweatshirt to perfectly capture how the fashion world feels about it.
Copenhagen Fashion Week: Top of the shops
Drapers fashion director Ian Wright reveals some of the best shopping in the city.
Stockholm Fashion Week: Day two highlights
Straight from snowy Stockholm, our junior fashion editor Graeme Moran brings you the best bits of the second day of fashion week.
Stockholm Fashion Week: Day one highlights
Drapers’ junior fashion editor Graeme Moran picks his best bits from the first day of Stockholm fashion week.
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