London Fashion Week: Tom Ford

www.tomford.com/

American born fashion designer, Tom Ford, will be at London Fashion Week exhibiting his second womenswear collection. The Biritsh Fashion Council revealed that his range will not be demonstrated in the full scale show nor will Ford give a presentation. Instead, he will organise intimate press and sales appointments for key industry figures. Here's some of the latest of Tom Ford's womenswear collection:

(source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/)

(source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/)

(source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/)

(source: http://www.vogue.co.uk/)

London Fashion Week catwalk designers will feature the finest talents including: David Koma; Mulberry; Paul Smith; Nicole Farhi; Vivienne Westwood Red Label and 2011 Vogue designer fashion fund winner, Christopher Kane.  This years London Fashion Week will be held at Somerset House, commencing Friday 18th February - Tuesday 22nd February. In order for the general public to obtain tickets is near to impossible! However, there will be an opportunity to get a taste of this spectacular event at London Fashion Weekend, which takes place on Thursday 24th February - Sunday 27th February. Informatoin on schedules, designers and tickets are available at: http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/ Ticket prices range from £13 - £125, depending on the time you wish to attend and the ticket type you wish to purchase.

~Br&Bo~

Jimmy Choo up for sale?

www.jimmychoo.com/

The brand of shoes praised in many RnB songs, Jimmy Choo, could be up for sale very soon. Jimmy Choo was originally founded as a luxury ready-to-wear footwear company in 1996 by Tamara Mellon and bespoke's shoe maker Jimmy Choo. Despite their success, which led to their product range expansion in bags, small leather goods, scarves and trainers, Jimmy Choo has been advised to finally be put up for sale by private equity firm TowerBrook Captial Partners - a private equity firm is one that acquires under-performing businesses in an effort to improve that business' profitability and add value to it, before offering it up for sale. TowerBrook Capital Partners are present in London, San Francisco and New York. Their initial investment in Jimmy Choo began in February 2007, where they followed a strategic business plan and employed merticulous statistical analysis to prepare for Jimmy Choo's final phase. Experts have advised that that time has arrived.

~Br&Bo~

Boux Avenue to storm the Lingerie Market

www.bouxavenue.com/blog/

Boux Avenue - a fresh new face to the lingerie market, is to launch in late March 2011. The line is owned by Dragons Den star, Theo Paphitis, so there is no doubt Boux Avenue will be supported by elite business personnel to overcome a turbulent and uncertain economic climate. At £14 - £34 a bra, Boux Avenue is considered to be entering the mid-market, competing against brands such as La Senza and Marks & Spencers. Boux Avenue will also be fighting off competition from Victoria Secret; with its first ever UK debut  in 2012 at Europe's soon to be largest Shopping Centre ( Westfields - Stratford). Unlike other lingerie lines, Boux Avenue's unique selling point - pin up / couture / affordable luxury lingerie - will be the key driver of its brand.

Their biggest contest will be with Victoria Secret. Boux Avenue are competiting against an already hugely successful, well-established and globally sought after brand. It is no secret that VS is widely supported by international celebrities, who flock together to spectate desireable supermodels strutting down the catwalk. At these infamous events all that can be heard is profuse clapping and wow-ing, the height of Victoria Secret's success.

Keep updated on Boux Avenue: www.bouxavenue.com/

~Br&Bo~

Ugg's to go Upmarket?!

When the Government Spending Review is set in full motion, marketing strategies MUST change. With an estimated loss of 500,000 jobs to the public sector (government employees), the private sector (such as retailers in FMCG - fast moving consumer goods) is left to drive our country's economic growth - but what does this mean for consumers and businesses? The majority of consumers will seek affordable and good looking merchandise, but for most retailers this means competitive promotions, similar price tags and slim profit margins: A HUGE MID-MARKET SQUEEZE! This leaves a massive window of opportunity for Upmarket retailers who are able to justify charging premuim prices through the long established quality of their goods such as; Ted Baker, French Connection, Burberry and Mulberry to name but a few. Realising this trend Ugg Australia have broken their tie with young fashion chain Bank in an effort to rebrand themselves as a more upmarket label. I personally am not a fan of Uggs, however, their latest collaboration with Jimmy choo has yielded a glance of intriguement by me, although it is not an interest of purchase.

~Br&Bo~

David Koma for TOPSHOP

www.davidkoma.com

David Koma, a talented BA & MA designer from London, is to launch a range of garments premiering on February 18th in London's TOPSHOP. His resume includes celebrated individuals such as Beyonce, Rihanna and Cheryl Cole.

Koma will output just five exclusive designs, of which only thirty pieces in each will be available. The range:

 

It seems like many top designers are collaborating with mid-market labels more often; take Valentino avec Gap, Jimmy Choo with UGGs / H&M. Is this a desperate cry for upmarket attention? A cunning marketing device to raise brand awareness during the economic recovery? Or just a sympathy vote for the Bougies?  

~Br&Bo~

David Koma | Topshop | London | Feb 18th | Exclusive

"Eloquence and Plainness"

A blog that defies the object of its title. Instead, follow me as I discuss in simplistic terms: opulence, luxuries and indulgent behaviour; a realm only fit for the real business tycoons in our society. They shape lasting industries through their intelligence and sit on top of our world, throwing cash below them like rain. Let's begin...

~Br&Bo~