Lectura de sambata dimineata

Fara introducere, doar un paragraf dintr-o carte pe care o indragesc („Amintirile” scrise de Zoe Camarasescu) si cateva fotografii, numa’ bune pentru un weekend fara ploaie.

„Pantofii, brodati cu perle, si ciorapii a jour, de matase colorata, cu incrustatii de dantela asteptau pe fotoliu, iar pe pat se intindea cu grija una din rochiile decoltate.  Manecile erau umplute cu foita. Trena atarna pana jos, lunga, lasand sa se vada captuseala lucrata cu volane, volanase, ruche si dantele ce o infoiau, astfel incat fusta sa stea cat mai departe de piciorul al carui varf abia avea voie sa se vada cand rochia era imbracata.”

Fashion world embraces Facebook’s Open Graph – “It’s no secret the fashion world is fast adopting Facebook’s Open Graph — and there are numbers to prove it.  According to Facebook, it’s also compiled a list of ‘best practices’ for companies in the commerce space, calling this sector one of the quickest growing among timeline app users.” In WWD.

An intellectual fashion: Didier Grumbach – “Didier Grumbach is one of the most discreet, yet powerful and prestigious figures in the world of fashion… and the elected chairman of the Fédération Française de la Couture, du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, and of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.” In AnOther.

Haute Couture gets more elaborate and more expensive – “Haute couture is the preserve of a tiny group of customers, but the collections are hugely influential. Christopher Kane leads a vanguard of labels employing ever more elaborate – and expensive – techniques.” In The Independent

Tommy Hilfiger – “With his boyish haircut and mischievous grin, it’s hard to believe that Tommy Hilfiger is about to receive the Geoffrey Beene lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.” In Wall Street Journal.

Fashion awards, on speed dial – “The CFDA show, at Lincoln Center, may have been the fastest in memory, helped by the fact that John Waters, the director and writer, gave awards to both the actor Johnny Depp and Rei Kawakubo, the designer of Comme des Garcons, who were missing in action.” In NY Times

Stitched up: labels hit back at replica trade – “They are emblazoned with top fashion labels such as Burberry, Mulberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, but can be bought for a fraction of the normal cost at car boot sales, in markets and on websites offering ‘designer replicas’.” In The Independent

Introducing meta-luxury– „As luxury has proven one of the most resilient industries in the current downturn, there has been a rush to the high end, with everyone from coffee purveyors to detergent makers calling themselves “luxury.” Meanwhile, the stock market has its own definition — fashion, watches, jewellery and leathergoods — which does not include cars or champagne, categories most consumers consider luxury.” In Financial Times.

To pay or not to pay: a closer look at the business of blogging – “The love affair between bloggers and fashion brands and retailers is entering its next phase. And like in many relationships, money is a big part of the question.” In WWD.

Burberry’s Angela Ahrendts: high tech’s fashion model – “Ahrendts has been boldly reinventing Burberry’s image and operations since she arrived at the British company six years ago. Her moves have paid off handsomely: Annual sales of some $3 billion are more than double 2007 levels, and the stock has returned nearly 300% since Ahrendts’ arrival.” In Fortune.

i-N Conversation with Altuzarra – “New York-based, Chinese-American-French-Basque designer Joseph Altuzarra has grown his namesake collection over the past few seasons into a giant global company. His business guidance and corporate instincts are as razor sharp as his designs and he’s on a winning streak.” In i-D.

Conversation with Francois Pinault, PPR – “Since its inception in 1963, PPR has undergone profound transformations. The building materials business, originally led by François Pinault, has grown to become a formidable force in the luxury sphere, as the owner of iconic French and Italian brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Boucheron, Gucci and Bottega Veneta.” In Luxury Society.