As each day progresses, our global economy is becoming smaller and more dependent on the economic climate and model of others. When the price of crude oil increases in the Middle East, the price of corn in rural America increases, and the price of an apple in London increases, and the price of a train ticket in Sao Paolo increases, and the price of fish in Norway increases. We're all in this together. As China and other countries are developing into strong economic forces, I've been watching how the luxury fashion industry has responded. Observations included: Burberry creating a collection exclusively for the Japanese market called Burberry Black Label. Hermes opened an exclusively Chinese centered company called Shang Xia.
We've also seen a huge increase in corporate philanthropies. Computer pioneer Microsoft saw CEO Bill Gates leave to start his own incredibly well-funded foundation. Power players from across many segments of industries are seen with (Product) RED - from Giorgio Armani to The Gap to Motorola to Apple.
There's an Australian department store called David Jones that I've been following for a few years now.
DJ is not just Australia's oldest department store -it's the longest running department store, operating under the same name, the whole world over! Mr. Jones immigrated to Australia from Wales and opened his lavish store, with the promise of selling the best the world has to offer, with a focus on providing the everyday wants of today's shopper.
DJ has always been a future-minded business. Taking the accolade as the country's first department store, to bringing the "European Department Store" concept to the land down under, to installing Sydney's first hydraullic elevator. At the turn of the 20th century, DJ broke from the dependence on foreign imports by opening their own factory, Marlborough Street, which just hapepned to be the largest of its kind in Australia. Here, they manufactured a huge variety of goods from clothing to cabin trunks. In the 1920s, Charles Lloyd Jones moved his grandfather's company even more into the future when he purchased an entire city block in, what was preceived to be at the time, a remote area on Elizabeth Street. The now landmark location, which has been DJ's flagship since opening in 1927, single handedly changed the landscape of Hyde Park and moved the focus on fashion, literally and physically.
During World War II, DJ weathered the stormy economy and social environment. Converting part of a store into a club for soldiers and military personnel, and evening housing the Ministry of Munitions in their Market Street store. And in fabulous fashion, just as the war was ending, DJ was the first purveyor to show the New Look collection of Mr. Christian Dior - the very first to see the collection outside of Paris.
And now, DJ has struck the power of pink. I always take into special account when businesses of any industry, but especially my beloved luxury fashion industry, intertwine philanthropy into their core values.
Listed under their typical menu of services, including corporate accounts, gift registries, gift cards, and price matching, is the atypical "Rose Clinic". Since 2003, DJ has partnered with BreastScreen NSW and BreastScreen VIC to provide services at their incredibly unique on-site Breast Screen Clinic for women at their Elizabeth Street flagship.
The Rose Clinic provides a range of health services for women: mammography, blood pressure monitoring, blood tests and heel ultrasound screening to assist in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
The aim of the The Rose Clinic is to make these vital health screens more accessible for women. The environment is welcoming and comfortable, and the services are absolutely free. All women are welcome, especially if you are aged between 50 and 69.
Our partners in The Rose Clinic are experts in their fields. The government-funded BreastScreen NSW provides free screening mammograms to help with the early detection of breast cancer. The Royal Hospital for Women is the only specialist women’s hospital in New South Wales, and has an outstanding reputation for care.
I couldn't imagine a more suited partnership - fashion + passion = David Jones.
Showing posts with label philanthropic shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philanthropic shopping. Show all posts
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Luxe Loves of the Moment
(in no particular order, of course)
-- what do you get when you take kitchen gadgets + useful accessories for the home and style them with art and beauty? None other than the iconic Italian powerhouse Alessi. And to prove the point, you can visit "Alessi: ethical and radical" - an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 21 November to 10 April.
-- what looks like a flute + tells the time + wakes you up + and controls the power to your television or stereo? Scandinavian electronics giant Bang + Olufsen brings you BeoTime, an alarm clock and remote control combination device that's must-have-now worthy. Just under US$400 and perfect for the holiday season.
-- I've always loved military inspiration in fashion, so naturally I'm loving the amazing Chiffre Rouge Chronograph watch from Dior Homme. Featuring a two-tone army green and olive strap, the watch collides sport and elegance with utility and durability. US$3450.
-- James Perse might make the softest, most comfortable tshirts ever. Well, along with John Varvatos and Marc Jacobs.
-- Speaking of Varvatos, I'm loving the broken in shoes from John Varvatos - especially in gray or olive green options. To load up, call Paul Carter at the Los Angeles location.
+1 (310) 859-2791
-- I love true philanthropic shopping. By this, I mean when a company does NOT profit from participating in a charity or worthy cause. There are few things I love more than fashion; cooking and cancer advocacy are definitely two of the select passions I'd include with fashion. So when Williams-Sonoma announced their sixth year of partnering with St. Jude's Children's Hospital (a national model for researching and treating children with cancer), I had to take note. From 12 November - 12 December, customers can donate any amount at any of the Williams-Sonoma branded stores (Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen and Kids, Williams-Sonoma Home), and all monies collected will be donated to St. Jude's. Additionally, there are specific items available at all of the company's stores where all proceeds will be donated. Shopping + the best of the best kitchen electrics, accessories, and food hall + cancer advocacy and research = a match made in heaven.
-- Asymmetric Crocodile-Embossed Jacket: Inspired by ruggedly functional motocross design, this Giorgio Armani jacket takes things in a more refined direction, sending a message of understated elegance—but never losing sight of its eminently functional forebears.
-- I'm loving the "Ivy League Prep" right now - but mixed with a bit of edge or character. Repp-stripe ties, nautical inspired outerwear, all things Americana. Imagine jet set + ski lodge chic + street smarts + utility + a college degree.
-- what do you get when you take kitchen gadgets + useful accessories for the home and style them with art and beauty? None other than the iconic Italian powerhouse Alessi. And to prove the point, you can visit "Alessi: ethical and radical" - an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 21 November to 10 April.
-- what looks like a flute + tells the time + wakes you up + and controls the power to your television or stereo? Scandinavian electronics giant Bang + Olufsen brings you BeoTime, an alarm clock and remote control combination device that's must-have-now worthy. Just under US$400 and perfect for the holiday season.
-- I've always loved military inspiration in fashion, so naturally I'm loving the amazing Chiffre Rouge Chronograph watch from Dior Homme. Featuring a two-tone army green and olive strap, the watch collides sport and elegance with utility and durability. US$3450.
-- James Perse might make the softest, most comfortable tshirts ever. Well, along with John Varvatos and Marc Jacobs.
-- Speaking of Varvatos, I'm loving the broken in shoes from John Varvatos - especially in gray or olive green options. To load up, call Paul Carter at the Los Angeles location.
+1 (310) 859-2791
-- I love true philanthropic shopping. By this, I mean when a company does NOT profit from participating in a charity or worthy cause. There are few things I love more than fashion; cooking and cancer advocacy are definitely two of the select passions I'd include with fashion. So when Williams-Sonoma announced their sixth year of partnering with St. Jude's Children's Hospital (a national model for researching and treating children with cancer), I had to take note. From 12 November - 12 December, customers can donate any amount at any of the Williams-Sonoma branded stores (Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen and Kids, Williams-Sonoma Home), and all monies collected will be donated to St. Jude's. Additionally, there are specific items available at all of the company's stores where all proceeds will be donated. Shopping + the best of the best kitchen electrics, accessories, and food hall + cancer advocacy and research = a match made in heaven.
-- Asymmetric Crocodile-Embossed Jacket: Inspired by ruggedly functional motocross design, this Giorgio Armani jacket takes things in a more refined direction, sending a message of understated elegance—but never losing sight of its eminently functional forebears.
- Midnight (dark blue) asymmetric crocodile-embossed double-faced lambskin; cognac lining.
- Stand collar; asymmetric hidden front zip.
- Long sleeves.
- Front on-seam pockets.
- Made in Italy of imported material.
- US$5295
-- I'm loving the "Ivy League Prep" right now - but mixed with a bit of edge or character. Repp-stripe ties, nautical inspired outerwear, all things Americana. Imagine jet set + ski lodge chic + street smarts + utility + a college degree.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Fashion Night Out 2010
From Brooklyn to Brazil to Boston, the fashion industry is already buzzing about the news that this year’s globe-spanning extravaganza Fashion’s Night Out, is back!
The 2010 edition of the biggest fashion party in history promises to be equally epic, splurge inspiring and full of even more stylish surprises. Start your wish lists now, we look forward to seeing you in September. For more information email: info@fno.com.
I recommend this sampling of designer fabulosity:FNO Collection Available In-Store
3.1 phillip lim invites you to attend Fashion's night out at our NY store Friday, September 10th 6-9pm In-store: shop with Phillip, plus special performance by My Gold Mask Outside: street party with Rag & Bone
6-9 pm Champagne and Wine will be served
We will be offering a double wrap snakeskin skull bracelet in limited edition colors for one night only!!! There will also a be a raffle for the union jack clutch!
Mark Badgley and James Mischka will take the catwalk with their canine companions Rommel and Whiskey at Bergdorf Goodman at 7 PM on the third floor as part of Bergdorf Goodman's Best in Show designer dog show.
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Nicolas Ghesquière & Balenciaga present an evening of exceptional events for Fashion’s Night Out on Friday, September 10, 2010, at the Balenciaga NY boutique. For one evening only, from 8 PM– 10:30 PM, Balenciaga is proud to feature the US exhibition debut of the Cindy Sherman Untitled (Balenciaga) Series. At 9 PM Balenciaga presents a special live musical performance by Karen Elson, performing songs from her debut album The Ghost Who Walks, produced by Jack White. For full press notes and images, please contact Cynthia Leung at cynthia.leung@us.balenciaga.com or 212.279.4440
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Receive a signed t-shirt from fashion designer, Carmen Marc Valvo. 8pm, 3rd Floor See complete details at: www.lordandtaylor.com/fashionsnightout.
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Details Pending. *Preview of Boutique exclusive for men/women will be available for sale on Sept. 10th with a limited preview size run.
Bring your friends for a night of shopping at D&G on Fashion's Night Out while DJ Tyson spins September 10th 6-10pm D&G 434 West Broadway 212.965.8000
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Diane von Furstenberg takes Fashion’s Night Out to the digital universe with The DVF and HP Experience Lounge, a multimedia event that will transform the DVF boutique and gallery into an interactive fashion playground. Hosted by Refinery29.com, the evening will feature cutting-edge fashion installations, complete with a ‘Fall Favorites’ photo booth featuring DVF items curated by Refinery29.com editors on display for shoppers to utilize when browsing their most-desired DVF looks. Photos can be printed, posted to Facebook or streamed live into the lounge on social feed monitors, allowing guests to engage with the fashion community and interact with DVF. Computer terminals and touch screens will feature up-to-the-minute news about FNO from around the city, and the world!
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Event details to be announced
You’re invited to join Dolce & Gabbana and Naomi Campbell to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of her career A collection of limited edition t-shirts featuring Naomi Campbell portrayed by some of the greatest contemporary photographers and signed by Naomi will be available for purchase* Special surprise performance choreographed by Laurie Ann Gibson at 7:30pm and 9:15pm Music by DJ Lindsey T-shirts sold exclusively at the Dolce & Gabbana boutique will support Fashion for Relief, a charity founded by Naomi to raise funds in the fashion world in time and places of need *T-shirts will be signed from 6:30pm to 9:45pm
Gucci is pleased to celebrate Fashion's Night Out and 'Gucci for FFAWN Day' at the NY 5th Avenue flagship store with a special event benefiting Mary J. Blige's Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN). In honor of Fashion's Night Out and the company's ongoing commitment to FFAWN, Gucci will donate 20% of the day's sales at the 5th Avenue store to the FFAWN Scholars Program, supporting its mission to help all women gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their full individual potentials.
FNO Collection Available In-Store
6-11pm Reality stars,The Fabulous Beekman Boys ,with cameras, bring the country to Fifth Ave. with a General Store. Get a 10 min reading with astrologer Susan Miller for $25; benefits Housing Works. Launch of Atelier Swarovski collection featuring Karl Lagerfeld. 6-9pm Fekkai, Marchesa and Olivia Palermo have a Red Carpet moment that you can share on Facebook/Twitter. 7-9pm Bendel illustrator, Izak, signs one of a kind“green”totes for $100; proceeds go to charity. 8:30-10:30pm Model Erin Wasson presents her jewelry collection LOWLUV. For details,go to: www.henribendel.com/happenings/2010/9/10
J’aime mon carré Show us how you wear your Hermès scarf! Live scarf-tying demonstration by Hermès scarf specialists From day to evening, the styles for fall 6pm - 8pm
L'Occitane transforms the Rockefeller Center boutique into the absolute runway! Step onto the red carpet of beauty – watch all your favorite L'Occitane products grace the spotlight for doing what they do best – making you look and feel absolutely gorgeous! The L'Occitane boutique will also feature mini Provençal beauty treatments to perfect skin and find the perfect fragrance cocktail. Enjoy these natural treatments with girlfriends while sipping French lemonade. And if that is not enough, enjoy the ultimate Fashionista Handbag Essentials kit for $20, with $45 purchase! Isn't nature beautiful?
Join LAFCO & Santa Maria Novella on FNO as we support RxArt. Event details pending.
Don’t miss the elegant new men’s and women’s collections at Loro Piana. Stop in and join us for cocktails and live modeling. See and feel the world’s most luxurious cashmere and wools, along with fine silks and rare and exotic leathers, all made in Italy.
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Join Creative Director Raul Melgoza for a night to remember as LUCA LUCA unveils the newly arrived Fall 2010 Collection. Inspired by the fusion of opposing elements--structure and fluidity, mascule and feminine, matte and shiny-- the LUCA LUCA Fall 2010 Collection flaunts a new spin on refined sex appeal. While sipping champagne and cocktails, fashionistas can explore the designs as Raul himself shares advice and inspiration.
This year M•A•C takes Fashion’s Night Out even further…with a very special performance by comedian Sarah Silverman. In celebration of M•A•C’s Fabulous Felines Fall 2010 colour collection; a slinky, seductive new take on the patterns, shades and textures of three of our favorite pedigreed cats; Sarah will treat guests to an exclusive stand-up performance and sign copies of her book; The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee at our Soho store. Fashion’s Night Out at M•A•C will be a meow mix of sorts – all purr, cuddle and caress one minute…then suddenly, darting danger!! Slink, purr, prowl, preen...M•A•C Fabulous Felines. You can keep her, but you'll never own her. 8:00pm—Performance 8:15pm—Book signing
Evening cocktails
FNO Collection Available In-Store
A night full of surprises and special appearances!
Event Details Pending
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Come celebrate FNO from 6 -10pm at the Prada 5th Avenue boutique where you will have the opportunity to see Vogue’s Creative Director, Grace Coddington bring her September “Benches” story to life featuring the F/W 2010 collection. With any in-store purchase, your photo will be taken and signed by Grace Coddington and Dakota Fanning.
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Stop by Prada’s New York City boutiques from 6 – 10pm to purchase a limited edition B.Y.O.Bag. These lightweight totes are in traditional Prada fabric embellished with select archive prints. A percentage of proceeds from the B.Y.O.Bag will be donated to the New Yorkers for Children charity to benefit youth in foster care in New York City.
FNO Collection Available In-Store
Stop by Prada’s New York City boutiques from 6 – 10pm to purchase a limited edition B.Y.O.Bag. These lightweight totes are in traditional Prada fabric embellished with select archive prints. A percentage of proceeds from the B.Y.O.Bag will be donated to the New Yorkers for Children charity to benefit youth in foster care in New York City. Listen to special guest DJ, Kim Ann Foxman from Hercules and Love Affair and sip on champagne throughout the evening at Prada’s Soho store!
Valentino hosts a poker tournament at their New York Flagship Boutique.
Sip on chilled martinis in a fashion fête filled with runway looks from Versace’s 2010 fall/winter collection. Enjoy a sneak peek of asymmetrical dresses with fun hems and shapes along with bold studded leather jackets for the Versace man. The talented artist, DJ Kiss will add to your experience with eclectic spins and music mixes.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Nowness: fashion and style in demand, on demand
In the giant universe of seemingly infinite quantities of voices shouting out their opinions and views on style and fashion, I think my voice has a different pitch. I've been the sales force and leadership at both big box retailers and luxury fashion boutiques, I've consulted with luxury boutiques and companies for a handful of years now, and I've been personal shopping for a discerning group of fabulous citizens. I've been behind the counter, in front of the shareholders, and held the pocketbooks, and draw on these three views when looking at the magnetic world of beauty, fashion, and style.
One of the biggest messages I present to clients, whether in consulting or personal shopping, is simple in word and powerful in meaning: selling the message, the romance, and the story behind any product is just as important as the product itself.
It's most than just an appeal to your customers' emotion. Starbucks doesn't just sell bottled water called "Ethos" - it has contributed more than US$6,2 million for one powerful mission: to bring clean water to children around the world, and raise awareness of the global water crisis.
LVMH - Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton has captured the essence of luxury living with their new website Nowness. Fashion, Art, Culture, and Travel. The most captivating multimedia experience, Nowness highlights the inspiration, the pulse, and the unadulterated spirit of all things luxe. There are no products for sale. There are no giant advertisements even pushing products.
I read an article in one of Conde Nast's fashion magazines for men recently that highlighted the attention to detail, the attitude, and the charming character of some of the world's best dressed men. Sure, being outfitted in some of the most sought after designs can make you look good; but possessing real depth, real character, and real manners, compassion, and joy make you look world class.
The same can be said for luxury fashion labels. Whether Haute Couture or of humble design and construction, when the inspiration, the depth, and the character of the brand's design is visible and understood, you suddenly appreciate and feel more affinity for that brand. To the unknowing shopper, Vietri is just another maker of dinnerware and flatware; yet to the educated client, Vietri is a fabulous American company founded by a mother and her daughters (the name Vietri signifying three lives) who fell in love with the ceramics they saw while on vacation in Italy, extended their trip to allow time to source a vendor, and began selling high quality Italian dinnerware in America. And I must say, bringing a beautiful plate from the freezer to the oven to the table is incredible luxury and convenience!
Everyone likes to feel good. As consumers, we want to know that the companies we love are doing their best to bring us the best possible product at the best possible price while making the best possible decisions. We understand that quality costs money, and you get what you pay for. And behind the counter on the business end, we understand that without quality products, and more importantly, without customers, our business would simply not exist.
Fashion travels. Style speaks. Fashion rocks. Style is art. Style and Fashion are now. Are you?
One of the biggest messages I present to clients, whether in consulting or personal shopping, is simple in word and powerful in meaning: selling the message, the romance, and the story behind any product is just as important as the product itself.
It's most than just an appeal to your customers' emotion. Starbucks doesn't just sell bottled water called "Ethos" - it has contributed more than US$6,2 million for one powerful mission: to bring clean water to children around the world, and raise awareness of the global water crisis.
LVMH - Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton has captured the essence of luxury living with their new website Nowness. Fashion, Art, Culture, and Travel. The most captivating multimedia experience, Nowness highlights the inspiration, the pulse, and the unadulterated spirit of all things luxe. There are no products for sale. There are no giant advertisements even pushing products.
I read an article in one of Conde Nast's fashion magazines for men recently that highlighted the attention to detail, the attitude, and the charming character of some of the world's best dressed men. Sure, being outfitted in some of the most sought after designs can make you look good; but possessing real depth, real character, and real manners, compassion, and joy make you look world class.
The same can be said for luxury fashion labels. Whether Haute Couture or of humble design and construction, when the inspiration, the depth, and the character of the brand's design is visible and understood, you suddenly appreciate and feel more affinity for that brand. To the unknowing shopper, Vietri is just another maker of dinnerware and flatware; yet to the educated client, Vietri is a fabulous American company founded by a mother and her daughters (the name Vietri signifying three lives) who fell in love with the ceramics they saw while on vacation in Italy, extended their trip to allow time to source a vendor, and began selling high quality Italian dinnerware in America. And I must say, bringing a beautiful plate from the freezer to the oven to the table is incredible luxury and convenience!
Everyone likes to feel good. As consumers, we want to know that the companies we love are doing their best to bring us the best possible product at the best possible price while making the best possible decisions. We understand that quality costs money, and you get what you pay for. And behind the counter on the business end, we understand that without quality products, and more importantly, without customers, our business would simply not exist.
Fashion travels. Style speaks. Fashion rocks. Style is art. Style and Fashion are now. Are you?
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