Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From The Merchandising Society!

We take this moment to wish you and your families a love-filled holiday! We hope you have gotten everything your heart desires and enjoy the time you have with your families!

Love always,

The Merchandising Society.

Chanel obviously got everything she wanted!
Fake it if you don't like what you got!

2010: Red Hot

In an installment of remembering the hottest trends and stories of 2010, we begin with the boldest color of the year, red!

Yes 2010 was red hot! Seen all over the runways and in just about every magazine editorial it was the color you would not escape. From a feminine and elegant presentation of the color in a gown, to bold and cutting-edge uses of the color in suiting, the passionate color took us to a new level of expression in 2010.

Coatdress by Chloé; top and pants by Haider Ackermann; gown by Altuzarra.

A good sign that we are finally escaping the darks and neutrals of the recession, the bold shades of red are leading the way into 2011, and will continue to empower us, until we return to a colorful and bright fashion season that will be Spring 2011!

Sept.  Harper’s Bazaar, the color of passion & love!

M.S. Loves: The MObama Look Book

Ever since 2007 it has been all about Mrs. Obama, and nearing 2011 the vision of Michelle Obama (often referred to as MObama) is just as beautiful as ever!

No one does casual elegance like MObama.

One of my favorite resources when it comes to staying caught up with MObama's latest looks is the Michelle Obama Look Book put together by The Cut. Separated into 3 parts, the look book covers 2008 to the present day. Get caught up today and see if you can recognize any of the looks she's recently worn.

You mean you don't wear Lanvin to garden?...

BTW, she has FINALLY worn Marc Jacobs, just this week! Keep an eye out for that look!

M.S. Loves The Michelle Obama Look Book

Beautify: Hibernation Inspiration

No, we did not die. Worse. It was FINALS WEEK! Well congratulations to all of us who have survived and are getting out of the war zone alive! (I am on a plane home as I write this post!) And good luck to all of you still finishing up your final days for the Fall semester!!

Things to look forward to?

1. Holidays.
2. Sleep.
3. Food.
4. Presents.
5. Mainly sleep.

That sleep mask SCREAMS, "QUIET PLEASE. The princess is sleeping!" Must have.

To inspire us all on how to look fabulous while hibernating this winter here is Barbara Palvin in one of my favorite "sleeping in" editorials!

HAPPY RESTING! And don't forget The Society will be blogging all winter long, just give me a days rest okay? 

XOXO AND GOOD LUCK!!

Barbara Palvin by Eric Maillet for Vogue Russia December 2010

Fashion Fridays

Rodarte sample sale anyone?

EVENTS:

• Free custom tights & headbands? Join Topshop to get some free goodies this weekend and potentially cross a few people off your gifting list for FREE!! Friday/Saturday!
• Join Topman tonight for a cocktail party featuring their stylists and local editors and bloggers for the industry. 7-10PM @ Topman. FREE DRINKS!
• Bryant Park: Check out the Kate Spade pop up right next to the ice skating rink, you won't believe your eyes! SOOOO CUTE!! 

SALES:

• LAST DAY OF THE DFV SAMPLE SALE! Check out the new price reductions at the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale before all the goodies are gone! Sizes 2-14, @ 260 Fifth Avenue
• Want to go to the RODARTE SAMPLE SALE next week? RSVP now at info@rodarte.net or you will not be able to get in. Dresses as low as $300, A STEAL! Who doesn't want a Black Swan ballerina outfit for Christmas?!
• Womens is up to 70 percent off at the Helmut Lang sample sale. Goes through Sunday! @ 139 Fifth Ave. near 20th St. (212-398-2777); Friday (8–8), Saturday/Sunday (10–6).

Ding Ding Ding! Hermes VS. LVMH

If you've been reading up on your WWD lately you are following some serious drama in the industry between the Hermes family and LVMH. And if you have not, let me break it down for you because this is some JUICY soap-like drama going on!

It's time for a SHOWDOWN! 

The Scene: a sunny October day, light wind, silk brocade jacket season, Hermes is holding a private garden party for the family and a few close friends.
A few miles away, LVMH was....well it's not sure how they did this but the French government is working on finding out!

The Situation: In October Hermes was SHOCKED by LVMH's announcement of buying a 17% stake in Hermes, which had no intention of letting their stock to be bought up by any major holding company. Since then LVMH has stated no intent of a hostile takeover "in the next 6 months."

Thierry Hermès, I don't think he ever saw this one coming...

The Hermes family in response stated,

"The family has clearly and unanimously said: If you want to be friendly, Mister Arnault [LVMH's CEO], you need to withdraw."

The family has also taken out full-page ads in newspapers all across France asking for support from their customers and affiliate companies for the perseverance of their "cultural heritage."

The next move was made by the Hermes family, funneling a majority of their 71% hold on Hermes into a non-listed holding company, to avoid LVMH to get their hands on it. HOWEVER, French laws state when a company pools over 1/3 of their shares they are obligated to hold a public offering. That would in turn ruin their plan to AVOID any kind of offering.

Hermes has asked to be exempted to this law, as French investigation of LVMH's purchase continues. AMF (the French governing council on this law) is expected to reach a decision in the coming weeks on the exemption request.

FREE BIRKINS FOR EVERYONE IN THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT WHO HELPS HERMES! no?

For the most part LVMH has remained silence throughout the verbal attacks. Yesterday though they finally reacted to a request by a French investigator for more information about LVMH's purchase of Hermes stock. LVMH vice-chairman, Pierre Gode, reacted with this open letter, which is clearly accusing the government of taking Hermes' side.

"You recently informed me of the mission you have been entrusted with to launch a campaign against LVMH and its executives...You will understand that we are under no obligation to respond to your unfounded queries, the purpose of which is only too obvious."

It will be interesting to see what happens in the future with this case and the laws applying to the fashion industry in France, updates to come!!

Anything specific you want to know? Comment below or e-mail me!

Hermes to LVMH: WITHDRAW
Hermès Asks to Be Exempted From Trade Regulations

The Full Report: Barneys New York = DRAMA!

The soap opera drama at Barneys is probably some of the most exciting in the fashion industry today! Why is it important? What exactly is going on? Let me break it down for you!

They NEED a reality TV show....

• September 1st, 2010: Mark Lee, former CEO of Gucci Group, officially starts as CEO of Barneys New York, who has gone almost 2 years without a president. 
• The first major shake up happens in November, with the firing of Julie Gilhart, Senior Vice President and Women's Fashion Director,  and Judy Collinson, Executive Vice President overseeing all of womenswear and Barneys.com.

Judy and Julie who are veterans at Barneys...now that is major news for the industry! Mark Lee, who is to focus on getting the business back to profitability, and entering the international market, is making some serious moves.

Judy Collionson leave's an impeccable career at Barneys. Known for her strong relationships with some of the world's most influential designers and for her incredible taste level, Judy brought a lot of talent to the forefront of retailing. She is credited with DISCOVERING Alexander Wang. How you can let someone like that go, I just don't know.

Julie Gilhart leaves being known as the voice of Barneys, personally she has been on my list of people to meet for years. The Julie-Judy combination seemed unstoppable, Julie often being out in the media promoting Barneys the way Judy would be too shy to do.

He's lucky he's gorg. Because Julie is my girl!

• His former colleague at Gucci, Daniella Vitale, succeeds Judy Collinson as Executive Vice President at the end of November.

The question now is: who is to succeed Julie Gilhart as Senior VP and Women's Fashion Director?

• The best rumors have been put to rest, Sarah Rutson will NOT be leaving Lane Crawford for the job, and neither will Virginia Smith, who was rumored to be considering leaving Vogue for the position. So for now the hunt goes on!
• HOWEVER! In the latest of scandals, Lee has appointed another former Gucci colleague, Charlotte Blechman, as Barneys’ senior vice president of Communications and Marketing. This leads to the speculation that Simon Doonan, the store’s creative director, on advertising and visual presentations, may be "let go" in May when his contract expires.

Julie Gilhart (left) at a Barneys event with Virgina Smith (right)

It is incredible to see the relationships of these people move them from one company to another, from one position to another. With experience this proves you never stop learning, and the industry is ALWAYS interesting. Keep your contacts alive and well and one day they could be reaching out to you, or hopefully you would want to hire them.

Eyes will have to be peeled for the latest Barneys headlines as Mark's reign continues to unfold. As of now his management style could be questioned and considered very ruthless, however, is that what Barneys needs after going without a head for so long? Only time and the quarterly results will be able to tell.

Mark Lee Named Barneys CEO - WWD

Barneys Said Eyeing Fashion Director - WWD

Barneys Taps Daniella Vitale - WWD

The Hunt Is Still On For Barneys - WWD

Jessica Simpson: Billion Dollar Beauty

Bow down, the queen reigns supreme!

Remember the Jennifer Lopez collection? Yeah, neither do I. Did you ever check out Madonna's collection at Macy's or H&M? Didn't think so. What about the Jessica Simpson collection? Odds are that most of you have at least tried on a pair of her shoes, if not walked out of the store a happy customer!

Congratulations are in order for Jessica Simpson! She has triumphed as queen of celebrity retail collections! Together the Camuto Group and Jones Group Inc., which own the shoe and sportswear licenses to the brand, have reported sales of $750 Million, for THIS YEAR ALONE!

Overstock.com, on sale for $88.99 and I LOVE! Props to Jess!

It seems as though Jessica has become a power player in the industry, and how could she not? I mean just look at her! She's gorgeous, adorable, genuinely a sweetheart, the girl next door. Basically America ADORES her! 

Her collection is actually pretty good as well. She meets with the design team at least monthly and gives constant input, and she has approval rights. A celebrity that actually does something with their own brand, now that is something I like!

The "Kendale" Pump. Only $78.95 at Nordstrom! Not bad....Looks like Prada to me!

With the success of the line Sportswear and Jeanswear has launched for the Fall/Winter, and an advertising campaign for the lines will be launching in March, in addition to her shoe and accessories lines. For now let's just admire these, pretty, and AFFORDABLE (yay!) pieces from her collection on sale now.

The "Kelle" Sandal. Now that looks more FIT to me! $88.95, Nordstrom!

Jessica Simpson: Fashion's Billion Dollar Baby -WWD

Inspiration: Fair Isle

I guess I wouldn't mind a stroll through the forests in this outfit...

How many of the guys are looking forward to going home for the holidays? Well if you're like me, your going back to....the midwest...I get chills thinking about it. HOWEVER, with men's trend inspiration like Patrick Kafka's shoot for Instinct Magazine I have a feeling I'm going to really enjoy this holiday season! Lookout western US, NYC boys are coming home in some amazing Fair-isle!

Wow! He is gorgeous isn't he?!

Patrick Kafka - Instinct Magazine

Beautify: Under The Knife?

Tom Ford has done a fabulous editorial for Vogue Paris and their December/January issue.
Here we see the fashion industry's take on cosmetic surgery, which though still controversial today is becoming more common. Crystal Renn does a great job "poking" fun at the cosmetic surgery industry. If anything view it as a warning ladies, do you want to look plastic?!

YIKES! Fabulous coat though...

Crystal Renn by Tom Ford for Vogue Paris

M.S. Loves: The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Sitting around the few TV's on a dorm's floor, gathering around the TV in the co-ed basement, having parties in our various apartments, it has become an FIT annual ritual. That is, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the largest of the worlds guilty pleasures, is something we all look forward to every year for various reasons.

Though filmed weeks ago, the program aired last night and did not disappoint! The show featured performances by Katy Perry and Akon, and of course the 28 Angels that Victoria's Secret is known for. Personally I LOVED the Lady Gaga remixes and of course that runway set that looked like a copy of Avitar/Rodarte S/S 2011! Check out some pics & video below!

Highlights included:

"I guess I'm a naughty angel." - Alessandra
(Aren't they all though?)

"I fantasize more about wings than I ever would my wedding." - Edita
(Um....okay?)

Chanel cried when they gave her these wings. CRIED.
(I guess I would too...)

If you missed it catch a nice summary in less than two minutes with NY Magazine's video, link below!

VSFS in less than 2 minutes! -NY Mag

Love, M.S.

Need To Know: Cyber Monday Results!

People took this WAY TOO SERIOUSLY....

THIS WAS THE BIGGEST ONLINE SHOPPING DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE INTERNET! 
Sorry, I'll calm down a bit now.
According to WWD and the ComScore firm analyzing results, this is the first time online sales surpassed $1 BILLION dollars on a single day!

• Sales increased 16% beating last year's $887 million in sales. 
• The number of people shopping also increased by 4% to 9 million.
• The amount spent by each increased 12% to an average of $114.24
• The majority of purchases were made by those at work, 52.9%

Taking a look at the Consumer Confidence Index for November it all makes sense: CCI rose to 54.1% in November vs. October's 49.9% 

People are more confident in shopping again! A fantastic sign as we enter the holiday season, so remember to keep your purchases up and take this information to your companies/classrooms and impress!!

U.S.A. <3 Sales

Record Cyber Monday Sales-WWD

Consumer Confidence Is at Its Highest In Months