Fashionable Incentives

In January at Invista, we spoke of how performance fabrics are crucial to the fashion industry as well as what all the present athletic hype is about. Just a few months later and activewear has made some significant leaps specifically concerning wearable technology and how we apply these innovations to our high energy lifestyles. It's all about getting healthy and fit, causing sports apparel to be fully integrated into our entire wardrobes.

photo via WWD

We're seeing so many unexpected brands branch out into activewear. Urban Outfitters has unveiled an in-house apparel and accessories line called Without Walls and Net-A-Porter looks to introduce a new department featuring brands that target yoga, running, and spin classes. Aimed at customers 18 to 28, Without Walls indulges in edgy designs, bright colours and vibrant patterns to be anything but basic workout gear. Currently allocated in more high-profile stores throughout New York, California, and the cities of Portland and Seattle, these casual in-store shops combine UO's new collection with a variety of other third party labels both big and small, including the likes of Vans, Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Onzie, and Newline, among many others.

photo via fashionista.com

Also with fitness on the brain, Betsey Johnson has launched a fall collection inspired by performance focused pieces including high-stretch nylon spandex leggings, moisture wicking t's and heat sustaining fleece lined jackets. The designer hopes to "liven up other people's workout routines" with fishnet details, jacquard patterns, open exposures, peplum shapes, piping, and bows. The new line will be available at Nordstrom, Macy's, and Betsey's website later this year.

photo via Quartz

Then there is Gap who is directing it's current strategy towards the art of soft dressing. Already deeming fitness oriented clothing "the new denim," CEO Glenn Murphy has decided to move Gap Body's athletic wear straight to the front of store. With the success of Athleta blowing Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap sales out of the water, Murphy explained how so many of us are not just working out in our comfy sweatpants and yoga pants, but wearing them throughout the day to run errands, work from home, and even commute to work in. Hence, the success of Lululemon and all the fuss about looking fashion friendly while working out.

photo via WWD

Sending warning signals to all retailers, Amazon has embarked on the wearable technology movement. Just this spring, the online powerhouse debuted a wearable technology focused storefront promoting things like fitness and wellness trackers, smart watches, health care devices, and wearable cameras. John Nemeth, the director of wireless and mobile electronics at Amazon, foresees rapid expansion of this category which includes brands like Jawbone, GoPro, Polar, Garmin, and Nike.

photo via Naked Sports Gear

Summer is upon us and lucky for you, founders Reilly Star and Katie Sue Nicklos have perfected a range of sun-friendly apparel. Made in NYC of moisture wicking, tan through fabrics, Naked Sports Gear is a collection of sports bras, shirts and tanks that erase the fate of tan lines forever.

photo via The Business of Fashion

If it's not obvious yet, fashion and fitness pretty much go hand in hand and with athletic wear being classified just as essential to our wardrobes as denim, this is just likely the beginning. In the early 2000's the leggings fad surged and since then we've only grown to adopt more casual pieces into our everyday attire. Not to mention, we've already seen the shift among high and low brands like H&M, Uniqlo, Forever 21, and Lululemon 's sportswear pieces to Chanel and Dior sneakers and Tory Burch who will launch a line in 2015. With denim being the only category that has grown remotely similar to activewear, it will be interesting to see if it has the same long lasting success as the premium denim market. 

video via springwise.com

Today we'd like to leave you with this inspiring video explaining a new revolutionary concept initiated by the Alfa-Bank in Russia granting higher interest rates based on how much you exercise. It's trendy to be fit and just as important to look it as well. Right now, with such a spotlight on being healthy and so many companies getting active, will you? 

The Cool Crowd

There's a new crowd in town and they are redefining everything with their quirky personalities, creative spirits, and fearless style. From music to movies, TV, art, modeling, and fashion design, here are the who's who of ultimate coolness.

photo via People

Mindy Kaling
You may remember Mindy from all the controversy with her black and white February Elle cover or maybe you read her book, caught a few episodes of The Mindy Project, or you're just a diehard fan like us. She's got style, sass, and most recently acquired a lovely set of summer bangs. And if you're not following her Instagram already, you may want to start because she's seriously the epitome of funny girl cool.

photo via Latte Lisa

Sasha Pivovarova
Sasha is not only a model, painter, stylist, wife, and mom, but modern day Super Woman with a killer wardrobe to prove it. As of late she's been the face of Free People's January catalog which was shot in the whimsical model's home and even showcases some of her artwork. Together with artist/photographer husband, Igor Vishnyakov, the two have created a super inventive life, adorable family, and chic Williamsburg loft, causing envy among us all.

photo via Vogue UK

Pharrell Williams
Whether he's wearing that infamous vintage Vivianne Westwood hat or dropping a new album entitled "G I R L", there's a reason why Pharell's been so "Happy" lately. The multi-talented singer is making some moves onto the fashion scene with two upcoming collaborations. His much awaited men's and women's t-shirt collection for Uniqlo, "i am OTHER," is set to hit stores and online on April 24th. The musician now turned designer is also debuting a collection with Adidas Originals using eco-friendly Bionic yarn which is expected to launch this summer.

photo via Vogue UK

Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham
It wouldn't be a list of who's who without mentioning a Beckham and this one's featuring two, as both eldest sons make their modeling debuts. Ten-year-old Romeo is Burberry's latest billboard star while 15-year-old Brooklyn graces the cover of Man About Town magazine. With charming looks, power couple parents and four adorable children, the Beckham's just may be aiming for world domination.

photo via Fashion Times

Lupita Nyong'o
Well she's already won an Oscar for her role in 12 Years A Slave and now this girl's landed her first beauty campaign as the new face of Lancôme. Her flawless beauty and dynamite red carpet looks have her on everyone's radar as a "Global Fashion Icon." It's also been rumored that she's dating Jared Leto and they've been seen side by side all the way from LA to Paris.

photo via OUT

Olivier Rousteing
He's sat at the helm of Balmain as Creative Director since 2011 and helped give the fashion house its edgy, Baroque inspired flair. Now at 27, Olivier who quit a former international law career to follow his passion, continues to blur the lines between haute couture and ready-to-wear. With fans like Kayne, Prince, and even Rihanna who starred in Balmain's Spring 2014 campaign and is now up for her own CFDA Fashion Icon Award, the label evokes more than just fashion but art and architectural inspired designs.

photo via fashionista.com

Shailene Woodley
And the best dressed award goes to... Shailene Woodley who has quickly become the "It" girl of the red carpet. She first caught people's attention after her roles in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, The OC, and most recently The Descendants. We've seen her at the top of best dressed lists since 2011 wearing the likes of Dior, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Prabal Gurung, Christopher Kane, Jason Wu, and Dolce & Gabbana. 

A New Era

Every day we hear about experimental leaps in technology and how it is revolutionizing the ideals of the retail sector. With so many new developments and changes, what can we expect to actually stick around to transform us from the present to the future? 

photo via CNBC

We first introduced the idea of Bitcoin about a year ago and now that successful retailers like Overstock.com accept this electronic payment others are beginning to incorporate it into their changing business strategies. Hudson's Bay Co. which operates Hudson's Bay, Saks and Lord & Taylor department stores has launched a new shopping app Pounce that utilizes the digital currency so customers can directly shop and purchase from the retailer's catalog on their mobile phones. 

video via fashionproject.com

Speaking of department stores, the infamous Nordstrom has launched a new initiative called the Fashion Project which is an online donation experience that takes lightly worn designer clothing and does two great things: donates to a charity of your choice and as long as 5 pieces meet the requirements, the donator receives a $40 gift card. This is just one example of the growing demand for "re-commerce" which all has to do with the current state of the economy and a desire for unique clothing with a bit of a story. 

photo via The Washington Post

Leading e-commerce giant Amazon is making another unprecedented move via an online storefront of 3D printed products. By partnering with the startup 3DLT, Amazon is now the first major retailer to actually capitalize on 3D printed designs like quirky jewelry, plastic toys, iPhone cases and belt buckles. Besides making profits and trying to take over the world, what is Amazon really masterminding? Well maybe one day they won't need warehouses because they'll be selling 3D files that consumers can purchase and print at home, ultimately creating a just-in-time retail experience aka one day we'll be able to order anything we want, exactly as we want it.

photo via WWD

In other exciting news, there are a load of store openings to look forward to like H&M's Cos in both SoHo and Beverley Hills, the first ever Nasty Gal store, and the launch of Cross Company's new ethically minded mega-chain that will all be hitting the US market soon.

And things don't stop here. With fashion photographers becoming brands, models acquiring PH.Ds, and even something called Fashion 2.0 Awards for best social media achievements and top innovators, what else does the foreseeable future hold? Well for one, we are spending way more time shopping on the web and this alone will shape a new era of retail. 

North Of The Border

Today we want to take you to Canada, which has become an often talked about neighboring country especially within the fashion industry. With many US companies looking to expand over the last couple of months, retail growth just north of the border is on everyone's radar.

photo via Nordstrom

At the lead of the pack is Nordstrom who in less than a year will introduce it's first store in Calgary. Following that, the Seattle-based department store expects to open four more stores in Ottawa, Vancouver, and two in Toronto throughout 2016 with hopes to eventually expand their lower priced sister store Rack as well. However, it's not all smooth sailing for the super chain who may see some competition arise as Holt Renfrew plans to launch an off-price high-end apparel shop called hr2 to compete with the steadfast Nordstrom.

photo via Ottawa Citizen

Others like Land's End, White House Black Market and Chico's have also recently ventured across the Canadian border. Many of these stores are taking a different angle and focusing market expansion on their online access versus advancing brick and mortar operations. With J.C. Penney in a rut, Canadian native Joe Fresh has just debuted online shopping as has Macy's and Bloomingdale's who both now ship to the north as of the past year.

photo via Yahoo Finance

On the other end of things, the Canadian parent of Lord & Taylor, Hudson's Bay Co. just made a major acquisition by snatching up Saks Inc. According to CEO Richard Baker, the goal is to introduce the luxury of Saks into Canada and open seven Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 25 Off Fifth outlets and launch an e-commerce platform targeted at Canadians. Between Lord & Taylor, Hudson's Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue, the conglomerate will now be able to offer customers a range of quality products and distinct shopping experiences at a range of price points from moderate to luxury.

photo via Elle Canada

You'd be more than surprised about some of the Canadian born and bread who are currently power players on the international catwalk. Designers Erdem Moralioglu of Erdem and Dean and Dan from Dsquared2 are all natives who grew up in Montreal and Toronto accordingly.

photo via Financial Post

Despite the market shift, there are some retailers still slow to the game. Which stores are on Canadians' wish lists? From Trader Joe's to Uniqlo to DSW and Madewell, these are the brands consumers are demanding the most, so what are they waiting for?

Now or Never

One of the most challenging things we encounter is actually living in the present and enjoying the moments that really matter, right now. We are constantly asking ourselves “what’s next” and as a result, we miss out on these special moments. We’ve discussed many times before how life has become increasingly overwhelming as we are constantly bombarded by distractions and noise via both on and offline platforms. We need to slow down, appreciate what's going on around us, and learn to live in real time because there really is no better time than now.

Life is about moments – moments that bring us happiness, success, insight, etc. How are you taking advantage of these moments? According to one of our favorite blogs, Life Without Pants, “Life is about progress. It’s about looking at today – the now – and embracing that this moment is THE moment.” As we live, learn, and experience we grow, and with this growth, we are one step closer to finding inner peace and our own version of so-called happiness. What is meaningful to you? Go after it today before these moments are no longer there.

video via msnNOW

No one understands this better than the Millenial Generation. We’ve discussed who they are before in our blog, Generation Why Not?, and their “anything is possible,” NOW mentality is catching on. Looking at the digital realm and such sites as msnNOW and NowFashion online platforms are beginning to understand how to make it easier to keep up with what is going on in the present, by filtering and offering information on what people are collectively interested in, whether it be via social media outlets, posting fashion photos in real time, or following the latest runway shows. Basically it saves us a step (or two or three) by condensing all this information and identifying what people are really talking about at this very moment.

photo via Design Magazine

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to attend the conference, "Trends in Digital Media: E-tail and Retail," which discussed how the lines between online and offline are blurring so quickly and how consumers are looking for an equally satisfactory experience between all channels whether it be through social media, mobile shopping, e-commerce, or in-store. So how are companies applying these present-minded values to their business models? Overall, the entire industry from small to large corporations to brick and mortar stores to online based retailers are all in a frenzy. However, with decreased overhead costs and a mass collection of data, online companies have a much greater advantage, ultimately challenging brick and mortar retailers to catch up.

photo via Poshmark

As many twenty somethings remain financially burdened primarily by education debt, key retailers like Aeropostale, Urban Outfitters, and Gap are feeling the hit with them. While Gen Y doesn't have a lot of excess spending income, they do value the experience of shopping and have been raised in an environment of sharing via clothing swaps, bidding on Ebay, and trading on Craigslist. They value fashion, but within their means to do so. Poshmark, an app for the iPhone was released in December that hosts real time fashion shopping events, which is not only a fun way to get new stuff but combines fashion and social curation into a personalized experience.

photo via Uniqlo

Not to mention, consumers are just more visual and aware because of the universal access the web offers by always giving the tech savvy consumer the choice of channel, both on and offline. They need to be able to see things – how clothes are worn, displayed, and marketed – becomes increasingly important for retailers to differentiate themselves. Uniqlo is a great example with their simple and straightforward advertisements that display their merchandise bold and clear for customers to identify. 

video via youtube

In general, a major interest in street style blogging is changing the way we look at fashion. Jimmy Choo has caught on by teaming up with photographer, Eddie Newton to introduce a new site, Choo 24:7, where everyone from amateurs to professionals can upload their street wear shots and shop similar looks via the site as well. In our blog, Changing The Channel, we introduced Gap's significant effort to save themselves by reaching out to Millenials by incorporating social media and featuring bloggers into their Spring campaign. Furthermore, the retailer has plans to integrate the Styld.by site into a mobile format, which will eventually allow in-store shoppers to scan a garment and see how it was styled by someone featured on the platform. In theory, Gap has created a personalized online lookbook and style guide that inspires shoppers to purchase their merchandise by combining in-store browsing with online platforms in real time at the point of purchase.  

As a reaction to this growing desire to live in the present and know what is going on, companies are nonetheless looking to combine the on and offline worlds to produce unique and authentic experiences.For instance, a new mobile Apple Store app was just released that allows customers to research, customize, and buy products as well as track purchases, make reservations, and request help to satisfy all their tech needs while on the go. 

This is the future. It will be a continued challenge to live in the now and decide when to disconnect and live in the moment. As experiences become the driving force in how we shop and interact, we want to change the old way of doing things and we are. As our focus shifts to what is going on now, we will have better insight into the future. Life is short. Enjoy today, find your happy place, and you will create a better tomorrow.

This Week's Forecast: Seasonless

Whether you’ve noticed or not, we keep repeating a few key words every week: demand, transparency, new consumer, the shift, uniqueness, innovation, experimentation, awareness, trial and error, and most importantly, change, change, change. This says something in itself. No matter how many times we re-iterate it, we are in the midst of change. Things need to change.

Not only is the economy unstable, but weather conditions are more unpredictable than ever before. Just walk outside. From 80 degree weather one day to low 50’s the next and it’s only March. Not to mention, snow on Halloween and the mildest winter we’ve ever seen. Something just isn’t right.

photos via Style.com

Looking at the fall/winter shows alone one can see how no one knows what to do next. From ladylike to menswear inspired, sporty, Spanish, Asian, and influences from 19th century wartime origins extending all the way to the 80’s peplum, how do we make fashion fresh anymore? A few weeks ago in the Financial Times, one of the most interesting, imaginary and innovative designers of our time, Rei Kawakubo herself said, “The future is flat.” If that isn’t some insight into the mood this past season just look at the overabundance of black from matte to super glossy finishes embracing the runway.

photo via The Financial Times

The retail industry is definitely feeling the affects of the irregular weather patterns and trying to figure out how to react to its instability. If we can’t forecast day to day conditions, how can we plan for months ahead let alone years? Well for one, change is going to have to start at the supply chain. The system we have established over decades ago is no longer applicable as the growing uncertainty of erratic weather and natural disasters highlights the vulnerability of our complex global supply chain. This not only supports an evolution towards a more sustainable lifestyle but as a combination of unstable climatic changes and the growing presence of social media drives the industry to simplify itself, the sourcing of goods will have to shift and lead times will have to shorten. 

photo via The Financial Times

So how exactly do we keep up with the fast paced purchases of various online platforms and diminishing weather predictability? Not only does our supply chain footprint have to be flexible to adjust quickly but companies need more dynamic strategies to ensure profitable and reliable customer service. In addition, there needs to be a better balance between offshoring, nearshoring and reshoring as companies begin to re-evaluate their previous supply chain decisions. Many have begun to look at the prospects of near shoring which include efficient manufacturing in small batches, the ability to respond to rapid production changes, quickly introduce new products and an availability and presence of local skills to prevent constant travel expenses.

photo via weather.com

Fashion can defy the weather, but if and only if we shift to a "seasonless" approach. This means the fashion industry will have to react rapidly to the weather rather than only to the trends. The average consumer doesn't want to buy coats in August or bathing suits in January. Some retailers are getting a boost from an early spring as it stimulates impulse buying more than anything. People just don't know what to dress themselves in anymore. One can't just look outside in the morning let alone depend on the weather report to give them a feel for the day's forecast. We need and want to start buying pieces that can be worn year round. Considering this, when will the industry realize it is irrelevant to still think in terms of seasons?

photo via Uniqlo

At this point, the best solution is layering looks. Uniqlo is right on point as they look to blur the lines between inner and outerwear which allows customers to experiment and easily adapt to the changing climate on a daily basis. Eventually, the rest of the industry is going to have to place more emphasis on combining fashionable and functional garments, for instance creating garments that zip on and off. We have already seen layering on the runway for Fall 2012 as a new "stacked" silhouette emerges that not only breaks up shapes but has major utilitarian and practical relevancy. Therefore the ability to quickly replenish bestsellers and new products will be key. In addition, we now have a third factor to work into the supply chain, weather driven demand.

With this said, "forecasting" needs not only new terminology but a new definition. Everything is simply too unpredictable. In today's fast-paced world of technology with all the various curated social platforms, it is more difficult than ever to define what is new in fashion and what will be in fashion. We here at MBF Trend Consulting, directly experience a growing need in the industry for specific in-depth knowledge as retailers continue to try and understand what will be new with their customers and what will be the next big thing in their specific marketplace.

From the economy to the weather to fashion and retail, where are we headed? What does our future look like? Today’s forecast reads inconsistent, but maybe tomorrow’s will be a bit more certain.

That's How The Cookie Crumbles

With extended store hours, giant discounts, and clever tactics to draw customers in during the infamous Thanksgiving weekend, shops were without a doubt dressed for success. While a fortunate Black Friday rush may have boosted retail sales for the month of November, will they keep it up for the remaining holiday season?

Overall, the entire industry is struggling to keep up in the marketplace. For retailers to bring in sales they have to constantly evolve to meet the changing needs and demands of potential customers. Even here in New York City which shopping bags are you continually seeing? Uniqlo, Crate & Barrel, J.Crew and of course the obvious Forever 21, H&M, and Zara are flooding shoppers arms from 5th Avenue to SoHo!

photo via Freshness Mag

Uniqlo is a huge innovator in the marketplace from their heattech collection to their global flagship on 5th Avenue, what could be next? With plans to open 200 stores nationwide by 2020, “Uniqlo hopes to ‘revolutionize’ mass retailing in the U.S.” How you ask? Well, by experimenting with cutting edge fabrics nonetheless! The Japanese label aims to sell utilitarian clothing made of milk protein softening fibers as well as further promote their affordably priced basics. Other brands doing it right include Burberry, Rag & Bone, Net-a-Porter, and of course Apple. Not only are these industry leaders seeing an increase in revenue, but for them,“change is the only constant.”

photo via wwd.com

Meanwhile, the fashion label Michael Kors valued at $3.63 billion will be going up for an initial public offering this Friday. From near bankruptcy during the 90’s to one of the first American designers in years to go up for a major IPO, the brand has definitely evolved financially. However, while the label is making business, we have to say it is lacking that “wow” factor. From neutral colored sleek looks to simple leather totes and classic gold watches, Michael Kors is a true American sportswear brand and we are interested to see how it evolves.

video via Yahoo Finance

On an entire other note, will Gap ever seem to get it together? With over 200 stores planned to close across the U.S. by 2013 and a strategy to instead expand internationally, is this really the best move as sales continue to plummet company wide from Gap to Old Navy to Banana Republic? According to Harold Davidowitz, “the fundamental problem is that the Gap lacks strong fashion sense.” We’d have to agree. Not only does the retailer need to re-merchandise and determine their realistic target customers, but instill an inventive marketing campaign to re-position themselves in the retail arena. As major companies like Liz Claiborne, Boutiques.com, and Esprit continue to collapse into the fashion unknown, hopefully Gap's step into the global retail realm will save them from this same mistake.

photo via nytix.com

As CEO Ronald Johnson, Apple's former retail chief, takes the reigns at J.C. Penney, the company hopes to gain some fresh flavor to sweeten up their retail mix as well as bring sales back up which have been steadily declining over the past few weeks. The department store is another merchant who desperately needs to revamp their merchandise and marketing strategies before they too fade into the dust. While the chain has definitely gotten a bit savvier by opening a shop on 34th street in New York, taking on a new PR agency as well as collaborating with Sephora, Mango, Charlotte Ronson, and Nicole Miller among others, they still have a ways to go to reach a prominent standing. However, with the investment of a new team the department store chain is likely to revolutionize it's position in the marketplace.

In the meantime, as other brands such as Brooks Brothers, Kenneth Cole, and United Colors of Benetton struggle to reinvent themselves, retailers will continually be put to the test to keep up with fashion trends, the economy, competition, technology, and most importantly, their customers. It will be a test of time to see who will keep their cookies fresh and who will get stale as things just keep on baking.

In Times of Unpredictability...

Let's face it: the economy is unpredictable.

In one day, we may read from one source that the luxury market is improving; yet another will report news of closeouts and bankruptcies. We are living in difficult times and the future of our economy is as predictable as the weather these days here in New York City.

photo via: NY Times

So in order to stay afloat, everyone, from luxury brands to fast retailers are rethinking their game strategies. Today, the on-going trend among luxury brands is mass appeal branding. Just recently, Dallas-based luxury retailer Neiman Marcus opened a new line of outlet stores called Last Call Studio. Specifically located in suburban areas or strip malls that are not outlet centers, the stores will specialize in moderately priced goods aimed at the value-minded shopper who "may not have the reach level to buy the fine apparel that Neiman Marcus offers," says Wanda Gierhart, Neiman's chief marketing officer.

Instead of selling leftover stock from their department store lines, the store will focus on more affordable pieces from their existing lines that they already carry. In addition, they will also stock more heavily from their lower-end lines, bought directly from vendors. Unlike outlet shops, all of their merchandise will be in season and considered "new." And aware of the increase of online-shopping, they also launched an accompanying website earlier this month.

This new strategy is a clear reflection of the post-recession retail world. With an excess of unoccupied store front real estate and most traditional outlet stores having too little clearance merchandise to sell because retailers have cut inventory, Neiman's concept is one that works around today's financial circumstances. It also feeds into a market for the price-conscious shopper who still wants value and quality for their dollar. As much as it is a financial necessity, Neiman's new store concept is a smart response to today's economic situation.

Kinder Aggugini's moodboard for Macy's

photo via: NY Times

On the other hand, Macy's, a much more mainstream department store, recently joined the bandwagon of designer collaborations with plans to work with London-based designer Kinder Aggugini. The high-low concept is nothing new as H&M, Target, Gap, and Uniqlo have all already been doing such collaborations for years. However, it is a bit surprising that Macy's, a generally conservative department store, is collaborating with Kinder Aggugini, an edgy, rising designer, still relatively unknown in the States.

The collaborative collection plans to be sold at about 250 store locations, with prices ranging from $50 to $300. Attempting to offer more fashionable products, the collaboration hopes to attract more younger and trend-focused customers.

In times like today, brands must be strategic and wise in their decision making process. Even Uniqlo, the Japanese-based fast retailer, which had soaring sales this past year with more than 80 new shop openings since August, are facing financial difficulties. Due to poor product planning and supply chain management and marketing, the company has found itself in a downward slope.

The economy continues to affect the retail industry across all borders, leaving none unscathed. Although there is no bulletproof plan, creativity and smart decision making in a timely fashion proves to be only route for success.

News flash: Jil Sander for Uniqlo, LV sues Google

Our designer of the year, Uniqlo, sent its stock prices skyrocketing this week with a surprise announcement: Jil Sander -- that's the real Jil Sander, not the sculptural Raf Simons-designed label that bears her name -- will be helming the Japanese mass-market chain's design section. British Vogue is wondering whether the notoriously monochromatic Sander will institute changes to the label's usual paintbox palette, while WWD notes in an aside that Uniqlo's rising sales have propelled its chairman, Tadashi Yanai, to the position of Japan's richest man.

Meanwhile, our un-designer -- er, copycat? -- of the year, Erin Wasson, has announced that "…there's art everywhere, there's art all around us. To create is my ultimate goal. So why would I ever sell out?" Hmm, good question, Erin. In other copycat news, Louis Vuitton is suing Google for letting imitators buy ads that appear when "louis vuitton" is searched. Google says consumers can choose for themselves which ads to click on. And while we're on the subject of copycats, here's an oldie but a goodie: