China's Crackdown on Luxury Goods

China's men's market could be hit hard with President Xi Jin Ping taking office soon. His top priorities are to "reduce corruption" and "conspicuous consumption" Meaning he wants to lessen China's cultural traditions of "gift giving". An example WWD mentions has already taken effect with a new "frugal working style". This entails no lavish parties, giving expensive cars, or luxurious gifts for civil servants. This new approach parallels American ethics law which requires government officials to avoid conflicts of interest with lobbyists.

Accorcing to Flora Sapo, a professor of Chinese law "gift giving is only a minor offense". She believes that the real estate and the stock market is far more corrupt than China's civil servants. Professor Sapo thinks that the gift giving tradition represents the lifestyle of the political/economic elite. And she doesn't see it changing much, unless some drastic happens to Chinese economy.

One case that made big news was called "Brother watch". It happened when a low level bureaucrat was photographed wearing an expensive name brand watch. Apparently, expensive watches are the preferred gift of choice for the elite, according to WWD. However, Bain & CO. studies reveal that the sale of luxury watches has decreased by 5% in 2012, in comparison with a 40% increase in 2011. One explanation for the slow down in sales could be attributed to China's slowing economy. But, another major factor points directly to a crackdown on corruption!

McConaughey Debuts new Men's Wear Collection

Matthew McConaughey is busy this year launching his new men's wear collection. WWD reports it will be called JKL, after his charity. He founded this charity after his father past away. JKL full name is Just Keep Living. This organization wants kids to live active lives, play sports, and also be able to make important decisions that will better shape their lives. His brand started simply with t shirts, hats and flip flops, that said, Just Keep Living. Friends and fans alike couldn't get enough of his designs. So McConaughtey decides to expand his brand in a more "mature way", that would include giving back to his charity. For every dollar spent on an item, a dime is added to the charity. The clothes are designed to be "all purpose gear". Meaning they need to include "performance type features", like quick dry t shirts, moisture wicking tops, UV protection, and rash guards. His concept is let the outfit do it all. He is quoted in the WWD article that he does not want to push reset. My favorite quote is he wants, "to be able to go from the jungle to the opera". Obviously that's a little over dramatized but you get my point.

JKL "sportswear and "swim wear will launch in over 150 Dillard's stores this month. The collection is being produced by Grand National Apparel Inc. The company is a Toronto based private label manufacturer. They worked with Perry Ellis and Savane in the past. McConaughey's  price point is between $29.50 and $99.00. WWD reports, he wants his collection to represent California casual lifestyle combined with active wear. His active wear line will include anything from a tee-shirt, to brushed cotton/nylon utility pants, to slim jeans, etc. One item that he thinks will be a huge hit is the "killer tee". It is a performance-tee shirt that is 100% cotton and has a "slimmer fit". The killer tee has two purposes: to look great and be able to be active in it. After the spring's launch, an even bigger launch will be expected in the fall.

Many celebrities have tried and failed to have successful brands. Only time will tell
 if JKL will be the next success  But with its efforts to give back to society, lets hope it succeeds.  Here is some of his collection.

Topshop Unique

The review are in and Topshop Unique displayed some inspired pieces for the Fall 2013 collection. Women's wear daily points out the variety of textures in each look. Topshop Unique plays with proportion in interesting ways. The noted pieces in the collection were the full circle skirts, the midriff bearing tops mixed in with excellent outerwear, and trousers. The trousers in the collection are described by Women's Wear Daily as "tapered " and slightly masculine. The workmanship in the pants is quite remarkable and seems to float down the runway. There is no doubt that she is comfortable. The outerwear is fantastic and I love how unique each piece is and more importantly, their appeal to a variety of consumers.

There is a lot of skin shown in these pieces, but part of the brilliance of this collection is the interplay of exposing skin and then covering it up. My only concern is will most of America be able to pull these looks off?!? For example, the middriff bearing tops, are not appropriate for work unless you are self employed. On the other hand, the bare midriff is definitely something you could wear for night. But that is part of the magic of fashion, which is the inspiration, the fantasy. The hair is slightly unkempt which give the models a more realistic, lived in appearance. These are some of the standout pieces in the collection.

If anything seemed amiss in the collection it was the printed pieces. For me, they just don't fit with the rest of the collection. The prints are a bit bizarre for my taste and remind me of pajamas. Not something I would ever go out in. Besides those two mishaps, the collection overall is very strong, sexy and imaginative! 

Ode to Hitchcock

According to Women's Wear Daily Badgley Mischka drew inspiration for their fall 2013 collection from Hitchcock's "icy blondes", favorites include: Grace Kelly, Tippi Hedren and Kim Novak. The article remarks that Badgley Mischka intertwine day and evening together. They do this by featuring "cashmere twinsets". The first look described in the article was black with a knee length red-and- black damask skirt.  Another popular look in the collection was a taupe shirt with a smokey metallic tweed pencil skirt. The above the elbow gloves add an extra touch of glamour that I personally adore. All the models portray some version of an elegant bun pulled up high for extra sophistication. And nothing adds more glamour then red lips. The first and second look scream Hitchcock to me, a smoldering understated type of elegance. I know those terms contradict each other, but with Hitchock's heroine's we find controversy and contradiction, that's part of his charm.

  

WWD preferred "controlled glamour that was not overly embellished". The only critical comments involved accessorizing; it seems that the scarves at the neck, did not ring true. They even referenced Raf Simons for making the same mistake at his spring Dior collection. These were some of Badgley Mischka's errrors according to Women's Wear Daily. For the most part I agree with the criticism of the show. The men's wear inspired pant suit is nothing I could see a Hitchcock heroine wearing ever, along with the scarf which just seems silly. The next look is just frumpy, not very flattering, on the model or probably anyone for that matter. Additionally, there are some elements of the collection that don't seem cohesive to me. Overall, not the best collection.