Gucci Opens its Largest Store in India with exclusive clutch bags

Today (24 Nov, 2012) Gucci celebrated  the opening of its 5th and largest store in India, located in the city of Gurgaon, within a stand-alone glass and steel tower in the gardens of the Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel, outside the capital of New Delhi.

Gucci store, Gurgaon, India

Exclusive iconic pieces from the Gucci Museum have been put on display at the showroom for the entire month.

The retail store spans over 4,220 square feet over two floors and showcases the entire range of Gucci collections including clothes, bags, shoes, belts and wallets for both men and women.

The exhibit includes original drawings from 1966 of a flora scarf worn by Grace Kelly, as well as handbags and porcelain items with flora patterns, and Gucci première dresses worn by actresses, Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Berenice Bejo.

Gucci Flora multicolour silk Scarf photo courtesy Gucci Museo

Special edition of evening bags has also been crafted for the Indian store's, known as the ‘Gucci exclusive bags’. Only available at Gucci's three India stores in Mumbai and Delhi, both clutches are gold, and come stamped with Gucci's trademark double Gs.

One clutch is decorated with a bamboo closure and a scoubidou bow with bamboo details, a script logoed mini-mirror, coin purse and zippered pocket. A detachable chain allows you to also carry the bag on the wrist. The second one looks more disco with a double G ornament encrusted in Swarovski crystals. Both bags come with an 'India Exclusive' plaque inside. A newer additions to celebrate the largest store opening, Bronza Anaconda Guccisima Leather Box clutch.

‘Gucci exclusive bags’ special India edition evening clutches

Inspired by the pastel summer shades of the Cruise 2013 collection, the clutches boast an anaconda print in pink and aqua blue and were personally designed by the creative director of Gucci, Frida Giannini.

Bronza Anaconda Guccisima Leather Box clutch 

There were no shortage of India's finest present at the launch party, including American fashion model and actress, Nargis Fakhri, born to a Czech mother and a Pakistani father, dressed in a silk crepe gown, Nargis was one of the lucky few to be seen carrying a gold anaconda skin box clutch, which Gucci has created exclusively for their Indian patrons.

Nargis Fakhri carrying ‘Gucci exclusive bags’ special India edition gold anaconda skin box clutch

pic credits Gucci

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Valentino Steps up Development, with First Mens Wear Show in 2013

Valentino Spring Summer 2013 Men's Fashion Show

Since the acquisition of Valentino by the Qatari First Lady, the luxury brand house have stepped up their aggressive retail expansion strategy worldwide (mostly with directly operated stores), Valentino‘s new owner, the Qatari First Lady, has been investing in a higher end repositioning of the brand.

When the acquisition was announced, 20 July 2012, Analysts said the Qatari royal family, which also owns London's Harrods department store, appeared to be building a home grown luxury brand with this latest purchase.

Valentino Autumn/Winter 2012 Menswear Advertising Campaign: Black & White

"It's the kind of thing that fits in well with Qatar: iconic, quality brands, with a long-term value and an appealing customer base," said Rachel Zeimba, a senior analyst at Roubini Global Economics.

Founded in 1960 by designer Valentino Garavani, the Italian brand acquired global fame thanks to its trademark bright-red chiffon dresses, loved by princesses and Hollywood stars alike.

Valentino Garavani & trademark bright-red chiffon dresses

One such strategic move is the registration of Valentino Men show for its very first catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week – upcoming edition 2013. Earlier this Fall, Valentino organised a lavish menswear and accessories fashion show during the Pitti Uomo fair in Florence, Italy.

Valentino menswear collection

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Brunello Cucinelli’s All Money Christmas Present

Employees at Brunello Cucinelli’s the luxury italian cashmere specialist firm, will have a reason to be merry this Christmas as its namesake and founder namesake founder is rumoured to be distributing some of his wealth with them this Christmas.

Brunello Cucinelli & staff

Brunello Cucinelli has certainly amassed quite a following in the last few years due to luxurious fabrics, particularly his cashmere goods. Brunello Cucinelli’s desire for simplicity is also expressed through his colour choices, which often cater to monochrome neutral and soft colour palettes.

Brunello Cucinelli boutique Paris 

The Italian company, which went public in April, has posted growing sales and profitability and is expanding around the world.

The company registered a 25.3% increase in net profits in the first nine months of the year. Cucinelli maintains a brand that defines timelessness based on 3 simple points; luxury, comfort and most importantly, cashmere. Cucinelli it has been reported, will be giving each of his employees, approximately 780 of them, a personal gift but as yet refused to comment on the exact amount.

Brunello Cucinelli Leather and canvas bags, scarf, short stripped cotton socks. stripped ribbed cotton knitcap

Rumour has it, that it will be in the range of around £4,057,410.69, or 6.5 million dollars at current exchange. Now that is what I call a Xmas bonus!

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Karl Lagerfeld Collaborates with Rolls-Royce

Karl Lagerfeld has recently collaborated with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and shot a selection of their luxury cars.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has collaborated with fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld for an ultra exclusive photo exhibition at its headquarters in Goodwood, England.

Karl Lagerfeld has shot the photo exhibition for Rolls-Royce. The showcase, titled, "A Different View," will only be on view at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood, England, to an exclusive audience for five days only.

More than 100 high rollers — Rolls-Royce customers, prospects and VIPs — are to attend a bespoke event today, at which Lagerfeld is slated to unveil 14 large-scale photos of the luxury vehicles, and give a talk.

A photo from Karl Lagerfeld's bespoke exhibition for Rolls-Royce.

Photo By Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Other, smaller groups are to visit the photo showcase, titled “A Different View,” during its five-day run.

Lagerfeld told WWD he took the photos of the vehicles over the summer in Ramatuelle in the south of France. He calls them “concrete abstractions” — unusual perspectives on details of the car’s gleaming surfaces and geometry. “It’s about reflections of trees and sky on the car,” he said.

Karl Largerfeld

While Lagerfeld gave up driving at age 30 after crashes in a Mercedes and Jaguar, from which he emerged unscathed, he’s attracted to elite automobiles. The luxury creative designer behind the house of Chanel said “I love beautiful cars — I like them as objects,” he said.

Among the models Lagerfeld photographed is a Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé

Lagerfeld’s exhibition and address are part of a series of events entitled “Icons of Art” that draw links between prestiege cars and the passion, innovation and attention to detail that goes into art-making.

Lagerfeld’s photos, for example, were printed on a special handmade paper to exalt the quality of the image.

Karl Lagerfeld

Rolls-Royce hand-makes all its cars at the Goodwood facility, which Lagerfeld said he was eager to tour.

Last year, the company built 3,538 cars, a record number, a spokesman said.

An in-demand photographer in addition to his design work for Chanel, Fendi and his signature fashion house, Lagerfeld said he also just did a series of abstract photos of furniture for Italian maker Cassina.

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Topshop To Launch 'Made In Britain' Capsule Collection Update

High street retail giant Topshop will launch its Made in Britain capsule collection in July (2012).

The capsule collection offers a range of winter coats, designed and produced in Britain. The range combines British tradition with modern innovations. Contemporary features include domed sleeves and leather trims.

Topshop Double Tweed Parka

Topshop has revealed its Made in Britain collection for AW12. The High street giant Topshop launches its Made in Britain capsule collection in July. Capsule collection will be available online and in retailer's flagship Oxford Circus store. 

Topshop Flagship store Oxford Circus, London

Fabrics are creatively combined to create the unique collection. The double tweed parka, for example, merges herringbone and Prince of Wales check. The range consists of stand-out winter coats in materials including virgin wool and tweed, with domed sleeves and double hemlines accompanied by hand-stitch detailing and leather trims. Designed, cut from British cloth and produced in the UK, the collection features eight styles including jacquard bomber and military coat. Made in Britain launches in two parts, four styles arriving mid-July and four in early August; available in Oxford Circus and New York stores as well as online, prices range from £125-275.

Production in the east end of London, supporting British manufacturers. The eight piece Topshop Made in Britain collection will launch in two parts, with four styles available from mid July and the following four in early August.

Prices range from £125-£275 and will be available online and at the Oxford Circus flagship.

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Balenciaga and Nicolas Ghesquière Announce Joint Decision to End Partnership

The Balenciaga fashion house and Nicolas Ghesquière have announced their joint decision to end their working relationship as of 30 November 2012.
Nicolas Ghesquière has been the Creative Director of Balenciaga since 1997.

The luxury fashion house with no shortage of celebrities queuing up to tote the brand's handbag range, this week released their press release to announce the dissolved union.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and Chief Executive of PPR, said: “Cristóbal Balenciaga was a master, a genius whose avant-garde vision dictated fashion’s greatest trends and inspired generations of designers. With an incomparable creative talent, Nicolas has brought to Balenciaga an artistic contribution essential to the unique influence of the house”.

Whilst, the celebrity 'IT' bag was without doubt the Balenciaga Motorcycle City bag.

Balenciaga Motorcycle City Bag

Beyonce blue large Balenciaga tote

Nicole Richie black Balenciaga Motorcycle city bag

Mary-Kate Olsen green Balenciaga Motorcycle city bag

Vanessa Hudgens black Balenciaga Motorcycle city bag

The favourite of mine, without doubt, is the Balenciaga Lune bag, as carried by All Larters, hands down a winner for me.

Balenciaga Lune Bag

Ali Larters, black Balenciaga Lune Bag

BALENCIAGA

La Maison Balenciaga, which has been part of the PPR Group since 2001, is one of the most influential names in fashion. Founded in 1919 by Cristóbal Balenciaga and established in Paris in 1936, it has been behind the biggest trends in fashion from 1930 to 1968.  

While the brand’s identity is firmly rooted in its highly symbolic prêt-à-porter collections, items of leather, footwear and accessories are also experiencing success worldwide. Among the flagship products of the House, are the collections of handbags. Balenciaga is also focussing on the development of its ready-to-wear collections for men which are very successful. The brand has also revived its prestigious past in perfumery with the creation of three new fragrances, Balenciaga Paris, L’Essence and Florabotanica. 

Very selective at the start in its choice of distribution outlets, the brand has now developed in an environment that respects its spirit, through its own stores and e-commerce sites, but also through franchised stores and concessions in the best multi-brand boutiques across the world.

A coherent plan for the construction of a network of directly-operated stores has been developed in recent years under the direction of its President since 2007, Isabelle Guichot, which would bring the total number of stores worldwide to 62. In 2012, Balenciaga has strengthened in particular its presence in Asia, opening new stores in mainland China, bringing the total number of stores there to 11 by the end of June 2012. The house is running parallel expansion programmes, both in mature markets and in emerging countries as well as on the internet. Its website, initially launched in France, the United States and the UK, can deliver today in 24 countries.

Press contact:

Lionel Vermeil

+ 33 1 56 52 17 47

lionel.vermeil@fr.balenciaga.com

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Moschino Expands in China with largest flagship store

Moschino's and Marni have stepped up their expansion plans in China.

Moschino’s largest flagship in China at IFC Mall in Shanghai (225 sqm). Italian luxury houses of Moschino ( Aeffe Group) and Marni have stepped up their expansion plans in China. 

Moschino opened this week 2 mono-brand stores in China: in the city of Chongqing at Mall Starlight 68 (105 sqm) and in the city of Shenyang at Forum 66 Mall (180 sqm). Privately owned Italian luxury fashion label Marni opened its very first store in China dedicated to the Edition line, with an 80 sqm flagship at Reel Mall in Shanghai.

Moschino interior fifth store in Russia

Without doubt my favourite Marni is the white lamb nappa leather frame bag, featuring dark brown leather piping, two adjustable short leather handles, a long leather shoulder strap and gold tone hardware from the 2010 collection.

Marni white lamb nappa leather frame bag

And my favourite display has to be the take on the English royal guards.  The bearskin caps of the Grenadier Guards are worn in commemoration of the defeat of the French Grenadier de la Garde Imperiale at Waterloo. 1815. 

They are worn to emphasise height and of course the Guards are not solely English ! Grenadier & Coldstream are, but the Scots Irish & Welsh all have Guards too and their tunics are buttoned in Regimental order, 1 for Grenadiers, 2s for Coldstream ,3s for Scots, 4s for Irish & 5s for Welsh Guards.

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Louis Vuitton and its First-Ever TV Commercial

Louis Vuitton has released its first-ever TV commercial to promote its ready-to-wear and accessories line....

After teasing us with 10 second clip last week, the luxury brand house, that I like to call home, has just released their first-ever full-length television spot.

Arizona Muse stars as a mysterious Parisian femme in possession of a key that opens an antique LV trunk housed in the depths of Louvre. Muse must race through the otherwise deserted museum towards her goal (where are the tourists, we wonder?), dodging a handsome pursuer and unlocking the truck to extract the envelope within. Although not before stopping to exchange a meaningful look with the Mona Lisa.
She then races into the courtyard and flies away in a hot air balloon (“Like a thread stretching across time and space,” according to the label), looking down on the shrinking silhouette of her would-be suitor.

The collection is a strong gorgeous mix that gives us an interesting look at a twist to the expected. We see an eclectic mix of skins, jewels, fur and colour, done of course in the Louis Vuitton inimitable style of the brand.

LV Fall Winter 2012/13 Collection

LV Fall Winter 2012/13 Collection

LV Fall Winter 2012/13 Collection

LV Fall Winter 2012/13 Collection

Without knowing it, I suddenly love watching commercials.

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Marks and Spencer to Open First Store in Jordan

British retailer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) announces plans to enter the Jordanian market for the first time, when it opens its new store at TAJ Lifestyle in Amman this December(2012).

M&S is the UK's largest clothing retailer, a British brand first established in 1884,  with a market leading position across womenswear and lingerie. M&S already has a strong presence in the Middle East, which is one of its priority International markets, with 18 stores in the region through its established partnership with franchise partner Al-Futtaim Group.

Located at the heart of the Abdoun area in Amman, the TAJ Lifestyle shopping mall will soon be home to M&S's new 900 square metre store. This December, customers will be able to shop the season's latest collections and M&S's exclusive innovations across womenswear and lingerie - as well as accessories, footwear and beauty.

Jan Heere, Marks & Spencer's Director of International, said: "We're delighted to be opening our first store in Jordan in December. Our new store in Amman will be the first of many new M&S stores planned for the Middle East over the next few years and will feature our latest womenswear, lingerie and beauty products. Over the next few weeks we'll be making the finishing touches to the store and we're really looking forward to welcoming local customers to the store soon."

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Penélope Cruz becomes the face of Loewe

Penélope Cruz

The new Maia colours have just arrived, all in Loewe Napa leather

Loewe announced today (13 November, 2012) that Penélope Cruz is to represent the image of the brand, starting from January 2013.
Spain's star actress Penelope Cruz has gone back to her roots as chosen face of the capital's luxury fashion house, Loewe.

The 38-year-old Madrid-born Oscar-winning actress has signed a three-year deal and will make her first appearance in the spring/summer 2013 campaigns which have been shot by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

The Luxury brand that have no shortage of celebrities taking every opportunity to be seen carrying the luxury leather skin bags in spectacular colours never seem to end.

Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf set of Gossip Girl orange Amazona

Pippa Middleton dual colour Amazona

Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas Loewe black May bag

During The Year of the Dragon! Loewe celebrated it with a limited edition of the iconic 'Amazona' bag in red refined calfskin and not the brand signature piece.

Limited edition of the iconic 'Amazona' bag in red refined calfskin

 Loewe's creative director and designer Stuart Vevers said it was precisely Penelope's "strong, sensual beauty" that has long been an inspiration and a constant reference for his "ideal of Spanish womanhood".

"I always start with the woman and a character. I find film very useful as a fictional character can be liberating creatively."

But this isn't the first brand venture the busy actress has taken part in, having also worked alongside Lancome and L'Oreal as their beauty spokes-model. Penelope has also kept things in the family, teaming up with younger sister Monica to design and launch a collection of lingerie for British brand, Agent Provocateur.



Loewe Penelope Cruz Media Announcement

Even with her involvement in many exciting projects, the mum-of-one explains that the label's Spanish roots – which promotes values of excellence and craftsmanship – were too good to refuse:

"Its collections are made by Spanish master artisans and I have always admired their work. I feel fortunate to be a part of this project."



Additional pics Loewe


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