fashionaucourant

Industry Highs and Lows: Week ending April 5, 2009
-Stacy Lomman

HIGH: FASHION

Jil Sander joins Uniqlo.
Uniqlo, the ubercool Japanese brand that replaced any reason we may ever have had to shop at the Gap, has recently appointed Jil Sander to oversee the men’s and women’s apparel. She will also design a collection featuring her signature looks (set to launch in fall 2009). After Prada Group bought a 75% share in her company in 1999, Sander resigned for the second time as creative director in 2004. Their loss. Uniqlo’s gain.

LOW: FASHION

Thierry Mugler signs on as creative advisor for Beyonce’s upcoming world tour.
As a fashion-forward child of the 80’s, I considered Thierry Mugler to be somewhat of a demigod. He is notorious for theatrical shows and sculptural ensembles. His work is marvelous, dimensional and unforgettable. Are we really ready to replace the fabulous Jerry Hall with Sasha Fierce (Beyonce’s stage name)? No. I’d rather not tarnish my memory of this designer and such a remarkable time in fashion. Sometimes it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.

HIGH: RETAIL

Topshop opens in NYC.
The opening for London’s golden child of affordable, trendy retail finally took place on April 2nd. Following an exceedingly hyped advertising campaign (complete with Topshop vans delivering goody bags around the city), the flagship opened at 478 Broadway (near Broome) to a mob of anxious customers. Were they actually going to spend money, I wondered, or were they merely hoping to catch a glimpse of Kate Moss who was rumored to be present for the ribbon cutting?

LOW: RETAIL

The line at the Topshop opening.

I know we’re all anxious to get our hands on some funky printed leggings and sensational costume jewelry but the scene outside was ridiculous. The line to enter the store wrapped around the corner and stretched back for as far as the eye could see. I asked one woman, who was standing patiently near the entrance, how long she had been waiting and when she replied, “Two and a half hours,” I decided to come back another day.

HIGH: CAREER

24 Seven’s downloadable guidebooks.

In addition to their job placement services, classes and workshops, 24 Seven provides a useful (and free) guidebook for both job seekers and talent seekers. The surveys are helpful if you work in fashion and want to know how your job measures up. The guide also provides hiring companies with information to help them remain competitive in their recruiting.

LOW: CAREER

StyleCareers cancels the Spring Job Fair.
According to Chris Kidd (owner of StyleCareers.com), there simply aren’t enough companies hiring right now to support the career fair. Initially, since the space was already booked and paid for, the alternate plan was to host a day of seminars and Tim Gunn was tentatively scheduled to appear. Unfortunately, the Employment Workshops have been canceled as well.

HIGH: PRICE
Gucci’s blue and green agate bracelet set in 18 karat yellow gold ($6900) http://www.gucci.com/