Diary of a Labellover By A. Fashionista

The Battle of Luxury Brands - Fighting to Stay Chic

 The battle that luxury brands fight to in a downturn economy definitely separates the um.. shall we  say,  gentlemen from the boys.  While the average consumer may not be contemplating  purchasing an authentic Louis Vuitton, Hermes or Chanel handbag, there is still a segment of the market for which a $3,000 accessory still applies.   It appears 'quality over quantity' seems to be top of mind for this consumer in an economy experiencing a down cycle.

According to market research company Millward Brown who conducted the survey using the BrandZ database of their WPP parent company, Louis Vuitton ranked highest followed by Hermes, Chanel and Rolex. What does this mean when a brand notorious for never discounting their products is ranked #1 in a struggling economy? Clearly it speaks volumes that when a brand holds true to its identity it pays offs.  These brands understands that SUPERIOR customer service is a critical factor in keeping wealthy customers happy.  And while it's true most people have been affected, they just aren't purchasing the entire luggage set anymore but rather resorting to  purchase of  only the carry on.  Since top tier management is involvement in almost every aspect of the business from manufacturing to the customer experience, it doesn't come as a surprise that these brands are able to hold their own in tighter times. 

That is not to say that all luxury retailers are basking in the glow of resilience.  Many jewelry designers are losing their sparkle.  Cartier which has long been know for their blinged out watches saw a 12% decrease in sales in Q4'08*.  The attitude of ostenatiousness clearly has taken a backseat to one of understated elegance.   Scarily, jewelery  designer Fred Leighton, long known for bedazzling Hollywood A-Listers for red carpet events recently filed for bankruptcy protection.

Another reason brands might fall out of favor in the high net worth consumer's mind?  Brand exploitation.  Brands such as Armani have too many line extensions, which can cause cannibalization especially with the lower-end lines or moving too far away from the roots of what made you great. Luxury clientele appreciate specialty and when a brand like Armani starts branding themselves as hoteliers, it results in depreciation of the name.

The best advice to prospering in tough economic times?  Concentrate on innovation of product in what you do best and ensure that your customer experience, whether in-store or online, is seamless and attentive.

*Luxury Institute, The Two Top Luxury Brands Louis Vuitton and Hermes Show Resilience, May 09

David v. Goliath: The Winning Battle of Startups with More Heart than Cash

 People are getting laid off, our investment portfolios are down xx% , at least the media seems to relish in reminding us of all the negative things occurring in business every day.  However, if you take a closer look, innovation is happening all around us thanks to sharp, gutsy, nimble entrepreneurs who are redefining the term "bootstrapping."    This post is a shout out to the renegade entrepreneur who has more heart than cash...

Aaron Peckham, Founder of UrbanDictionary.com - circa 1999
Vital Stats:  t: @urbandaily (0% follow back, 100% comic relief)
 I had the pleasure of meeting this young buck at SXSW in between panels.  When he told me he was essentially a one man show and that he had approximately 3.5MM visitors in February , my mouth dropped to the floor. Outsourcing when he needs to he keeps his overhead lean and mean - Angels, are you listening? Did I also mention that when I asked him how he markets his site, he responded by saying " I leave business cards in random places - like in gas stations..'  Clearly, with over 65M fans on the site's Facebook page and 7,800 twitter followers, Aaron off-color humor is shared by many as people often come back multiple times to edit a single definition.   Most importantly, you know you are an influencer when people refer to your site not only in every day vernacular but also when in the brand development stage (MissPivot was launched based on the definition provided by urbandictionary)

Chandlee Bryan  - Career Consultant, Best Fit Forward
Vital Stats:    w:  bestfitforward.com  t:  @chandlee

Chandlee Bryan is part of a new breed of career consultants. Utilizing her years of Ivy League career counseling experience coupled with her southern girl charm and  savvy social media kills, Chandlee knew she had the winning formula to strike it out on her own.  Low and behold with the right circumstances (what better time to start a career consulting business but in a struggling economy) and workhorse mentality, things are finally going her way. Taking the bull by the horns is what this girl does best - she started a job seekers meetup group, organized March Career Madness  - a twitter based conversation for other career consultants.  Did I mention she moonlights as a publicist when she is not writing resumes and consulting with aspiring professionals?  Her  writing is often featured in the WSJ, and she was recently interviewed by CBS radio on the current job market.   She recently had a big break, striking a deal with a major brand, I'm feeling that that this could be a turning point for this little southern gal..

Roger Wu - President, Klickable.tv
Vital Stats:  w:  klickable.tv  t:  @rogerwu99

Roger Wu is not your average entrepreneur.  With a background in acting and media but a knack for left-brained activities and an overachieving attitude, he set out to change the consumer's mind about video.  He his proud of Klickable's story - building the site by reading "Learn Flash in 24 hours" while drinking large amounts of tea at local tea shop, Subtle Tea.  His engaging manner makes him a great fit for panel discussion because he can break a v. complicated technology down so that even your mother-in-law could understand it.  Yes, Roger is the rainbow sprinkles on otherwise v. vanilla but albeit thought-provoking panels I have attended.  Klickable was awarded a sem-finalist spot in NYC Ent week.   Of course, don't cry for this company.  They have done amazing things so far- working with Rachel Ray, Tennis Week, and locally-based enterepreneurs, it is only stands as a testament to how much more they are capable of doing. 

A. Fashionista's Top 10 Hautely Dressed Company Founders

Who makes the grade when it comes to their boardroom style?  The list below represents the men and women that I have across personally with the most style and pinache-not only when it comes to their personal style but also how they run their business..

1.  Alec Andronikov - Chief Mobilizer, Movoxx-  With a personal style that can best be described as "preppily laidback" - consisting of blazers and coordinated properly starched button downs, make no mistake, "AA" as he is called by his inner sanctum is anything but "properly starched".  A "work hard, play hard" mentality, Alec  is a chameleon who makes sure the shoe fits for every occasion. If you were to translate that to his business persona, the word  "maverick"  comes to mind.  After all, this guy proved his CEO stripes after selling his first company, inFreeDA, an advertiser-sponsored directory assistance to AT&T.  Naturally, in 2006, he evolved into the mobile space where he founded Movoxx, a mobile advertising network that leverages SMS messaging.

2.  David Birnbaum - President, Takkle.com - What can you expect from a guy who founded a social networking site for high school athletes in 2007? Laidback sophistication.  This Brooklyn born, Wharton grad is rarely seen wearing a blazer, never mind a suit. He still manages to pull it off looking relaxed and cool in jeans or slacks and a open collar shirts.  Rest assured, he's got the brains and marketing prowess to back it up - at least Sports Illustrated seemed to think so when they famously partnered with Takkle for their "Faces in the Crowd" campaign. It was this lucrative partnership that put Takkle on the map.

3. Yuli Ziv - Founder of Myitthings.com - I profiled her company in yesterday's blog post.  Yuli is a champion of user generated content in the fashion vertical.  Her style reverberates many of the trends that she sets.  I would also add that she is  polished and eclectic because you never know what her  mood calls for but somehow she always pulls it off fabulously.  Sharp as a tack and poised for huge growth, Yuli recently began blogging on her namesake site sharing practical but candid advice to the start up community at large.

4.  Melanie Notkin - Founder of Savvyauntie.com.  Melanie is the epitome of the modern woman who refuses to be stereotyped.  She has a chic but modern style that is relatable, a mirror image of her business style.  When she launched her company in 2008 as the first online resource for Aunts, she realized she had honed in on a lucrative, niche market.  Much of her success has been achieved with limited marketing budget but still holding true to her brand message and understanding how to communicate to her audience. 

5. David Levy/Carter Page - Co-Founders of Tigerbow - a virtual gifting company. One of two dyamic duos to make the list.  Why?  Well let's start with David first.  I recently saw a Kenneth Cole ad where  where the guy was wearing a suit and leather converse high tops - almost identical to what David was wearing when I met him (ok, David's were lo-tops). Carter was dressed a little more conservative but to be fair they had just come from an "important business meeting".   The point is, clearly these guys get it - in business etiquette and in company growth.

6.  Isabel Chang- Founder of foxfatale.com, loveinthedumps.com - Isabel is not your average company founder.   Her style is 100% rocker, in fact she could easily fit comfortably on the arm of any 80's rock god.  Brett Michaels are you listening?  Although she defies the unconventional her talent and savvy intuition for predicting trends makes her a sought after creative by many agencies and cutting edge brands. Her most recent venture loveinthedumps, a dating site that celebrates relationship rejects recently launched and is already getting tons of press! 

7. Seph Skerritt - Founder of ProperCloth.  This seemingly mild-mannered MIT grad from Guam had to make the list. After all, he runs a virtual MTM shirt company, right? He is featured on his site as well so judge for yourself if you think he makes the grade. I've seen Seph on a few different occasions and I am convinced that mother nature blessed him with a frame that lets clothes just hang on him perfectly.  He is one of the hardest working guys I know who RARELY complains. Keeping a sense of humor is obviously an essential part of the job..

8. The Darlings -Founders of Smashingdarling.com  No, they are not related (I asked).  Trish Ginter and Julie Rorrer remain true to the brand identity of what smashingdarling is - providing a turnkey solution for independent designers to sell their wares online. Their style is eclectic and funky but polished - just like their business.   Kudos to Maureen Puia, aka MoDarling for doing a smashing job on the marketing and PR efforts!

9. Dina Kaplan - co-founder of blip.tv- a video sharing service with a focus on episodic content rather than viral videos found on youtube.  I had the pleasure of meeting Dina at SXSW this year and this smart and sassy woman is uptown girl trapped in a downtown girl's body.  Her style is oh- so chic and put together, from her head to her designer boots. She holds the title of COO and with the recently hire of a new Director of Ad Sales, is strategically helping to steer her company in the right direction.

10.  Kevin Kennedy - founder of  webgrrls, feminia.com- are international support groups for tech savvy women.  Don't let the red hair and ponytail fool you. Kevin may be in touch with what tech-savvy women want but he is nowhere near metrosexual.  In fact,this tall burly guy has a casual, approachable style that it is not surprising why so many companies approach him for his digital strategic development services.

A. Fashionista's A-List of Startups

I'd like to kick-off the week by recognizing a few start-ups that consider to be A-List.   In order for your company to make the grade you had to fulfill the following criteria:  1) be founded no earlier than 2007  2)product or service had to be within the fashion/tech vertical 3) company vision or product must be truly innovative.  Please note, that I have also not listed the companies in any particular order.

TryMyFashion
Vital Stats: Founded 2008 w: trymyfashion.com t: @trymyfashion
The Skinny: A microblogging service targeted to the fashion vertical.  Partnered with several 3rd party apps (twitterfeed, twhirl, blackbird) to make it easier to post your 140 character updates.  The monetization model will be focused around contextual advertising primarily targeted around fashion and entertainment.  Look for media kits this summer. TryMyFashion is also looking to offer strategic services to help brands connect to consumers on a more personal level...
Why their A- List:  It's a great solution for advertisers who want to break through the clutter of twitter and are looking to target the fashion/luxury niche.  The company's founder, Patrick Phelan, has an extensive consulting background with ad agencies and retailers, making me think he has the chops to keep TryMyFashion around for awhile..

Tigerbow
Vital Stats: Founded 2007, w: tigerbow.com, t: @tigerbow
The Skinny:  Send actual gifts to virtual places.  Tigerbow has brilliantly innovated a way to convert the recipient's virtual address (twitter, facebook, email) to a physical address, never revealing this personal information to the person who sent it. It's completely stalker-free!  Check out their facebook app that pulls in your friends and upcoming events:  http://tinyurl.com/tigerbow .  This is not the only exciting opportunity to come.  Stay tuned!
Why their A-List:  Amazon, who?  They are reinventing gifting.  With the recent news that baby boomers are the fastest growing target of social networks, Tigerbow is poised for unprecedented growth. The Facebook app was a brilliant move and after talking to company founders, David Levy and Carter Page extensively about future plans, I think everyone should use the 'bow!

MyItThings
Vital Stats: Founded 2007, w: myitthings.com, t: @yuliz (founder)
The Skinny:  One of the first and leading online fashion publications for user-generated content. They have revolutionized the perspective of the editorial fashion community by giving passionate writers an Anna Wintour-like power, influencing trends.  Championing fashion for design's sake, in May '08, the first annual "It Designer" contest was held in search of that undiscovered talent.  This contest drew over 100k votes from the community across 5 finalists, eventually launching the spring collection of one lucky "It designer" Wakana Koike. Subscribe to their off-the-cuff  "My It Things" webisodes, free to download from itunes!
Why their A-List:  Founder Yuli Ziv has done a tremendous job in keeping her brand message cohesive, a tall order when running a user-generated site.  I personally am a writer for the site and I enjoy the frequent writing contests and the ability to connect with like-minded individuals, who are as passionate about fashion as I am! I give alot of credit to Yuli for personally changing the way the fashion world views bloggers.

Proper Cloth
Vital Stats:  Founded 2008, w:  propercloth.com  t:  @propercloth
The Skinny:  Took Made to Measure virtual.  Thanks to technology and really smart programmers, Proper Cloth has made it simple to custom make a shirt online. Choose your fabric. Choose your  cuff, collar and pocket. Want to stand out?   Add edge with fabric inside the collar and cuff. Fabrics are imported from Italy but made in the US. Their size database has the largest selection of standard sizes but you also have the option to include your custom size, as well.  Check out their Proper blog for great style advice.
Why their A-List:  The user interface is clean and simple, possibly the best out their for virtual MTM. I am hoping to see more fabric selection soon.   I give founder, Seph Skerritt alot of credit.  He is not afraid to try new things. Proper Cloth is constantly evolving and I really like the direction it is headed.

Smashing Darling
Vital Stats: Founded 2007, w: smashingdarling.com t:  @smashingdarling
The Skinny:  A third party platform that allows independent designers to set up "stores" showcasing their designs-clothing, accessories and jewelry.  They currently have over 300 designers now have a voice and a cost-efficient way to reach consumers.   The site is easy to navigate for e-commerce, shop by Boutique if you are die-hard, or by target audience or specialty.  The Darling founders - Trish Ginter  (trish darling) and Julie Rorrer (Julie Darling) along with Maureen Puia (Mo Darling  are passionate about their business with backgrounds in fashion and arts, respectively so the commitment it takes to cater to the needs of both consumers and merchants is unfailingly.
Why their A-List:  They didn't let a little thing like EBay stand in the way of their dream.  They saw a niche and successfully conquered it.  Kudos for giving indie designers a place to call home. The Darlings are constantly evolving their biz - strengthening and empowering their merchant community by offering social media webinars.  They also give back to the community by sponsoring Charity events, most recently SM4SC, which benefited City Harvest. 

Klickable.tv
Vital Stats: Founded 2008, w:  klickable.tv t:  @klickabletv
The Skinny:  Klickable.tv gives the end user value add in video by essentially making the content within it, klickable.  For advertisers, it increases engagement and interaction within the video and ultimately to conversion.  According to their data, klickable video is 1.4 times more engaging then a flat video which makes sense when you have contextually relevant placement.  Monetization and product cross-sell is possible with klickable video.
Why their A-List:  The co-founders, Roger Wu and Emily Gannett are the dynamic duo ready to change the way people engage with video.  With their film and media backgrounds they understands the struggles of the tv v. video fight and are ready to tackle it head on, providing advertisers with creative and innovative solutions to capture audiences and conversion. For all of you advertising and media junkies, check out the klickable blog where they often hold trivia games and you can win a prize! It's one of my favorite things! :) 

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post where I give you my top 10 list of company founders....

                  

Fashionably Laid Off

It's rough out there.  The media sensationalizes it. Crain's NY had a tacky floating "lay off counter" running on their business page.  It was just a matter of time ... waiting for the other Prada shoe to drop and it finally did. After all I work in digital marketing, at an Agency that was pitching but not winning.   In lean economic times, the first thing brands do is cut their above the line advertising budgets. Do I agree with this approach? No. In lean economic times, companies need to innovate on product development and get smarter with how they market. I digress.. Unfortunately, sometimes, you just get caught in that machine.

One thing I realized after that proverbial Prada shoe dropped was that it had nothing to do with my talent. In fact, the reality for me as I am sure it was for many other was that it was actually a blessing in disguise.  Sure, from a financial standpoint it makes things uncomfortable but it forces you out of your comfort zone and makes you think about what it is you really WANT to do.   Therefore, now is the time to be resourceful with your contacts, with information - because there is a wealth of information out there and people want to help.  After all, my own HR department gave me a lead..

Now, if we could just get the media to cooperate and help us build consumer confidence rather than focus on the negative.  However, I guess that is where we have to utilize the social media tools being made available to us in abundance to evangelize that message. As consumers, it is our job to build it from the bottom. After all, NYC is filled with tough, Type A cookies who are ready to prove the market and the media otherwise..

My one tip is to keep positive and dress the part. Wait, does that make two tips? lol Confidence is key.  While it may be a little humbling to be out of work, at least you have time to research, decide and create new opportunities for yourself.

you have to be a diva to j'adore dior

When I got the Social Diva email alerting me to the Dior Diva VIP auction supporting the
Look Good Feel Better cancer charity, I immediately signed up.    The fact that a powerful fashion and beauty brand like Christian Dior is supporting a charity that helps women by empowering them through their appearance, while they go through the traumatic physical effects of cancer treatment is a brand to support in my book.

So the countdown is on.  On Monday, September 15, at noon,  the auction will begin online and run for 10 days.  Divalicious prizes will be auctioned off. The only question is, what VIP prize will you bidding on?  Here is just a sampling of the goodies:

• a couture bag full of the Dior's latest makeup collection

• an opportunity to spend the day with renowned Park Avenue dermatologist, Dr. Neil Sadick who also happens to be the Global Medical Advisor to Christian Dior Beauty

• enjoy the culinary stylings of a private chef cooking for you in the privacy of your own home.  Then luxuriate in a pamper package provided by who else? You guessed it. Dior.

• dine with the head VIP diva of them all CEO of Dior Fashion and Beauty.  Only the best for a diva to hone her networking skills...

Of course the only way to get in on these fabulous prizes and support a terrific cause is to register to become a Dior VIP member.  Membership not only affords you entrance into the auction but also insider tips and reward points! Every dollar you spend will go you into your Dior account and are redeemable for fabulous Dior rewards.  Membership really does have its privileges.

Soucha steals the show at couture fashion week

If I was forced to choose my favorite show at couture fashion week it would have to be Egyptian designer, Soucha. Judging by the turn out, I was not the only one that was anticipating the American debut of his collection either. 

His collection stunned the audience one look after the other. It just kept getting better, like a gift that kept on giving. Fanciful, feminine and ferocious.   Who knew goth evening wear could look so fabulous? I gathered that his inspiration could have drawn from the Byzantine Era in history, with it's Gothic overtones.  Soucha studied in Italy and worked in some of the top Italian fashion houses, his craftsmanship is impeccable.  His designs, whether embellished with ornate hardware or feathers added a sexy contrast to the delicate fabric.  

I have included a few pics here but you can also click to my flickr page to view the rest of the collection. I promise you won't be disappointed. And if you need a fashion fix, check out all the gossip and interviews from Fashion Week over at insidethetents. 

 

 

couture fashion week - edwing d'angelo

To the beat of a drum 'n' bass dj, Edwing D'Angelo opened Couture Fashion week slightly off schedule but with a show that was definitely worth the wait.  This Colombian-born designer took evening wear to whole new level.  His chosen color palette? White.  And while he used a variety of fabrics, whether it be linen, cotton, satin or leather, he brilliantly intertwined them with hues of red and blue and of course black.

What I enjoyed the most was that his womens collection was feminine but v. structured and modern.  There was a yin/yang theme to the way he designed. From the palette to the silhoutte - form fitting on top, blousing out at the bottom, the entire collection flowed.  Innovation in design was in the details -  whether it be the ruffles at the hem of an asymmetrical blouse or adding side panels into the hip of a dress, still making it feminine and flattering were the highlights of the show.  Not to be overlooked of course, was his modern take on menswear.  I loved how he elaborated on a tailored look with a bit of sequins.   He wasn't afraid to take risks.  In contrast, he kept his suits clean and simple with just a stripe of color for a detail effect.

After viewing the collection it is easy to understand why so many celebrities want to be dressed by  Edwing D'Angelo.  He is a designer who uses his creativity and superior craftsmanship to highlight the finer details, accentuating the best features of his client.

 

 

 

   

 

 

finally a reason to shop at the Gap

If you hated the French before you now have a reason to love them.   The ultra hip, concept store, Colette, has partnered with none other than the Gap.  C'est vrai.  The all-American, khaki and t-shirt manufacturer has commissioned a special installation to run for one month adjacent to their concept store in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 54th and 5th Avenue.

For those of you not familiar with the brand, Colette is the  fashionable French citizen's "go to"  for the latest in must have lifestyle items. Fusing culture and fashion all under one roof.  Whether it is the every day necessities you are looking for to get you through the day: beauty products, music and magazines or the latest from the runway, Colette has it all within their walls.   

So what can we expect do see from this new partnership?

• Reinvention of Repetto shoes and the Alexis Mabille bow bag, designed utilizing Gap's classic heather grey Henley jersey.

• Trenchcoat pained by the artist Andre

• Limited edition t-shirts by both Parisian and NYC artists

• And of course all things distinctly Colette, that you can't buy in America

Yes, I have never been excited about the Gap until now.  All of the celebrity endorsements in the world couldn't get me to go into their store, even when they had the Audrey Hepburn campaign for the slim black pant.  However, now they have finally  gotten it right and found the perfect cultural marriage - the equivalent to their own iconic brand status, in that of an iconic  French brand that has the refinement, culture and chic factor that make this partnership unique and buzz worthy.

The store is opening today and is only here for ONE month so check it out while you can.  I am definitely going to check it out after I'm through covering the shows...

fashion week is finally here - take a peak inside the tents

Ladies and gents,  it is the eve of Spring 2009 fashion week. The buzz is electric through our fashionably dressed city of Manhattan. It is the only time when  designers, photographers, models, bloggers, the editorial elite, celebs and Manhattan's upper crust all come together under the show stopping, white tents in Bryant Park.

I will be covering a couple of the main shows and as well as  Couture Fashion Week , which runs concurrently with the shows in Bryant Park. With my Canon in one hand and my Blackberry in the other, I will be twittering and blogging the dishy details to insidethetents.com, a media intiative developed exclusively for fashion week showcasing the writing talents of an independent fashion social media community. Say that 5 times fast!  Of course, you can also check out all the dets out on my blog as well.

Stay tuned...lots more to come....I will be up bright and early to take some pics of Bryant Park pre-show madness! :-)