NEW IN INDUSTRY NEWS:
Rag & Bone Helps Save the Tigers
SAVE THE TIGERS: Rag & Bone teams up with Discovery Communications to help raise awareness of tiger extinction due to habitat loss and illegal poaching.
Rag & Bone is one of many brands partnering with Discovery Communications, parent company to popular television networks including The Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, to conserve nearly one million acres of protected land on the border of India and Bhutan in support of tigers through Discovery Communication’s Project C.A.T. (Conserving Acres for Tigers). [1]
Over the last 100 years, the wild tiger population dropped an astonishing 96 percent, with fewer than 4,000 tigers remaining in the wild. [2] By protecting these tiger’s habitats and taking measures to prevent poaching, tigers still have a chance to avoid extinction.
“We will shine a light on this compelling cause and amplify it through our global brands and platforms with the goal of doubling the wild tiger population by 2022.” -David Zaslav, President & CEO of Discovery Communications
Rag & Bone CEO Marcus Wainwright designed a special edition t-shirt (pictured above) featuring a bengal inspired by his father’s childhood memories in Bangladesh, which was debuted at Rag & Bone’s campaign kickoff party at their Mercer Street store on Wednesday July 26, 2017. The event was the first of several Rag & Bone events to be hosted in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, of which 15 percent of store proceeds will be donated to Project C.A.T. [1]
At this time, the price of this garment is not yet known.
Amazon Launches Private Accessories Label ‘The Fix’
AMAZON COUTURE: Amazon launches new private label brand The Fix, offering designer inspired accessories at an affordable price.
The Fix, Amazon‘s latest venture into the world of fashion, is an accessories brand that aims to provide Prime members with designer trends at discounted prices. True to Amazon style, the brand aims to outsmart its competitors through quick service and convenience; rather than adopting the traditional retail calendar of releasing collections in seasons, The Fix plans to release new styles on a monthly basis, allowing Amazon to quickly react to shifts in trends.
“Our customer is really looking for a great hit of style — something that’s on-trend. They have an accessible price point and are well made.” -Kate Dimmock, Fashion Director of Amazon [4]
With the quick turnover of inventory planned, The Fix seems to be the perfect combination of trendiness from fast fashion retailers such as Zara and the speed and convenience that is Amazon. The Fix’s handbags currently range between $49 – $119, and shoes range between $69 – $99. [3]
Lieutalica’s Top 3 Shoe Picks from The Fix:
Left to Right: The Fix Women’s Finley Dome Stud Slide Sandal, The Fix Women’s Belle Block Heel Mule, The Fix Women’s Ramsey Sling Back Block Heel Dress Pump
Lieutalica’s Top 3 Handbag Picks from The Fix:
Left to Right: The Fix Mckenzie Suede and Leather Bucket Crossbody Bag, The Fix Hampton Crossbody Leather Circle Bag, The Fix Kirby Mini Studded Suede Bucket Crossbody Bag
STYLE SPOTLIGHT:
France’s First Lady is Style Royalty
THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE: France’s new First Lady’s untraditional wardrobe becomes symbolic of the spirit of the new France.
By defying her age, as well as traditional expectations of political dressing, Brigette Macron instantly solidifies her role as the “spirit of the new France”. Rather than choosing to dress conservatively, Macron proves time and time again that women in politics can dress stylishly without discrediting themselves or losing the respect of their male peers.
“She is someone who shows us all what it means to be truly modern—in both fashion and life.” – Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain[6]
The First Lady’s style can be described as “tailoring with an edge”; Macron is often seen welcoming heads of state in beautifully tailored designer ensembles, and her go to garment is a simple black blazer. [5] Macron is an avid supporter of France’s homegrown fashion, and has the unique opportunity to help her country flourish while expressing who she is.
“Her name rings throughout the world as a reference of style and confidence…we all supported the ultra-intelligent campaign of Emmanuel Macron, but we all know that behind every brilliant man there is an even more exceptional woman!” -Alexandre Vauthier, Designer [6]
For more casual events, Macron has been seen rocking mini skirts, skinny jeans and off-the-runway looks from one of her favorite designers, Louis Vuitton that some might consider inappropriate for the 64-year old First Lady of France. [6] Her challenging and confident spirit has been celebrated by the people of France, who amongst this time of political turmoil agree that it is time for a change.
Lieutalica’s favorite Brigitte Macron looks:
Left to Right: First Lady Brigitte’s first official European Tour, First Lady Brigitte welcoming U2 singer Bono to the Elysée Palace, First Lady Brigitte welcomes the First Lady of Columbia to dinner at the Elysée Palace
NEW IN TECHNOLOGY:
Rent the Runway Offers Same-Day Shipping
THE RACE VS FAST FASHION: Rent the Runway now offers same-day shipping to customers in New York.
Rent the Runway is an online service that allows one to rent from a wide assortment of luxury garments at a discounted rate, perfect for special occasions such as weddings, parties or work events. Jennifer Hyman, Co-founder & CEO of Rent the Runway, says the decision to offer same-day shipping was a result of wanting to compete with the convenience offered by fast fashion retailers such as Zara.
“We’re catering to a generation that values access over ownership. Same-day delivery is a more sustainable alternative to the outright purchase of products. It’s the next step in attaining the closet-less future.” -Jennifer Hyman, Co-founder & CEO of Rent the Runway [7]
Rent the Runway offers a diverse assortment similar to that of Neiman Marcus and Net-a-porter, complete with Parisian brands and top trending designers. For those that are aware of the negative effects fast fashion can have on both the retail industry as well as the environment, the idea of “access is ownership” promoted by Rent the Runway could be extremely appealing.
Same-day styles start at $30 and come with a free backup size to ensure the best fit; a second back-up style can be added for an additional $32.50. While same-day delivery is currently only offered in New York, Rent the Runway plans to expand this service to all major US cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. [7]
NEW IN EMERGING TRENDS:
Food & Drink Packaging Comes Clean
CLEAN PACKAGING: Food and drink manufacturers are turning to simplified labels to appeal to consumer’s desire to eat healthy.
Following the mega trends of minimalism and self care, consumers now expect their food and drink products to appeal to these values while also emphasizing each ingredient’s natural goodness. [8] Consumers seek transparency about the journey of each product, and want to know how each product affects the their bodies as well as the environment.
This new desire for transparency has shined the spotlight on brands that utilize straight-forward packaging to appeal to minimalistic shoppers, and make nutrition information and ingredients easy to understand. As seen in the two images above, brands are borrowing from the minimalistic designs of the beauty industry to accentuate the natural beauty of each ingredient.
As consumers continue to seek clarity about what they are putting into their bodies, more and more brands are learning how to satisfy the changing tastes of consumers and feed their desire for real, natural ingredients.
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ACADEMIC INSIGHTS:
[1] WOMENS WEAR DAILY “Rag & Bone Pitches in to Save the Tigers”
[3] TECH CRUNCH “Amazon Gets into Shoes and Handbags with its New Private Fashion Label The Fix”
[4] WOMENS WEAR DAILY “Amazon Launches Private Accessories Label”
[5] VOGUE “Brigitte Macron is the Style Rebel that Fashion- And Politics -Needs”
[7] WOMENS WEAR DAILY “Rent the Runway Takes The Fast Lane with Same Day Shipping”
Lieutalica. by Tiffanie Sayaka 