Who would have thought that non-use would be deemed a reason for revoking a brand's identity. When it comes to fashion and brands, a logo is just as important in identifying the company as the clothing is. Gucci's interlocking G was first registered for use in the UK for clothing, handbags, cosmetics and watches in 1984. British law states that if a logo is unused within five years the trademark can be revoked. That is exactly what has just happened to Gucci. The UK Intellectual Property Office has deemed they can only use the logo for fragrances and soaps. The company has attempted to prove they have used the logo through providing sales figures however, the IPO feels the evidence provided is not strong enough and to prove use of the logo in the UK.
Athletes are not the only ones these days being stripped of medals. In the fashion business, British designer John Galliano has been highly respected for his work for many years. But it was when his anti-semetic remarks were recorded and went viral a few years ago that he became disgraced in the industry.
In 2009 Galliano won France's top honor in fashion (a medal) the Legion d'Honneur recognizing his work in haute couture. It's an award that is given out by the French government.
He was artistic director at Dior when he was charged and then convicted for insulting a Jewish woman in public at a bar. Although he blamed his behaviour on being drunk, many felt the alcohol was no excuse for his outburst.
The British designer, who was once celebrated in the fashion industry has maintained a low profile since the incident.
Coach is perhaps one of the most counterfeited brands in the world. Now they have won their day in court to the tune of $44 million dollars. The case was filed in Manhattan federal court against a mother-daughter duo, Linda and Courtney Allen. They were managing websites that were promoting the sale of counterfeit merchandise. They were selling everything from bags to scarves and jewelry.
The websites in question were Bellafashions.net and MyClassyFashion.com. They also sold some product on eBay. The defendants are now required to shut down the websites selling designer fakes - for good. This isn't the first time the duo has been challenged by the justice system for selling fakes. Chanel had also sued them in 2007 for trademark infringement.
Apparently Coach has over 550 lawsuits as they aggressively protect their brand from counterfeiting. This specific case was easier to pursue because the defendants were from Syosset, N.Y. which, facilitated the case compared to the complexity of pursuing foreign companies. Women's Wear Daily reported that Judge Colleen McMahon said that the Allens violated 11 types of goods for a total of 22 separate infringements.(1)
When questioned about the incident Linda Allen said, "I know nothing about this....it's not valid." The judge also said that Linda and Courtney Allen knew what they were doing because on the website they clearly stated that the merchandise was not original and they had no affiliation to the authentic brands.
This monumental ruling is a clear indication that the law is in fact cracking down on the business of counterfeiting. The fashion industry is taking this very seriously. For the last two years the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) partnered with eBay on a campaign called You Can't Fake Fashion. Designers created handbags to raise awareness about this ongoing issue of designer fakes in the industry. The ruling in this case sets an example to all those who continue to make and sell counterfeit merchandise.
With designer collaborations over the last few years H&M often sells out of limited edition merchandise very quickly. This spring the company launches it's exclusive Eco-friendly Glamour collection. For the past few seasons their Eco-initiative has brought items to the masses through the Conscious collection featuring items made using organic cotton and recycled materials.
The 2012 Conscious Collection is an exclusive Glamour collection with looks designed for the red carpet. Celebrities have already taken a liking to the pieces. Viola Davis, Michelle Williams and Amanda Seyfried have been spotted wearing items from the line. Seyfried arrived at the London premier of the film In Time wearing the blue tuxedo blazer and short combo.
The entire collection will be available in 100 selected H&M stores around the world on April 12. The items are all made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester. The styles range from short mini dresses to floor length gowns. You will find pretty gathers, peplums, soft pleats and pretty applique details.
You don't need to be a celebrity to snag one of these items. They are perfect for proms, gala events, weddings and any other special occasion where it calls for glamour.
Scroll down for a peek at some of the styles coming to stores or online very soon.
Amanda Seyfried on the red carpet in this blue short suit.
White organic cotton and silk dress. Limited edition only 1000 available.
Donatella Versace is known for keeping sexy glamour alive at Versace. She unveiled a limited edition collection for H&M this week at Pier 57 in New York City to 500 invited guests. The crowd was filled with celebrities including Prince, Uma Thurman, Jessica Alba, Supermodel Linda Evangelisa and many more. The much anticipated collection lives up to expectations from Versace with pieces that were embellished with studs, silver, gold and sequins. Donatella told the New York Daily News, "This is a very joyful collection."
There were exclusive items for the show that were reminiscent of the iconic Versace era during the days when Gianni headed the creativity behind the rand. Studded leather, tropical patterns, tunic tops and fringe were interpretations of the label's signature looks. "I really wanted iconic moments of Versace," Donatella said.
The full line will be available in selected stores this month and with prices well below a typical Versace garment, it is expected to fly off the shelves.
TOMS Ballet flats in the upcoming Spring 2012 collection
Take a look at the latest in the TOMS brand. Everyone has seen the classic slip-ons but, soon you will be able to pick up a pair of these chic stylish flats and still know you're making a difference in someone's life with the one-for-one program.
TOMS was originally launched in 2006 with a simple concept. Provide a pair of shoes to a disadvantaged person around the world with each pair sold. Since then the movement has grown to now include eye-wear; launched earlier this year.
The 30-piece collection is a collaboration with Hollywood costume designer Trish Summerville. The items have a tough urban feel that epitomizes the character of Lisbeth Salander, played by Mara in the film. Lisbeth is a young woman covered in tattoos and piercings. Her character is dark and not your usual leading lady.
Summerville's creations for H&M include leather jackets, skinny pants, cardigans, denim and hooded coats with zipper details. This is a tougher side of the military inspired look we've seen over the last few fashion seasons. Summerville told The Daily Mail UK, "Salander's look is very real and very lived in, with pieces that her character has worn for a long time, like her jackets that act as her armour to shield her from the world.....I wanted the collection to have the essence and strength of Salander, with a fashion edge, and I'm pleased with the result."
You'll find the collection filled with items you can mix and match into your wardrobe. Whether your personal style is punk, goth, rock 'n' roll or bohemian; you can wear them to create your own style statement.
Sarah Jessica Parker signing autographs during Fashion's Night Out at the Manolo Blahnik store.
(Photo: Charles Sykes/AP)
The stars came out in full force supporting the 3rd annual Fashion's Night Out. Even teen phenomenon, Justin Bieber was out celebrating. This event has become a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. From New York to London to Paris, designers, retailers and fashion lovers alike shopped after hours in hundreds of cities around the world.
Fashion's Night Out in NYC is slated for September 8, 2011. The event was started in 2009 by Vogue's Anna Wintour. It was initially created to boost slugging sales resulting from the downturn in the economy. It has turned into a global fashion event that's highly anticipated every year.
Karl Lagerfeld's collection for H&M flew off the shelves back in 2004. This time around he's doing his creative work for Macy's department stores. Already the public is getting a sneak peak at some items featured in the August issue of Vogue magazine. The collection is set to debut in over 200 Macy's stores and online August 31, 2011. The pieces range from an affordable $50 to $170. Lagerfeld will also be creating a holiday season collection for Macy's.
Sarah Jessica Parker has reportedly been paid $3 million to end her contract with Halston. Just last year the iconic New York label was relaunched with actress Sarah Jessica Parker as it's President and Chief Creative Officer. Once dubbed 'the premier fashion designer of America', Roy Halston Frowick created his famous label Halston during a time when the discos of New York were filled with celebrities who became clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Hutton and Bianca Jagger. The brand's popularity peaked during the 1970's and early 1980's. Since then it has had its share of struggles. The fledgling label has been taken over a number of times since Frowick's death in 1990. Most recently it was co-owned by movie and television mogul Harvey Weinstien who has also departed from the company this week along with Parker.
The hope was that in bringing Sarah Jessica Parker on board her high profile image as a style icon would steer the brand to the level it was at during it's heyday. Unfortunately her identity as a clothes horse and style influencer wasn't enough to save the brand.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston Heritage as seen in movie Sex & The City 2
(Photo courtesy: consumer-culture.net)
Halston Heritage unfortunately didn't keep the momentum it appeared to have after Parker was spotted wearing that famous white dress in the movie Sex & The City 2. Although the designs she collaborated on were very true to Halston's creativity and exuded the sex appeal the brand is known for, it still struggled to make the sales needed.
This video above shows the excitement that was there when Parker was launching the line and promoting her joining the Halston Heritage team. It seemed the perfect union but, as with any marriage with a honeymoon faze, this has quickly come to an end.
It's not the first time Parker has been involved with designing apparel that has been a flop. In 2007 she designed a low-priced label, Bitten, distributed in the now defunct stores, Steve & Barry's. Unfortunately the label was not picked up by another retailer and was discontinued upon the bankruptcy of the retail chain.
Now that Parker has had two failed attempts at design under her belt, what's next? Will she jump into the world of fashion once again? Perhaps she may stick with the success of her fragrances. Who knows. Whatever she does, being a style icon certainly hasn't changed. She still sets trends with whatever she is spotted wearing.
See the video below when Parker debuted her collection Bitten with Steve & Barry's.
Since the first collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, H&M has thrilled its customers by having designers create limited edition collections every year. We've seen Stella McCartney, Madonna, Roberto Cavalli and most recently, Lanvin. With each designer, fans flock to the stores and the pieces often sell out within hours.
Style & Culture just got the exciting news this morning that the next designer to work with H&M will be Versace. Take a look at this video below where Creative Director, Donatella Versace, and Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor for H&M talk about this exciting venture.
You'll get a sneak peak at the collection as Donatella shows her style boards with designs for the upcoming line. Versace for H&M will be in 300 stores around the world and online on November 17, 2011. Of course we can look forward to the sexy glamorous rock n' roll feel that has been synonymous with the Versace label for decades. Available for both men and women, there will also be accessory items like belts and jewelry.
TOMS made a big reveal yesterday sharing the company's vision for the future. TOMS concept of giving a pair of shoes to someone in need for each pair purchased has been a huge success. They are known not only as a shoe company but as a One for One company. In the last few months there has been a high level of anticipation for what TOMS was going to do next. TOMS Founder, Blake Mycoskie, made the announcement to a crowd of hundreds in Santa Monica yesterday morning.
Mycoskie revealed TOMS Eyewear as the next product to change lives around the world. With each pair of eyewear purchased, a pair will be given to someone in need of sight. "Ever since 2007, I've realized the TOMSOne for One™ model could do more than give shoes - it could and should address other needs around the world," said Mycoskie. "Sight is a fundamental need. The loss of sight has a dramatic impact on a person's life....we're so excited to help more people in need and for TOMS to give in a whole new way."
The eyewear will be available at Nordstrom and other selected retailers across the U.S. They come in three iconic styles featuring hand painted striping details which symbolize the three elements of One for One™; the purchaser, the person receiving the gift and TOMS who brought the two together.
This is an exciting time for TOMS as the company moves into its vision for the future. This is just the beginning of much more to come.
After a successful launch in Asia last year, Levi's plans to launch its Denizen brand of jeans in America through Target stores this July. Since its launch in China, Levi's has made headway with the Denizen brand in India, Pakistan, South Korea and Singapore.
The mandate of this line is to provide the perfect fit. Denizen is a brand targeted at the younger demographic aged 18-28. The new generation who are cool, hip and the future trend-setters of our world. Before the brand hits stores in America this summer it will also debut in Mexico in June.
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