Tag: ready to wear

  • “The Marc Jacobs” is launched

    “The Marc Jacobs” is launched

    A new era of Marc Jacobs is coming. Marc Jacobs is launching a new affordably priced label called “The Marc Jacobs.” The line will be introduced for pre-fall 2019. According to WWD, which saw an image from the line’s new look book, The Marc Jacobs will feature such items as colourful rugby sweaters, corduroy pants, and accessories.

    The designer also hired Russian stylist Lotta Volkova to style the look book, which was shot by Hugo Scott.

    While not much else is currently known about the new “democratically priced” label, a spokesperson for the brand did tell WWD that more images would be published in May – and that the line is part of a collection that also includes a “Runway” component.

    On Instagram, Jacobs acknowledged the existence of the new collection, writing that the image of the line was leaked.

    “Consider it a taste of things to come,” he wrote, before referring to the collections as “fantastic and fresh.”

    Although there has been no confirmation, The Marc Jacobs may resemble the former lower-priced Marc by Marc Jacobs label – which was discontinued in 2015.

    The announcement of the new brand comes after increasing speculation that the designer would leave his namesake brand amidst declining sales.

    In the beginning of the year, it was announced by Business of Fashion that the LVMH-owned company Jacobs would close its London store, as well as other European brick-and-mortar locations.

    This year the designer also announced the re-release of the Redux Grunge collection, a collection of 1993 looks that got him fired from Perry Ellis, and a collaboration with Dr Martens to create a range of limited-edition boots.

  • Hobbs launches in Hong Kong soon

    Hobbs launches in Hong Kong soon

    Hobbs will open its first store in Hong Kong in December, inside IFC mall. The UK womens fashion label has set a rapid expansion program this year, with the Hong Kong store marking its seventh new international market. Founded in London in 1981, initially specialising in shoes before expanding into the clothing and accessories, it has expanded across the UK, US and Germany and sells online.

    This year it has already opened points of sale in Kuwait, Japan, Beijing, Singapore, Belgium and South Africa.

    Hobbs CEO Meg Lustman said in an interview the company has partnered with a local company to establish a joint venture for the Hong Kong business, someone “who has great relationships with the landlords”.

    Hobbs is a sister brand of Whistles, which opened a store in IFC mall in April. The two brands, along with Phase Eight, are owned by the UK subsidiary of South African retail company The Foschini Group.
    Lustman said Whistles was doing well in Hong Kong and she is confident Hobbs will follow suit.

    “We can see our customer exists out there. When we’ve visited over the years, we’ve seen how many women are dressed for professional work. This is supported by demand from customers on our website.”

  • Maison Kitsuné Targets $100 Million in Sales from Its Expansion Plan

    Maison Kitsuné Targets $100 Million in Sales from Its Expansion Plan

    Parisian ready-to-wear label Maison Kitsune has announced plans to expand in Asia. The firm is targeting €100 million in sales with an ambitious store rollout in the region, as well as establishing a genderless label and branded hotel in Bali. It already operates 16 stores in Paris, the US, Japan and Hong Kong, with a product line carried at 400 additional stockists.

    On Friday, Maison Kitsune will open its first flagship and cafe in Seoul, partnering with South Korean conglomerate Samsung. Next year, the brand will open in Indonesia and greater China, where it plans to open more than 50 stores within the next four years.

    Japanese fashion group Stripe International took a minority stake in the company two years ago, helping the firm achieve €40 million (US$46 million) in sales last year.

    Co-founder Gildas Loaec says the company is at a turning point.

    “We have a good momentum and a lot of followers; we want to expand our growth further. Within the next five years we aim to generate €100 million in annual revenue.”