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Tag: Shoes

  • Cole Haan Launches GRANDPRØ TURF SNEAKER Collection for Spring 2019

    Cole Haan Launches GRANDPRØ TURF SNEAKER Collection for Spring 2019

    Cole Haan, the innovative American lifestyle brand and retailer, will be introducing its newest dual gender collection, GRANDPRØ TURF, for Spring 2019. Providing the same featherweight construction as the top-selling GRANDPRØ TENNIS SNEAKER, the GRANDPRØ TURF SNEAKER offers retro style in a sports-inspired silhouette with versatile capability to be dressed up or worn casually.

    An instant classic with featherweight construction & retro T-toe styling

    Minimal, lightweight construction means everything you need and nothing you don’t, as the ultralight Grand foam allows you to move effortlessly. Craft, style and engineering combine to deliver Cole Haan’s operating system for footwear, Grand.ØS. Designed to drastically reduce weight, the Grand.ØS technology mimics the foot’s natural flexibility, offers dynamic breathability and provides responsive cushioning for maximum comfort.

    With silhouettes for both men and women, the GRANDPRØ TURF  features Cole Haan’s proprietary Grand.ØS energy foam integrated throughout the shoe and is fitted with a lightweight, injection-molded EVA sole for flexible ease. With the Grand.ØS technology, the sneaker allows for high rebound and lightweight cushioning that complements the natural running gait cycle of your foot.

    With a classic pivot point integrated onto its forefoot tread pattern, the GRANDPRØ TURF is paired with a rubber bottom for comfort and dual colour contrast effect. For retro finish, the sneaker features waxed handstitch detailing and classic T-toe styling in mixed material accents/full grain leather and crafted.

    The GRANDPRØ TURF collection is now available in Cole Haan Paragon and Suntec City stores.

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  • Adidas Test to Sell Shoes Made of Ocean Plastic was So Successful

    Adidas Test to Sell Shoes Made of Ocean Plastic was So Successful

    Adidas has spent the last four years curbing ocean pollution by recycling plastic beach waste into shoes – and because their customers have been so eager for the product, the company is kicking it up a notch. Adidas produced more than five million pairs of recycled plastic waste shoes in 2018, and they plan to incorporate the waste into at least 11 million this year.

    The upcycled plastic waste is made into a yarn which has since become a key component of the upper material of Adidas footwear. In addition to shoes, the company has also used it to make the first ever football jerseys made from recycled materials.

    The sporting goods manufacturer first started making the shoes in collaboration with environmental group Parley for the Oceans back in 2015. They developed the slick kicks using plastic waste intercepted on beaches, such as the Maldives, before it can reach the oceans. The Parley shoes are recreated from editions of their UltraBoost shoe, and a new version of their Adidas Originals shoe.

    And, in 2016, Adidas stores stopped using plastic bags.

    “We also continue to improve our environmental performance during the manufacturing,” said Gil Steyaert, who is responsible for global operations. “This includes the use of sustainable materials, the reduction of CO2 emissions and waste prevention.

    “In 2018 alone, we saved more than 40 tons of plastic waste in our offices, retail stores, warehouses and distribution centers worldwide and replaced it with more sustainable solutions.”

    Additionally, Adidas is committed to using only recycled polyester in every product and application where a solution exists by 2024. As a founding member of the Better Cotton Initiative, Adidas meanwhile sources only sustainably produced cotton.

    Recently, Adidas signed the Climate Protection Charter for the Fashion Industry at the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland—and agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% before 2030.

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  • 2018 Was A Record year for shoe brand Ecco

    2018 Was A Record year for shoe brand Ecco

    Shoe brand Ecco reported record sales last year and its highest profit in its 55-year history.

    Net sales reached €1.31 billion (US$1.49 billion) and profit before tax reached €201 million ($228.1 million).

    “It is very satisfactory for the employees to see all their hard work and enthusiasm rewarded with such a good result, particularly when taking into account that the retail industry is going through a disruptive period and is facing many challenges,” said Ecco CEO Steen Borgholm.

    The gains correspond with the launch of several new products last year, within both the firm’s shoe and leather divisions.

    Direct-to-Consumer sales continued the fast growth of previous years, recording a 10-per-cent growth in brick-and-mortar retail and 36 per cent online. In particular, North America and Asia recorded strong overall market growth with 13 per cent and 11 per cent respectively. More than 50 per cent of Ecco shoes were sold in concept stores – online and offline.

    “In a year Ecco connects with millions of consumers,” said Borgholm. “We still have a lot to do to take full potential of this in our marketing, sales, and operating model. Further investments in the development of new products will continue and help us generate a sustainable and healthy growth for Ecco also in the years to come.”

  • H&M launches a new collection with gender-neutrality

    H&M launches a new collection with gender-neutrality

    Fashion giant H&M has teamed up with Swedish streetwear brand Eytys to launch a gender neutral fashion collection that will go on sale in selected stores worldwide on January 24. The new unisex collection, which is being designed in collaboration with H&M, will feature footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and kids.

    The footwear collection will include new takes on a number of Eytys’ signature chunky-soled styles and will come in custom-designed boxes decorated by painter Zoe Barcza.

    “With this collaboration, we hope to introduce the H&M customer to our design philosophy of robust and fuss-free design where function triumphs embellishment and style spans genders,” said Max Schiller, creative director at Eytys.

    “The collection is all about proportions – creating a distinct unisex silhouette by playing around with loose silhouettes and chunky architectural footwear. It’s the Eytys idea of a ‘generic’ look, one that is meant to elevate integrity, attitude and confidence.”

    According to H&M, the Eytys design approach and overall ethos are rooted in the digital age, but also in freedom from restraints based on gender or age.

    “Together the brands have extracted the core of Eytys DNA and developed a unisex collection featuring a no- fuss and fashion-forward range of shoes and clothes.”

    Schiller said H&M admired Eytys’ distinct look and initially approached the company with the idea of creating a shoe collection.

    But after initial brainstorming, it was decided to create a full gender neutral fashion collection – shoes, clothes and accessories – and enable customers to experience the whole brand aesthetic and ethos, he said.

  • The coolest men’s sneakers from Paris Fashion Week

    The coolest men’s sneakers from Paris Fashion Week

    Paris Fashion Week Men’s was not lacking in head-turning street-style looks this year. Attendees brought their sartorial A-game to take in new fall ’19 collections from the hottest designers. A guest paired trendy Off-White socks with shiny silver Maison Margiela sneakers that featured a chunky platform sole and an iridescent finish. Cuffed denim jeans highlighted the pairing perfectly.

    Elsewhere, a guest showed off J.W. Anderson’s new Converse collab sneakers, which feature a rubber jagged platform sole. The high-tops debuted on the catwalk at Anderson’s spring ’19 show.

    Meanwhile, Adidas x Alexander Wang Turnout Mint White runners caught our attention with its chunky midsole design, a mash-up inspired by several previous Adidas sneakers.

    The Nike x A-Cold-Wall Zoom Vomero +5, designed by Samuel Ross, undeniably stands out with its enlarged heel counter. The style, which dropped in November, blends retro and futuristic elements.

    Lastly, the oversized red and white contrast leather sneakers by Alexander McQueen, which Timothée Chalamet has worn on the red carpet, of course, made an appearance at fashion week.

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  • FitFlop flagship opens in Philippines

    FitFlop flagship opens in Philippines

    London footwear brand FitFlop has opened a new flagship store in SM Mall of Asia, Philippines. The new FitFlop Galleon store is the largest FitFlop store in the world to date and now serves as the brand’s global flagship. It is operated by The Primer Group of Companies, the brand’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines. According to a press release, “FitFlop is confident that it will be able to reach and inspire more superwomen to seize life’s opportunities and take on whatever comes their way.”

    The brand’s product line is designed to combine precision ergonomics with functional design, specialising in comfortable footwear for women.

    FitFlop Galleon is currently offering its Spring/Summer 2019 line, inspired by exotic destinations and bustling bazaars, as well as athleisure fashion that features its proprietary Anatomicush sole.

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  • Steve Madden has launched in Malaysia

    Steve Madden has launched in Malaysia

    American footwear brand Steve Madden has opened its first store in Malaysia. The new location at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur is the second Steve Madden store launched by the brand’s retail partner Valiram after the first opening in Takashi­maya Singapore.

    A statement from the brand that describes the new store’s aesthetic as “distilled urban” reads: “Making use of several materials, the intention is to stage the stars – shoes and accessories – in a way that allows each of them to tell their style story.”

    Featured in store is the brand’s Holiday 2018 collection for women, as well as its signature rock-n-roll-inspired shoes and leather goods.

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  • Clot x Air Jordan XIII Low release date revealed

    Clot x Air Jordan XIII Low release date revealed

    International brand and retailer CLOT’s Air Jordan XIII pays tribute to co-founder and creative director Edison Chen’s youth, which he spent between Canada and Hong Kong. Chen chose to work on the Air Jordan XIII because it was his go-to during his high school basketball career — and remains a favorite shoe.

    To honor his Chinese heritage, he drew from a recent visit to Lintong county, Shaanxi province, where the Terracotta Warriors statues have remained for more than 2,000 years.

    To replicate the oxidation of that terracotta earthenware, the CLOT x Air Jordan XIII Low uses a Sepia Stone, Terra Blush and Canteen colorway.

    The design of the padded upper mirrors the armor worn by the Terracotta Warriors.

    Subtle nods to MJ come through in the side panel, where dots on each tile appear in twos and threes. To finish it off, metallic gold CLOT and Jordan Brand logos appear on the tongue, heel and sole.

    The CLOT x Air Jordan XIII Low releases exclusively at Innersect Shanghai, China, on December 8, followed by a global release December 13 at Juice Stores.

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  • Jimmy Choo takes trademark action against Chu

    Jimmy Choo takes trademark action against Chu

    Jimmy Choo is taking a preemptive strike at some potential competition. Xianjie Zhu, a 19-year-old from Guangdong Province in China, goes by Jerry Chu at Central Saint Martins, where he’s a fashion student specialising in menswear.

    Last year, at the recommendation of his father, he applied to register his English name in Beijing in case he decided to use it to start a clothing line in the future. With two years left of school, Chu had not yet given starting a line any serious thought, he said.

    Last week, the footwear and accessories brand Jimmy Choo filed a request to invalidate Chu’s trademark, arguing that the similarities between the names Jimmy Choo and Jerry Chu would cause confusion in the market.

    The company cited previous trademarks it has successfully invalidated, for trademarks including Jenny Choo and Ray Choo.

    Susan Scafidi, founder and director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University’s School of Law, said these disputes are common — so much so that she always urges young designers not to name their businesses after themselves.

    “Designers with common names in particular often have to engage in protracted legal disputes with companies who already own the same or similar names,” she said.

    But fashion consumers today are accustomed to distinguishing between namesake labels with similar names, such as Alexander Wang and Vera Wang, said Scafidi, and there is hope for independent designers.

    Last month, Thaddeus O’Neil, the surf-inspired menswear label, reached a settlement with surfwear brand O’Neill after more than four years of legal disputes between the two companies.

    Scafidi explained that a significant difference between those disputes and Jerry Chu’s situation is that in the US, trademarks must be used in commerce in order to be valid. Having an active business can also help demonstrate that a brand with a similar name is not producing similar products or “trademark squatting” in order to get a payout from a larger brand. Brands with global name recognition like Jimmy Choo are especially vigilant about trademark protection.

    “Jimmy Choo may well have assumed that the Jerry Chu registration was just another attempt to trade on the established Jimmy Choo name, since soundalike registrations are a particular problem in countries like China, whose primary writing system uses characters rather than letters,” said Scafidi.

    Chu and his lawyers will wait to see what the trademark committee decides, he said, hoping that the situation can be resolved quickly.

    The student posted the legal papers on Instagram this week, catching the attention of fashion’s social media watch dogs, Diet Prada, who echoed his frustration and spread the word.

    “I’m surprised so many people would care about me, an independent designer, a student,” he said.

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  • Why did Under Armour stock rise by 27% ?

    Why did Under Armour stock rise by 27% ?

    The sportswear maker, in the midst of a convincing turnaround this year, blew away Wall Street estimates in third quarter earnings reported this week and injected a dose of optimism into the stock market. Under Armour shares were up an overwhelming 27.82 percent.

    The broader index seesawed for much of the day but a late afternoon rally lifted it to a gain of 1.55 percent.

    While few companies this quarter have been rewarded for good financial results, Under Armour scored the trifecta: It beat estimates on earnings and revenues, and it raised forward guidance on profits by nearly 20 percent.

    Akamai Technologies also soared today on strong earnings.

    The online content delivery company beat earnings estimates by more than 10 percent and revenues by more than 1 percent on the strength of demand from video-gamers and cyber-security customers.

    The stock was up 16.92 percent.

    Tech services provider Cognizant Technology, on the other hand, saw its stock fall 3.9 percent — the biggest decline on the index — after it lowered fourth quarter guidance because of weak demand from bank customers.

    The broader technology sector rallied strongly with Twitter (4.54 percent), Facebook (2.91 percent) and Alphabet Inc. (1.58 percent) posting gains while Amazon.com (-0.55 percent) and Adobe Systems Inc. (-0.56 percent) had small losses.

    Chipmaker NVIDIA Corp. continued to play the tech sector pinball. Down 6.39 percent then up 9.36 percent.

    Telecom giant Comcast continued to draft off its strong earnings report last week and what appears to be a shift in the market to more defensive stocks with dependable outlooks.

    The stock gained 4.78 percent and is up more than 10 percent since it reported earnings last week.

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  • Charles & Keith is expanding in Hong Kong

    Charles & Keith is expanding in Hong Kong

    Charles & Keith is the go-to label for accessible designs that are on the cutting edge of fashion. This October, Charles & Keith has expanded its retail reach by opening two new stores in Hong Kong. These stores would be the first to open in the city.

    The new stores are located at Parker House, Central and New Town Plaza, Sha Tin respectively.

    Parker House opened two days ago and it occupies a coveted spot in the prime CBD district while New Town Plaza is a trendy flagship shopping centre that offers an exceptional array of shopping, dining and lifestyle facilities.

    The aesthetics of the new Charles & Keith stores is inspired by the brand’s refined design philosophy and aim at reflecting a sophisticated simplicity.

    To provide customers with a curated experience, each section of the store communicates the different stories of the season.

  • Skechers achieves record third quarter 2018 sales

    Skechers achieves record third quarter 2018 sales

    Skechers USA, a global footwear leader, has announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. “Achieving record third quarter sales is a notable accomplishment given the strength of our third quarter 2017 sales,” began Robert Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Skechers.

    Greenberg added, “Both our domestic and international businesses grew, and we remained the leader in walking, work, casual lifestyle and sandals footwear in the United States. We experienced strong product successes across multiple divisions around the world, which was evident by our double-digit growth in both our international wholesale and worldwide Company-owned retail businesses. Skechers D’Lites, our heritage chunky style that has seen great success over the last two years in Asia, is now an in demand style across North America and Europe, and is poised for growth in South America, India and the Middle East. Through Skechers D’Lites, we are reaching a younger, more fashion-savvy audience, and getting press—from Marie Claire and Elle to HypeBae and Highsnobiety—and social media influencers are embracing this signature look. Further, we are seeing renewed acceptance of this chunky style by men. Our core footwear categories for men, women, work and golf are also performing well. We are achieving this growth with the right product mix combined with a balanced approach to marketing spend. As we continue to invest in our international infrastructure, we believe there is significant opportunity to grow our brand further through both wholesale, and Company-owned and third-party retail stores, which now stand at 2,802 locations worldwide. We’re looking forward to fourth quarter growth across both our domestic and international channels and a new annual sales record.”

    “As we near the close of 2018, we believe the direction of our business is on target with our record sales in the third quarter, continued international growth and strong gross margins,” stated David Weinberg, Chief Operating Officer of Skechers.

    Weinberg added, “With three record sales quarters in 2018 and brand acceptance around the globe, we achieved a new record for the first nine months of US$ 3.56 billion, an 11.5 percent increase over last year. In the third quarter, our international distributor business returned to growth, increasing 11.6 percent over the same period last year, and combined with our international joint venture and subsidiary business, our total international wholesale sales increased 11.8 percent for the period. International wholesale along with international retail now represents 55.5 percent of our total business. We expect our business in the United States—both wholesale and retail—to grow in the fourth quarter. We remain committed to efficiently and profitably growing our global footwear business.”

    Sales grew 7.5 percent as a result of an 11.8 percent increase in the Company’s international wholesale business, and a 10.6 percent increase in its Company-owned global retail business. Its domestic wholesale business decreased 3.0 percent. The Company’s total international business grew 12.5 percent and its total domestic business grew 1.8 percent. Third quarter comparable same store sales in Company-owned retail stores worldwide increased 1.9 percent, including an increase of 3.0 percent in the United States offset by a decrease of 0.8 percent in its international stores.

    Gross margins slightly increased as higher domestic margins from improved retail pricing and product mix were partially offset by the impact of negative foreign currency exchange rates.

    SG&A expenses increased 9.5 percent in the quarter. Selling expenses increased by 0.7 percent, but improved 50 basis points as a percentage of sales from 8.2 percent to 7.7 percent for the third quarter 2018. The US$ 37.8 million increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of the Company’s continued commitment to build its international brand presence and direct-to-consumer channels. General and administrative expenses in China grew US$ 7.5 million to support continued expansion, including preparation for next month’s Single’s Day, and US$ 13.3 million associated with operating 58 additional company-owned Skechers stores worldwide, of which 13 opened in the third quarter. General and administrative expenses also included US$ 11.1 million related to corporate and domestic operations, of which US$ 4.8 million was for increased domestic warehouse and distribution costs.

    Earnings from operations increased US$ 7.4 million, or 6.4 percent.

    Net earnings were US$ 90.7 million and diluted earnings per share were US$ 0.58. In the third quarter, the company’s income tax rate was 13.7 percent reflecting its continued assessment of the impact of the recently enacted tax reform legislation. As a comparison, the company’s income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was 9.4 percent.

    Sales grew 11.5 percent as a result of an 18.9 percent increase in the company’s international wholesale business, and a 13.7 percent increase in its company-owned global retail business. For the nine-month period, its domestic wholesale business was essentially flat compared to the same prior year period. The company’s combined international wholesale and retail business grew 19.7 percent and its combined domestic wholesale and retail business increased by 3.4 percent.

    Gross margins increased due to strength in the Company’s international wholesale and Company-owned international retail businesses.

    SG&A expenses increased 17.3 percent. This increase was due to an additional US$ 176.3 million in general and administrative expenses. Selling expenses increased by US$ 25.3 million.

    Earnings from operations increased US$ 26.9 million, or 8.2 percent.

    Net earnings were $253.7 million and diluted earnings per share were US$ 1.62. For the nine months, the company’s income tax rate was 13.0 percent. As a comparison, the company’s income tax rate for the nine months ending September 30, 2017 was 12.9 percent.

    For the fourth quarter of 2018, the company believes it will achieve sales in the range of US$ 1.100 billion to US$ 1.125 billion, and diluted earnings per share of US$ 0.20 to US$ 0.25. The guidance is based on expected growth in each of the company’s three segments. The company now expects its effective tax rate to be between 13 and 15 percent, which implies a fourth quarter tax rate of between 17 and 20 percent.

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  • Foot Locker’s Newest Store Features a Barber Shop and Gaming Zone

    Foot Locker’s Newest Store Features a Barber Shop and Gaming Zone

    Foot Locker is diving headfirst into experiential retail with the debut of its Hong Kong “power store,” a 26,000-square-foot sneakerhead paradise where shoppers can get a haircut or hang out and play Xbox in between trying on shoes.

    Located in the city’s bustling Kowloon shopping district, the store is one of four the company plans to open throughout Asia in the 2018 fiscal year, with three in Singapore and one in Malaysia rounding out the pack. Only the Hong Kong location, however, qualifies as a power store, which Foot Locker’s chairman and CEO Dick Johnson described on the company’s last earnings call as an effort “in key markets to create more immersive and community-oriented customer experiences.”

    Power stores in Liverpool, England, and Oxford Street in London likewise feature collaborations with local artists, on-site barber shops, sneaker cleanings and gaming zones, all designed to enhance the in-store experience at a time when many sneaker fans do much of their shopping online or via app.

    The company is betting on its new Asia outposts to help drive sales as its growth in the U.S. and Europe have flagged slightly in recent quarters. It is also launching e-commerce in Singapore for the first time, complementing its in-store offerings.

    Throughout the year, the company plans to open 45 new stores and close 120 less profitable locations, and Johnson said power stores are in the works for the domestic market, with the Detroit area up first. The trick, he said, is finding “the right property, the right lease terms and the right construction period to make it happen.”

  • Clarks Kids teams with Avengers

    Clarks Kids teams with Avengers

    Global shoe brand Clarks has stepped out of its usual comfort zone with a range inspired by Marvel’s movie Avengers: Infinity War.

    The Clarks Kids range is described as “an exclusive multi-gender collection” (Yes, we are still wondering how many genders kids relate to, also) that “celebrates strength in unity”.

    Avengers Infinity War launched worldwide on April 27 and is set to be one of the year’s top-grossing movies.

    The Clarks Kids line was released on Friday.

    “Like every kid on the planet, the Avengers all have very different and distinct identities,” explains Jason Beckley, Clarks chief brand officer. “When they join forces, their strengths combine, and they become Earth’s mightiest team of heroes.”

    Beckley says the campaign – Greater Together – aims to encourage kids to celebrate their strengths and abilities and to stand together as one: “empowering them to be fearless, to believe in themselves, and always to support each other through strength in unity”.

    “Kids have the power to change the world. In our view, they are all superheroes. So, what better way to celebrate that than joining forces with Marvel.

    “We follow science and data to support the tradition of putting growing feet in safe hands. Combine that with collaborated passion, imagination and expertise, and you get an innovative footwear collection that provides kids with the freedom to be their true selves.”

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  • Luxba Group selected as the new partner for Sergio Rossi

    Luxba Group selected as the new partner for Sergio Rossi

    A new strategic partnership with brand management company Luxba Group will help Sergio Rossi open franchise stores across China.

    Following a full relaunch, the Italian women’s luxury shoe company has also signed an agreement with Hong Kong billionaire entrepreneur Adrian Chen to help achieve growth in China.

    Sergio Rossi last year closed its 10 franchise stores in China it had opened with another distributor. In changing partners, it hopes to make a “solid relaunch” in the country.

    “We chose a partner with the resources, experience and a vision in line with ours to help us go further,” says Sergio Rossi CEO Riccardo Sciutto. “The Luxba Group, with Adrian’s network, makes for such a partnership.”

    Details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

    Cheng, who is also executive director of jewellery manufacturer/retailer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, six months ago launched C Ventures with the aim of creating a stable of brands and digital platforms specifically aimed at millennials and generation Z, a target market for Sergio Rossi. Already the venture has attracted brands like Disquared2 and Moschino.

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