Milan’s Dark-Tones light the Runway

It is the expectation AND the hope for Italians that the worst of their economical crisis has passed. Therefore, during Milan’s fashion week designers displayed bold collections in the hopes of inspiring Italian shoppers to start hitting fashion retail stores again. Fashion houses included at the show were PPR’s Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Prada all displaying their Autumn-Winter 2013-14 collections. It was very impressive looks that graced the runway this year.

(Courtesy of businessoffasshion.com)

The wardrobes delivered this year featured dark palettes and even masculine styles as a reflection of the bleak political and economic landscape in Italy. Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli were among the dark-colored collections on the catwalk said to evoke the anxiety of grim expectations forfashion retail sales in Italy. 

These specific looks have and kind of poetry expressed in their designs in the way it reflects concerns over European economic health. Luxury retail sales have held up rather well in comparison to other industries during recession in Southern Europe mostly due to the fashion demand from wealthy travelers from the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Although global retail sales of Italian fashion are expected to fall by 3.5 % this year, after already having dropped 5.4 % last year.

Giorgio Armani(Courtesy of: vogue.it)

These particular collections at Milan’s fashion week express a very honest and masterful dark side of the fashion world, truly painting a meaningful picture as well as presenting desirable fashiontrends for fall. Sleek designs by Muiccia Prada presented on a post-industrial setting displayed her look for a “modern women hemmed-in by the grim realities of life” since the economic downturn began in 2008. 

Prada said post-show, “It seems to me that in the contemporary world you cannot let yourself go completely.” Giorgio Armani re-defined the more masculine style with a collection that involved suspenders and black velvet jumpsuits along with black berets as an additional accessory. Even though being described as a re-worked style of “masculine” he still made his feminine-featured elements thrive. He even has stated, “we must create clothes that women wear.”

Prada(Courtesy of fashionista.com)

Versace(Courtesy of: fashion.telegraph.co.uk)

Salvatore Ferragamo impressed with looks displaying sexy-snakeskin, croc and leather pieces and lace-up peep-toe knee high boots.The boldest ideas were reserved for accessories since during the recession sales have risen due to their more affordable prices (not to mention the fact that they can be worn all season).

Versace(Courtesy of: fashion.telegraph.co.uk)

Versace displayed studded boots and silver spikes on chain necklaces, whereas Roberto Cavalli showed roses and snake-shaped necklaces and large ear-enveloping earrings. Drawing inspiration from Byzantine mosaics, Dolce & Gabbana showed shoes with inlaid sculpted heels and models draping in jewels and wearing golden crowns. The crowns were just the right touch to add to the look. The Cut/New York Magazine called the look, “Byzantine beauties in bejeweled crowns and gold and turquoise mosaics.”

Dolce & Gabbana(Courtesy of: fashionista.com)

Most of the trends noted during Milan’s show included pleated skirts, zips and a return of padded shoulders. the tremendous influence luxury brands and high-fashion designers have in the world of retail sales and business and these are sure to be key looks next season. 

Feud Fuel in Fashion

There are many theories in the business of fashion as to WHAT sells or WHO makes headlines and they do say "no publicity is bad publicity". There are many instances in the fashion industry where “controversy” does contribute to fashion marketing and even sometimes retail sales.

(Courtesy of: timesofmalta.com)

Seen the outcome of a less-than-forbearing press. Of course this is usually NOT a favorable thing. For example  the successfully established brand Nike with their numerously press-bashed spokesman like Oscar Pistorius, Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, etc which often has lead to profit loss. This shows that with reason often BAD is just BAD NEWS in the public eye.

Not to mention what this does for fashion retail sales! ESPECIALLY in the fashion business, it is finely sharpened to “represent,” and image alone is extremely reputable in its effects for overall success. 

A few notable moments in the fashion world that left waves of embroilment in its wake. One example that is less deemed “controversial” and more of a “head-scratching disappointment” is the showing of Saint Laurent A/W 2013 line on the runway. In recent news Hedi Slimane’s grunge-inspired women’s wear outing for Saint Laurent in Paris, France, left a bitter whirlpool of criticism towards the unique collection, which made me  wonder…..Will this reflect on where the fashion house may be headed?

Saint Laurent A/W 2013(Courtesy of: avenueswank.com)

It was reported that many guests simply left in a state that ranged from amusing confusion to offended disbelief. Some top editors were even left questioning whether or not it was a prank or not. After puzzled and tempered guests left, New York Times reporter Eric Wilson, in his review later stated the event a “conflict,” addressing the bewildering divisive nature of the collection.

After witnessing the collection, WWD reported wondering “is playing a cutesy, disaffected-youth hand enough to propel the house of Saint Laurent into today’s luxury stratosphere — especially if the targeted air space is that in which Chanel and Dior reside? That, too, remains a question.”

Saint Laurent A/W 2013
(Courtesy of buisnessoffashion.com)

This is not the first time Yves Saint Laurent’s sparked a not-so-bright light. A Nazi-inspired show in 1971 was once labeled simply “a tour de force of bad taste” at that time but in light of recent events, it has led to thoughts of a deliberate attempt by the complicated designer to provoke negative reactions.

Perhaps this is the designer of the luxury brand’s attempt to prove that he “refuses to be influenced by such expectations”.  Whatever the reason may be, faux pas is faux pas ...no matter how you spin it.

Other not-as-recent fashion business bloopers that stirred up less-than-positive scrutiny ….
Harvey Nichols infuriated shoppers who received flyers in the mail publicising their 2012 summer sale. These advertisements featured a woman with her clothes soaked around the groin next to the slogan: "The Harvey Nichols Sale... Try To Contain Your Excitement!” Perplexed? 

Harvey Nichols
(Courtesy of: fashion.telegraph.co.uk)

Needless to say such off-putting marketing did little for shopper’s patience though it was claimed to have been meant “lighthearted”.

Vogue Italia
(Courtesy of: fashion.telegraph.co.uk)

Then there is the Vogue Italia's fashion website which once altered a trend titled "Slave earrings" from its website amid claims of racism. The feature based on large, gold-hooped earrings faced a sting of worldwide criticism, the strongest of which claimed Vogue Italia was guilty of a "disgraceful" attempt to "glamorize slavery". The editor later retracted the title claiming “bad translation” and was later amended to title "Ethnicity earrings".

Topshop Ad
(Courtesy of: fashion.telegraph.co.uk)

Topshop not too long ago removed an image of model Codie Young from their website after complaints that she looked too thin replacing it with a different image of the model where she looked a “healthier weight”, refusing to remove all of her pictures maintaining she was a very healthy size 8…. (Seriously???)

Beyoncé’s African-inspired photo shoot for L'Officiel’s 90^th anniversary edition had intentions of honoring Africa's influence in fashion, but rather left readers offended by the pop-singers heavily blacked-up face for the shoot.

L'Officiel Ad
(Courtesy of: fashion.telegraph.co.uk)

This shows the importance of marketing in the fashion industry and how it is so important the brands get it right in order to retain customer loyalty. There’s a difference between throwing caution to the wind and being brave enough to design something imaginative yet different. And many fashion brands over the years have had to learn the hard way!

Marc Jacobs for Diet Coke

Who is the hunky new man for Diet Coke? Marc Jacobs!

(Courtesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk)

Marc Jacobs has been named Diet Coke's creative director for 2013. He is working on a series of advertisements he calls "whimsical/ feminine" though yet to be unveiled, Women’s Wear Daily has reported. Jean Paul Gaultier was creative director for Diet Coke in 2012, Karl Lagerfeld served the role in 2011.

"I still think it’s hysterical people want me to take my shirt off. You know, I’m going to be 50 in two months, so I guess I should be glad." He commented on the recent advert. Shot by Stéphane Sednaoui in a phone booth set, photos are of a shirtless Jacobs who shows off his upper body while enjoying a Diet Coke break in a photo booth (a parody of the famous "Diet Coke break" ad of the 90's). 

(Courtesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk)

His project involves 3 bottles, 3 cans and 3 ad campaigns, each corresponding to a decade in fashion that is said to be released in Europe next month. Each individual one is inspired by iconic looks from the past 3 decades and will have the signature MJ logos, prints and illustrations.

He reported to WWD, "I think glamour and sex sells just about everything," This highlights how important the “image” and visual captivation is in retail sales for businesses. Marc Jacobs will definitely create new and exciting waves in advertising for the popular soda brand. I am very excited to see what this does for Diet Coke  as a brand who are celebrating thir 30th anniversary this year, and how the new look will affect business sales for the company.