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Sep
3
Copyrighting Fashion: Who Gains?
September 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Canal Street AF1 | Source: Kicks on fire
The Private Interest in Public Laws
By Kal Raustiala and Chris Sprigman
American law does not prohibit copying fashion designs. Paradoxically, the payoff from free copying has been enormous. Copying helps set trends (you can’t know it’s a trend until it’s been copied) and then helps destroy them – once a design has been widely copied, the fashion-forward hop on to the next new thing. This is the familiar fashion cycle. What’s less obvious is that the absence of copyright makes the process possible. The fashion cycle turns faster, and the industry gets richer – and creates new designs more frequently.
So why on earth would anyone want to change that? Read more
Aug
24
American Apparel Stretched too thin?
August 24, 2010 | 1 Comment
Unisex underwear for men? Dev Charney CEO of American Apparel has run wild with risque adverts in an LGBT friendly fashion scene. The problem is that even though AA is one of the most visited clothing websites in America they have lost thier financial grip and in danger of going out of business. American Apparel has expanded exponentially throughout the past decade, with a loyal customer base that may be “growing” out of the fad I think the cliquish boutique could go bankrupt unless they expand their customer base.
Quick history of how American Apparel has gotten in this mess.
The cost of production for AA is very high. Remember they make almost everything in the USA and pay their employees more than minimum wage. In addition, they have expanded across the globe at a rapid pace. Their advertising costs are astronimical. With all these bills to pay the American Apparel corporation has spending money that they simply do not have…therefore they are desperately in of LOANS, in order to get on their
The current problem AA press release found here
AA is sinking in debt, and near possible bankruptcy. In order to pay their bills they are looking for more loans, however lenders are not giving it up so easy. So when you are low on money your internal affairs begin to look sketchy. So sketchy thier own auditor Deloitte and Touche quit because they found MATERIAL weakneses in the internal controls of AA’s financial reporting. Even though they were able to find a new auditor Marcum, AA still has not released their 2 quarter earnings. Now remember ladies and gentlemen publicly traded companies must inform the public of thier earnings, or the New York Stock Exchange will kick ‘em to the curb.
Fame Appeal advice to American Apparel:
In order for American Apparel to recoup some of their losses they need to appeal to a larger demographic. They have to make their shorts a little bit longer and pant legs a little bit wider. In other words getting more customers in the door and actually fitting into their clothes might do the trick. Also, try to find a temporary buyer in the Middle East who can help make American Apparel clothing reflect a more global fashion sense. I know some may argue that AA will be sacrificing its Los Angeles only identity, but I feel that with a few foreign inspired garments a new customer base could emerge.
Aug
11
FBH – Philadelphia Fashion Week Fall 2010
August 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Jumping out of a taxi, I see one model after another walking towards a tall unnamed brick building. Am I in the right spot, little did I know that in this weathered commercial space, serious professional activities were taking place. I interviewed two budding entrepreneurs in their 20′s who dream of taking their unique take on fashion to the runways across the world. Kevin Parker (co-founder of FBH) and Sherwin Raven (publicist) candidly talked to me about FBH modeling agency and their presentation of Philly Fashion Week Fall 2010.
What is Philadelphia Fashion Week?
Well its 6 days of high fashion experience, innovative new styles, featuring quality couture garments, interactive seminars and entertainment. It is a place where designers, make-up artists, purchasers and business people from all over can network and experience Philadelphia fashion.
(Take a look at the Event Schedule . You Can Purchase Tickets here)
Why do you keep on saying that this is an “experience”?
Well, not only are we offering amazing fashion shows, an addition we are holding an interactive fashion forum for models, stylists, designers, and make-up artists. Featuring, Debra Ginyard, Wendy William’s make-up artist Merrel Hollis, fashione editor Darryl Brown, just to name a few. Plus, we have Banana Republic store and Kenneth Cole store hosting two days of our fashion shows.
What made the FBH Agency start Philadelphia Fashion Week?
The Fashion week started in 2007, we were inspired from neighboring cities, wanted a more diverse and hands on fashion week. With the constant fashion buzz in Philadelphia and the city’s own unique sense of style we know that like NYC/LA, Philadelphia too, is a big city that deserves a fashion week. For the past 3 years our following has grown like crazy, we always have our inboxes and phones ringing off the hook.
What type of clothing shall we expect?
From off the rack casual wear to high end couture clothing. Something always different, and also things you could wear for a business dinner. Some of the designers are Philadelphia natives like Laquan Smith who has worked with Rihanna and Tyra Banks and Mike Sam for English Clientele who has dressed Eva Longoria and Paris Hilton. B-Vain couture will be returning, and was actually asked to do the wardrobe for a feature film.
What do you see occurring after this show?
Well we see more Philadelphia designers being inspired to present their designs next year. We are bursting with new models, and will be releasing a magazine soon. But most of all we want FBH to be the force behind Philadelphia as a fashion hub of America, and designers and models to know they have a home here.
What is your message to people who are ambivalent about coming?
We believe that entertainment and fashion go hand in hand, therefore we make sure that all our events are an interactive experience. You will meet buyers from stores, film industry workers, photographers, all the way to young models and make up artists. Be prepared for a good conversation, let yourself go and meet new people. We suggest to not get too overwhelmed so that you remember that this could also help you network and start new business relationships.
To contact FBH click here
Read more about FBH click here
Aug
4
Tips for Clothing company start-ups
August 4, 2010 | 1 Comment
I want to start my own clothing company?
So much ingenuity and ambition however the technical side usually stumps most of us. The following is a list of business and legal topics/terms one should keep while operating an apparel based business.
1. How to Brands survive Retail either e-commerce or in-store
2. Changing consumer dynamics
3. Cultural trends and fashion
4. The shifting powers Read more
Aug
3
Style Update: Bow Ties and Backpacks
August 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Style update:
Dont forget to check style pages: His Briefcase & Her Handbag
Her Handbag will give your notion of backpacks a facelift.
The His Briefcase section demonstrates the manliness behind the bow-tie.