PPR refuses to raise Puma bid

PPR has ruled out the possibility of raising its €5.3 billion bid for Puma. Speaking at a joint press conference of the two companies, PPR chief executive Francois-Henri Pinault said that he would not be offering more, although Puma’s share price had risen from €330 that PPR is paying per share to €343.36 last week…

Sports World acquires Kangol

Sports World owner Mike Ashley has acquired hat brand Kangol for a reputed £12 million. The mysterious entrepreneur owns an increasing number of brands, including Karrimor and tennis brand Dunlop Slazenger. He is also believed to be planning an offer for outdoor retailer Blacks Leisure, in which he already holds a 30 percent stake. Meanwhile,…

Fashion goes plaid

This season, plaid is everywhere. Not just from the old faithfuls, such as Pringle of Scotland or Ralph Lauren, no, also Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Alberta Feretti found inspiration in the Hebrides. So is what is the ‘kilt trip’ all about? Plaid, for fall, is about being bold, bright and understatedly sexy. Alexander McQueen drew…

Jeremy Scott for Longchamp

French luxurious luggage label Longchamp announces the collaboration with enfant terrible Jeremy Scott. Having worked with Karl Lagerfeld, the American fashion designer comes with a limited edition collection called ‘This Is Not Your Bag’. For the AW07 collection, Jeremy Scott recreated the design of the Pilage bag into a ‘Poodle Pilage’. A pink poodle is…

Calvin Klein Arts World

Whilst Frieze Art Fair presented new and established artists, Calvin Klein showed his Spring Summer 08 collection in conjunction with Turner prize winner Martin Creed. After Shanhai and Toky,o London was the third city to experience the ‘World of Calvin Klein’. Creed recreated  all Calvin Klein’s collections and presented a performance of an 18-piece music…

Danish Embassy fashion event

Denmark is bringing its design talent to Britain. On 28th October, the Danish Embassy will host a fashion show and champagne reception to show case high-end and street fashion brands. The presentation is especially set up for agents, buyers and the fashion media. On show will be fashion brands like Borcher, Mille Rostock, Isaksen Design,…

A&F sales down 18%

Abercrombie & Fitch this week reported net sales of $539.2 million for the five-week period ended January 3, 2009, an 18% decrease from net sales of $657.0 million for the five-week period ended January 5, 2008. The collegiate fashion company said December comparable store sales decreased 24% and total Company direct-to-consumer net sales decreased 11%…

Clogs charity showcase

The traditional wooden shoes of the Middle Ages in Europe are brought a new life by Klomp. The creative clogs project features artwork on the footwear by Hong Kong and China based artists and designers. The creatives redesigned one of a kind Dutch clogs, which will be auctioned online in aid of Oxfam’s ‘Teach the…