Tom Ford is one of my favorite high fashion designers, so as the saying goes if the shoe fits, then it's perfectly wearable; if the shoe fits like Tom Ford's made-to-measure footwear, then it's nigh-on perfect. Customers can select from any one of 18 styles - from lace-ups to loafers - and an almost bewildering number of materials (14 different kinds of calf leather, not to mention suede and crocodile skin). Still not individual enough? Then add a monogram or have your moniker inscribed inside the shoe. Measuring complete, the order hotfoots its way to Naples to begin a painstaking three-month process that gives the shoe-to-be (and presumably the shoemaker) time to rest between each of the six layers of polish. Alas, the service is currently only available in Ford's flagship stores in New York and Milan, but then that hardly takes the shine off. For those willing to spend in excess of $3500 this is a great look for you!!
ATTENTION, ATTENTION, for all of you who will be traveling abroad (including Canada & Mexico)The passport rules are going to change on June 1 for Western Hemisphere travel. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. this year, get or renew your passport now, and think twice before planning a car trip to Mexico or Canada in June. That's because come next month (unless Congress changes the deadline), Americans will need to show a passport, a passport card, or other special document to return to the United States by land or sea from Mexico and Canada.
The Wall Street Journal’s magazine, WSJ., asks a question that my self have been wondering: Will and can the luxury-retail market survive the recession and the resulting everything-must-go 70 percent off sales that consumers are growing accustomed to? When was the last time you paid full price for anything designer? If I think back to the big Saks sale last year, at first, everyone was scandalized at just how low the prices fell. And now, we all expect it. Frankly, we won’t pay old-economy prices for our bags again(I know I won't). So what will happen to the high-end stores of yore? The Journal doesn’t really answer this, of course. Who can, unless they have one helluva great Magic Eight Ball. But the article does look at the new world of shopping, which isn’t really new to most fashion fanatics. Net-A-Porter changed the way houses looked at web retail, after Natalie Massenet started bypassing runway shows and buyers — with RM and Halston selling directly on her site. And she recently launched theoutnet.com, her outlet site, with which everyone is a touch obsessed. WSJ. also explores the glorious world of online sales at Gilt Groupe, and those traditionally gauche places, outlet stores. (Our best shoe finds ever were from the Neiman Marcus outlets in Dallas. Just saying.) All of these sites and stores are changing fashion dramatically. Some designers are digging in their heels and not dropping their prices. But others are adapting and giving consumers what they want. Shocking idea. Balenciaga has a new outlet at Woodbury Common, and Oscar de la Renta launched an outlet section on the company’s website. And though designers were furious about the steep markdowns at department stores late last year, consumers loved them. You can’t really argue with what the customer wants. So while consumers may not pay full price again, luxury can survive this economy. That is, if, like everything and everyone else right now, it learns to adapt. Welcome to Darwinism!!!
I know, I'm a day late with this won but I got shit to do!! Anyway CONGRATULATIONS to LEBRON JAMES! Dude has been going off the whole season, we will see what happens the rest of the playoffs!!
Hennessy Black, the company’s first major launch since 1961, will be available in 10 markets throughout the U.S. including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York City, Ohio, Washington DC and Massachusetts. The company hopes the new drink - which has a blend of Jasmine, daffodils and orange flowers mixed with citrus, honey and grapes - will take the Hennessy brand beyond the cognac category to the premium mixed spirits. The drink will come to market with a variety of mixed drink recipes, including: Hennessy Black ice (with lemon juice and sugar); Hennessy Black Bull (coffee Liqueur and cola with ice); Hennessy Black Spice (ginger, syrup and lemon juice); and Hennessy Black Royale (champagne, lemon juice and syrup). “Today is an ideal time to launch a new product — consumers are increasingly seeking new and different ideas that can excite them,” says Andy Glaser, senior VP of Hennessy Business, adding that the Hennessy Artistry program which blends music, cultures and drinks, has a few more collaborations lined-up for this year to be announced in a few weeks.
Rapper/producer Swizz Beatz has been tapped by Hennessy V.S. to help launch the new, limited line of cognac.
The rapper will perform an original song, “When I Step Into the Club,” alongside the JabbaWockeez of “America’s Best Dance Crew” during a launch event in New York on May 5. An accompanying video by director Hype Williams will be revealed as well.
“Beatz is a long-time fan of the brand and approached us looking for ways we could work together. Since this product is all about having fun in the club, he suggested collaborating on a track that would be a hot dance song in the clubs,” Glaser, tells Billboard.biz.
Looks like some brands are taking advantage of the recession and trying new products out before the economy recovers and the real brand wars begin again! Not mad at you LVMH, looks like the team over there has a well thought out plan. They just seem to be on the pulse of the consumer right now with all the different moves each brand is making underneth them. I have to say they are a very strong Holding Company!! Everyone better watchout!
“You only get stronger by playing a stronger opponent” - Anonymous.
Yes, get your game up with this 3D Chess Board by Ji Lee. Which has one of the most unique chess designs we’ve ever seen. The board has a really interesting design, and makes a decorative centerpiece and great conversation starter. “The three-dimensional chess board adds an extra dimension of physicality to the game’s battle field” says Lee. The King looks less obtainable now, that he is set on his pedestal shared with his wife. When I saw this I had to jack it so shout out to Limite Magazine, their in my blog roll! This Chess board is so DOPE!!!
Also from a financial standpoint, the United States cannot afford many of these bailout programs as they are not being paid for with taxpayer money. However Obama claims so. Instead, the money is coming from the savings of the Japanese, Chinese and Europeans. The United States now needs $1 billion (€760 million) in foreign funds every working day just to maintain its standard of living. It is also reported that the country consumes more than half of all worldwide savings. Not only is this is costly, but it is also extremely risky. More important, it is not sustainable. By taking this approach, Obama is only leading his country more deeply into dependence on creditors from around the world.
Moreover bank bonuses are likely to be twice as high as they were before the crisis this year. Also the first African-American President’s family’s lifestyle isn’t short of glitz and glamour. It is very obvious that Michelle Obama’s wardrobe is full of designer outfits that make a statement without fail.
Gabor summed it very well - So far, the Obama presidency is as contradictory as reality. No one today can say whether he will end up being the president he wants to be. Presidents develop in office.
To tell you all the truth Gabor makes some very good points when you go back and do your own research. Also 74% of americans are having trouble with their finances and most of these people have manageable debt. So imagine what our President and his team are going to go threw getting this country's debt back in order after we spend our way out of a recession/depression! Its just a thought, keep your third eye open!!!
"G"
