Business of Fashion

It’s here: The new J.Crew



J.Crew Menswear Aw22 look book

The J.Crew menswear 3.0 look book is in. Is it any cop? You decide.

First impressions from Brendon Babenzien’s J.Crew vision are… it looks promising. Not ground breaking but it aligns with the Drake’s, Aimé Leon Dore, Ralph-lite customer and will likely filter to the Uniqlo tribe looking to spend a little more. Price points look OK and there’s a welcome focus on quality and provenance. (more…)



The YouTube lifestyle sell-ebrities aren’t happy



Emma Chamberlain

“I just don’t like being famous. You’re lying to people to try to make them seem like you’re their friend for the sole purpose of selling things to them.”

This is a worthwhile read from Vox, on the tenuous career of YouTube influencers, of whom a minority make a profitable career from selling their lifestyle to followers, while the rest are burnt out, broke, cancelled and more. Read more here. (more…)



The culture of fashion: Retail-edutainment rules at Dior’s renovated Avenue Montaigne flagship



Ballgowns on display at La Galerie Dior in Paris

Retail-edutainment is the latest portmanteau on my mind.

Dior is finally ready to reopen its Avenue Montaigne flagship after a two-year reno. This latest incarnation is a ‘universe of Dior’ which includes retail, restaurants and a gallery, plus a private shopping apartment that gives its guests the keys to the store – accompanied by concierges to attend to their every whim.

The Galerie de Dior is the masterstroke. (more…)