Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a very Stylish and Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We'll see you back here on Monday!
xo,

RunwaytoRetail Team

I Am King

Diddy claimed his throne in Times Square with the launch of his latest fragrance I Am King. It's his second fragrance for men next to Unforgivable for the Sean John label. Didddy’s billboard debut was celebrated at the Ava Lounge in the Dream Hotel last Monday night, November 24^th with execs from Estee Lauder Co. and Macy’s Inc. The star arrived about an hour late as he sprayed his cologne on eager onlookers. Sean John I am King Men Eau de Toilette is a combination of “masculine freshness, sparkling fruits, and sensual woods.” This latest scent is now available at macy's, Sephora.com, and other select retail locations.
-Jackie Medler

SJP's Bitten Needs New Home

SJP has been bitten by the real-estate bug. The actress gone designer is still searching for the perfect home for her new line. Bitten is an affordable and customer friendly clothing line that isn’t up for changing its core business ways, even in these tough economic times. “We have a lot of home offers. We have to make sure that any partner we enter into an agreement with wants the same thing for the brand as we do, which is to serve the customer first. You know, it can’t be about commerce, it has to be about the customer, and we have to see who’s really willing to be that generous,” says Sarah Jessica Parker. Let’s hope SJP will find her home sweet home in the city of lights soon.
-Jackie Medler

Faux is Fur

Faux fur followers beware! It’s been suspected that our beloved department stores and their brands have betrayed our animal loving ways. The Humane Society has filed a lawsuit against the following: Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Andrew & Suzanne. The claim at stake is that “faux fur” labeled items have been found to be containing actual fur. So far, no comments by the stores have been issued and the price discrepancies between highly priced real fur and what the real-faux fur has been sold for have not been distinguished. Let’s hope for humans and animals alike that this is just all one big understanding. Until then...
-Jackie Medler

Matthew Williamson Newest Guest Designer for H&M

H&M made it a new trend to feature celebrity fashion designers in their stores throughout the world. Bringing celebrity designers in has been a big success and their latest nominee is Matthew Williamson. He will start with women's clothing in a handful of H&M's stores on April 23. We will eventually start seeing his designs for men's and women's summer clothes throughout all H&M outlets mid-May. Williamson appeared on the London fashion scene in 1997 with a collection that was modeled by Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Jade Jagger. You can see Williamson's designs on top celebrity "it" girls such as; Kate Hudson, Sienna Miller and Gwyneth Paltrow. Before Matthew Williamson, H&M featured celebrity designers such as; Roberto Cavalli and Stella Mcartney.
-Katie Davidson

Cyber Deals: Black Friday Sales!

sponsored by:


We have a ton of deals for you getting ready for one of the best shopping days of the year, black Friday of course! Enjoy them while they last...

Get a free Rachel Roy case loaded with deluxe and full-sized products with your $100 Beauty.com purchase. While supplies last.

Bliss Online-Only Blowout Sale: Up to 50% off while supplies last.

Get a FREE Festive Tote with your clinique.com purchase of $50 or more! Hurry, offer expires 11.20 or while supplies last!

ELuxury: FALL SALE: Save up to 40% + FREE SHIPPING

dELiA*s Clearance! Up to 80% off. Shop Now!

"Buy more, save more on Cashmere at macys.com! Valid 30-Nov-2008 through 4-Dec-2009."

Shop the NET-A-PORTER.COM Sale Extravaganza!

Free shipping with any online order of $100 or more. Shop NORDSTROM

Receive a $25 off Reward Card with your order when you spend $100 or more until 11.30.2008 or while supplies last. One card per order. Redeemable between 12.04.2008 and 12.24.2008 with your next purchases of $100 or more in boutiques, at whitehouseblackmarket.com. Not valid at outlet stores.

Get a FREE lipstick sample (comes in 4 shades!) with any merchandise order by entering code GIVENCHYLIP at checkout.

Shop the Gift Guide on YOOX.COM and choose your perfect gift for Her, Him and Kids!

Save 15% on Martha Stewarts arrangements! code MARTHA59, expires 11.30.08

Pinto Presents Safia

Safia Jewelry

Maria Pinto presents Safia Jewelry at its finest. Not only does this designer sell the semi-precious and precious collections at her own boutique (at 135 N. Jefferson St. in Chicago), she also happily hosted the Safia Trunk Show last night. It proved a fantastic turnout that included a special appearance from the designer Safia. The trunk show and cocktail reception showcased high quality and opulent jewelry presented sleek designs that are versatile enough to be worn casually or all dressed-up. Make sure to stop in at Maria Pinto this November 20-21st to check out the stunning semi-precious and diamond collections by Safia and you might even find the latest Pinto design to pair it with.
-Jackie Medler

Reese in Nina Ricci for Four Christmases

photo by Splash News

Reese Witherspoon looks absolutely beautiful at the premiere of her new movie Four Christmases last night wearing a stunning navy, satin bustier dress with beading by Nina Ricci.

Rihanna and Gucci Collaborate for UNICEF

Photo by Splash News

Rihanna's "bad girl" image was forgotten when she partnered up with Gucci to be the spokesperson for their new Tattoo Accessory Collection. Gucci's Tattoo Accessory Collection, designed by Creative Director, Frida Giannini, as part of their annual campaign to benefit UNICEF. Gucci has been running an active campaign for the last three years.

Giannini holds the UNICEF program close to her heart. She believes it's an "exceptional organization that is able to do so much good in the world." Giannini knows this is an important partnership for her and believes Rihanna is the perfect fit for this campaign. Rihanna's talent, beauty and optimism represents everything that Giannini is hoping to display with this new campaign. Rihanna is also a big supporter of children and Giannini believes that's the exact attitude that needs to be shown by this campaign's spokesperson.

November 19, Giannini and Rihanna were honored to make an appearance in Brooklyn to light the holiday snowflake in Grand Army Plaza. Afterward they headed to Gucci's flagship store on Fifth Avenue to co-host a cocktail reception they held for the new Tattoo Accessory Collection. Guests included Becki Newton and Kelly Rutherford who came to potentially buy from this collection and help support UNICEF. For UNICEF, Giannini created a one-of-a-kind white version that includes a heart tattoo image and Gucci's logo and colors. Gucci plans on donating 25 percent of sales from this collection, which will be available online and in stores through January 31, 2009, to UNICEF.

The tattoo heart image that is on handbags allows people to wear this handbag with pride and know that having that bag allows UNICEF to receive money that will only benefit the children it works with. Giannini believes that this handbag represents everything Gucci stands for and is proud of the work that is being done.
-Katie Davidson

Hello Kitty is MAC’s Meow

Hello Kitty has partnered with MAC Cosmetics on an exciting, upcoming beauty launch. The February 10^th online debut is almost too long to wait for this adorable makeup collection. MAC Cosmetics has been working closely with Sanrio Consumer Products to bring Hello Kitty and MAC lovers alike the first Hello Kitty color cosmetics collection. North American MAC counters will set up these cats for sale February 12, with overseas sales to follow in March. The black and pink model of Hello Kitty’s makeup rendition is just the perfect amount of grown-up to justify the little girl addicted to Hello Kitty in all of us.
-Jackie Medler

Lisa Perry Opens Up Shop in Soho

Soho has created a mod home for Lisa Perry that can be dated back to the sixties. Walk in to the designer’s first retail store on 383 West Broadway and you are sure to see rainbow painted circles and bright Pop Art flowers on pillows and standing pompously from the necks of vases. Don’t be surprised to see huge portraits of John Lennon and Paul McCartney that hang watchfully around the array of shift dresses, home furnishings, mini Vitra chairs, and Heller dishware. Let Lisa Perry brighten up your day in Pop Art’s brightest way!
-Jackie Medler

Trend Ruffle

Last year, we saw ruffles play a romantic role in fashion. This year there is a shift to sophistication with the trend. While ruffles will always be undoubtedly romanticized, designers used soft colors like grey and rose to neutral tones of black to dress up tops, dresses and even shoes.

Moschino Cheap & Chic
Tiered ruffle top, $630
NET-A-PORTER.COM


Body Bonus: Have a small chest, this savvy dress will help accentuate the positive.

Nathan Jenden
Alma ruffle dress
$1,445
NET-A-PORTER.COM

Body Bonus: Have a small chest, this savvy dress will help accentuate the positive.

Alice + Olivia
Ruffle mini dress
$505
NET-A-PORTER.COM

3.1 Phillip Lim
Wool blend ruffle skirt
$425
NET-A-PORTER.COM

Body Bonus: Small hips? A ruffle-doused skirt like this one will give the illusion of a hour glass figure.
Oscar de la Renta
Fan satin Sandals
$575
NET-A-PORTER.COM

Thomas Wylde Layered Chiffon Ruffle Dress $1,525 eLUXURY

Fendi
satin ruffle flat
$450
eLUXURY

Shop Glitter

What: Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event

When: Nov 19 2008
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
ChicagofashionResource.com

Why: Stop by this one-stop shopping event featuring a variety of Chicago-based designers! Choose from the variety of accessories, clothing, handbags, shoes, etc.

Details: Free admittance to the public & features more than 40 designers.

The Art of Dior

Christian Dior Couture raised the bar in international fashion on Saturday with the unveiling of a Dior-themed art exhibit created by some of the hottest stars of the Chinese contemporary art world.

The Chinese capitol has been bombarded with fashion over the past year. Whether it was Fendi or Karl Lagerfeld using the Great Wall as a catwalk or it was Yohji Yamamoto who took over the previously Forbidden City for a runway show. As well as scores of other international branding events breaking down old barriers and pushing the envelope. Dior executives, looking for a new way to turn heads in China, knew they had to come up with something unique to create a buzz in today's Beijing. Designers are looking for different nontraditional ways to market themselves. And in today's society doing something big internationally can get you front page stories in the news. China takes pride in the achievements of its' people and Dior allowing them to have a freedom in displaying their skills with such a noted designers would give them great pride.

Christian Dior is known for its highly reputable demeanor. The collaboration with Chinese artists is breaking out of the norm and allowing Dior to push the limits and take fashion to another level.
-Katie Davidson

Abercrombie & Fitch Open Flagship in Paris

Regardless of the fact that Abercrombie and Fitch's earnings have been down 46% in the last month, they still plan to take on the task of opening flagship stores around the world including one in Paris.

Abercrombie & Fitch has recently decided to open a flagship store on the Champs Elysees in Paris 2011. Last year Abercrombie opened its' first overseas store in London and first European Hollister store in a suburb of London last month.

The company has a positive outlook on the way things are going with their openings of flagship stores around the world including newly opened stores in Copenhagen and Tokyo, along with Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie stores in Milan. The company is still looking into purchasing leases throughout Europe and Asia.

The international expansions started about 3 years ago. Abercrombie & Fitch are hiring qualified executives to oversee the international business growth. Toronto and Edmonton, Canada, was the first non-US store that opened the first year and now has several stores now. Abercrombie & Fitch see that international business will help them with their recent drop in earnings. Expanding their business is their best solution to growing their business.
-Katie Davidson

Calvin Klein Optimistic for Spring 2009

Customers are looking for something to be mentally and physically uplifting after a rocky fall. Calvin Klein is looking to be that bit of hopeful spirit with his Spring 2009 Collection, which was designed by Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein's creative director Kevin Carrigan. Situating the models in a disco-looking gold reflective set piece, Carrigan championed this idea of hope with sunny shades of fuchsia, coral and yellow applied to sassy little swing coats, knit tanks and silky sheath dresses. Slightly rumpled cream-colored sport coats and straight leg pants for the guys made for a carefree, let's enjoy our drinks, our ladies and our looks vibe, while abstract geometric print dresses looked just right for an art school prom at Studio 54.

As far as denim goes; it'll be the worn distressed look that could feature either rips or patches to add to the worn in look. Plaid pants will also be shown for Spring 2009 to allow for an easier transition from the winter tweed trouser to a light fabric pant. It's all about simplicity. Nothing about this upcoming Spring and Summer's Collection screams boldness or busy. What this branch of the Calvin Klein empire understands is the absolute necessity for spring and summer clothes to be unfussy and unpretentious, where a single idea, be it a bright color, a fresh print or a jazzy shoe, is enough to carry the ensemble's conversation.Customers are wanting something light and easy to play around with. They need something different. Different from the overbearing fashion of Winter and the cold idea of the economic situation. They need to be stripped naked and given a whole new outlook on fashion.
-Katie Davidson

Versace's China Doll

Versace shimmied into Beijing for its first fashion show. The luxurious glitz and glam brand presented its spring/summer 2009 collection at the Legation Headquarter, the home to the U.S. Embassy in the last days of imperial China. Chinese models teetered on sky high stilettos around a circular runway. The collection first debuted in Milan, but hit home with the Chinese much harder. "I have to say that doing it here in Beijing has been amazing because of the enthusiasm," Donatella added. "I think the Chinese people love fashion - that's what I can feel." Donatella also explained that China will be a regular fashion stop for Versace and plans to open 11 new stores in China this year. The shiny show rose over $100,000 for charity to help the survivors of the huge earthquake in China’s Sichuan province that took place last May.
-Jackie Medler

Proenza's Lovely Luncheon

The boys behind Proenza Shouler have launched a new handbag and shoe line and they did it in style. The who's who of the fashion industry on the left coast (think Vogue West Coast Editor Lisa Love, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Samantha Traina) came together to check out the new collection of sculptured accessories at a chic luncheon in Beverly Hills. Those lucky ladies didn't leave empty handed either, each went home with an adorable leather clutch as a parting gift. Here are some of our favorite pieces....

Rodarte Wins Swiss Textiles Award

Rodarte is getting a nice bonus of 100,000 euros or $125,000 after winning the Swiss Textiles Award recently. The design duo are the first American designers to win the award, competing against other finalists including Louise Goldin, Jean-Pierre Braganza, TOGA, Cathy Pill and Richard Nicoll. The funds will be used to help build their brand.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

The Victoria’s Secret annual fashion show was held this past weekend on the hot sands of Miami. Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosia prowled the catwalk in around 68 outfits consisting of sexy lingerie, racy underwear, naughty knickers, and of course – wings. Celebrity crowd sightings included: Paris Hilton, P. Diddy, and Kim Kardashian. Lima brought the glamour together when she took the catwalk wearing the $5 million Black Diamond Fantasy Bra. The diamond and ruby bra was designed by jeweler Martin Katz, and is available for sale. Klum sizzled at the close wearing an all red lingerie ensemble complete with red wings. -Jackie Medler