Nine West was founded in 1977, is part of the Jones Apparel Group Inc. and has many products including fashion accessories and handbags. They are a much bigger company than Butler Bag, employing 15,600 people. They advertise in Lucky, In Style, Marie Claire, Harpers Bazaar, ELLE, Self, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Seventeen, In Touch, Ok, Us, and People. Celebrities that are endorsing Nine West on their website include, Ashley Tisdale, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jean Smart, Kristen Chenoweth, AnnaLynne McCord, Bar Rafaeli, Jamie Lynn Sigler and Rachel Leigh Cook.
Price points for Nine West range from $40 to $200.
Fall colors for 2008 included black, purple and lime multi in the patent snakeskin print. Black in velvet. Black and natural in satin. Black, gray and medium brown in synthetic leather. A fading yellow and fading red in canvas. Tan and black in leather with studs and embellishments. Brown multi and metallic multi in a patchwork.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Competitor - Dooney & Bourke
Founded in 1975 by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke, Dooney & Bourke specializes in fashion accessories including; handbags, Ipod cases, luggage, bracelets, watches, briefcases as well as limited clothing. They started making handbags in 1981, starting out with the Tack case and the Equestrian Bag, both made from bridal leather. The original distributors for this brand were Nordstroms, Brooks Brothers, and Saks Fifth Avenue along with the company store in Norwalk, Connecticut. In 1983 they released the AWL (all-weather leather) bag. In 2007 Hayden Panettiere designed a bag for them. Celebrity endorsement is a big part of their marketing. Celebrities such as Mischa Barton, Lindsey Lohan, Emma Roberts, and Michelle Trachtenberg have modeled in ads for Dooney & Bourke. They advertise in Vogue, Teen Vogue, ELLE, Vanity Fair, Lucky and In Style.
Price Points range from $20 to $625.
Fall 2008 colors for Dooney & Bourke included, black, bordeaux, cherry, mustard and plum in patent leather. Black, brown T-moro, cherry, jean and moss in suede. Black, brown and tan in a jaquard with the logo. Black, chesnut and natural in regular leather. Slate and jungle in python print. Black and white for the multi colored logo print. Black, brown, grey, purple, red, royal blue for "shiny" leather. Black, brown, cranberry, pine green and red for pebble grain leather. Black, cognac, orange and red for ostrick embossed leather. There were also animal prints in giraffe, leopard, and python.
Price Points range from $20 to $625.
Fall 2008 colors for Dooney & Bourke included, black, bordeaux, cherry, mustard and plum in patent leather. Black, brown T-moro, cherry, jean and moss in suede. Black, brown and tan in a jaquard with the logo. Black, chesnut and natural in regular leather. Slate and jungle in python print. Black and white for the multi colored logo print. Black, brown, grey, purple, red, royal blue for "shiny" leather. Black, brown, cranberry, pine green and red for pebble grain leather. Black, cognac, orange and red for ostrick embossed leather. There were also animal prints in giraffe, leopard, and python.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Save or Splurge?
While checking my email, the home page to MSN had an online article that read Wardrobe Economics - Save or Splurge? In this article the editors give their advice to women who are not sure when to take out their wallet and splurge or to save and go for the bargain. They list the evening gown or party dress which they say to save your money on. Jeans, which is labeled as a splurge, and also the handbag that they say go the extra mile and spend you cash. In the article they say that the the purse is an accessory, but more importantly a necessity. If you are anything like me, I use my purse everyday, all day, you need something that is durable and will last you. Spend more money now, you are really getting more out of your purchase than if you go for the bargain and are back and the store looking for a new purse the following year. Baragin doesn't always hold up. The editors say go for a look that is classic more than trendy, a timeless look. There are three bags they show or recommend all are in the price points between $400 and $600. In the economic down turn we are facing it is important to spend you cash wisely. Cick here to read the entire article.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Competitor Kate Spade
while growing up in kansas city, missouri, katherine noel brosnahan, now kate spade, was both the epitome and antithesis of the all-american girl. there was always something charmingly familiar yet wonderfully original about kate. her fresh sense of style and singular personality reflect a keen sense of wit, propriety, and a no-nonsense approach to life. kate has spent most of her professional career in the accessories business. after college in 1986, she took a job at mademoiselle magazine, leaving in 1991 with the title of senior fashion editor/head of accessories. while working at the magazine, kate realized that the market lacked stylish, practical handbags and so innocently began designing her own. she put together some sketches, investigated production costs, and created a line of classically shaped bags in satinfinished nylon, as well as interesting colors and fabrics. with her fingers crossed, kate, along with her partner and husband, andy spade, launched "kate spade handbags" in january of 1993.
Kate Spade's various collections are priced from $150- $700. From small bags to totes and soft breifcases, Kate Spade's collections are crisp, clean and professional. Leather, canvas, hide, and the classic satin-finish nylon are the main materials for Kate Spades's handbags.
Kate Spade's various collections are priced from $150- $700. From small bags to totes and soft breifcases, Kate Spade's collections are crisp, clean and professional. Leather, canvas, hide, and the classic satin-finish nylon are the main materials for Kate Spades's handbags.
Competitor- Hobo International
ABOUT HOBO INTERNATIONAL
Inspired by modern women everywhere, the founder of Hobo International envisioned a line of accessories that offered women practical and stylish handbags at bridge pricing. Undaunted by a small budget, her vision became a reality in 1990 when the first Hobo International collection went to market. The small line of handcrafted natural leather handbags was well received and the brand’s signature interior organization drew an immediate following.
Nearly twenty years later, Hobo International has evolved into a true fashion vanguard offering gorgeous lifestyle accessories season after season. Incorporating imaginative utility and modern styling, our beautiful accessories overflow with purposeful details that blur the lines between fashion, function, and fun. Founding principles of quality construction and exquisite materials are evident in every Hobo International product and continue to distinguish Hobo International as the premier lifestyle brand for women who live by their own rules.
Inspired by modern women everywhere, the founder of Hobo International envisioned a line of accessories that offered women practical and stylish handbags at bridge pricing. Undaunted by a small budget, her vision became a reality in 1990 when the first Hobo International collection went to market. The small line of handcrafted natural leather handbags was well received and the brand’s signature interior organization drew an immediate following.
Nearly twenty years later, Hobo International has evolved into a true fashion vanguard offering gorgeous lifestyle accessories season after season. Incorporating imaginative utility and modern styling, our beautiful accessories overflow with purposeful details that blur the lines between fashion, function, and fun. Founding principles of quality construction and exquisite materials are evident in every Hobo International product and continue to distinguish Hobo International as the premier lifestyle brand for women who live by their own rules.
Competitor- Marc by Marc Jacobs
Marc by Marc Jacobs has handbags ranging in price from $98 to $558. They offer polyurethane totes for $98, canvas totes for $128-$158, polyester backpacks for $178, PVC coated canvas totes for $188, cotton and leather satchels for $398, and leather hobos for $558.
Marc by Marc Jacobs colors include black, brownie, indigo, red lotus, talc, cranberry field, bright red, cream, fools gold, elderberry, silver, bat brown, fuchsia, bone, nero, metallic gold, way fluoro pink, natural, metal, grape juice, saddle, tropical pink and cordovan.
Marc by Marc Jacobs can be found at Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Marc Jacobs.
Marc by Marc Jacobs colors include black, brownie, indigo, red lotus, talc, cranberry field, bright red, cream, fools gold, elderberry, silver, bat brown, fuchsia, bone, nero, metallic gold, way fluoro pink, natural, metal, grape juice, saddle, tropical pink and cordovan.
Marc by Marc Jacobs can be found at Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Marc Jacobs.
Competitor- Juicy Couture
Juicy Couture bags range in price from $55 to $550. Their handbag selection includes canvas totes ranging from $75-$550, velour handbags ranging from $125-$295, leather bags from $145-$375, and nylon bags ranging from $55-$250.
Juicy Couture colors include black, regal, chocolate chaude, social circus, porto, winter white, fieno, blue, dusty powder, well coifed, rose, smog, cognac, cotro, neutral, grappa, deep wine, taupe, green, pink, gold, monaco, espresso, grigio, doe, depp, and roseanna. Many of these colors have an italian theme to them.
Juicy Couture is sold at stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Juicy Couture.
Juicy Couture colors include black, regal, chocolate chaude, social circus, porto, winter white, fieno, blue, dusty powder, well coifed, rose, smog, cognac, cotro, neutral, grappa, deep wine, taupe, green, pink, gold, monaco, espresso, grigio, doe, depp, and roseanna. Many of these colors have an italian theme to them.
Juicy Couture is sold at stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Juicy Couture.
Youth Culture 2008
Politics
As influential as the voices of young people were in 1984, kids today seem to have even more powerful influences on America's present and future. The involvement of the young in the politics of the year illustrate this.
This year children were exposed to more information and concerns about political candidates than ever before. With campaign advertisements showing on TV, in magazines and on bilboards and yard signs, and thier parents and teachers constantly concerned with the current state of the economy, kids of all ages took an interest in the future of thier country. An excellent example of this is the children of Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA.
In the Presidential Election of 2008, 55% of Americans ages18-25 turned out to vote- making up 18% of the voting population. 61% of this demographic voted for the democratic candidate. Since the economy was the most important issue claimed by the youth demographic, they voted for the candidate they felt was best able to relate to thier insecurities in job-hunting, aquiring affordable health care, and supporting their needs when it comes to taxes.
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEKNAZbn9p0&feature=related
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/11/06/young-voters-powered-obamas-victory-while-shrugging-off-slacker-image.html
Movie: The Merchants of Cool
As influential as the voices of young people were in 1984, kids today seem to have even more powerful influences on America's present and future. The involvement of the young in the politics of the year illustrate this.
This year children were exposed to more information and concerns about political candidates than ever before. With campaign advertisements showing on TV, in magazines and on bilboards and yard signs, and thier parents and teachers constantly concerned with the current state of the economy, kids of all ages took an interest in the future of thier country. An excellent example of this is the children of Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA.
In the Presidential Election of 2008, 55% of Americans ages18-25 turned out to vote- making up 18% of the voting population. 61% of this demographic voted for the democratic candidate. Since the economy was the most important issue claimed by the youth demographic, they voted for the candidate they felt was best able to relate to thier insecurities in job-hunting, aquiring affordable health care, and supporting their needs when it comes to taxes.
Pop Culture
The American obsession with celebrities has only grown since 1984. Entire networks like E! VH1 and MTV and are devoted to broadcasting every detail of the lives of musicians, actors and the newest generation of celebrities- the stars of reality TV. Our constant bombardment by those who have access to the newest designer goods and most luxurious services definitely impacts the trickle-down effect of fashion. Instead of only seeing thier idols in movies or red-carpet events, the constant window into celebrity life provided by the media provides the best publicity for designer jeans, the "it bag" of the season, and the trendiest ways to accessorize and glamourize.
Never before has this much celebrity influence been met with the level of discretionary income for young people. Credit cards funded by parents are common among high school and college students. Also many young people have part or full time jobs while living at home and not being responsible for any real expences. On top of this, since modern generations of young people have been largely raised in homes with both parents working, additional financial compensation and gifts have become very common as a way to make up for parents' lack of time at home.
The 16-24 year old demographic has never had as much influence on the economy- especially the fashion economy. With increased fashion savvy, spending power, and understanding of marketing strategies and tactics of advertising, young generations are driving trends and classic styles both. Having sped up trend cycles to an unheardof pace and shifted the focus of many brands to a younger demographic, young people's effect on popular culture has equalled the effect of the culture on them to create an incredibly powerful cycle.
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEKNAZbn9p0&feature=related
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/11/06/young-voters-powered-obamas-victory-while-shrugging-off-slacker-image.html
Movie: The Merchants of Cool
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Color Spring 2009
The colors forecasted for Spring 2009 are all fresh colors. Color names include Fushsia Red, Salmon Rose, Palace Blue, Lucite Green, Super Lemon, Dark Citron, Lavender, Vibrant Green, Slate Gray, and Rose Dust. Some of the colors are soft pastels, and not too vibrant. The vibrant colors are accompanied by translucent or neutral undertones. Fall 2008 saw a popularity of blue and purple and this stays true to the next season. Blue is popular in every hue, and purple although not as vibrant as fall, it is calmed to a soft lavender. Yellow is still finding popularity among desiners, and "making its mark on the world of fashion." Yellow they say is the color that brings a smile to everyones face, perfect for Spring and Summer. "Stabilizing neutrals provide practicallity in a changing economic landscape."
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