Following a research conducted by Reebok, woman around the world could do with bit more fitness fun. The research tells us that women are looking for a way to take the boredom out of staying fit. The British producer of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories identified the need to bring fun back into fitness through proprietary research and information gathered by GFK/Roper Worldwide. In 2008, based on 15,000 women in 25 countries, GFK/Roper Worldwide found that nearly half of the women said that while they know exercise and keeping fit is very important to their overall health and well being, less than 25% participate in fitness often.
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As of January 2009, sport lifestyle company Puma has extended a long-term licensing contract for socks by Puma with Dutch company Dobotex, the current manufacturer of PUMA socks. The new licensing deal has a global reach, excluding the United States. In addition, both companies signed a new licensing contract for Puma bodywear with the first collection coming into Puma own stores by SS09. The in-store re-launch of Puma bodywear on a wholesale level is scheduled for AW09. The sell-in will start in December 2008. The license contract with former licensee Schiesser Lifestyle will terminate at the end of 2008. “Dobotex is a true product expert and well respected company in its field of activity and we are very excited to extend the license agreement in geographical spread and product development,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of Puma. Puma and Dobotex have been in a partnership since 1997 with Dobotex producing Puma socks. Under this agreement, Puma socks have become the market leader in the sports socks category in Europe in recent years. Currently, Puma has granted licenses for the manufacture of personal care products, glasses and sunglasses, and watches.

Image: Puma

International home shopping company Redcats, announced wholly owned subsidiary Redcats USA completed the sell of its missy division including Chadwick, metrostyle and Closeout Catalog Outlet. The missy apparel brands were sold to a US private equity fund. The home shopping company was already looking to sell the missy apparel business earlier this year, after the successful acquisition of United Retail Group, which includes almost 500 Avenue stores. The decision was part of the strategic plan to focus on developing the special size brands, as well as sporting goods and outdoor brands in a true multi-channel format. Thierry Falque-Pierrotin, Chairman and CEO of Redcats Group said; “The sale of Chadwick’s, metrostyle and Closeout Catalog Outlet, in the U.S. is a further step in the focalization of Redcats Group brands portfolio on clear leadership positions.” Redcats is a multi-brand company offering men’s and women’s plus-size apparel, lifestyle, and sporting goods via a multi-channel network combining catalog, e-commerce and stores. The group generated 3.76 billion Euros of sales in 2007 with 15 brands in 29 countries and a staff of around 22,000 associates. Sales are split between France (51.5%), USA (24.9%) and the rest of the world (23.6%). Redcats Group is a PPR Company, which develops a portfolio of high-growth global brands.

Image: Chadwick

For fiscal year 2007/08, luxury label Wolford increased its sales in all major distribution channels and markets. The Australian company reached a record level of 157.7 million and a sales rise of 11,3% to a record level of 157.7 million. Wolford generated an average annual sales growth of 10,7% during the last three fiscal years.
“With record sales of EUR 157.7 million and a disproportionately high EBIT increase, we once again successfully continued our growth path in the last fiscal year”, says Holger Dahmen, CEO of Wolford AG in positively reviewing the company’s performance in 2007/08. “Thus we have achieved an ongoing improvement in profitability while posting average annual sales growth of 10,7% over the last three fiscal years. This success is the result of a series of measures, in particular the optimization of the product portfolio and our visual brand identity, as well as the extension of monobrand distribution”. Dahmnen adds. (more…)

At the upcomingNew York fashion show of couture designer Katerina Bocci, the stunning hair and makeup styling will be done by figo salon. Part of Couture Fashion Week, the fashion show will be held Saturday September 6, 2008 at the Westin Times Square, in the heart of the Big Apple.FIGO is a 3,000 square foot, upscale, high-end full service hair salon located in beautiful downtown Birmingham, Michigan.
RINO and Kristina Marra (co-founders and co-owners) began FIGO (pronounced “fee-go” which is Italian slang for hip, cool, the best) as the re-invention of the hair salon. The salon offers only the most talented and innovative hair stylists and select high quality hair care products. FIGO promotes comprehensive training, continuous education and provides its clients with a temporary sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life;
Where customer service is a perfect ritual of excellence, quality and simplicity. FIGO’s mission is to provide its clients with a superior salon experience through the harmonious fusion of superb hair design, fashion and superlative customer service. (more…)

Turkish haute couture designer Rabia Yalcin has already achieved unprecedented recognition for her glamorous designs and talent for detail. Now, in her newest collection, she explores the use of natural fabrics and organic fibers created from recycled materials that showcase the luxury in earthly-friendly initiatives. Her collection, which will debut during New York’s Couture Fashion Week 2008 this September, presents the sensual and green side of the designer. Ms. Yalcin’s new work represents a synthesis of the Eastern Roman and Ottoman Empires. She blends the strong silhouettes and powerful color of the West with the delicate intricacies of the East, for a collection inspired by the rich cultures that inhabited the city of Istanbul. Motifs of Eastern Roman royalty are juxtaposed with the undertones of the Orient, creating an element of subtle unpredictability. Textured fabrics like velvet and lace add dimension to warm hues of burgundy, bordeaux, and crimson, subdued by a number of Roman-inspired pieces in ethereal whites and creams. The combination draws a contrast in moods with both strong and seductive elements. (more…)

I plan on creating beautiful dresses in distinctive fabrics and silhouettes that are reflective of my personal style and offer something special to the market place” stated Jessica Simpson. The multiyear deal was sealed between The Camuto Group, which holds the master license for the singer-actress’ brand en G-III Apparel Group Ltd, to design, develop, manufacture and distribute the Jessica Simpson label dresses. (more…)

Playboy and Speedo. Not exactly a match made in heaven. Nevertheless, these two will join forces in the first week of August, when Playboy.com will feature playmates wearing the most technologically advanced swimsuits for its Beijing Olympics issue. The website will showcase Speedo’s official Olympic swimsuits over the last 6 games. Speedo USA’s vicepresident Craig Brommers spoke to WWD about the LZR Racer, the Speedo’s high-tech racing suit. “Interest in the LZR Racer has transcended traditional sports media and is receiving coverage in every media category out there, including fashion, business, science, celebrity and lifestyle”. The Speedo Fastskin LZR Racer, this year’s suit (developed by using NASA research) caused a media stir as some say the suit gives superhuman advantge to those wearing the suit. (more…)

This September fashion exhibition On|Off will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Over the last decennia, On|Off has been one of the main supporters of the fashion industry in London and has been instrumental in building London’s fashion economy and international image. Fashion is one of London’s fastest growing industry sectors, representing 22% of all creative businesses and is worth over £14billion to the UK economy. On|Off supports emerging talent and provides new platforms for designers to generate growing sales and publicity. Throughout the 10 seasons On|Off has showcased young designers alongside established names.
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Last Sunday, the summer edition of Berlin’s fashion week came to a close. Between 17 and 20 July, the capital city was filled with international fashion. Berlin was host to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held at Bebelplatz, two fashion fairs Premium and Stark along with a number of off-site events, showrooms, parties, exhibitions and grand openings of stores. This season attracted more visitors than before and made Berlin’s Fashion Week the most popular event since it was launched. (more…)