Fashion PR division of Pierce Mattie Public Relations, A Fashion Public Relations. Fashion publicity, promotion marketing firm

Tom Ford, the designer who helped to revitalize the Gucci brand, is tapping into a growing market for male grooming with the launch of a new menswear range and shop in New York next year. Ermenegildo Zegna, Ford's partner in the venture and owner of the world's biggest luxury menswear group, believes that men are finally waking up to fashion.

"Men are becoming more feminine. They enjoy shopping, they take more time over the way they look, they travel and they shop around, they finally are taking better care of themselves." "Men are not only there to buy cars and art, they've realized there is also fashion," he added.

Zegna, whose great grandfather started his Italy-based group, said the time was ripe for Ford's return to the fashion fray with menswear and accessories showing the biggest growth of any area in the luxury industry over the past few years.

"It is going to be a great collection. Many, many retailers are waiting in line to buy," Zegna said at a luxury goods conference. "The store will be opening in New York next spring and then the rest of the stores will follow." Ford roared to fashion stardom in his 14 years at Gucci with his sexy, tight-fitting designs coming to define luxury and celebrity glamour in the 1990s.

Since his abrupt split from Gucci and parent company PPR two years ago, he has only dabbled in fashion, putting his name to a range of sunglasses. The menswear, originally planned for release this year, will be his big relaunch.

Ford's split from Gucci provided one of the biggest public spats to hit the fashion industry in recent years. But his former employer Francois-Henri Pinault, chairman of the Gucci Group's parent company PPR, speaking at the same conference, had no regrets about showing Ford the door. "When we decided not to renew Tom Ford's contract people were shocked," he said. "But it worked out well for all in the end."

Hennes & Mauritz, Europe's largest fashion retailer, has once again sealed a deal with Madonna for a new fashion line.

Madonna has teamed up with Margareta van den Bosch, H&M's head of design, to create the "M by Madonna" women's wear collection, scheduled to be launched globally in March, the company said Thursday.

This is the second time the 48-year-old pop singer has collaborated with the Swedish clothing chain. H&M supplied Madonna and her entourage with an offstage wardrobe for her "Confessions" world tour.

"I've made no secret of my love for fashion and trends," Madonna said in a statement. "Working with Margareta and H&M was an exciting and new creative challenge for me. I'm really happy with the results and look forward to wearing `M by Madonna' along with the rest of the world."

H&M said the new collection will "reflect Madonna's timelessness, unique and always glamorous style."

Designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf have produced collections for H&M.

I remember when I was a little girl, I felt so grown up the day I got to wear pantyhose. As fashion trends change and fashion itself evolves, it seems that pantyhose is a thing of the past. A recent post here on Pierce Mattie about Pantyhose vs. Tights now seems to be null, as Hanesbrands has noted a 70% decline in pantyhose purchases. It seems, for now, the consumer has spoken.

The issue with pantyhose has always been how easily it runs and that you just can’t get them to fit right. I recall in the early 90’s that tights were a major hit, as I would wear them with anything, even under stonewashed ripped shorts as a way to “dress up” my nightclub attire. Tights remained around, but lost their momentum until the last few years when it came back in force. As with all fashion trends, things are in one minute and out the next, until 10 years later they are the all the rage once again. Can the same be said for pantyhose?

According to Hanesbrands, they think it will take some innovative pantyhose to bring them up to par with newer products. For example, they now offer “anti-cellulite” nylons and hydrating nylons. Of course, the decline is blamed on Generation Y and their desire to be fashionable yet casual in the workplace.

Being old enough to have watched trends recycle themselves over the years, I have no doubt that eventually pantyhose will be in again. What do you think?

It seems that the death of a few anorexic models are finally making the fashion world sit up and take notice. Rather, they are forced to take notice when such countries as Spain are going to be implementing laws to ensure that models have a BMI of at least 18; Italy will be soon to follow with their own rules. Have we grown so immune to sickly thin models that we don’t even notice until someone dies from the deadly disease?

Unfortunately, in fashion and the beauty industry, the thinner the better. This isn’t only seen throughout the pages of any fashion magazine, but it has also transferred over into how sizes are now being made for clothing. Banana Republic has size 00 and Nicole Miller will soon have size “subzero.”

We can’t seem to make up our minds. We have an outcry over the epidemic of childhood obesity and urge kids to lose weight and get healthy, we exploit deadly thin models throughout the fashion industry enforcing the view that thinner is better, we now have fashion designers creating negative sizes further reinforcing that skinny is beautiful and then we suddenly try to put all of that on hold announcing that maybe we were wrong about the whole thing. As an adult, it doesn’t affect me as much, as my sense of self is pretty secure with how I look. The people this harms most are teenagers who crumble under pressure, especially peer pressure, and the pressure to be thin is enormous.

Around here, Walgreens is known for being a great pharmacy and a place to purchase bargain beauty products. However, Walgreens wants you to start thinking of them for your fashion needs. In some areas of the country, this is already happening, while in others, many of us are wondering how to reconfigure our brains to associate Walgreens with our desire for a nice pair of jeans.

Walgreens would like you to start thinking of them in the likeness of Target, providing convenience in picking up your favorite beauty products, a possible prescription and a fashionable sweater. They also recently began selling their own line of jewelry, Pure Allure Crystal Jewelry Collection, which are comprised of Swarovski crystals. I applaud them on their way of thinking, but find it may be difficult for me to have Walgreens as the first place that comes to mind when I need to buy an outfit for an event or the place where I can pick up some quality accessories.

Where did you get that amazing skirt? Walgreens.

However, I could see how my mind could easily be swayed. If the quality and durability of their clothing and accessories far surpasses my expectations, I could possibly see myself visiting Walgreens to check out their clothing line. If not, then at least I can pick up my favorite lipstick while I’m there.

What do you think of Walgreens selling fashion?

In the beginning of November it was announced that Sophia Kokosalaki would soon be designing shoes for Payless. For this Fall season, it was Laura Poretzky, who designed Abaete for Payless winter collection. Much to the surprise of trend watchers and even Payless, most of the collection has sold out and has been a major hit in the select 400 stores Abaete for Payless was sold in. So what can Payless do, except extend their contract with Laura Poretzky to design another seasonal collection?

I’m sure that this is only the beginning for Payless. As trends are showing the popularity, not to mention the increase in sales, that top designers coming to the department store level have exhibited. There is no where to go but up with increasing designer shoes made available for the general public at a reasonable price.

I haven’t graced a Payless shoe store since the beginning of the summer, but wonder if the same quality is put into these “public” designer shoes as is in the private label designs. Although, I can’t help but be excited that fashion designers are making their brands more affordable and available to the average consumer. As Target’s motto goes, “Design for All.”

Often, mainstream brands hire Hip-Hop artists to give their brands street credibility, which often turns into greater suburban popularity and financial profit. This is especially true in the athletic footwear market, where gangsta rappers’ loyalty to Converse’s Chuck Taylors and other artists affinity to Nike’s Air Force Ones lead to huge demand among the youth and young adult demographic. Recently, a traditionally urban brand, Marc Ecko Enterprises, secured a one-year global endorsement agreement with mainstream teen idol, JoJo, to promote its Rhino Red junior footwear line. JoJo will appear in Rhino Red’s spring print and TV “JoJo the Creator” campaigns.

India is set to overtake China as the world's most populous nation by 2050 and designers like Nicole Miller are taking note. India’s luxury clothing and accessories business generates around $434 million in sales annually. Researchers estimate that by 2010, this figure will rise to $800 million. Nicole Miller is looking to sell her clothes and accessories to an Indian retail chain and may partner with a luxury apparel company to distribute the Nicole Miller label.

According to a study done in the UK and published in the British Medical Journal, it recommended that obesity health line numbers be printed inside clothing for Plus sized persons. The British Medical Journal is known in the UK to be an established source of policy recommendations. Unlike the United States individualized health care system, the UK has a universal health care plan in which the government foots the bill. Since obesity in the UK is steadily climbing, the government is looking for ways to avoid their health care system going bankrupt over obesity health related issues.

While I am all for assisting those manage their weight that want the help, I was dumbfounded by the recommendation to put a health line number in an obese persons garment of clothing. You know you are overweight because you shop at Lane Bryant, but now we are really going to shove it in your face and urge you to get help. To me it is the same as putting “Smoking Kills” on a pack of cigarettes, since that is a blatantly obvious fact known by the entire free world.

Maybe it’s about putting that little bug in their ear to linger in their subconscious that they have a weight issue and should seek weight loss help, although I am not sure I don’t know anyone who is overweight who is not already aware of that fact. My opinion is that of being proactive instead of reactive. Instill good eating habits and exercise programs from the beginning, or have dr.’s assist in weight maintenance and weight loss when it begins to become an issue, but putting a label in clothing with the number to an obesity help line? That’s just ludicrous.

What do you think?

Prada has signed an agreement with Korean giant LG Electronics to develop an iconic mobile phone.

The Italian brand is planning an advanced touch interface, which eliminates the conventional keypad, in a novel co-branding exercise.

Prada’s goal is to “combine high-end technology with avant-garde design offering the best in both style and performance,” the Italian house said in a release.

Jay McCarroll has sunk to such a level that he has to bumble around on stage looking foolish while pretending to care about his “inspiration.” Sad that Kelis could be so unaware that this might not be the best public appearance. And sad that a worthy charity comes with such unfortunate baggage.

Have you ever seen a woman more out of touch with branding, culture, or cool than the Ronald McDonald House rep? The marketing firm that sold them this fashion show campaign idea should be shot. It makes McDonalds and everyone associated with it look low rent. If you are going to dabble in the medium of fashion for credibility at least let the fashion professionals do their job and make it work. Don’t control it for your corporate image and then wonder why it doesn’t play well.

I’m sure most men will agree, but as a woman I say thank God the days of the male version of the short-short is over. For those much younger than myself who may not really remember what a guy looked like in such athletic attire, I advise you to watch an episode of Mad TV whenever there is a skit of “Coach Hines” or simply rent the movie Grease and pay careful attention to John Travolta in the track scenes. As recent as 1996, I saw a male fashion victim wearing these shorts. In fact, he was in my Modern Dance class in college and we all would cringe and close our eyes when he would do high kicks or splits.

Even after the male short-short, men’s athletic shorts weren’t really impressive nor did they scream style until recent years. When a guy was heading to the gym or playing hoops, the athletic shorts were mesh or your basic cotton short. Times have really changed and nowadays men’s athletic shorts
are what make the outfit. Now at mid-thigh (thankfully) with different fabrics, most athletic attire revolves around the shorts and their brand. It’s no longer status quo to just throw on no name shorts and your average tee. It’s New Balance, Adidas, Nike and so on. The shirt now matches the shorts, and most likely, so does the socks and sneakers making it an “outfit” and in a sense “dressing up” to go work out.

Men’s athletic shorts have also grown in innovation. There is the Nike Dri-FIT Workout Shorts, which manages moisture and keeps you dry or Insport’s Legend Short that has a quick drying microfiber shell and an X-Static brief that manages moisture and inhibits odor. Many of the new athletic shorts are not just about style alone, but also about comfort during your workout and they’ve taken into consideration the issues men have had over the years with working out and working up a sweat. Just another way that listening to the consumer has changed the direction of fashion.

FOH Holdings (who are the parent company for Fredrick's of Hollywood) and Movie Star Inc. announced today that they will be merging, allowing Fredrick's to become a publicly traded company. There is no need to explain who Fredrick's of Hollywood is or what they sell, but for those of you who may not know about Movie Star Inc., they are an apparel company that sells women's sleepwear and underwear to stores like Wal-Mart.

I automatically thought that this would mean that Wal-Mart might now get an "upgrade" to their lingerie section, but the deal doesn't allow it and both companies will remain separate and not sell each other's wares in the same location.

While the merger may not have any real effect on those looking to purchase lingerie, Fredrick's of Hollywood shareholders could not be happier about the merger. The shareholder's will now get 23.7 million shares of newly issued Movie Star stock worth $30.6 million. How's that for a Christmas gift?

When I first saw the headline "Solar Powered Bikini," I wondered what they would think of next. Sure, we all know the sun to be a great energy source saving us money on batteries and electricity. There's the solar panels for your house, the solar powered lights for your walkway, automotive hybrids, but now a solar powered bikini?

So what would such an item be good for? Well, how many times do you head out to the beach making sure you have your cell phone fully charged, fresh batteries in your iPod or try to pack enough ice in your cooler to keep your drinks nice and cold? It's all a project in itself just to go soak up some rays, but this Solar Powered Bikini is supposed to be the solution. The suit soaks up the sun's rays as you get a golden tan and can charge your iPod through a USB connection in the hip section of your suit, ensuring your ability to listen to your favorite tunes your entire stay on the sand.

My question is, do you change into a second suit in order to hit the waves?

Even though on the runway, all you see are splashes of color in the clothing designs, the one thing that always remains in style is that little black dress. Started by Coco Chanel in 1926, it has been the one fashion staple that has remained in style no matter the various trends over the years.

It’s not something you only reserve for Holiday parties, but can be worn to any function, as this classic can be reserved or spiced up depending on the occasion. There are many who say that the little black dress is old fashioned. They complain about the lack of style when going to a party and being lost in a sea of black dresses. However, who says that a black dress alone should be your “outfit”? Add a red purse for a splash of color, brilliant jewelry, whatever the accessory it shouldn’t necessarily be matching in color to your dress.

Every LBD comes in various styles; make sure the one you are wearing accents your best feature. Black is also slimming, no one will argue that, so this fashion-fall-back looks great no matter your dress size.

What do you think? A classic or old fashioned?

Should we be thanking Jennifer Hudson for finally showing the world that you can be bigger than a 10, but still look curvy and gorgeous? Or is it a culmination of the fashion industry shunning underweight models, while plus-sized women seem to shine? Whatever the reason, I say it is about time.

It has been known for a long time that the average size of women in the US is 14. 14 is where plus-sized apparel begins and many times, where good fashion ends. As I get older, and right after having each of my son’s, I have no choice but to wear a size 14 since it seems to get more difficult to drop the weight that I put on during pregnancy. Normally I go back and forth between 10 and 12; mostly 12, but I can tell you that even at a size 12 you feel plus-sized and the lack of fashion is truly discouraging.

Now many more stores are beginning to extend their brands into the plus-sized market and are seeing them taking off. Finally recognizing that 14 and beyond is more common than a size 4, many clothing stores are finding that plus-sized clothing means plus-sized profits. Not only do the stores themselves recognize this, obviously the designers supplying the clothes are, as well.

I’m certainly not advocating being overweight or even obese, but if you are, why should you have to suffer wearing a mumu?

Love the fashion on the popular Showtime drama The L Word? Then you are in luck because Showtime and some pretty fabulous designers have teamed up to create a limited edition apparel, jewelry and accessory line inspired by The L Word. There are select stores in major cities that will be showcasing this line, but if you don’t live close to them, you can always shop the “L”ements of Style collection online at Love and Pride; the line premiers on January 3rd and will be available through February 28th.

The designers involved are Laura Dahl, Blue Cult, Honey Labrador, Udi Behr, Cate Adair and Tali Epstein Segal. “L”ements of Style consists of casual tops, denim jeans and a skirt, handbags (I am in love with the messenger handbag) and jewelry. While on the Showtime website you can even select the Virtual Fashion Show icon and watch Honey Labrador model the items you select from the clothing line. Honey Labrador is not only one of the contributing designers, but she is also an international model and considered a top lesbian icon. Her contribution to the “L”ements of Style collection is the premier of her Honey L Designs label.

Showtime will be donating at least 10% of their profits from "L"ements of Style to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, both purveyors of finding a cure for breast cancer.

If you are feeling creative, Showtime is hosting a contest beginning January 5th in order to find the hottest T-Shirt design for the “L”ements of Style. They will also be holding a sweepstakes beginning January 8th where the winner will receive a $5000 New York City shopping spree (sign me up please!) Be sure to keep your eyes glued to Showtime’s website for more details on these two contests and for more information about "L"ements of Style.

PRIMEDIA Enterprises and TS2 are collaborating to launch a new apparel line dubbed “Busby Ltd.” under the Surfer brand. Surfer, a magazine and brand known for his global reach and connection with passionate surfing enthusiasts, has been around since 1960. With such a connection to loyal surfing die-hard’s, it is only the next logical step to extend its branding into its core market that sees surfing as a lifestyle.

The Busby Ltd. label will create a line of Surfer branded shorts and board shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts and headwear for boys, as well as men’s t-shirts, sweatshirts, and headwear. Also under this label a lifestyle apparel line will launch called JOB Apparel Collective and a shorts-focused line of authentic plaids called TARTAN. All retail lines will become available at the retail level come Spring 2007.

The focus of this apparel line is to keep true to the authentic surfing culture, which is one that is deep and passionate about their lifestyle. Launching this apparel line only deepens Surfer’s connection with its consumers, whom identify the Surfer brand as the voice and authority on surfing.

Once this apparel line debuts, it will be interesting to see if surfers feel that Busby Ltd. has lived up to the Surfer name. For those who want a sneak peak prior to Spring, you can catch Surfer and its Busby Ltd. line at the Surf Expo this January.

As we say goodbye to 2006 and its love of pointy toed shoes, skinny sheath dresses, low rise jeans and handbags with all the bells and whistles; let’s look forward to the new year. So what can we expect to be big in 2007?

We can expect to see the continuation of skinny jeans, leggings, and animal prints in 2007. What makes its grand entrance are maxi dresses, quilted bags with an unstructured style, babydolls, shirtwaisters and metal-based designs. Tight and form fitting are out, while big and baggy are back in. Boot cut jeans will only be in style if you are actually wearing a boot and your low-waist jeans can now be safely put away. Round-toed platforms and wedges in neutral colors will be gracing the feet of fashionista’s everywhere. For accessories, it’s all about chunky beads, long necklaces and slouchy handbags.

Personally, I am most excited about wedges and platforms since I am short and they have always been my favorite to give me height. My husband often makes fun of me for my love of chunky styled shoes. I also love the idea of big and baggy. This will be good for me post-baby while I am trying to lose my pregnancy weight. I’ve never really felt comfortable wearing tight fitting clothing, so it looks like being comfortable will finally be in style.

What are fashion trends are you looking forward to in 2007?

Beatriz Cristina Ferraz Lopes Bastos, a 23-year-old Brazilian teacher, died from complications of anorexia on Christmas Eve. Bastos was 5’2” and weighed 77lbs. Bastos is the fourth reported person to die from this disease following a string of models who also succombed to the disease.

While the fashion industry has started to closely examine this problem and try to reverse the damage done, it looks to be coming a little too late for some models and those who look up to them, but hopefully can prevent future deaths. Brazil will now be adopting the same measures that Milan and Madrid have implemented for their models. That is, no one under the age of 16 will be allowed to walk the catwalk and that every model must present a medical certificate deeming them in good health. While it’s a start, it’s a weak start at that.

Without knowing the exact details as to who and how a model is deemed in good health, I would wonder if there will be a more defined definition of what the fashion industry considers “good health” and if there are certain guidelines and criteria that have to be met. That said, would the medical certificate come from the model’s own primary physician or an independently appointed doctor to make this determination? A model could go unnoticed if she is bulimic, but still deemed in good health. I speak from experience, as my sister was bulimic and no one ever knew until a concerned friend approached my parents.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I think Spain’s off to the right start by giving a concrete standard of a minimum BMI of 18. Hopefully the fashion industry will come up with more concrete measures and work together as a collaborative effort that will not vary so much from country to country.