The Alexander Report

By Tiffany Plater

Diversifying is no longer a financial term. It can be applied to many avenues. However, it seems so relevant in the fashion world today. Brands are beginning to extend their reach. They are no longer focusing on designing one or two kinds of items. The mission of many brands is to become a lifestyle brand.

Gwen Stefani, a noted celebrity and musician, started her brand called L.A.M.B. At first, the line was clothing only-the usual sweaters, tops, dresses, skirts, and pants. Then she jumped into footwear. This past season L.A.M.B launched a line of handbags. Just recently it was reported that the brand inked a deal with Coty Inc. to put out a signature fragrance as well. The trend appears to be first to understand and master an area of fashion and then expand the offerings in your portfolio. (more…)

by Geoff Ficke

If you are of a certain age you will vividly remember the following names: Helena Rubenstein, Faberge, Germain Monteil, Trigere, Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Max Factor, Schwinn, W. T. Grant, Montgomery Ward and Chuck Taylor. Each name represented a hugely successful consumer product brand.

Each of these brands was grown from the entrepreneurial seed of a visionary. Unfortunately, each was subsequently abused, in several cases terminally, by non-visionary corporate bean counters. A classic example is Revlon. Revlon is instructional because it remains in the news, mostly for being a tortured shell of it’s former glorious self. (more…)

By Tiffany Plater

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced its 2007 nominees at Rockefeller center. This will be their 25th year. The CFDA is the most sought after prestigious nomination in the fashion business. It is equivalent to receiving a Grammy.

Among the many nominees were the usual suspects: Marc Jacobs for Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta for womenswear, Calvin Klein for menswear, Marc Jacobs for Marc Jacobs for accessories, and many others. Lazara Hernandez and Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler (more…)

By Gaurav Doshi

Flashback! Nearly four decades back – lifestyle fashion stores were all the frenzy in the sixties where clothing retailers like Biba and Habitat offered great collection for the young consumers. They displayed model lifestyles lines and made buyers think “which one is better for me?” Most clothing retailers joined the league for the up and coming era of seventies like Marks & Spencer and Mothercare followed by the major player ‘Next’ in the eighties, which were largely preferred.

Meanwhile, the major Italian player ‘Benetton’ marched on high street with, offering colorful designer clothing for the whole family. Their strategy resulted affirmative with noticeably contemporary window showcase in all stores with independent units. The company was successful in Britain, however, (more…)

By Tiffany Plater

Marc Jacobs has brought us classics and much to talk about with his two lines: Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs. He and his partners are now considering putting more on their fashion plates with a third line, Marc3.

Marc3 will be priced under Marc by Marc Jacobs. This third line will allow the brand to reach even more consumers than before. Marc3 could be equal to the success and caliber of the partnerships with H&M and big fashion names (Karl Lagerfeld and others). Marc3 if successful could mark history. High-end labels very rarely come out with an additional line let alone a third line. (more…)

by Ted Santos

In the previous article, I talked about how leaders are different from managers. Leaders intentionally create problems to drive innovation and accelerate revenue growth. Managers solve problems. This time I will give 5 tips on strategies that can give you unwanted problems.

The don’ts

1. Don’t micro manage. Unless you want to take away the confidence of your people, show them that you don’t trust them and increase resentment, don’t micro manage.

2. Don’t give them answers. (more…)