Kate Cuba

Kate Kuba may be small-ish, but the chain is still playing a significant part in the drama unfolding in the footwear sector - which has been likened by one hard-hit business to "an episode of The Sopranos".

Traditional businesses, such as Dolcis, are suffering, cut dead by women who are buying bargains at New Look and treating themselves at Jimmy Choo, as well as frequenting middle-market names such as Kurt Geiger, L.K. Bennett and Kate Kuba, set up 15 years ago by Katerina and Costas Constantinou.

A pair of black patent courts costs £20 from New Look, £385 from Jimmy Choo and £85 from Kate Kuba. Dolcis may have a new owner, but it is difficult to see where it would fit in this new heirarchy. Kate Kuba seeks to maintain its place in the power structure by matching the merchandise in its eight stores (more are planned) to the local clientele.

In Liverpool, the stock is Wag-oriented, with overtly sexy styles such as the Trudi (£95), a silver platform court, possessed of the vertiginous heels essential for a Scouse night out. The new Canary Wharf store offers consolation prizes, such as beautiful grey over-sized bags (£215) for those who have had a bad day at the office in the banks that have their headquarters in this East London city.

The mix is more eclectic at the outlet in Duke of York Square, off Chelsea's King's Road, a smart development of glass-fronted shops and cafés. You will find the Trudy, but also the Wanda (black, brown, fuchsia, £110) a low-heeled, girlish strap shoe, favoured by Sarah Jessica Parker, and the Beeline (£125, black, grey, dusty pink or orange), a sandal-shoe, or "shoodal", as Kate Kuba's website would have it.

But what Kate Kuba lacks in linguistic flair, it makes up for in shoes fit for purpose. I called into the Chelsea store on Saturday in search of a Kate Kuba speciality - trainers with wedges, that are only derided as a Wag affectation by those who have never sampled their comfort. On this occasion, I was disappointed by the selection (£45-£99), either too high or too expensive.

Watching people choose shoes is always a fun spectator sport, however. Snow was forecast, making the sturdy-soled boots from the Ugg range (£250) a sensible purchase, but friends were encouraging each other into chic but insubstantial canvas and patent lace-up flats (£69). The heel on the Bandage grosgrain strappy black sandal (£125) seemed the ideal compromise for those unable to keep their balance in this season's scarily elevated footwear. But some soft Southerners were concentrating on the Trudi: in footwear, as in The Sopranos, danger is exciting.

Source: TimesOnline

Victoria Beckham's dVb Could be Dropped

Victoria Beckham's dVb range may have been dropped from US department stores because of bad sales, say reports from the US.

Mega-stores Fred Segal and Kitson are rumoured to be ready to stop stocking the 33-year-old's range after lack of promotion sent sales downhill.

Kitson owner Fraser Ross said: "We asked her PR people so many times for her to appear but she didn't. Celebrity lines are no different from an album or music tour. They have to be promoted to sell."

Victoria's jeans are said to have made the star £7.5million but were expected to make £25million.

Source: OK

Workplace Fashion Trends are Changing

Fashion at workplace has gone beyond apparels. From cufflinks, perfumes, eye wear and light jewellery, now iPods, MP3 players and touch screen phones are making their way into the professionals' fashion kits. Besides those engaged in the corporate world, fashion seems to be catching up with their counterparts in public sector.

Indiaplaza.in chief operating officer K Vaitheeswaran agrees that professionals are adopting new slick gadgets to enhance their own fashion statement. The most popular gadgets with the professionals are I-touch, Nokia E series and the digital photo frame.

"People are no longer looking for basic gadgets they are going in for high end electronics. Gadgets like blackberry and Nokia E series are style statements today and keep them connected to their work as well," added Mr Vaitheeswaran.

Women across all sectors prefer light jewellery to match their attire. Some companies like Tanishq, D'damas, Kiah, Orra, Carbon, Adora, Ishi, Sparkle, Damas and Alukaas and Taraash offer a range of light jewellery. Similarly, big and baggy bags are in fashion.

Glasses give a final touch to the attire. "Glasses polish one's personality. An aptly matched eyewear can transform your persona.

While women are going in for bigger glasses with embellishments, men are looking at a sleeker look on the lines of the aviators," said fashion consultant Yatan Ahluwalia. The most popular brands in the eyewear segment are Versace, Chanel, Bulgari, Fastrack and Bausch and Lomb. Women prefer being comfortable and decent, while not compromising on smartness. For men a clean, simple and lean look is the mantra to be well groomed for office.

"The boardroom is no longer the domain of the blues, greys and blacks. In this age of metrosexuals, head honchos are thinking pink and experimenting with other colours. Moreover, a strong perfume and a blackberry add to their style," said ITC marketing head Atul Chand.

"Today's generation will run out of money but not out of options. Dressing right to work is very important as it reflects one's personality and confidence level. The styles, colours, lengths and fit of your fashion choices will speak volumes about your ability and personality," Van Heusen chief operating officer Shital Mehta.

However, fashion differs from sector to sector. People engaged in fields requiring frequent meeting with clients from different work cultures prefer a more formal, classy look. Those working with the media and advertising sectors opt for some really glittery stuff and are in sync with latest trends.

Along with private sector professionals, now their counterparts in public sector also have started considering fashion in a big way. "Working class in the metros are more style conscious that their counterparts in other cities of India," said Wrangler marketing manager Anshul Chaturvedi.

Source: EconomicTimes

A History of Dior Perfume

In this month's beauty column, Sam Handley, cosmetics and perfume department manager and buyer at Hills of Spalding, looks at perfumes.
Fragrances affect our sense of well-being, influence the way we feel about others and, most of all, have an extraordinary way to evoke memories.

While images and sounds stir emotions, the scent of perfume works in mysterious ways, creating feelings of romance, glamour and nostalga.

Fragrances can use magnificent flowers from every corner of the world and are composed from some of the most beautiful and rare natural substances.

A fragrance for a woman is often her signature scent, and will be something men will adore.

Dior have been creating fragrance since 1947 and focus on quality, detail, innovation, rareness and desire.

When composing a perfume, François Demachy, Dior's perfumer, creator will ensure that each bottle has the noblest, highest quality ingredients.

François Demachy says "A successful perfume is a perfume whose form is as beautiful as its fragrance.

Dior is a leading luxury perfume brand, and create fragrance in three different forms.

Eau de Toilette, a friend for all occasions suggestive of elegantly casual dress.

Eau de Parfum, unique and sophisticated, like a sober yet refined cocktail.

Parfum, supreme luxury, like a Haute Couture dress.

J'adore, launched in 1999 is absolute femininity a floral fruity bouquet, a timeless classic.

Dior's latest launch Midnight Poison, brings the magic of poison, containing rose, amber and patchonli an elegant, rare and sophisticated scent.

From the eternal classic Miss Dior created a 1947 to Dior Addict Shine, brand new on the counter, a scent with a girly attitude, Dior truly have something for everyone.

Visit Hills Department Store to discover your signature scent.

Source: SpaldingToday

Parisian Fashionistas Fight Anorexia

Too thin is no longer in -- in the Parisian world of high fashion.

Key members of the French fashion industry have signed a government-backed charter aimed at fighting against anorexia and promoting healthy body images.

The document asks those who sign to work toward "a diversity of body representations" and "not to show images of people that could help promote a model of extreme thinness."

The international fashion industry has fallen under a harsh spotlight for stressing the super-thin look.

Concerns about anorexia have grown in France -- and around the world -- since the reportedly anorexia-related deaths of several South American models in 2006.

One French lawmaker is proposing a bill to make it possible to convict people responsible for Web sites or fashion ads that encourage anorexia.

Source: Fox

Stella McCartney Expands Eco-Fashion Range

Stella McCartney is one of fashion's most ethical crusaders - as a vegetarian she refuses to use fur, leather or any product that may be produced by harming animals, she uses wind powered energy in her studio and in the U.S where she has an e-commerce site your order can be delivered carbon neutral.

She is also inspired by nature and ecology at every turn - her spring /summer 08 collection was sent down a catwalk backed by a huge wall of fresh vegetation at Paris fashion week last September.

Her passion for all things green even led her to design an exclusive all organic collection for high-end department store Barney's in the U.S last year - the store is famous for it's eco-initiatives

And now she's bringing the Eco-Collection back to Britain, it will debut at Harvey Nichols and her flagship store on London's Bruton Street in June. It's will be a 20-piece collection made up of loose tunics, slouchy suits, knits and versatile coats - all exuding Stella's signature, laid-back look, in her favourite colour palette of muted tones, taupe, blush pink, grey and stone.

'Eco-friendly fashion is something I've always felt strongly about. You have to create a demand so the client base will grow,' Stella says. Though she has not compromised on the luxury element of her designs to achieve the eco-collection. "You should treat the design process and luxury quality element of the product in exactly the same way. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your style."

Eco-friendly designer fashion that looks great and might just help save the planet. We'll be in that queue round the block on Bruton Street come June.

Source: ElleUK

Dubai Property Gets the ARMANI Treatment

Some critics claim that the Gulf's property boom is nothing more than a mad, headlong race of one state trying to outdo another in extravagance. In the case of Doha, the capital of Qatar - until recently viewed as dull and dusty - that may well be true. Doha is now attempting to turn itself into the business and tourist heart of the Middle East, with enough glamour and glitz to rival neighbouring Dubai.

Flush with money generated by the North Field, said to be the world's largest single natural gas deposit, Qatar has poured billions of dollars into real estate ventures in recent years. The most ambitious scheme is the $6 billion (£3.3 billion) Pearl-Qatar, an artificial, 1,000-acre, oyster-shaped island in Doha scheduled to be completed in 2011, although some residents will move in within weeks. The developer, United Development Company (UDC), promises that there will be "beautiful villas, multi-ethnic high-end restaurants, sun-kissed beaches, and fascinating shopping outlets".

UDC also promises that it will be "the ultimate destination for luxury goods". Hermès, Giorgio Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent are among the European brands already committed to setting up boutiques here. There are two harbours and a marina for 1,000 yachts. The Four Seasons will be one of three five-star hotels on the island, and Gordon Ramsay is said to be considering opening a restaurant.

The Pearl-Qatar is the first development in Qatar to offer freehold and residential rights to overseas investors, who hitherto have had to rent. The island has also been designed to reflect other cultures, in keeping with Qatar's efforts to open up to the West. "The Pearl-Qatar is meant to look like the South of France, Spain and Italy, mixed in with the Qatari culture," says Walid Maalouf, the Pearl-Qatar's general manager of hospitality and leisure.
Background

In a country with one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, demand for luxury properties outstrips supply; a beachfront villa on the island sells for as much as £6 million. "The demand is so high that what's available still isn't enough," says Rabih al-Khoury, the Pearl-Qatar's manager of sales. He cites a Venetian-style precinct called the Qanat Quartier as a prime example. It is a neighbourhood of pretty canals and boutique shopping designed as a carbon copy of Venice. When the precinct was released for sale in January, three quarters of the properties were snapped up off-plan in a single night.

Moreover, the majority of those who have purchased on the Pearl-Qatar are influential Qatari investors, who carry the kind of clout (and cash) to ensure that the development will succeed. British buyers rank a close second. Most plan to use their Pearl-Qatar property as a holiday home or investment, according to the development's sales managers. Patrick Bradley, who moved to Doha from London a year ago to take a job in telecoms, bought three properties off-plan hoping to turn a quick profit. His investments have so far doubled in value. He says: "Doha's learning from the mistakes of Dubai - we are what Dubai was 50 years ago. In the next five years I think there's a good amount to be made in premium property." He adds: "If you want to feel like you're in Las Vegas, you go to Dubai. If you want a five-star, peaceful lifestyle, Doha's the place to live."

Such a massive expansion inevitably involves growing pains. The island will be linked to Doha by an eight-lane highway, but some analysts say that weekend traffic to the Pearl-Qatar could overwhelm Doha's already congested roads. And Khalil Sholy, managing director of UDC, acknowledges that inflation has sent development costs soaring, which will no doubt be passed on to prospective buyers.

Source: TimesOnline