Luxury blues

The financial crisis has hit the luxury market in Japan like a sledge hammer. In the past, problems with the economy always hit the luxury sector of the market last. It would stand to reason that consumers who purchase lux goods are not spending from their pay check, but for some reason that logic does not apply this time around. Hiring for many of the strongest brands has stopped on order from HQ.

The casual and High street sector, on the other had are doing great. My theory is that the lux consumers have migrated to the HS brands. Especially with the coming of H&M, consumers are starting to get the notion that you can get good (not great) quality and well designed stylish good without paying the luxury tax. Perhaps what we are seeing is also the beginning of the re-aligning of the Japanese apparel market much like Coach has been doing for bags since 2001.

Gucci sales decline seen as first signal of luxury goods slowdown

I thought this article might be interesting for you. I hope it is just the Gucci brand for the quarter and NOT a sign of what is coming for the rest of this year and the rest of the brands. I predicted that things were going to slow down in Japan after June. I hope I am not right!

Cecilio

Underwear Fashion and Pole dancers

Went to a VERY interesting party on the weekend! IT was a men's underwear fashion show. It was filled with screaming ladies and pole dancers. The event was held at the fashionable Tokyo club Dessert Rose

I really had no idea as to the variety of men's underwear and how well designed some of the products were. Some of my favorite designs came from the label Over the Twelve.

Andre Benjamin

Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000) is known for his fearless approach to fashion that updates traditional menswear looks. The ultimate modern dandy, Benjamin is launching his own menswear collection for fall, and we just got back from his showroom where he walked us through the collection. No photos are available yet, but we can tell you, the collection is inspiring! English traditionalism meets all-American flair. Sportier pieces are inspired by American football team uniforms from the 1930s. More tailored pieces suggest another era when men valued their style, wore clothes that were built to last. The collection was designed by Benjamin himself and each piece reflects his aesthetic — very well made, with attention to detail and quality. Italian fabric woven shirts with white collars, thick and snuggly slim fit sweaters, wool trousers, plus fours, and vests, a corduroy suit, and really great outerwear pieces round out the collection. Benjamin Bixby debuts at retail in the fall. We can’t wait!

YSL Creative Director Stefano Pilati

Sefano is a very candid, friendly, and real. He comes across very passionate and romantic. I think this comes out in his work. Intersting perspective on him:

Robert Polet of the Gucci Group

Excellent intervew with Mr. Polet of the Gucci Group. Good insight into the direction of the group.

Interveiw with Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld

Ression Ression....Depression?!?

Things are looking very dire for the US Economy. Looking at all the economic indicators (albeit I am no economic expert!), it looks like one of the biggest recession to hit the US since The Great Depression is in the works.

I think this will start in the US and make its way to Japan and hit hard during the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2008. I wonder how this will affect the Japan retail, luxury and fashion sectors....

My Advise: Check your savings account, buckle in and brace for impact...2008 going to be wild one:)

Article Here

ETRO AUTUMN/WINTER 2008-9 MEN'S

Here is the entire collection!

Very nice collection! I would love to see them in Japan! Colors and textures are real, origianl and vibrant. Shout out to YG for brining this on the radar.