January 9, 2005

Hermes (air-mez)
The legendary French luxury goods house began as a saddle maker in Paris in 1880 under the name of Hermes-Freres. By the 20s Hermes had the patent for the zipper in France, and introduced the first ladies bags with zip closures. The company expanded into riding gloves, belts, and men and women’s sportswear, and designed the now famous travel trunks to meet needs of the new automobile drivers.

The infamous Kelly bag debuted in 1956 after Grace Kelly used a large crocodile handbag to hide her pregnancy. In the 1970s the first women’s shoe collection and the first complete men’s ready-to-wear collection were introduced.

Actress Jane Birkin replaced her old straw purse with a leather Hermes number in 1984, and started the rage that is the Birkin bag. Today the Birkin remains to have the longest waiting list of any luxury accessory-about six years. Hermes also has a complete home line, bed and bath linens, furniture, silverware, crystal and porcelain, office accessories, and baby gifts. In 2003 French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier joined the house as the women’s ready-to-wear designer and debuted his first collection for Fall/Winter 2004-05. In June 2004 perfumer Jean Claude Ellena took a post as the in-house perfumer and launched the successful Hermessence scent.

The height of luxury with a nod to the house’s equestrian heritage-sheared mink jackets, velvet jodhpurs, fringed blanket jackets, leather car coats, kilts. The accessories line has structured bags, belts with chunky hardware, signature printed silk scarves, and riding boots.

Paris-born Gaultier started his first fashion job in 1970, working for Pierre Cardin after school. It was at Jacques Esterel, however, where he honed his skills and developed his controversial signature style. In 1978, he launched his namesake line, and in the 80s he became quite a personality, taking on a role as a presenter on the campy Brit TV show, Eurotrash. Madonna commissioned him to design the clothes for her Blonde Ambition tour, where he produced her trademark pointed basque and bra and thus cemented his cult status. In 2003, Gaultier took over as chief designer at Hermes.

Hermes now make so many beautiful handbags of all shapes and sizes. Some of the most famous are:
Kelly Bag 1956 - named after Grace Kelly who was shown on the cover of Life magazine, holding the bag. Here is a picture.
Constance Bag - Jackie Onassis wore this shoulder bag with the double strap and big H clasp, so often that people often ask for the Jackie O bag.
Birkin Bag 1984 - named after Jane Birkin, the film star and model of the 1960’s, who met Jean-Louis when struggling to get her handbag on a plane overhead locker. There is a one-year waiting list for ladies ordering this bag.
source: www.nymag.com

January 7, 2005

Botkier
Monica Botkier was born in Brooklyn, New York. She first delved into the fashion industry as a photographer, shooting for several national magazines such as Seventeen, Nylon, Surface and Fitness. Always on the go and loaded up with all the essential items a fashion photographer must carry, Monica found herself longing for an easier way to maintain her things. The solution would be to find a bag that is roomy, yet chic enough to be trotted in front of the industry’s scrutinizing eye. Instead of searching for such an item, Monica simply decided to create her own. Functional and wearable, stylish and detailed - the Botkier Trigger Bag was born.

As Monica set out to make a perfect handbag for herself, she had no idea how much attention her first creation would receive. The overwhelming response from Monica’s friends and fashion editors inspired her to “spread the wealth.” In 2003, she launched the very first Botkier collection, which since has continued to grow and expand. From supple leathers and delicious colors, to tons of fun accessories to play with, Botkier bags establish a personality of their own - clean and classic, while incredibly sexy.

Monica’s vision of the ideal handbag combines personal style with long lasting utility. Each creation becomes an ageless and indispensable part of its owner’s wardrobe. And just like the woman wearing it, each bag has a story.

Botkier bags have found a devoted fan base here in the U.S., and are favored by fashionistas all around the globe. Donned by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker and Lindsay Lohan, Botkier bags are a permanent item on the celebrity “must have list” as well.
source: www.botkier.com

January 2, 2005

Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton began manufacturing trunks in Paris in 1854, and the company he started went on to become one of the world’s most famous makers of luxury goods, known especially for its designer luggage pattern: a beige-on-chestnut monogram, “LV.” Vuitton’s high-quality travelling trunks were such a hit that he had to expand his factory within a few years, relocating to Asnieres in 1860. As the years went by the Vuitton line gained international recognition, thanks in part to a bronze medal at the 1867 World’s Fair and a gold medal at the 1889 World’s Fair, both held in Paris. After Louis died in 1892, his son, Georges, took the company to new heights, developing what is recognized as the first “designer label” on a product. (Widespread copying of Vuitton patterns pushed Georges to design the distinctive “LV” monogram.) Vuitton’s luggage company has since become a world leader in luxury consumer goods, with products that include travel books, perfume, distilled spirits and designer clothing.

Georges Vuitton is also credited with developing Vuitton’s unique five-combination lock. . In 1936, after Georges died, his son, Gaston-Louis, took the helm of the company. . In 1983 the Louis Vuitton company joined with America’s Cup to form the Vuitton Cup, a preliminary competition - called an eliminatory regatta - for the world’s most prestigious yacht race. . In 1998 Vuitton entered the world of high fashion with the designs of Marc Jacobs.
source: www.answer.com

January 2, 2005

Emilio Pucci
Pucci, Emilio (Marchese Emilio Pucci di Barsento), 1914-92, Italian fashion designer. After establishing showrooms in Florence, Capri, and Rome, he began his signature look with elegant sportswear, especially ski outfits. He created his own multicolored printed fabrics with geometric and organic patterns for use mainly on thin silk blouses and women’s shirts. He used brilliant colors in silks, bulky knit sweaters, underclothes, scarves, and towels. His designs included accessories, perfumes, and objects.

By the 1960s, Italian designer Emilio Pucci’s psychedelic prints were on everything from bikinis to evening dresses worn by an international clientele. In an exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum, 30 ensembles and accessories from Pucci’s designs from the 1950s through the ’70s are on display, offering a trove of vintage looks to ooh and aah over. The exhibition explores the career of the designer and his place in history. One highlight: a series of ensembles worn by Mrs. Frank Lloyd Wright that includes a cape inspired by African masks.
source: www.encyclopedia.com

January 1, 2005

Fendi
Fendi began in 1918 when Adele Casagrande opened a leather and fur shop in Via del Plebiscito in central Rome. When Adele married Edoardo Fendi in 1925, they made a decision to change the name to Fendi. The business prospered, and a new shop was opened in Via Piave in 1932. By 1946 Paola, 15, the eldest of the couple’s five daughters, went to work for the firm, followed by her sisters Carla, Anna, Franca, and Alda.

In 1965 a marriage between the Fendis and German designer Karl Lagerfeld was sealed, and it proved to be fortuitous for both. Lagerfeld immediately created the inverted FF logo that joined the growing list of international status symbols, and then set about, aided and abetted by the sisters, to revolutionize the treatment of fur.

What had once been a precious but stiff and heavy garment was transformed into a light, soft, easy-to-wear and above all flattering outfit. The team went on to invent new ways of working with fur, tanning, dying, and treating, and took previously unused skins and turned them into fashionable garments.

By 1966 Fendi had presented its first couture fur collection, designed by Lagerfeld. It was an immediate success with foreign buyers. Marvin Traub, president of Bloomingdale’s, discovered Fendi’s leather goods and introduced them to the United States. Other outlets soon followed, and today Fendi has a large store on New York’s Fifth Avenue, as well as numerous Fendi boutiques around the world.

December 17, 2004

Burberry
Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21 year old Thomas Burberry, a former apprentice to a country draper, opened an outfitters shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England.

Business thrived and by 1870 Burberry became known as an ‘emporium’ with an increased focus on the development of outdoorwear for local residents and visiting sportsmen who frequented the store.

In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine - a breathable fabric made using an innovative process whereby the yarn was waterproofed before weaving. This fabric was not only water-resistant but also extremely durable. A patent was taken out in 1888.

In 1891, Thomas Burberry opened his first shop in London at the Haymarket, now the site of Burberry’s corporate headquarters.

In 1901, Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to design a new service uniform for British officers.

The Burberry Equestrian Knight logo was developed and registered as a trademark in 1904. This decade also saw the opening of stores in Paris and New York.

The Norwegian explorer, Captain Roald Amundsen, was outfitted by Burberry when he became the first man to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911. Amundsen left a Burberry gabardine tent to inform Captain Scott of his successful mission.

After Amundsen reached the South Pole, Ernest Shackleton was determined to be the first explorer to cross the Antarctic continent from coast to coast. He too was outfitted by Burberry in his 1914 expedition.

The Burberry check, registered as a trademark, was introduced as a lining to the trenchcoat in 1924. Soon the red, camel, black and white check became synonymous with Burberry.

Burberry also played an important part in aviation, producing specially designed garments for aviators. A.E.Clouston and Mrs Betsy Kirby Green made the fastest flying time to Cape Town from London in 1937. This air race was won by the pair in a De Havilland DH88 Comet sponsored by Burberry.

Burberry was first awarded the Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen in 1955.

The Burberry check had been primarily used as a coat lining until a presentation in 1967 saw the trademark design applied to umbrellas, luggage and scarves.

In 1970, Burberry opened a New York flagship store at East 57th Street.

The 1980s were a period of retail development in the United States. Burberry complemented the New York flagship with store openings in San Francisco; Chicago; Boston; Philadelphia; Washington DC; Troy, Michigan; Manhasset, New York; Short Hills, New Jersey and Costa Mesa, California.

In 1997, a new management team began to revitalise the brand with new design collections, new product ranges and a distinctive new advertising campaign. In February 1999, Burberry staged the first catwalk show for its collections during London Fashion Week and was honoured as a British Classic Design Collection of the year.

The dawn of a new decade re-established Burberry as an icon of enduring style. Burberry was again honoured in 2000 and 2001 by the British Fashion Council in both the Classic and Contemporary design categories.

In September 2000, the Burberry worldwide flagship opened on New Bond Street in London’s West End. The design and ambience reflects the new spirit of Burberry, the original luxury brand.
source: www.wikipedia.org

December 1, 2004

Chanel
Chanel is one of today’s best known and highly sought-after fashion brands, and has been practically since it was founded by Coco (Gabrielle) Chanel in 1909. The luxury brand stands out in just about every category-couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and fragrances. What began as a no-nonsense approach to fashion, designed to let women be comfortable while looking dignified, has been translated into classic, tailored style, especially in ready-to-wear, where the traditional tweed Chanel suit with a nipped-at-the-waist cardigan jacket remains one of the most popular-and most copied-fashion staples.

Karl Lagerfeld, Artistic Director of Chanel joined in 1983, 12 years after Mademoiselle Chanel passed away in 1971. Karl Lagerfeld has adopted Goethe’s famous motto: “Build a better future by expanding on elements of the past.” At Chanel he has changed nothing and everything, interpreting Chanel in his own way with elegance and wit. He would have certainly met Mademoiselle’s approval, since her ideas also often created mini-revolutions before becoming the industry standard.

The iconic, quilted leather Chanel bag is perpetually popular and one of the most knocked-off accessories on Canal Street. Evening gowns tend to have an understated sex appeal and a bit of whimsy, and appear in luxurious fabrics with lots of embellishments.
source: www.nymag.com