The campaign, which features Communist propaganda-inspired ads designed by Shepard Fairey, revolves around a mantra of conspicuous consumption that Saks has actually been using for a few years now. “WANT IT!”, scream the ads un-apologetically in bold, lipstick red font – and yet there’s not much to want. Saks, like its luxury retail counterparts Neiman Marcus and Barneys, has cut the number of featured designers leaving anemic looking racks.

More importantly, last month, the Wall Street Journal ran a great little interview with Anna Wintour in which she articulated what we’ve all been seeing not only in terms of fashion, but consumer behavior in general; the emphasis has shifted away from materialism – anything “too Dubai,” as Wintour puts it – towards simplicity and quality. On top of that, those who are still purchasing luxury goods don’t necessarily want to make a big show of it. Don’t get us wrong – the campaign is great and we LOVE Shepard Fairey, but it’s just the wrong time and place.  So what exactly is Saks thinking – is this a desperate ploy amidst the rumors of bankruptcy, an ill-timed move or are we just being too sensitive? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Among us were our good friends, Grace Shin Im (our MC and 1st Runner Up for Miss Massachusetts) and Aileen Benson, founder of Style Fashion Production (our production consultant and runway coach).  Also in attendance, was Kim Todd, the Executive Director of Dress For Success, as well as a TON of friends and entrepreneurs from Boston’s growing fashion/media industry.  Together, not only did we raise over $4,000 for Dress For Success, but we had an incredible time!

The highlight of the evening was the Spring Silhouettes fashion show, which featured looks from Nirva, our favorite Boston designer and Lit Boutique on Newbury Street.  Hair and makeup were done by Phillipo and his team at Phillipostyle Hair Studio.

Click here for more photos from this fabulous event, read the article on BostonFashionIndustry.com and watch a short clip courtesy of New Brahmin!

FAB Gucci Event 2/24/09

We have to hand it to the Fashion & Retail Association of Boston University (FAB) – it organized a wonderful private event for its members at the new Gucci store in The Shops at Prudential Center on Boylston Street.

We arrived with plenty of time to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and browse the store. Our Italian friend, Silvia – a long time Gucci aficionado and retail marketing guru – offered her perspective on Frida Giannini’s impact on the brand since she became Creative Director in 2005. Silvia is unimpressed with the recent crystal GG collection, but maintains that the classics (especially the original Jackie hobo) are must-haves for any serious handbag collector.

Patrick Valeo of Gucci

What we anticipated would be an intimate affair became quite a crowd as FAB members gathered to hear Patrick J. Valeo, Vice President of Stores for Gucci America speak about his career path and the state of Gucci.

Valeo, who has held positions at Baccarat, Kiehl’s and LVMH was suprisingly young, very personable and down to earth. He shared personal career anecdotes and tips for succeeding in the retail industry. Networking is key (“use LinkedIn to make and keep track of contacts”), as is being proactive (“I pass along every unsolicited resume I receive”) and taking the time to listen to both customers and employees is extremely important.  Although he addressed a primarily undergraduate crowd, he gave a shout out to the MBAs in the room by stating that “managing four walls” is one of the best ways to put MBA training to good use.

Valeo also made it quite clear that Gucci is in great shape and has plans to expand despite the economic climate.

Congrats and thanks to FAB for a great event!

We love to make a statement, so when Carlee sent us her signature vintage fabric cabochon rings, we were thrilled!  Each hand-made ring is undeniably bold and one of a kind.  Carlee tops recycled vintage fabric with a cabochon to magnify the beauty of each unique textile.

Rings are $50 and available exclusively through Carlee’s studio and select LA boutiques.  For ordering information, email Illona Szabo.

Second, you’ll notice that the looks are surprisingly accessible, simple and really easy to find inspiration in.  When we work with men, we find that they often think there’s a secret formula or a set template that once we give them – will secure them a place in the well-dressed category.  “Just tell me what I should be wearing,” they say.  It’s not that simple, and yet, it’s actually simpler.  It’s a misconception that whatever comes down the runway is meant to be “the template” (perhaps this is something women understand a little better than men).  Templates change from season to season.  The key to sustainable style is finding inspiration in the little things – the way a scarf is tied or a coat is belted, an interesting color/texture combination – and working those things that appeal to you into your everyday look.  It’s not a quick fix, but over time, you’ll notice the difference.  That said, here are some of our favorite looks from the LV show.

Michelle looks absolutely stunning in her Jason Wu (Narciso Rodriguez‘ intern!) inauguration gown.

After spending some time debating whether our quality standard for luxury goods just too high, we reached the conclusion that it’s absolutely not.  After all, we’d like to continue living in a world where young fashionistas can raid their mothers’ (or grandmothers’) closets and score some great vintage designer pieces. Is it really too much to ask for the seams of our Speedys to remain intact after a few years of use or for the red soles of our Louboutins to not show wear after only one night out?!

High end brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have enjoyed success because they’ve had brilliant creative directors and great marketing strategies for over a century. But the quality of their products seems to have decreased over the years – quite ironic given the fact that superb quality, not status, was the original value proposition for both of these brands.

Take Louis Vuitton, for example. In the mid-70s, to keep up with growing demand in the US, LV provided “The French Company” (now French Luggage) a special license to manufacture bags with its iconic monogram. Our vintage Speedy has held up better than its modern counterpart, a clear sign that they really just don’t make things like they used to.

In 2005 Louis Vuitton hired consulting firm McKinsey & Co. to help implement lean production techniques. Interestingly, the direct impetus for the program was not to increase quality, but to reduce production time and actually be able to stock to meet demand (very much counter to their previous strategy of forced scarcity). So while it doesn’t exactly resemble a Toyota plant, each LV factory has now shifted from having 250 employees each specializing in one task to “clusters of six to 12 workers, each performing several tasks” (read the WSJ article). LV proudly boasts that the defect rate has decreased.  That certainly saves the company money but doesn’t directly impact the customer since the quality control process happens before the bags hit the shelves. Ultimately, the defect rate doesn’t account for the quality of the material, which is probably diminished as it is moved around from station to station!  Our hunch is that our 2006 Speedy was produced under the new system and is evidence of the tradeoff between production speed (and a lower manufacturing cost) and the bag’s quality.

So, where exactly does that leave us? No more LVs – we’re holding out for a Birkin, with the hope that the ultra high end brands can actually live up to our quality standards (note that Hermès has increased its number of craftsmen, and has NOT changed its manufacturing system).