Model behind the scenes at Coach’s Fall 2017 show. Photo: Imaxtree.
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.
Coach and Michael Kors stage luxury takeover
Coach and Michael Kors head up the “middle market” of the luxury sector, but the fashion houses are looking to transform themselves into American luxury conglomerates. Two months ago, Coach acquired Kate Spade for $2.4 billion, and earlier this week, Michael Kors announced it was shelling out $1.2 billion to buy the upmarket London-based shoemaker Jimmy Choo. The deal signaled the start of a makeover that would turn an ailing American single-brand accessories business into a multi-label global fashion and luxury behemoth. Both companies have their sights set on expansion — an advantageous strategy in an unpredictable luxury landscape. {The New York Times}
Amazon Fashion officially launches in-house accessories line, The Fix
Amazon Fashion continues to expand its in-house selection with the launch The Fix, a line of on-trend, well-made shoes and handbags at accessible price points. (Handbags start at $49, while shoe prices start at $69.) According to Fashion Director Kate Dimmock, The Fix is a way to provide customers with even more options in between stocking up on snacks, household items and beauty products. “That’s kind of what Amazon is all about, providing options and a breadth of selection, but on top of that, really connecting to our customers and what she really wants and delivering,” Dimmock tells Fashionista. With about 45 styles available at launch, which you can browse in the gallery below, as well as plans to provide new product every month, Amazon Fashion is surely turning into a player-to-watch in the fashion landscape. {Fashionista inbox}
Harlem’s Dapper Dan will mentor VFiles runway designers
For nine seasons, VFiles has invited industry experts to mentor a group runway show at New York Fashion Week. On Wednesday the creative platform announced that the “Harlem couturier” — Dapper Dan — will lend his innovative street style to the designers, makeup artists and stylists participating in this year’s presentation. The runway show will take place on September 6th at New York Fashion Week. {Business of Fashion}
The inspiration behind ASAP Mob’s “RAF” music video
Yesterday, ASAP Rocky released his musical homage to designer Raf Simons in a video titled, “Raf.” For two minutes and 30 seconds, the film takes us on a trip down Raf’s parka-lined memory lane, with a slew of models adored in the archival pieces by the designer. The video draws inspiration from his first Fall/Winter 1995-1996 collection, which was shown in a visual lookbook; Simons’ future presentations would take place on a Paris runway or a Chinatown supermarket. The video is directed by Alec Eskander and features Quavo, Playboi Carti and Rocky clad in sleeveless outerwear. {Complex}
Coveteur launches branded content studio
Branded content studios have become familiar fixtures at big-name media companies, but now, Coveteur — the site made famous by vintage Chanel-packed closets and original photography — will launch its own in-house studio. With hopes of generating a significant revenue stream, “Coveteur Creative” will focus on advertising campaigns, editorial and social media projects and events. The news of the site’s dedicated branded content arm follows a series of past commercial campaigns and editorial shoots in partnership with brands like Reebok and Louis Vuitton. {Business of Fashion}
Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri will design costumes for Guggenheim dance performance
On September 4th, American Ballet Theatre dancers will preform a debut work in the rotunda of the Guggenheim Museum wearing costumes specially designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior. The piece is choreographed by the company’s principal dancer Daniil Simkin, who employs complex floor work to accentuate the circular performance space. Chiuri’s designs will reflect the subtle gestures and sinuous movements of the dancers with skintight stretchy silver costumes emblazoned with the Christian Dior “J’adior” logo. {WWD}
Narciso Rodriguez is skipping the runway
New York Fashion Week veteran Narciso Rodriguez is giving up his long-held 8 p.m. Tuesday night time slot this September, choosing instead to show his Spring 2018 collection via intimate showroom appointments. The reasons for the change are twofold, according to WWD‘s source: The slot conflicted with Ralph Lauren’s destination show, which is set to take place at his home in Bedford, NY, and Rodriguez said he had already been considering forgoing a formal runway format. {WWD}
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