fashionologie

Betsey Johnson Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Justin Fenner — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:58:33 PDT

>> The company that owns Betsey Johnson's boutiques is bankrupt, and as a result most of the designer's freestanding stores will close between May and July.

In a statement, the company said that it's spent months "rigorously pursuing alternative restructuring arrangements to address Betsey Johnson LLC's cash flow problems," to no avail. "After exhausting our resources and possibilities, it became apparent that neither a restructuring arrangement with a new equity investor nor a sale of the business enterprise as a going concern outside of bankruptcy was to be forthcoming."

Betsey Johnson LLC operates 63 of the designer's eponymous boutiques in the United States, Canada, and England. An executive at the company told WWD that some 350 people will be out of work when the stores close, but executives at Steve Madden - which saved Betsey Johnson from collapse in 2010 when it bought Johnson's $48.8 million debt - wouldn't confirm how many people would be affected.

Johnson herself won't lose her job. She's staying with the company as creative director and will focus on the lower-priced Betsey Johnson label sold in Macy's and other department stores. "I love the moderate price range," Johnson said. "It is in sync with all the girls who are buying my clothes." Mr. Madden said that the closure wouldn't interrupt wholesale deliveries to stores that sell Betsey Johnson and that there would be no impact on ecommerce availability.

Johnson executives are arranging an auction to determine which company will handle Betsey Johnson LLC's liquidation on May 8.

Photo: Betsey Johnson walks the runway with her daughter Lulu Johnson and granddaughter Layla Johnson at her Fall 2012 runway show.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Tapped as Creative Directors of Superga

fashionologie — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:59:30 PDT

>> Steve Madden, after inking a deal for the exclusive North American license of Italian sneaker brand Superga, has tapped Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as creative directors.

Madden, who worked with the Olsens on launching their shoe line for Elizabeth and James, says that it was the Olsens who first approached him about doing something with Superga: “We do a lot of business with Mary-Kate and Ashley. They’ve become friends."

Ashley Olsen adds: “We were at a meeting with Steve, and we were wearing Supergas - two years later, it kind of fell into our lap. I really don’t think there’s anything like this brand. It’s a tennis-shoe brand with 100 years under its belt.”

The Olsens will launch an upscale Superga sneaker collection co-branded with The Row for Spring 2012, and will develop all creative and marketing initiatives for the brand, in addition to overseeing retail lines of distribution. “At first, Superga just needs to start off in the right stores and be on the right people’s feet,” said Ashley Olsen. “We look at a million opportunities a day; it’s very personal for us.”

Look We Love – Cropped Trousers and Wooden Platforms

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:09:12 PST

>> Annie Hall served as the inspiration for this street-snapped look, and we're loving it. While Diane Keaton would have preferred oxfords, a pair of a wooden platforms and cozy socks add a cool twist to the look. Get the same modern menswear look with our picks from Steve Madden, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Topshop, and ASOS.

Left to right: Urban Outfitters Narrow Belt ($20), Marc by Marc Jacobs Flannel Trousers ($109, originally $268), Topshop Cable Jumper ($76), Mühlbauer Gold Toned Felt Hat ($232, originally $336), Steve Madden Platform Sandals ($100, originally $130), Banana Republic Ribbed Socks ($9), ASOS Vintage Twist Lock Satchel ($121)

Photo courtesy of the lookbook.nu

Through Rain, Sleet, and Snow - 15 Amazing All-Weather Boots

Chi Diem Chau — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:20:32 PST

>> 'Tis the season for rain, sleet, and snow - depending on where you live - so it's best to be prepared for the inclement weather. We suggest you stay as low to the ground as possible, and replace those delicate textiles for some rain-reflecting rubber. Also to note: the sturdier the sole, the sturdier the grip. The slideshow for 15 amazing options from the likes of Sorel, Hunter, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Tretorn.

17 Sultry Gift Ideas For When You're In a Lingerie State of Mind

Chi Diem Chau — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:11:25 PST

>> There's no excuse like the holidays to dress up - even if it's just in the bedroom. For the naughty and nice, we have an array of sultry lingerie from Agent Provocateur, Kiki de Montparnasse, and Victoria's Secret that will surely inspire.

View Slideshow ›

First Look: Elizabeth and James Shoes, Spring 2009 Jewelry

fashionologie — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:56:07 PDT

>> Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are known for being press-shy, but yesterday they let The Oprah Winfrey Show follow them around on a typical day - which means stops at the Elizabeth and James and The Row showrooms for model fittings, plus meetings with Robert Lee Morris about their ongoing jewelry collaboration. Morris jokes: "Ashley will show up a few days later and undo everything that Mary-Kate did," and the twins do admit that if they can't agree on something, they scrap the idea. We also get a peek at the Spring 2009 Elizabeth and James jewelry - lots of layered chains - and also their new shoe collaboration with Steve Madden - think "beigey suede" and pony skin.

Fashion in 50 Seconds 9/24 with Alberta Ferretti, Steve Madden, and Calvin Klein

coutorture — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:42:06 PDT

Alberta Ferretti is counting on California with a 4,500-square-foot space on Melrose Avenue that will house the designer's entire set of lines. It carries the Alberta Ferretti collection, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, accessories, footwear and Alberta Ferretti Girl. And in a reverse commute of Ferretti's, Michael Kor's opens a boutique in Milan

Elizabeth and James, the surprisingly decent brainchild of fashion tots Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen, is branching out into footwear. Sadly they have struck a deal with Steven Madden Ltd to do the line.

The Guardian has a delightful round up of 50 years of Milan Fashion.

Wearable technology. Still trying to make that happen.

The winners of the Make Your Mark in Fashion competition in Britain, Mia, used second hand clothing sourced in Malawi to create new fashions. Awww yay!

Because its totally possible to transcend the unhip essence of tying a noose around your neck by with ironic names and edgy designers. Might we suggest that really being cool means owning your own style not going garishly over the top?

Calvin Klein still believes that talent and hard work are what make you a success in fashion. Really? Tell that to the political animals over at Gucci Group huh?

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 PST

Look We Love – Tweed Minis and Red Highlights

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:05:32 PST

Tweed remains a go-to cold weather staple and when paired with red accompaniments, it makes a bold - never fusty - statement. Take a cue from this street-snapped cutie and pair a nubby sheath dress from Dolce & Gabbana with a crisp Steven Alan blazer, red Anthropologie tights, and matching red beret. Brown Steve Madden oxfords and a Be & D lambskin clutch complete the Winter look.

Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana Tweed Minidress ($1,150), Steven Alan Agatha Bazer ($90, originally $300), Steve Madden Oxfords ($70), Anthropologie Tights ($13), Be & D Chain Strap Lambskin Clutch ($398), Z by Sergio Zelcer Beret ($25)

Photo courtesy of the lookbook.nu

Look We Love - Knee-Highs and Wedge Booties

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:31:16 PDT

We're smitten with knee-high socks for Fall, and they're easier to rock than one might think. Take cue from this street style snap: pair them with wedge booties, a pleated silk skirt, tank, and sheer shirt for a monochrome look. Convinced? Shop our similar picks from French Connection, Steve Madden, Bassike, and Urban Outfitters above.

Left to right: Bassike Cotton Tank ($60), French Connection Perfect Pleat Skirt ($118), Alexander McQueen Pendulum Necklace ($370), Milan Fashion Week Street Style, 3.1Phillip Lim Cape ($1,100), Steve Madden Wedge Booties ($129), Diesel Black Gold Sheer Top ($280), Urban Outfitters Grey Socks ($14)

Photo: Greg Kessler