Shopkeepers' Nation

Lucy Launches Power Gym Collection

Launching just in time for New Year's, Lucy's new Power Gym Collection is not just about getting back to the gym, but bringing a fashion-forward aesthetic to performance wear.  Featuring lucypower(TM), an exclusive moisture-wicking fabrication developed by Lucy to offer powerful compression and smooth supportive stretch, new designs include the low-rise, ultra-sleek Lucy Power Cardio Pant as well as tanks that feature a "brocket" - a bra pocket that can be used to stash keys, money or even an iPod mini while working out.

Agent Provocateur Featured in WWD

 

WWD interviews Agent Provocateur founder Joe Corre on the brand's escapist advertising campaigns that are known for pushing the envelope.  Above, Corre and Mick Jones of the Clash oversee a swashbuckling Pirate party from the campaign launched in November.  The latest campaign, titled "Pan and the Vestry of Virgins," will hit magazines and agentprovocateur.com in January.

Drapers Interviews Garry Hogarth of Agent Provocateur

Drapers interviews Agent Provocateur's chief executive, Garry Hogarth, on how he is building the business behind one of the luxury lingerie market's strongest brands.  Drafted to head the company when Agent Provocateur was purchased by 3i in November 2007, Hogarth discusses how they are convincing women not to be intimidated by the brand's sassy attitude while maintaining an upscale and exclusive feel.

An Iconic Bag Lives On

A year and a half after its prodigiously well-received launch, Anya Hindmarch's I'm Not a Plastic Bag has cemented its place in the cultural lexicon, being referenced in both The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine in the same week.

Mad Money Sides with VF Corp.

 

Jim Cramer calls VF Corp. a buy in this clip from last week's episode of CNBC's Mad Money, naming it "retail's real winner this season."  While department stores are slashing prices to bring in customers, vertically integrated suppliers like VFC make their money regardless, Cramer notes.  At the same time, it uses its tried and true brands like Lee and Wrangler to fund growth in younger brands like The North Face, 7 For All Mankind, Lucy, Splendid, and Ella Moss.

More "Best Of" for Dylan's Candy Bar

Dylan's Candy Bar has made another Best Of list, and this time it's Restaurant Girl's Best of Christmas Sweets.  The review glowingly relates, "Growing up, we used to dream that Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory was a real place we could visit someday special.  Well, there is such a place in midtown, called Dylan's Candy Bar."

GOOP Gives Smythson a Nod

 

Gwyneth Paltrow made a plug for Smythson's personalized notebooks on her new weekly newsletter, GOOP, listing them under her Holiday Gift Ideas.

Agent Provocateur Opens in Chicago

 

The new Agent Provocateur store at 47 East Oak Street in Chicago opened its doors on Monday - above, pictures of the boutique's storefront and interior.

Seven Arrives in Las Vegas

 

 

     

  

Las Vegas has its newest attraction just in time for the holidays - a 7 For All Mankind store at The Shoppes at the Palazzo.  In a gesture befitting a city of spectacle, the store features an elevated runway with mannequins modeling their Sevens and Fall Collection pieces to match.

Hindmarch and Reiss Make Who's Who

  

Anya Hindmarch and David Reiss both received the ultimate validation on Tuesday: being named to the 161st annual Who's Who list published by A&C Black.  Other notables added to the list this year were Barack Obama and Daniel Craig.  Commenting on why the list is so significant, Rosanna Bartoli of A&C Black told the Telegraph:  "We often get asked why Who's Who doesn't include more sports people and celebrities. Our policy has always been that once in, you are never out.  This means that our editorial policy tends to reward people for years of hard graft or sustained achievement, rather than instant fame."  Judging by the strength of the global brands that they've created, it sounds like Hindmarch and Reiss were both rightfully included!