Katerina Bocci brings latest collection to Couture Fashion Week

June 30, 2008 (USA)

In what promises to be an unforgettable event, designer Katerina Bocci will present her latest collection at Couture Fashion Week in New York City on Saturday September 6, 2008 at the Westin Times Square, in the heart of the Big Apple. The award-winning designer's latest collection will feature couture suits, cocktail dresses and evening gowns, all in silk fabrics, embellished with Swarovski crystals and trims.

After graduating from the renowned SITAM Institute of Design in Padova, Italy, Ms. Bocci opened her own fashion atelier in her native Albania. In 2001 she moved to the United States - what she calls "My Promised Land" - and quickly became known in the Detroit area for her impeccable fashion designs, selling to a growing savvy and sophisticated private clientele of as well as to boutiques such as Kleinfeld in New York, Roma Sposa and Alessandra Bridal in Michigan and Sposaitalia in Canada."

"Ms. Bocci was named Best Designer in Michigan by Hour Detroit Magazine, WDIV Channel 4 and Strut Magazine. Her designs have been featured in The New York Times, Hour Detroit , Style and Inside Weddings magazines, and she is a favorite designer of TV news anchors Lila Lazuras and Rhonda Walker, Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Albania 2007 Sadina Alla and singer Fergie. Miss Italia 2008, Jordan Monaghan, will be one of the models appearing on the runway at Ms. Bocci's New York fashion show In September."

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Nike debuts Team USA's most innovative footwear & apparel

June 30, 2008 (USA)

Nike, USA Men's Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski, and the entire 12 member 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for men's basketball, will join together for a fan celebration at an unprecedented unveiling of Team USA's men's basketball uniforms that they will compete in at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The event will be hosted by TV personality Kevin Frazier at the famed Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. During the event, Nike will showcase Team USA's new Nike Swift System of Dress basketball uniform. The new Nike designed uniform for the USA Men's and Women's teams eliminates 25 centimeters of material and reduces the weight by 31 percent when compared with current uniforms.

Nike's new uniform also features Nike Aerographics, an engineered mesh providing zoned cooling that reduces up to half the yarn, making it more lightweight and breathable. An exclusively designed "We the People" graphic, inspired by USA's rich history, is also integrated into the uniform.

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Lingerie collection by Emma mirrors feminine grace

June 28, 2008 (UK)

There have been numerous established international labels that design some of the most exuberant and sensual innerwear for women to make them feel beautiful. Recently, Emma Amies has joined the bandwagon with her brand Cupcake Lingerie.

Emma previously worked as a town planner and left the lucrative career to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer. In order to make her wish come true she joined the course at De Montfort University, Leicester to learn the fine nuances of designing.

Recently Emma showcased her Cherry Pie collection and received great reviews for her work from the professionals belonging to fashion industry. As the name suggests this lingerie line is created using prints in lovely shades of red and blue with beautiful embellishments.

The entire inner wear collection is extremely sophisticated and ethically designed that perfectly mirrors feminine charm and charisma.

Stylophane releases jeans & footwear indices for May 2008

June 30, 2008 (USA)

Web designing firm Stylophane has just released the All Brand Index, Jeans Index and Footwear Index for the month May 2008. The All Brands Index consists of top 800+ fashion brands that Stylophane currently tracks. Top three fashion brands: 1. Cat Footwear 2. Blink Shoes 3. Sergio Tacchini Click here to view complete details of All Brand Index. Jeans Index consists of leading jeans brands. Top three jeans brands: 1. Hudson Jeans 2. Pepe Jeans 3. Indian Rose Click here to view complete details of Jeans Index. Stylophane Footwear Index consists of Footwear Brands. Top footwear brands: 1. Cat Footwear 2. Blink Shoes 3. Kangaroos Shoes Click here to view complete details of Footwear Index.

Stylophane

Miss Florida Pageant Week kicks off in hollywood

June 28, 2008 (USA)

Miss Florida USA pageant contestants from all over the state of Florida will soon gather to compete for the coveted title.

The 50 finalists, from over 10,000 applicants, will descend on the city of Hollywood during the week of July 8-12, 2008 to vie for the Miss Florida USA 2009 crown.

The Pageant Finals will be broadcast around the state and overseas in a live two hour show on the evening of Saturday, July 12, 2008.

More than 2.5 million viewers are expected to tune in to watch Jessica Rafalowski, Miss Florida USA 2008, crown her successor.

Miss Florida USA is one of the first pageants to go "hi-tech." Fans are kept up to date with pageant events via video blogs on "The Miss Florida USA Channel". Channel visitors can view daily activities as well as pre-pageant interviews of the contestants.

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Wills Lifestyle launches shoe collection for spring summer

June 27, 2008 (India)

Wills Lifestyle presents their new spring summer collection, which includes exquisite shoes for Men and Women! The collection is a mix of latest global trends and classic styles. There is a wide range of footwear classified into sports wear, classic wear and club wear. For Men Wills Lifestyle offers the most stylish and comfortable shoes in shades of Black, Tan, Brown, and White. The styles range from contemporary to classic, with Moccasins, Oxford’s, Loafers etc to complete the collection and complement the metro sexual man. For Women Wills Lifestyle presents chic and cool collection for everyday wear, office formal wear to glamorous party wear. The range includes stilettos in classic colors like black and beige, and for the ultra stylish look there are sandals in metallic also. The range also includes the popular ballerina style in cool pinks and greens perfect for this summer.

Wills Lifestyle

Luxottica to confirm outlook for fiscal year 2008

June 27, 2008 (Italy)

Luxottica Group S.p.A. a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of premium fashion and luxury eyewear, will confirm during an investor conference call its previously announced financial outlook for fiscal year 2008.

The objective of the conference call, which takes place starting at 6 PM CET (5 PM UK, 12 PM US ET), is to provide the financial community with a more in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the new Group resulting from the combination of Luxottica's base business with Oakley's and, specifically, their impact on Luxottica Group's financial performance for the first half of the year.

A similar investor call was held in March of this year to take an early look at the significant changes to Luxottica Group's business and financial performance by quarter resulting mainly from the merger of the two companies.

Luxottica Group S.p.A.

Gallery International Fashion Fair: The success continues

June 27, 2008 (Denmark)

The success continues in August, when Gallery International Fashion Fair, which is held in Forum Copenhagen, presents more than 40 new design-driven brands and 8 new catwalk shows with great Scandinavian brands. The fashion fair grows from 4000 m2 to 5200 m2.

Gallery International Fashion Fair Copenhagen is expanding, when the fair in connection with Copenhagen Fashion Week from 7th - 10th August presents more than 40 new brands. Among the new brands, you will find Day Birger et Mikkelsen, Kenzo, Paul & Joe, Helmut Lang, Vanessa Bruno and Cheap Mondays.

• Gallery is expanding and we can sense the interest for the concept the fair is built up on. By expanding the exhibition area from 4000 to 5200 m2 we now have more space for more of the leading Scandinavian design-driven brands, says Christian Gregersen from Gallery.

Gallery already presents profiles such as Filippa K, Lagerfeld, Malene Birger, NOIR, Tiger of Sweden, Peter Jensen, Jens Laugesen, Wood Wood and Stella McCartney - brands that attracted around 12000 visitors in February.

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Garment delegates visit clothing factories in Vietnam & Cambodia

June 27, 2008 (Hong Kong)

The Hong Kong garment and footwear industry enjoyed a first-hand look at business and investment opportunities in Vietnam and Cambodia earlier this month during a five-day trip organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The Hong Kong Garment and Footwear Partnership Mission to Vietnam and Cambodia, 5-9 May, included 29 delegates from the garment industry and 14 from the footwear industry.

Ralph Chow, Director of Product Promotion at the HKTDC, and one of the mission leaders, said the visit was organised to help Hong Kong garment and shoe manufacturers "explore the possibility of relocating their factories to Vietnam or Cambodia."

Garment delegates visited two clothing factories in Vietnam and three in Cambodia. These included Vietnam's biggest garment manufacturer, Thanh Cong Textile Garment Co, which boasts 5,000 employees, and Hong Kong company Tack Fat Garment (Cambodia) Ltd, Cambodia's largest foreign investor and employer.

Footwear delegates visited two factories in Vietnam and two in Cambodia, including a Taiwanese company, a Hong Kong factory and a mainland operation.

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Would you like to be in Angelina's jacket?

June 26, 2008 (USA)

All Angelina Jolie fans have suddenly got a reason to smile, as the sexy and stunning leather jacket that is worn by her in the upcoming film is up for sale. On CharityFolks.com has put the garment for auction. It is anticipating massive online participation as Angelina rests in the hearts of millions world wide.

The Hollywood actress has worn the black jacket in her forthcoming action flick ‘Wanted’. It's the diagonal front zipper and the tassel that gives a glamorous and classy look to the jacket. However, if one wishes to flaunt it, the wearer must have a curvaceous body like Angelina, as it is in extra small size!

The website is expecting to earn big bucks that will help the organization, Plan!t Now, started by the Academy Award winner, Morgan Freeman, one of the most respected Hollywood actors.

Miss Venezuela wins best Ao Dai title at Miss Universe 2008

June 26, 2008 (Vietnam)

As the Miss Universe 2008 pageant is picking up momentum, the contestants are vying for the most prestigious beauty award in the entire world. Hoa Binh Theatre at HCM City featured the participants modeling the traditional Vietnamese dress, Ao Dai on June 24.

Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, won the title ‘Best in Ao Dai’. Nearly 80 Miss Universe contestants were donning Vietnamese customary garment, created by four famous domestic designers including Lien Huong, Thuan Viet, Sy Hoang and Vo Viet Chung.

Along with Miss Venezuela, four other participants were chosen in the final round from India, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Vietnam. However, Dayana Mendoza made her smooth way out and won the contest.

There were more that 2000 spectators who had come to become the part of the mesmerizing and enchanting event. As it was a proud moment for Vietnamese people to see stunning participants draped in their beautiful traditional attire.

The grand finale will be held on July 14 at Crown Convention Center, Diamond Bay Resort, in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Maria Garcia uses Taffeta fabrics for summer collection

June 24, 2008 (Brazil)

The starting point for the summer of 2008/09 by Camila Cutolo, of Maria Garcia, was Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, New York, in the United States.

The brand’s narrative shows the apex of the island in the 1920s until its decadence with reurbanization in the 1960s.

In order to tell the story, she divided the collection in three parts: paradise, beach and decline.

Hues of blue and rose, comfortable dresses, pleated skirts, shorts tunics, pantaloons are among the looks.

Flamingos, plaids and boats as prints. The color chart has somber hues like navy blue, red and black. Taffeta is among the fabrics used by the stylist.

Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association

André Lima finishes fifth day of SPFW

June 24, 2008 (Brazil)

Inspiration comes from the “wings”. From butterflies to Batman, regardless, what counts is the study the brand did to generate volumes.

Volumes that finish in geometric, asymmetric points, in wings or bows. The shorter dresses are also the tighter fitting ones.

The gowns, a must in any André Lima collection, are neater cut and evasé. The incredible creativity with which the brand created unusual shapes added a conceptual freshness that united and explained the collection.

The butterfly look stands out with wings projecting from the shoulders and down the sides of the blue mini dress.

A detailed study on almost impossible shapes and their delicate adaptations.

Raw materials include satin, taffeta and jacquard. The color chart is generous and includes coral, grays, lilac, yellow, pink, navy, black and white.

Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association

Red Carter to show spring 2009 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim

June 24, 2008 (USA)

Red Carter, known for his sophisticated, sexy swimwear, has been selected as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Red Carter will debut his Spring 2009 collection on July 19th at 10pm, at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh Hotel.

Each Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz sponsors a designer who reflects unparalleled talent to be on display during the five-day runway event.

Recent former "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers include Monique Lhulier, Badgley Mischka, Alice Temperley, Kevan Hall, and Veronika Jeanvie.

"We are thrilled to partner with Red Carter for his Spring 2009 runway show," said Lisa Holladay, Manager, Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes- Benz USA. "Red embodies the true spirit of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

By uniting the many facets of both Mercedes-Benz and the City of Miami, he seamlessly blends modern inspiration with traditional design elements to create his own bold, yet timeless style."

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Suashish to invest Rs1.5 bn at SEEPZ jewellery plant

June 23, 2008 (India)

Suashish Diamonds Ltd is planning to invest about Rs. 150 Crores in setting up a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Mumbai’s Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ). The investments will be made through the company’s wholly owned subsidiary Suashish Jewellery Ltd.

Out of this the Rs. 82 Crores is being invested in the first phase in setting up a 16,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility. This facility will become operational in August 2008.

It will add an estimated 500,000 jewellery pieces of capacity to Suashish Diamonds’ already existing annual capacity over 10,00,000 pieces of jewellery.

“The first phase of the facility is expected to achieve Turn Over of Rs.180 Crores in a full year of operation. We are looking at investing the remaining Rs. 68 Crores in second phase in next 2 years.

Once the full resources are committed, and both the phases become operational, we expect the SEEPZ operation to achieve Turn Over Rs. 400 Crores annually,” Mr. Ashish Goenka, Managing Director of Suashish Diamonds said.

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s.Oliver at Akropolis to present new & trendy outfit each month

June 23, 2008 (Lithuania)

On 13 June, the Apranga Group, leader of retail clothing market in Lithuania and the Baltic States, opens the second s.Oliver store in Lithuania in the shopping centre “Akropolis” in Vilnius.

The new store with an area of 300 square metres offers classic and trendy outfit and will present new collections each month. The store represents “s.Oliver Casual women und men”, “QS by s.Oliver male und female” and “s.Oliver Accessories” product lines.

The first s.Oliver store was opened in Kaunas at the beginning of 2007. s.Oliver was established in Würzburg in 1969, and it currently lines up with the leading European companies of fashion and lifestyle.

Different teams of designers create twelve collections from nine product lines. s.Oliver has 80 own stores and 330 stores in cooperation with partners. 2,600 stores and 1,700 sales outlets represent the s.Oliver brand.

On the international scale, s.Oliver Group goods are sold in 30 countries. Ambitious and moving with the times, the “s.Oliver Casual women und men” collection balances extreme comfort and high quality with low prices.

By the latest fashion trends, top quality and particularly trendy cut, the “QS by s.Oliver male und female” collection creates an individual style with impressive details. A visit to the world of s.Oliver lifestyle ends with the choice of “s.Oliver Accessories”.

Currently, the Apranga Group operates a chain of 88 stores in the Baltic States: 59 in Lithuania, 24 in Latvia, and 5 in Estonia.

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Summer enrollment heats up as more students return to Esmod

June 23, 2008 (UAE)

According to the preliminary enrollment summary from the internationally acclaimed French Fashion University, a lot of people are staying in Dubai realizing the fun and great value of condensed education for one month only; instead of three or six months in winter.

Open for registration; summer session will start July 1st and will last for one month, offering truly sensed experience by enviable team of instructors who are set to add an entirely new dimension to one's lifestyle through interactive methodologies that gives a greater understanding of technicalities of design & garment making.

"Summer may be the time to relax and forget about tight deadlines. However, as the only fashion University in the Middle East, it is important for us to regularly expand our fashion programs to stay on top of new trends and preferences.

Summer gives students a chance to break from routine - a good intense one month course minus theory books and classes truly makes summer education a heavenly experience." said Tamara Hostal, Director, French Fashion University Esmod.

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Damas showcases Montega watches collection

June 23, 2008 (UAE)

Damas, the undisputed watches and jewellery retailer in the Middle East, has launched new models of its elegant and distinctive house brand – Montega.

Dedicated to producing superior quality timepieces in a classic and timeless style, Damas has more than accomplished its goal through these amazing models whicwh are setting new trend in the region.

As symbols of sophistication, these coveted Montega watches continue to adorn the wrists of some of the top Arab celebrities in the region.

They are big fans of Montega as it is trendy to wear a watch of nearly every colour this season, including the ‘must have’ red. This ever-so-sophisticated look is enjoying a major resurgence right now.

Not only does a Montega watch flatter your wrist, it is also the perfect accessory to most of the summer’s trendy outfits. No wonder the label is fast becoming one of the most widely recognised brand names, offering stylish connoisseurs a wide variety of designs.

The latest collection is studded with high quality diamonds for that confident sparkle every minute of the day. Montega watches offer a perfect combination of grace and class.

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SPFW, a sumptuous display of designs

June 21, 2008 (Brazil)

Sao Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW), which is known to bring some of the most amazing and awe-inspiring designs for fashion savvies nation wide, kicked off on June 17 stylishly. With each passing day the ramp is sizzling and dazzling, as beautiful models walk down the runway, flaunting excellent creations of established Latin American designers.

Cia Maritima, the top most beachwear brand of the country which is famous for creating exuberant designs got high appreciation from spectators this time also. The electrifying era of 1970’s was the source of inspiration for the designer.

Tie and dye prints, big brass beads and huge plastic embellishments brought retro look alive on stage. As Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches, there could not have been anything better for local women, this season.

Another designer that managed to steal the attention of spectators was Fause Haten, who displayed his exclusive eveningwear collection. The designs were extremely sophisticated and were made using fabrics like silk and satin that will surely make the wearer look all the more gorgeous. The narrow cuts and folds added a dash of classiness that the designer is known for.

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3i buys 49% of Antichi Pellettieri's bags & accessories biz

June 20, 2008 (Italy)

3i, the world’s leading mid-market private equity company, and the funds managed by 3i, announce that they have signed a binding agreement with Antichi Pellettieri S.p.A., the Leather Goods Division of Mariella Burani Fashion Group, for the acquisition of a 49% stake of the newly constituted APB Srl (“Antichi Pellettieri Bags” or “APBags”). APB is the holding company of Francesco Biasia, Braccialini, and Coccinelle as well as Mandarina Duck (acquisition to be completed).

3i will invest EUR 128 million in exchange for a 49% stake in APB. EUR 118 million will be exchanged on the date of closing while the remaining EUR 10 million will be paid based on APB’s performance.

The proceeds of the transaction will allow Antichi Pellettieri Group to eliminate its outstanding debt resulting in a positive Net Financial Position.

The enterprise value attributed to APBags of approximately EUR 355 million, slightly lower that the value currently attributed to the complete Antichi Pellettieri Group at the date of acquisition (EUR 415 million).

In addition, the Board of Directors of AP has expressed its intention to transfer, as soon as possible, its listing from the Expandi segment of the Italian Stock Exchange to MTA.

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Wild universe inspires Movimento for summer

June 20, 2008 (Brazil)

Movimento’s collection for the summer of 2008/09 is full of elements from the wild universe.

Tininha da Fonte used organic prints with leaf shapes, camouflage and animal fur to create the looks that will be used by contemporary women, and, according to the brand, the "warriors".

Leaf green, purple, red and yellow are in the color chart of the brand that presented low-cut swimsuits and bikinis in diverse models.

The tops have ruffles, drapes, collars and wide straps. The bottoms are straighter and larger. Movimento also suggests ample and long dresses, shorts, overalls and pants.

The mix of prints predominates. The fabrics include stretch with Elastane, Egyptian cotton, pure silk and jersey with Elastane.

Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association

Romance of Cotton: A fashion extravaganza to promote cotton

June 20, 2008 (India)

Cotton Council International (CCI), a US-based non-profit organization, runs the "cool with cotton campaign" in India to promote the generic cotton fabric. As part of this campaign it is organizing its first ever cotton fashion extravaganza “Romance of Cotton” in association with well-known designer duo of Meera & Muzaffar Ali.

The guests for the show will include well-known names from the Indian fashion and textile industry. The show will be choreographed by the popular choreographer duo of Apu & Tania and will have leading models from the fashion and glamour industry like Indrani Dasgupta, Joey Matthew, Nayanika Chatterjee, Sapna Kumar, Sonalika Sahay, Krishna Somani, Lakshmi Rana and Tina Chatwal among others, walking the ramp in fashionable cottons.

Also joining the show from the US will be Ms Agnieszka Fijol, Senior Manager, Greater Europe and South-East Asia who will be personally interacting with the media and other notable personalities from the fashion industry.

The fashion show is to be held at on 24th June, 2008 at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi 8:00 pm onwards

Cotton Council International

Pod creates fall dress with faux fur, oh so plush….

June 20, 2008 (USA)

Bold, lux, and oh so plush ... this fall, A Pea in the Pod has created rich, luxurious fashion for the discerning expectant woman. The styles of New York, Milan, and Paris walked off the runways and into the Fall 2008 Collection.

Texture is a trend, and A Pea in the Pod has it covered with metallic jacquard, perforated leather, and plush velvet. Sweaters are luxurious and cozy in cashmere cables and boiled wools and are the perfect complement to exclusive designer denim.

As the weather cools, it's all about item jackets. In cropped styles and flirty trapeze cuts, these jackets offer flattering silhouettes while she's expecting and after the baby arrives.

When the A Pea in the Pod woman prepares herself for the red carpet, she'll find what she needs in the Fall 2008 collection. The Grecian-inspired chiffon gown and 1920's feather-hemmed cocktail dress will have mom-to-be camera ready.

"This season, A Pea in the Pod is for the bold and the beautiful," said Rebecca Matthias, President and Chief Creative Officer of A Pea in the Pod.

"Striking details such as perforated leather, intricate beading and faux fur will make an unforgettable statement. The expectant woman is sure to be fabulous for fall."

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CrocsRx unveils Silver Fox shoe collection

June 20, 2008 (USA)

CrocsRx, the medical division of Crocs Inc, revealed a new, sleeker addition to its therapeutic collection, the Silver Fox. Combining Crocs’ legendary comfort with fashion-forward sensibility, this classic mary jane style includes a 1½ inch heel.

The new Silver Fox shoe, will be on display for doctors and medical professionals to view, along with the entire CrocsRx collection at Crocs booth no. 211 at The 2008 Western Podiatric Medical Congress show, June 19-22 in Anaheim, California.

Carrying both the distinguished United States ergonomics endorsement, as well as approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the Silver Fox is the first shoe in the collection to be designed specifically for a woman’s foot.

Complete with Croslite AG+ material, a revolutionary material created from nano-Silver ceramic crystals, the shoe is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, thus killing harmful strains of bacteria and fungi which are routinely the source of foot infections.

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Hearts On Fire opens its first US retail store

June 20, 2008 (USA)

The Hearts On Fire Company (HOF), the pre-eminent consumer brand in the fine diamond jewelry business, announced the opening of the first Hearts On Fire retail store in the U.S. at the Shoppes at the Water Club, the Borgata's new premium hotel in Atlantic City.

The store, which will be owned by Hearts On Fire's longtime retail partners Harvey and Madalyn Rovinsky of Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry, will officially open on June 26, 2008 and offer a full assortment of Hearts On Fire diamond jewelry, from bridal, to fashion jewelry and couture.

Modeled after Hearts On Fire's stores in Asia, the new Water Club location exudes a modern elegance and is designed to highlight the intensity of Hearts On Fire's extraordinary diamonds.

Hearts On Fire diamonds, which are cut at 100x magnification, or 10x the industry standard, shine more brilliantly than any other diamond of comparable color, clarity and carat weight.

The name Hearts On Fire, is derived from eight identical hearts that are revealed when peering through a scope, a natural phenomenon of a perfectly cut diamond.

"We are thrilled to be opening our first U.S. retail store as our next phase of building the Hearts On Fire brand," said Mark Israel, President of Hearts On Fire.

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Esmod to arrange Fashion Workshop Summer Class in Dubai

June 16, 2008 (UAE)

French Fashion University to set Esmod Dubai - Fashion Workshop 1 month July Summer Session class from July 1st to July 31st.

Anyone who wants to get into the industry and has a keen interest in Fashion and trends. Students who need a foundation course prior to entering in the BA degree program in September.

There will be no qualifications or experience need to get on the course. Student will achieve ESMOD Dubai 1 month Fashion Workshop Summer Class Certificate for this course.

To attend the course download the form here and call 04 429 12 28 or 050 356 26 50 to schedule a meeting to remit these forms for registration and payment. Continuous assessment and feedback will be given during the course.

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Lifestyle Boutique to open offices in Dubai, Mumbai & Rio city

June 16, 2008 (UK)

Lifestyle Boutique UK (LB UK) is the newest outlet of an internationally successful concierge service only available to ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals.

Lifestyle Boutique has been in operation globally for many years and has a unique member-to-Luxury Expert ratio of 2:1. This exclusive relationship ensures excellent results and is the only truly bespoke service available.

Until now, Lifestyle Boutique has been working at full membership capacity but, with the launch of the London office, new memberships are available for the first time in twelve years.

Membership to LB UK costs £50,000 annually with only 50 further memberships available.

Once these 50 memberships are gone, that’s it. Each member receives a personalised solid gold number to identify which membership they have secured, engraved with the mobile number of their personally chosen Luxury Expert. Sixteen memberships have already sold.

LB UK exists as a stand-alone service or as an accompaniment to pre-paid, debit and charge cards through American Express, MBNA and MasterCard. Statements are sent every quarter with no pre-set limit on spending, making it without doubt the most exclusive charge card in the world.

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‘Sweet Happiness’ with ‘Invented Memories’ at Rio Moda Hype

June 16, 2008 (Brazil)

Six more brands from different locations in Brazil participated in the second day of Rio Moda Hype fashion shows.

Below, see the highlights of the participants in the event’s 9th edition:
Renata Veras (Rio de Janeiro) – The movie "Barbarella" inspired stylist Renata Veras. In order to create the fun pieces, she used leather and chamois, as well as metalized fabric.

The swimsuits receive differentiated cutouts, while the bikinis play with a mix of prints. Earthy tones and emerald green are in the color chart. Drapings and crushed looks add volume.

James Cesari (São Paulo) - The "boys of the world" invade James Cesari’s catwalk with plenty of style attitude. The stylist explored the shifting of the silhouette, which resulted in pieces with various lengths. Military and sports references are in the collection. The highlight goes to the black overalls and sarouel bermudas.

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Rio a source & inspiration for Sandpiper collection

June 16, 2008 (Brazil)

Napoleão Funyat, owner of the Sandpiper brand, is the eternal boy from Rio and will always use the city as the source for his collections.

This 2009 summer collection brings the parties held on beaches, mixing people from all tribes, habits and fashions.

The men’s collection mixes closer-fitting pieces with voluminous ones such as tight-fitting plaid or striped shirts and sarouel pants.

Blazers with wide horizontal stripes, shorts and terry cloth pants, as well as safari jackets. For women, layers on washed out jeans, short, A-line dresses.

Prints are strongly determined by plaids and stripes of all shapes, colors and combinations. Some more organic blue and green balls in the white background also appear.

The fabrics, besides terry cloth, include serge with Elastane, plush, corduroy, voile and tricoline with dyed yarn providing a plaid pattern with less impact on the environment.

The color chart is in white, deep blue, yellow, green and violet.

Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association

Lenny Niemeyer launches organic collection: birth of life

June 16, 2008 (Brazil)

Nature’s textures involve Lenny’s collection for the summer of 2008/09.

Lenny Niemeyer sought inspiration in the beginning of life, at birth.

"It is an organic collection," defines the stylist. Lenny’s proposal is to create diversified and always elegant beachwear.

Sequins emerge with differentiated, rusty treatment. Necklines are round. Bottoms are wider, better behaved.

There are models with high waists and others cut low. Single shoulder and conservative front, yet daring from behind swimwear are also present in Lenny’s summer, a brand that increasingly invests in beachwear.

The pieces have more volume and kaftans are revisited. Lycra still reigns among the fabrics.

In the color chart, Lenny uses blues, yellow, white and greens, among others.

Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association

Camp Rock products premiere on Disney Channel

June 12, 2008 (USA)

Disney Consumer Products is launching a new line of tween merchandise inspired by “Camp Rock,” the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie set to launch across multiple media platforms on June 20. Beginning June 15, Target stores nationwide will carry the largest selection of “Camp Rock” products.

Disney Stores will also offer a unique collection for fans everywhere. "Camp Rock" merchandise brings together the entertaining and aspirational themes of the movie with a wide selection of products ranging from electronics, to apparel, accessories and footwear, bags and backpacks, home décor, books, fashion dolls, stationery and other merchandise that will enhance the customer connection with the movie.

"Kids and tweens have been eagerly anticipating 'Camp Rock' and the merchandise program will allow them to bring the movie into their world," said Lisa Avent, vice president of TV Licensing for Disney Consumer Products. "Target and Disney Stores will help us reach this key demographic with a line that will extend the movie's messages of self-expression and creativity."

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Victor Dzenk walks the Royal Road

June 12, 2008 (Brazil)

From the white sandy beaches of Rio straight to the villages and baroque churches of Ouro Preto.

Victor Dzenk walked the Royal Road, passing through Parati, until reaching the historical cities of Minas, returning to his roots.

He brought a collection that highlights digitalized prints, with oratory floral motifs, angels, adornments, baroque ceilings, arabesques and all sorts of rococo.

The collection’s shapes portray the architecture of this style in columns, Imperial court and balloons, as well as ample dresses that recall the nightgowns of the time.

In contrast, tighter-fitting shapes provide the sensual look the Brazilian woman likes.

Light fabrics highlight the collection like jerseys, silks, silk gauzes, silk satins, lace and tulle.

The color chart is also baroque, with hues of gold, old gold, nude, emerald green, royal blue, violet, rose and black.

Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association

Eliza used different yarns for summer collection

June 12, 2008 (Brazil)

Braids and delicate curves inspired stylist Eliza Conde for the 2008/2009 summer.

Eliza used different yarns in the same weave; put macramé braids in some looks, and most especially, folds, pleats and drapes to create curves.

The shapes are close-fitting or fluid. The fabrics chosen for raw materials were jersey, satin, linen, cotton, China crepe and chiffon.

The color chart comes in bronze, rose, yellow, pistachio, sky blue, hues of green, as well as black and white.

Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association

Renaissance Jewellery Board declares dividend

June 12, 2008 (India)

Renaissance Jewellery Ltd has informed that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on Jun 11, 2008, inter alia, has considered and approved the following:

1. Declaration of Dividend of @ 15% (Rs 1.50 per equity share) - recommended.

2. Revision / modification of remuneration of Executive directors - considered and approved.

3. Appointment of relatives of Directors to the office / place of profit - considered and approved.

4. Employees Stock Purchase Scheme - considered and approved.

5. Annual General Meeting - On September 05, 2008.

Renaissance Jewellery Ltd

Fine Jewellery plans for massive expansion

June 12, 2008 (India)

Fine Jewellery India Ltd (FJIL) is planning for a enormous expansion within next three years. The Mumbai based diamond jewellery exporter aims to open new retail outlets across nation along with enhancing the manufacturing capacity to strengthen its position in domestic market.

Fine jewellery sells its in-house lifestyle brand ‘Nirvana’ through large format stores that are spread in 27 cities nation wide, it also has an exclusive stand-alone store in Mumbai.

In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Mr Sohil Kothari, Director, Fine Jewellery Group asserted, “We plan to set up around 30 NIRVANA exclusive stores in 10 major towns and cities in the next three years. To support this expansion as well as increase manufacturing capacity, we have drawn up a capital expenditure plan that will require nearly US $25 million.

Mr Sohil further divulged, “We propose to raise funds through private equity in the next six months for our famous brand Nirvana, which mainly targets age group of 25 to 45 years. It is a delicate daily wear jewellery, for design conscious young generation.

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