Retail Scoop

A pants party exploded within the Bryant Park tent last week with trends running the gamut from graffiti to soft velor. The similarity they shared? Their statements but of course. In case you need to get a head start on next fall’s shopping, we’ve highlighted our favorites.

Diesel Black Gold went platinum with dark ruby crush velvet trousers. Rodarte mirrored the Old World feel with their own ruby red version complete with satin paneling and a similarly slim fit. Rodarte also decorated model’s legs with bloused Old World lace. Slim fit, tapered and gathered pants won the all-around style award. Rodarte used large flowers in an artistically elongated smash print while Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler and Twenty8Twelve designed more overtly graffiti-for-bottom prints.

               
The bottom line – you’re bottoms half has a wild side and a future where anything goes. So when you’re shopping last season’s sales and traveling during the summer, remember come fall it will be time to decorate thy deriere.

Emma Dinzebach

Still dazed over Paris Fashion Week (did you see Tommy Ton’s “Seine Stealers” on style.com?), I was graciously reminded that we can learn a little somethin’ somethin’ from the French. After all, it is the land of Lacroix, Bordeaux, and crepes! First and foremost, French emphasizes quality, not quantity. My French bestie may have worn the same black Chanel blazer out every night in the fall; but it was Chanel, it was beautiful, and at the end of three seasons, it still looked impeccable. Next, scarves and jackets enhance said staples. Think Hermes people…or H&M. But dress it up with scarves and jackets to make your intended statement, and don’t be afraid to step it up. The French are inspired by CoCo Chanel, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Sonia Rykiel… And their shoes! Only in pictures can we truly express the French’s appreciation for footwear.

The French make dressing with chic class a daily habit. They don’t run out in their sweats or go to Whole Foods in their sweaty sneakers. Why would they present themselves to the world like that? Why would any of us for that matter?

Go ahead. Be French.

Emma Dinzebach

They say opposites attract. Oh, so that’s why Armani teamed up with Reebok to produce a fashion forward sneaker for Spring, and Vogue’s ’09 “it” girl, Alexa Chung, aims to create a collection with shabby ‘ol Madewell. Leave it to Mayor Bloomberg to announce a fashion initiative in the wake of an international tragedy, proving once again that the show must go on. Monday night in Gotham 75 fashion big wigs announced “the plan” smartly called “Fashion NYC 2020,” which aims to strengthen the city’s fashion focus, positioning us back to the global fashion leader we once were.

A more solid pair did emerge last week in retail news: Sarah Jessica Parker and Halston. The SATC superstar announced taking equity stake in the company, also owned by Harvey Weinstein and Sir Jimmy Choo. She characterized her role as “shaping the strategic direction” of the brand.

Retail stocks were up .09% yesterday. In third quarter smiley faces, Richemont, Carefour and Burberry posted gains. Rumor has it Yohji Yamamoto could close his Antwerp flagship (he just can’t get a break); and D&G opened their first rrrrrusky store in Moscow.  Shiseido will shell out $1.7 B for Bare Escentuals. Just you thought you scored big with Christmas sales, we learned that consumer prices were actually up 1.9% compared with last December.

In Milan, the relaxed menswear (see also: men) at fashion week reminded single women, once again, that they are indeed living in the wrong country. Something to consider, until next week…in shopping.

Emma Dinzebach

WHAT: Old Navy Presents a Holiday Skating Celebration at The Pond at Bryant Park

WHY: Old Navy is sponsoring a winter wonderland weekend at The Pond at Bryant Park. Beginning at 8am on both Saturday and Sunday, Old Navy will offer the first 3,000 ice skaters free admission, skate rentals and complimentary hot chocolate.

In the spirit of giving and in celebration of the holiday season, Old Navy will host a Performance Fleece pop-up shop at The Pond. All hats, scarves and gloves will be on sale for under $10 with 100% of the proceeds directly benefitting New York Cares. Stop by to hear the Old Navy Carolers and enjoy free hot chocolate while keeping warm for a good cause.

WHEN: 12/12 – 12/13 (Sat-Sun – Beginning at 8am both days)

WHERE: The Pond at Bryant Park (between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues)