Further to the Bangladesh tragedy that we told you about a few weeks ago, several major European brands have pledged to sign a contract that ensures higher safety standards at manufacturing facilities in the region. The contract is titled “Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh.” The agreement was drawn up by IndustriaALL Global Union and UNI Global Union and participating companies include:

Arcadia Group (the British company that owns Topshop)
El Corte Inglés of Spain
Kik and Aldi of Germany
Stockmann
N Brown Group
G-Star Raw
PVH Corp. (the U.S. company that owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger)
Tchibo of Germany
H&M
Inditex
C&A
Primark
Tesco

Many American companies such as The Gap and Wal-Mart have yet to sign.

Several Companies Refuse to Sign Bangladesh Safety Contract [NY Mag]

A&F’s ‘Buzz Score” Plummets

Market research company Yougov has conducted an analysis of Abercrombie and Fitch, following last week’s revelation of statement made by founder, Mike Jeffries, in which he was quoted as saying that he makes clothes for the “cool kids”.

YouGov created a “Buzz score” to a company based on the balance of positive and negative things consumers have heard about it in the past two weeks. A&F’s rating among 18- to 34-year-olds slipped from 1.9 on April 29 to -3.3 on May 3, the day retail expert Robin Lewis revived the old comments.
Since then,  the Buzz score has continued to drop, dipping to -11.3 on May 8 and a low of -17.3 on Tuesday while competitors like American Eagle Outfitters Inc. and H&M have maintained positive ratings.

Grading Abercrombie & Fitch [WWD]

Rafé Totengco to Recieve Iconoclast Award

On June 19 at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York, The Independent Handbag Designer Awards will honor Rafé Totengco. The accolade is being presented is the Iconoclast Award, a prize given to standouts in the handbag industry. Rafé Totengco was also recently approached by Target to be the first designer to create a capsule accessories collection.

Independent Handbag Designer Awards to Honor Rafé Totengco [WWD]

The Watch of Chanel’s Beau to be Sold

The Breguet pocket watch that belonged to Coco Chanel’s one-time lover Paul Iribe will be up for auction on June 11 at Bonhams’ Fine Watches and Wristwatches Sale in London. Iribe was said to have worked as an illustrator and artist and he made a living crafting film sets in Hollywood before returning to Paris where he met Chanel in the early Twenties. The very year that Iribe bought the Breguet watch is the same year he and Chanel created a jewelry collection together, which was the commissioned project of International Guild of Diamond Merchants.

Watch of Coco Chanel’s Former Paramour to Go Under the Gavel [WWD]

Jewel Heist in Cannes

Over €1 million worth of Chopard jewelry has been stolen from a Novotel hotel in Cannes this week. The jewels were intended to lend stars during the course of the annual film festival. The Swiss luxury brand told the BBC that the jewels were taken directly from the safe of one of their employees. Chopard, who is an official sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival has yet to recover the goods.

The Cannes Film Festival Jewellery Raid [Vogue UK]

Target Taps Phillip Lim for Fall Capsule Collection [NY Mag]

Joseph Altuzarra debuted his collection for the New York City Ballet on May 8th in their spring gala. The designer, who danced as a child, showed a collection that referenced a sense of ease, nonchalance, and playfulness. Departing from the dark looks of Rodarte for Black Swan and the angular looks that Gareth Pugh designed last year, Altuzarra employed seafoam and flagrant femininity for this year’s dancers.

Altuzarra’s Ballet Costumes Debuted Last Night [NY Mag]

Bodies that defy physics, stomachs that don’t crease and flawless skin. Have you ever wondered how Vogue managed to turn reality into a final image? Well, now is your chance because Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman will walk you through the process in an upcoming documentary. The intended audience for the film are youth in their adolescence and teenage years. When speaking with The Independent, Schulman expressed that her desire for this documentary is to prevent young women from looking at Vogue imagery and comparing themselves.

New Doc Explores The Photo Shoot To Photoshop To Vogue Photo-Spread Process [Refinery 29]

On May 6th, the American senate approved a bill known as the Marketplace Fairness Act. This act now authorizes states to levy a tax on purchases made online, and was won with a vote e of 69 to 27. This level of bipartisan support  is rare, but will give brick and mortar stores a more even playing field when competing with online retailers. Currently, online shops enjoy a tax-free advantage due to what is essentially an outdated loophole. Amazon has announced its support of the decision, leaving eBay as the only major retail powerhouse in opposition.

UPDATE: Senate Passes Online Shopping Tax [Refinery 29]

Selfridges has announced that they will be offering the world’s first drive-thru shopping experience beginning in January. Customers will be able to order online and then pick up their items from a special reception area behind their Oxford street store. Selfridges multi-channel director Simon Forster told The Evening Standard. “It will not just be the first drive-through service, it will be the best.”The store is currently investing in its website, having recently launched a Click and Collect service – where customers can reserve products before retrieving them in store.

Selfridges To Launch Drive-Through Service [Vogue UK]

Sometimes June can get a little balmy, or perhaps your legs are your best asset, so why not show them off with a short hem? Balance the look out with longer sleeves or a higher neckline to avoid showing too much skin all at once. Remember, prom is a time to keep it classy. Try this Sherri Hill dress.

If you love to stand out, there is no better way to garner some attention than with a little razzle dazzle. Strategically placed sequins show movement throughout the body and add that Ms.America glamour. Try this Sherri Hill gown.

Nothing screams femininity like dainty appliques. When strategically placed they can add fullness to wherever they are applied, whether it be the bust or waist. They also add interest and texture to what might be a pretty bland silhouette. Try this Forever Unique dress.

Angelina Jolie made the leg slit famous and you can carry on the torch this prom. Opt for a floor sweeping gown that has a deep peek-a-boo slit on the side. It is elegant, timeless and feminine. Try this maxi dress by Needle & Thread.

Peplum has been all the rage this season, so why not crossover this trend to your prom-wear? This dress, by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa for Pearl (her diffusion line, sold at JC Penney) is the perfect choice. The angled ruffles and short hem draw all the attention to your hips and make your waist look teeny.

Tallulah Harlech and Chanel favourite Keira Knightley are set to star in a short Chanel film, which takes place in 1913. Titled “Onece Upon a Time…,” the movie will be screened on May 8th in Singapore, the evening before Chanel shows its cruise collection at Loewen Cluster, a former nutmeg plantation. Lagerfeld told WWD that he was trying to embrace historical accuracy by maintaing the rude demeanor of Edwardian customers. It was during this moment when fashion culture would change to be slightly more relaxed and care-free and yield to the modern notion of shopping and design.

Keira Knightley Stars in Chanel Short Film [WWD]

Tom Binns x Charlotte Olympia

Charlotte Olympia and Tom binns have joined forces to create a capsule collection. The line of footwear and handbags is to be released in coincidence with the opening of “Punk: Chaos to Couture” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in Manhattan. The line will be only available on charlotteolympia.com as well as at the Mayfair and Manhattan boutiques of the brand. Some pieces of note are the Dolly Riot, a black suede shoe with a metallic platform and the Anarchy Kitty, a black velvet shoe with neon embroidered faces. Available May 2nd.

Charlotte Olympia, Tom Binns Team Up for Punk Collection [WWD]

CFDA Launches Sustainability Committee

In honour of Earth day, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, chaired by Scott Mackinlay Hahn of Rogan/Loomstate and Melissa Joy Manning, launched a sustainability collection. It aims to encourage its members to work in a more eco-friendly way and create collections with less of an environmental footprint. Hahn was quoted as saying, “If we design sustainable products that have high quality and aesthetic value, we will foster healthy and responsible consumption.”

Council of Fashion Designers of America Launches Sustainability Committee [WWD]

Downton Abbey to Have clothing Line

The Edwardidan drama Downton Abbey has decided to follow the success of its third season with a line of housewares and more interstingly, clothing. Executive producer, Gareth Neame, told CNBC yesterday: “We’ll be working across an entire range of products coming out this year. From fashion, apparel and homeware and furniture to wallpapers, beauty products and stationary… Some of these things have been available since 2012 and we publish books and have made a music album, but the more complex products take time.”

At Last, Downton Abbey Gets Its Own Fashion Line [The Cut]

Gatsby, Opulent If Not Accurate

The costume designs for the Great Gatsby were created by Miuccia Prada and Baz Luhrmann’s costume designer wife Catherine Martin. To invoke the spirit of the roaring twenties, they abandoned what Martin called ‘historical pedantry’ in favour of  opulence and drama. She told WWD: “The reality is that from 1920, I could find a photo or a fashion illustration that would support almost any choice that we’ve made in the film. But we are not making a documentary. We are trying to express a story in a way in which Fitzgerald’s visceral modernity is able to transgress the plane of the screen.” She insisted on the notion that sticking to a rigid minutia would actually impede the audience’s ability to appreciate the story. The result? A magnificent visual feast.

Miuccia Prada’s Gatsby Costumes Are All ‘About Money’ [The Cut]

Calvin Klein’s jewelry and watch division will hold a a special event event during Baselworld at Dreispitzhalle (an industrial event space) featuring singer-songwriter Rita Ora. The brand also had Ora perform at a Calvin Klein Jeans event in London, and she has also appeared in a CK One jeans, underwear and fragrance campaign. The house intends to reveal its rebranded watch and jewelry line — which underwent a name and logo change from ck Calvin Klein Watches & Jewelry to simply Calvin Klein Watches & Jewelry under the creative direction of Ulrich Grimm — for the first time globally.

Calvin Klein to Host Rita Ora Performance During Baselworld [WWD]

Lubell gets 5.9 million Dollar Severance

In a definitive proxy or Form 14A filed with The Securities and Exchange Commission, True Religion revealed the severance package of Jeffrey Lubell totaling almost at least 5.9 million dollars. According to Women’s Wear Daily, Lubell recieved ‘$5.1 million, a prorated cash bonus of $843,159 and other payments in connection with accrued, but unused, vacation time and the vesting in full of certain unvested restricted stock. He also receives, per a consulting agreement, a fee of $1 million a year for two years.’

Jeffrey Lubell Exits True Religion With Severance Package of $5.9M [WWD]

The Loves of Aaron Burr: Portraits in Corsetry and Binding Exhibition

Couturier and head designer behind House of Execution, Camilla Huey will be spear-heading an exhibition entitled “The Loves of Aaron Burr: Portraits in Corsetry and Binding,” beginning May 2nd. The works, which will be displayed at Harlem Heights’ historic Morris-Jumel Mansion, will feature eight handcrafted corsets inspired by the letters eight women wrote to Vice President Burr during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This exhibition is the result of six years of intensive research, in which Huey visited France and New Orleans until she felt that she had enough information to create tangible pieces.

Oprah’s Corset-Maker Tries Her Hand at History [The Cut]

Petition Sprouts Against Galliano

Following an announcement that John Galliano will be holding a master class entitled “Show Me Your Emotions” at Parsons, a petition has promptly been materialized. The petition was anonymously created, therefore it is unclear whether it was a student, faculty member or neither who began the crusade. It reads in part:

Imagine if the school were hiring a person who publicly voiced support for the KKK — there would likely be backlash because it’s not right to have someone like that teaching at a school. But because this is someone who has made anti-Semitic remarks, people are willing to look the other way.

Thus far, the petition has 300 signatures and the support of the Jewish Student Union. The oldest and largest club on-campus.

There’s Now a Petition Against Galliano at Parsons [The Cut]

Bangladeshi Garment Workers Take to Streets

Protests took place yesterday in Dhaka, Bangladesh over the collapse of a garment factory on Wednesday that has killed more than 300 people. Garment workers damaged cars in Mirpur, Rampura and Badda while thousands of others went on strike. Citizens are calling for the arrest of Sohel Rana, who forced his workers into the building despite seeing warning cracks appear on the walls the day before. Manufacturing officials strongly suggested that the factory remain closed, however this warning was not heeded. Rana has not been seen since the incident. Brands including Primark, Mango and Matalan were all manufacturing clothes in the building.

Bangladesh Factory Collapse Prompts Protests [Vogue UK]

It seems as of late, there has been a polarization of fashion lovers. Half have declared themselves free spirits, emblazoning themselves in Coachella-friendly garb. The funkier, the punkier the better. The other half have adopted the ideologies of their grandmothers and invested in a good handbag, a good coat and an expensive watch. You know the kind. They intently watch Mad Men or study vintage pictures. They love to bake from scratch for the novelty of it and take to heart the few etiquette lessons taught to them by their grandmothers. They are modern women winking at the past.

This post is dedicated to the latter.

I myself find that I flip-flop between the two sartorial circles, but nothing makes me feel like more of a put-together young lady (though I often feel the opposite), like a good kick pleat on a properly tailored pencil skirt.

By far, one of the meccas of such garments is Fever. Based out of London, Fever delivers on classicism, cut and femininity.They travel all around the world, to gain vintage inspiration in boutiques, thrift stores and flea markets. If you’re ever in London, a trip to their flagship store is in order. There you will find a mix of the Fever collection, Ruby Belle, vintage fashion, interior pieces from around the world and even an event space. The showroom and head office are also located under the same roof at 52 Eastcastle Street. London, W1W 8ED.

The Margo 3/4 Sleeve Dress Navy is one of my favourite pieces on the site. It’s graphic print borrows the feel of a traditional floral, but with a modern twist. The sleeve will hit you right around your elbow giving you ample space to pair with a glove. The defined waist band and strategically placed pleats would do any frame justice. This is a great dress for the season’s many upcoming garden parties, whether it be a bridal shower or a graduation party. This dress just needs to be outdoors.

Now, maybe it’s because I love the namesake actress, but the Zeta Dress in Nude is probably my favourite look on the whole website. The v-neckline draws the eye toward the waist, while the slanted waist draws a smooth transition to the hips. The folded pleated detail adds interest, curves and that much more elegance to the dress. This dress if fabulous addition to your wardrobe that you can wear to work or pull out on special occasions. I’m in love!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Christina Voros’sat down with WWD to discuss her latest documentary “The Director: An Evolution in Three Acts”, which investigates the life of Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini. The film follows the Giannini over the span of 18 months, watching her as she cooks dinner for her parents by the sea or as she debates the finer details of her busines. Being normally very private, she makes an unusual move during the film and announces her relationship with executive officer Patrizio di Marco and further to that, that she is pregnant with his baby! Voros was introduced to Giannini by James Franco, a producer of the film.

The Director’s Cut: Christina Voros Discusses Her Gucci Documentary [WWD]

Lacroix to Revive Schiaparelli

Christian Lacroix is slated to release a 15-piece collection under the house of Schiaparelli in July. He is quoted as saying to Style.com “This will perhaps sound pretentious, but this seems natural to me, almost obvious — let’s say logical.”  He revealed that this collection will be a one-off endeavor stating, “next year’s homage might be a ballet, a novel, or a movie.”

Christian Lacroix on Working With Schiaparelli: ‘Seems Natural to Me’ [The Cut]

Rag & Bone to Show in London

Marcus Wainwright and David Neville of Rag & Bone have announced that they will be showing their Menswear collection in June for the London Collections. The show, which will be staged during the same week as Burberry and Tom Ford is a departure from their usual NYFW slot. They are quoted as saying: “Menswear is what originally put our brand on the map and our British roots have heavily influenced our aesthetic, so we felt strongly about showing our SS 2014 collection in our hometown. London is important to us on several levels — it’s where we opened our European flagship store last summer — and with LC:M gathering momentum each season, we feel incredibly excited to be a part of it.”

Rag & Bone Defects to London Collections: Men [The Cut]

Suno x Uniqlo

Suno is the latest designer to collaborate with Japanese retailer Uniqlo. The label – loved by Michelle Obama- will release a spring capsule collection, fusing the heritage of the two labels together. The designers, Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty aimed to embody “Japanese Americana” and the line will not be dissimilar to their Spring/Summer 2013 collection.”[We wanted to take] something that felt distinctly American, and then mix it up in a Suno way,” said Beatty. “We wanted to create something sweet, straightforward and easy.” The collection will be available online May.2nd.

Suno Collaborates With Uniqlo [Vogue Uk]

Thierry Mugler To be an Advisor for his Namesake Label

It has been announced that Thierry Mugler will serve as the artistic advisor for Thierry Mugler SAS director general and Clarins Fragrance Group president Joël Palix. In 2002 Mugler relinquished his right to make decisions, however he will now offer advice on various aspects of the business. As part of the company’s restructure, Nicola Formichetti has left the house, as has  head designers Sébastien Peigné and Romain Kremer.This new role will allow there to be more fluidity between both the clothing and fragrance divisions of the label.

Thierry Mugler Named Mugler Creative Advisor [Vogue UK]

Rumor has had it that Miranda Kerr, one of the most famous of all the current Victoria’s Secret Angels may be fired from the company. While it is being revealed that these allegations are most likely untrue, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is some truth in the kernel. Due to her busy schedule, Kerr is unable to fulfill her 3 months of commitment per year that her contract requires of her. Yesterday Ed Rezek, CEO of the brand released the following statement:

Miranda Kerr is one of the best models in the history of the business — and easily one of the most popular. She is also a consummate professional. Any rumors to the contrary are simply untrue. We have no plans to stop working with her … While her international commitments have kept her away from us more than we’d like over the past few years, she will always be an Angel to me.

Have no fear, this doesn’t mean she’s going anywhere, we’ll probably still see tonnes of the Aussie beauty, just not in her full capacity.

Miranda Kerr Not Unpopular, Just Really Busy [The Cut]

Beyonce to Don D2 on Tour

It is confirmed that Beyonce will be wearing at least one custom made outfit by Dean and Dan Caten of D2 for her upcoming tour. The garment will be directly influenced by their Spring/Summer “Glamazon” runway show, which drew inspiration form models of the ’90′s. The Mrs Carter Show world tour begins on Monday, April 15 in Belgrade, Serbia, and runs until August the 5, with the final show taking place in Brooklyn.

DSquared2 To Design Beyoncé’s Tour Costumes [Vogue UK]

Issa London x Banana Republic

Issa London has collaborated on a 40-piece capsule collection with Banana Republic. Daniella Helayel, designer at Issa London, cites Banana Republic’s exotic heritage as the main inspiration. You can expect exotic animal prints, bright wrap dresses and African-inspired accessories. The collection will hit stores on August.13th. It will be stocked in 450 Banana Republic stores across the US and around 700 international stores – as well as online at bananarepublic.gap.com.

Issa London Collaborates With Banana Republic [ Vogue UK]

Rick Ross Dropped From Reebok

Reebok has officially dropped Rick Ross as a spokesperson after public outcry over his offensive lyrics in the song “U.O.E.N.O”. The song, which outlines Ross date-raping a woman necessitated an apology, however he has yet to apologize. After releasing him from his duties, Reebok made the following statement: “While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse.”

The People Have Spoken: Reebok Drops Rick Ross [Refinery 29]

Thierry Andretta announced his resignation from Lanvin this morning, citing “personal reasons”. The managing director who has been in his post since 2009 is to be succeeded by Michèle Huiban, at the request of Shaw-Lan Wang. According to WWD, Wang & Andretta had polarizing opinions over the brand’s strategic advancements. Since his arrival, Andretta has been credited with a number of successes such as  creating easily identifiable accessories, introducing children’s wear and not least among them, doubling profits.

Lanvin Managing Director Resigns [Vogue UK]

The Argentinian government swept through three factories  in Argentina yesterday after the NGO, La Alameda contacted them with claims of maltreatment of the workers in its facilities. Juan Gomez Centurion, head of the bust claims that the workers were Bolivian immigrants forced to work 13 hour days. Gomez Centurion is quoted as saying, “They were not registered and they were living in terrible conditions. They had no official documents and were held against their will, they were not allowed to leave their workplaces without permission.” Inditex, the parent company of Zara is claiming to be unaware of any affiliation with these facilities to their own suppliers in Argentina.

Zara Workers Allegedly Held in Factories ‘Against Their Will’ [The Cut]

Nicola Formichetti to Be Artistic Director of Diesel

After leaving his job at Mugler, Nicola Formichetti has recently announced that he will be the new artistic director for Diesel. Formichetti told Style.com “The thing is that I want Diesel to be relevant again. I want it to be the place, the brand, the jean. It used to be that, and it kind of lost its touch.” He plans on launching a re-boot campaign that will reach out to consumers via social media, asking for feedback and ideas to re-build the brand. In exchange, the label will dole out awards for the top responses.

Diesel, Now Unleaded: Nicola Formichetti On His Expansion Plans [WWD]

Laetitia Casta Shot by Lagerfeld for Chanel Eyewear

French actress and model Laetitia Casta posed for Karl Lagerfeld in his Paris apartment for Chanel’s latest eyewear campaign. Comically so, the designer apparently shot the campaign while still wearing his signature sunglasses. The images will appear in France on April 26 in Madame Figaro and Elle, with an international rollout to follow.

Laetitia Casta Fronts for Chanel Eyewear Campaign [WWD]

Dior to Pair Dresses With Impressionist Paintings

Dior’s museum in Granville, France is due to receive an onslaught of impressionist paintings on loan from the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée Marmottan Monet as well as other institutions. The works, including those by Edgar Degas, Georges Seurat, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Berthe Morisot, will be displayed alongside Dior’s greater works. The exhibit opens May 4 and runs through Sept. 22 and will coincide with the Impressionist festival in the Normandy region of France.

Exhibit Pairing Dior Dresses With Impressionist Paintings [WWD]

Sophie Dahl to Design a Collection for “The Morning After”

Fashion model turned author, Sophie Dahl has teamed up with cashmere label Brora to create a capsule collection to celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary. Dahl told Vouge UK, “I imagined it as the-morning-after-the night-before – a woman on an island after a party, walking home with her shoes in her hands. Everything around her quite wild and undone, but she’s wearing these quintessentially British-feeling colour tones and patterns. The picture in my head was one of rainy English summers and festivals, being tarted-up and having your make-up running everywhere – that kind of vibe.” The collection will be available on April 15th.

Sophie Dahl Launches Fashion Collection [Vogue UK]

Pucci is one of the last remaining fashion dynasties to receive a coffee table book . The book, which will be published by TASCHEN is due to be released next month. Inside it will feature various stories from different members within the Pucci empire, detailing how the small Italian shop selling light weight separates flourished into a conglomerate, spanning 50 stores worldwide.

Photos: Pucci Finally Gets the Beautiful Book Treatment [The Cut]

Diane von Furstenburg  Breaks Shoulder

Diane von Furstenburg suffered a skiing accident this past week while on the slopes in Aspen. The designer broke her shoulder in three places and is currently resting in L.A. This is not the first skiing accident for von Furstenburg, who in 2011, collided with another skier and suffered light fractions all across her face.

Diane von Furstenberg Recovering From Ski Accident [WWD]

Monki Celebrates First Parisian Store

H&M’s brand, Monki celebrated it’s very first boutique in Paris on Wednesday night with a large disco party.  French DJane Piu Piu played a series of her favourite songs that she felt embodied the spirit of the Swedish retailer. Among her favourite things about the brand was its funky prints and accessibility.The  store is located at 96 Rue de Provence.

H&M’s Monki Launches First Paris Store [WWD]

Cate Blanchett, The New Face of Armani Fragrances

Cate Blanchett is one of the few actresses in Hollywood who is very selective about the campaigns she chooses to appear in. However, she has reportedly said yes to working with Giorgio Armani as the face of its women’s fragrances. The payout? A cool 10-million dollars. Armani is quoted as saying that Cate ‘epitomizes the woman for whom I design.’

Cate Blanchett Lands an Armani Fragrance Campaign...[Daily Mail]

Ferragamo Foundation Opens in Florence

The house of Ferragamo has launched a foundation aimed at teaching young people the values and principles on which Salvatore Ferragamo based his work. The Florence based foundation is headed by his wife Wanda Miletti Ferragamo and will  organize training courses, laboratories and cultural activities, and will grant awards and scholarships to students.

Fondazione Ferragamo Launches in Florence [WWD]