I write a regular column for the online menswear magazine, MensFlair. Touching on style for every angle, the various contributors talk a lot about brands. What’s in or what’s out, what the new trend is and what you should give up. Brands and labels do matter; sometimes to others but more often to us writers….
Tag: Brands
LVMH Buys Hublot
Today Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH) announced the purchase of Swiss watch maker Hublot from the company’s founder, Carlo Crocco. The outright acquisition of the company brings Hublot, founded in 1980, into the orbit of the largest and some say most voracious, luxury goods company in the world. Known for targeting and then acquiring niche…
It’s Hip to be Square: Bell & Ross
When it comes to wrist watches, the shape and style of the watch case is often a variation on a common platform. Typically, they are round, rectangular or Tourneau – all fairly traditional shapes. Once in a while though, a manufacturer comes along and dramatically changes the playing field. While not for everyone, Bell &…
Off The Cuff on Rugby.com
Check it out! Off The Cuff is highlighted today on Polo’s Rugby.com site. I am very honored that Rugby’s top notch blogging team chose to highlight my recent “Roots of American Preppy” article. Rugby is a truly innovative, creative offshoot of Polo’s family of brands and has clearly shown that it can stand on its…
Commuter & Dad Bag Test: Crumpler – Funny Name, Good Bag
Ever heard of Crumpler? Maybe not, but I suspect that most readers might recognize that little crazy-haired logo on the company’s distinctive messenger-inspired bags. You might not remember exactly where you saw him or on what, but chances are it will ring familiar. Crumpler is one of those brands; sort of everywhere but not necessarily…
Breaking News: J.Crew Losing President
On Tuesday, January 22, J. Crew Group (JCG) issued a surprising announcement after the after the market close. Jeffrey Pfeifle, president, will be leaving the company on Feb. 1. Pfeifle has been the number-two executive at J. Crew, reporting to chairman and chief executive Mickey Drexler, since 2003. He’s been a close associate of Drexler’s…
Marketing to Men: Not the New Women Quite Yet
There was an interesting article this past Saturday in the Wall Street Journal that confirms something I’ve recently noticed: luxury makers that traditionally target women are taking aim at the men in their lives. While this is not really new, the intensity and focus surrounding the effort is. Earlier in the year I wrote about…
Jersey Style
I’ve really wanted to write about this, but unfortunately have been tied up for the past few days. Last week I saw Bruce Springsteen in concert. From a very nice box overlooking the stage. Now, this has absolutely nothing to do with the actual concert per se, but I am now of an age where…
Industry Leaders Speak: The WWD/DNR CEO Summit
Recently, at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City, several leading menswear industry CEOs took to the stage and spoke unscripted about what makes them and their companies successful. In the first of a two-part series, DNR reports on this fascinating event. From Polo/Ralph Lauren’s namesake, Ralph Lauren, to J. Crew’s Mickey Drexler, it’s…
NEWS FLASH: Retail Politics
Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers both made retail news today. One is further expanding its multi-layered brand approach to the Southern luxury market hub of Atlanta, while the other is weighing the next step for a fledgling breakout high-end product line. These two approaches present interesting examples of how luxury companies handle the never ending…