Over the past few years Rachel Zoe has had quite the success story as her empire has continued to grow. First up was the launch of her ready-to-wear line, which was shortly followed up by handbags and winter accessories and last month, she unveiled her new line of costume jewellery for Neiman Marcus. Unfortunately, though, recent reports suggest that things aren't too good as we had all thought.
Accoding to Page Six, Zoe's collection's haven't been selling well despite the use of her show as a promotional platform. Insiders at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom have reportedly said that interest in the line had 'peaked' and the initial success in London has gone that way too. Last week Selfridges confirmed that they dropped the line because of the high price points and as a result, the stylist won't be attending the Burberry show like she normally does.
Rachel Zoe has expanded into several product categories since establishing her fashion brand in 2011. She's done ready-to-wear, pre-fall and handbags but the only thing missing was jewelry and finally, she's added that to her growing empire. As of today Zoe's new jewelry line is available exclusively both online and at Neiman Marcus stores.
The move makes sense. Zoe is as well known for her statement costume jewelery as she is for her fashion choices so it only makes sense for her to tap into that. The collection, which was unveiled to press this week, includes all the pieces you would expect from Zoe like art deco magnet bracelets, long twisted gold rope and tassel sautoir necklaces and black and gold statement rings and earrings.
Last month Kohl's announced that they are launching a special designer collaboration initiative, Design Nation, and while we're all excited about that, there's no denying that nobody quite does designer partnerships like Target. Today the retailer proved just that by announcing that they've decided to partner with 24 leading designers for their next partnership rather than just one.
Through partnering with Neiman Marcus the retailer has managed to secure big brands like Marchesa, Rodarte, Proenza Schouler and Derek Lam to participate and as a result, the collection will be available in both Neiman Marcus and Target stores on December 1.
According to WWD, the each designer will create one to three designs in categories ranging from men's and womenswear to electronics and home goods, with prices averaging at less thn $60.
The last time I wrote about Esteban Cortazar he was in the midst of a messy separation from Emanuel Ungaro as a result of him disagreeing with bosses about bringing Lindsay Lohan on board in a creative capacity. As we all thought at the time, he was right and after her appointment was made, the brand lost big stockists like Neiman Marcus and Net-A-Porter. Now it looks like the online retailer is partnering with the designer on a new project.
Yesterday WWD reported that the designer has teamed up with the site on a 17-piece 'sensual and sculptural' line. When asked, Cortazar said that the collaboration is 'a good first step' suggesting that a full line can be expected in the near future. Prices range between $270 and $2,760 and the collection will drop online on July 11.
If there's anyone that I look forward to spot at the shows, it's Nickelson Wooster. Earlier on this year he was sadly sacked from his role as men's fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus but today there's good news. After doing some freelance work for Thom Browne and Gilt Group, Wooster has landed himself a full-time gig as the new creative director at the menswear division of JCPenney.
While most are happy to see Wooster in another big role, his appointment at JCPenny has been met with a mixed response. I must say, the move does come as quite the surprise. Some say that the hiring was tactical on the company's part to make sure that they remain in the headlines for hiring openly gay Wooster, especially after the controversy that ensued with Ellen DeGeneres appointment as their spokesperson. More likely is the theory that the company hired him to help with their credibility. After all, Wooster is as well known for having a great eye in his professional capacity as he is with his own sartorial choices.
This year has been a great one for Rachel Zoe. Back in March she gave birth to first child, Skyler and in January her debut collection went down a storm in New York despite the controversial aftermath.
Next month expect to see Zoe's collection sitting alongside the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang in leading department stores everywhere. As we reported, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Intermix, Selfridges, Nordstrom, Kirna Zabete and Shopbob.com have all bought the line. “It was this dream that I never thought would be reality because I was petrified — I was," she recently explained. "I feel so complete now becoming a designer and having my son. I’m that happiest that I’ve ever been in my life.”
Patrick Robinson isn't the only person getting fired at the moment. After much speculation it has been confirmed that men's fashion director at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, Nickelson Wooster, has been sacked.
A spokesperson confirmed the disappointing news but have refrained to substantiate on the issue. As sad as the news is, we're sure he will be snapped out in another prominent role soon.
The past two months have been a good start to the year for Rachel Zoe. Aside from being heavily pregnant with her first child, last month the stylist showcased her first full collection in New York - which has since been picked up by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Despite the good reviews of the collection, Zoe hit the headlines after Teen Vogue's fashion news director Jane Keltner de Valle drew attention to the uncanny resemblance between one of Zoe's black and white vintage-style dress and a very similar version that she styled in the magazine back in 2007. When asked about the controversy, Zoe was quick to downplay the issue, saying: "I've been subconsciously building this collection in my mind for a long time. There are a million vintage pieces that have inspired me, and every other designer in the world."
