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.
As make-up brands go, it doesn't get much better than MAC. Their colour selections are second to none and over the years they've worked on several successful and highly anticipated collaborations with everyone from Iris Apfel to their upcoming partnership with Carine Roitfeld. The only area they haven't explored extensively is their nail colours, as their permanent collection only features eight colours but that's all about to change.
Tapping into the current interest in nail colours and nail art, the brand is preparing to launch a collection of 30 permanent colours. Some you will recognise from past collaborations and from the old permanent collection but many of the shades are new and come in three finishes - pearl, frost and cream.
Each colour is priced at $16 each and will be available first at Nordstrom on July 5 and then online on August 2.
You must have been living under a rock for the past few years if you haven't noticed the affect the current economic slump has had on the luxury goods industry. High end retailers have been hosting sale after sale and continue to work on strategies to pull consumers onto the shop floors. Department stores, in particular, have felt the brunt as the ultra rich have scaled back on their spending - but not anymore it seems. According to The New York Times, the rich aren't shy to spend again.
Need evidence? The Olsen's crocodile backpack priced at a whopping $39,000 has already receieved orders and a Chanel coat retailing at $9,010 has sold out at Nordstrom with a major waiting list. And ithey're not just spending on clothes. Mercedes Benz recently revealed that they sold more cars in the US last month than they did in the last five years.
We're already fans of Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960 fashion collection and now the designer is adding bags to the line. Set to release this fall, the collection will feature 14 pieces including a red crocodile-skin effect clutch priced at $150 to taupe hobo coming in at $625.
So why now? “Handbags have always been a part of the equation since we first launched the House of Harlow 1960 brand,” she told WWD. “We just needed to make sure all of the components were aligned before setting foot into that category. The collection is quite small in terms of the styles we are launching with. I wanted to make sure that each piece is special and then be able to grow it slowly and organically season after season.” The collection showcases Richie's 70s-inspired style and ranges from evening pieces to everyday fail safe items.
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.”
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."
