Earlier on this week a judge in France's final court of appeal upheld a 2011 decision in favour of Zara allowing them to sell red-soled heels despite claims of copyright infringement made by Christian Louboutin. Today the designer released a statement to clarify that they 'still very much own the trademark to their Pantone-18 'Chinese Red' soles despite the court's conclusion that the 'the terms of Louboutin's trademark registration were too vague'.
'We would like to respond to the recent commentary in various articles from newspapers and blogs regarding the French court decision in the Zara case. Much of the discussion either implies or states that through this ruling we have lost our rights to our world famous Red Sole Trademark,' the statement says. 'We would like to clarify that what has been disputed and canceled is only one French registration of said red sole trademark.' It continues: 'Christian Louboutin continues to own valid and enforceable trademark rights in its Red Sole Trademark, including in France itself as well as throughout the world.'
As far as accessories go, cap-toe heels are one of the biggest shoe trends this season. Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent were the pioneers of its revival this season and offered up pastels and sorbet tones, which perfectly tapped into the feminine sensibility of the season.
But it's not all girly and feminine. This season there's a lot of variation on offer. Take Christian Louboutin for example. The brand has gone the complete opposite way and released studded black leather and PVC styles studs, creating a modern twist to the older styles we're accustomed to. And it's not just the big brands tapping into it. Zara offer a great baby pink style heeled style that looks similar to the runway versions but at half the price and Reiss offer the perfect flat version.
If there's one thing you can say about Christian Louboutin, it's that he fights hard. Anyone that has paid attention to the headlines over the past year will know that the designer has fiercely but unsuccessfully battle to protect his red soles against Yves Saint Laurent. Sadly, a court decided against him again in a case against Zara.
Today France's final court of appeal upheld the June 2011 decision in favour of Zara, allowing them to sell red-soled shoes. Just to put salt into the wound, the judge also ordered the brand to pay £2,000 compensation for the legal of bills of Inditex, the Spanish retail giant that owns Zara.
We're officially well into April so you know what that means; a summer full of festivals is just around the corner and first up is Coachella which kicks off this weekend.
Unlike it's British counterparts, Coachella is one festival where you can count on the weather being good and therefore wardrobe friendly. Since dodging mud spots aren't an issue, it's okay to worth in a good sandal or pair of ankle boots this year. Dean and Dan Caten really went to town the festival aesthetic at their S/S12 Dsquared2 show so do as they did and team tiny denim shorts with loose relaxed tops or opt for bright maxi dresses that Sienna Miler circa 2008 would be proud of.
See our picks for Coachella in the gallery. What are you packing?
When Rihanna stepped out in this blue Emilio Pucci pyjama suit at a press call for her debut movie, 'Battlefield', she made a statement in two ways. Firstly, the singer's decision to sport the style on the red carpet showed that the trend that has been gaining pace and resonance over the past season has officially moved in the consciousness of the mainstream. More than anything else it proved that dressing, particularly for the red carpet, doesn't need to mean that comfort must go out of the window.
It's this feeling that Stella McCartney developed last season at her S/S12 show. After all, it was her relaxed silk pyjama styles that started the current fascination with the style. Since showing that collection brands like Balmain and Celine have tapped into it with their respective pre-fall collections and according to the Guardian, the high street are lapping it up too. Whistles, H&M and Topshop have all reported that the trousers are proving a hit in their stores and are selling out fast.
As someone who spends the majority of my writing time in comfortable clothes sat in my home office, the idea of working in something that felt as comfortable as pyjamas without being the real thing, was an instant draw. But the big question is how did this new found love for comfort happen especially in an industry where most women are glutton for punishment when it comes to their sartorial choices? After all, there is a reason why people are touting it as the most unlikely trend of the season. In my noble opinion I think it is a sign of big changes. A few years ago we were all in the thick of Balmain fever where everything was about the bling, the sequins, the shoulders and the equally garish and ultra mini dresses but over the past few season things have changed. With the economy as it is, our clothes are one thing that we can't afford to be restricted by or worry about and as McCartney continues to prove, comfort and fashion are not diametrically opposing notions. But that's not it. As many retailers have noticed, the great thing about them is that transcend generations. Unlike season past where the pieces would look strange on anyone above a size 10 and on beyond the tender 20s bracket, this look is resonating with women of all shapes and sizes.
So the only question now is will you sport the style this season?
I was always like investing in a good boot come fall. Whether they're flat, over the knee or wedged, they're just about the only thing that will keep you warm when the weather makes a turn for the worse.
This season the options on the high street are particularly strong, especially at Zara, where there's a selection of styles ranging from a suede wedged style to their ongoing Chelsea boot. For something a bit more special, head to Reiss for their Martine heeled suede and leather ankle boot that will work in just about every scenario so is definitely worth the £179 price tag. For daytime, French Connections biker style is perfect for running around in.
As if you needed an excuse to delve into Zara's new US based e-commerce site when it launches this month, the high street retailer has just released these shots from their Fall 2011 ad campaign starring Stella Tennant and Hailey Clauson shot by David Sims.
If that doesn't get you excited, we don't know what will.
This week Zara announced the launch of their e-commerce site moving Stateside but UK readers do not despair because you are in for a treat too. This week leading high street retailer J.Crew announced that they are launching their first e-commerce site this month as part of their global expansion strategy.
The retailer is a firm favourite of everyone for First Lady Michelle Obama to Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and like stores like Whistles, Banana Republic and Reiss, J.Crew sits on the top end of the high street spectrum with prices ranging from £25-£300.
They new season pieces are ready to drop and are looking good. This season's bright coloured capri pants are available and in a homage to all things British, they are also selling a selection of hacking jackets in herringbone inspired by traditional riding jackets.
