Pottery Barn Kids Debuts Exclusive Collaboration With Designer Margherita Maccapani Missoni Amos

Imaginative Collection for Baby and Kids Available Today

Pottery Barn Kids, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands, launched today an exclusive product collaboration with celebrated tastemaker and stylish mom, Margherita Maccapani Missoni Amos. The Margherita Missoni for Pottery Barn Kids collection of home décor for nursery, bedroom, and playroom, was inspired by the playful spirit of childhood. The capsule collection, which is Margherita’s first foray into children’s home furnishings, is now available online at www.potterybarnkids.com and Pottery Barn Kids stores nationwide on January 20th, with prices ranging from $19-$399.

Margherita Missoni Collection for Pottery Barn Kids, debuting today online and at Pottery Barn Kids stores nationwide

Composed of over 50 pieces spanning bedding, furniture, decorative accessories, wall décor, lighting and essentials for nursery and new parents, the Margherita Missoni for Pottery Barn Kids collection exudes Margherita’s love for bright colors, bold patterns, and unique accents. The collection is designed to be versatile and encourages mixing and matching of different pieces to create a distinctly personal and unique look. The thoughtfully chosen materials and intricate details, including wicker, embroidery, pom-poms and fringe, showcase Margherita’s imaginative design philosophy. Margherita’s rich Italian heritage, family traditions, and eclectic design influences are seamlessly infused into every piece of the collection, from lullaby sentiment sheets to statement pillows, and are inspired by her sons’ nurseries and her own childhood keepsakes. Standout pieces include the Daisy Pouf, Daisy Mirror, and Daisy Pom Pom Quilt. Each feature Margherita’s namesake flower, the daisy, which is a signature in her children’s clothing collection, Margherita Kids.

Margherita Missoni for Pottery Barn Kids – Piccolo Mio Nursery

“Collaborating with Pottery Barn Kids was such a joy and a natural fit for me, as it brought together playful design and quality craftsmanship to create a beautiful collection for kids and baby,” said designer Margherita Maccapani Missoni Amos. “The collection is comfortable, colorful, and it evokes the same sense of freedom I feel when dressing myself and my children – mixing, matching and creating something that is unique to your own sense of style.”

Margherita Missoni for Pottery Barn Kids – Caio, Caio Bambino Nursery

Born in Northern Italy, Margherita Maccapani Missoni Amos, is the eldest daughter of Angela Missoni, Creative Director of the renowned Missoni brand, and the granddaughter of the house’s founders. Having grown up in the idyllic countryside of Sumirago, amidst a family of fashion designers, She developed a keen eye and a unique sense of personal style from a very young age. She also dreamed of becoming a designer like the women in her family. After University, Amos studied theater in New York, then moved to Paris and Rome to pursue a career in acting.

Retail News: Bloomingdale’s Celebrates The Chinese Lunar New Year

Select Stores Ring In The Year Of The Rooster With Festive Visual Displays, Products, And Events

Bloomingdale’s Beverly Center, Bloomingdale’s San Francisco Centre, and Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza will ring in the Year of the Rooster this Lunar New Year with unique merchandise, festive visual displays and special events from Jan. 21 – Jan. 28.

Visitors to these select Bloomingdale’s will be welcomed with tables filled with red peonies symbolizing good fortune and joy for the New Year. Focal walls throughout the stores will display a collage of red envelopes creating a rooster zodiac, as well as the phrase “Gong Xi Fa Cai” which means “Happy New Year in Mandarin.” Continuing the visual theme throughout the store, silver mannequins with red mohawks will be dressed in red-colored fashion paying homage to the lucky color, as well as this year’s zodiac sign. Visitors will have the opportunity to shop Bloomingdale’s exciting product selection, including a Baccarat crystal rooster, Lalique rooster bowl, MCM New Year Series backpack, Marc Jacobs fire rooster card case and a Bloomingdale’s limited-edition Year of the Rooster tote bag.

Bloomingdale’s Beverly Center will kick off the Lunar New Year celebration on Jan. 21 with a New Year inspired fitness class, Powerlines: Energy in Motion. Created by international trainer, Shay Kotsabi, the class will begin with grounding meditation and fuse functional training, the foundation of barre and cardio-power intervals to spark the mind, body, and spirit. After the class, guests are invited to enjoy a festive tea bar plus receive a complimentary, Year of the Rooster tote filled with glam goodies. On Jan. 21 and Jan. 26, Bloomingdale’s Beverly Center will also offer delicious sweets and treats in the men’s department, red-themed cosmetic cases and a red envelope giveaway with select envelopes filled with fun prizes, including cosmetic samples and a Year of the Rooster tote bag. Visit http://locations.bloomingdales.com/beverly-center for more details.

On Jan. 28, Bloomingdale’s San Francisco Centre will host musicians from Melody of China for a classical music performance as well as Lion Dancers to perform the traditional New Year’s dance throughout the store. A complimentary limited-edition Year of the Rooster tote bag will also be passed out at the Bloomingdale’s Visitors’ Center on Level 1. To claim the complimentary tote, visitors must pick up a red envelope from the Westfield Mall Guest Service Desk on Friday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. or Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Visit http://locations.bloomingdales.com/san-francisco-centre for more details.

Bloomingdale’s is America’s only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy’s, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 38 Bloomingdale’s stores and 17 Bloomingdale’s, The Outlet Stores, in California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. In addition, Bloomingdale’s has an international presence with a location in Dubai. For more information, or to shop anytime, visit www.bloomingdales.com.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to Offer MFA in Fashion Design Beginning Fall 2017

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), in New York City, will launch a Master of Fine Arts degree program in Fashion Design in the fall 2017 semester. A program of the School of Graduate Studies, it is the first MFA in Fashion Design within the State of University of New York system, of which FIT is a part, and incorporates elements that distinguish it from similar graduate programs in the United States and Europe.

FIT‘s Fashion Design MFA centers on practice-based research and is open to students with varied experience in creative areas ranging from apparel design to fields such as architecture, engineering, and software development. The curriculum for this two-year, full-time program is founded on the steady development of an original concept proposed by each student at the time of application. As students pursue the degree, they will explore their individual design concepts in the context of history/future, theory, philosophy, and practice within a structured and richly mentored environment. The curriculum will focus on research methodologies and critical thinking skills that support innovation and invention in design, fit, cut, construction, silhouette, and materiality. The program’s goal is to lead students through the process of translating inspiration into malleable design ingredients and solutions.

The program is targeted to:

• Fashion students graduating with a BFA in fashion design;
• Individuals within the creative arts and design fields;
• Individuals with a BA who have worked in the creative industries; and/or
• Individuals with an interest in designing for a specialized category.

Each student will investigate and evolve their thesis over the four semesters, charting an individual course through core concepts which, addressed sequentially, will create a distinct path of discovery. The core concepts are:

• Play: Working with faculty mentors, each student will explore the possibilities of their thesis with freedom, openness, and intent to take it in unexpected directions.
• Focus: Each student will have a specially selected industry partner who will advise on sharpening and clarifying the idea, creating initial prototypes, and defining the market.
• Edit: Based on the best ideas, strongest samples, and fortuitous “accidents” from previous thesis phases, students will develop, design, and prototype their collections.
• Conclude: Each student will present a collection of at least 12 looks or an equivalent, along with a paper explaining their thesis process. They will defend their thesis to a select panel of industry experts. Collections will be shown to investors, industry leaders, and other important audiences through an exhibition, a publication, and a presentation, providing a highly visible platform to showcase the work.

This thesis process will be supported by coursework, experiential research, and mentoring by faculty and industry experts. Each student’s final body of work will be viable for production.

“The School of Graduate Studies at FIT is thrilled to add this essential degree program to its portfolio,” said Dean Mary Davis, who has led the school since 2012. “We are excited to give highly talented and creative individuals from around the globe the tools and support they need to reinvent the field of fashion design, and, as a public institution, we’re proud to make this program accessible, affordable, and available to a wide array of students. We can’t wait to see the change this new generation of leaders will bring to our campus, our city, and the world.“

“The relentless pace of fashion can hinder innovation, so here the design process will slow down to allow experimentation and reflection, and ultimately, a different way of looking at it,” said Jonathan KYLE Farmer, creator, professor, and chair of the program. “Students will come to us with an idea that they feel could one day make an impact on the fashion world. The program will help guide each student in realizing their vision—designing fashion into the future.”

Jonathan KYLE Farmer is a practicing designer who has taught internationally, including at Parsons School of Design and the University of East London. He holds an MA in fashion women’s wear from London’s Royal College of Art.

The 60-credit program includes courses such as The Fashion Activist, which will encourage new thinking around sustainability and design ethics; business courses that will offer practical knowledge and insight into existing industry models; and the course craft:OLOGY, which will inspire each student’s design fluency and creative confidence through the lens of time in reference to craft and technology.

The FIT community at large will be invited to attend and observe open critiques, open studios and work-in-progress exhibitions. Students will also have access to the vast resources of FIT’s Gladys Marcus Library and Special Collections, and direct access to The Museum at FIT and its collections. There will be two international field experiences, designed as Making Seminars. One will explore past, present, and future ideas and practices around how clothes fit, with students making clothes for diverse body types. The other will investigate the relationship between fashion’s local and global production systems, adopting ideas and processes explored in farming and agriculture.

Absolut® Unveils Launch of New Absolut Lime, the Latest Addition to the Brand’s Flavor Portfolio

Absolut Steps Into the Limelight with Debut of Absolut Lime at the 59th GRAMMY® Awards®

Absolut® officially unveils Absolut Lime as the newest, most refreshingly versatile addition to round out the iconic Absolut citrus portfolio, joining Absolut Citron and Absolut Mandrin – the No. 1 selling lemon and orange-flavored vodkas in the U.S1.

Nearly 30 years ago, Absolut introduced Absolut Citron – a flavor that quickly skyrocketed into pop culture as a key ingredient in the Cosmopolitan cocktail. Ten years later, Absolut Mandrin further diversified the brand’s flavor line-up offering the perfect hint of sweetness. And like its citrus counterparts, new Absolut Lime features its own distinct flavor profile with a balance of full-bodied citrus flavor with a light finish.

In addition to hitting nightlife destinations and at-home bar carts nationwide, Absolut Lime will step into the “limelight” at the 59th GRAMMY® Awards® on February 12, 2017. The brand’s multifaceted sponsorship will include TV, digital, social and a signature GRAMMY® Awards® cocktail – the Absolut Limelight.

“Lime is a very dynamic and complex fruit and we believe we’ve created the perfect flavor blend in Absolut Lime to enhance and elevate a variety of cocktails,” said Nick Guastaferro, Director of Marketing, Absolut, Pernod Ricard USA. “Thanks to a delicious flavor and easy mixability, Absolut Lime is great for going out or staying in, for creating simple or complex cocktails. We can’t wait to see how our fans take Absolut Lime and make it their own to create their Absolut Nights.“

Absolut Lime embodies the brand’s ongoing commitment to superior quality vodka. Like every drop of Absolut Vodka found anywhere in the world, the new flavor is produced in a small village in Southern Sweden named Ahus. Ahus is Absolut’s One Source, where high-quality ingredients come from the hands of trans-generational farmers with an unwavering commitment to produce superior, high-quality vodka – all within a small, 75 mile radius.

A SUPERIOR FLAVORED VODKA DESERVES A STAR-STUDDED DEBUT. As the official spirits partner of the 59th GRAMMY® Awards® the spotlight will shine on Absolut Lime, refreshing Music’s Biggest Night® with a special drink, the “Absolut Limelight.“

In The Mood For Love At Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts In Europe, Middle East And Africa

Romantic Offers And Adventures Across The Region For Sweethearts This February

Love is in the air at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa this Valentine’s Day with exclusive offers and adventures that are sure to set hearts racing. Sweethearts can choose from exclusive one-couple-only experiences in Dubai or meet the “Romantic Seven” of the animal kingdom in Serengeti, or even spend a sweet getaway at the brand new Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square. Read on to discover more romantic inspiration from hotels and resorts across the region.

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre

Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre – Take a leap into love with an exclusive one-couple-only experience at the beautiful rooftop pool at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre this Valentine’s Day. Surprise a loved one at the most romantic time of day – sunset – with a private rose petal-covered swimming pool and enjoy dreamlike lengths in the warm waters together, gazing at the city’s spectacular skyline as fairy lights twinkle and a playlist personalized to that special someone’s favorite songs provides the perfect background music. The bar team will also custom-prepare a favorite cocktail to ensure that this special evening at the seventh-floor pool really is a romantic seventh heaven.

A private rose petal-covered swimming pool, part of Valentine’s Day Package at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre this Valentine’s Day

Available for one couple only on Valentine’s Day, the package includes private access to the Hotel’s rooftop swimming pool brimming with rose petals, dinner for two with drinks pairing at the pool terrace, and a one-on-one consultation with the Hotel’s in-house music director to tailor a playlist. Pricing available on request.

Create a Personal Love Potion to get that loved one’s heart racing this Valentine’s Day at Hendricks Bar at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach – Create a Personal Love Potion to get that loved one’s heart racing this Valentine’s Day at Hendricks Bar at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The chemistry starts when a tailored concoction is made – with love, of course – by an expert who will help guests design and tailor a cocktail to their love’s tastes, and have it named after them. Once perfected, this special beverage will appear on the menu at Hendricks Bar throughout the month of February 2017 with a dedicated message and description. The Personal Love Potion experience is exclusively available for one couple only and includes a one-on-one consultation with a mixologist, a dinner pairing for two at Hendricks Bar, and the inclusion of the Personal Love Potion in the Hendricks menu for the month of February 2017.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square – What could be more romantic for sweethearts this February than being amongst the first guests to experience one of London’s most anticipated new openings of the year? Guests at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square this Valentine’s Day will also have the opportunity to be some of the first to dine at La Dame de Pic, the first restaurant of renowned Michelin three-star Chef Anne-Sophie Pic to open outside her native France. Both the Hotel and restaurant will open their doors on January 26, 2017; so there couldn’t be a better place in the UK capital for couples to cement their love for each other this year than at the city’s newest Four Seasons hotel. And with a special Introductory Offer of 20 percent savings on room rates, that romantic getaway just got even sweeter.

Nike Miami Opens

Store Deliver Innovative Products, All-Encompassing On-Site Experiences and Heightened Personal Expert Service

Today, NIKE, Inc. opens Nike Miami, its newest retail experience. The two-story, multi-sport store is digitally connected across more than 31,000 sq. ft., and is located at 1035 Lincoln Rd., in the heart of the City of Miami Beach’s shopping district. (Nike Miami is open seven days a week. Store Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm. Sunday, 11 am. to 10 pm.)

The two-story, multi-sport Nike Miami store is digitally connected across more than 31,000 sq. ft., and is located at 1035 Lincoln Rd., in the heart of the City of Miami Beach’s shopping district.

The store design, inspired by the lifestyle of modern sport, features a unique installation from Miami artist Jessy Nite. The artwork—a multimedia combination of painting, custom typography and sculpture—takes inspiration from the vibrant colors of Miami and the power of sport. The exterior of the building showcases a brise-soleil, a common architectural feature in South America and South Florida used to mitigate the warm afternoon sun. The pattern of the brise-soleil is comprised of two Nike icons: the waffle iron and the Windrunner.

Nike Miami features Jordan Brand and Nike Basketball product on the store’s second floor, including iconic silhouettes and re-stocks.

The new Nike Miami is designed to deliver the best of Nike products and personalized services through a series of unique spaces. Guided by a team of highly trained Nike store athletes, Nike Miami offers personalized, immersive experiences for consumers.

Its unique spaces are the ultimate service destinations and include:

• Nike+ Trial Zones: Three immersive Nike+ Trial Zones transport consumers into authentic sport moments, bringing true sport experiences into a personal shopping destination.
  

  The Nike+ Running Trial Zone, located on the first floor, allows consumers to test shoes on a treadmill surrounded by two cameras capturing data from their run

• Running: In the Nike+ Running Trial Zone on the first floor, consumers start by consulting with Nike certified running athletes on the best choices for footwear. They can then test out shoes on a treadmill surrounded by two cameras capturing data from their run and a video screen that records them on a 90-second real-life run. Consumers’ personal trial experiences may be saved to their Nike+ member profile, to enhance future shopping experiences.
• Basketball: The Nike+ Basketball Trial Zone, located on the second floor, simulates the feel of the game in a 285-square foot space. Consumers consult with Nike certified basketball experts to select the best choices for footwear and receive 1:1 guidance on product features and benefits. They can then test the shoes in an enclosed basketball trial zone, allowing for the simulation of an actual game or practice environment.
• Soccer: The Nike+ Soccer Trial Zone, also on the second floor and adjacent to the Nike+ Basketball Trial Zone, is a 285-square foot cleat trial area, encased in glass walls, with a synthetic turf field and supported by Nike certified trial athletes. Consumers can trial Nike’s best soccer cleats and receive 1:1 guidance on product features and benefits.
• Nike+ Service Station: At Nike Miami, experts are at your service. The Nike+ Service Station is home to the Nike+ 1:1 service, a private appointment with an expert who provides Nike+ members with a product gear-up, immersion in the Nike+ ecosystem, a curated takeaway and access to Nike services and events.
• The Stands: The Stands is the store’s first service destination, offering a special seating area for live in-store programming, including Nike+ Sessions—intimate discussions with leading athletes, trainers, and trendsetters.
  

  Located on the store’s first floor, The Lounge features expanded fitting rooms with adaptive lighting and a treadmill, where consumers can consult with a stylist, and test and purchase products.

• The Lounge: With a large boutique space, Nike Miami’s Lounge is designed to transform sport retail for women. Guided by Nike certified store athletes, consumers can test out products on a treadmill and in enhanced fitting rooms that are double the size of a standard Nike fitting room. The Lounge offers an array of services, from Nike+ 1:1 personal appointments to bra fitting, pant hemming, and digital checkout. There are three adaptive lighting changes in all fitting rooms in Nike Miami—replicating the feel of yoga studio to a night run.
• Nike+ Member Sessions: Nike+ Member Sessions, located in The Stands, provide members with Nike programming, featuring Nike+ Run Club and Nike+ Training Club events, and Nike+ Speaker Sessions, an opportunity for consumers to engage with local nutritionists and trainers.
  

  The first floor of Nike Miami features Women’s product including the Bra Fit Shop.