Kering To Provide 14 Weeks Of Paid Baby Leave To All Parents Of A New Child

Since January 2017, all employees at Kering and its Houses, irrespective of their personal circumstances or geographic location, have benefited from the Group’s first Parental Policy. This provided 14 weeks of maternity or adoption leave on full pay, while five days’ leave on full pay was provided for paternity and partner leave.

A global Luxury group, Kering manages the development of a series of renowned Houses in Fashion, Leather Goods, Jewelry and Watches: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Qeelin, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, as well as Kering Eyewear.

Beginning January 1, 2020, Kering’s Parental Policy will provide a minimum of 14 weeks’ maternity, paternity, adoption or partner leave on full pay for all Group employees. The policy will be applicable during the six months following birth or adoption, irrespective of the employee’s personal circumstances or geographic location.

This pioneering measure is part of the Group’s commitment to equality in the workplace, well-being at work and work-life balance.

Today, Kering is strengthening its Parental Policy further by extending paternity and partner leave to provide 14 weeks, applicable from January 1st, 2020. From then, with Baby Leave, all parents, without exception and whatever their personal circumstances, will benefit from 14 weeks’ leave on full pay at the birth or adoption of one or more babies/children.

This new, practical step forward is designed to provide a better work-life balance and to promote equality among employees, female and male, irrespective of their personal circumstances. All the Group’s employees around the world are guaranteed the same benefits when a child or children become part of their family.

Key Figures

Women at Kering account for:

• 63% of our employees
• 51% of Group leadership roles
• 31% of the Kering Executive Committee
• 60% of the Board of Directors

Main commitments

• In 2010, Kering launched a global internal program to advance gender equality within the Group.
• Also in 2010, Kering was one of the first signatories of the Women’s Empowerment Principles charter established by UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact.
• To achieve faster progress towards equality, Kering is now proud to support the UN’s Standards of Conduct for Business Tackling Discrimination against LGBTI people.
• By 2025 Kering wants to reach gender balance and end the gender pay gap – at every level of our Group.
• Beyond the Group, Kering supports women with two initiatives:
  • Since 2008, the Kering Foundation has worked to reduce violence against women. To maximize its impact and for more than 10 years now, the Foundation has been working hand in hand with a limited number of local partners in the three main regions where the Group operates: Northern America, Western Europe and Asia.
  • Women In Motion, a program created in 2015 to highlight the contribution of women to the film, photography and other cultural industries. For the past 5 years, Women In Motion has been a platform to change mindsets and to provide thought leadership on both the role and the recognition given to women in all areas of the arts.

Principal recognitions

• 2016 and 2018: Kering received the Gender Equality International & European Standard (GEEIS) label in recognition of exemplary work toward gender equality carried out by our European corporate offices.
• 2018:
  • Thomson Reuters ranked Kering 7th out of 7,000 global organizations on their Diversity & Inclusion index.
  • Kering was awarded the Most Female Board of Directors Award for the European Gender Diversity Index, published by European Women on Boards (EWoB) and Ethics & Boards.

“At Kering, we are fully committed to diversity and equality for our people, and Baby Leave is a new and important step forward to levelling the playing field. With this policy, we are proud to support every new parent, whatever their personal circumstances, and wherever they live. By harmonizing these benefits for fathers and partners, not only are we giving everyone the same rights – with both parents now being entitled to the same parenting time at home – but we are also supporting women in their career – given that men and women are now equally likely to take extended leave. Our purpose is simple: to build a supportive and inclusive working environment for our employees around the globe. We want Kering to be an employer of choice,” declared Béatrice Lazat, Kering’s Chief People Officer.

In 2018, Kering had nearly 35,000 employees and revenue of €13.7 billion.

Saks Fifth Avenue Unveils New Beauty Floor In New York Flagship

The ‘future of beauty’ opens on second floor as part of Grand Renovation

Saks Fifth Avenue FaceGym – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE UNVEILS NEW BEAUTY FLOOR IN NEW YORK FLAGSHIP (Courtesy of Justin Bridges for Saks Fifth Avenue) 

Saks Fifth Avenue today opens the new, 32,000-square-foot beauty space on the second floor of the New York City Flagship Store with more than 120 color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and wellness brands —58 of which are new to the floor. (See the full list below.) With a significant focus on experiences, the floor is approximately 40-percent larger and now includes 15 new spa rooms along with services such as medi-spa treatments, facials, massages, manicures, brow services, a flower shop and more. By moving the Beauty department to the second floor, Saks is evolving the way customers shop and experience beauty. (Saks New York is located at 611 Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Saks Fifth Avenue Apothecary – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE UNVEILS NEW BEAUTY FLOOR IN NEW YORK FLAGSHIP (Courtesy of Justin Bridges for Saks Fifth Avenue)

The brands represented on the new beauty space include (in alphabetic order) Acqua Di Parma, AERIN Beauty, Aesop, Alexander McQueen, Amouage, Angela Caglia, Annick Goutal, Art Meets Art, Artis, Balenciaga, Blink Brow Bar London, Bobbi Brown, Bond No. 9, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Burberry, By Terry, Care/of, Cartier, Cellcosmet, Chanel, Chantecaille, Chloé, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Christophe Robin, Chuda, Cire Trudon, Clarins, Clé de Peau Beauté, Clinique, Clive Christian, Creed, Decorté, Diana Vreeland, Dior, Diptyque, Dolce & Gabbana, D.S. & Durga, Dyson, EB Florals, Estée Lauder, Ex Nihilo, FaceGym, Floraïku, Foreo, Frédéric Malle, GHD, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Glow Recipe, Gucci, Guerlain, Hermès, Histoires De Parfums, Hotel Couture, House of Sillage, Jason Wu, Jo Malone London, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Kilian, L’Artisan Parfumeur, La Mer, La Prairie, Lancer Skincare, Lancôme, Laura Mercier, Le Labo, Leonor Greyl, MAC, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Mancera, Marc Jacobs, Mario Badescu, Martine de Richeville, Marvis, Mason Pearson, Molton Brown, Montale, Moroccanoil, Mugler, Narciso Rodriguez, Nars, Natura Bissé, NEST Fragrances, Omorovicza, Ormonde Jayne, Orveda, Patchology, Penhaligon’s, Philip Kingsley, Prada, Proenza Schouler, R+Co, Raincry, ReFa, RéVive, Rodial, RODIN olio lusso, Roja Dove, Rossano Ferretti, Sakara Life, Salvatore Ferragamo, Serge Lutens, Shiseido, simplehuman, Sisley Paris, SK-II, SKINNEY MedSpa, Slip, sundays, Supergoop!, Tammy Fender, Tata Harper, The Perfumer’s Story, Tiffany & Co., Tom Ford, Trish McEvoy, Valentino, Valmont, Viktor & Rolf, Vilhelm Parfumerie and YSL.

“As part of Saks’ overall growth strategy, we continue to look for ways to innovate, create and disrupt. The bold decision to move Beauty to the second floor, from the traditional main floor model, allowed us to build a one-of-a-kind destination enabling Saks to create the epitome of an experiential beauty floor,” said Marc Metrick, president, Saks Fifth Avenue. “We continue to apply the principles of what we call The New Luxury to everything we do. What we’ve done with Beauty gives the customer a warmer environment, differentiated from what they can get anywhere else and creates a reason to come to Saks and experience our brand.“

Saks Fifth Avenue EB Florals — SAKS FIFTH AVENUE UNVEILS NEW BEAUTY FLOOR IN NEW YORK FLAGSHIP (Courtesy of Justin Bridges for Saks Fifth Avenue)

The new beauty floor is the latest step in the New York flagship’s Grand Renovation. Saks redefined the department store concept with the revolutionary migration of Beauty from the main floor to the second floor. The Saks Store Planning and Design team, in collaboration with Gensler, spearheaded the design focusing on opening up the space, creating broad sightlines across the floor and modernizing traditional finishes that complement the brand’s heritage. The team used custom agglomerate white stone flooring from Italy throughout and restored original windows facing Fifth Avenue, 49th Street, and 50th Street, allowing natural light to the floor and north and south facing views of the city.

Nordstrom Men’s Store NYC Opens

Retailer Debuts First Manhattan Flagship

Nordstrom, Inc. opened the doors Thursday, April 12, to its very first flagship, full-line New York City location and first ever stand-alone men’s store at 235 West 57^th Street. The three-level 47,000 square foot store offers a differentiated merchandise assortment across all categories, including popular and designer brands, along with a range of convenient services to serve customers on their terms.

Nordstrom Incorporated logo. (PRNewsFoto)

The Nordstrom Men’s Store NYC features the company’s newest store design concepts, including an all-glass façade to bring in more natural light, unboxing the display windows, and connecting the shopping experience to the city. An open, flexible floor plan allows for an evolving curation of how products are displayed over time, depending on what New York customers respond to. The store environment will create a sense of discovery, allowing customers to navigate easily and find new brands they haven’t experienced before.

Calvin Klein Boutique at Nordstrom Men’s Store NYC

Nordstrom has been a longtime believer in investing in artwork for its stores. New Yorkers will experience an extensive collection, featuring 39 works by both international and American artists, with a quarter being local. Suspended in the center of a three-story staircase, a floating, diaphanous tree sculpture entitled “Arctic Tree” by the Seattle-based artist John Grade is a nod to the retailer’s Seattle roots.

EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE CONCEPTS
Olivia Kim, Nordstrom vice president of creative projects has curated a special Comme des Garçons(CDG) shop that will feature one of the largest local selections of the fashion house’s coveted brands. Olivia commissioned artist Marc Hundley to design a space that invokes both the ethos of CDG and the streets of New York City. In a first for Nordstrom, the men’s flagship will also feature designer shops by Calvin Klein, Balenciaga, Valentino, and Dior. Each space is united by a chainmail motif, but are distinguished by personalized fixtures adhering to each brand. The shoe department houses a Christian Louboutin shop displaying a wide range of the shoemaker’s sporty and formal offerings. The Nike Men’s Project, a sportswear and shoe destination for style and fitness-obsessed customers, will offer the brand’s latest sneakers and apparel collections.

Comme des Garcons shop at Nordstrom Men’s Store NYC

The store also features an array of customization and personalization experiences, including the Levi’s Tailor Shop, where customers can shop Levi’s Authorized Vintage, one of the largest vintage denim collections in existence, and also design custom embroidery on any item, heat press a shirt or get an express hem while they wait; Shinola will offer watch customization in addition to a selection of tech products; exclusive to the flagship, Samuelson Custom Suit Visualizer is an interactive digital made-to-measure suiting experience at an accessible price point; Eton Endless Aisle is a digital touchscreen offering an expanded assortment of dress shirts and ties; and cult-favorite Le Labo will create personalized fragrance labels in the grooming department.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Celebrates the 10th BIRTHDAY of its Famed 10022-SHOE Salon

It’s been 10 years since Saks revolutionized the shoe industry with a shoe floor so big it needed its own zip code; the luxury retailer marks this incredible milestone with more than 75 exclusive styles, windows featuring custom designer birthday cakes, exclusive made-to-order programs, and more

On August 17, Saks Fifth Avenue will celebrate the 10th birthday of its famed 10022-SHOE salon. A pioneer in the footwear industry, Saks Fifth Avenue was among the first retailers to place a greater focus on shoes by creating a shoe department so big, the U.S. Postal Service granted the floor its own ZIP code―10022-SHOE. And now, 10 years later, 10022-SHOE is home to 110 designer brands―a number that has more than doubled since its inception in 2007; holds as many as 200,000 pairs of shoes; and has been expanded into 25 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Brands such as Jimmy Choo, CHANEL, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Gucci, among others, have been with 10022-SHOE since the very beginning and will honor its 10th birthday at Saks with exclusive styles, made-to-order programs, custom birthday cake window designs, and more.

(Photo Courtesy of PRNewsfoto/Saks Fifth Avenue)

Throughout the past 10 years, Saks Fifth Avenue has held a constant and dominating presence in the shoe industry, selling on average 850,000 pairs of shoes per year, which equates to approximately 8.5 million over the course of its 10 year history―that’s enough “shoe footage” to travel up and down the Empire State Building close to 2,000 times!

Coupled with its impressive selection, 10022-SHOE has played host to many launches, exhibitions and firsts:

• In 2008, 10022-SHOE was chosen to host the 70th anniversary exhibition of ruby slippers honoring the 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz,” which included styles by designers including Oscar de la Renta, Stuart Weitzman and Roger Vivier, as well as Judy Garland‘s original ruby slippers designed by Adrian Greenberg of MGM studios;
• From 2008 to 2015, designers such as Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura, Paul Andrew and Nicholas Kirkwood, among many others, made special appearances at 10022-SHOE locations across the country;
• In early 2015, 10022-SHOE paid tribute to Disney’s live-action film inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella,” by collaborating, in partnership with Disney Consumer Products, with nine luxury designers―including Paul Andrew, Tabitha Simmons, Nicholas Kirkwood, Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo―to create their own interpretations of Cinderella‘s famed glass slipper;
• Later in 2015, 10022-SHOE made history with the launch of Manolo Blahnik’s first U.S. shop-in-shop in the United States; and
• In 2016, Saks opened its first store dedicated solely to shoes—10022-SHOE Greenwich—located in the heart of Greenwich, CT.

“The strength and growth of 10022-SHOE over the past 10 years is a testament to Saks’ commitment to the footwear category as well as our customers’ desire for the depth and breadth of our designer and emerging designer shoe assortment,” stated Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchant, Saks Fifth Avenue. “10022-SHOE is a landmark for shoe lovers in New York City and around the world for one-of-a-kind merchandise and experiences that they cannot find anywhere else―a core principle of Saks’ identity.”

Beginning this month, Saks Fifth Avenue is celebrating 10022-SHOE‘s 10th birthday with:

• More than 75 exclusive shoe styles from powerhouse brands such as Aquazzura, Gucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, Valentino Garavani and Gianvito Rossi;
• 12 exclusive made-to-order programs, including programs by Prada, Alexandre Birman, Manolo Blahnik, Nicholas Kirkwood, Roger Vivier and Jimmy Choo; and
• 16 designer Happy Birthday 10022-SHOE cakes featured in the New York flagship store’s windows designed by brands such as Valentino Garavani, Gianvito Rossi, Gucci and Prada.

From Thursday, Aug. 17 until Sunday, Aug. 20, Saks will showcase a visual installation in its New York flagship, entitled “10 Galleries: A Decade of Shoes.” Each of the 10 installations will play off the 10022-SHOE exclusive items and trends and invite customers to discover, interact with, and celebrate all things shoes.

Notable footwear designers share memories about Saks Fifth Avenue and 10022-SHOE:

Designer Christian Louboutin speaks about his fondest memory of Saks’ 10022-SHOE: “Doing a personal appearance on the shoe level when it was first opened where women told me intimate stories about themselves and their shoes. It made me understand the desire of the American customer, their differences in their approach, and their taste for luxury.”

Designer Manolo Blahnik speaks about his fondest memory of Saks’ 10022-SHOE: “I think when we first launched our boutique in 2015―we had a book signing and dinner. It was an honour to meet so many women who loved my shoes … I love it [Saks]! It has always been one of my favourite stores, so beautiful and feminine!”

Designer Sandra Choi of Jimmy Choo―a brand which first launched at Saks Fifth Avenue in 1997―recalls her favorite memory, designing the commemorative 2007 10022-SHOE stamp: “The custom Jimmy Choo stamp I designed for the inauguration of the shoe floor 10 years ago. It was designed to reflect the unique zip code that was created to mark the opening. It featured a sketch I drew of a signature pump, it was such a fun and original idea.”

Designer Nicholas Kirkwood speaks to his exclusive 10022-SHOE birthday style: “I wanted to create something completely different to celebrate the 10022-SHOE 10th birthday, but also something special, and I loved the idea of the interplay between masculinity and femininity so it was from there that I designed the Combat boot.”

Designer Paul Andrew speaks about his partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue: “Saks has been a signifier of style and sophistication since they opened their doors for the first time in 1924. When I launched my own brand in 2013, my very first order came from Saks. It was a surreal moment—and Saks will always hold a special place in my heart for that reason.”

Designer Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura speaks fondly about Saks Fifth Avenue: “Saks is such an iconic shopping hub, especially the historic Fifth Avenue flagship, and it’s just amazing to be carried there and all over the United States … Saks was the first department store to buy AQUAZZURA in the U.S. and as one of our key partners, they have continued to believe in me and my designs ever since. Over the years the working relationship has blossomed into a friendship.“

Check out Saks’ 10 top shoe trends in the upcoming Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Book, which will be available in stores and on saks.com August 16. Visitors can view their local stores’ 10022-SHOE celebratory activities on the Store & Locations page on Saks.com. Saks Fifth Avenue also welcomes viewers to connect via its social channels, and to follow #10022SHOE for insider access.

Neiman Marcus Announces Stella Tennant as the Face of The Spring 2015 Art of Fashion Campaign Photographed by Luigi & Iango

Neiman Marcus announces the Spring 2015 Art of Fashion Campaign with photographers Luigi Murenu and iango Henzi. Luigi & iango capture the Scottish model Stella Tennant in 28 of spring’s boldest looks. The simplicity of the set lets the dramatic clothes, the sinuous Tennant, and the lensmen’s superb lighting—a single giant lamp typically reserved for film sets—work their magic.

Stella Tennant In Tom Ford

Alexander McQueen

“The lights are strong and continuous. Brutal,” attests Murenu, one half of the New York–based team. “But Stella is very artistic, her body expressive.” Over the three-day shoot, Murenu and Henzi switch roles organically, pivoting between art-directing compositions and stepping behind the camera. “We’re completely integrated to one idea even if it has two voices,” Murenu explains.

The Swiss-born Henzi brings the precision of fine art, while Murenu, raised in Sardinia, radiates with the excitement of fashion. Together, they create images that compel—and endure—with a streetwise elegance.

“The Spring 2015 Art of Fashion campaign is about classic, iconic fashion photography and bringing together three amazing creative forces: Luigi, iango and Stella Tennant,” said Georgia Christensen, Neiman Marcus Executive Creative Director. “It was wonderful to see Luigi and iango work together and experience their creative process. Two minds. Two points of view that came together seamlessly into one portfolio of images. A true collaboration of passionate artists devoted to the industry. Stella is a dream, I often found myself mesmerized by her on set. The result is extraordinary imagery.”

Designer merchandise featured in the Spring 2015 campaign includes: Akris, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Burberry Prorsum, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Cucinelli, Derek Lam, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Erdem, Gucci, Lanvin, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Roger Vivier, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, The Row, Tom Ford, and Valentino.

Since 1994, each spring and fall, the world’s most visionary photographers have carried the torch and given The Art of Fashion their own signature. Past photographers have included: Richard Avedon, Geof Kern, Peggy Sirota, Ruven Afandador, Diego Uchitel, Peter Lindbergh, Arthur Elgort, Camilla Akrans, Raymond Meier, Erik Madigan Heck, and Walter Chin. The campaign will be featured in our publication “the Book” as well as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Vanity Fair.

amfAR’s CINEMA AGAINST AIDS GALA RAISES A RECORD BREAKING $35 MILLION FOR RESEARCH TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS AND TO HELP FIND A CURE

EVENT SPONSORED BY WORLDVIEW ENTERTAINMENT, BOLD FILMS, BVLGARI, MERCEDES-BENZ and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

The 21^st annual Cinema Against AIDS raised a record $35 million last night, helping amfAR in its continued fight against HIV/AIDS. The star-studded black-tie event was held at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc and was presented by Worldview Entertainment, Bold Films, and BVLGARI.

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Harvey Weinstein and Heidi Klum speak onstage during amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for amfAR)

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Dean Caten, Sharon Stone and Dan Caten attend amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/amfAR14/WireImage)

Since amfAR’s late Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor hosted the first Cinema Against AIDS in 1993, the event has become the most coveted ticket in Cannes. Past events have been chaired by amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone, President Bill Clinton, Demi Moore, Sir Elton John, and Madonna, among many others.

Like the epidemic itself, AIDS research knows no borders. amfAR’s programs have had a global reach since 1986, when the Foundation began awarding international grants. Today, amfAR continues to fund HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide and works to translate their research into effective policy, prevention, and treatment programs around the globe.

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: (L-R) Eva Herzigova and Sharon Stone speak onstage during amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Kellan Lutz attends amfAR’s 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala Presented By WORLDVIEW, BOLD FILMS, And BVLGARI at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2014 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/amfAR14/WireImage)

Sharon Stone was once again a Chair of the event, along with Harvey Weinstein, amfAR ambassador Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, BVLGARI Ambassador Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, Carine Roitfeld, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, Bulgari Group Chief Executive Officer Jean-Christophe Babin, amfAR Global Fundraising Ambassador Milutin Gatsby, Michel Litvak, Vincent Roberti, Remo Ruffini, Worldview Entertainment chairman and CEO Christopher Woodrow, and Worldview Entertainment COO Molly Conners.

Macy’s Herald Square Beauty and Fragrance Department Unveils Its Biggest and Boldest Makeover Yet

Beauty Starts From the Inside with New Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrance Brands, Fully Re-Designed Counters, All-New Shop-In-Shop Installations, And Salon Services

All Images Courtesy of Macy’s Inc.

A state-of-the-art and sophisticated shopping experience awaits shoppers as Macy’s Herald Square unveils a striking new look for its signature world of beauty and fragrances today. The long-awaited reveal has been months in the making, culminating with the most dramatic makeover of a beauty department in modern retail history. Re-fashioned within a brand-new 24,000 square-foot space and re-imagined within the grand architectural setting of the majestic Main Floor, the new Cosmetics and Fragrances department at Macy’s Herald Square will be the pre-eminent retail showcase for beauty brands and salon services. New luxury and prestige brands in color, treatment and skincare collections, as well as brand new counters, shops and bars for brows, blow-outs and nails will elevate the customer experience and exceed their expectations. Beauty will truly be in the eye of the beholder as Macy’s Herald Square restyles the world’s ultimate beauty destination.

“Beauty is always one of the most dynamic businesses and departments at Macy’s Herald Square,” said Muriel Gonzalez, executive vice president/general merchandise manager for cosmetics, fragrances and shoes. “With the renovation of our flagship store, we were able to completely re-imagine the space devoted to all things beauty, allowing us to bring in luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, La Mer, Laura Mercier, Jo Malone London and Tom Ford, and for the first time, layer in salon services for nails, brows and hair all in one location. Macy’s Herald Square undeniably has the most powerful presentation for beauty in New York City.”

Macy’s Herald Square, New York City

She added, “In addition to the new color, skincare and fragrance collections being introduced, all of our existing vendors embraced the spectacular changes at Macy’s Herald Square with their own state-of-the-art installations that are unique, interactive and the most exciting cosmetics counters in the city.

Beauty indeed does start from within. Located in the heart of the store and at the crossroads of the Main Aisle and the newly opened Memorial Door Entrance off of 34th Street, the new Cosmetics and Fragrances department at Macy’s Herald Square is the crowning moment of the extensive Main Floor renovation begun last year. Redesigned with new architectural accents and structural elements, two sets of sweeping marble staircases along both the 34th and 35th Street sides of the store frame the stunning new department and create a spectacular arena for shopping. For the first time, show windows along 34th Street have been opened to provide vistas from the street into the store. Passersby can now experience the energy and excitement of the city’s most popular beauty destination as they travel along the bustling thoroughfare.

Once inside, shoppers enter a world of breathtaking beauty accented by modern design aesthetics and a sleek, modern sensibility. A brand-new Kiehl’s shop complete with its signature motorcycle display is offset by Macy’s award-winning Impulse Beauty concept. Steps away from 34th Street, an outpost for Blow, the New York Blow Dry Bar Express and everyone’s favorite trend-setting brands including Bare Escentuals, Benefit, butter LONDON, essie, Inglot, Lipstick Queen, Smashbox, Tarte, Too-Faced, and Urban Decay await the shopper inside. Providing express services and views from 34th Street, Blow’s new outpost will be first stop for fast blow-outs, up-dos and quick re-styles and then it is off to Benefit’s Brow Bar for a quick re-shape.

WorldofWatches.com Announces Its Think Pink Event for Breast Cancer Awareness Event This October

POPULAR ECOMMERCE RETAILER PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION FOR MONTH LONG PROMOTION

Leading online e-commerce retailer www.WorldofWatches.com proudly announces its THINK PINK EVENT FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS this October and has partnered with the NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION (NBCF) in its mission to save lives through early detection of the disease and provide free mammograms and diagnostic breast cancer services to those in need.

Headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, www.WorldofWatches.com is the leading online retailer of popular brand name watches for men and women. Since its inception in 1997, www.WorldofWatches.com has offered exceptional discounts on popular brand name watches from TAG Heuer, Movado, Gucci, Bulova, Seiko, Stuhrling, Lucien Piccard, Swiss Legend, Skagen and more. Today, www.WorldofWatches.com features over 6,000 different watch styles from 145 of today’s most popular watch brands.

In the month of October, over thirty pink women’s watches from today’s most popular brands, including Kenneth Jay

a-Line Aroha Pink Chronograph

Lane, Swiss Legend, Elini Barokas , a_line, Cabochon and, Lucien Piccard are included in the event. Popular fashion timepieces in pink, along with women’s chronographs, sport models, diving watches and diamond timepieces in various shades of pink are included in the promotion and are specially priced, expressly for the event. The Think Pink promotion will be featured on the www.WorldofWatches.com homepage starting October 1, 2013 and will run through the entire month. A portion of the proceeds from the event will directly benefit the NBCF. In addition, free shipping is included on all Think Pink watch purchases at www.WorldofWatches.com.

The a_line Women’s Aroha Chronograph watch, one of the timepieces featured in the event, is sure to draw all eyes. This attractive timepiece has a stainless steel case presented on a pink silicone strap with distinctive raised detail. The pink metallic dial shines with two subdials, luminous hands and hour markers. Chronograph has a date calendar, small-seconds and 60-minute timer. Features include a locking screw-down crown and case back for water resistance to 165 feet and precise quartz movement for time-keeping accuracy.

“We are honored and excited to participate with the National Breast Cancer Foundation in our Think Pink event to not only spread public awareness, but to raise money and help save lives,” commented Russell Ackner, VP of Marketing of WorldofWatches.com. “What’s more, there is someone in everyone’s life affected by breast cancer … our mother’s, our sisters, our daughters, our colleagues and our co-workers and the NBCF works to help save lives through early breast cancer detection and benefit underserved women as well,” added Ackner.

The Loafer: A Shoe for All Seasons

Written by Phillip D. Johnson        

Shoe Images provided by Maguire Steele

In recent seasons, high-end shoe designers has taken the men’s loafer shoe into new heights of fashion, making what has long been a men’s staple shoe into a coveted high fashion must-have for women everywhere. Women’s high fashion loafers have appeared in so many collections (and permutations) over the past few seasons, that this usually understated shoe has become truly beyond fabulously trendy. It has become epic. Formerly seen only at preppy brands, the loafer has been taken up by such unlikely champions as Nicholas Kirkwood, the London-based footwear designer whose designs are not generally described as understated, in a pilgrim-inspired, rhinestone buckle version from Marc Jacobs; a suede platform loafer from Saint Laurent Paris and a gold-tipped kiltie-style from Chloé. The trend has even drifted downwards to H&M, Payless, Zara, and other “fast fashion” and mid-priced merchandisers. The loafer rules.

Few men’s shoes today are more flexible and diverse than loafers. Chances are that you have at least one pair of loafers

somewhere in your closet. The penny loafer is a classic. It’s every boy’s first dress shoe (no laces), looks perfect when beaten-up and broken down through your college days, and later is spiffy enough for the office. It’s a lifelong wardrobe staple and just about the most versatile shoe a man will ever own. The history of the loafer is really a simple one. The first loafer, as known and beloved by men today, was reportedly inspired by a 1930s photo in “Esquire” magazine, which captured a group of Norwegian dairy farmers wearing slip-on shoes. The farmers were standing around the “loafing” area where cows were waiting to be milked, which is why in 1933 the Spaulding Leather Company of New Hampshire

Eastland Topsham Tassel Loafer, $95

trademarked its new line of men’s footwear as Loafers.

A Maine shoemaker named John Bass had seen the same article, but was slower to act on it than his neighbor. So when Bass introduced his version of the loafer in 1936, he called them Weejuns, which was slang for Norwegians. One of the characteristics of the Bass shoe was a diamond or lip-shaped notch in the decorative, supportive leather band than ran across the instep. Some say the design was supposed to represent the lips of John’s wife, Alice, kissing each pair on their way out the door. But teenagers who wore the shoes started putting a penny in the slot for good luck, and the penny loafer was born. Manufacturers known for their men’s loafers include Florsheim, Johnston Murphy, Bally, Clarks, Kenneth Cole, Gucci, Eastland and Cole Haan, among others. The Italian fashion house of Ferragamo also makes loafers, as does Red Wing, although Red Wing is more commonly associated with work boots than casual shoes. Because the shoes were made of leather and often had simple, understated embellishments on the vamp, loafers could also be worn to work. In particular, the tassel loafer, some with wing-tip designs over the toe, became popular with attorneys and white-collar professionals. And they still are.

Because they could be slipped on, loafers were equally as popular with students in casual, social settings. Considered the official footwear of the preppy lifestyle, the penny loafer has earned its place in history, along with the cotton chino, the oxford shirt (preferably white with button-down collar) and the navy blazer, as an American wardrobe essential that’s timeless, stylish and appropriate for any occasion. The penny loafer had its heyday in the late nineteen fifties and early sixties when the shoe became a pervasive trend on Ivy League campuses. With socks, without socks, sometimes even with white tube socks and shorts, the penny loafer became a centerpiece of the newly solidifying post-war “Ivy League Look”. And although they lost some of their popularity during the youthquake turbulent years of the late 1960’s and into the 1970’s, the penny loafer managed to stage resurgence during the go-go, Wall Street Boom years of the 1980s. I remember having to wear penny loafers as part of my uniform throughout my entire pre-college school years (in the 1980’s0 and I loved them. Even today, GQ, Details, and Esquire prominently features loafer styles throughout a majority of their photo-editorials in each month issue of their magazines. It’s just the perfect shoe.

That’s why loafers—with or without the penny—have become an indispensable part of any stylish warm-weather wardrobe. They are just as appropriate for a summer wedding (when worn with khaki pants and a navy blazer). They are for a weekend spent running errands, without socks, in a pair of cargo shorts. And they are ideal for the office. This versatility, coupled with time-honored craftsmanship, ensures that loafers–penny or not–will remain an icon of style for decades to come.

Since 1955, three generations of the Maine-based Eastland family have been crafting timelessly classic, casual leather footwear of the finest workmanship, comfort and quality standards. Full-grain leathers, handcrafted detail, durable soles and exceptional comfort are built into every pair. Drawing from the state’s long-standing tradition of handsewn footwear, the Eastland brand is known for its Americana heritage-inspired style that reflects their Maine roots and long-standing traditional shoemaking principles. Their various footwear collections–including the premium Made in Maine USA and Eastland 1955 Edition Collections–offer styles for modern women and men who appreciate New England classic attitude, long-lasting quality and great value in their casual (and dress) footwear.

Neiman Marcus Unveils Fall 2013 The Art Of Fashion Campaign Photographed by Artist Sarah Moon

Alexander McQueen NM AOF Fall 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

Soon to be seen in the big September fashion issues and the September edition of the Neiman Marcus’s in-house publication, the book , Neiman Marcus announced The Fall 2013 Art of Fashion Campaign. Debuting nearly 20 years ago, The Art of Fashion was a revolutionary step for the luxury retailer to feature cutting-edge fashion and provocative photography, as well as highlighting some of their top picks of the season. Designer merchandise featured in the Fall 2013 campaign includes Alexander McQueen, Stephen Webster, Dior, Burberry Prorsum, Lanvin Paris, Manolo Blahnik, The Row, Jil Sander, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Akris, Charlotte Olympia, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de La Renta, Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, Giorgio Armani, Proenza Schuler, Azzedine Alaia and Tom Ford.

Gucci Neiman Marcus Art Of Fashion Fall 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

Shot by veteran artist/photographer Sarah Moon, Creative Director Georgia Christensen is especially pleased with this year’s edition of the campaiagn: “There’s soul to her work. She loves clothes. And there’s a wonderful combination of modern and conventional. She’s shooting digital but then they’re physically moving the background.”

Tom Ford Neiman Marcus Art Of Fashion Fall 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus, Sarah Moon)

NEIMAN MARCUS UNVEILS THE 2013 SPRING ART OF FASHION CAMPAIGN FEATURING ARTIST WALTER CHIN

Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion Alexander McQueen. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus)

Neiman Marcus announced WALTER CHIN as the photographer of THE ART OF FASHION campaign for SPRING 2013. The campaign, featuring models KARLIE KLOSS and VIKA FALILEEVA, includes twenty-two images of spring fashions and will appear in the March edition of the Neiman Marcus publication, the book.  The campaign is presently running in the March 2013 issue of Vogue.

Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion Christian Louboutin. (PRNewsFoto/Neiman Marcus)

SOLSTICE SUNGLASSES ANNOUNCES ITS “WISH MORE, GIVE MORE, SAVE MORE” HOLIDAY PROMOTION

SOLSTICE SUNGLASSES, upscale sunglass specialty chain owned and operated by SOLSTICE MARKETING CONCEPTS (SMC), LLC., and the New York City based subsidiary of the renowned Italian designer eyewear manufacturer SAFILO GROUP, offers a unique sunglass shopping experience as all of its sunglasses are displayed openly and readily available to customers. The open sell retail format has been hugely successful, as customers are able to touch and try on as many pairs as they like with the utmost ease and comfort.

A visual from the SOLSTICE Sunglasses “Wish More, Give More, Save More” holiday promotion which kicks off today. (PRNewsFoto/SOLSTICE Sunglasses)

The company offers more luxury, designer and sport performance sunglasses than any other retailer or sunglass specialty store in the United States. With over 135 locations nationwide, and over 1,000 pairs from which to choose from in a variety of price points, there is a pair for everyone. Highly coveted brands available at SOLSTICE SUNGLASS locations include:  ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, BALENCIAGA, BOTTEGA VENETA, CARRERA, CARRERA X-CEDE, DIOR, DIOR HOMME, EMPORIO ARMANI, GIORGIO ARMANI, GUCCI, HUGO BOSS, JIMMY CHOO, JUICY COUTURE, KATE SPADE, MARC JACOBS, MARC BY MARC JACOBS, TOMMY HILFIGER and YVES SAINT LAURENT, to name a few.