E commerce Websites Fashion and Luxury

GENEVA, Switzerland — One of the biggest investments an emerging fashion brand will usually consider is a Website. So often when going through business plans we are shocked by how much a new and usually ‘strapped-for-cash’ brand is willing to set aside for their ‘all singing-and-dancing’ website. Aside from the incredible ‘virtuossismos’ the website will undoubtedly offer, there is the assumption by these brands that once the website is online clients will be flocking to their particular site in a bid to purchase their goods online! Nothing could be further from the truth!

It takes and inordinate amount of investment of both time and often money to get clients to a site let alone convince them to purchase your goods, so unless you have a significant amount of resources or an angel investor willing to support you, it is best to concentrate on a more ‘practical’ website.

A practical website is one which will offer potential buyers, buying offices, distributors as well as journalists, bloggers, the media in general an immediate access to what you offer, who you are, what your brand represents and your contact details. Nothing else is required at this stage. Rather than invest in an ultra sophisticated website, choose to invest in a professional photographer (and possibly model) who will bring out the best in your products and also ensure you have high resolution images which are a must when dealing with the media. 5 or 6 great photos can say much more than reams of words on an all-singing-and-dancing-website.

Once your practical website is up and running, use the money you would have otherwise spent on the ‘all-singing-and-dancing’ website to do some marketing and advertising, both online and off.

As far as e-commerce is concerned try to convince some of the main e-commerce giants to stock your products, your end-client will be guaranteed an exceptional service and your brand will receive more visibility and credibility than you could hope to achieve with your own e-commerce website. If that isn’t an option then you could always try with websites which act as ‘showcase’ for many products leaving the direct sale between the end client and the seller and taking a commission on what is sold (usually anything between 15% and 25% of the retail price).

Not that we’re against emerging brands having their own e-commerce websites per se, au contraire, there are many emerging and ex-emerging brands who have successfully managed to build up a strong client base for their e-commerce site, but we can’t stress how important to bear several things in mind.

Pricing: pricing has to be done correctly, any price that appears on your website should not lower than the price your product is offered at in stores or other e-commerce sites or you’ll end up with very unhappy retailers and distributors!

Delivery: Clients can be very unforgiving if a product they’ve ordered fails to arrive on time. It is always best to err on the side of caution. If it generally takes 12 hours for a product to be dispatched, tell the client it will take 24 – if it arrives earlier than expected you will gain brownie points!

Supply: whatever you decide to do, please do make sure your e-commerce site is linked to your supply chain, there is nothing worse than accepting an order for something (and receiving payment) then having to go to the client to explain that in fact you’ve sold out and you’ll have to refund their money!

Common sense we hear you say? Yes, you’d think that wouldn’t you!

]]> http://www.thefashionglobe.com/2012/05/all-singing-all-dancing-websites-for-emerging-fashion-brands/feed/ 0 http://www.thefashionglobe.com/2012/05/modern-classics-per-lhomme/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=modern-classics-per-lhomme http://www.thefashionglobe.com/2012/05/modern-classics-per-lhomme/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 15:15:43 +0000 Elizabeth Deheza http://www.thefashionglobe.com/?p=1807

Caio-Cesar by Wilfried Wulff

LONDON, United Kingdom— Whether taking tea at a famous gentleman’s club in Pall Mall, dining with leading academics under the royal portraits of the Oxbridge colleges or working hard in the heart of Whitehall, the gentleman-like appearance dominates one side of the London fashion scene. It seems that the best of fresh styles pour l’homme is a combination of the 1960s professor chic and sharp, tailored suits.

This contemporary blend is featured in the latest collections by Prada, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Hermes, among many others. These vintage looks have embodied the transformation of this new generation of men, who want to dress elegantly, fashionably and still attentive to the traditions of men’s uniform. It is also giving men the possibility to create a ‘new classic’ style somewhere between on-trend modern and simple down to earth designs.

“Classic looks are coming back because people tend to have the desire to recreate something that already existed. When it comes to men, maybe creativity is not a must when the subject is trend; otherwise vintage style would not be taking off again. If a contemporary spin on vintage style has been attracting attention these days, it might well be that there is appetite for something different, which the fashion industry is not currently fulfilling. The desire to return to classics are consolidating men’s desire to wear fine suits, that gives them a touch of elegance and a sense of importance” explained the Brazilian model Caio Cesar from the famous “Why Not Model Agency” in Milan.

If a contemporary spin on vintage style has been attracting attention these days, it might well be that there is appetite for something different, which the fashion industry is not currently fulfilling.

Although Caio’s clothes preferences lie in casual sport wear, he admitted that a recent shoot run by the German photographer Wilfried Wulff in Paris introduced him to the importance of cut, fit and shape to menswear. “Wearing vintage style clothes strolling around Paris felt like I was a part of a classic movie. This experience showed me how people used to dress and how much effort being well dressed and looking good would take” assured Caio.

Caio Cesar in Hugo Boss by Wilfried Wulff

The fusion of taste and attitude is the pinnacle of this year’s fashion men. Fitted blazers, straight-legged and tailored trousers, plain shirts with or without ties, turtle-necks, cardigans and jumpers with or without leather elbow patches, and impeccable leather shoes effortlessly complete a Buddy Holly-esque style. I would even try to mix and match vintage cashmere jumpers certainly available in one of the many famous vintage stores around London. This look is increasingly characterized by the come back of the bow tie, a quite fashionable alternative to the well established skinny tie that has been dominating the catwalks in recent years. And when it comes to accessories, it seems that the return of silk handkerchiefs, sophisticated briefcases and leathers bags are a “must” component as well as the oval-shaped frames that will give you that edgy yet modern classic look. While I thought this distinguished look will be mostly featured in the streets of London, to my surprise, I found the same elegant professor chic look all over Mexico City and, while it was explained to me that the club we were attending was hosting a bow tie party, I certainly felt to be in a Mexican soap-opera from the beginning of the century while walking around the streets of La Roma neighbourhood.

While darker shades may still be dominated by the professor chic look on the streets of a chilly and rainy London, the arrival of an awaited summerly weather will bring different shades of pastel colours and a lighter wardrobe which will embody the new classics with a timeless 1960s flavour. We hope to see more of this at the upcoming London Collections: Men to be held on 15-17 June covering the best of British design tradition and new British talents.

Courtesy by Caio Cesar | Photographer: Wilfried Wulff

Moni Moni Launch Monaco

MONTE CARLO, Monaco — I have a love obsession with handbags. For some women, shoes are it. For me, handbags, purses, and wallets are my thing. I’ve been carrying a purse for literally as long as I can remember and my family can attest to the stacks of handbags that reside in my closet. So it thrilled me to get in contact with Cinzia Moniaci, the designer of the American based handbag brand Moni Moni.

Moni Moni  a southern California based company founded by Cinzia Moniaci in 2005 is an exclusive brand which consists of hand bags and accessories made of supple leather entirely fabricated in Italy. Each piece is carefully crafted and specially treated to result in soft, vintage style leather that forms to your body.

Moni Moni is adored by many high profile celebrities such as Halle Berry, Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton and many others. Moni Moni has been featured in numerous publications including Elle, Vogue, People, and Marie Claire. The designer and brand has also just launched their products in Monte Carlo, Monaco at one of the most well-known and luxurious venues, Zelo’s.  Received with immense response from the public, buyers, and press, Moni Moni is now sold at one of the chicest boutiques in Cannes, France.

Cinzia Moniaci

Where does the name Moni Moni come from?

 It was my high school nickname

 A Moni Moni girl is…

 Someone who doesn’t follow trends, she sets them and knows how to have fun with it

 What are three design essentials every great bag should have?

 It comes down to the 3 Cs “capacity, comfort, chic factor”

 What cities inspire you and your designs?

 Turin, Italy, where I was born and raised, Paris, where I studied and worked and Manhattan Beach with its relaxed California surfer chic, where I live with my husband and daughter.

What is your design background?

 I wore a uniform to school so accessorizing was one of the only ways I could express my style. Growing up in Italy I was always the one people looked to for fashion inspiration and I wasn’t afraid to try new things. I moved to Paris during my university days and worked in upscale boutiques to help pay the rent of my fancy apartment, it helped me broaden my perspective and learn the ropes of the business early. I studied communications and became a correspondent for several fashion magazines. In 2002, I won a scholarship to FIDM funded by the Italian Government and opened a showroom with a friend in the Fashion District’s California Mart. We imported high-end European designer accessories and sold them around the world. I knew what the buyers wanted and identified my niche, soon after Moni Moni was born.

 How do you make each bag look so perfectly unstructured and worn?

It’s not easy – we put each bag through a rigorous process of washing, dying and drying until it is perfectly imperfect, just as we like it!

Courtesy by Cinzia Moniaci | www.monimoni.com

Giordano Torresi

MILANO, Italy —  Giordano Torresi is the young shoe designer who has recently opened a new boutique in the famous fashion district in Milan. His new collection Rock’n’Dolls for autumn/winter 2012/2013 has an innovative allure which marks the romantic soul of the griffe. Thanks to a ladylike and bold shape the new collections seems to outline a powerful woman with a dreamy mood.

Boutique Giordano Torresi in Milan

You design shoes for women. Which are your sources of inspiration?

All I have around and all the things that happen in my life are really important for me, day after day I appreciate all I see, all I observe, all I touch and feel. In all these things there is always something stronger that somehow gives me a bigger emotion: I just have to pay attention to all these inputs and be able to turn them in new ideas and new inspirations.

Do you have a muse?

Yes, the woman that still doesn’t wear my shoes.

Giordano Torresi - Rock'n'Dolls

Maybe the most special thing about my shoes is exactly what everybody says to me: your shoes communicate all the passion you have for them.

You worked with very important designers, but starting your own shoe line is so incredible. What inspired you to do this?

Being able to communicate all I want and, as I said before, being able to communicate through my shoes is amazing!

Could you describe your new collection Rock n’Doll for fall/winter 2012 in a few words?

This is the synthesis of a step that I thought I should have done plenty of times.I wanted to create a powerful collection, with a strong attitude and a romantic soul, I wanted also to create a balance between these two opposite aspects.

What kind a woman the new collection is dedicated to?

As I said before the collection is dedicated to all modern women: strong, aware but at the same time sweet and passionate with a gentle behavior.

How much important for you is the craftsmanship?

Yes a lot! Only through handcraft we can communicate all the love that each person has for his job. All shoes pass from hand to hand and each person that works on a shoe leaves his mark.

Courtesy by Larisa Nekic | Designer Giordano Torresi | www.giordanotorresi.com

Pancara is wearing a pearl necklace, a skirt from Carolina Herrera, a vintage style corset and a vintage ring from her grand-mother.

LONDON, United Kingdom — Pancara Iturralde is a striking Bolivian singing sensation, currently based in Miami. With three albums and many singles under her belt Pancara has also recently been voted amongst the sexiest performers at the Latin Grammy Awards alongside other leading ladies such as Jennifer Lopez. And her talents don’t stop there, in addition to composing and producing music Pancara is currently enrolled at the Harvard Business School and already has a Master of International Business degree and 14 years experience in the financial and marketing worlds. As if that isn’t enough, this talented young lady also speaks four languages fluently and even finds the time to be President of the World Animal Life Foundation (WALF). With family members including Bolivian presidents, opera directors, writers and two Miss Bolivias, Pancara was destined for the spotlight and has been exposed to the worlds of music, performance and fashion from a very early age.

Pancara is wearing torn jeans and a leather jacket from the 80s with a hairstyle from the 50s.

Today I catch up with her as she recalls the shoot from her last album “Pancara” which received a Grammy nomination and was a “mega project” with 60 musicians, multi-Grammy award winning engineers and included one song that was arranged for 40 instruments and reached the US TOP 30!

My music comes from a fusion of Afro-Bolivian rhythms and exotic sounds

“While exploring the island, we fond Harley Davidson motorcycles from the 60s and a beautiful hotel from the 40s which became the final scenario for the cover of my album”. Through the lens of photographer Haiek Norka, the Bolivian singer decided to use a simple dress with a mix & match of clothes and styles of different decades wearing torn jeans and a leather jacket from the 80s with a hairstyle from the 50s completing her look with some vintage accessories from her personal wardrobe.

Pancara posing with a Harley Davidson from the 1960s in Key West, Florida.

“I think every occasion calls for a different look, but you can never go wrong with vintage – the 50’s and 60’s are totally my favourites” said Pancara.
Similarly, in other photo shoots, Pancara also decided to make a fusion of styles with a rocker theme, but featuring classic and elegant accessories like the vintage ring that belonged to her grandmother which added extra magic to the final ensemble. Pancara turns to vintage to find something that gives her a special touch, but that does not compromise her personality or her style.

I think vintage clothing is like yoga: you should only go up to where it feels good for you.

“I think vintage clothing is like yoga: you should only go up to where it feels good for you. I buy vintage style clothes from local designers here in Miami, from high street shops and international fashion designers. But the truth is, I don’t want to get dolled up from head to toe with the latest trendy collections because they tend to dull your creativity and personality”, advises the artist. “In my relentless search for accessories and vintage clothing, I have found very original pieces in places like San Francisco and Los Angeles, but also here in Miami we have a wide range of marvellous vintage boutiques in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. An alternative is Madeleine where you can get a lot of good ideas” said the singer and vintage fashionista.

As Pancara demonstrates, fashion is not just limited to the catwalks, but it is also used to help musicians project their creativity and taste, adding a further dimension to a well-rounded artist.

Courtesy by Pancara Iturralde | Photographer: Haiek Nork | www.pancara.com

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