Today's Fashion Headlines: January 3, 2013

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Gucci Goes Manga
Get ready for some graphic window displays in Gucci stores around the world! Gucci had teamed up with Japanese manga artist, Hironhiko Araki to create a unique window presentation for the brands cruise collection. For those of us less knowledgable in Japanese culture, manga are Japanese comics that conform to a specific style.
The window will be on display from now until mid-February and perfectly show-cases Gucci’s graphic cruise collection created by Frida Giannini. Araki has name the manga “Jolyne, Fly High With Gucci,” and will be shown in more than 70 display cases around the world.
The comic will be published exclusively in Japanese Spur Magazine and will, of course, be available on Gucci’s Facebook page. The story of student Jolyne Cujoh, who inherits a prized keepsake from her mother’s Gucci collection, features 3-D effects and a number of references to Gucci’s well-known signature Flora pattern.
“Frida’s beautiful cruise collection with its strong colors and graphic designs set my mind racing the moment she showed it to me,” said Araki. “From there, the characters and story line came into being so naturally. It was very stimulating to work together on this project.”
Pendleton’s Fall Heritage Collection
In the year of its 150 anniversary, Pendleton Woolen Mills will commend founder Thomas Kay with a fall heritage collection. In 1863, English native Thomas Kay arrived in Oregon and built the foundation of what is Pendleton today with his weaving expertise and determination. The brand will pay ode to his traditional style with a collection of men’s and women’s pieces, accessories and a home line that embody the craftsmanship and vision of Thomas Kay.
Although the brand has been well established for year, it has recently attracted a younger generation which Pendleton hopes to develop further. The new line will draw in new customers with classic pieces and timely fabrics and details that have a modern fit. This tapered silhouette will allow the brand to reach out to younger consumers and  allow the brand to sell in young boutiques.
Elliot Hoshor, Pendleton’s senior men’s wear designer and lead designer for the Thomas Kay collection conducted thorough research within Pendleton’s archives to capture the Kay vision.“We really focused on what we would consider iconic Pendleton, and that would be starting out with our mill fabric. All of the inspiration is based around the history of the company.”
The collection combine Thomas Kay’s English roots with his Pacific Northwest style through traditional notch-lapel blazers in tweed with suede elbow patches, alpaca cardigans and jacquard coats with Navajo detailing, flannel plaid Western shirts and shirtdress, and other iconic pieces.
“There are a lot of brands that claim that they’re a heritage brand, but this is the real-deal heritage brand,” Hoshor said. “It’s also a discovery brand that hasn’t really been in the mind of customers. The goal is to get every guy and girl to be familiar with it.”
Marimekko’s Collaboration with Aesop
Finnish design brand Marimekko and Australian natural cosmetics company Aesop have teamed up to create a bag and body care set inspired by Finnish sauna culture. Retailing for $79.40, the set contains a botanical scrub and a vitamin-enriched body balm scented with essential oils of fir, sage and pine. Both products come in recyclable plastic jars and a cotton bag printed with Maija Louekari’s signature Marimekko black and white Vellamo print.
The collaboration is the second beauty collaboration for Marimekko. The company first made its beauty debut in 2008 with an exclusive makeup-line with Avon Products Inc. The Sauna Duet set will be available online and in global Marimekko and Aesop stores in April. The set it the perfect was to wash away the harsh winter and prep your skin for spring/summer.
-Kendall Hill
Source & Photo: WWD

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