European retailers have been migrating to America lately.  Fashion Rollcall selected the three top fashion retailers to cross the Pond in 2009.  They are:

• A. Balenciaga
• B. Hermes
• C. Topshop

Today Balenciaga and Topshop moved on to round two in the Showdown. Both retailers opened their first outlet/store in the United States on the same day.

Many lined the streets of Manhattan waiting patiently to enter Topshop on opening day.  The night before the opening a star studded event was held.  You may view photos from the preview party at Fashionologie.

Many came out to see Kate Moss; her line is a best seller at the retail chain.  Here is a slideshow of Kate Moss’ Topshop line from the The Cut.

Topshop appears to be priced correctly; most items are under a thousand dollars.  The right pricing strategy during a time of economic uncertainty is your best bet.  Retailers have to be more in step with the economic realities. [On the Runway, Cathy Horyn]

The Balenciaga outlet opened with a little less fanfare than Topshop.  Though the opening may not have been as lavish, it does not lessen the excitement and anticipation for the goods that will be sold.

The dramatic silhouettes of Balenciaga will be sought after by many American women.  Balenciaga at a 40 percent discount is a dream for many.

Topshop is the winner in this retail round.  There is a palpable excitement for the opening of this store.  Few things can beat lovely pieces that are reasonably priced.  Take a look at the video from the Associated Press of the Topshop opening in Soho.

Apparently the British and the French are coming.  Well, they are already here.  Fashion Rollcall has selected the top three European fashion houses/retailers to cross the Atlantic in 2009.  They are:

• A. Balenciaga
• B. Hermes
• C. Topshop

Topshop opened a store in Manhattan today with Kate Moss on hand.  A sizeable crowd welcomed the supermodel and the retail giant. [The Cut]

Woodbury Commons Premium Outlet has a new tenant, Balenciaga.  The Balenciaga outlet store opens today.  They will be offering a 40% discount off the regular retail price. [The Cut]

Another French luxury brand is opening a temporary store in the States, this time in the Hamptons.  Yes, Hermes is opening a 2,000 square foot space that will offer mainly beach attire. [Business of Fashion via WWD]

New York is the beneficiary of these store openings and we are feeling lucky.  Topshop is located in Soho, and both the Balenciaga and Hermes locations are easily accessible from New York City.

There will be a Showdown tomorrow.  Two of these fashion houses will move on, only one will win.  Take some time to view the Hermes video to see what you have to look forward to this summer.

Yesterday’s post Luxury For Less caused me to think about the fashion industry and its outlook for the near future.  There will be many changes, but will they be permanent?  Can they last beyond the economic recovery?

A drop in prices will be the biggest change of all.  Lower prices will be favorable to the consumer, but it will chisel away at the bottom-line of many fashion designers.  It should come as no surprise that some designers are reluctant to lower prices, and understandably so.  We as a global community have enjoyed much luxury and excess for over a decade, and it was expected to stay that way forever.  Who knew?

The industry as a whole is in need of assistance, and our First Lady, Michelle Obama is doing her part.  Her fashion choices have been the subject of much discussion.  She wields an influence on fashion that is seldom matched.  Can her influence translate into an increase in sales?  That is the likely goal of both the First Lady and the designers who dress her.  Michelle Obama has made a concerted effort to wear clothing by American designers; this is her contribution to an industry that has seen better days.   

Lower prices were almost unheard of a decade ago.  Yet today it is an economic reality for some designers.  Others have decided to maintain their price points, a likely attempt to preserve their luster.  They are each taking calculated risks.  In time we will learn which of these strategies emerge victorious.   

Photos of Michelle Obama and her fashion choices abroad can be viewed at On the Runway.  On the Runway, by Cathy Horyn also has a related story on retail fashion and their current price points.