Burberry wants to do for shoes and bags what it’s done for the trench.  That is a good thing for the company’s bottom-line as well as its customers in terms of variety.  During these challenging financial times, leather goods have been the savior of many fashion houses.  “There is a huge momentum in this sector (of leather goods),” says Bailey.  Their new emphasis is especially important now that Burberry has reported a profit loss of over $90 million dollars during the first half of the year.  Accessories currently make up a third of the company’s revenues; shoes, bags and belts will be taking on a much larger role.  The shift is among other changes that were recently announced, namely the promotion of Christopher Bailey from creative director to chief creative officer.  It looks like Burberry is making all the right moves to maintain the 153 year old house’s relevance in the 21st century. 

Burberry to expand in shoes and handbags [Reuters]

Burberry Profits Slide 24 Percent [WWD]

Donatella Versace inherited the fashion house through tragedy, but soon found her footing and maintained the house’s relevance for over a decade.  If anyone can bring this house back to profitability during this downturn, it is Donatella Versace.

Versace has not been immune to the economic recession; the company announced last week that it would reduce it’s workforce by 26 percent.  Losses are projected in the near future, but the house is expected to return to profitability in 2011.

When you consider how Donatella was thrusted into a position that, as she says, she never wanted, and thrived, it would be premature to count her out right now.  If she takes this setback as an opportunity to regain the house’s dominance, Versace can emerge from this downturn virtually unscathed. 

Unlike most fashion houses, this one is extremely personal to the designer.  It was founded by her late brother, Gianni Versace, and her daughter now holds a 50 percent share in the company.  There is every incentive to bring this company back to its pre-recessionary days.

Ms. Versace has managed to maintain the prestige of the Versace label.  Known for its overtly sexy designs, it’s difficult to imagine her customer base abandoning her for long.  Combining the house’s ability to maintain the quality for which it’s known with affordable pricing may be its biggest test.  

The company’s greatest asset may be the designer herself; she is Versace, and she’s resilient.  The label is often glorified in rap songs, and sought after by the young and fabulous.  Even through this downturn, the name still maintains its luster, and if Donatella Versace has her way, it will stay that way.

Restructuring Luxury at Versace [NYT/Style]

Marc Jacob does it again for Louis Vuitton.  He designed pieces that every Vuitton girl will covet.  Separates ruled this runway.  There were tons of shorts and mini skirts in various lengths to match a girl’s mood.  The collection was a mix of lilac, lavendar and coral with the neutral gray, eggplant and black.  Of course he understands that’s how women want to dress; we want the balance of brights with earthy colors.  All those colors were accompanied by sufficient sparkle to enhance the Vuitton girl’s shine upon entrance in a room.  Oh, and did I mention the accessories.  They deserve a separate blog post all of their own.  The bags were scrumptious and the shoes, yummy.  To sum up Louis Vuitton spring 2010 runway this season, it was a sea of afros and must have pieces along side fabulous accessories.  Click here to view the video on Facebook or view the video below and see for yourself.

Imagine a collection where the pieces are so translucent that you could see right through, you may say that’s unthinkable, but I’d say that’s Dior.  Lingerie was on the agenda in Paris, and the slip has made a definite come back.  The sheer fabrics did just what they were supposed to on the runway, they shocked and awed.  The Hollywood inspired collection was not only beautiful, but desirable.  Yes, it was a runway of Hollywood sirens, from the well coifed hair to the ruby red lips.  It would take a pretty daring woman to don some of those pieces as is; let’s hope linings will be placed in them by the time they reach the stores.  I’m just saying!

Balmain wowed us with a collection that appeared to be inspired by the Roman army for spring 2010.  The first thought upon seeing the models on the runway was of Mark Antony, of Cleopatra not Jennifer Lopez.  Some of the looks reminded me of the protective metal suits worn by the Roman military; they were shiny and festive in metallics of gold, pewter, and rust.  The metallics were paired with leather and that made for an explosion on the runway.  It was so explosive that most of the looks were torn and tattered, but in the most stylish manner.  One of the best thing about fashion is that it is subject to interpretation, and this collection really got us thinking.  It is a youthful and rocking collection.  Who wouldn’t want to be a Balmain girl come spring?