In The News

Photo via AP and Washington Post

This past week Nicole Richie was sentenced to four days in jail in a plea deal. This deal helped her avoid up to a year behind bars for her second DUI conviction. This sentence came after Richie drove the wrong-way on the freeway and was under the influence of narcotics. Also, Richie was fined $2,048 and ordered to attend drug and alcohol rehab.

Is this enough time for the crime committed? Did Richie get off easy? Was Paris treated more harsh than Richie?

Let’s enjoy a weekend debate!

Story via Washington Post

While this tid-bit of news does not affect me hugely either way, I did find it notable. Louis Vuitton has announced that they will no longer sponsor America’s Cup. I am not a big follower, but those of you who are, does this bother you? Are you indifferent? Any thoughts?

Maybe it is just me, but this is trivial information. For some reason, I am still posting it

PARIS (Thomson Financial) – Louis Vuitton, the luxury goods brand owned by LVMH, said it will no longer sponsor the Louis Vuitton Cup, the qualifying round for the Americas Cup sailing competition.

Louis Vuitton, which has been a partner of the Americas Cup since 1983, cited new, more commercial rules for the competition.

ACM, the company which organised this year’s event and which will be in charge of the next one, has increased tournament revenue, notably by upping fees paid by sponsors.

At the same time, Louis Vuitton said it did not rule out relaunching its sailing event ‘in another form’.

via Forbes

Those at LVMH truly are seeking to wow the world. After their news of wanting to acquire another French newspaper, they have also announced that in October there will be a one-of-a-kind totally amazing Fendi fashion show held on the Great Wall of China. Now that would be something spectacular to see.

Italian luxury group Fendi will hold a fashion show on the Great Wall in China in October as parent company, LVMH Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton, seeks to double its sales by 2008.

“It’s true,” said a spokeswoman for LVMH, confirming a report in France’s Les Echos newspaper.

LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault has said repeatedly he sees potential for Fendi to become a “star brand” alongside LVMH stablemates such as leather-goods maker Louis Vuitton and TAG Heuer watches.

“We can’t be a global luxury group without a strong Italian brand,” Fendi Chief Executive Michael Burke told Les Echos.

Fendi had sales of around 350 million euros ($NZ617 million) in 2006 and aims to double that by 2008. Its target is also to achieve a margin of over 20 per cent by then, Les Echos said. The LVMH spokeswoman said the figures were correct.

Fendi’s core shoes and handbags business currently accounts for 60 per cent of sales, while furs and ready-to-wear make up another 30 per cent. The Rome-based company launched its first perfume, Palazzo, last week.

Via Stuff

Blasphemy. If I were truly a good American, I would have spent my Wednesday night watching Paris Hilton’s interview with Larry King. Or does it make me a good American that I do not have a care in the world about it? My succulent oven-roast chicken with sautéed spinach, red potatoes, and roasted radishes, really made my night much more enjoyable (and the key lime pie and bread pudding for dessert did not hurt either ). But if you caught yourself looking at the pictures of Paris Hilton leaving Larry King all smiles, you may have also noticed she was carrying a White Chanel Timeless Clutch. I will admit that we have seen Paris with this clutch before, but I think right now she is really trying to play into it all. Chanel equals timeless beauty and that is exactly what Paris needs to go for. The days of ultra mini skirts and shorts with no underwear are over, for a week or two at least. And now I will unfortunately say this, her outfit is actually beautiful. I adore the dress and the clutch is the perfect accessory. That hurt.

So what do you think: Is Paris really a changed person? What did you think of her Larry King interview if you saw it?

Well not exactly, but close. Bernaud Arnaul, the owner of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, has caused a stir in France with his plans to take over yet another French newspaper.

Is it too much, or is he just a business-oriented man always looking to further his success?

Bernaud Arnault, the owner of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. likes a big catch.

He wishes to add the French business newspaper Les Echos, currently owned by Financial Times, to his rich gamut that already includes the most fashionable labels Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy.

Bernaud also currently owns the daily newspaper Le Tribune, the weekly Investir, monthly Connaissance des Arts, and the Paris based Radio Classique.

Arnault’s business endeavour appears not to have been welcomed by the French press. They immediately reacted with a strike because, with this acquisition, he would automatically become the owner of the two most influential daily newspapers.

The public and media unrest was also caused by the fact that Arnault and the newly elected President of France Nicolas Sarkozy are close friends.

An interesting blend of business, fashion and politics.

Via Javno

There is actually a competition for the World’s Ugliest dog and this creature actually won it. “Elwood” is a Chinese Crested dog and dubbed the ugliest dog in the world. Do you agree, is Elwood seriously ugly? Do you think having a contest for the ugliest dog is really necessary? Do you think owners who enter their dogs are cruel?

Let’s enjoy a weekend debate!

The Chinese Crested dog ‘Elwood’ appears at the 2007 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest Friday, June 22, 2007, in Petaluma, Calif. Elwood, who weighs in at just 6 lbs and was rescued as the result of a New Jersey SPCA investigation, has won the title of World’s ugliest dog of 2007.

Via Yahoo

This past Sunday the fashion world lost a man that will forever leave an impact in the industry. Italian designer Gianfranco Ferre passed away suddenly after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. He died in the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. It can be said that “Ferré was often referred to as the ‘Frank Lloyd Wright of’ or ‘the architect of’ Italian fashion, not just because he had received a degree in architecture in 1969, but because his design approach was so rooted in sculptural lines and artistic ideals.”

From all of us, you will be missed and will forever be part of fashion as we know it.

Article and image via Telegraph

One of our favorite partners, Glam Media, has just announced that they have surpased iVillage to become the top ranked Women’s Community Web Property. Now I must tell you that is a huge feat in and of itself, but Glam not only did it but they also deserve it. The outreach and growth Glam has experienced is truly monumental; Glam Media, with a reach of almost 10 percent of the total U.S. online audience and more than 17 million unique visitors a month. Also Glam Media has grown ‘3,600 percent, making it the fastest-growing Web 100 property in the United States.’ I wish our stats were that amazing, but Vlad and I are simply happy to be a part of such an amazing network.

We have partnered up with Glam for sometime now and have loved every minute of it. Recently, we were invited by Glam to a posh South Beach party which was such an amazing experience. But even without the parties, Glam has provided us amazing service. I have had the privilege to get to know some of the Glam team, and we talk about all aspects, from business to personal life. This makes Vlad and I both feel like this is not some computer generated partner on the other end, but people who care. We were also lucky enough to be named the Best in Accessories and Best in Fashion. As if winning was not enough, Glam promptly sent us a check for winning along with a digital camera. If we need something, they are there to help us. Trust me, I have had plenty of blond moments and needed some guidance and I was always answered in a timely manner and spoken to with care. No wonder their network has grown so big. Vlad and I have enjoyed watching our site grow and flourish and could not be happier being on Glam’s side. So next time you see that ad on the top or side of the page, know that it is from our wonderful partner Glam, who we enjoy helping as much as they enjoy helping us!

Congrats Glam on an amazing achievement!

Links to a few articles below!
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Being a retired competitive swimmer, this issue has been interesting to me. Recently, the Olympic Gold medalist, Amanda Beard, posed nude for Playboy. She backs up what she did and says she would do it again.

What are your thoughts? A good move? Bad example for those who look up to her?

Let’s enjoy another weekend debate!

Article about her posing for Playboy found here