Fashion house Versace may seek outside investors

Italian family-owned fashion house Versace may seek outside investors and could consider an initial public offering to fund growth and help it better compete in the global luxury industry, its chief executive said on Friday.

Versace, known for its glamorous gowns worn by pop icons such as Madonna and Lady Gaga, returned to profit last year for the first time since 2009, when it started a turnaround to rebuild its international market share.

The family has always cherished its independence, but needs financial ammunition after luxury peers such as Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo and Brunello Cucinelli have successfully tapped the stock market in less than a year.

"The management is studying some advisors, but no solution has yet been decided," Chief Executive Gian Giacomo Ferraris said in a text to Reuters.

Italy's weekly il Mondo said on Friday Versace had picked Goldman Sachs to seek a partner or study other financial solutions for the medium term, which may include the issue of financial instruments such as bonds.

The Versace family reiterated on Friday that it wants to keep control of the house.

Many family-owned firms, proud of their heritage, are reluctant to invite a partner at their table that may decide on their strategy.

That's why companies with strong family roots such as Prada, Ferragamo and Cucinelli have opted for selling a minority stake on the stock market with clear rules granting them managing continuity.

"We intend to remain independent," the company said in an email later on Friday in response to the article in il Mondo.

Ferraris said the group has not yet given a mandate to an adviser. A steering committee meeting was due later on Friday.

Versace said it could also opt for an initial public offering if advised to do so, but no decision has been taken.

In March, Ferraris told Reuters that any deal would not take place before 2014, when he aims for core earnings (EBITDA) of 20 percent of sales compared to around 11 percent last year. EBITDA rose 73 percent to 38.7 million euros in 2011.

Platinum-blonde designer Donatella Versace, sister of late founder Gianni Versace, owns the group with her brother Santo and her daughter Allegra, who has 50 percent and joined the board last year.

Privately-owned Italian fashion group Roberto Cavalli has also said it wants to deliver on its turnaround plan before looking to a possible sale or initial public offering. (Editing by Mark Potterand Jon Loades-Carter)

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Too much fun last night? Queen is as fresh as a daisy after four days of Jubilee celebrations but the younger royals are looking rather weary

Young royals look heavy-lidded during 75-minute tribute to their grandmother at St Paul's this morning

At last night's Buckingham Palace Jubilee concert, William, Kate and Harry had a whale of a time, waving flags and singing along with gusto.

But this morning as the young royals attended the 75 minute Thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral this morning, they might have wished they'd cut their revelry short in favour of an early night.

As David Cameron gave a bible reading, the three struggled to maintain the enthusiasm that has come so naturally to them across this Jubilee weekend.

Harry seemed to be suffering a wave of tiredness as the service got underway, and William's eyelids seemed to be drooping. Even the Duchess of Cambridge, so practised in her expressions, looked a touch glassy-eyed - although she fared better than the boys.

But only those entirely lacking in sympathy could fault the young Royals for letting their guards slip for a moment. The three, along with all of the royals, have put on a show this weekend that has made millions of Britons proud.



A more formal setting for the prince and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after the Jubilee concert last night





The Queen remained focused throughout the 75 minute thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral



Royal flush: The senior royals sat together in the front row for the 75-minute service, in which both David Cameron and the Bishop of London gave an address

At last night's concert, the three had joined in with the 12,000-strong crowd with boundless enthusiasm. Watching Paul McCartney, Elton John and Jessie J on stage outside Buckingham Palace last night, the young Royals looked as elated as the rest.

Beatrice, Kate, William, Zara and Harry sat alongside the rest of their family in the royal box to watch the spectacular, which ended in a stunning firework display at 10.30pm last night.

The fun foursome sang along with the lively performances, waving Union flags in time to the music.

Buckingham Palace was the backdrop, but sometimes also the stage - Madness took to the roof of the Palace to give a rousing performance that had the crowd on their feet.




It's party time! After a weekend of duties, the young Royals let loose at last night's Jubilee concert, where they waved flags and sang along to performances by Paul McCartney, Elton John, Jessie J and Kylie Minogue (l-r) Princess Beatrice, Duchess of Cambridge, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry



Happy Jubilee! The young royals wave flags as they watch the concert outside Buckingham Palace last night (l-r) Kate, William, Zara, Harry


Great show: Kate and William looked delighted to be part of the electric atmosphere and appeared to truly relax during the show




Sharing a joke: William and Harry were in high spirits at the concert, which saw the senior Royals and younger members of the family come together in a jubilant celebration

The Young Royals cheered along with the deafening roar of the crowd when Prince Charles took to the stage with Sir Paul, Dame Shirley Bassey and Elton John, among others, to pay tribute to his father. Prince Philip, who had been taken into hospital yesterday with a bladder infection.

After he told the crowd if they cheered loud enough he 'just might hear them,' a resounding round of applause went up, while while Kate, William and Harry joined in and waved their flags.

The Queen, who looked resplendent in a gold gown last night as she appeared at the concert, despite her husband receiving treatment in hospital, seemed visibly moved as her son gave a witty and emotional speech in praise of his mother at the close of last night's concert, and joked that the Duke of Edinburgh might hear the Jubilee concert from his bed if the crowd shouted loud enough.

He said: ‘The only sad thing about tonight is that my father cannot be here with us because, unfortunately, he’s been taken unwell.’

After the show, the Queen took to the stage to the last of 4,015 beacons lit across the globe to mark her 60 years on the throne.

Today the Royals will appear at St Paul's Cathedral for a thanksgiving service, where the Queen will give a speech to her family and subjects which she recorded in her private rooms last night.

Prince Philip will not attend the service today.



The Royal Box: The young Royals sat in the box with the rest of the Royal family. From left to right, Prince William, bottom left, Princess Anne, Prince Harry, Sophie Wessex, Autumn Phillips, Prince Prince Charles, Prince Edward, Prince Edward, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Andrew


Don't you know the words, dear? Kate looks on in amusement as William sings along to performances by Paul McCartney, Elton John and Jessie J with great gusto



Proud: The young Royals cheered as Prince Charles made a speech at the end of the concert saying the public's support and the spectacular show over Jubilee weekend had made them 'proud to be 'British




Big night out: Eugenie sat next to Beatrice in the young Royals' box, alongside an enthusiastic Kate who never once stopped cheering and smiling




Celebration: Kate and William were joined in their Royal box by Princess Anne, bottom left, and Autumn Philips, top right


House party: The Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Andrew in the Royal box watching




Emotional and witty speech: The artists gather around the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales, including Sir Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue and Gary Barlow for Charles' speech



Inner strength: Resplendent in a gold gown, the Queen waves to the crowd while on stage outside Buckingham Palace during at the end of the Diamond Jubilee Concert, despite her husband being in hospital receiving treatment for a bladder infection




Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha were able to enjoy the concert from the royal box



The Victoria Memorial is silhouetted by the fireworks at the end of the Diamond Jubilee concert



Thousands thronged the area in front of Buckingham Palace where a stage had been set up



As the evening wore on, the giant screens stood out along the Mall





A girl waves her flag in the Mall and people wave flags in Hyde Park during a live retransmission of the Diamond Jubilee concert




Madness perform Our House on top of Buckingham Palace, while the building provides a backdrop for a moving picture show to illustrate the song
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J. CREW FALL - Lookbook

File this whole story under "looks I will be copying" I am so beyond impressed with the Fall/Winter 2010 collection! J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons described the look as "Edie Beale goes to Girl Scout camp" to think that she was inspired by "Little Edie" from Grey Gardens sets my world on fire! This collection which takes the traditional boyfriend jeans, khaki's and cardigan look that J. Crew is famous for and layers it endlessly with tweed, broaches, hats and belts. For men, double denim looks fantastic, patched jeans are present and again J. Crew layers with their sweaters and jackets to keep with their core customer. This non-traditional showing was at Milk Studios in New York and is a great way to view a line in it's totality.

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Young designers, new trends on runway

The fashion wares of aspiring college designers will be displayed alongside the likes of VanJean, Britton’s, M Boutique and Bohemian when the University of South Carolina’s USC Fashion Week kicks off Monday for four days on campus.

Now in its fourth year, the week will showcase young designers whose works will be featured during two nights of fashion shows as well as a charity benefit and symposium.

“Students are able to show a fresher and clearer perspective on style and fashion because college is a place where free thinking and individuality are encouraged,” said Melissa Karl, president of the USC Fashion Board, which is hosting the event.

And organizers are promising that guests searching for anything from a black dress style to a stunning piece of jewelry will find them among the new collections that will be on display this week.

“These shows, especially our Student Designer Competition and Sponsor Show, will showcase new spring styles and trends and display the views of students as to how they think and see fashion,” Karl said.

At the heart of those shows will be the works of the student designers, who all have been provided models, makeup and hair stylists to present their creations to potential buyers, shop owners and potential customers.

USC junior retail major Matthew Teague is among the week’s featured designers.

Teague, who is studying fashion merchandising, recalls first making “doll clothes” for his grandmother’s vintage clothespins on her turn-of-the-century Singer treadle sewing machine when he was 6.

“A few years later, I remember creating elaborate creations out of blankets, towels, and safety pins,” he said. “I never thought that those Depression-era clothespins and awkward, floppy blankets would actually segue into what would be my major at 19, and a full-time obsession at 21.”

Teague’s featured works include clothing items and several jewelry pieces. He said he’s excited to see the diversity of offerings in this year’s show.

“A few years ago, we saw repurposed shower curtains and bedsheets reminiscent of Columbia’s Runaway Runway and last fall we saw taffeta and feather cocktail dresses from Carol Copeland and tulle skirts from Lilly Greenhalgh,” he said. “What are the newest ideas? That’s what I’m so excited to find out.”

And he’s hoping the show will have a favorable impact on the college community.

“I feel like we are rather out of tune with fashion. And it’s a sad thing really. I may not always dress as I do for a fashion show or a job interview, but I always try to look presentable and approachable,” he said. “I wish that more students would evaluate their dress and take more pride in themselves. We’re at one of the best schools in America. I want us to look like it.”

Karl, however, doesn’t think that fashion is lost on the average student.

“I think that every student is tuned in to fashion in their own way,” she said. “Whether they are a big fan of the preppy look or are more into new-age grunge, everyone has their own

KIM KARDASHIAN IN 7 FOR ALL MANKIND JEANS

KIM KARDASHIAN IN 7 FOR ALL MANKIND JEANS

Kim K proves her love for 7FAM by rockin' her 7 For All Mankind Bootcut Jeans in Vintage Boston and her Seven for all mankind Moto Gummy Jeans . Kim has been wearing jeans strictly from the household denim name. Has she been tweeting about them?

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Celebrity Children Among the Most Popular Spring Fashion Trendsetters in Tinseltown

For the latest fashion trends people often turn to celebrities for inspiration. But some of the best trendsetters in Hollywood are the children of celebrities, sporting the newest spring looks in smaller sizes.

“It’s fun to watch fashion trends among celebrity babies because their parents are usually clued into the latest styles,” said Sera Johanas, owner of Ella & Spencer, a popular online baby clothing boutique. “Beyond fashion it’s important to look for high-quality clothing that’s soft, comfortable and can handle an active baby.”

With spring in full force, here are five celebrity baby fashion trends to look for in the months ahead:

Graphic T-Shirts

Warmer days mean it’s time to put away heavy sweaters and make room for lightweight T-shirts. Fun designs and messages on T-shirts and onesies are a major trend in baby fashion this year. For example, the Pluto line of baby clothing incorporates pop culture with witty messages and designs. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s daughter Violet Affleck has been spotted wearing Pluto, which can be found at Ella & Spencer.

Stylish Shoes

Classic shoes from Converse in bright spring colors are making a comeback. The popular brand is now available in infant and toddler sizes. Mason Disick, son of Kourtney Kardashian, has been seen out and about in the latest from the iconic brand.

Bright Colors and Bold Prints

Alyson Hannigan’s daughter Satyana Denisof is often seen wearing bright colors and bold prints, a hot trend for the warmer months ahead. Mixing and matching stripes and playing with colors sets Denisof apart as one of the more stylish celebrity kids. The Pink Chicken line of clothing brings colorful spring style to soft cotton blends, keeping playtime stylish and comfortable.

Fun Accessories

Accessories are an important part of keeping up with the mini-fashionista status. Tights with colorful patterns are currently popular. They give a polished look while still keeping styles casual. Honor Warren, the daughter of Jessica Alba, and Nahla Aubry, the daughter of Halle Berry, have been seen playing up this look. In addition, stylishhair clips, hats and backpacks can take a look even further. Johanas said designers at Finn & Emma produce colorful hats, bibs, blankets and plush toys for boys and girls.

Dress It Up

Celebrity babies are no strangers to dressing up. The key is to keep clothing comfortable while still looking dapper. Shirtzie from Adam & Evan gives the button down look while keeping it in onesie form.

About Ella & Spencer

Ella & Spencer are dedicated to providing unique and stylish clothing with baby-friendly designs. The online boutique’s clothing and accessories are hand selected for comfort, style and quality. Ella & Spencer are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service in the online marketplace. Visit http://www.ellaandspencer.com/for more information.

Orange Pants? Warming to Spring Fashion

Black is my favorite color. My go-to fashion staple. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might wear gray slacks or maybe something tan.

So last season, I was instinctively drawn to the fashion palette of muted mauves, silvery gray-blues and flesh-toned patent-leather shoes.

But spring has sprung my friends, and Woodbury fashionistas are throwing off fall’s Depression-era frump in favor of bold color!

Gen X-ers and their elders may collectively roll their eyes at these familiar and seemingly recycled 1980s-era trends. The boxy shapes of Flashdance tops and leggings. The Wayfarer sunglasses and skinny jeans (with stretch fabric and increasingly higher waists, thank goodness).

But it’s this season’s bright colors that bowl me over whenever I enter a women’s clothing store!

A friend recently tweeted, “Are we really doing the colored jeans thing?” I scoffed. It can’t possibly catch on. But then I went to dinner with someone sporting hot-pink jeans. So I guess we are really doing this. Well, at least she is. And maybe you are.

I’m not bold enough to try on, much less wear a pair of canary yellow pants. I just stand agog in The Gap wondering… Really?

Supposedly, this year’s top color is Tangerine Tango for everything from toss pillows to accent walls. I do like the color. But I’m not sure I can wear orange pants. And I’m really not sure how I feel about pink and orange together. That’s a thing. Trust me. It may damage your retinas if you stare at it too long.

Why are we doing this? Because we’re tired.

Tired of high unemployment rates. Tired of depressed housing markets. Tired of skyrocketing costs and pinching pennies. We want joy, courage, optimism and color! And one just can’t help but smile when seeing somebody in orange pants!

So I encourage you to participate in this trend because it makes me smile.

As for me, I still can’t picture myself strutting through the grocery aisles in a pair of vermilion jeans. If you can’t either, there are other ways, subtler ways, for us dreary sophisticates to join this fun fray.

Fashion magazine Marie Claire recommends experimenting with a pop of color. This means accessorize! Opt for a single piece in one of this season’s bright hues. A bright pink scarf, an orange beaded bracelet, a sunny yellow handbag, red shoes! (Just not all at once—unless you’re also wearing a lapel flower pin that squirts water and a nose that honks when pinched.)

Still unconvinced? Try dialing the trend all the way down to a few bucks invested in nail color or lipstick. I recently snagged a tube of Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti. But I draw the line at orange eye shadow. Get carried away and you’ll cross over from fun fashionista to obsessive Hunger Games capital fan; going from wanting to feel sunny to believing everything is sunny.

So until the economy truly rebounds, smile and you’ll feel like smiling and do a happy dance in your new orange pants!


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