The trouble with Italian fashion, Dusting off Loewe, PRL looks abroad, Revamping Liz, Bunmi Olaye’s big break

Detail, double breasted Luciano Barbera suit | Source: The Sartorialist

Is Italy Too Italian? (NY Times)

“The bolts of wool and cashmere produced at [Carlo Barbera] mill, can indeed be described as high performance, among the finest in the world… The financial performance of the mill that creates this fabric, on the other hand, is far from stellar.”

Spanish Brand Focuses on Functionality as It Re-Enters the U.S. (WSJ)

“From 2005 to 2007, Stuart Vevers was known for creating showy studded and tasseled “it” handbags… [Now] Mr.Vevers is trying to dust off Loewe, a Spanish leather-goods brand owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. To do that, he’s been leaning toward simplicity over bling, functionality over flash.”

Looking forward at Ralph Lauren future (Just Style)

“A better-than-expected set of first quarter results will have pleased the powers that be at Polo Ralph Lauren, but it’s what happens next which holds the most interest for the US company.”

Liz Claiborne revamp drives upbeat outlook (Reuters)

“Revamping efforts at Liz Claiborne Inc. seem to be working as the U.S. clothing maker posted a much smaller-than-expected loss and said it would turn profitable on an adjusted basis in the fourth quarter.”

A dream that led from dolls to the First Lady (Independent)

“The rise to prominence of a young fashion design graduate from West Africa via East London shows that, with talent, a stroke of luck and a contact as highly placed as Nelson Mandela or Michelle Obama, anything is possible.”