Nike reports US$668m earnings

Nike Inc, the world's largest athletic shoe and clothing company, reported a 22 percent increase in fourth-quarter profit as strong sales in North America offset weakness in Europe and China.
In China, revenue was flat compared to the year-ago period.
Nike has been reducing its inventory in China and reworking its offerings there to adapt to changing tastes of Chinese customers. It also has been focusing on growth in North America, selling off less profitable brands like Umbro to focus on core brands like Nike, AP reports.
The company said yesterday it earned US$668 million, or 76 US cents per share, in the three-month period ended May 31. That compares with US$549 million, or 60 US cents per share, in the year-ago period.
Revenue increased 7 percent to US$6.7 billion from US$6.24 billion. Nike, which is based in Beaverton, Oregon, said sales increased for Nike-branded running and basketball products as well as for men's and women's training categories. That offset declines in sportswear, action sports and soccer.

By region, revenue in Nike's North American market was up 12 percent, offsetting a 1 percent decline in Western Europe and an 11 percent decline in Japan.
Gross profit margins rose 1.1 percentage points to 43.9 percent for the quarter, fueled by higher selling prices and the easing of material costs.
Orders for Nike-branded shoes and clothing set for delivery between June and November of this year were up 8 percent globally, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations. That gauge, which Nike calls “future orders,'' gained 12 percent in North America. Emerging markets and Central and Eastern Europe also had gains. But that figure was flat in China and Western Europe.
In a conference call with investors following the report, Nike chief executive Mark Parker said: “The race in China is a marathon. It's not a sprint, and we're set for the long run.''

After initially rising more than 3 percent in after-hours trading following the earnings report, Nike's stock slipped US$1.57, or 2.5 percent, to US$60.75. It ended the regular trading session up 47 cents to US$62.32 in regular trading. The stock is up 21 percent so far in 2013.

Alicia Keys choose Reebok for fitness

In the midst of her Girl on Fire world tour, we sat down with Alicia Keys in New York (looking very uptown-downtown in a printed Givenchy shirt and sneakers—the new A.Keys wedge from her fall Reebok collection) to talk Crossfit, vitamins and being a slave to fashion.

She was ahead of the curve on the sneaker resurgence:
“When I was a kid, I’d get the Reebok Freestyle sneakers because they were a good price range, multiple colours and I could match them with my jacket and shirt. In 2002 or 2003, I did a song called ‘If I Ain’t Got You.’ For the video, we were in Harlem and I brought the Freestyle and I painted it purple. I thought, ‘Man, it’d be cool to bring the sneaker back.’”

She follows Kate Middleton’s approach to repeat dressing:
“I don’t care if I wear a jacket three or five times. I don’t want to be a slave to fashion, but I love when it can complement you. I love Givenchy, Celine, Chloé, Zac Posen and Stella McCartney.”

She knows what it is to be thincouraged:
“I’ve felt pressured [to be skinny], especially in the beginning. You’re just figuring out who you are, what is sexy and beautiful. I think you search for people’s approval. I’m glad I never went too far. I’ve always loved to be myself and curvaceous. I found a good balance…rather than being obsessed with being a certain pound or number.”

Her two-year-old does push-ups:
“You’re always busy working, dreaming, sleeping. Then you have a baby and it’s so hard. I’ll work out with my son, [Egypt], he’ll try to do a couple push-ups, or he’ll count for me. I’ll find creative ways to work it in. That’s the part that is the most important. If I can’t get in 40 minutes, I could do 20 minutes. I love variety and do yoga, weight training, running and swimming. I did Crossfit before and I almost died. But it was a death that I liked. On tour, I don’t have trainers that travel with me. There are different websites I’ll go to and I love workout DVDs.”

She has no time for crappy vitamins:
“I believe in vitamins. They can’t have synthetic crap in them. I can’t call in sick for a day off from work—I have to be there and be healthy. I have a new thing, I try to drink a big bottle of water in a day. It’s so hard. I’m trying. I eat well, I don’t eat meat I just eat fish. [But] I really like pizza. I’m happy when I chose the salad over the pizza.”

Gucci Natural Python Duffel Bag for Men

One of my favorite things about fashion is that it gives people permission to be impractical. Sometimes you need a pair of six-inch heels that you can’t exactly walk in or a dress that fits correctly only when you’re standing up or a maxi skirt so voluminous that it gets caught under the wheels of your desk chair at work. (That last thing? A thing that I own. And wear to work. Often. Because I can.) Fashion lets people indulge the slightly frivolous sides of themselves, and although there aren’t as many opportunities for male frivolity as female, the Gucci Natural Python Duffel Bag is a strong opportunity for dudes to be a little ridiculous.

 If you’ve ever had a python handbag before, you know that the material can be a little delicate. Although I trust Gucci to have treated this type of bag to make it reasonably wear-resistent, the fact remains – python just isn’t as hardy as regular cow leather. That’s ok, though, because in fashion, it doesn’t always have to be. Something can be made to be as beautiful as possible, even if it limits the items total functional usage a bit. This bag will still work just fine as a weekender, of course, but you or your dude will just have to take a little bit of extra care because of the snakeskin. For a bag this pretty, I think you can manage. I know I sure could. (Although I’m the girl constantly wheeling over her own maxi skirt, so maybe I’m overconfident in my abilities.) If you think you could treat this Gucci bag with the care it deserves, pick it up for about $200 via www.boutiquesshop.com.

2013 Fendi 2Jours Fur Runway Totes

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Don’t sleep on Fendi. Karl Lagerfeld’s creative direction at Chanel may get more media attention, but the things he’s been doing with color, texture and tech-inspired fabrications and textiles at Fendi for the past few seasons are, at their best, a fascinating look at the technicolor future of mass-market luxury. At their worst, they’re still a heck of a lot of fun to look at, and these Fendi 2Jours Mink and Leather Totes are far from the brand’s worst.

The entire Fendi Fall 2013 handbag collection was full of fur, most of it implemented in far more interesting ways than designers generally consider when making a “fur bag.” Fendi has been a furrier since the beginning of the company in the 1920s, though, so perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that the brand is more creative with the controversial material than many of its contemporaries. On these totes, colorful, close-cropped mink is layered over the bag’s leather base to creative an acid-tripping version of zebra print. Some might sniff at the “taste level” of these bags and their mixed colors and textures, but I’d carry one in a heartbeat. They’re an electrifying example of what can be done with the handbag form, if proper creativity is applied.

Charlie Denson,president of Nike brand retires

Nike said Thursday that Nike brand president Charlie Denson is retiring in January and named Trevor Edwards, current executive of brand and category management, to replace him.
Denson, 57, who has been with Nike for 34 years and has been president of the brand for 7 years, plans to retire in January.
Denson "helped build the brand around the world," said CEO Mark Parker in a statement.
Edwards, 50, will become the new Nike brand president in July, leading all category and geographic business units, the Jordan brand, and action-sport brands including Hurley International.

The company is reorganizing its management structure as Denson steps aside. Eric Sprunk, 49, who is currently executive vice president of merchandising and product, will become chief operating officer. Jeanne Jackson, 61, currently president of direct-to-consumer, will become president of product and merchandising. Finally, Thomas Clarke, president of new business development, will become president of innovation.
Edwards, Sprunk, Jackson and Clarke will report directly to Parker.
The changes are geared toward driving growth in new products and streamlining operations. More details about the restructuring may emerge when the company reports fiscal fourth-quarter results on June 27.
Nike shares rose 4 cents in aftermarket trading to $60.82 after ending the day down 97 cents at $60.78. That's closer to the high end of the stock's 52-week trading range of $42.55 to $66.07.

Accessories from Chanel Metiers d’Art 2013

The sheer volume of product that Chanel manages to put out six (6!) times a year never ceases to amaze me, particularly when it comes down to the brand’s yearly Metiers d’Art collections, which are all perfectly thematic around a place or city that Karl Lagerfeld finds particularly exciting. For Chanel Metiers d’Art 2013, that place was Scotland, and more specifically, Edinburgh. We explored the collection’s bags, which have recently made their in-store debut, last week, and now we’re here to take you on a short tour of the collection’s small leather goods.

In these simpler, smaller forms, some of the Scottish-inspired details really sing, like the tartan-embossed buttons and delicate leather finishes, which range from metallic to ever-so-slightly distressed. Because of those details, these workhorse accessories are likely to wear well; if you’ve been jonesing after a new wallet or key case, now might be the time to make that happen. Check out the collection below and visit www.boutiquesshop.com for price and purchase information.

Christian Louboutin Bag 2013 of Sandra Bullock

Here’s Sandra Bullock, being ushered out of a restaurant in London by a large entourage acting as human buffer zone between Sandra and her overzealous English fans/paparazzi. Sandra is currently in the UK promoting her new movie with Melissa McCarthy, The Heat. Her bag is the super luxe, hand-painted Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Python Bag, available for $3,595 at Net-a-Porter.

This is one of the first times we’ve seen Sandra carrying a notable designer bag of any ilk, but what a premium selection she’s made here! Strangely, it’s been a spell since we saw a celeb wielding a snakeskin bag on PB, proof positive that the animal print trend is quite literally becoming more muted.

men jacket for fall winter 2013 2014

Men, I know I don’t need to convince you of the fact that denim to you, is as inbuilt as beer and meat. The three (denim, meat, beer) make a perfectly masculine combo! (I’m having a vision of guys standing around a BBQ with beers in hand and hands in jeans pockets… now that might be my NZ upbringing I’m conjuring up, or it might be a global phenomenon, Hong Kong does a pretty good BBQ too!) no, no, I’m teasing (kind of) I know there is a LOT more that goes into what defines you as the attractive things that you are… like a denim jacket for example – a slight variation away from the denim Jean – but still a item of clothing, highly attributable to you, boys! Now from what I can see from all my Style-Stalking, the denim jacket is currently a hot item when it comes to showing how on-trend, yet still essentially male you are. It’s that perfect combo of classic VS contemporary and no matter your personal taste, there’s always a way to pull it off! 

Here’s a couple of ways to wear it… - With a classic white T-shirt – enough said!

With jeans.
 
Now it really doesn’t matter what colour your denim jacket is in comparison to your jeans. You can mix’n'match light with dark, blue with black – there’s no colour restrictions, so no matter which direction you take it, you’ll be on trend. With layers! Now you can add a massive cable-knit jumper or an impressive chunky scarf OR BOTH – either way layering under and on top of your denim jacket is going to create warmth – love that practicality – AND style. My fav look for the season is wearing your denim jacket almost as you would a cardi – underneath an even bigger jacket! No that’s one way to create manly bulk without having to hit the gym!
 
In all honesty, you could throw on a denim jacket and FORGET to style it and you would still look stylish as at the end of the day – it is one of this seasons, most trending looks!

Nicky Hilton With a Chanel Bag to Her Bag Collection

Here’s heiress Nicky Hilton, pairing what we’re going to call a Chanel Quilted Chain Strap Bowler Bag with a casual, hi-low skirt and a top that says – yes, you’re reading that right – “LOVIN Paris.” Get it? We’re a little unsure of the exact name of this style of Chanel bag, but we welcome input from Chanel aficionados in the know. You can shop a gorgeous selection of authentic, pre-owned Chanel bags at Portero.

As you might suspect, Nicky Hilton’s bag stash is pretty ridiculous. In fact, “The Many Bags of Nicky Hilton” was one of the longest and most popular editions of “Many Bags” we’ve ever done! The girl is literally up to her eyeballs in every “It” bag from the last decade. Any purse you’ve ever pined for uncontrollably is probably sitting pretty in Nicky Hilton’s massive bag vault as we speak. (I’m just assuming she has one, because really, you’ve got to protect that kind of investment.)

guide to summer shorts 2013 for men

Despite their apparent simplicity and relaxed spirit, few other garments building a gentleman’s essential wardrobe can give rise to such interminable debates as shorts do. Confusion often leads men to steer away from the effortless, refined and comfortable style that should define the shorts choice for summer. From length to cut and from fitting to the palette of colors and patterns, every single detail should be carefully considered. Even personal taste must cater for some rules that are plain unavoidable.

The following guidelines are meant to transform the shopping for shorts as a spring summer 2013 fashion staple into a less intimidating activity. As they stand for both the modern and the classic appeal, shorts should not be missing from a gentleman’s wardrobe. The only extra step you could take this summer is learning how to wear them right.

The Burberry Blaze Bag Spring/Summer 2013

The Burberry Blaze Bag, one of the main attractions of their Spring/Summer 2013 collection comes in an array of colours and materials: Perspex Python; Luggage Satin Dégradé Heritage; House Check Metallic Heritage Python, with a colour range from pink, purple to emerald, clover green, yellow gold and Burberry's famous house check.

Gucci Handbags Resolves to Discontinue Use of PVC by 2016

Luxury-industry insiders and moguls met for the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit 2013 in Vienna, Austria, over the past few days, and lots of interesting tidbits of information came out of the event’s who’s-who list of speakers, which included luminaries like Alexis Babeau, Managing Director of Luxury at Kering, and Andrew Rosen, CEO of Theory and Helmut Lang (and a huge investor in Proenza Schouler, among others). For our purposes, perhaps the the most interesting speaker was Gucci handbags President and CEO Patrizio di Marco, who spoke at length about his brand’s commitment to social consciousness, which included a promise to stop using environment-polluting PVC in its products in the next three years.

Those comments were part of a larger speech that di Marco gave at the summit concerning his company’s environmental and social efforts. According to the Financial Times’ Luxury 360 Twitter account, di Marco spoke of the enormous opportunities that luxury brands have in the future with consumers who are now young, and that those younger consumers are more likely than anyone to be socially conscious – environmental impacts, labor conditions and a brand’s commitment to philanthropy all matter more to consumers now, and will matter more in the near future, than they ever have before. He went on to talk about his company’s 100% certified labor process, which means that Gucci is in full compliance with all health, safety and environmental regulations wherever they business has a footprint, something he called a “rarity,” even in luxury. In light of the tragic collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh several weeks ago, perhaps it will become less rare in the future.

The CEO also committed to some environmental goals for Gucci bags, and among them was the elimination of PVC from the company’s products by 2016 and the elimination of all hazardous chemicals from Gucci’s wares by 2030. Not only will that be good for the environment – PVC is a damaging, pollution-causing material to create and requires the use of carcinogenic chemicals, among other things – but luxury customers will likely welcome the news as well. PVC is not, nor has it ever been, a luxury material, and charging top-dollar for bags made out of it has always struck me as slightly offensive, even if I occasionally find one I like.

Gucci is an enormously powerful and influential name in luxury accessories, so perhaps this change will have wider results – if Gucci ends some of its more environmentally disastrous practices, including the use of PVC, who else might be next to hop on the socially conscious bandwagon? Are you happy to hear that PVC will be eschewed by at least one major brand?

If you’d like to support Gucci’s goals with a little shopping, check out the www.boutiquesshop.com.

Miley Cyrus carrys Versace Handbags in NYC

Miley Cyrus has been a busy little bee as of late, buzzing from press gig to Cosmopolitan cover party to New York Fashion Week show. Here she is in NYC rocking a bowler hat, a LOT of beaded fringe and a Versace Signature Tote. Those bold, gold Medusa studs pair perfectly with Miley’s whole “80s hipster grandma” get-up. Miley is seen carrying the bag top handle-style here, sans the detachable strap. You can grab this bag in terracotta for $2,395 at Shopbop – but hurry, there are only two left!

During NYFW, Miley hit up the Marc Jacobs, Rachel Zoe, and Marchesa runway shows. Rumors are, of course, already flying that she’ll wear Marchesa when she eventually weds Liam Hemsworth, though no date has been set for the wedding as of yet. Frankly, Miley's all of 20 years old, so I’ll wait and see what comes of her wedding plans, dress and all. Want to see more of Miley’s handbag picks? Check out our The Many Bags of Miley Cyrus post!

Valentine’s Day 2013 gifts of love with jewelry Chanel

A jewel as a gift for Valentine’s Day is the most popular and classic choice for this year and also the jewelry Chanel offers an exclusive collection. The Art Collection combines style borrowed from the more contemporary lines of jewelry that are decorated with bold lines and intricate game design in addition to semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals as small jewels. The line was born from the encounter with the designer Titian Codeluppi Toobe rewrites the collection of the house with one urban chic, rings and necklaces to wear during the day and in the evening to give a special touch to clothing, whatever style it is.

For the most romantic holiday of the year we tend to choose a gift that speaks of their feelings: if you can opt for something exciting and hot as a full lingerie valuable, perhaps in limited editions, a Chanel Necklace is the better choice. Precious classic or ultramodern telling the feelings and remain as a sign of love, for everyday wear as for special occasions. Best haute jewelry have dedicated specific lines designed for Valentine’s Day: stars are the hearts, available in different shapes and styles, but also memories of nature, delicate butterflies and flowers fine. Chanel signs a collection very special evolution of the line that is Toobe rivoluzionta and at the same time reinforced in a fusion of design that makes the famous rubber tube of the house a new gem. The semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals light up light and color models in the collection, each piece is unique because it is in accordance with a handmade and original creations of the brand made in Italy.

For Valentine’s Day is the case take a look also the jewelery line of Mya Boccadamo with hearts studded with brilliant colored crystals: simple and joyful with soft colors and romantic to wear on these cold days, waiting for the sun and the hot spring. Pink, purple, blue, white, but also black, is the creation of the line that the Art Collection of Mya can become a perfect gift idea. For those looking for something brilliant antique flavor, there are also jewelry line RomAntica: models that are inspired by the jewels of the Roman matrons with style and design of today. Real jewels in limited edition that will not escape the lovers of fashion and style, especially in the most romantic day of the year.

2013 Contrast Trends for Women

One of the trends which are easy for everyone to accomplish with things you already have in your closet is the contrast trend. Find out all about this trend and how to achieve the look below! For 2013, it’s all about mixing contrasting materials. Ever thought of mixing jersey with sequins, cotton with leather and even knits with lace? This is definitely the time to go for juxtaposition in materials. But actually it’s not only the materials which join in the fun, even the colors can be completely contrasting with the absolute favorite being black and white combinations. Take your cues from the runways with designers and brands such as Burberry women t-shirt, Just Cavalli, Acne, and Stella McCartney all going for this trend. There are many ways to show off contrast. You could combine a sleek, polished material such as leather and combine it with something completely different such as a textured, thick knit. Again, these could be in contrasting colors. But even within the garment, different colors and materials could be used. The more contrast the better!

As we’ve already pointed out, you can opt for contrasting fabrics within one garment, but you could further enhance the contrasting effect by going for contrasting colors too. For example, pair your favorite white Affliction jeans with a black blazer worn on top of a top with contrasting materials. With this trend, it is important to go all the way; it will only have an effect when you style your whole outfit around this theme. The ultimate contrast can be created when different fabrics and colors are used on one and the same garment. Fine examples are pants with a contrasting stripe along the length of the leg, a white t-shirt with a black leather front pocket, silver leggings with black elastic set-ins and so on. You may notice that most of the used colors are grey, black and white. This is quite understandable since they create the biggest contrast, but you can also find other colors if you look very well. I have personally spotted several khaki colored parkas with leather sleeves.