China Daily Global Edition (USA)
ITALIAN METHOD
“The key factor for our success is quality. So we do not compromise on it. And we always do research to offer a better product to our customers.”
Loro Piana says the brand’s customers are addicted to good quality. “It’s like someone who likes good wine. The wine may be very expensive, but the consumer is hooked to the quality, and that is what we want.”
In recent years, the company, which is known for its light-weight fabrics for suiting, has been pushing boundaries by using cashmere for luxury casual wear like skiing jackets, sailing vests and water-proof cashmere coats.
Meanwhile, despite the general slowdown in China’s luxury sector, the company had a good year in 2016 and is expecting an even better year in 2017, says Loro Piana.
“We continue to grow steadily … I am not worried about what is going on now. China will continue to grow. Chinese consumers are becoming more quality-conscious.
“In the end, China will probably be the country with the highest growth,” he says.
Loro Piana also wants more people to participate in the upgrading of the cashmere industry in China as it is important for the country from the point view of image.
It can also help create better opportunities for young locals, he says.
“Young people don’t want to remain on the land like shepherds, but they can be breeders and they can manage the territory like the Australians.
“There are young guys who want to live in the country rather than go to a crowded town.
“We have to think of the next generation. And this project (the Loro Piana Method) can offer hope to the next generation.
“Also, when quality improves, the value (of the product) rises, and you have more revenue,” he says.
But Fairchild and others are leading a new wave of fashion style. TheFairChild collection, launched this year at select Macy’s stores and online, reflects her love of high fashion, vintage clothes and glamour, but is affordable and tailored to be approachable.
Fairchild says she wanted manyof her pieces tobeeasily paired with denim jeans and T-shirts, which she says is her fashion uniform.
“I feel like every girl likes to feel glamorous,” she says. “With FairChild, wetried to do that at a really affordable price. We were able to do that with Macy’s and give girls strong, iconic pieces that feel a little glamorous but that they could wear in an everyday situation.”
The collection includes cocktail dresses, faux leather, faux fur jackets and vests, metallic leggings, and sheer and lacy tops. Prices start at under $50.
Breakout country duo Maddie & Tae were tapped by Bloomingdale’s to help inspire a new AQUA capsule collection of clothing that includes embroidered bomber jackets, sequined dresses with plunging necklines and velvet slip dresses. Prices range from $38 to $498.
The singers, who went to their first fashion shows during New York Fashion Week this year, say the collection incorporates a bit of both of their styles.
“Tae normally goes with a romantic look and I normally go for an edgier look and that kind of fits our personalities, too,” says MaddieMarlow.
Known for their breakout hit, Girl In a Country Song, the duo say they wanted fans to be bold and feel good at the same time.
“The goal with this line was just to make a whole bunch of different pieces that are in different price ranges so there is a piece for everyone,” saysMarlow.