Rihanna won a few years ago, so why not Beyonce? On Monday night, at the CFDA’s annual Awards event, Beyonce was named Fashion Icon of 2016.
In a wide-brimmed black hat and sequined, black pinstripe suit Beyonce said, “We have an opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or magazine cover and see her own reflection,” Beyoncé said. “Soul has no color. No shape, No form. Just like all your work, it goes so far beyond what the eyes can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, to show people how to embrace their complications and flaws and see the true beauty that’s inside all of us.”
There was much speculation over who would receive the award this year, from Kim Kardashian to Lil’ Kim. Fashion Reverie is pleased that Beyonce was the CFDA’s choice. Kudos Beyonce!!
Trouble at Ralph Lauren
There have been some seismic shifts at Ralph Lauren since Ralph Lauren stepped down last year as chief executive. Now under the helm of Stefan Larsson, the brand recently announced that it would be closing 50 stores cutting 1,000 jobs, approximately 8 % of its workforce. Larsson is credited for turning around Old Navy.
The layoffs and store closings are estimated to save the iconic brand $180 to $200 million dollars. Theses changes are expected to incur 400 million dollars in restructuring charges this year as well as 150 million dollars of costs relating to stock reduction.
No ‘See Now, Buy Now’
Is the new fashion business model ‘See Now, Buy Now’ credible? Not according to Diesel founder and chairman of the OTB fashion Group (Marni, Viktor & Rolf, Martin Margiela), Renzo Russo.
“The show system cannot be changed. If designers wish to be creative, it is impossible to engage in ‘see now, buy now’, and put products on sale right after the show,” stated Renzo Rosso, in a recent fashionmag.com interview.
“The choice of fabrics is a primary requirement in collections. They must be tested beforehand. This means taking time to build a collection and to work on creativity. Only the most commercial brands, which purchase standard-issue fabrics, can implement such a system,” said Renzo Rosso.
“Real fashion cannot do this at all. In such a case, it would not be a fashion show any longer, but an event to which end-customers, and not buyers, would be invited,” he added.
At 60, Rosso is very opinionated and will soon release a new book published by Assouline. The 204-pages volume features 150 pictures and is entitled ‘RR Radical renaissance 55+5’, and will be presented on 17th June in Milan, on the eve of the men’s Fashion Week.
“I published a book for my 40th birthday, and another for my 50th. The latest one is the best since it really shows the evolution from what we were, to what we are now and what we will become in the next decade. It is not merely about fashion but also about all my other activities,” he stated.
Sharapova loses endorsements
Maria Sharapova is losing sponsors. After the International Tennis Federation (ITF) issued a two-year ban on Sharapova on Wednesday for testing positive to the banned substance, Meldonium, the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer cuts times with the five-time Grand Slam champion. Will other brand endorsement follow suit?
According to Forbes, Sharpova has earned $36 million dollars for her on court play; however, Sharapova’s off court earnings top $200 million. Sharapova is the world’s highest-paid female athlete. Sharapova says she will appeal the decision.
—William S. Gooch
Reader Discussion
Start the Conversation
Thoughtful comments, questions, and fashion conversation from Fashion Reverie readers.
Reader Guidelines
Keep the conversation thoughtful, relevant, and respectful. Comments may be moderated before appearing on Fashion Reverie.
No comments yet. Start the conversation with a thoughtful note or question.