High-End Department Store Takeovers: The Hudson’s Bay Company to Buy Saks for an Unprecedented $2.9 Billion

Fashion media was a buzz yesterday with news that the Hudson’s Bay Company is planning on purchasing Saks Inc. in a deal, which would pay Saks $16 US per company share and also relieve the American department store of its prior debt, that is estimated to be worth $2.9 billion US.

There is still a chance that the deal could fold, as Saks has 40 days to accept offers from other interested buyers. But should it be finalized, Canadian consumers who previously would have had to cross the border or shop online to enjoy the Saks brand will be able to make their way to one of seven Saks Fifth Avenue locations or as many as 25 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH outlet stores within Canada.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Image from The Toronto Sun

Graffiti-Glamoured Gentlemen: The Versace Fall/Winter 2013 Menswear Campaign Showcases Decades of Style

Select pieces from the Versace Fall/Winter 2013 Menswear collection, featuring signature baroque details  from the label in gold print, embroidery, and graffiti designs, steal the spotlight in this latest campaign imagery from photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. 

Models Dominik Bauer, Travis Smith, and Matt Trethe serve as stellar examples of the Versace man, each donning an array of different looks from the brand that seem to reference style from the seventies right through to the nineties. 

To see more from the Versace Fall/Winter 2013 Menswear collection, follow the link to THE BRUNETTES' runway coverage of the line from Milan Men's Fashion Week.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from Male Model Scene

Hotel Haute Couture: The Allan Vos Spring/Summer 2014 Lookbook Reveals What's Inn

The twain shall meet with the Allan Vos Spring/Summer 2014 collection, which combines contemporary design aesthetics from the East and West, and is given even more intercontinental context with its travel-themed lookbook.

Set in a luxury hotel, these campaign images from photographer Salvador Pozo tell the story of how models Riley Anastatia, Quincy Currie and Tim Foitzik spend their business trips. Sheer fabrics, cropped silhouettes, and directional lines are courageously brought together by designer Allan Vos and are showcased in this campaign as being sophisticated, effortlessly cool, and very wearable.  

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from Male Model Scene 

East-Meets-West Street Styles: The Allan Vos Spring/Summer 2014 Collection Blends Cultures at Amsterdam Fashion Week

Sheer fabrics, optical prints, a monochromatic color palette, and square necklines were all signature details of the Allan Vos Spring/Summer 2014 collection that recently had its debut at Amsterdam Fashion Week. The collection’s East-meets-West aesthetic also combines masculine tailoring with more androgynous shapes and designs, giving the line a truly eclectic feel that blends styles from sportswear, suiting, and street fashion.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from Amsterdam Fashion Week  

Self-Grooming Gentlemen Campaigns: Tom Ford for Men Introduces a New Skincare Line

Top model Juan Betancourt makes pampering oneself look downright masculine in this campaign from Tom Ford for the designer’s new range of skincare products. The Tom Ford for Men line consists of nine essential grooming aids to help any man look and feel his best. A face cleanser, eye treatment, moisturizer, and bronzing gel are some of the products reported to be part of the collection, which is set to debut in stores this fall.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from F.TAPE

Demigod-Inspired Footwear: Ancient Greek Sandals Takes Winged Footwear to New Heights

 

When THE BRUNETTES think of the sandal’s history, Ancient Greece with its many depictions of demigod hierarchy definitely comes to our minds as being one of the most innovative times for the strappy footwear.

Perhaps this is what inspired the creators of Ancient Greek Sandals, a specialty boutique from Greece that crafts sandals with signature Hellenic designs, such as: Greek key patterns, Spartan styles, and sandals with winged ankle cuffs.

The summer-ready line of footwear is available in a diverse selection of styles—each of which is named after a Greek god—for women, men, and children. The winged ‘Hermes’ and ‘Ikaria’ sandals, our personal faves, offer a more sophisticated option than the famous streetwear styles of Jeremy Scott and retail at a more affordable price.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from Ancient Greek Sandals