Lord & Taylor Owner Tries On Peter Som

NRDC Equity Partners, the giant retail developer and owner of department-store chain Lord & Taylor, is near a deal to invest in New York fashion designer Peter Som (pictured above; left), according to people familiar with the situation.

Although the deal would be small -- the investment is expected to be less than $10 million -- it would represent an unusual move by a department-store chain to invest directly in high-fashion designers. It would also be a first step in a strategy by NRDC to become more of a vertical retailer, owning everything from shopping centers to department stores .

Source: WSJ

Top Earning Fashion Executives

Executives’ wallets remained healthy last year, despite management shifts at some prominent companies. Headlining departures included Paul Charron, former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Liz Claiborne Inc., and Mark Weber, former CEO of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. When added together, the top 10 vendors made nearly $89 million in their compensation packages.* An interesting note: The top 10 vendor executives this year are all men—the top-ranked woman, Trudy F. Sullivan, outgoing president of Liz Claiborne Inc., comes in at number 12.

RALPH LAUREN, 67, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CEO, POLO RALPH LAUREN CORP.

Total value: $25.9 million

Base salary: $1 million; bonus: $0; stock and options: $8.2 million; other: $16.6 million

Hats off to Lauren, whose company’s strong growth continued last year. Lauren said in a statement in March, “We have made significant progress on all fronts, from opening new luxury stores to initiating steps to expand our accessories business in new categories, such as watches and fine jewelry, to taking direct control of our Japanese business and our Internet business.”

ROGER N. FARAH, 54, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, POLO RALPH LAUREN CORP.

Total value: $12.5 million

Base salary: $900,000; Bonus: $0; stock and options: $8.6 million; other: $3 million

Farah is another executive riding the wave of Polo’s growth, which saw profits rise 30.2 percent to $400.9 million and total revenues increase by 14.7 percent to $4.3 billion in the year ended March 31. Farah joined Polo in 2000 and has helped direct its global retail expansion.

PAUL R. CHARRON, 64, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CEO, LIZ CLAIBORNE INC.

Total value: $9.8 million

Base salary: $1.5 million; bonus: $0; stock and options: $7.9 million; other: $428,739

It’s been a wild ride lately at Liz Claiborne, which reported a 65 percent decline in profits for the second quarter in a row. In November, Charron retired as chairman and CEO to become chairman emeritus, and remains as a consultant for the rest of this year. He was replaced by William L. McComb.

ROBERT MARGOLIS, 59, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, CHEROKEE INC.

Total value: $8.8 million

Base salary: $737,000; bonus: $8 million; stock and options: $0; other: $21,000

After cofounding the apparel division of Cherokee in 1981, Margolis became co-chairman of the board, president and CEO in 1990, and chairman of the board in 1993. He then resigned all of his positions in the fall of 1993, but rejoined the company once again as chairman and CEO in 1995.

EMANUEL CHIRICO, 50, CEO, PHILLIPS-VAN HEUSEN CORP.

Total value: $6.7 million

Base salary: $992,436; bonus: $0; stock and options: $1.7 million; other: $4 million

At Phillips-Van Heusen’s shareholder meeting in June, Chirico outlined a retail strategy to open full-price Calvin Klein white label stores in the U.S. over the next 24 months. Chirico replaced Mark Weber as CEO on Feb. 27, 2006, after previously serving as PVH’s president and chief operating officer.

KENNETH P. PUCKER, 44, EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, TIMBERLAND CO.

Total value: $6 million

Base salary: $536,250; bonus: $0; stock and options: $5.2 million; other: $246,168

For Timberland’s first-quarter performance, total revenues were $336.3 million, down 3.9 percent from the year-ago quarter, as the company experienced declines in sales of boots and kids’ footwear. Pucker joined Timberland in 1992 but left the Stratham, N.H.–based company in March.

JEFFREY B. SWARTZ, 47, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TIMBERLAND CO.

Total value: $5.6 million

Base salary: $818,750; bonus: $0; stock and options: $4.2 million; other: $603,864

Swartz is the third generation of the family to lead Timberland—his grandfather, Nathan, founded the brand in 1952. The name was officially changed in 1978. Swartz has been president and CEO of Timberland since June 1998, and he’s been with the company since 1986.

MARK WEBER, 58, FORMER CEO, PHILLIPS-VAN HEUSEN CORP.

Total value: $5 million

Base salary: $91,667; bonus: $0; stock and options: $0; other: $5 million

Weber succeeded Bruce Klatsky as CEO of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. in 2005 but left the company in February 2006. He since has become CEO of LVMH Inc. (U.S.) and chairman and CEO of Donna Karan International, a subsidiary of LVMH. Weber received severance payments totaling $2.5 million.

JOSEPH R. GROMEK, 60, PRESIDENT AND CEO, WARNACO GROUP INC.

Total value: $4.3 million

Base salary: $991,667; bonus: $954,400; stock and options: $2 million; other: $296,236 Gromek, who has been president and CEO since 2003, told analysts in May, “We are truly a global company with nearly 50 percent of our revenues generated outside of the U.S. Our acquisition last year of Calvin Klein Jeans Europe and Asia reflected that vision and is driving our performance today.”

KENNETH D. COLE, 53, PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER, KENNETH COLE PRODUCTIONS INC.

Total value: $4.1 million

Base salary: $1 million; bonus: $0; stock and options: $1.5 million; other: $1.6 million

Though the company has lost two key executives this year—chief operating officer Joel Newman and Kenneth Cole New York brand president Joshua Schulman—Cole, the company’s founder, remains in his seat. Cole has served as the company’s chairman and CEO since its inception in 1982.

Source:DNR

PVH Profits Boosted by Calvin Sales

Second-quarter income soared at Phillips-Van Heusen, beating its own guidance through the strength of the Calvin Klein brand.

The company said Wednesday that for the three months ended Aug. 5, net income rose 31.6 percent to $39.1 million, or 68 cents a diluted share, from $29.7 million, or 53 cents, in the same year-ago quarter. Included in the quarter were $2.2 million pre-tax costs, or 2 cents a share, in connection with the start-up of the firm’s Timberland wholesale sportswear business and Calvin Klein better specialty retail stores. In May the company expected earnings per share of 61 cents. Total revenues rose 20.4 percent to $552.4 million, which included a 20.1 percent jump in sales to $488.9 million, from $458.9 million.

Source:DNR

The Churn

Lindsay Hymson, formerly of Tractenberg, will be joining Whisper PR Inc. in their fine jewelry and accessories department.

Liz Claiborne Inc. names Tom Fitzgerald COO of Direct Brands.

Katie May is leaving the press office of Dolce & Gabbana to pursue new opportunities.

Megan Schasel has been hired as the Events Coordinator/New Business Assistant to The Patton Group, Miami office. She was formerly at Theory, NY.

David Yassky, fashion market editor at W/WWD, has been named art director for advertising and The Book at Neiman Marcus. He starts Sept. 17.

Katie Grand has been named creative director of Mulberry. Mary Fontamillas joins YSL as PR director. She was formerly U.S. PR director at Gucci.

Jeffrey Chu, formerly senior associate editor at Portfolio, has joined Fast Company.

Tom Foster, formerly editor of Men's Journal, is now articles editor at Fast Company.

Alberto Apodaca has been promoted to fashion director at Travel + Leisure. He was previously senior fashion manager.

Rachel Aschenbrand was named associate fashion editor for People StyleWatch. Previously, she held the title of assistant fashion editor.

Christine Frey has resigned as accessories director at Lucky and is now market director at Cookie.

Dana Avidan, in the fashion department at Self, will be joining In Style as associate market editor. Avidan succeeds Ariela Suster, who jumped over to accessories as associate editor following Brooke Jaffe's departure.

Polly Blitzer will launch the interactive beauty website, beautyblitz.com, and has been named a contributing editor at In Style. She had been assistant editor at In Style.

May Globus, former fashion editor at 944 magazine, will be HollywoodLife.net's fashion editor/blogger.Greg Wiliams has been named executive editor at Details. He had been deputy editor there.

Christine Richard has been named senior editor, travel, at Sunset. She had been editor in chief at Islands.Jason Reid has been named to cover the Washington Redskins at The Washington Post. He had been sports reporter at The Los Angeles Times.

Sara D'Angelo has been named new media coordinator at The Politico. She had been at WTOP Radio. Emili Vesilind has been named staff writer at The Los Angeles Times. She had been West Coast retail editor at Women's Wear Daily.

Daniel Chen has been named group creative director at Lands' End. He had been creative director at Child.

Heather Marie Graham has been named senior editor at EverydayHealth.com. She had been associate editor there.

Amy Simmons has been named associate publisher at Fitness. She had been associate publisher at Jane.

Maria Sacasa has resigned from the press office of Vogue.

Michelle Myers was recently named publisher for People StyleWatch. Previously, Michelle was the publisher at Star and associate publisher at Allure.

Amanda Sheronas fills the newly created director of public relations position for Alfred Angelo, handling the Alfred Angelo Bridal, Angelo Angels, Alfred Angelo Prom, Niki by Niki Livas, and Zum Zum collections. Amanda was formerly with SPR in Los Angeles.

Taryn Zuckerman has been hired as the New Business Coordinator/Executive Assistant to The Patton Group, Miami office.

Mary Lou Burkhardt joins Factory PR as Men's account coordinator.Kaja-Kai Ojamaa has joined Cece Feinberg PR as an account executive.

Sogole Honarvar is leaving bluPRint PR and relocating to NYC where she will be a Senior Manager with HL Group.

Jill Cooper is leaving the public relations department at Escada to move back to California.

Evidence, A Dance Company 4th Annual “On Our Toes” in the Hamptons Summer Benefit- August 25th

New York, NY (August 2007) On Saturday, August 25th Evidence, A Dance Company (EDC) will present their 4th annual fundraiser “On Our Toes” in the Hamptons. The elegant outdoor cocktail reception, dance performance, and “Dancing with the Dancers” (post event party), will begin at 4:00 PM and will be held at Nova’s Ark at 60 Millstone Road in Bridgehampton, New York - individual tickets start at $500. Jerry Mitchell of “Legally Blond” and Legendary Recording Artist, Jennifer Holliday will serve as Honorary Chairs and TV personality Renee Syler will serve as mistress of ceremonies. This year’s event sponsors include; HSBC Premier, 10 Cane Rum, Avon Products, Inc., BET Networks, Booz Allen Hamilton, Derrick Roberts Productions, Essence Magazine, Hamptons.com, Pfizer Inc, Prudential Financial, The Ark Project, Verizon Communication, and host of others.

“On Our Toes” in the Hamptons was initiated by Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine and Reginald Van Lee, (Board Chair) and it serves as one of the premiere African American cultural event that occurs annually in the Hamptons. The event is located on the beautiful agricultural grounds of Nova’s Ark Sculptural Park in Bridgehampton, NY. The summer benefit has a history of attracting prestigious audiences of 300 – 400 and is comprised of noted celebrities, philanthropists and some of corporate America’s most influential senior executives. Past attendees have included; Kathryn Chenault, Danny Glover, Robin Roberts, Debra L. Lee, Bob Johnson, Loida Nicholas Lewis, Susan Taylor, and Khephra Burns, among others.

The highlight of the evening will be three breathtaking dance performances choreography by Ronald K. Brown (founder) and presented by Evidence, a Dance Company. The program will include – “Come Ye” which is set to the background sounds of Fela Kuti music, “Ebony Magazine,” which takes a humorous look at the transition from presenting the façade of beauty to embodying the same idea of beauty for maximum liberation and “Grace”, Brown’s signature piece, which was originally choreographed for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and became a part of the Evidence repertory in 2003. The physical journey weaves the story of a Woman/God coming down to earth, with angels as aides, to round up those who are behaving as if they don’t understand God’s Grace. Each soul stirring performances offers a complete blend of Hip Hop, Ballet, African and Modern dance express. Ronald K. Brown is considered one of the most important choreographers of his generation.

About the Company:

Under the artistic leadership of founder and choreographer Ronald K. Brown, EDC was established in 1985. The mission of the company is to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word. In addition to touring across the United States 25 – 30 weeks a year, the company supports community outreach activities and educational programs for dance enthusiasts of all ages throughout New York City. The company hosts two major fundraising activities each year: a Winter Gala held at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in midtown Manhattan and On Our Toes, the company’s annual benefit performance in the Hamptons. For media inquires contact Tonya R. Miller tonyamiller@hangtagsforhumanity.com or 347.721.3337 direct 646.373.3730 mobile.

Ciara One-Two Steps to Macy's

(NEW YORK) Ciara graced the fourth floor of Macy's with her presence today as the new spokeswoman for Rocawear's campaign, I Will Not Lose. "I love the fact that there's a meaning with the clothes. That's my mentality for myself, I will never lose," said the artist on her involvement with the label. "I love that the line is broadening towards older audiences, because I'm getting older too, so I'm growing with it." Dressed in a puffy silver Rocawear vest, the singer dished that she's seen some exclusives from the line and she's excited for the "funky boots" and new jackets.
With a purchase of $100 or more in Rocawear duds, fans were able to meet Ciara, receive an autographed photo of the singer, and also get tickets to tonight's Scream Fest concert. The first fan in line, Tiara Paul, traveled all the way from Harlem to arrive at 9:50 a.m., all due to her love for Ciara, "because she's real."
The campaign, launched on August 15 by the company's co-founder and CEO Sean "Jay-Z" Carter, also features Three 6 Mafia and Chris Brown and is designed to inspire youth not to lose sight of their dreams.

Source: Fashion Weekly

The Churn

Check here every Friday for the latest turn and appointments in the retail industry

Graeme Black has left his post as head women’s wear designer at Salvatore Ferragamo.

Russell Labosky, creative director at Men's Vogue, has resigned.

Mark Jacobson, photo editor at Men's Vogue, has resigned.

Maria Sacasa, communications associate at Vogue, has resigned.

Leslie Shiers has been named managing editor at Footwear Plus and Earnshaw's. She had been associate editor there.

Ralph Auriemma, creative director at Domenico Vacca, has resigned.

James Smith, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Ann Taylor Stores Corp., has resigned, effective the end of September.

Michael Brown, has been appointed Manager of Executive Recruitment and College Relations for Lord & Taylor

Elana Osterland has been promoted to public relations coordinator at Coach, where she was previously public relations assistant.

Elisabetta Casero joins Catherine Malandrino as PR manager after working at Tocca in NY and Aeffe S.p.A. in Milan.