Industry News – April 12th, 2016

Curated fashion industry news links for Tuesday, April 12th, 2016…

M.I.A. GETS FRANK ABOUT FAST FASHION AND THE ENVIRONMENT – Vogue
“Maya Arulpragasam, aka M.I.A., isn’t one to bite her tongue. The British-born musician is notably as bold in her interviews as she is in her music—which makes her perhaps the most refreshing ambassador H&M could have tapped to be the face of its World Recycle Week initiative. When it comes to the world of corporate-helmed “green” moves, conversation all too often turns predictably vague, glossing over the heart of the matter in favor of feel-good buzzwords. And while H&M, as a mass-market retailer on a global scale, has faced its fair share of criticism for things like its annual sustainability reports and Conscious Exclusive Collection, M.I.A. sees it through a distinctly different lens. As she tells Vogue.com with her signature candor: “If all [H&M] do is go and inspire another high-street brand to get in on caring and being conscious, or if H&M gets criticized for any of their factory processes, these are all good things.”

VANS PARTNERS WITH SUMMER BUMMER ON WOMEN’S SHOES AND APPAREL – Footwear News
“Dov Charney, the founder and ousted CEO of American Apparel, is scouting sites for a factory in South Central Los Angeles as he plots his comeback, Bloomberg reported. Charney’s new venture reportedly will sell USA-made basics, starting off as a wholesale business and then expanding into a consumer online brand.”

LANDS’ END INTRODUCES CANVAS BY LANDS’ END – FashionMag
“Lands’ End on Friday announced the launch of Canvas by Lands’ End, a youthful, modern collection for men and women. The new line is designed in America and developed in Italy, with strong global influences in all aspects of styling, design and fit. The simple and chic collection consists of versatile styles featuring brush strokes on dresses, star prints and vibrant colors, as well as a range of fabrics woven in Italy. Prices range from $85 for a long sleeve silk tee to $275 for a short swing parka.”

SOULCYCLE’S FOUNDERS HAVE RESIGNED – Business Insider
“SoulCycle’s cofounders are leaving their positions at the brand. Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice “have resigned as co-chief creative officers to ‘pursue new projects,'” SoulCycle confirmed to Business Insider. It added that “they will continue to serve on the board to support the long-term vision of SoulCycle. We are forever grateful to Elizabeth and Julie for creating this incredible company.” The pair founded SoulCycle a decade ago with one studio on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York.”

WHY THE LUXURY INDUSTRY IS UNDER PRESSURE AS LOW-END BUSINESSES THRIVE – Footwear News
“Would-be high rollers are keeping a tighter grip on their wallets these days. For many, cheaper fuel and more job availability (lower unemployment rate) translate into higher levels of discretionary spending. But the factors that signal economic strength for some have markedly different implications for others — particularly luxury-goods clientele. As discount and off-price retailers The TJX Companies Inc., Ross Stores Inc., DSW Inc. and others appear to thrive, the luxury sector — impacted by record-low oil prices, FX volatility and other market pressures — is taking quite the hit.”