Industry News – April 20th, 2016

Curated fashion industry news links for Wednesday, April 20th, 2016…

NORDSTROM TO ELIMINATE 300 TO 400 JOBS – RetailingToday
“Nordstrom announced it will phase out 350 to 400 jobs, primarily in its corporate center and regional support teams, through the end of the second quarter. The retailer described the reductions as changes in its operating model in order to “continually evolve with the expectations of its customers, ensure it is best positioned to respond to the current business environment, and meet long-term growth plans.” The changes are estimated to generate savings of approximately $60 million in fiscal 2016. In an effort to minimize impacts on current employees, the company said it will first look at such options as closing unfilled open positions. Employees whose roles are eliminated will receive separation pay and benefits.”

DID CALVIN KLEIN JUST PART WAYS WITH FRANCISCO COSTA & ITALO ZUCCHELLI TO MAKE WAY FOR RAF SIMONS? – HypeBeast
“Calvin Klein has parted ways with Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli. The American fashion house has announced that Costa and Zucchelli — who lead Klein’s womenswear and menswear, respectively — are leaving the label, effective immediately. Equally as interesting is the announcement that all Calvin Klein brands — including the likes of Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear — will fall under a single creative director going forward.”

LUXURY SHOE BRAND PERLA FORMENTINI OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES IN THE U.S. WITH DEBUT SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION – PRNewswire
“Perla Formentini is a female led company and its design team is mostly made up of women. The brand is committed to producing luxury quality shoes at an affordable price for every occasion in a woman’s life. “We are so proud to be a company for women by women,” say founders Perla Formentini and Bianca Tse. “We lead such busy lives today, balancing family, work and leisure. We really want to design shoes that can fit our lifestyles, and are especially excited about the launch of our brand in the US.”

MAC IS TEAMING UP WITH TROLLS FOR A NEW COLLECTION – Nylon
“Remember those troll dolls you used to play with when you were younger? Naked, pretty damn ugly, and with neon shades of hair? Well, in a surprise development, they are now breaking into the world of beauty. MAC is teaming up with the brightly hued dolls for their next collaboration, and it’s going to be just as colorful as you could imagine. The MAC Good Luck Trolls collection will celebrate the toys, which have been gracing us with their presence since the ’60s.”

RIHANNA WANTS YOUR FEET TO BE SEXY FOR SUMMER– NYMag
“If you can’t wait until 2017 to satisfy your Rihanna merchandise fix, consider her third collaboration with sock-maker Stance. In a similar spirit to her sold-out holiday collection, Rihanna’s summer line with Stance — which goes on sale today — features a mostly sheer lineup. There are thigh-high stockings that bear the number eight (to commemorate Rihanna’s eighth album) and dainty lace-ankle versions that are topped with a sporty band. You could pair the socks with sneakers or even sandals before the weather gets too warm — you know, to get a leg up on summer.”