Industry News – April 21st, 2016

Curated fashion industry news links for Thursday, April 21st, 2016…

WOMAN SUES NIKE FOR ‘DECEPTIVE’ OUTLET PRICING – FootwearNews
“Monika Taylor says she has been duped by the Swoosh. According to Portland, Ore.-based news outlet KOIN 6, Taylor filed a suit Monday in U.S. District Court, alleging that Nike Inc. has been “deceptive and misleading” in its labeling and marketing of items sold at company-owned outlet stores. In a copy of the suit posted by KOIN 6 on its website, Taylor said she observed during a visit last year to a Nike outlet store in Orange, Calif., that merchandise carried labels that included an “MRSP” next to a significantly reduced “OUR PRICE.” Allegedly persuaded by her belief that she was receiving a “bargain,” Taylor said she purchased several items, including a Jordan brand shirt and Air Jordan socks.”

THE UNLIKELY CHAMPION OF ASHLEY STEWART– RetailingToday
“James Rhee is a tech-savvy numbers and operations guy, but the private equity investor-turned retailer relied on more than business smarts and technology to help revive Ashley Stewart. Realizing that the plus-sized brand inspired a deep love among its customers, he developed a core strategy of kindness and loyalty, a strategy that recognized Ashley Stewart represented respect, community and joy to its shoppers. And he proved extremely adept at using social media and mobile channels to get the message out and connect with customers in a way that many larger brands can only envy.”

3.1 PHILLIP LIM TEAMS WITH MAYA LIN ON CHARITABLE TEES FOR EARTH DAY – Vogue
“Lim’s answer was to create a limited-edition series of organic cotton tees featuring the footprints of endangered species on the brink of extinction—the Siberian crane, the African elephant, the black rhinoceros, and the tiger. “It’s quite impactful when you realize the footprints are actually to scale,” he said. “I knew the design couldn’t be pictures of the animals looking cute and cuddly—these footprints will be the only things left of them if we don’t do anything.”

HOW REBEL NELL IS EMPOWERING THE WOMEN OF DETROIT THROUGH GRAFFITI JEWELRY– Forbes
“Jewelry has the mystical way of bolstering one’s self esteem, empowering the wearer to feel distinct, beautiful, and confident. Taking this theory to heart is Rebel Nell, a new Detroit-based jewelry line that hires women who are down on their luck, and teaches them the art of jewelry making as a way to overcome their financial hardships. Not only is the brand employing the Motor City’s locals, supporting an impoverished economy that saw American companies outsourcing to foreign countries, it is also making use of the leftover, crumbling materials that are abundant in the former booming metropolis—namely, graffiti.”

EVA LONGORIA IS DESIGNING WINE-THEMED T-SHIRTS – Yahoo!Style
“Longoria’s clothing line, which will be created using strong fabrics such as knits and bouclé making the price point 15 to 25 percent higher than usual, will feature denim, bodycon dresses, peplum tops, dresses, jeggings, and T-shirts with sayings such as “Life is too short to drink bad wine,” “Money doesn’t make you happy, wine does,” and #winegoals.”