Industry News – April 8th, 2016

Curated fashion industry news links for Friday, April 8th, 2016…

REBECCA MINKOFF TO DEBUT STORES IN DUBAI AND ABU DHABI – FootwearNews
“We’re thrilled to be opening our first brick-and-mortar locations in the Middle East,” said Uri Minkoff, CEO and co-founder of Rebecca Minkoff, in a statement. “Having a presence in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi — such exceptionally diverse cities — has been a longtime goal of ours. We strive to connect with our customers on a global scale and design our stores with a millennial customer in mind. Breaking into this market will give us an opportunity to directly connect and cater to our next generation Middle Eastern customers.”

VICTORIA’S SECRET RESTRUCTURES, CUTS 200 JOBS – RetailingToday
“L Brands announced a series of broad changes at its $7.7 billion Victoria’s Secret division in conjunction with the release of solid sales results for the five week period ended April 2. The company said it plans to streamline it organization by eliminating the jobs of approximately 200 people at its Columbus, Ohio and New York offices, split the division into three business units, eliminate certain merchandise categories and integrate its direct business as a primarily digital channel. The changes come two months after former Victoria’s Secret CEO Sharen Jester Turney announced plans to leave the company after 16 years in key leadership positions, including the past 10 as CEO of the brand. Wexner assumed leadership of Victoria’s Secret after Turney’s departure. Under the newly announced organizational structure the heads of the Victoria’s Secret Lingerie, PINK and Victoria’s Secret Beauty units will report to Wexner.”

& OTHER STORIES IS COMING TO BEVERLY HILLS THIS FALL – Pret-a-Reporter
“Aother New York City favorite — It-girl approved & Other Stories — is landing in the City of Angels. H&M’s little sister line, which currently operates two brick-and-mortar spaces in NYC in addition to their online store, will make its way to the Golden State this fall with two brand new SoCal locations. The first space at 370 Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills (currently occupied by The Gap) is scheduled to open just in time for the holidays. As reported last month, a second space will also open at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.”

WHITNEY PORT HIT UP TARGET ABOUT COLLABORATING & APPARENTLY, IT WORKED – Refinery29
“Now, the Minnesota-based chain is gearing up for another sweat-centric collab, but this time, it’s not with a cult boutique fitness chain; it’s with Whitney Port. The reality personality turned designer revealed that she’s got an upcoming activewear collection set to drop in the fall, according to to WWD. The former star of The Hills and The City has been working on her own label, Whitney Eve, since 2008. She’s already had a few collabs, mostly with international brands. This Target line would be Port’s first foray into activewear, though. Apparently, Port actually approached Target about doing a collection for the big-box retailer after a friend recommended she give it a shot.”

LULULEMON EXPANDS ITS LINE OF EXCLUSIVE, PECULIAR SHOPS – Bloomberg
“Lululemon’s new lab looks nothing like its 363 other stores around the world. Nestled on a quiet street in New York’s NoHo neighborhood, it’s more posh fashion boutique than yoga pant peddler. Bicycles hang on a wall near the entrance, a nod to the city’s commuter lifestyle; sewing machines sit on tables in the back.