Industry News – June 17, 2016

Curated fashion industry news links for Friday, June 17th, 2016…

TARGET STAFFS UP FOR TOP-SECRET PROJECT – RetailingToday
“Target Corp. is continuing to hire tech experts for its ultra-secret “Goldfish” project, with the newest recruit being the former chief technology officer of sports news website Bleacher Report. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reported that Sam Parnell has joined Target with a title of VP of innovation, and be based in the company’s office in Sunnyvale, California.”

GRACE WALES BONNER WINS LVMH PRIZE FOR YOUNG DESIGNERS – TheNewYorkTimes
“Grace Wales Bonner, the 25-year-old breakout star of the London men’s wear scene who has become known for collections that explore black culture and identity, has won the LVMH 2016 prize for emerging talent. She is the third London-based designer, and the third graduate of Central Saint Martins in a row, to win the prize, which was introduced in November 2013. Ms. Wales Bonner will receive a grant of 300,000 euros (about $335,000), plus a year of coaching and mentorship from LVMH executives, the French luxury group announced Thursday at a ceremony at the Louis Vuitton Foundation art museum in Paris.”

YOU CAN NOW PERSONALIZE YOUR FERRAGAMO TIE – Bloomberg
“A new “Made-to-Order” tie program, started June 14, aims to honor the brand’s original principle of “dressing the client from head to toe.” The first wave will come in 11 styles: eight prints and three jacquards (which is a design woven onto the fabric). All the styles will come in multiple color variations.”

MEET THE NEW BRAND MAKING EDGY GYM GEAR FOR DRAPEY TEE LOVERS – GQ
“Enter: STLR Aesthetics, a new, NYC-based athletic line that looks like what would happen if Rick Owens were to branch out into workout gear. In other words, it’s an edgier breed of wicking tees and gym shorts. And while we’re all for bright colors and fitted cuts when it comes to gym clothes, we can think of a lot of folks who’ve been waiting for something like this to come along. Anyone who’s ever referred to himself as “health goth,” for one, and guys who are so ripped they make every shirt look like a compression shirt, for another.”

ADIDAS, UNDER ARMOUR, VANS LEAD MOBILE TRAFFIC GROWTH IN MAY – FootwearNews
“Under Armour Inc.’s desktop traffic increased 35 percent year-over-year while mobile growth skyrocketed 228 percent, Kernan noted. VF Corp.-owned Vans saw its desktop traffic climb 24 percent and its mobile traffic advance 125 percent; meanwhile, Adidas Group’s desktop traffic grew 26 percent, with mobile traffic up 38 percent. Although Kernan noted that Nike Inc. continues to lead total desktop and mobile visits, the brand saw desktop traffic decelerate in May, slipping 12 percent, while mobile traffic gained 40 percent.”