Industry News – March 18th, 2016

Curated fashion industry news links for Friday, March 18th, 2016…

DRAMA AT THE MALL, AEROPOSTALE EXPLORES OPTIONS – RetailingToday
“A review of strategic alternatives is underway at mall-based specialty retailer Aeropostale following the deterioration of fourth quarter results and a supply chain disruption caused by a supplier dispute. In commenting on the company’s performance, Aeropostale CEO Julian Geiger cited a $7.6 million adjusted operating loss which he said was within guidance and a positive initial reaction to spring product. However, he also disclosed that management plans to explore a full range of strategic and financial alternatives, including a potential sale or restructuring of the company, while it pursues a new merchandising strategy across two formats.”

J.CREW IS TURNING INTO A DISCOUNT RETAILER – Business Insider
“J.Crew isn’t fully recovered from its troubled times just yet. Though its fourth quarter results weren’t nearly as dismal as its previous quarters, sales are still down. Comparable sales for the fourth quarter were down 5%, and comparable sales for the entire year were down 10%. Though the apparel is seeming to be more in line with what J.Crew customers want, the company now has to convince consumers to pay full price. This could be a challenge, especially considering how the company has been routinely discounting clothing.”

PIECES FROM RODARTE X & OTHER STORIES ARE ALREADY SOLD OUT – Pret-a-Reporter
“After Selena Gomez was spotted wearing a sequined gown and suede jacket from the Rodarte x & Other Stories collab, we knew we were in trouble.  Add to that appearances by Katy Perry and Dakota Fanning at the brands’ celebratory dinner in downtown L.A., and we basically didn’t stand a chance at picking up a piece from the covetable collection. Less than 24 hours after it became available online, the cropped silk tops, sparkly lurex tanks, zipped suede jacket, red velvet trousers, jewelry and more lust-worthy pieces were all sold-out.”

URBAN OUTFITTERS PHASES OUT ACTIVE BRAND – Pret-a-Reporter
“On Wednesday morning, Urban Outfitters Inc. revealed a number of changes that they hope will improve in-store customer experience. Both Anthropologie and Free People stores will be testing larger store locations, and there will be increased focus on beauty and intimates across all brands. Additionally, Urban Outfitters will phase out its Without Walls activewear shop, folding the pieces in with general men’s and women’s apparel.”

MEET ZACH MIKO, THE PLUS-SIZE MALE MODEL OUT TO CHANGE THE FASHION INDUSTRY – Vogue
“Every so often the modeling industry experiences a shake-up that opens the door for a new wave of talent, and the launch of IMG’s Brawn division—the powerhouse agency’s first board devoted wholly to plus-size men—is hoping to be exactly that. In the past, niche agencies have been dedicated to male models with bodies larger than standard, but this marks the first time one of the world’s foremost agencies has gotten in on the game.”

JEREMY SCOTT & MELISSA SHOES LAUNCH SPRING ’16 STYLES – FootwearNews
“Jeremy Scott is once again joining forces with Brazilian footwear brand Melissa Shoes. There are six styles on offer this season, including two that appeared in Scott’s spring ’16 runway show at New York Fashion Week. The inflatable mule and ankle boot hit the runway in September 2015, while the new styles include two pairs of flats, a sandal and a rain boot for kids. The flats feature heart and bow details on the toe, and the kids boots have adorable monkeys and flowers adorning them. All of the styles have an air nozzle to insinuate that they are inflatable.”