Evidently the luxury sector has proven to be steadfast in the eye of the economic downtown. Most luxury good companies are reporting positive financial gains this year, proving that people are still willing to pay for top- notch goods. Hermes International reported net gains of 55% this year when compared to its sales just last year. Not only are sales up 17% in France- Hermes's home- but the company is also registering growth in Asia and the United States. Hermes also plans to open and renovate 20 of its international boutiques this year.

Burberry Prorsum has proven in the past year to have one of the most exciting and innovative marketing strategies in fashion these days. The british brand has taken their runway shows to a whole new level by offering a live web stream and the option for people to buy the collection straight from the runway. During their last runway presentation in February, Burberry sold about 20 outerwear jackets from their aviator theme collection designed by Christopher Bailey. For their Spring 2011 runway show this September 21, Burberry will be offering the same immediate online sales with delivery in just a few weeks. It isn't certain exactly how much of the collection will be offered online but the brand intends to offer a variety of items including handbags. Burberry is at the leading edge with e-commerce, creating excitement for a generation who loves the opportunity to own the latest in fashion before it hits the stores.





Looks From Burberry's Fall 2010 Runway Show.

While shopping in Amsterdam's old city center we came across a really cool menswear label called Ontfront. The young designers Liza Koifman and Tomas Overtoom are creating a really cool brand that offers men clothing that is both Avant-garde and wearable. Superb tailoring and really innovative details were some of the things that really caught our eye when we passed by their pop up shop. Shirts and coats with intricate cuts and inserts which make the garments look modern and architectural. We specially loved the silk nylon shirts inspired by a trench coat and the tank top vests with overlay insert details on the chest. If you are in Amsterdam this summer be sure to visit their pop up shop which will be open till October.

Ontfront
Oude nieuwstraat 23
1012TD Amsterdam
Ontfront.com





Looks above are from Ontfront Spring / Summer 2010 collection





Looks above are from Ontfront Fall / winter 2010 collection

Trendcocktail was in the beautiful city of Tel Aviv in Israel last week. We found the city to be very cosmopolitan with many excellent hotels, beautiful beaches and friendly people. The young Israelis have a bohemian chic style that reflects the attitude of this wonderful city.

One of the best shopping centers in Tel Aviv is Dizengof Center. The architecture is modern and it has a very unique mix of shops varying in prices and styles. This is a great meeting point for many locals.
We found a really great neighborhood in Tel Aviv called Nevei Tzedek that has a very European flair with quaint streets and beautiful homes as well as stylish boutiques. One of our favorite shops was Dunia Bags; it carries one of kind natural handmade leather bags and accessories.

Next to Nevei Tzedek we found the Tahana an outdoor shopping center that was built where the old Jaffa train station used to be since 1890. The Tahana is really nice and it's still considered very new and special. There are many boutiques with some cool Israeli labels such as: Shoofra, Yosef, Charlie Paloma, Hella Ganor, Studio Noah, Bellinky Oolalaa, Naama Bezalel, Razili, Butterfly, Ido Recanati, Shika, Tamarindi, Ronen Chen, Elise, Harraca, Efrat Cassouto.

It's almost a perfect match made in heaven, edgy modern British designer Gareth Pugh opens his first shop in Hong Kong. In a city where shopping is almost a full-time job, Hong Kong is the perfect location for a designer like Gareth. The 658 square foot store opened last Saturday and is located in a central shopping area near other avant-garde designers such as Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester and Commes des Garcons. And if this does not give Gareth confidence about the future success of his store, Gucci is around the corner and Hermes is across the street from his store.

Due to its young, new modern sensibility over the last few years since Christopher Bailey has become creative director, the Burberry ad campaign has been an industry leader in trends to come for the latest season. The newest Fall campaign ad just released stars British model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whitely (on right), who just replaced Megan Fox in the Transformers movie series.

The American luxe Sportswear designer Michael Kors has decided to open its largest store to date in Paris Spring 2011. The 7,000 square foot store will sell his womenswear and menswear collections, along with eyewear, handbags, shoes and other accessories. This new free-standing location will be the company's 4th store in Europe following stores in Milan, London and Munich.

Not only has model Arlenis Sosa become a darling on fashion runways the past few years, the Dominican beauty has also landed a multi-million dollar cosmetics campaign with Lancome. Shot by renouned fashion photographer Mario Testino, the new Teint Idole pigment foundation by Lancome has found Arlenis to be its perfect cover model.

Jonathan Simkhai has decided that there is no need for women to borrow from their boyfriends clothes any longer. With boyfriend fits being the trend for the past few seasons in retail, Simkhai has decided to make his latest Fall 2010 collection based on the slouchy chic boyfriend fit. The designer's collection is not oversized, the collection is all thoughtfully tailored to flatter women’s figures. “I make pieces skinnier, drop crotches, and add feminine silhouettes,” explained the intuitive 24-year-old designer. “Guys wear everything big, but girls want to feel shape somewhere" said Simkhai. The overall look is deceptively carefree without skimping on luxury, but ultimately, “It’s about comfort,” concluded the new designer who's a native New Yorker. We think many women will want to dress like this.

Tom Ford is building his empire one line at a time. After the designer left Gucci a few years back and took a small hiatus. Ford has come back strong first focusing on his luxury Menswear line, than as a movie director and now he is gearing up his Womenswear offering with eyewear, cosmetics, and yes- he is also in talks for a Womenswear line. Having recently tapped Givenchy's ready-to-wear designer Caroline Tixier and the former accessories designer of Alexander McQueen Pablo Coppola, we are sure that great things are to come for Womenswear Tom Ford label.

The elegant designer Carolina Herrera was in Moscow last week to open her first boutique in Tsum a high end department store. Russia has one of the largest luxury markets and Carolina is confident that her brand will be in demand and welcomed in this beautiful city. At the opening the VIP guests were mainly interested in her evening gowns which are beautiful, sophisticated and perfect for any red carpet appearance. It is an intelligent move for Carolina to venture her business internationally and specially in a city like Moscow.



Carolina Herrera



Looks from Carolina's Spring 2010 collection

The Harvey Nichol's 4th floor was a place to find exquisite high-end homewares. Now the British high-fashion retail store has revamped the 4th floor and given it a fashion makeover. Designers like Versus by Christopher Kane, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone, Acne, and T by Alexander Wang can now all be found there. The retail space itself is also updated to be bright and modern designed by Christian Biecher. Vintage fashion magazines and books can also be enjoyed while shopping. The mix of the brands is exciting and fresh which gives a choice of a more edited selection brand specific merchandise, which could be fashion's future.



Acne

T by Alexander Wang

Lara Stone, the model of the moment has become the latest muse of many designers. Chanel did a mini-movie with the model and besides covers on Vogue, she has recently been on the cover of W Magazine which named her "Fashion's It Girl". Trendcocktail had recently met Lara at Fashion Week and she quickly became a model fave. This time around, its designer Marc Jacobs of Louis Vuitton who is putting their bets on Lara after 2 past campaigns featuring pop icon Madonna. The new Spring/ Summer ads featuring Lara are shot by photographer Steven Meisel and feature Louis Vuitton clothing and handbags.

While shopping in Amsterdam we found Joosje the most wonderful vintage store for women. The shop carries beautiful dresses in silk and other delicate fabrics many of them with gorgeous prints and trims we also found very feminine blouses and unique jewelry pieces as well as shoes and accessories all tastefully displayed in the most charming atmosphere. Tom, the owner of the shop has expertly selected each item himself with his European best knowledge and flare. Stop by and say hello, he'll make you feel right at home.

Joosje
Spuistraat 62hs
1012TW Amsterdam
www.joosjeamsterdam.nl
Tel: 0206202711