Billabong brand value collapses, posts giant loss

SYDNEY — Billabong reported a $769 million annual loss Tuesday that reflects a collapse in the value of its once hot surf and street fashion brands.

The company said it marked down the value of its assets by AU$867 million ($776 million). That write-off resulted in a net loss of AU$859.5 million ($769 million) for the financial year ended June 30.

The company has staggered through a series of business shake-ups and failed buyout offers. It says it is in the final stages of debt refinancing negotiations that will allow the business to rebuild.

Billabong’s global sales for the year fell 13 percent to AU$1.34 billion reflecting store closures, Europe’s weak economy and the fading allure of its brands.

The Billabong and other brands owned by the retailer were valued at AU$90 million in the company’s financial statements released Tuesday, down from AU$614 million two years earlier.

The company’s shares closed down 5.3 percent in Sydney.

source: business.inquirer.net

Hugo Boss to ‘intensify women’s range’–with Jason Wu as designer

Change is afoot at Hugo Boss, the high-end German apparel brand that recently held its Fall/Winter 2013 fashion show in glittering proceedings in Shanghai.

For one night last May, The Power Station of Art museum was transformed into the show’s venue.

Once the site of the Nanshi Power Plant built in 1897, it is now the first public museum of contemporary art in mainland China. Hours before the show, models could be seen smoking near the entrance while production staff arranged racks of fur-lined and fur-trimmed outerwear.

“We are a menswear brand and our core product is the suit,” said Dr. Gerrit Ruetzel, CEO and president of Hugo Boss (Asia Pacific). But, he added, they are prepared to “intensify the women’s range.”




On June 10, The New York Times ran an article, “A Newsy Morning for Fashion Designers,” by Eric Wilson. Wilson broke the news that designer Jason Wu has “added a role to his repertory” as the artistic designer of Boss women’s wear at Hugo Boss. His first collection for pre-Fall 2014 will be presented at New York Fashion Week next February.

The 30-year-old Taiwanese Canadian designer is probably best known for designing the dresses worn by First Lady Michelle Obama during the first and second inaugurations of US President Barack Obama. With Wu’s new post at Boss, one can look forward to a stronger women’s line for the primarily men’s brand.

But the Philippines won’t have the Hugo Boss ladies’ apparel or accessories anytime soon. Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI), the exclusive distributor of the label in the country, has decided to concentrate on strengthening existing lines—Boss and Boss Green—and store renovations this year.

The Shangri-La Plaza branch will adopt the new store concept of Hugo Boss.

Distinct look

Boss’ move to a more distinct look in the women’s range could already be seen especially with the label’s movie-like campaign, “Shanghai Affairs,” featuring Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling and male supermodel Jon Kortajarena.


In a series of three-minute videos, the protagonists who do not know each other are shown having a suit or a dress measured, resting at one of the cafes, or getting ready for a night out on the town.

A serendipitous mix-up—his suit is delivered to her room while her dress is delivered to his—finally forces the two to meet.

“The two limited-edition outfits used in the movie will be debuted for the first time on the runway… and will be available for order online,” Ruetzel said.

The knee-length sheath with a well-placed ruffle might seem quietly classy, but its 24-carat gold (gold-plated) zipper running down the back is all flash. The dress will be limited to 100 pieces and will come with a special garment bag and hangtag.

At the show, Puerto Rican top model Joan Smalls walked the Boss runway wearing the dress to applause from the audience consisting of 950 fashion followers.

“Our core DNA is really apparel, but we intend to focus next on shoes and accessories,” Ruetzel said.

China is the third largest fashion market after the US and Germany, and Asian consumers are more fashion-forward.

“I feel that in Asia, the fashion sense is highest. Europe is more ‘classical’ while the US is very business suit-oriented.”

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

KC Concepcion, Carmen Soo Figure In Int’l Sexiest Actress List

MANILA, Philippines – Coming right on the heels of the alleged discrimination to 100% Pinays by a local clothing company, actress KC Concepcion, who coincidentally is an endorser of the said brand, proved that pure-bred Pinays are still as beautiful as the half-breds by landing on the list of "25 Sexiest International Actresses You Haven't Heard Of.”

Compiled by New York-based magazine Complex on their website on June 6, Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s eldest daughter happens to be the only Filipina on the list. She was on the 23rd spot of the list along with other celebs from various countries such as India, Australia, Canada, England and Germany.

Under her photo was a brief bio of KC where her celebrity parents Sharon and Gabby Concepcion were mentioned.

The accomplished TV host-actress' achievements were also enumerated among them being a United Nations’ National Ambassador Against Hunger together with bits and pieces of her past and present showbiz projects.

But perhaps the most interesting detail in the profile was her being called a show business “royalty” who is not “riding on her mother’s coattails.”

Clearly, several visitors of the website agree that KC deserves to be on the list.

Commenter Perla opined that “KC Concepcion is a remarkable woman, a beautiful person inside and out, she is such a warm and loving person.”

Junky, on the other hand, lauded how KC was the only Filipino on the list and wrote, “Congratulations KC you deserve it, even though a lot of people wanted to put you down,they didn't succeed because you can never put a good woman down...you really are very beautiful and talented woman.. and now internationally they recognize you as one of the sexiest woman!!!!! keep it up!!”

Visitor Anne praised the “commonalities” among the stunning women on the list and how it appears that the list's creator didn't base their judgements solely on looks.

“I just noticed also, some of them are University graduates, Ambassador, etc... they got good Resume so to speak. Being SEXY is not all about the looks, it's about EVERYTHING & more... (intelligent people got sexy brains, & they got loads of BRILLIANT IDEAS, just like KC!),” she said.

Commenter Wonder questioned why TV host-recording star Anne Curtis wasn’t on the list when she has a string of achievements and a gorgeous face to cap it all off.

“After reading the top 25, how come Anne Curtis from the Philippines is not included? I believe Ms. Curtis also deserve such inclusion knowingly she's now filming ‘Blood Ransom’ in Hollywood and she's the Princess of All Media,” he queried.

Aside from KC, Malaysian actress Carmen Soo is also on the list at number five. The one on the top spot is Mexican actress Adriana Fonseca who also ranks high on People Spain’s “50 Most Beautiful People” list.

article source: mb.com.ph