In the wonderful world of fashion, everyone — and everything — is connected. We’re taking a look at who and what made waves in the past seven days, and weaving a common thread between them. From loafer-based lawsuits to cartoon mice in Paris, this is your one-stop style-story shop.
Common Thread Week Of November 16
1. Gap. Our favourite purveyor of neon chinos and “Favourite Ts” has been slapped with a lawsuit by shoe designer Charles Philip Shanghai, claiming Gap copied multiple styles of his celebrity-celebrated tasseled flats. With names like “Phillip Slipper” stamped on the inside of the look-a-like loafer, Shanghai is concerned his customers might get confused, thinking he collaborated with the mega retailer.
Do you know who doesn’t mind partnering up with a well-known fashion retail chain?
2. Joe Fresh. Not only will this surprisingly cool Canadian grocery-store clothing line be sold at about 700 JCPenney locations across the U.S., it also plans to piggyback on JCPenney’s existing website and launch their own Joe Fresh e-commerce shop-within-a-shop. No word on whether they’ll ship to Canada, but since most Canadians can already pick up a $49 sweater while shopping for baking supplies, we’re not too disappointed.
Do you know what other American department store is inviting in some colourful characters?
3. Barneys. Minnie and Mickey Mouse take on Paris Fashion Week in this adorable cartoon Barneys put out to promote the holiday season. Prepare to be swept away into a sweet style adventure with a whole cast of characters you’ll recognize, from Anna dello Russo and Emmanuelle Alt to Goofy (decked out in Balmain) and Daisy Duck (donning Dolce & Gabbana).
Do you know who else released a unique fashion video this week?
4. Louis Vuitton.This historic design house is breaking new ground with its first ever full-length TV ad. Starring designer darling Arizona Muse and a mysterious man lurking handsomely in the shadows, our heroine makes eyes at the Mona Lisa, opens an iconic monogrammed LV trunk and sails off in a red-and-white-striped hot-air balloon. All in a day’s work.
Do you know where else Arizona Muse was spotted this week?
5. CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 2012 Awards. The who’s who of the American fashion industry gathered together to celebrate their best and brightest. Greg Chait of the Elder Statesman won the top prize (past winners include Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler), but it was the parade of primped models, editors, designers and celebrities who drew the most attention.
Do you know who would have given her Joseph zebra-striped jersey jacket to be at that party?
6. Ab Fab’s Patsy Stone. British actress Joanna Lumley, who played Patsy Stone in fashion’s favourite comedy 'Absolutely Fabulous,' auctioned off some of her most beloved designer costumes from the show for The Prince’s Trust charity in England. The clothes fetched triple the expectant price, proving that Ab Fab fans are both generous and gaga for garish prints.