Thursday, May 18, 2006

New A.P.C. Denim



Check out these new offerings from the French brand, A.P.C.

The $140 Capri denim for women.

Supertight Unisex jeans starting at $140.

Monday, May 15, 2006

True Religion Anti-Counterfeit Efforts Paying Off

Press Release:

"
True Religion Apparel Inc. (Nasdaq: TRLG) today announced that the Company has recently won two court default judgments against several individuals and businesses charged with importing and selling counterfeit True Religion Brand Jeans. The default judgment orders from both cases total approximately $1 million, after legal expenses. In one of the legal cases, True Religion Brand Jeans worked together with Ben Sherman Ltd. to pursue a claim against individuals and businesses charged with selling counterfeit clothing for both brands. The five hundred thousand dollar judgment in that case was awarded jointly to both plaintiffs.

"We actively enforce our zero tolerance policy on counterfeiting and will continue to protect our trademark whenever and wherever appropriate," commented Jeffrey Lubell, Chairman and CEO. "As the visibility of the True Religion brand continues to grow both in the U.S. and abroad, we are working aggressively to protect our intellectual property and ensure that only authorized department stores and specialty store customers receive our authentic, high-quality, custom-fit goods."

"

True Religion
Earnest Sewn Gets New Commercial Director

ES is expanding with new retail outlets and new merchandise categories. Douglas Babbit joins the team as Commercial Director. Press release:

"Earnest Sewn is excited to announce the companies' newest hire, Douglas Babbit, who is joining the management team as the Executive VP / Worldwide Commercial Director. Douglas will oversee both Earnest Sewn and An Earnest Cut & Sew collections, Worldwide Sales, International Distributors, and the Retail Operation.

Babbit was brought on board to facilitate the management of Earnest Sewn's rapid market growth by developing cross channels between the wholesale and retail businesses. As Director of Sales of GFT in Canada from 1989 to 1996, he successfully launched and managed the distribution and marketing of Calvin Klein and Joseph Abboud to the Canadian market. In 2001 he joined the Diesel team as the GMM of the retail division where he directed all operations for the buying office. During his tenure at Diesel the Retail Division grew from 10 - 30 plus stores and close to $100 Million in sales. In 2004 he became the Commercial Operations Director for Diesel USA and served as Chair of Commercial Operations, managing all aspects of purchasing and inventory, facilitating smooth communications and operational procedures between wholesale, retail, Logistics, IT and finance.

From its conception in March 2004, Earnest Sewn has grown from a 4 person operation to over 30 full time employees. The company opened its first concept/lifestyle retail store in Manhattan's Meat packing district in April of 2005 and wholesales its denim in over 30 countries world wide. An Earnest Cut & Sew clothing collection for both men and women debuted for Fall 06 this past season with an overwhelming press and market response. In July of 2005, the company invested in Corpus Denim, a small LA based men's directional denim line, taking over marketing and sales. By providing infrastructure, Earnest Sewn doubled Corpus's wholesale sales and expanded distribution two fold.

Earnest Sewn will utilize Douglas Babbit's developed industry experience to facilitate the companies' expansion plans including opening new retail stores worldwide, developing its clothing collections into new categories and building sales."

Earnest Sewn

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Basket of denim paint.


Posted by ShoZu

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Banana Republic jeans. Selvedge.

Posted by ShoZu

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Jean Shop jeans

Posted by ShoZu

Thursday, May 04, 2006



New Corpus Selvedge Jean

Corpus is dropping a new jean with some refreshing design details. Called the TAL-S, it is a men's raw, slim and tapered-leg jean with selvedge side seams and comes with removable suspenders. I haven't seen it in person yet but I'm liking the details (see pic). While I'm not a big fan of the tapered legs I may give this one a shot.

They're being distributed at Ron Herman and Barney's for $240.

Here's their pitch:

"CORPUS designers, Jerrod Cornish and Keith Richardson are proud to introduce the new Tal-S jean for men. The TAL-S jean features a slim tapered fit, and is crafted from the highest quality eleven ounce, 100% cotton, Selvedge denim. The "S" is for the premium selvedge which is made on some of the last remaining original American looms of their generation. Tal-S is currently offered in the raw indigo denim form only.

The TAL-S concept is a classic, working-class Americana tradition with an updated mod twist. The narrow, tailored fit is combined with details that are evocative of the traditional workman jean such as the coin pocket and one-piece custom tack button. All TAL-S jeans feature removable suspenders that attach to Italian leather buttons at the waist.

Corpus combines the tradition of fine craftsmanship with innovative, forward-thinking fashion design to create the most exciting luxury denim line on the market. The playfully sophisticated TAL-S jean is one of the latest additions to the Corpus denim collection for men."

Corpus Clothing Website

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

True Religion Q1 2006 Results

True Religion (TRLG) just announced their first quarter financial results for this year. Business Wire summarizes that True Religion:

1Q06 Revenues Increase 77% to $35.6 Million
1Q06 Diluted EPS Increase 65% to $0.28
Issues Sales and Earnings Guidance for 2Q06
Reiterates Comfort with FY06 Financial Estimates

AP is noting, "Analysts predicted a profit of 27 cents on sales of $35.4 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial." Despite seemingly strong growth, TRLG offered Q2 guidance be below expectations.

At this time I direct you to Herb Greenberg's thoughts on True Religion's possible channel stuffing activities last year. Via MarketWatch.

Business Wire via Yahoo Finance

Business Wire via True Religion