the Fashion BLOC: Kohl's and Aldo partner to make shoes FAB!

Today it was announced that beginning Spring 2011, Aldo Group International will design and produce exclusive footwear products to be sold at Kohl's and Kohls.com under select private and exclusive brands. Since 47% of Kohl's sales were as a result of its successful private and exclusive brand strategy in the first quarter of 2010, this team up is just taking the brand one step further. Especially, with footwear being a key growth area (no pun intended). 


According to Don Brennan, senior executive vice president at Kohl's Department Stores, "Kohl's is incredibly excited to announce this unique collaboration with Aldo, who is globally respected for its design expertise and leadership in the footwear industry."


I'm looking forward to what both brands have to offer. Besides with Aldo's Fashion and Kohl's prices, you know a maximizing shoe fashionista such as myself will be present front and center. What do you think of this unique partnership???

Courtesy of Market Watch

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the Fashion BLOC: Madewell to Open up 3 more Storefronts!

Of course, you know by now that J Crew's baby, Madewell is online as of this month (GO NOW www.Madewell.com!). Some of my fave lines (H&M, United Colors of Benetton) are still not online meaning you can only go into a store in order to get their glorious things. Hopefully, they will join Madewell in this new journey.


But for Madewell, it wasn't enough for them to make their FIRST online debut, J Crew clearly doesn't just want to stop there. In fact, they are planning 3 more storefronts for University Village in Seattle, Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, and Georgetown in Washington D.C, to bring the total count of Madewell boutiques to 20 in the U.S. 


Is this the New World Madewell takeover?! I think so. Do I like it? Yes, I do. 

Courtesy of WWD

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the Fashion BLOC: Dolce & Gabbana join forces with Martini to lift "spirits"

What's better than shopping while having a drink? I'll answer that for you, not very much can beat that combo. If you feel the same way I do, you are gonna jizz at the very thought of this new partnership. None other than our fave Italian designers, Dolce & Gabbana have partnered up with Bacardi's vermouth brand, Martini for a rare but much needed match-up which includes bars at their stores in Milan and Shanghai and the launch of a menswear line. Its said they have tasted and will unveil this glorious drink during Milan's Menswear Fashion Week. What I love is that D & G is taking a non-conventional route of wine and spirits with this partnership unlike other groups who have done jewelry, perfume, hotels, etc.  It takes innovation to sustain such a brand and I can't wait to see (taste) this new venture! I'm sure we will see Madonna taking a sip in campaigns for D&G all over. 

Happy Early 20th Anniversary Dolce & Gabanna Menswear!

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