Uniqlo’s U.S. Expansion

[Flickr/Ricecake That!]

It’s been confirmed by Women’s Wear Daily – Fast Retailing (the parent company behind Uniqlo) announced during the National Retail Federation’s convention and expo that the Japanese clothing brand will be opening more U.S. stores  and taking it’s business online. W00t! W00t!

Let’s hope that one of these new brick-and-mortar locations includes San Fransisco – I can see the store fitting nicely in Union Square or even next to the New People mall in Japantown. But if they skip over us Bay Area peeps, at least, we’ll be able to shop online.

Filed under: Breaking News, Fashion, Retail, Fashion, Japan, Retail, San Francisco Bay Area, Uniqlo, Web Site

Trands Redfines ‘Made in China’ Label

[Flickr/Dagg2008]

What comes to mind when you hear that something’s been made in China? Let me guess. You’d probably call it a cheaply made knockoff or you’d be very concerned about lead/melamine poisoning. Well, when it comes to suits, think again!

Over the past three months or so, I’ve seen an increase in impressive top-tier coverage of a relatively unknown Chinese clothing brand based in Dalian, China (an industrial/manufacturing port city in the northeast). This “brand” is hardly the next Shanghai Tang trying to establish itself as a global luxury brand, nor is it growing powerhouse retailer like Uniqlo. So what’s with all the media attention from CNN, Bloomberg News and The Wall Street Journal (see video below)?

Since it’s extremely unlikely that Trands has retained a public relations agency, the media buzz can only explained by their star customer, Warren Buffet. Yes, you heard right – Warren Buffett, the second richest man in the world who’s better known for his investment strategies than his sense of fashion and style.

Mr. Buffett loves Trands so much that he’s been quoted on the record that he only wears these “Made in China” suits and has thrown out everything else. While he’s hardly a fashion icon, I wouldn’t be surprised if this $700+ Chinese suit becomes the next symbol of wealth and power for businessmen around the world.

[WSJ.com/vodpod]

Filed under: Fashion, Marketing, Retail, Asian, China, Dayang Trands, Fashion, International Marketing, Made in China, Marketing, Suits, Trands

OBAMAO, Funny HaHa or Funny Weird?

[Obamao via Flickr]

OBAMAO – this just cracks me up! I wonder who thought it’d be a good money-making idea to combine the iconic images of President Obama with Chairman Mao. While this image makes me chuckle, too bad the Chinese government didn’t think Obama would find it funny.

During the U.S. president’s visit to Shanghai this week, there was an official crack down on the buying and selling of these tourist souvenirs. Didn’t matter if you were a local or a foreigner, this stuff was a no-no. Too bad CNN correspondent, Emily Chang, didn’t get the memo. It was reported that she was detained for a couple of hours for trying to get some footage this “industry” in action.

Fortunately for the rest of us, we can head over to eBay and purchase some lovely Obamao holiday gifts. I’m sure kids everywhere can’t wait to get this trucker hat. Only $4.99 right now, so act fast!

Filed under: Breaking News, Fashion, China, Mao, Obama, Obama-Mao, Obamao, Souvenirs

YesStyle Opens San Francisco Store

It’s not Uniqlo, but it’s start. Earlier this week, PSK gave me the heads up that YesStyle.com – the fashion/beauty/accessories spin off to YesAsia.com – is launching it’s first brick and motor store in San Francisco’s Stonestown Galleria today at 2:00 p.m. PT. If you’re in the area and are free – you should check it out and pick up some free gifts:

The first 10 customers who make a purchase on opening day will receive a free Momoko Doll valued at $139*. The following 100 customers who make purchases receive a free Green Banana Beanie (value $25).

As an FYI to everyone who’s not familiar with YesStyle.com, it’s an online store where you can buy FOB style clothes (e.g., the latest styles and fashion trends in Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan). I’ve never shopped on the site, but I have friends that love the site.

Filed under: Beauty, Breaking News, Fashion, Retail, Asian, Beauty, China, Designer, Fashion, Retail, San Francisco Bay Area, YesStyle

Asian America’s Rising Stars in Fashion

Desfiles Alexander Wang, originally uploaded by ladylikeliving.

I just read an interesting article in The Wall Street Journal today by Ray Smith about the rise of Asian American designers in the U.S. fashion world. Names like Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Philip Lim, Doo-Ri Chung and Derek Lam are rising among the ranks and their rising fast.

What I appreciate the most is that these designers do not rely on their heritage for inspiration. There are no East-meets-West themes where everything looks like a funky kimono or qipao. Instead they are making modern clothes that have universal appeal. Here’s my favorite part of the story:

Today’s Asian-American designers don’t wear their “otherness” on their sleeves as did the wave of Japanese designers like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto, who took the fashion world by storm in the ’80s with avant-garde designs. Many young Asian-American designers’ clothes, such as Jason Wu’s blend of modernity with the intricacy of couture and Phillip Lim’s modern takes on classic looks, are generally aimed at a broad mainstream audience.

Do you have a favorite Asian American designer?

Filed under: Fashion, Alexander Wang, Asian-American, Derek Lam, Designer, Doo-Ri Chung, Fashion, Fashion Week, Jason Wu, Philip Lim