Tory Burch Manhattan Townhouse

Yohji Yammamoto (Y-3) Has Closed Both Of Its New York Stores

The both of Yohji Yamamoto's New York boutiques appear to have quietly closed their doors. The Grand Street store's windows were papered all over, and a note on the door read: "CLOSED." The Gansevoort street store is similarly shuttered, according to racked.com. When it was announced that Integral Corp. would rescue Yamamoto, the designer promised that the bump in the road would not affect his regularly scheduled shows in Paris.

Versace Closes Its New York Press Office Jobs Lost

Tomorrow will be the last day in the office for Versace's staffers Celia Nichols, U.S. PR director, and Lisa Hellman, vice president of communications and PR for Versace USA. Mindy Webster, former public relations manager, left the company before the holidays.

PR Consulting will take on Versace's public relations, which includes men's, women's, and Versace's newer Christopher Kane-helmed line, Versus.

Jimmy Choo And Ugg Australia To Collaborate On A Sheepskin Boot

Jimmy Choo and Ugg Australia announced a collaboration for a limited-edition co-branded women's sheepskin footwear products, which will be available in stores this October 2010.

The boots will be, based on the traditional Ugg "with design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand," will come in five styles in a variety of colors. They will be available in limited distribution at Jimmy Choo and Ugg stores (where they will retail between $595-$795), as well as select department and specialty stores, jimmychoo.com, and uggaustralia.com. This sound like it maybe a match made in heaven. Can't wait to view the collection.

Economy Force YSL To Close It Madison Avenue Location

The YSL boutique located at 885 Madison Avenue has closed. The boutique was known for a strong selection of ready-to-wear and accessories and its extremely attentive retail staff--not to mention those tempting end-of-season sales. YSL will continue to stock all merchandise at its flagship location at 3 East 57th Street, which opened in 2003. To bad to sad.

Prada And Cavalli US Companies Get New CEOs

Kress, formerly managing director of Bulgari's jewelry, watch and accessories division, is slated to take the place of Graziano de Boni, Prada's former U.S. head who left the company in October. The appointment is rumored to be effective today.

Roberto Cavalli has named Robert Donofrio CEO, the position is created in accordance with Roberto Cavalli's new management structure.

Louis Vuitton Public Relation Rep Quits For A Job At Chanel

Iana dos Reis Nunes, formerly public relations director for Louis Vuitton North America, has joined Chanel, Inc. as executive director of public relations for fashion, fine jewelry and watches, effective Monday. Dos Reis Nunes will report directly to Rebekah McCabe, Chanel's senior vice president, public relations, and will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic public relations plans to increase the brand's recognition in fashion, fine jewelry and watches.

Handbag Designer Liz Carey Sues Juicy Couture For Copyright Infringement

Purse designer and former model, Liz Carey, launched her accessory line Bird Handbags nearly four years ago in 2006. Carey explained that the inspiration for the line's name stemmed from her relationship with now ex-husband and Oasis drummer, Alan White. "In London guys call girls 'birds,' kind of how we call them 'chicks' here.

After the release of Juicy Couture's new bag line, "Bird," Carey has found herself in the midst of a copyright infringement lawsuit. The designer explained the series of events in recent months. "In May of 2009, I did the P.S. Arts Bag Lunch which is a charity event that different handbag designers attend, and it was held at the house of Juicy Couture co-founder Pam Skaist-Levy. Of course, I was really shocked when in August Juicy came out with their new bag collection, 'Bird.' "My first choice, of course, in any situation, is to resolve this amicably. We've approached Liz Claiborne, who owns Juicy Couture, and so far I have no indication that they want to resolve this any time soon."

Tory Burch Names Justin Giunta Design Director Of Jewelry

Tory Burch just named Justin Giunta her new design director of jewelry. Giunta launched his jewelry line Subversive in 2003 and has designed a collection for Target, but the Burch appointment is his first long-term gig with another label. His first Burch collection will debut for holiday-resort, allowing plenty of time to think of ways to make Burch's jewelry as popular as flats with giant metal plates.

The Unauthorised Biography on Miuccia Prada "Vita Prada" Released In Italy Last Month Is A Bestseller

Vita Prada, an unauthorized biography on Miuccia Prada which was released in Italy just before the holidays, is reportedly a bestseller in the country. The book, written by journalist Gian Luigi Paracchini, who covered fashion for twelve years at Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, chronicles how Miuccia first met future husband Patrizio Bertelli at a trade fair. And of course, the infamous moment when Patrizio, known for his temper, reportedly smashed the mirrors in a Miu Miu store "because they make everybody look fat" is included.

Macy's To Close Five Stores

Macy's said it would close five stores, affecting 307 full-and part-time employees, as part of an ongoing annual process to shutter underperforming locations.

Prada In Talks To Sell More Than Half Of Its Fashion House

The New York Post has revived rumors that Prada is nearing a deal to sell 60 percent of the company to Richemont an investment agency. "Richemont is expected to take a passive stake under the terms of the deal, which is still subject to sensitive negotiations, sources said," The Post reported.

Prada company spokesman Andrea Gaudenzi denies any negotiation whatsoever to sell any share to Richemont. These rumors just will not die. Where there is smoke there is fire.

Lanvin Sells 12 Percent Of Its Fashion House And Gets A New Director

The investors behind Lanvin's recently sold 12.5% stake has been revealed to be the Swiss-based, Bartel family--specifically, the German businessman Ralph Bartel. He has also been named the new director of Lanvin. The stake, sold in November for a value of about $39.3 million.

Armani Hotel Dubai Will Debut In March

Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and Emaar Properties have collaborated to open Armani Hotel Dubai, the first hotel under this partnership. Located in the word's tallest building, the Burj Dubai tower, the Armani Hotel Dubai is the first of a series of hotels and residences designed by Giorgio Armani to be opened up around the world.

Online bookings will go live late January 2010, and potential guests can register online at www.armanihotels.com to receive further details about the hotel. The doors will officially open on March 18, 2010.

Frédéric De Narp Cartier CEO Resigns And Is Now Harry Winston President

Less than 24 hours after Frédéric de Narp's official departure as president and CEO of Cartier North America, his new position has been announced. De Narp is the new president and chief executive officer of Harry Winston, Inc., which is owned by Harry Winston Diamond Corp. De Narp joined Cartier in 1991, and was named president and CEO of Cartier North America in 2005. He is often credited with updating the brand's image and improving its celebrity relations, most notably with the launch of the very popular Love campaign.