Links | It bags and Whistles

Why It bags are out (Wall Street Journal)
Stephanie Solomon of Bloomingdales tells the WSJ that "The 'it' bag isn't important any more. It's all about looking different from your neighbor."  Consumers are looking for something special, unique and exclusive. And, with a recession in the wind, observers are saying people will consume less conspicuously and may not want an instantly identifiable bag. It bags RIP?

Jane Shepherdson to Buy Whistles (Catwalk Queen)
With a little help from some Icelandic friends, Jane Shepherdson, a former TopShop business dynamo, has become Chief Executive and part-owner of Whistles. Smart move on the part of Baugur who recognised the expertise that Shepherdson could bring to the table and how to keep her there. Fashion Inc tells us about the price-value gap that she is going to have to overcome.