A+P Daily

Monday, February 28, 2011

Oscar Fashion

Last night was the biggest night in Hollywood, but also one of the greatest nights for fashion. The 83rd Annual Academy Awards hosted thousands of attendees at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, where some of the brightest stars came out dressed by many heavy hitters in fashion, but also some unknowns. There are always some celebrities who "get it right" on the red carpet, and some who unfortunately don't. To see who thrived and who didn't (of course, on A+P Daily's watch), click after the jump.

Editorial: Amanda Seyfried Interview Magazine

Amanda Seyfried has made a mark on Hollywood by captivating directors, fellow actors, and the public with her natural beauty and raw talent. In Interview's March 2011 issue, she is interviewed by fellow actor and musician, Justin Timberlake. At A+P Daily, we normally feature models in our posts; however this spread with Amanda Seyfried is reminiscent of some of Sasha Pivovarova's work and needed to be shared.

To see the full spread, click "Read More".

Prada loves Asia, or does Asia love Prada?

Gisele For Vogue China Feb' 2011, photo courtesy of Vogue China

A rumor that Prada wants to go public has been lingering for a few years now, and the method in which Prada intends to do so, is the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It appears as if Prada has found its niche in the Asia market. Things started with the Prada Transformer in Seoul a few years back - an installation art structure set in the middle of the emerging metropolis. In addition to its continual expansion in Asia, Prada announced this week that it will open two design offices: one in Paris and the other being in Hong Kong. These labs will be functioning by the end of the year, and will also be the first design and research labs outside its Italian headquarters.

Prada will also be following in the footsteps of Fendi, Chanel, Dior, and most recently Philip Lim by staging a show in Beijing this Saturday, January 22, 2011. The collection shown will be the same Spring 2011 collection first premiered in Milan previously in September, but will include some new pieces specifically designed for this occasion.

Prada's interest in Asia should not come as a surprise especially since China accounts for most of the growth that the luxury sector has experienced in the last few years.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

NOT SO FAST! Uniqlo Profit Slips, new +J Collection

photo courtesy of Uniqlo

Japanese company Fast Retailing, operator of Uniqlo (whom by the way, the A+P team loves and stocks up whenever in Asia or New York), reported a 9.6% fall in Q1 earnings compared with the same period last year. This was due to fierce competition from stores like Zara and H&M, as well as the prices of cotton and synthetic fibres soaring to all time highs in December. To combat the increasing competition and commodity prices, the company plans to restructure, reduce costs and focus on simplicity in their designs and the core market of Japan (currently accounting for 80% of sales). We at A+P Daily, are amateur retail consultants, and applaud Uniqlo’s decision to return to basics! We want to purchase quality basics at affordable prices and prefer not to buy outrageously expensive tops that have cheap fabric and intentional rips and holes (ahem, half cotton knit cobweb sweaters by Rodarte, we're looking at you).

In other news, +J (Jil Sander for Uniqlo) has a new collection hitting stores on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. Standout pieces include a Men's Cotton Military Khaki Parka (which can easily be unisex) and cashmere knit sweaters. Prices start as low as $19.90 and can reach up to as high as $229.90 for both Men and Women. If a bargain is more kind of your "thing", word on the street (as per Racked NY) is saying that the older collection from Jil Sander is currentlly on sale at the Soho Uniqlo Store in New York.

Monday, January 17, 2011

AP Education: Androgyny is SO IN!

Love Magazine’s new cover features one of the most provocative images in recent times, featuring transgender model Lea T. and a masculine looking Kate Moss in a controversial lip lock.Love Magazine's Editor in Chief, Katie Grand has apparently become new best friends with Lea T. after the two met each other at a pool party all because Lea T. was wearing Givenchy Couture. That is how you do it people! *Couture NEEDS to get wet at a fabulous pool party.