fashion

J.C. Penney Takes Aim at Fashion Leader Status

Style watchers have their eye on Fashion Week, under way in the Big Apple -- and so does J.C. Penney. The jcp design groupe is bringing legitimate fashion cred to the retailer, with trendy looks that rival higher-end chains. Follow their new camel cape from conception to consumer with us and you'll get the message they're sending: This is not your mother's J.C. Penney.

Fashion Forward: eBay to Open Virtual Outlet Mall

In September, EBay plans to open an online outlet store with products from Brooks Brothers, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Spanx and Bluefly. It could help the company grow, but it's also another step away from its madcap auctioneer roots. Is eBay getting boring?

Can Athleta Give Gap a Much-Needed Win?

Athleta, a women's sportswear merchant that the Gap bought in 2008, opened its first two East Coast stores in New York this week. At a time when 200 Gap stores are closing, Athleta is sprinting toward its goal of 50 stores by 2013. But can it beat out its fast-growing competitors?

The World's Most Expensive Flip-Flops

Chipkos hopes its latest pair of fashionable flip-flops could help save the Costa Rican rainforests. One purchase will protect 100,000 square feet of the eco-rich land. But it's had no takers so far. Did we mention the sandals cost $18,000?

Bloomingdale's Shoppers: Get Your Close-Up With NBC's Stars

Have you ever imagined walking down the red carpet with Christina Applegate, Eddie Cibiran or Kathryn Hahn? You don't have to stop dreaming. A fall marketing campaign by Bloomingdale's and NBC will enable customers to take pictures with digital versions of NBC's stars.

Researchers: Open Dressing Rooms Could Lower Sales

Consumers who don't feel good about their body image are less likely to purchase something they try on if they see an attractive shopper wearing the same thing, according to a study in the August issue of the Journal of Consumer Research.

Madonna Brings Edgy Teen Clothing to Macy's

Madonna and her 14-year-old daughter, Lourdes "Lola" Leon, have designed a juniors line for Macy's called Material Girl. But will the edgy style prove too sexy for teens -- and the parents they're shopping with?

Can a New CEO Fill
Lands' End's Sails?

Lands' End has named Edgar Huber, former CEO of Juicy Couture, as its new chief executive. Will he be able to breathe new life into the 48-year-old brand?

Back to the Future: Gap Remakes 1969 Jeans

In an attempt to turn around flagging sales, Gap has launched a new brand devoted to jeans from 1969, the year the company was founded. But can retro styles alone bring back its old popularity?

Gap Goes to Rome: Italian Store Builds on Global Push

As part of a larger push to bring its classic American design aesthetic to international markets -- and build on its recent Italian successes -- Gap will debut a flagship store in Rome on Via del Corso, a key shopping area, on Saturday.

Retailers Pin Back-to-School Hopes on Exclusive Lines

The nation's big retailers are betting on exclusive lines to ring up back-to-school sales, and also targeting kids and teens where they wile away the hours -- online -- with digital campaigns designed to both entertain and stoke a social-shopping experience tailor-made for the tech-savvy generation.

Gilt Groupe's CEO on Flash Sales' Fabulous Future

Gilt Groupe pioneered the private "flash sale" fashion website biz, which is now one of the fastest growing sectors in retail. Kevin Ryan, Gilt Groupe's CEO, spoke with us about growth opportunities, the world of private-sale sites, and competition -- including why it has a leg up on Amazon.

Retail Watchers Upbeat on Back-to-School Outlook

Firecracker remnants may still dot the nation's sidewalks, but retail forecasters are already talking about back-to-school shopping season -- and they're happy to do so. The improved economic environment is setting the stage for sales gains in everything from tablet computers to bold-colored jeans.

Refashioning Gap: CEO Sees Future in Outlets, Online

Gap (GPS) might be undergoing an extreme makeover, but the chain is no longer the key growth engine, CEO Glenn Murphy told investors Wednesday. Learn why the apparel giant is shifting its emphasis to its outlet businesses, newer divisions such as Piperlime and Athleta, and overseas growth.