So what's next??

So, what is up and coming with these two fashion brands???

This is a bit of a summary because this whole blog has covered recent news! but let's recap

~7 for All Mankind launched their new accessories, shoes, and sunglasses lines- their sportswear line includes items such as leggings, tank tops, etc.
~They also began an organic denim line
~They opened new stores in Manhattan and Orange County this year
~They are being sold at Costco now!
~Seven jeans have their name because most people own about 7 pairs of jeans at a time
You learn something new every day!

Anthropologie:

1. Is collaborating with awesome designers to add credibility and variety to their lines

2. Urban Outfitters, Inc. is planning a 4th store to support going green- what could it be?

3. Anthropologie is keeping Urban Outfitters Inc at the top of their game and only keeps improving! They are constantly traveling, looking for inspiration, and designers to collaborate with.

princess and the pea themed room

Apparently, Anthro can do no wrong.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. has a great handle on their companies and marketing so that they can maximize profits. Again, no reports can be found online of any issues in the media of poor working conditions, scandals, etc. Anything I googled about Anthropologie made it sound like the brand is taking over the world!


Rumor has it that Urban Outfitters, Inc. is going green and launching a 4th store which has yet to be named, which will be a non-apparel store! Exciting to see what that will be....


According to "The Cut"  from New York Magazine...
Anthropologie Continues to Rock Our World

Anthropologie cannot put a foot wrong these days. We’ve already all bought the oversize flannel shirts, the tunics, the plaid coats, the charming housewares. Now, Urban Outfitters’ sister store is stepping up its already-not-too-shabby beauty game with some serious collaborations. The first, with ritzy Paris fragrance-maker Givaudan, is a collection of six scents made by five perfumers (Stephen Nilsen, Adriana Medina, Marypierre Julien, Caroline Sabas, and Claude Dir — trust us, in the beauty world they’re Stella McCartney) called A Rather Novel Collection. The perfumers took their inspiration from teas from around the world, and while all the scents smell heavenly, we couldn’t tear ourselves away from “Cape of Good Hope” by Claude Dir. The backstory is a little complicated (workers loading wooden chests filled with Rooibos tea in South Africa during 1498, etc.), but the juice — a delicious mix of red tea leaves, gardenia, and Madagascar vanilla — is just ... mmm. This is exactly what fragrance should be: thought-provoking, complex, and made with the utmost care.

If there were ANY problems reported on the internet, I would explain how the company has solved them. But I cannot find any, hence why I just blogged on another AWESOME thing in the woodworks with this company.


http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/12/anthropologie_continues_to_roc.html

Sevens going green!

Seven Jeans is a very stable brand that has not been greatly affected by the economy or many social issues. Celebrity endorsements have helped the brand skyrocket and continue to stay on top of the denim industry. 7 for All Mankind launched its first eco-friendly, organic denim collection in their Spring 2009 Collection.

Again, because this company is privately operated, not much information can be found on working conditions etc, nothing negative can be found.

Here is an interview posted about their going green and answering questions of any cynics.

Explain why your brand is going “green” and what eco-friendly steps it has taken to achieve that.


We are living in a time where social awareness as a whole is becoming increasingly important, especially to the younger generation. As the leader in premium denim, we feel that it’s important to explore alternative options for denim which include organic cottons. The denim used for the select pieces in our Spring 2009 organic line is made with 100% organic cotton, grown from pesticide-free plants.



A cynic might say that the “green” movement, like many things in fashion, is just a passing trend or a trendy buzzword that will soon fade away. What is your response to the cynics, and do you think that the movement will have legs in the future?

There has been so much education on the benefits from our health to our communities in being “green” and supporting “green” measures and consumers will continue to look for different ways to pitch in and designers are creating fashion with this in mind. As responsible individuals, it is our responsibility to take care of our environment and continue to search for new ways that we can contribute to this. This is not a trend, but instead it is becoming more of the norm.



As we’ve seen with the recent decrease in gas prices (and subsequent increase in fuel consumption), when it comes to “green,” it’s usually the money that talks, not eco-mindedness. In fashion, organic products tend to be pricier. Why is that? And how do you think it will be possible to make eco-friendly product that is also affordable and accessible to everyday people?

7 For All Mankind uses the finest fabrics, fits and washes each season in order to provide consumers with the best possible product. The Spring 2009 denim ranges in retail price from $169-$225, with $198 being the average price. Clothing made with organic cotton tends to cost more than clothing made with conventional cotton because it is more expensive to harvest and manufacture. While the same manufacturing facilities are used for both types of cotton, extra cleaning and sanitizing precautions need to be taken in order to avoid transferring any chemicals to the organic cotton. This alone increases the processing costs. With that in mind, 7 For All Mankind’s organic denim for Spring 2009 ranges in retail price from $198 – $215, which is within the price range of the entire collection, keeping it affordable and accessible for eco-conscious shoppers.



What organic/eco-friendly pieces in your 7 for All Mankind collection are the most popular?

7 For All Mankind is offering Polynesia and Vintage Polynesia for Spring 2009. Polynesia is a 12 oz. rigid denim made from 100% organic cotton. It is stonewashed and made to look like a pair of favorite worn-in jeans. This wash features bright blue hues with all over hand sand blasting, which is complimented by subtle tacking and grinding at the pockets and hems. Polynesia is offered in the Austyn Relaxed Straight Leg, Bootcut and Standard with “A” Pocket. Vintage Polynesia is a washed down, vintage version of Polynesia. Offered on a 12 oz. rigid denim, Vintage Polynesia also uses 100% organic cotton. Extra grinding, holes, sandblasting and antiqued brass hardware complete this vintage look. This wash is offered in the Relaxed with Bordered Squiggle Pocket, which is a very popular style due to the distressed denim trend that has been going on this season.



Any “green” collaborations in the future between your company and other eco-minded companies? How do you plan on staying “green” moving forward?

Going forward we plan to continue offering organic denim throughout our collections, especially since the eco-friendly movement has gone beyond food and fabric to even beauty products. We constantly have our ear to the ground looking for new and innovative techniques. However, we want to do so while also preventing further damage to our natural surroundings. Consumers have a lot of power over manufacturers and they have chosen to make a commitment to buying eco-friendly products. Doing something good for the environment is as easy as buying clothing, giving everyone an opportunity to contribute.
http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/04/06/brand-profile-7-for-all-mankind/

Anthro is holding Urban Outfitters Afloat

I already blogged about this before, so this will be brief:

Urban Outfitter's(URBN Quote) Anthropolgie chain is keeping the company afloat, as its namesake chain and Free People concept weighed on third-quarter results.


 the quarter, the company earned $62.4 million, or 36 cents a share, compared with $59.3 million, or 35 cents, in the year-ago period. Analysts expected the company to earn 35 cents a share.

Revenue rose 6% to $505.9 million from $478 million last year. Total same-store sales, however, slipped 2%, weighed down by its Free People concept.

By division, comparable sales grew 3% at Anthropologie, fell 5% at its namesake brand and plunged 13% at Free People.

Interesting how the most expensive line in this company brings in the most revenue! Go anthro!

Quick Fun Fact

Seven Jeans got their name because they figure the average American owns seven pairs of jeans at a time.... 

VF Corporation buys 7 for All Mankind

After browsing through 7 for All Mankind's financial history since it was founded in 2000, the company seems to not have had much financial trouble. It made $13 million dollars its first year which is great for the denim industry. Celebrities quickly became fans of the brand, which adds great credibility and brand loyalty without any advertising costs. Jennifer Garner and Liv Tyler frequent the women's line while Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, and Ben Affleck have been loyal men's customers since the men's line launched in 2002. 

In 2007, the VF Corporation purchased the 7 for All Mankind Brand. This was huge for the company because VF is known for buying very strong brands such as Nautica, The North Face, and Wrangler. This purchase took place in August of 2007 and cost the VF Corporation $775 million dollars. VF is also aiding Sevens by helping them expand into other categories such as accessories, shoes, and purses to maximize profits. The success of this crossover attempt are yet to be determined, but with such a credible brand, success is likely.

Anthro and 7's Organizational Structure

Anthropologie is public company with headquarters located in the Greater Philadelphia area. It was founded in 1992.
Here are the executives:

• len T. Senk [Chief Executive Officer]
• Wendy Brown [COO]
• Wendy Wurtzberger [Chief Mdsg Officer]
• Amy Herbert [Coordinator]
• Cassie Stirman 

there are many other positions such as creative directors, home managers, display coordinators, etc...the list goes on and on. Also, because Anthropologie is a part of Urban Outfitters, Inc, there are also more job opportunities with corporate. 

Fun Facts:

~The employees are 90% women and 10% men (obviously..haha)

~The main school most graduated from is FIT

~Many workers previously worked for Gap or Nordstrom

7 For All Mankind is a privately held company founded in 2000 whose headquarters are located in the greater Los Angeles area. Because it is privately held, exec info is harder to find, but I did read an article that Topher Gaylord is the president of the company, and Michael Egeck is CEO. 

Seven Jeans at Costco???

Costco Wholesale Inc just opened a store in Manhattan on November 12th! Costco searched for the perfect location to find customers with a higher income that want to buy goods in bulk as well as luxury goods.

The luxury items they carry:
~Ugg boots for $125
~Cartier watches
~7 for All Mankind Jeans


just to name a few...

This is Costco's attempt to get a new target market to eliminate the "carless customer"

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aO4LIssCiFJw

Accessories Galore!

7 for All Mankind launched a Spring 2010 Accessory Line which has been very successful. My favorite addition to this line is the eyewear..... check it out

This eyewear collection was done by Modo.

The fall eyewear line is the first ever.

Here are some of the shoes that are in the Spring 2010 line.

4 tips for styling your home....from chief buyer at Anthropologie

According to Oprah.com, chief buyer for Anthropologie, Keith Johnson says shoppers just need a little imagination and touches of good taste.

~Anthropologie seeks to not only offer a product to a consumer, but also ideas, emotions, and inspiration for every customer who walks through the door.
~Johnson gets his ideas from walking through flea markets and stopping by South African roadside furniture stores and frequently watches the Sundance Channel's show Man Shops Globe

Here are some tips he has for decorating your home:
1. Envision your dream life
2. Don't be afraid of color
3. Decorate with letters
4. Investigate People with Great Taste


http://www.oprah.com/article/home/decorating/pkgchicliving/20091111-orig-keith-johnson-anthropologie-tips

Anthropologie's Target Market...what do YOU think??

So I am 21 years old, and I LOVE clothing form Anthropologie. If I had more money, all of my clothes would be from there. However, on indeed.com, there is a profile on the company that states that its target market is women with a family income of $200,000 between the ages of 30-40 who are focused on FAMILY, HOME, and CAREER.

Anyone, leave feedback on what you think. I just think the home accessories and decour seem a bit younger than 30-40.

Anthropologie's New Tie Up

On the heels of a collection with Ruffian’s Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, the company is set to debut a collaboration with L.A.-based designer Koi Suwannagate later this month. Named Lawan after the Thai word for “beautiful,” the four-style lineup is Suwannagate’s first stab at a secondary collection. “We had so many requests for pieces with a more affordable price point,” explained Suwannagate. “But we make everything in-house and it would have been too expensive for us. Working with Anthropologie was a natural fit.” The Lawan collection, which retails from $228 to $298, will feature a gown, two cardigans and a sleeveless top, all cut from wool blends and embellished with the designer’s signature frothy, hand-sculpted appliqués. “Each of them represents my past bestsellers,” said Suwannagate, adding the collaboration will be an ongoing one.

Anthropologie Saves the Day!

According to "the street", Anthropologie is keeping Urban Outfitters, Inc afloat. I don't understand all of the rates and increases that the company is bringing in, but if you DO understand it, check out this link! Urban Outfitters and Free People's sales have dropped as Anthropologie's continue to rise.

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10625704/1/urban-outfitters-nothing-but-anthropologie.html?puc=_tscrss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tsc%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Flatest-stories+%28TheStreet.com%29

This is just ironic because it is the store within the company that is most expensive! I guess people are willing to pay a higher price for greater quality clothing! or maybe for a better name brand...

7 For All Mankind on 5th Avenue, NYC

A recent HUGE success made by the 7 jeans brand was opening a store on 5th Ave in NYC! The goal of this project was to "design and build a beautiful store that would still allow the store to be financially effective in this market." This launch has been made possible through Insite, who does all building and launches for  7FAM (7 For All Mankind...get used to this abbreviation) in places such as Hong Kong, Dubai, Brazil, the Philippines, and now NYC! The new store is in the Flatiron district.

For more info....
http://www.ereleases.com/pr/7-mankind-opening-avenue-nyc-18725

The Stars love 7 For All Mankind...so they must be great!

http://www.7forallmankind.com/press/index.html 

Check out this link to see which celebs sport 7 Jeans!

Cameron Diaz was said to have an "A-list butt" in her sevens!

These are the Roxanne Jeans:

Also, here is Natasha Beddingfield sporting some hot black 7 For All Mankind Jeans...

The Lodge Look

This season, Anthropologie is sporting a "Lodge Look" for women's fall clothing! From big cozy sweaters, to scarves, to shoes that look like snow boots, this line allows women to be comfortable and WARM, while still looking cute. Felted purses and kitchen bowls (random) are also in this Anthropologie line. Here are just a few...

7 for All Mankind Fall Trends- Grey and Black

Seven Jeans showcasing their fall trends that Grey and Black is where it's at! Also... new special edition jeans. Only 777 pairs available! Check it out!

And don't forget the SHOES!

Let's all give a warm welcome to...

My new 2 fashion brands Anthropologie and 7 for All Mankind! I will be studying in depth these two brands for my Fashion Branding class! So now it's time for a little background info...


Anthropologie was created in 1992 by its parent company Urban Outfitters, Inc. as a brand that can follow it's customers of Urban Outfitters into their next stage of life! It's demographic is a woman between 30-40 with a family income of over $200,000 (which is why the clothes are so pricy, but still hip!) I would say this was a successful launch by Urban Outfitters, Inc! Anthropologie has women's clothing, home goods, furniture, jewelry, shoes, etc.


7 for All Mankind, also known as Seven or Seven Jeans, were founded in 2000 as a California based designer jeans company by Michael Glasser, Peter Koral, and Jerome Dahan. These designers brought in Marc Jacobs for financial backing and wanted to fill the void they saw present in the denim market. 7 for All Mankind began by designing women's jeans and then launched men's jeans in 2002. The line now carries purses, jackets, shorts, jeans, shoes, and has a line for children!