Couture Looking For State Aid

New this season: Haute couture handouts
DEEPA BABINGTON
Reuters
February 28, 2009 at 12:43 PM EST

ROME — Everyone in Italy's clothing industry is begging for state aid, but some of the loudest cries for help are coming from the exclusive haute couture segment known more for sequined extravagance than humble pleas.

Rome's couturiers – who included the likes of Valentino and Roberto Capucci in their heyday – are struggling as even the superrich cut back on the custom-fitted, hand-sewn dresses that can easily cost €10,000 euros ($12,740 U.S.) or more.

Couturiers face strong competition in their bid for aid as a growing list of players in Italy's €66-billion fashion sector extend open palms amid a deepening recession.

Italy has already pledged $1.7-billion in aid to car makers and over $15-billion for banks, and the fashion sector is lining up in hopes of being next, pointing to a 4-per-cent slide in sales last year and forecasts of a 5-per-cent fall this year.

At the high end, Gattinoni, one of Rome's oldest fashion houses, says its haute couture sales slid 40 per cent last year to prompt the first loss in its 62-year history, and organizers of Rome High Fashion week that ended this month say the crisis forced three stylists to abandon their plans to participate.

“Until about two years ago, you could just about maintain an atelier, but the crisis has dealt us the final blow,” Gattinoni chairman Stefano Dominella said at his atelier, or studio, where tailors measured silky fabric and sewed beads onto bustiers.

He rejects arguments that the luxurious world of haute couture is an unlikely candidate for state support.

Rome's couture scene may lack the glamour of that in Paris and has shrunk to a handful of houses like his, but the roots of Italian fashion lie in its ateliers that are veritable “museums” housing archives of sketches and time-honored techniques, he said.

“We are the smallest and the easiest to rescue,” he argued, citing sales of €1-million to €2-million a year for most couturiers: “If you had to choose between saving a museum and saving a fashion [chain] outlet, which one would you choose?”

With the help of fashion dynasty member Santo Versace, who is also a lawmaker in the ruling coalition, Mr. Dominella has begun lobbying the government for 30-per-cent tax breaks.
Miffed that fashion was recently overlooked for aid in favour of the appliance and furniture industries, the head of the fashion lobby Sistema Moda Italia told Italian senate lawmakers on Feb. 17 that Italy's clothing sector risked “going to pieces.”

Already weighed down by the third-largest debt pile in the world, Italy's government is unlikely to favour haute couture amid all the competing demands for aid, says Armando Branchini, head of InterCorporate, a fashion consulting firm.

“If having culture, craftsmanship and tradition is the reason to get aid, then that would be true for 99 per cent of Italian consumer goods,” he said. “Frankly, an intervention for haute couture in Italy would be impossible and meaningless.”

Haute couture represents only a fraction of Italy's clothing sector and the government would be more likely to consider help for the broader textiles and fashion industry instead, he said.
While they wait for the government to act, Roman couturiers are busy looking at other avenues to drum up business.

Dominella, for example, suggests opening up the ateliers to tourists or including couture presentations in travel packages offered by luxury tour operators.

Sylvio Giardina of the Rome-based Grimaldi Giardina couture duo favours state aid, but says just having the sector overseen by Italy's culture ministry rather than the tourism portfolio would help.

“Fashion is often considered something trivial, but in reality it maintains historic values and ancient craftsmanship,” said Mr. Giardina, who estimates sales fell 40 per cent last year after a sharp slowdown in the last four months.

“If the artisans doing it disappear, so will high fashion.”

One stylist who is already adapting to the new reality in the couture world is Sicilian designer Marella Fererra, who says the demand is now for couture that is cost-effective.

“I'm still dressing the same families, but instead of ordering outfits for €25,000 that they once did, now they want to spend €7,000-10,000,” she said.

The crisis is simply laying bare a systemic change in Italian haute couture, she says: Costs have spiralled, infrastructural support has withered and orders for €3,000 dresses are replacing those for €50,000 stunners.

She is tailoring her offerings to lower-priced outfits.

That's a far cry from when she started as a couturier 16 years ago. Then fashion industry chief Giuseppe Della Schiava would give new designers fabric from his textiles business and feature them in his Italian Harper's Bazaar magazine, she says.

“It was a system that worked for everybody,” she said.

Nonetheless, other fashion maestros still scoff at the idea of wholesale change to the couture business.

Renato Balestra, a long-time stalwart of Rome haute couture, says even though his design house's sales have felt the pinch, he has little faith in government aid and does not see the point of compromising on standards or surrendering to gloom.

“If you want to do a collection of haute couture, then you have to do it as haute couture and not like it's prêt-à-porter [ready-to-wear],” Mr. Balestra said. “There is a crisis, yes. But you can't go live in a cave, just because there's a crisis.”

Hello Kitty Contest!

Savings This Week

BB BARGOONS - 01/16-01/25 75% off select fabric, furniture, accents at Keele locations
BCBG - Take 30% off already reduced items
Crate and Barrel Yorkdale - Introductory prices on Marimekko bedding collection until 02/02
CAPEZIO Shoes - Sidewalk Sale 70% OFF on Miss Sixy, BCBGirls, Michael KORS, Lacoste, Aquatalia
Club Monaco - 70% off Final Winter Sale
DAVIDS Shoes - 70% OFF on Valentino, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Chloe, Giuseppe Zanotti, Zegna, Paul Smith, etc
GAP - 30% off regular priced items, 15% off sale items
Old Navy - Yoga Pants for $15 1/16-1/29

Savings This Week

Banana Republic - Save 20% off New Arrivals when you spend over $150
GUESS and Marciano - 50% off Sale items Sat 1/10 and Sun 1/11
Chapters - $5 off when you spend $35 in January
ZOLA Shoes Last Call - Sigerson Morrison, Patrick Cox, Claudia Ciuti, Cesare Paciotti, Missoni, Diana Broussard, Michel Viven, Joeffer Caoc and many more are all marked down as far as they can go! Last pair are now only $65. Sale ends January 31st so get in there!!
Sephora - 10 FREE skincare samples with the code SKINTREATS
Finishing Touches - 70% off almost everything

Free Popcorn and Drink at AMC

Enjoy a free popcorn and drink at AMC Yonge and Dundas - until Dec 31, 2008

From Volunteer Toronto

Bride Wars Movie Screening via OTR

GET TICKETS TO THE SPECIAL 7PM JANUARY 8TH SCREENING OF BRIDE WARS
Go to Over The Rainbow and get a pass for 2.
Limited number of tickets. First come first serve

Post Boxing Day

Did you miss Boxing Day? Didn't want to deal with the Boxing Day crowd? These retailers still have the sale you might be looking for..

AE - $10 off denim and lots of various sale in store
Aldo - up to 70% off selected style
Best Buy - Boxing Week Sale now on instore and online
Browns - up to 80% off
Bouclair - Boxing Week Sale up to 50% off
Boss Yorkdale - crazy sale on outerwear, suits, kidswear, bags and shoes for both men and women
Capezio - up to 60% Boxing Week sale
Crate and Barrel Yorkdale - 50% off Holiday items (stock up for next year's Christmas, beautiful kitchen products and ornaments)
Club Monaco - up to 75% off until Dec 29th (extra 20% off on sale items)
Coach - 50% selected items
Davids - up to 60% Boxing Week sale
Dear Born Baby - Boxing Week Sale on car seats, high chairs, nursery items
French Connection - Sale off Fall fashion items
Fruits and Passion - up to 60% off selected items, get a crazy sale bag with $50 purchase (new store concept, they're selling off the products that won't be continuing)
Future Shop - Boxing Week Sale now on instore and online
Guess - 25-50% off in store and online until Dec 28th
Godiva Chocolates - 25-50% off holiday themed chocolates
Harry Rosen - sale is still on but they've sold 60% of their sale merchandise
Holt Renfrew - up to 50% off (amazing sale on jeans, found sevens for $80!)
Joe Fresh - 50% off winter items
La Senza - Now or Never Sale
Marciano - 25-50% off in store and online until Dec 28th
Over the Rainbow - 50% all seasonal denim, 30% off Fall fashion items, 20% off regular denim and fashion
Pottery Barn/Pottery Barn Kids - Sale on Christmas items (kids stocking for $7-15, kids nursery item 30-50% off, wreath on sale from $100+ to $20-30)
Urban Barn - RED HOT Boxing Week Sale
William Sonoma - up to 60% off

and of course the Bay/Zellers/Sears have sales on select items.

A bit dissapointing but these retailers does not really have much to offer for Boxing Day/Boxing Week .. Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Sephora

A stolen computer and a holiday mission

Apologies for my absence from posting here. My computer was stolen a couple weeks ago and I have been trying to recoup photos and other precious memories stored on my computer. Being the photo-obsessed person that I am, I researched ways to ensure my momentos can be kept safely. I needed a safety deposit box for pictures, let's just say. With lil T growing up so quickly, I have been an amateur photographer and needed a place to store the pictures. I decided to go with flickr. For US$24.95, you get unlimited storage space and basic editing tools. It's my new mission and if you never thought of backing up your photos, you might want to check it out!

Winter wonderland

Club Monaco - Get $50 for every $150 you spend this weekend
Nine West - Up to 70% off store sale
ALDO - Additional 10% off
Gap - Buy one regular price item, get one 50% off
TNA store opening at Eaton Centre - Dec 6th
Suzy Shier - Dec 3-8 Get 20% regular price, 50% sale merchandise
La Senza - Buy one get one free - Loungewear, bras, socks, slippers, booties
Browns - up to 50% off
Capezio - up to 50% off
DAVIDS - up to 50% off
Over the Rainbow - $30 off when you spend $100
Fruits and Passion - Free Hand Care Duo when you spend $60

Furniture
Of Things Past - 15% off holiday sale
De Boers - Sofa event 10-40% off and immediate delivery
Conair Cuisineart Warehouse Sale - 100 Conair Parkway, Woodbridge Dec 5 12-9, Dec 6 9-6, Dec 7 12-5


Prenatal/Kids
Bella Mom Maternity - 25-50% off
Please Mum - Tax Free Weekend, $20 all cords, 50% all outerwear and sleepwear
TINARS - Children Literature event Dec 6 at Gladstone

Say Cheers

When was the last time you had a professional picture taken? Your wedding, when your baby was born? Magenta is running various promotions. For about $60, you get a photo shoot and a couple of 8x10's until end of January 2009. Have a keepsake for Christmas 2008 :)

Magenta Photo Studio, various locations.

For the knife thrower in you

The Ex knife holder by Raffaele Iannello is eye catching and modern, probably only if you don't have a kid under 10 in your house though. The set includes 5 knifes (Chef knife, Bread knife, Carver, Utility knife, and Parer) and includes 25 year warranty. The magnetized slots secure the knifes in the holder.

$134.95 at Rolo
Buy online or at store: 6-24 Belair St., Toronto

(Available in Black, Red, Chrome, and Gold)

Countdown 'til Christmas!

It's finally December! It's my favorite month of the year, luv Christmas! Despite my annual efforts to finish my Christmas shopping before December, it never happens. Oh well... I plan to feature gift-worthy products on this blog until Christmas day, maybe you can get an idea or two from my blog.

These Alphabet and City Art pieces from pennypeople are really something. I bought one for lil T's nursery recently. They're $18-25 plus shipping - unique and affordable.

How Can I Buy Anything at Full Price??

Clearly this year retailers are doing all they can to give incentives to keep you shopping. No complaints here..

Click on retailer names for coupons or more information..
Holt Renfew - Up to 40% off until Dec 24th
Club Monaco - 30% off Already Reduced Merchandise Nov 28&29
Umbra - Mother Daughter shopping event Dec 7th
Umbra - Factory Sale Dec 13-14th
Town Shoes - Free Bag with shoe/boots purchase
GAP - Buy One Sweater, Get the Next One 50% off Nov 27-30th
Augustina - 20% off Nov 28-30
La Senza & Flare - Exclusive Shopping Event December 9th Evening at La Senza Eaton Centre * Spend $50 Get $10 Giftcards * - Sign up for Flare Newsletter for Invite
Art Gallery of Ontario - Win Free AGO tickets by signing up for Mobile Alerts
Anthropologie.com - Free shipping to Canada until Dec 7
IKEA - Buy a tree for $20 and get a $20 gift card
DENISE - Warehouse Sale and coupon for extra $10 off for every $50 you spend
Mark's Work Wearhouse - Friends and Family Day 20% off Everything Nov 29
Johnson&Johnson/Revlon Warehouse Sale

KIDS SPECIAL
Simon Says - Free gift wrapping, 25-50% off Uggs, Beanbags, etc until end of December

Britax Sale at Dear Born Baby

One of a Kind Show

I want to go to the One of a Kind Show to buy unique Christmas gifts and perhaps a piece of jewellery for myself and a purple monster for lil T.

They did a great job with their website and gift guide. For $2 off, click here.

The show is on Nov 27 - Dec 7, 2008 @ Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Hours and directions available on their website.

Mattel Toy Outlet

For moms out there and those who are shopping for holiday gifts, did you know Mattel has an outlet? The selection is limited, but the prices are worth the drive this month. For a few weeks prior to Christmas, Mattel offers an extra 25% off on top of the sale price merchandise at the outlet. Special tip: These few weeks, you can also get additional discounts on Fridays to Sundays. More info and coupon for extra 20% off..

There is a whole bunch of Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, Disney Cars, board games, and tricycles for bigger kids. I was there shopping for lil T and there are exercise gyms, portable exercise gyms, musical books, car activities, links, teethers, portable feeding chair, mobiles, educational plush, high chair, and an assortment of bouncers and swingers.

6155 Freemont Blvd. Mississauga, ON L5R 3W2. (Click here for map)
Regular Hours: Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-5pm Sun & Mon: CLOSED
Holiday Hours (Nov 1 - Dec 24) Tues - Thurs: 10am-6pm Fri: 10am-8pm Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: 12pm - 5pm Mon: CLOSED

More deals..

Club Monaco - Private Sale 30% off regular priced items Nov 21-24, 2008
Robeez - Free Shipping until Dec 9th, 2008 - code Robeez8
Wayspa - Purchase $50 spa gift certificates for only $39.99
Holt Renfrew - Clinique's Lip Craving Workshop
Body Shop - Buy 2 Get 1 Free Bath and Body online
RK - RKstores.com Grand Opening, discounts up to 75% and free shipping over $100 purchase

Family and Friends Sale This Weekend

(Click on retailer names below for coupons or more info)

La Vie en Rose - 35% off Nov 13-16, 2008

Roots - 25% off Nov 13 - 16, 2008

Chapters Indigo - $10 off toys over $50 purchase until Dec 15th, 2008

Adidas - 40% off Nov 17-19, 2008 online purchases only

Over The Rainbow - $35 off until Dec 24, 2008

Club Monaco - 30% off coats. hats. scarves. gloves.

Armani Exchange - 30% off regular priced item or $50 off $250+ purchase (code: AX50OFF), Free shipping when you spend $100+ with the code HOLIDAY

Wal-Mart - $20 gift card when you spend $50 on select P&G products

Please Mum - $25 off when you spend $100 Nov 15-16, 2008

Celeb Watch

Naomi & Liev taking Sasha for a stroll, the Beckhams on family holiday, while Noel Gallagher and Tony Hawk bring their little ones out.

Guess the strollers!

Which High Chair?

With so many options of baby high chairs out in the market and being the new parents that we are, we can't choose what to buy! The comfort and appearance of these chairs matter to us, but they get quite pricey.

BLOOM FRESCO CAD$399

Age: rest > feed > play (NB - 6M, 6M-2YRS, 2 YRS-79 lbs)

Pros: 2 adjustable trays (feeding and playing), multiple reclining seat, adjustable foot rest, full rotation *but does a child really need all this function in a seat?*

Cons: Expensive! a mom complained "The straps are so bulky that a smaller child is really inhibited by them - my daughter is a year old and they are still too large - I can't imagine how much worse it would be with a younger child. And the seat liner is made of very porous foam that stained beyond cleaning the first time we used it."

STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP CAD$299-349

Age: 6M+

Pros: Made out of wood, lightweight hence more portable, durable, easy to clean, well made, solid

Cons: Fits better on bigger kids, baby rail broke for a customer and customer service did not assist her with her concern

MONTE TAVO CAD$345

Age: 6 months - 4 years

Very stylish, but not much review for this chair online.

AGE DESIGN HILO CHAIR CAD$299

100% Canadian
Again, not much review for this chair online, probably because this is a new product?

BOON FLAIR CAD$239

Age: 6 months - 4 years

Pros: Easy to cleanup - waterproof seat pads, comes with two liners & no corners to trap food, adjustable height, easy glide that will not scratch floor, the tray fits the dishwasher, PLUS Boon gives 10% of their profit to charity

Cons: Shoulder straps will not fit older kids, not easy to install, seat does not recline

or I guess we can go with the Fisher Price Rainforest Chair CAD$159. Lil T tried sitting in one today and he liked sitting in it. Choices choices..

Note: Opinions expressed on the pros and cons above are from different moms from various sources.