Mint Velvet To Expand Store Portfolio

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With the aim of tripling its portfolio of stand alone stores by 2015, fashion retailer Mint Velvet planning to expand its retail empire. Currently it has 9 stores and 83 concessions. Last month it named by the Sunday Times PwC Profit Track 100 as ‘Ones to Recognise’.

Once the expansion starts, the number of stores would see a growth of 20 – 30 stand alone boutiques. With the latest opening in Guildford last week, plans are on full swing to add two further stores in Harrogate and Farnham this spring.

Stuart Grant, operations director at Mint Velvet informed that the focus is on standalone stores and they wouldn’t rule out opening more concessions.

Founded in 2009 by Clarks chairman Peter Davies and the team behind the Principles womenswear chain, the company launched a click-and-collect service last week and is also looking to offer an international delivery service through its UK website by the end of the year.

Schiaparelli Ready To Return

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Owner Diego Della Valle has declared that Italian fashion label Schiaparelli will be relaunched. The label was also the centre of attention of the Metropolitan Museum’s latest exhibition. Diego also happens to be the president and CEO of the Italian leather goods company, Tod’s.

The label’s new ambassador will be French actress and model Farida Khelfa, a former muse to Azzedine Alaïa, Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler during the Eighties. The opening of the Maison Schiaparelli on Place Vendôme in July will mark Schiaparelli’s new beginning. This location will house the new collection from Schiaparelli, which will be presented in March 2013, with a strong focus on accessories, fragrances and cosmetics. The label was once launched in 2007 but it did not release any designs then. Della Valle, who also relaunched footwear label Roger Vivier in 2002, is optimistic that Schiaparelli will thrive this time.

The company has not declared the shortlist for the coveted creative director role but if rumours are to believed then the fashion house was set to relaunch in March, with John Galliano as its new head of design. But with no official confirmation it will be worthwhile to wait and watch.

Roberto Cavalli’s flamboyant homeware range launched

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Roberto Cavalli presented his first homeware collection in Milan. The collection was unveiled at Salone Internazionale del Mobile, Italy’s annual furniture trade show. The Italian designer’s homeware collection incorporates his ‘signature details’ – predictably, an abundance of animal print and fur, unpredictably, a rotating bed a la Austin Powers.

Commenting on the collection, Mr Cavalli said that when he creates a dress, he wants it to emphasise the femininity of a woman at all times; and so as with designing for the home, he tried to identify the character of the people he is designing for.’

Mr Cavalli regards Italian fashion as the most creative and American fashion ‘so terrible that it is difficult to even give a look. The designer’s home collection is inspired by the ‘iconic prints and patterns of the most significant collections of Maison: from animalier to damask, the colours and textures overlapping. Mr Cavalli showcased his home line alongside other luxury labels including Bottega Veneta, Marni, Maison Martin Margiela and Versace.