So the Wall Street Journal isn’t usually where I get my fashion news, but currently there’s a section on WSJ.com dedicated to fashion week(!!!) that’s distracting me from reading about whose profits are down, and whose profits are down even more… At any rate, I came across an article regarding Yoox SpA, the Italian e-commerce fashion company, and its intention to go public by the end of the year – pretty surprising given the economic climate which has left many players in the fashion industry with balance sheets that aren’t particularly pretty. Big names like Prada and Ferragamo who previously had intentions to go public at the end of 2008 still have those plans on hold.
Yoox Chief Executive Federico Marchetti has confidence in the company as first-half sales rose almost 50% and operating profits more than doubled – indicating that the company’s online marketplace model is working well. (I mean seriously, who doesn’t like shopping online) While fashion houses have scaled back their plans for store expansion, more and more have turned to online retail for growth, and Yoox provides the structure for them to reach consumers across the globe. We’ll see what happens as Yoox still has to get approval from Italy’s market regulator, Consob, but in the mean time here are some Yoox picks that I wish would find their way into my closet…
Emilio Pucci Closed-Toe Slip-Ons ($245)
Diane Von Furstenberg Leather Jacket ($518)
Airoldi Cuff Bracelet ($498)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Silk Organza Dress ($345)
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I’m a big believer in having lots of shiny things in your closet. I mean what better way to spice up an outfit than by adding something metallic. The appealing contrast between a LBD and shiny silver shoes is similar to the way that commodities exposure (including that of metals like gold, silver, and copper) is particularly attractive in that commodities historically have a low to negative correlation to more traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds. The obvious choice for investing in metals is jewelry of course (direct investing)… but let’s explore some other options of getting exposure:
Catherine Holstein Pleated Gold Skirt ($128)
Manolo Blahnik Nappa Leather Gathered Bootie ($865)
Monrow Bordeaux Foil Printed Corset Crewneck T-Shirt ($80)
Olivia Morris Delia Ballerina Flats ($268)
AKA Futuristic Silver Skirt ($313)
Kate Spade Metallic Yuma Mini Ida Tote ($325)
Priestess NYC Metallic Deep V Bow Back Dress ($207)
Jimmy Choo Sky Metallic Leather Hobo ($1,195)
Jessica Simpson Studded Gladiator Sandal ($129)
LANGNER (approximately $85 – $250)
Why it’s a good investment: Emerging markets are generally characterized by transitional economies and increasing foreign investment. While LANGNER designs have gained recognition locally (in Poland), the brand has been aided by indie fashion sites like Sense of Fashion (a “World Bank” for fashion that facilitates business between indie designers and prospective buyers across the globe) on an international level. There may be additional risks associated with investing in indie fashion – most notably, a lack of stability (possibly lower quality) behind the label characterized by its transitional state. In this case, the risk seems worth the potential return as LANGNER’s pieces are innovative yet timeless and combine the elegance of structure with hand-crafted feminine details. If you’re looking to add some emerging designer exposure to your closet today, consider making LANGNER part of your portfolio.
