The rise and rise of GHD is becoming an ever more impressive story. Despite being ultimately a one-product company (the iconic ghd hair straightener, albeit it in various sizes and colours), and despite (or perhaps because of) being headquartered in deeply unfashionable Silsdon in Yorkshire, UK, GHD seems to get as many mentions in the fashion press as a certain Mrs Beckham.
Monique Lhullier, Miss Sixty and many others featured GHD as their haircare partner at their recent Fashion Week shows, with wavy, sea-inspired styles that showed off the versatility of the ghd iv styler.
Perhaps even more importantly the GHD marketing and PR machine that was so effective in dominating the UK market for GHD, is now fully up and running on a global basis with the famous pink GHD promotion now appearing across the globe (with a global network of breast cancer charities benefiting). Other campaigns like the GHD Pure / GHD Dark promotion also enjoyed global promotion
further example of how GHD is becoming a genuine international fashion brand is the unwelcome arrival of large-scale counterfeiting of GHD products. Indeed, major UK-based discount beauty and cosmetics chain, Superdrug, recently admitted supplying its customers with counterfeit GHD hair straighteners, albeit unintentionally [Source: BBC News Website, Friday, 19 September 2008]. This would suggest that GHD counterfeiting is now highly organised and very professional (as it is with designer perfumes and luxury fashion accessories). Of course, no-one at GHD will be happy with fake GHD products being sold, but it does bracket the company in some pretty exclusive company (Gucci, Prada, and the like).
It would appear that GHD have realised from the start that building a fashion brand is not exclusively about sales figures. Turnover, although important, must be conducive to brand building. For that reason, GHD have a famous reputation for refusing to supply to high street names - culminating in rejecting likes of Boots when GHD themselves were only a few years old. Although this policy has been relaxed slightly in recent years (with Boots and Amazon starting to sell directly supplied GHD hair straighteners in the last 12 months), it helped create the exclusivity and allure that any brand needs if it is to become a significant asset in its own right.
Which brings us to the issue of how much GHD might ultimately be worth. When the most recent management buy-out took place last year (just before the global credit markets seized up), the valuation was around $288 million ($160m). One of the reasons given for injecting capital a that stage into the business was to help it strike out around the globe to boost its presence and revenues from the US, Europe and Australasia. Achieving this, particularly in the US, where it was previously an underground cult brand, will certainly see the valuation of the GHD brand soar.
Of course, now isn't the time to get carried away with valuing privately-held companies, but once the markets have returned to normality in 2010 or thereabouts, and provided that GHD has managed to continue to build its presence globally, then there is no reason why the people of Yorkshire won't be celebrating the presence of a billion dollar fashion brand just up t'road.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Fashion News - What's Trendy in 2008?
A fashion conscious person never misses the fashion trends for the year to come. If you are already reading this article, this means that you are interested in what to wear in 2008. Do you like the fashion of the fifties? Well, you should, because it will come back in 2008 and that entire craze will be in style again. As a matter of fact, this trend of the 50s comeback has already started before 2008, so you are at least a bit familiar with the concept.
First things first: the spring summer fashion for 2008 will contain a lot of interesting models that clearly reminds us of the 50s. Baggy dresses below the knee for day wear or vaporous dresses for evening that will make the fashion in 2008. The trousers will be in fashion as well, and mini trousers may be worn as well. Capri trousers are still in style and may be worn with extra large sweaters. However, there is a trend that will mix styles, so sporty style will mix with the chic and there will be an ethno mix, which will result in some interesting combinations. The urban style will thus be a functional wardrobe with sporty details. This highly unlikely combination that comes as a surprise is like a breathe of fresh air.
The colors that are dominant for the style for 2008's spring and summer are the grey, black, white plus yellow. This color is a problematic color that does not suit with everything, so it must be worn with great care. However, next year, dare to wear yellow and see how it looks. The prints on the dresses or blouses can be floral, but they will become more abstract and even geometric or will totally lack. So uni is back in style. The accessories will match the outfit. The oversized bags are still in style, while the super huge earrings and necklaces will compliment the overall clothing.
The jewels may be made of plastic or more natural materials such as wood or even clay. These can be ethno influenced and create a great effect on the entire apparel, making the body look small and giving an interesting perspective. So, are you ready for spring and the summer of 2008? Get your wardrobe ready for this year's style and buy some great new trendy apparel online or in the stores that you usually visit. Now you know what to hunt for, just go and get them.
First things first: the spring summer fashion for 2008 will contain a lot of interesting models that clearly reminds us of the 50s. Baggy dresses below the knee for day wear or vaporous dresses for evening that will make the fashion in 2008. The trousers will be in fashion as well, and mini trousers may be worn as well. Capri trousers are still in style and may be worn with extra large sweaters. However, there is a trend that will mix styles, so sporty style will mix with the chic and there will be an ethno mix, which will result in some interesting combinations. The urban style will thus be a functional wardrobe with sporty details. This highly unlikely combination that comes as a surprise is like a breathe of fresh air.
The colors that are dominant for the style for 2008's spring and summer are the grey, black, white plus yellow. This color is a problematic color that does not suit with everything, so it must be worn with great care. However, next year, dare to wear yellow and see how it looks. The prints on the dresses or blouses can be floral, but they will become more abstract and even geometric or will totally lack. So uni is back in style. The accessories will match the outfit. The oversized bags are still in style, while the super huge earrings and necklaces will compliment the overall clothing.
The jewels may be made of plastic or more natural materials such as wood or even clay. These can be ethno influenced and create a great effect on the entire apparel, making the body look small and giving an interesting perspective. So, are you ready for spring and the summer of 2008? Get your wardrobe ready for this year's style and buy some great new trendy apparel online or in the stores that you usually visit. Now you know what to hunt for, just go and get them.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Be Chic and Rebellious With 90s Fashion
The 90s was a great decade for fashion. No longer were the big names of fashion concerned with the amount of dress and under-dressing. In a minimalistic twist which emphasized the grace and freedom of the human form, the 90s featured a great fear of overdressing. Ostentatious displays of class were replaced with the beauty of stark simplicity. And apart from a product's style, the way it was portrayed by the media became an equally important factor in a product's success.
Fashion took a turn for the revolutionary and out of the ordinary at the end of the 20th century. No more were the blond bombshells and femme fatales of past decades ruling the runway and the billboards. In their stead, themes of poverty, sexual violence, disability, death and body modification came into being through the form of the romantically poor waif, with a face devoid of make-up and stark backgrounds. Retailers of ready-to-wear clothing like The Gap, Banana Republic and Eddie Bauer came into prominence with clothes that women found to be comfortable and ultimately wearable.
It was also in the 90s that Gucci (which had existed since the 20s) found international success by winning the Brand of the Year award, becoming the largest selling Italian brand of all. And like Gucci, Prada also came into prominence with a truly luxurious style that benefited young ladies whose fashion sense was more relaxed and subtle. And like Gucci, its specialty was high quality bags and shoes. In the United States, the fashion industry was lorded over by Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. They used a combination of minimalism with hints of veiled sensuality to market their products to thousands of buyers.
Other icons of the era include Vivienne Westwood with her blast to the past fashion sense, Gianni Versace with his colorful and sexy patterns, and Dolce and Gabbana which embodied the feminine psyche of the era in terms of fashion. The 90s was a truly rebellious and colorful era. If you're interested in these tidbits of information, you were probably born for a fashion design degree.
Fashion took a turn for the revolutionary and out of the ordinary at the end of the 20th century. No more were the blond bombshells and femme fatales of past decades ruling the runway and the billboards. In their stead, themes of poverty, sexual violence, disability, death and body modification came into being through the form of the romantically poor waif, with a face devoid of make-up and stark backgrounds. Retailers of ready-to-wear clothing like The Gap, Banana Republic and Eddie Bauer came into prominence with clothes that women found to be comfortable and ultimately wearable.
It was also in the 90s that Gucci (which had existed since the 20s) found international success by winning the Brand of the Year award, becoming the largest selling Italian brand of all. And like Gucci, Prada also came into prominence with a truly luxurious style that benefited young ladies whose fashion sense was more relaxed and subtle. And like Gucci, its specialty was high quality bags and shoes. In the United States, the fashion industry was lorded over by Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. They used a combination of minimalism with hints of veiled sensuality to market their products to thousands of buyers.
Other icons of the era include Vivienne Westwood with her blast to the past fashion sense, Gianni Versace with his colorful and sexy patterns, and Dolce and Gabbana which embodied the feminine psyche of the era in terms of fashion. The 90s was a truly rebellious and colorful era. If you're interested in these tidbits of information, you were probably born for a fashion design degree.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Loss in Fashion
Have we hit upon the right idea of Fashion? The process which has been going on ever since the world began seems to have a defect in it. When you have got a woman thoroughly civilized and well fashioned you cannot do anything more with her. And it is worth reflection what we should do, what could we spend our energies on.
We do not like to admit that fashion process has its cycles, that fashion and women, like trees and fruit, grow, ripen, and then decay. The world has always had a conceit that the globe could be made entirely fashionable, and all over the home of a society constantly growing better. In order to accomplish this we have striven to eliminate bad taste in women and in nature:
Is there anything more unsatisfactory than a perfect color, perfect fabric, perfect texture, design and print brought into the most absolute harmony of taste and culture? What more can a woman do with it? What satisfaction has a woman in it if she really gets to the end of her power to improve it? There have been such nearly ideal situations, and how strong nature, always working against woman and in the interest of untamed wildness, likes to riot in them and reduce them to picturesque destruction! And what sweet sadness, pathos, romantic suggestion, the human mind finds in such a ruin! And a fashion that has attained its end in all possible culture, entire refinement in style, in tastes, in the art of elegant intellectual and luxurious living--is there nothing pathetic in that?
London is probably the most civilized centre the world has ever seen; there are gathered more of the elements of that which we reckon the best.
We do not like to admit that fashion process has its cycles, that fashion and women, like trees and fruit, grow, ripen, and then decay. The world has always had a conceit that the globe could be made entirely fashionable, and all over the home of a society constantly growing better. In order to accomplish this we have striven to eliminate bad taste in women and in nature:
Is there anything more unsatisfactory than a perfect color, perfect fabric, perfect texture, design and print brought into the most absolute harmony of taste and culture? What more can a woman do with it? What satisfaction has a woman in it if she really gets to the end of her power to improve it? There have been such nearly ideal situations, and how strong nature, always working against woman and in the interest of untamed wildness, likes to riot in them and reduce them to picturesque destruction! And what sweet sadness, pathos, romantic suggestion, the human mind finds in such a ruin! And a fashion that has attained its end in all possible culture, entire refinement in style, in tastes, in the art of elegant intellectual and luxurious living--is there nothing pathetic in that?
London is probably the most civilized centre the world has ever seen; there are gathered more of the elements of that which we reckon the best.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Plus Size Woman and Fashion Accessories
Buckling the in-one-day-out-the next mentality of the clothing industry, belts are always a must have. They just never go out of style. Look for designers that create unusual designs that stand out. It's ok to bring attention to your middle. Big belt buckles can really bring any look together. Check out the Lyn Gaylord collection. With over 250 designs, you will be sure to find the perfect buckle.
When choosing a belt and buckle, think of your personal style. Choose a belt that works with your wardrobe. By selecting a suede, patten or leather belt with multiple buckles, you will have one belt for nearly all pieces in your closet. Thus saving space as well!
Give your look an extra something by slightly tucking in your top behind your belt buckle. Top that off with a great short jacket and you'll really have people talking. Don't be afraid to draw attention to your mid section. I think that most of us plus size girls try to hide whats in the middle.
Bright jeweled chandelier earrings are playful by day and fabulous by night. Match them with a contrasting jeweled necklace and chunky bracelet. The contrast will bring the attention to your face instead of your waist!
One of my favorite fashion accessories is a mens watch. Check out TKO watches. They have a new line called the Candy Collection that is fun and funky. Another favorite of mine is the Milano line in blue/fuchsia. Be one of the first to own this fun watch.
When choosing a belt and buckle, think of your personal style. Choose a belt that works with your wardrobe. By selecting a suede, patten or leather belt with multiple buckles, you will have one belt for nearly all pieces in your closet. Thus saving space as well!
Give your look an extra something by slightly tucking in your top behind your belt buckle. Top that off with a great short jacket and you'll really have people talking. Don't be afraid to draw attention to your mid section. I think that most of us plus size girls try to hide whats in the middle.
Bright jeweled chandelier earrings are playful by day and fabulous by night. Match them with a contrasting jeweled necklace and chunky bracelet. The contrast will bring the attention to your face instead of your waist!
One of my favorite fashion accessories is a mens watch. Check out TKO watches. They have a new line called the Candy Collection that is fun and funky. Another favorite of mine is the Milano line in blue/fuchsia. Be one of the first to own this fun watch.
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