NEWS
Creative Director, Artist Christopher Ciccone Launches “The Ciccone Collection”
The namesake collection will make its debut at
September’s London Fashion week THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING AND THAT’S JUST WHAT
THEY’LL DO is the perfect lyric to describe THE CICCONE COLLECTION. Bringing his creative flair usually reserved for the more classic arts, painting, photography, art direction as well as interior and furniture design, Christopher Ciccone is now making his foray into footwear design. Melding breakout materials with traditional styles for men, women and children, Ciccone has vowed to “think outside the shoe box.” Sure to make a splash at New York, London and Paris Fashion Weeks in the fall, Ciccone’s bespoke collection can brave the rain, but is certainly not limited to foul weather. Combining leather, rubber and canvas for the fashionable yet functional footwear, Ciccone’s vision is a welcome reprieve to the often un-wearable designs of late.
Ciccone was naturally curious when approached by Czechoslovakian
shoe company Novesta nearly a year ago, and upon his return to LA and immersed in a Georgia O’Keefe biography, the inspiration started to come. Once Ciccone spotted a pair of old and long forgotten wingtips, the initial ideas for a cohesive classic-looking collection took root. He began combing through the contents of his closet and analyzing what he liked and disliked about his personal shoe collection, leading Ciccone to consider a marriage of more traditional looks with very modern materials. Along the way, he reflected often on his favorite images of classic Hollywood and Italian movie stars, divas of the past, which swirled together with O’Keefe’s imagery. The result is a direct reflection of his journey; names like “Sofia,” “Eva” and “Brigitte” pepper the collection, its logo animal antlers, a distinct moment in the cycle of life, fresh and new, reinventing themselves and symbolic of rebirth. The product itself is groundbreaking in its design – Ciccone and Novesta developed over many months an outstanding scrollwork layering process, which gives a sharp 3-dimensional effect on the boots and features bold colors, graphic patterns and wearable designs.
Ciccone himself is no stranger to reinvention. Perhaps best known for his vision and collaborations with his sister, the one and only Madonna (Ciccone served as Creative Director on numerous tours – including Blond Ambition and the Girlie Show as well as multiple music videos), he is firmly ensconced in the worlds of art and design. As an author and biographer, Ciccone wrote “Life With My Sister Madonna,” which remained on top of the New York Times Bestseller list for months. His newest venture, he says, is merely a creative extension of his work. “It’s not so different from designing a home, a stage or a piece of furniture,” he says. “People have to be able to live in them.” And live in them they will as shoes are just the opening salvo; Ciccone will expand the line into a global lifestyle brand with its first flagship store opening in early winter.
Ciccone will be hosting bespoke installations in London, Paris, Prague, Toronto, New York, Miami and Los Angeles to launch the brand.
For more information on THE CICCONE COLLECTION please log onto
www.thecicconecollection.com
8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • SEPTEMBER 2012 Free Fashion Law Seminar On 10 October Fox Williams LLP, Solicitors will be holding its annual
Fashion law seminar, which is free of charge. The seminar will be held at Ten Dominion Street, London EC2M 2EE. Registration will be from 6.00 pm with the talks starting at 6.30 pm and lasting for one hour followed by drinks and canapés. The full line up of topics and speakers are: "Investing in Brand Businesses" For the investee business - what are the potential benefits apart from the cash? What is the investment process? And what are the pitfalls, and how to avoid them. (Speaker is Tom Rowley who is a corporate law senior associate at Fox Williams).
"What's the sweet spot to selling online?" The huge growth in popularity
of social media has created new opportunities to engage with customers, develop sales, and add value to brands. However, it has also created new challenges and legal liabilities. What are the legal risks? And what are the best practices to manage these risks and avoid brand damage? (Speaker is Nigel Miller who is an ecommerce law partner at Fox Williams).
"Fashion brands and why Vivienne Westwood could play for Manchester
United." The importance of recognising the contradictory nature of brands - both as financial instruments and creative, consumer conduits and the particular challenges facing fashion brands. (Speaker is Gareth Coombs, brand consultancy director of the Cambridge Strategy Centre).
"Exiting key employees". The do's and don’ts to minimise payments and damage to your brand. (Speaker is Joanna Chatterton who is an employment law partner at Fox Williams).The talks will be followed by a Q&A session. Following this there will be wine and canapés where those attending will have an opportunity to network and speak informally with the speakers. There is no charge for attending the seminar.
Stephen L Sidkin, Partner , Fox Williams LLP, Solicitors, is a regular contributor to Footwear Today Magazine. Tel.:+44 (0) 20 7614 2505
GG.H Warner Footwear secures distribution for Grendene brands
The exclusive UK and Ireland distribution rights for Ipanema, Rider and
Grendha have been appointed to G.H Warner Footwear Ltd, effective for the Spring Summer 2013 season. The three brands, produced by Brazil’s largest producer of footwear, Grendene, have enjoyed success since their launch to the UK market. The premium summer footwear ranges are manufactured in Brazil using 100% recyclable, mould-injected PVC, creating the most comfortable and sustainable flip flops and sandals on the UK market. The addition of the Grendene brands to the to the G.H Warner portfolio is
reflective of the company’s 40 year history and experience of delivering branded footwear to the UK’s multiple and independent footwear retailers. “The Ipanema, Rider and Grendha brands are a welcome addition to G.H
Warner. We will continue offering UK retailers and customers excellent pricing, product availability and marketing initiatives for the world’s most comfortable flip flops and sandals. With all eyes on Brazil over the next four years, this is the ideal time to invest in these three brands” said Martin Warner, Managing Director, G.H Warner. Ian Rea, who has managed the sales of the three brands since their UK launch has joined G.H Warner as brand sales manager. Rea has appointed a sales manager, Robyn Poynter, to manage the northern regions of the UK. Mason Young, the recently appointed marketing & PR manager will manage marketing activity across the three brands for the release of the summer 2013 collection.
www.footweartoday.co.uk
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