Nine West getting designer boost?

[Luna]

I dunno for the price, the quality isn't THAT horrible... I definitely don't buy their more expensive shoes... and i only shop heavily at their outlet stores in Jersey.. so maybe that's why I don't object so much to Nine west

[eunhe]

Originally Posted by ChrissyM

^^ i don't know... i think it might be a good way for them to bring in a new sort of clientele...
I wouldn't have pegged easy spirit as a fashion brand either but i think that the tara subkoff collaboration probably raised its profile quite a bit

agreed.

[brian]

Originally Posted by lucy92

its true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Designer Triple Threat From Nine West
By Marc Karimzadeh
NEW YORK — In a world where designer liaisons are becoming de rigueur, Nine West is the latest to catch the collaboration bug. "Our hope is that there is a halo effect on the entire brand."
Stacy Lastrina, Jones Apparel Group
This fall, the Nine West Footwear Corp. will kick off a program of fashion collaborations with both established and up-and-coming designers. For the first three-month installment, which will launch in September, the Jones Apparel Group division has tapped designers Vivienne Westwood, Thakoon and Sophia Kokosalaki. This confirms a WWD report in January.

*DEAD*

[*Happiness*]

sounds interesting. i can't wait to see the results.

[classic1908]

I wore Nine West regularly from about 1981 (when I was 17) until the mid-1990s, when I turned 30 and started buying better-quality shoes (Italian, mainly, but some Spanish). I'd like to see how they pull this collaboration off. Brazilian-made shoes are of average quality, if that.

[susie_bubble]

I'm intrigued..... but it all sounds very dubious in my opinion. I can think of better shoe chains for ppl like Kokosalaki and Westwood to do collaborations with..... if this is all part of their brand re-invention then they might wanna learn how to walk before they run...i.e. put out better designed shoes by themselves first!

[faust]

Originally Posted by Diorling

Faust is right, noone "cool" (being someone who knows/appreciates Westwood, Kokosalaki, etc) shops at Nine West...always exceptions.

Indeed - but you don't sell a line of shoes to "exceptions" - not a sound business decision. You need a clientelle base to begin with - H&M has one, Puma/Adidas have one. NN - I don't think so.

[Erin]

I'm a Nine West fan. I love their pointed heels...

Curious to see what they come up with.

[StyleSnob]

This is awesome news! My favorite pumps are from nine west, just the classic pointy toe stilletto. I have them in brown and black! Great affordable stuff...I can't wait!

[lucy92]

nope, its not going to be that affordable!

http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/news/shoes.htm


Nine West catches designer bug
This fall US footwear company Nine West is launching a series of collaborations with established and up-and-coming designers. During the first three months, starting in September, parent company Jones Apparel Group, has invited Vivienne Westwood, Thakoon and Sophia Kokosalaki to design for the firm. According to WWD each designer's collection will be available in only 20 of Nine West's top stores and 40 of department store Macys' top locations, and via their respective websites.
With these high-profile collaborations, Nine West is hoping to boost is brand image. However, the deal works both ways: the brand's distribution network can help the designers – with little of no distribution in the US – to reach a new consumer group. As was the case with H&M's collaboration with Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld, to name an example, both parties will benefit. “In the most recent research for Nine West, we learned that the consumer loves the brand and relationship, but her buying is all about impulse,” Jones' executive vice president for marketing and creative services, Stacy Lastrina, told WWD. “She likes to be exposed to things that others maybe can't have.”
Each designer was given free reign in designing 11 designs, which include footwear, handbags, ready-to-wear and accessories. Vivienne Westwood's collection will launch first on 1 September and will include playful interpretations of her signature tartans, as well as gladiator boots and tiny cardigans. Prices will range from $225 to $500. New York-based designer Thakoon's collection follows on 1 October. It will include a white leather “T-shirt” handbag, a clear plastic umbrella covered with lace and a leather, demi-wedge. Prices will range from $180 to $400. “As you grow your business, the cash flow is always a big concern,” said Thakoon Panichgul. “This injects some money into the company outside the biannual market time frame.”
Kokosalaki, who is based in London , will see her collection for the brand launch on 1 November. Her contribution includes a cashmere cape, military jacket and handbags with antique hardware details. Prices will range from $200 to $450. For her, the collaboration signifies both a way to enter the US market as to experiment with an accessories line. The prices are decidedly higher than with other designer collaborations. “We didn't want to limit the materials and design parameters,” said Lastrina. “This is about quality, and it is still much less expensive than any other designer collection. We have already had success in this arena with Easy Spirit's collaboration with Tara Subkoff. Her $600 boots sold out.”
www.ninewest.com
21 April 2006

[susie_bubble]

Gosh for that kind of money....you could almost buy the REAL Vivienne Westwood, Thakoon and Kokosalaki.....

[ChrissyM]

that's a bit of a let down...
there are still a lot of people out there who can't afford to spend $200 on shoes...
still interested in seeing what they come up with though..

[faust]

this will be an utter failure.

[Spacemiu]

I think it's obviously a move to get a more fahsionable , hip image than to sell lots of shoes

[manolocraver]

I think Nine West's approach on new designers to enhance its present collection is good. In Malaysia, everybody knows Nine West because it's affordable and designs are nice.