The business of Tiger Woods has been taking on water the past two years. Sponsors like Accenture, AT&T, Gillette and PepsiCo have jumped ship since his November 2009 car crash and the resulting scandal. His golf course design business has been hammered by the economic downturn. His winless streak on the course is at 20 months and counting, and the former No. 1 golfer in the world is now ranked 13th. Woods' annual earnings have plummeted $50 million over the past two years.
Yet Tiger Woods is still the highest-paid athlete in the world–and it isn't even a close call. Woods earned $75 million over the past 12 months, easily outdistancing second-ranked Kobe Bryant, who made $53 million.
Woods can thank two long-term sponsors for his hefty income. Nike signed Woods to a five-year, $40 million deal when he turned pro in 1998. Electronic Arts released its first “Tiger Woods PGA Tour” videogame in 1998.
The two companies have built significant businesses on Woods' back, and his paychecks from both have grown. Nike launched its golf division with Woods essentially holding up the brand; last year it reported sales of $638 million. EA released its 14th Woods videogame in March, and the game racked up record first-week sales of 225,000 units; that topped the old sales record, set in 2007, by 17%. EA and Nike combined are responsible for more than half of Woods' $75 million in earnings.
Bryant leads 15 basketball players that made the list, more than any other sport. Bryant added Turkish Airlines and Mercedes-Benz's Smart Car to his endorsement portfolio this year. His $24.8 million salary with the Los Angeles Lakers is $4 million more than any other NBA player. No. 3 on the list is Miami Heat forward LeBron James, who earned $48 million over the past year (see “LeBron James Looks To Conquer The World”).
Our earnings figures are derived from salaries, bonuses, prize money, appearance fees, licensing and endorsement income in the 12 months ending May 1. We do not deduct taxes or agents' fees.
This year's 50 highest-paid athletes earned $1.4 billion combined, or $28 million on average. That's down 11% from a year ago, thanks in large part to the drop in Woods' earnings and the inactivity of Floyd Mayweather, who hasn't fought in 13 months after appearing at No. 2 on last year's list with earnings of $65 million. The minimum to make the list was $18.8 million, compared to $21 million in 2010.
Another big factor in the drop in athlete earnings is the NFL lockout. The owners locked out players in March, and very few contracts were signed beforehand, including no blockbusters with big signing bonuses in the short offseason.
Last year's NFL draft class also failed to land a player on the list. The top two picks, Sam Bradford and Ndamukong Suh, signed rich contracts with guarantees of $50 million and $40 million, respectively, but most of that money has not yet been paid out. Last year nine NFL players made our list, but this year only three made the cut, led by No. 13 Tom Brady at $31 million.
Once again women are under-represented among the top-earning athletes. Tennis player Maria Sharapova is the only woman who cracked the top 50 for the second straight year. She ranks 29th with earnings of $24.2 million, largely from her lucrative Nike deal, which pays her royalties on her lines of tennis apparel and Cole Haan shoes.
2011年5月31日星期二
2011年5月29日星期日
What would you pay to see 2,000 sneakers?
Meet the modern Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee and Charlie Bucket.
Meet Jesus Arce, Jonathan Purser, Brandon Renken, Sean Wood and Karen Turner.
They are the five people who outbid everyone else on eBay to win a Willy Wonka-style tour of the ShoeZeum, a warehouse in San Diego's Old Town containing a private collection of 2,000 Nike sneakers, 200 Michael Jordan posters and a ton of sports memorabilia and baubles.
They collectively paid $1,060.80 for the privilege to peek inside the ShoeZeum last Saturday night and bring a single guest. The winning bids ranged from $170 to $255. Auction proceeds went to LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a big Nike charity.
The ShoeZeum is the brain child of USD law and business school graduate Jordan Geller. It's the warehouse where he built a successful business buying new Nikes at discount and selling hundreds of them a day online. Now, it reeks of sneaker history that makes Nike executives board jets in Oregon to visit.
The tour for the Golden Ticket winners began at 7 p.m. and quickly exceeded expectations. Geller brought in Phil's BBQ for dinner, gave each person a pair of mounted black Nike Dunks and paint to personalize each set and stayed past 1 a.m. with the handful of people who couldn't bring themselves to leave.
"Going into it, I thought it was just going to be a little one-hour tour and then he'd send us on our merry way, but boy was a I wrong," Arce said.
Arce is a San Diego firefighter. He's 37 and probably has about 120 shoes himself. In the past five years, his collecting has slowed down. Now, he just buys shoes for his children, 4 and 2.
Purser, 27, works in information technology in the U.S. Navy and was the last person out the door at the end of the tour. He has several hundred pairs of shoes in his own collection and has his mounted Nike Dunks on his turtle tank.
"That way three times a day when I feed him I get to look back and remember that great night that I'll cherish for years to come," Purser said.
Renken, 30, is a lawyer from Houston who asked his fiancee to marry him via engraved tags on a pair of sneakers -- see it here to believe it. Renken, who may have 200 pairs of shoes but never counted, bid on the ShoeZeum tour when he realized he and his fiancee would be in San Diego that weekend anyway.
"The ShoeZeum just kind of reminded me that this hobby is not necessarily something stupid that I have to give up or grow out of," he said. "Everything about it is great."
Wood, 25, is a UCLA student who lives in Whittier outside Los Angeles and has somewhere over 300 pairs of shoes. He said the ShoeZeum "took my respect and love for shoes and innovation to another level."
Karen Turner was the lone woman to win a bid. She lives in Torrance and did it for her son Stephen, 24, who works for the Marriott Hotel and has been a huge fan of sneakers since he was 2 years old. Back then, he endured an allergy test involving more than 100 shots and afterward his mother said she'd take him to Toys "R" Us. He asked if he could get new shoes instead and wound up with Air Jordans.
"I had to charge the shoes, but I remember the smile on his face like it was yesterday," Turner said. "Pure joy."
Her son had to work the night of the ShoeZeum tour, so she gave the tickets to a friend instead.
That turned out to be the only misstep of the night.
Meet Jesus Arce, Jonathan Purser, Brandon Renken, Sean Wood and Karen Turner.
They are the five people who outbid everyone else on eBay to win a Willy Wonka-style tour of the ShoeZeum, a warehouse in San Diego's Old Town containing a private collection of 2,000 Nike sneakers, 200 Michael Jordan posters and a ton of sports memorabilia and baubles.
They collectively paid $1,060.80 for the privilege to peek inside the ShoeZeum last Saturday night and bring a single guest. The winning bids ranged from $170 to $255. Auction proceeds went to LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a big Nike charity.
The ShoeZeum is the brain child of USD law and business school graduate Jordan Geller. It's the warehouse where he built a successful business buying new Nikes at discount and selling hundreds of them a day online. Now, it reeks of sneaker history that makes Nike executives board jets in Oregon to visit.
The tour for the Golden Ticket winners began at 7 p.m. and quickly exceeded expectations. Geller brought in Phil's BBQ for dinner, gave each person a pair of mounted black Nike Dunks and paint to personalize each set and stayed past 1 a.m. with the handful of people who couldn't bring themselves to leave.
"Going into it, I thought it was just going to be a little one-hour tour and then he'd send us on our merry way, but boy was a I wrong," Arce said.
Arce is a San Diego firefighter. He's 37 and probably has about 120 shoes himself. In the past five years, his collecting has slowed down. Now, he just buys shoes for his children, 4 and 2.
Purser, 27, works in information technology in the U.S. Navy and was the last person out the door at the end of the tour. He has several hundred pairs of shoes in his own collection and has his mounted Nike Dunks on his turtle tank.
"That way three times a day when I feed him I get to look back and remember that great night that I'll cherish for years to come," Purser said.
Renken, 30, is a lawyer from Houston who asked his fiancee to marry him via engraved tags on a pair of sneakers -- see it here to believe it. Renken, who may have 200 pairs of shoes but never counted, bid on the ShoeZeum tour when he realized he and his fiancee would be in San Diego that weekend anyway.
"The ShoeZeum just kind of reminded me that this hobby is not necessarily something stupid that I have to give up or grow out of," he said. "Everything about it is great."
Wood, 25, is a UCLA student who lives in Whittier outside Los Angeles and has somewhere over 300 pairs of shoes. He said the ShoeZeum "took my respect and love for shoes and innovation to another level."
Karen Turner was the lone woman to win a bid. She lives in Torrance and did it for her son Stephen, 24, who works for the Marriott Hotel and has been a huge fan of sneakers since he was 2 years old. Back then, he endured an allergy test involving more than 100 shots and afterward his mother said she'd take him to Toys "R" Us. He asked if he could get new shoes instead and wound up with Air Jordans.
"I had to charge the shoes, but I remember the smile on his face like it was yesterday," Turner said. "Pure joy."
Her son had to work the night of the ShoeZeum tour, so she gave the tickets to a friend instead.
That turned out to be the only misstep of the night.
2011年5月25日星期三
Li Ning Portland operation shrinks as Chinese parent's shares plunge
Li Ning Sports USA, Inc., had an intriguing start four years ago in Portland, opening its North American headquarters in the backyard of Nike, Adidas America and other footwear brands. It was a coup for Portland to become home for the company sometimes called "the Nike of China."
Today, however, the company's Pearl District staff has shrunk by half, from about 30 employees last year to about 15. A deal with Champs Sports, a division of Foot Locker, Inc., that was intended to give the brand its biggest reach yet into the American retail market, is kaput. And a line of running shoes designed in Portland has a squishy future.
The state of parent Li Ning, Co., the Beijing-based company founded 20 years ago by famed gymnast Li Ning, appears to be in equal flux.
Sales for the first two quarters have been disappointing. Three of the company's top executives resigned on Tuesday. And the stock value has fallen more than 10 percent this week. That decline was steep enough to prompt the Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange issued a news release Wednesday saying it did not know why the stock had dropped.
Regardless, Li Ning remains committed to Portland, said Jay Li, general manager of Li-Ning Sports USA as well as the company's fledgling international division. "We're still extremely happy we're here," he said Tuesday. "This is obviously where the talent pool is," referring to product design.
But with shedding of staff and other setbacks, Li said the purpose of the Pearl District headquarters -- which features a retail outlet -- has changed.
It's "a learning center based in the U.S. to understand the U.S. market and advance accordingly," Li said.
Last August, the company appeared poised to make the Portland office even more than a learning center. It announced its Champs deal, placing "BD Doom" shoes and apparel in about 70 stores, primarily on the West Coast. BD Doom is the signature line of Baron Davis, then of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Days before the start of the 2010-11 NBA season, none of the products could be found at the Lloyd Center Champs. A store employee said the product supply had been returned to Li Ning. A Champs spokesperson has not responded to several requests for comment. Li confirmed Li Ning products are no longer in Champs.
Li said the local office and Beijing headquarters remain interested in finding other ways to attract American consumers to its basketball brand.
"Having an association with a few NBA stars is far from enough," he said, noting that in addition to Davis, Evan Turner, the number two overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2010 NBA draft, is another Li Ning endorser.
It's a long shot for any company to make a dent in the mature U.S. basketball market, which is dominated by Nike, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst of the NPD Group in Port Washington, N.Y.
"You could break into Fort Knox more easily than break into the basketball market," Cohen said.
Behemoth brands dominate store shelves as well as on-line sites and any brand must have a huge supply available to meet potential demand, Cohen said.
Of the $12.3 billion U.S. athletic footwear market, about 12 percent is basketball sales, according to The NPD Group, Inc./Retail Tracking Service.
Last September, the Li Ning USA office also was seeking to break into the U.S. specialty running shoe category. Its local staff designed a handful of shoes to be manufactured in China for the U.S. market.
Several specialty retailers carried the first shoe, the "Fremont," named for the bridge in Portland, and placed orders for subsequent shoes aimed at the red-hot lightweight shoe category. Fit Right Northwest, the athletic supply shop in Northwest Portland and Vancouver, was the first specialty retail store to carry the Fremont.
But a Li Ning representative informed Fit Right Northwest that "everything is shutting down here in the U.S.," said store co-owner Robb Finegan. "I don't have any support from them as far as a sales rep."
Fit Right had planned to partner with Li Ning for running events this summer, but that's canceled. Li Ning was a key sponsor of the Eugene Marathon, but, days before the May 1 event, informed its partner, the Eugene Running Company, that it was pulling out of the running business.
An inventory of thousands of running shoes, much of it stored at a warehouse near Jantzen Beach, must now be liquidated. Finegan marked down his remaining Fremont supply by 30 percent on Tuesday.
Li, however, said Li Ning still plans to launch its two lightweight shoes. The "Liede," named for a bridge in China, and the "Broadway," named for the Portland bridge, will be released this summer. It's not clear, however, where the shoes will be sold.
"Following that launch," Li said, "we are working to restrategize the next steps to differentiate Li-Ning products for the U.S. office."
The Portland office also awaits word on the role of a Chicago marketing firm, the Acquity Group LLC, in a joint venture to shape Li Ning USA's future.
The partnership was announced in January, not in Portland, but in Beijing. And it was announced by Zhang Zhiyong, the Li Ning chief executive.
Today, however, the company's Pearl District staff has shrunk by half, from about 30 employees last year to about 15. A deal with Champs Sports, a division of Foot Locker, Inc., that was intended to give the brand its biggest reach yet into the American retail market, is kaput. And a line of running shoes designed in Portland has a squishy future.
The state of parent Li Ning, Co., the Beijing-based company founded 20 years ago by famed gymnast Li Ning, appears to be in equal flux.
Sales for the first two quarters have been disappointing. Three of the company's top executives resigned on Tuesday. And the stock value has fallen more than 10 percent this week. That decline was steep enough to prompt the Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange issued a news release Wednesday saying it did not know why the stock had dropped.
Regardless, Li Ning remains committed to Portland, said Jay Li, general manager of Li-Ning Sports USA as well as the company's fledgling international division. "We're still extremely happy we're here," he said Tuesday. "This is obviously where the talent pool is," referring to product design.
But with shedding of staff and other setbacks, Li said the purpose of the Pearl District headquarters -- which features a retail outlet -- has changed.
It's "a learning center based in the U.S. to understand the U.S. market and advance accordingly," Li said.
Last August, the company appeared poised to make the Portland office even more than a learning center. It announced its Champs deal, placing "BD Doom" shoes and apparel in about 70 stores, primarily on the West Coast. BD Doom is the signature line of Baron Davis, then of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Days before the start of the 2010-11 NBA season, none of the products could be found at the Lloyd Center Champs. A store employee said the product supply had been returned to Li Ning. A Champs spokesperson has not responded to several requests for comment. Li confirmed Li Ning products are no longer in Champs.
Li said the local office and Beijing headquarters remain interested in finding other ways to attract American consumers to its basketball brand.
"Having an association with a few NBA stars is far from enough," he said, noting that in addition to Davis, Evan Turner, the number two overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2010 NBA draft, is another Li Ning endorser.
It's a long shot for any company to make a dent in the mature U.S. basketball market, which is dominated by Nike, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst of the NPD Group in Port Washington, N.Y.
"You could break into Fort Knox more easily than break into the basketball market," Cohen said.
Behemoth brands dominate store shelves as well as on-line sites and any brand must have a huge supply available to meet potential demand, Cohen said.
Of the $12.3 billion U.S. athletic footwear market, about 12 percent is basketball sales, according to The NPD Group, Inc./Retail Tracking Service.
Last September, the Li Ning USA office also was seeking to break into the U.S. specialty running shoe category. Its local staff designed a handful of shoes to be manufactured in China for the U.S. market.
Several specialty retailers carried the first shoe, the "Fremont," named for the bridge in Portland, and placed orders for subsequent shoes aimed at the red-hot lightweight shoe category. Fit Right Northwest, the athletic supply shop in Northwest Portland and Vancouver, was the first specialty retail store to carry the Fremont.
But a Li Ning representative informed Fit Right Northwest that "everything is shutting down here in the U.S.," said store co-owner Robb Finegan. "I don't have any support from them as far as a sales rep."
Fit Right had planned to partner with Li Ning for running events this summer, but that's canceled. Li Ning was a key sponsor of the Eugene Marathon, but, days before the May 1 event, informed its partner, the Eugene Running Company, that it was pulling out of the running business.
An inventory of thousands of running shoes, much of it stored at a warehouse near Jantzen Beach, must now be liquidated. Finegan marked down his remaining Fremont supply by 30 percent on Tuesday.
Li, however, said Li Ning still plans to launch its two lightweight shoes. The "Liede," named for a bridge in China, and the "Broadway," named for the Portland bridge, will be released this summer. It's not clear, however, where the shoes will be sold.
"Following that launch," Li said, "we are working to restrategize the next steps to differentiate Li-Ning products for the U.S. office."
The Portland office also awaits word on the role of a Chicago marketing firm, the Acquity Group LLC, in a joint venture to shape Li Ning USA's future.
The partnership was announced in January, not in Portland, but in Beijing. And it was announced by Zhang Zhiyong, the Li Ning chief executive.
2011年5月23日星期一
Derrick Rose Video: Watch D-Rose Show Off His Shiny New Kicks
The city of Chicago thought Derrick Rose was following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, and to some degree, he has been, but that doesn't include his shoes.
Jordan has long been the most synonymous name with Nike, but now the Chicago Bulls and their fans' hopes ride on the soles of Adidas that Derrick Rose rocks.
Not just any Adidas, but the new adiZero shoe.
The commercial puts a heavy emphasis on the number 9.8, and it turns out that the number has nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with the weight of the shoe.
Rose is one of the most explosive jumpers in the entire league, and now he apparently has the lightest basketball shoe out there.
Chicago is currently trailing Miami in the Eastern Conference finals 2-1.
Offensively, Rose is the catalyst for everything the Bulls do, and now we may know why he can jump so high.
Adidas' new campaign will intrigue viewers, fans and shoe junkies alike, at least for some time.
Shoe sales will get an obvious boost if Rose can win some more games, but he's facing off against LeBron James and the very company that Chicago's history was built on, Nike.
Adidas and their three stripes are apparently "all in," but will it be enough for the Bulls and Rose?
We shall see.
Jordan has long been the most synonymous name with Nike, but now the Chicago Bulls and their fans' hopes ride on the soles of Adidas that Derrick Rose rocks.
Not just any Adidas, but the new adiZero shoe.
The commercial puts a heavy emphasis on the number 9.8, and it turns out that the number has nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with the weight of the shoe.
Rose is one of the most explosive jumpers in the entire league, and now he apparently has the lightest basketball shoe out there.
Chicago is currently trailing Miami in the Eastern Conference finals 2-1.
Offensively, Rose is the catalyst for everything the Bulls do, and now we may know why he can jump so high.
Adidas' new campaign will intrigue viewers, fans and shoe junkies alike, at least for some time.
Shoe sales will get an obvious boost if Rose can win some more games, but he's facing off against LeBron James and the very company that Chicago's history was built on, Nike.
Adidas and their three stripes are apparently "all in," but will it be enough for the Bulls and Rose?
We shall see.
2011年5月19日星期四
Nike Marketing Kevin Durant Backpack Along with Clothing Line
During Oklahoma City Thunder post-game press conferences, two things go hand-in-hand: Kevin Durant and his backpack. For whatever reason, the 21-year-old superstar does all his post game blabber wearing his backpack completely strapped up and ready to go. Like any smart company would do, Nike is capitalizing on the fashion statement by selling the carrying book bag as part of Durant's KD III line.
It has almost become symbolic for Durant to rock the backpack during his sessions with the media. However, some fans may be disappointed with what's actually in it. According to Durant, “iPad, headphones, bible and phone chargers,” is all he carries.
Nike is has wisely decided to capitalize off this entertaining fad. Durant, unlike LeBron, is one of the most loved players in the NBA. When young basketball players go to purchase his shoes, they'll almost certainly feel obligated to buy the matching backpack.
While Nike looks to profit off Durant's choice in style, Durant himself has other things to worry about. One huge one will be slowing down the Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki's quest to enhance his legacy. After the Game 1 loss, Durant will need his teammate Russell Westbrook (3-15 shooting in Game 1) — not his backpack – to have any chance of bouncing back.
It has almost become symbolic for Durant to rock the backpack during his sessions with the media. However, some fans may be disappointed with what's actually in it. According to Durant, “iPad, headphones, bible and phone chargers,” is all he carries.
Nike is has wisely decided to capitalize off this entertaining fad. Durant, unlike LeBron, is one of the most loved players in the NBA. When young basketball players go to purchase his shoes, they'll almost certainly feel obligated to buy the matching backpack.
While Nike looks to profit off Durant's choice in style, Durant himself has other things to worry about. One huge one will be slowing down the Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki's quest to enhance his legacy. After the Game 1 loss, Durant will need his teammate Russell Westbrook (3-15 shooting in Game 1) — not his backpack – to have any chance of bouncing back.
2011年5月17日星期二
If the shoe fits...
Few names in any pursuit inspire such immediate positive reaction as the name Manolo Blahnik.
For millions of women all over the world, his name is synonymous with shoes.
Amazing shoes.
While Blahnik gained iconic status by being the fashion fetish of the Carrie Bradshaw character on Sex and the City, what keeps women coming back is the bold, colorful design sense and the sheer sexiness of his sleek footwear.
From a business standpoint he's a colorful story as well. The Spanish native has always designed his own shoes by hand, building each sample himself in artisan fashion before it goes to the factory. Despite his global status, Blahnik's company is still quite small by international standards — the better for him to keep his personal stamp on everything that bears his name.
Blahnik speaks Saturday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. at the Lucas in a panel discussion with Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley and fashion writer Eric Wilson. The event is part of SCAD's Fashion Week festivities and is free and open to the public.
Mr. Blahnik will also receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the evening fashion show (which is now sold out).
We spoke to Mr. Blahnik last week.
When most people think of shoes, they usually don't think much about color. But perhaps the first thing everyone notices about your shoes is the incredibly vibrant color palette. Why are you so interested in color?
Manolo Blahnik: That's easy to tell you! I came from the south of Spain, and grew up in the islands, so it's natural for me. Everything is going to be color. And I don't mean really discreet color – I like it really shocking — shocking pink, shocking fuchsia. It's got to be loud!
It seems American style often tends more toward the conservative than European style.
Manolo Blahnik: It depends where you go in the U.S. In Miami they go crazy for colors. In America there are places where we do very conventional shoes, but more color and style emerges suddenly in places you don't expect it, like Houston. In Boston they love very beautiful styles, for example.
In New York we tend to sell more conservative things. Most of time I see young ladies, career women, who every one every two years buy a crocodile pump! You can see always pumps and safe shoes there.
Those platforms they wear I hate. They're awful, out of shape things, wrong for a woman's legs and dress. I though they would go away immediately, but they've lasted years!
It does seem like society has embraced ugliness in all things over the last ten or 15 years. Not just in fashion, but throughout pop culture.
Manolo Blahnik: Unfortunately you've hit the nail on the head. It's true. Maybe the canon of beauty has just changed. Maybe technology has intervened to make it easier to popularize ugly things. Most designs today are just out of shape, there's no beauty, no balance. And it isn't logical — it's a touch of illogical to walk in those things. I've never seen so many broken or twisted ankles!
Interesting you'd say that, considering you're famous for stiletto heels.
Manolo Blahnik: Well, we've never actually had a real problem with that.
Does that go to workmanship?
Manolo Blahnik: The lack of! If you do work in shoes as long as I have, you know you're doing something wrong. If you make something hideous, you know when something is wrong.
Do your design concepts always start with the heel? What is the central focus as you begin?
Manolo Blahnik: In my mind I don't have a heel or last or shape, even. When I have ideas it's very abstract.
Sometimes I wake up in the morning and say I'm going to do this, and then I take that idea to the paper and doodle. The next day, maybe it's working, and that's when I really start.
I don't want to change heels or shapes very often. I don't like to be in fashion design, really. Of course we end up there because of what we do.
You're so unusual in that you still are so hands–on with your work, crafting designs by hand. It's still so personalized.
Manolo Blahnik: It's like everything when you do things with your hands. I just came back from the factory — I came back to Milan at 12:30 at night. It's a good thing I had wonderful room service, because when I'm in the factories I lose track of time, I'm having such good moments!
Would you tell fashion students to work the same way, with their hands, or is that just too unrealistic nowadays?
Manolo Blahnik: If they ask me, that's what I'll tell them to do! Most people nowadays, especially young people, design everything by computer, by internet. They use technology because it's more economical, and maybe easier for them to learn that way because of how they're taught in schools.
I don't work that way — I have to touch the material, touch the machines. I should put gloves on but sometimes I forget to put my gloves on! Sometimes I hurt myself! The sample and last are done first myself. For heels I have a wonderful specialist, and the balance is perfect. Everything is to my taste.
That's why you're so successful.
Manolo Blahnik: It's like anybody if they do anything semi–artistic, or semi–applied art — that sounds so pretentious, doesn't it? When you do things like that you also have to be involved in everything. It helps if you have other interests. I have too many other interests to tell you the truth!
You have to be twisted like I am to be able to see influences in so many things. I really try not to read too much or get too much information simply because I don't want to be contaminated. Whatever happens is myself. If it's terrible it's terrible because it's myself.
In the shoe business life, you have to please these women out there. I have a niche with these ladies, but I always want more. As I get older I get more demanding on myself — other people too actually!
Manolo Blahnik
Mr. Blahnik appears with Andre Leon Talley and Eric Wilson at 2:30 p.m. Sat. May 21 at the Lucas Theatre as part of SCAD's Fashion Week. The event is free and open to the public.
For millions of women all over the world, his name is synonymous with shoes.
Amazing shoes.
While Blahnik gained iconic status by being the fashion fetish of the Carrie Bradshaw character on Sex and the City, what keeps women coming back is the bold, colorful design sense and the sheer sexiness of his sleek footwear.
From a business standpoint he's a colorful story as well. The Spanish native has always designed his own shoes by hand, building each sample himself in artisan fashion before it goes to the factory. Despite his global status, Blahnik's company is still quite small by international standards — the better for him to keep his personal stamp on everything that bears his name.
Blahnik speaks Saturday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. at the Lucas in a panel discussion with Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley and fashion writer Eric Wilson. The event is part of SCAD's Fashion Week festivities and is free and open to the public.
Mr. Blahnik will also receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the evening fashion show (which is now sold out).
We spoke to Mr. Blahnik last week.
When most people think of shoes, they usually don't think much about color. But perhaps the first thing everyone notices about your shoes is the incredibly vibrant color palette. Why are you so interested in color?
Manolo Blahnik: That's easy to tell you! I came from the south of Spain, and grew up in the islands, so it's natural for me. Everything is going to be color. And I don't mean really discreet color – I like it really shocking — shocking pink, shocking fuchsia. It's got to be loud!
It seems American style often tends more toward the conservative than European style.
Manolo Blahnik: It depends where you go in the U.S. In Miami they go crazy for colors. In America there are places where we do very conventional shoes, but more color and style emerges suddenly in places you don't expect it, like Houston. In Boston they love very beautiful styles, for example.
In New York we tend to sell more conservative things. Most of time I see young ladies, career women, who every one every two years buy a crocodile pump! You can see always pumps and safe shoes there.
Those platforms they wear I hate. They're awful, out of shape things, wrong for a woman's legs and dress. I though they would go away immediately, but they've lasted years!
It does seem like society has embraced ugliness in all things over the last ten or 15 years. Not just in fashion, but throughout pop culture.
Manolo Blahnik: Unfortunately you've hit the nail on the head. It's true. Maybe the canon of beauty has just changed. Maybe technology has intervened to make it easier to popularize ugly things. Most designs today are just out of shape, there's no beauty, no balance. And it isn't logical — it's a touch of illogical to walk in those things. I've never seen so many broken or twisted ankles!
Interesting you'd say that, considering you're famous for stiletto heels.
Manolo Blahnik: Well, we've never actually had a real problem with that.
Does that go to workmanship?
Manolo Blahnik: The lack of! If you do work in shoes as long as I have, you know you're doing something wrong. If you make something hideous, you know when something is wrong.
Do your design concepts always start with the heel? What is the central focus as you begin?
Manolo Blahnik: In my mind I don't have a heel or last or shape, even. When I have ideas it's very abstract.
Sometimes I wake up in the morning and say I'm going to do this, and then I take that idea to the paper and doodle. The next day, maybe it's working, and that's when I really start.
I don't want to change heels or shapes very often. I don't like to be in fashion design, really. Of course we end up there because of what we do.
You're so unusual in that you still are so hands–on with your work, crafting designs by hand. It's still so personalized.
Manolo Blahnik: It's like everything when you do things with your hands. I just came back from the factory — I came back to Milan at 12:30 at night. It's a good thing I had wonderful room service, because when I'm in the factories I lose track of time, I'm having such good moments!
Would you tell fashion students to work the same way, with their hands, or is that just too unrealistic nowadays?
Manolo Blahnik: If they ask me, that's what I'll tell them to do! Most people nowadays, especially young people, design everything by computer, by internet. They use technology because it's more economical, and maybe easier for them to learn that way because of how they're taught in schools.
I don't work that way — I have to touch the material, touch the machines. I should put gloves on but sometimes I forget to put my gloves on! Sometimes I hurt myself! The sample and last are done first myself. For heels I have a wonderful specialist, and the balance is perfect. Everything is to my taste.
That's why you're so successful.
Manolo Blahnik: It's like anybody if they do anything semi–artistic, or semi–applied art — that sounds so pretentious, doesn't it? When you do things like that you also have to be involved in everything. It helps if you have other interests. I have too many other interests to tell you the truth!
You have to be twisted like I am to be able to see influences in so many things. I really try not to read too much or get too much information simply because I don't want to be contaminated. Whatever happens is myself. If it's terrible it's terrible because it's myself.
In the shoe business life, you have to please these women out there. I have a niche with these ladies, but I always want more. As I get older I get more demanding on myself — other people too actually!
Manolo Blahnik
Mr. Blahnik appears with Andre Leon Talley and Eric Wilson at 2:30 p.m. Sat. May 21 at the Lucas Theatre as part of SCAD's Fashion Week. The event is free and open to the public.
2011年5月15日星期日
Elizabeth Olsen in Cannes: Beautiful in The Row
With CFDA Award nominees for sisters, Elizabeth Olsen's Cannes Film Festival wardrobe is expected to be stellar. The star of Martha Marcy May Marlene did not disappoint as she sailed through her movie's photo call and premiere outfitted in The Row.
Elizabeth looked granny chic--in the most charming way possible--in her daytime attire. Elizabeth kept her breezy embroidered ensemble young, with a hint of her bra peeking through the sheer material. The ankle-length skirt was a nice break from the typical knee-length photo call dresses of late. Her crystal and bow embellished Giuseppe Zanotti sandals were an excellent choice.
Elizabeth's white outfit was only a taste of things to come as the actress looked beautiful on the red carpet for the premiere of Martha Marcy May Marlene. She wore another creation from her sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley, whose refined designs capture sexy-but-not-skin-tight extremely well. The beaded, black tank gave way to a long slinky skirt with a thigh-high slit. Though headbands don't always spell success on the red carpet, Elizabeth wore hers well. A Chanel clutch and Manolo Blahnik heels completed her look.
The black number was certainly a more understated dress than the amazing couture gowns that Elizabeth Olsen's fellow actresses have worn at the film festival, but she looked beautiful nonetheless.
Elizabeth looked granny chic--in the most charming way possible--in her daytime attire. Elizabeth kept her breezy embroidered ensemble young, with a hint of her bra peeking through the sheer material. The ankle-length skirt was a nice break from the typical knee-length photo call dresses of late. Her crystal and bow embellished Giuseppe Zanotti sandals were an excellent choice.
Elizabeth's white outfit was only a taste of things to come as the actress looked beautiful on the red carpet for the premiere of Martha Marcy May Marlene. She wore another creation from her sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley, whose refined designs capture sexy-but-not-skin-tight extremely well. The beaded, black tank gave way to a long slinky skirt with a thigh-high slit. Though headbands don't always spell success on the red carpet, Elizabeth wore hers well. A Chanel clutch and Manolo Blahnik heels completed her look.
The black number was certainly a more understated dress than the amazing couture gowns that Elizabeth Olsen's fellow actresses have worn at the film festival, but she looked beautiful nonetheless.
2011年5月11日星期三
Kim Rothstein settles, gives up shoes and more
It looks like Kim Rothstein will settle the bankruptcy claim against her for a relatively small amount.
Actually, she will settle for the price of a few dozen bottles of wine, pairs of shoes, some jewelry and other items seized from properties she shared with her husband, Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein.
She’s surrendering those items to settle a claim of $1.13 million brought against her by the bankruptcy estate of his former law firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler. I previously reported that attorneys had said they reached a settlement in principle.
The items will be auctioned, similar to the auctions already held for Scott Rothstein’s boats, cars and office furniture. Charles Lichtman of Berger Singerman, the attorney for the estate, said he believes Kim Rothstein’s items will fetch more than the furniture auction, which netted only $182,000.
Among the more interesting items being surrendered: Kim Rothstein’s ruby and diamond heart ring, which was previously released to her by the U.S. Attorney’s Office; 34 pairs of designer shoes, with names such as Prada, Manolo Blahnik and Donald J. Pliner; dozens of Scott Rothstein’s suits, many from European clothing retailer Moda Mario; expensive wine; and a box of “fetish wear.”
The only cash listed is $108,341 in a Smith Barney retirement savings account.
Kim Rothstein will also surrender items at other properties including their New York apartment and 277 Garden Court, in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
According to a motion before the bankruptcy court, Scott Rothstein has also agreed to the settlement.
Actually, she will settle for the price of a few dozen bottles of wine, pairs of shoes, some jewelry and other items seized from properties she shared with her husband, Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein.
She’s surrendering those items to settle a claim of $1.13 million brought against her by the bankruptcy estate of his former law firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler. I previously reported that attorneys had said they reached a settlement in principle.
The items will be auctioned, similar to the auctions already held for Scott Rothstein’s boats, cars and office furniture. Charles Lichtman of Berger Singerman, the attorney for the estate, said he believes Kim Rothstein’s items will fetch more than the furniture auction, which netted only $182,000.
Among the more interesting items being surrendered: Kim Rothstein’s ruby and diamond heart ring, which was previously released to her by the U.S. Attorney’s Office; 34 pairs of designer shoes, with names such as Prada, Manolo Blahnik and Donald J. Pliner; dozens of Scott Rothstein’s suits, many from European clothing retailer Moda Mario; expensive wine; and a box of “fetish wear.”
The only cash listed is $108,341 in a Smith Barney retirement savings account.
Kim Rothstein will also surrender items at other properties including their New York apartment and 277 Garden Court, in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
According to a motion before the bankruptcy court, Scott Rothstein has also agreed to the settlement.
2011年5月9日星期一
Don't Make the Same Manolo Mistake Fern Mallis Did
Shopping mistakes happen to all of us, even those of us who virtually invented Fashion Week as we know it. In the latest installment of their retail regrets column Buyer's Remorse, Racked National gets Fern Mallis, the woman who first brought the shows under one big tent in Bryant Park, to confess her worst sample sale misstep. Explains Mallis:
At a Manolo Blahnik VIP shoe sale several years ago I bought a pair of gold sequin stillettos. I figured they'd be a great accent shoe for a LBD... I've never worn them, and think I should have left them for the drag queens that were shopping.
With this year's Manolo sale fast approaching, let's all heed this cautionary tale.
At a Manolo Blahnik VIP shoe sale several years ago I bought a pair of gold sequin stillettos. I figured they'd be a great accent shoe for a LBD... I've never worn them, and think I should have left them for the drag queens that were shopping.
With this year's Manolo sale fast approaching, let's all heed this cautionary tale.
2011年5月5日星期四
Style Scoop
Personal Appearance: Have the chance to meet Kim Kardashian at 5 p.m. Friday at Macy's at Fashion Show mall. Customers who buy the Kim Kardashian fragrance package ($130) will meet her and get a photo taken with her.
Neimans News: Neiman Marcus is full of events through the next week. The store partners with Natura Bisse to present a new concept in skin therapy by introducing a rejuvenating, pure air environment to showcase the Lummin-Essence Age Defying Treatment today through Saturday. Call 731-3636, ext. 2118, to book your appointment. Receive a tote filled with samples with your $85 purchase of cosmetics or fragrances now through Sunday. Experience the four elements of air, water, fire and earth featuring the latest David Yurman men and women's collections Friday and Saturday. Also, receive a gift with your qualifying purchase and register to win a piece of David Yurman. Meet B The Product creator and hairstylist Brandon Martinez and experience the product with complimentary blowouts Friday and Saturday. Check out the Robert Graham trunk show and get a gift with purchase Saturday.
For the Kids: All White House Black Market stores will accept cash donations through May for Children's Miracle Network Campaign. Half of the purchase price from sales of the Limited Edition Miracles Bracelet ($20) go toward the charity.
What a Gem: Kim Maree Williams of Kim Maree Designs will unveil her Sterling Silver Amethyst Collection from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Michael E. Minden Diamond Jewelers at Fashion Show mall. Kim Maree Designs are distinctive, fine jewelry creations inspired by faith, family and friends.
Sak it to Me: Visit the shoe department from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday for a Manolo Blahnik trend presentation and personal consultations at Saks Fifth Avenue. Enjoy jazz, modeling, champagne and strawberries. Call 940-1451 for more information. A representative from Roberto Coin jewelry will be on site 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
It's also Fragrance Week at Saks. Receive a travel-size atomizer with your $85 purchase through Sunday and discover Jo Malone's newest scent Friday and Saturday.
By Design: To educate Las Vegans on shopping and buying at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas, the center is hosting one-hour guided tours complete with coffee, bagels and advice by design gurus. Design Center 101 tours will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 14 and 21, June 4 and 25.
Teen Dream: The Galleria at Sunset and Shoptopia invite teens to showcase their personal style and have a chance to win $1,000 now through August. Kids 13 and older can compete to put together a stylish ensemble using clothes at Galleria at Sunset. Visit galleriaatsunset.shoptopia.com for details.
What a Vision: Check out the Cinco de Mayo trunk show from 1 to 7 p.m. today at Vision Source at Dynamic Eye Care. It's located at 6935 Aliante Parkway, Suite 102. On select brands, shoppers get 20 percent off a complete pair of glasses and 30 percent off every additional complete pair of glasses purchased that day. A raffle will be held with prizes, including a ProDesign frame, accessories, a pinata and restaurant gift certificates.
Scents and Sensibility: Since CREED announced its plans to build on the success of its North American flagship boutique in New York, the company has received dozens of emails, texts and calls suggesting various locations. Join the decision-making by voting on one of the 12 cities in the running at blog.creedboutique.com. Vegas is one of the prospective cities. Voting ends May 15.
Mom's the Word: Treat your mom to a special day of jewelry shopping 10 a.m. to midnight Friday to Sunday at Radiance at ARIA Resort & Casino. Robert Coin Jewelry will be showcased while guests enjoy champagne and browse the latest collections.
How To: Michael Boychuck's salon, COLOR at Caesars Palace, has launched "Find Your Color with Kate," a series of YouTube makeup tutorials by Kate Stromberg, COLOR's director of cosmetics. The first tutorial, Vegas Vixen, features Laura Croft, star of E! Entertainment's reality show "Holly's World." Visit youtube.com/caesarspalace to view the tutorials.
Spaaaah: The Spa at Four Seasons has brought back its popular Spa Tapas, a unique way to pamper guests while highlighting individualized services and amenities. Spa Tapas are poolside and cost $40-$100.
Yay for Yoga: Longtime yogi David Oliphant and personal trainer James M. Wong have opened Zen Yoga inside Emergency Arts in Downtown Vegas. The studio will help people find their zen through yoga, meditation and fitness classes. Specialized classes and workshops, rejuvenation weekends, partner yoga date night and small group training also will be held.
Neimans News: Neiman Marcus is full of events through the next week. The store partners with Natura Bisse to present a new concept in skin therapy by introducing a rejuvenating, pure air environment to showcase the Lummin-Essence Age Defying Treatment today through Saturday. Call 731-3636, ext. 2118, to book your appointment. Receive a tote filled with samples with your $85 purchase of cosmetics or fragrances now through Sunday. Experience the four elements of air, water, fire and earth featuring the latest David Yurman men and women's collections Friday and Saturday. Also, receive a gift with your qualifying purchase and register to win a piece of David Yurman. Meet B The Product creator and hairstylist Brandon Martinez and experience the product with complimentary blowouts Friday and Saturday. Check out the Robert Graham trunk show and get a gift with purchase Saturday.
For the Kids: All White House Black Market stores will accept cash donations through May for Children's Miracle Network Campaign. Half of the purchase price from sales of the Limited Edition Miracles Bracelet ($20) go toward the charity.
What a Gem: Kim Maree Williams of Kim Maree Designs will unveil her Sterling Silver Amethyst Collection from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Michael E. Minden Diamond Jewelers at Fashion Show mall. Kim Maree Designs are distinctive, fine jewelry creations inspired by faith, family and friends.
Sak it to Me: Visit the shoe department from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday for a Manolo Blahnik trend presentation and personal consultations at Saks Fifth Avenue. Enjoy jazz, modeling, champagne and strawberries. Call 940-1451 for more information. A representative from Roberto Coin jewelry will be on site 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
It's also Fragrance Week at Saks. Receive a travel-size atomizer with your $85 purchase through Sunday and discover Jo Malone's newest scent Friday and Saturday.
By Design: To educate Las Vegans on shopping and buying at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas, the center is hosting one-hour guided tours complete with coffee, bagels and advice by design gurus. Design Center 101 tours will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 14 and 21, June 4 and 25.
Teen Dream: The Galleria at Sunset and Shoptopia invite teens to showcase their personal style and have a chance to win $1,000 now through August. Kids 13 and older can compete to put together a stylish ensemble using clothes at Galleria at Sunset. Visit galleriaatsunset.shoptopia.com for details.
What a Vision: Check out the Cinco de Mayo trunk show from 1 to 7 p.m. today at Vision Source at Dynamic Eye Care. It's located at 6935 Aliante Parkway, Suite 102. On select brands, shoppers get 20 percent off a complete pair of glasses and 30 percent off every additional complete pair of glasses purchased that day. A raffle will be held with prizes, including a ProDesign frame, accessories, a pinata and restaurant gift certificates.
Scents and Sensibility: Since CREED announced its plans to build on the success of its North American flagship boutique in New York, the company has received dozens of emails, texts and calls suggesting various locations. Join the decision-making by voting on one of the 12 cities in the running at blog.creedboutique.com. Vegas is one of the prospective cities. Voting ends May 15.
Mom's the Word: Treat your mom to a special day of jewelry shopping 10 a.m. to midnight Friday to Sunday at Radiance at ARIA Resort & Casino. Robert Coin Jewelry will be showcased while guests enjoy champagne and browse the latest collections.
How To: Michael Boychuck's salon, COLOR at Caesars Palace, has launched "Find Your Color with Kate," a series of YouTube makeup tutorials by Kate Stromberg, COLOR's director of cosmetics. The first tutorial, Vegas Vixen, features Laura Croft, star of E! Entertainment's reality show "Holly's World." Visit youtube.com/caesarspalace to view the tutorials.
Spaaaah: The Spa at Four Seasons has brought back its popular Spa Tapas, a unique way to pamper guests while highlighting individualized services and amenities. Spa Tapas are poolside and cost $40-$100.
Yay for Yoga: Longtime yogi David Oliphant and personal trainer James M. Wong have opened Zen Yoga inside Emergency Arts in Downtown Vegas. The studio will help people find their zen through yoga, meditation and fitness classes. Specialized classes and workshops, rejuvenation weekends, partner yoga date night and small group training also will be held.
2011年5月3日星期二
New: the shoes of the famous Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik
We can not deny that on the one hand, the great success of Manolo Blahnik is also due to the fun TV show "Sex and the City" and its main character, Carrie Bradshaw, fanatical love of fashion.
Today we want to introduce its latest model of a shoe proposed by the brand: its name and is a Hangisi shoe cleavage made with details jewel.
This famous designer has become accustomed over the years and admire his shoes with reverence by thousands of dollars, often too many to actually buy and wear.
The shoe that you can see at right is in fact less: starting from a price of $ 950, you'll find these shoes made of black satin, Complete with elegant and not too high heels, made even more special thanks to a jewel in detail.
If you want to buy these shoes to feel a bit 'Carrie Bradshaw, you can connect to the website of the virtual store of Barneys.
Today we want to introduce its latest model of a shoe proposed by the brand: its name and is a Hangisi shoe cleavage made with details jewel.
This famous designer has become accustomed over the years and admire his shoes with reverence by thousands of dollars, often too many to actually buy and wear.
The shoe that you can see at right is in fact less: starting from a price of $ 950, you'll find these shoes made of black satin, Complete with elegant and not too high heels, made even more special thanks to a jewel in detail.
If you want to buy these shoes to feel a bit 'Carrie Bradshaw, you can connect to the website of the virtual store of Barneys.
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