Monthly Website Review - April 2005

http://www.InfoMat.com
Fashion Industry Information Services And Search Engine Since 1996

"InfoMat.com provides the international fashion community with the largest and most comprehensive source of company, industry, and market intelligence."

This vast on-line database boasts but does not exaggerate its claim to house all the information the textile and apparel commerce could imagine. Easy to navigate, easy to use, this valuable fashion 411 directory facilitates sourcing because it contains within the site a search engine of its own. With a host of services listed on their menu, readers can go to their Information Desk, visit their Market Place, and see what's new with the Community.

The Information Desk section includes a guide to all the categories ranging from accessories to yarns. Runway reports can be selected by designer and news is updated daily. The Market Place is an excellent resource for leads on sales, sourcing, and reps. Last but not least, the Community services area puts you in touch with trade show dates and select catwalks by fashion capital. There's even a free fashion calendar that can be emailed monthly.

Looking for a new job? Check out what opportunities are available under their career links. You may also explore the other areas of interest listed outside of the main menu for additional information on how to advertise or become a member. Subscribers gain access to even more inside intelligence. Whether you're looking for a job or looking for the perfect button, don't dismiss InfoMat's testimonial. For those regularly on the hunt for who's who, what's what, and where to go -- this is the place to be.

* From : InfoMat's "About Us"

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Glenda Ronduen

 

 

 

Monthly Magazine Review - April 2005

Martha Stewart Living

Publication: Martha Stewart Living
Publisher: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.
11 West 42 nd Street
New York, NY 10036-7400
212.827.8000
Website: http://www.marthastewart.com
ISSN: 1057-5251
Published: Monthly
Subscription Rate: $24.00 per year

Martha Stewart, grew up in New Jersey as one of six children. She's been a model, stockbroker, caterer, and an authot. Her book, Entertaining is now in its 30 th printing. She has been called "a domestic goddess," "lifestyle queen," "apostle of domestic aestheticisim," and "workaholic homemaker." Her aim was to teach the masses how to create the good life. Her signature phrase "it's a good thing" is now part of popular culture.

The primary vehicle for all this energy has been her magazine, Martha Stewart Living.

Every issue contains:

  • Several "perfect" craft projects to dress up the home
  • A section of recipes: "Cookie of the Month" or "Oats - provide homey comfort as well as good health."
  • Landscaping and garden ideas
  • Seasonal projects, for example "Easter egg ideas - Dye, wax, stickers, leaves and more: There are many ways to dress an egg."
  • Calendars, news, and Good Things

She is also a product developer, designing garden tools, outdoor furniture, bed sheets, paint, kitchen and tableware. Everything has clear lines and, usually, creamy pastel colors -- simple and beautiful. She's an incredible merchandiser and has made strategic retail partnerships, most notably with K-Mart.

Anyone looking at the recent issues of this vibrant do-it-yourself magazine would not notice any change to the magazine based on Stewart's recent legal woes. For February, the Good Things (a regular feature) were upside-down candle stands. In the fall Martha will start a new TV show and other projects are on her newly-revised agenda. But, we suspect, Martha Stewart Living will remain close to the hearts of America's homemakers.



Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Judith Wehlau - San Francisco

 

 

Monthly Book Review - April 2005

Trading Up

Author: Michael J. Silverstein & Neil Fiske
Publisher: Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street New York, NY
10014
212.366.2952
ISBN: 1-59184-080-5
Copyright: 2003
Pages: 300
Price: $26.95

Why Consumers Want New Luxury Goods - And How Companies Create Them

When we think of luxury, and in particular luxury brands, we generally think of such brands as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, or even Dom Perignon. These products have come to indicate the height of sophistication, the best money can buy. Trading Up explores how today's luxury market is evolving and explores how certain brands have positioned themselves to cater to this ever expanding market. For example, when Joe Coulombe founded Trader Joe's he had a clear vision of who he thought would shop at his stores, well-educated, well-traveled and underpaid people. This concept has produced a chain of 177 stores with an estimated $2 billion in revenues. When Leslie Wexner, founder of The Limited, purchased Victoria's Secret, he had a vision of bringing European luxury lingerie to the United States. He wanted to bring the quality of La Perla to the masses without the price tag. The concept worked. Women were willing to spend a little more for their underwear, opting for quality without the $100 per bra price La Perla commands.

Other brands profiled include:
Kendall-Jackson wines
Cheesecake Factory
Callaway Golf Clubs
Cadillac Belvedere
Vodka

The authors go on to explain that "New Luxury" goods typically account for up to 20 percent of a category's unit volume, 40 percent of its dollar volume, and 60 percent of its profits. They also provide a detailed account of who we are as a nation, who spends what and the reasons behind it. As a nation, we're getting married later, dating longer and waiting before having children. We also want to live well even if we don't have the means to live like a millionaire. Trading Up is a well-deserved winner of the Berry-AMA (American Marketing Association) Book Prize and an interesting read.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Monika Earle