Hmm...

Very interesting that H&M announces it's collabo with Versace one day before releasing its Q2 earnings, which are expected to drop for a record-breaking third consecutive period:

Earnings at H&M (HMb.ST), the world's second-largest fashion retailer, are expected to have dropped in the second quarter as the firm chose not to pass on higher costs such as cotton and Asian wages to price tags.

The Swedish budget apparel firm, with some 2,300 stores in 40 countries, will publish its March-May report on June 22 after unveiling last week a mere 2 percent year-on-year rise in sales to 27.6 billion crowns amid slack spending in Europe.

The mean forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts is for a 16 percent drop from last year in pretax profit to 5.89 billion crowns ($921 million). The gross margin is estimated at 62.0 percent, down from 65.9 percent a year ago.

Madonna For Macy's?

In today's "You're About Two Decades Late" headlines, WWD is reporting that Madonna is in talks with Iconix Brand Group to launch a contemporary women's line that will be sold exclusively at Macy's department stores:

The merchandise would include apparel, accessories, intimates and footwear. Label names under serious consideration for the product lines include Material Girl for the apparel and Truth or Dare for the lingerie and underwear.

I know I should reserve judgement until I see the clothes, but I must admit that my initial reaction is: Do people want to dress like Madonna? Her M by Madonna line for H&M had several cute pieces that would fit the Macy's aesthetic, but it wasn't as well received as people expected.  Which brings us to the subject of the success rate of celebrity lines:

Speaking to American Public Media, Marshall Cohen, NPD's senior analyst, estimated that the misses in celebrity lines outnumber hits by a two-to-one margin. Jessica Simpson had a successful footwear collection but has struggled with sportswear. Jennifer Lopez pulled the plug on her Sweetface last year amid the recession. Other fashion failures included efforts from Eve, Paris and Nicky Hilton and Whitney Port. (SOURCE: Retail Wire)

Madonna must bring something new and fresh, and naming your line Material Girl or Truth or Dare won't cut it.

Jimmy Choo Comes to H&M!

Shoes from the upcoming Jimmy Choo for H&M collection

(Photo: Magnus Magnusson/H&M)

ATTENTION ALL SHOENISTAS & BAGNISTAS!

H&M has announced that they will team up with Jimmy Choo to offer a fabulous collection of shoes and handbags for the fall. This will be H&M's first collaboration with an accessories brand.

The collection will hit 200 H&M stores worldwide on Nov. 14th. Known primarily for its shoes and handbags, Jimmy Choo will also offer women's clothing and men's shoes, bags and accessories.