The case of the high-flying market analyst accused of a road rage incident in Auckland comes down to whether or not he took a reasonable risk when he drove off, a court has heard.
Guy Hallwright, who works for investment banking company Forsyth Barr, has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard.
Judge Raoul Neave summed the case up to the jury at Auckland District Court this morning before they retired to consider their verdict.
"The question will be: 'What was the nature of the risk?"'
Judge Neave told the jurors they will need to put themselves in the shoes of Hallwright as he drove off.
The court has heard how Hallwright and another motorist - Sung Jin Kim - were waiting at the busy intersection of Symonds St and Mt Eden Rd in September 2010.
Hallwright said yesterday that Mr Kim tooted at him before Hallwright turned down Mt Eden Rd and pulled over to find a park.
He said Mr Kim followed him, kept tooting and also pulled over.
Hallwright told the court that he got out of his car, opened Mr Kim's door and asked him in a loud voice "What is your problem?"
Mr Kim then approached Hallwright's car. Hallwright said he had his daughter in the car with him and was concerned about what Mr Kim was going to do.
But the Crown said Hallwright could have sat in his car and did not need to drive off. Prosecutor Ross Burns said in his closing yesterday that Hallwright must have seen Mr Kim and must have known there was a serious risk to Mr Kim's safety when he drove off.
Mr Kim was left with two broken legs and has told the court he needed eight lots of surgery.
Judge Neave said the case came down to what risk Hallwright thought there was in driving off.
He told the jurors to put any feelings of sympathy and prejudice out of their minds for Mr Kim's injuries or the predicament that Hallwright is in.
2012年6月28日星期四
2012年6月27日星期三
Lawyers for Kohl’s Sue Retailer over Zooey Deschanel Lawsuit
Lawyers for Kohl’s Department Stores have turned the tables on their client by filing a lawsuit against the national retailer, demanding more than $600,000 in attorney fees after settling a lawsuit with actress Zooey Deschanel for $100,000.
Deschanel, star of the Fox show, New Girl, had filed a lawsuit in December 2010, claiming she had an oral contract with the shoemaker Steve Madden to use her name and likeness for a “Zooey” line of shoes. She claims the shoemaker repudiated the contract with her agent but it was later discovered that Steve Madden had an agreement with shoemaker Candie’s to distribute “Candie’s Zooey shoes” at Kohl’s.
The actress said she was never paid for the endorsement deal.
Kohl’s retained the law firm, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, in August 2011, replacing prior counsel because Sheppard Mullin “would be better qualified to handle” the prospect of depositions of senior executives, “substantial exposure to additional lawsuits for the similar use of celebrity names, such as Cher and Madonna, for Kohl’s shoe lines,” among other issues, the suit claims.
Unfortunately, the lawyers didn’t learn from their own lawsuit and proceeded without a written agreement from Kohl’s.
“Due to these pending issues at the time of Sheppard Mullin’s substitution, immediate action was necessary and there was no time to wait to act until after obtaining a written engagement agreement,” the suit states. But Sheppard Mullin claims they sent their hourly rates to Kohl’s in a letter, and that the rates were “discussed and orally agreed to by Kohl’s.”
The law firm filed a lawsuit against Kohl’s in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, claiming Kohl’s isn’t paying up as they orally promised and suing Kohl’s for breach of contract among other complaints.
Kohl’s and Sheppard Mullin did not immediately return a request for comment.
Kohl’s refused to pay Sheppard Mullins “on the grounds that the fees incurred were disproportionate to the value of the case, which Kohl’s valued based on the amount of the settlement, ignoring the facts that [Deschanel] demanded $1.7 million in damages, that a loss in the case would mean significant exposure to additional similar lawsuits, and that Kohl’s faced potential sanctions.”
In early October 2011, Deschanel demanded $1.7 million “and it did not appear that settlement would be possible,” the suit claims.
“Through Sheppard Mullin’s diligent efforts in October 2011, particularly in resolving discovery battles and identifying experts, the tide turned in Kohl’s favor,” the lawsuit claims.
At the end of October 2011, Deschanel agreed to settle with Kohl’s for $100,000 in damages, according to the court filing.
Meanwhile, the law firm racked up $608,694.67 in legal fees from August to November 2011.
Kohl’s rejected the invoices submitted by Sheppard Mullin and disputed the amount of fees owed, the suit states. The retailer “criticized Sheppard Mullin for preparing for trial and undertaking tasks it thought its prior counsel was doing,” the suit states.
Deschanel, star of the Fox show, New Girl, had filed a lawsuit in December 2010, claiming she had an oral contract with the shoemaker Steve Madden to use her name and likeness for a “Zooey” line of shoes. She claims the shoemaker repudiated the contract with her agent but it was later discovered that Steve Madden had an agreement with shoemaker Candie’s to distribute “Candie’s Zooey shoes” at Kohl’s.
The actress said she was never paid for the endorsement deal.
Kohl’s retained the law firm, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, in August 2011, replacing prior counsel because Sheppard Mullin “would be better qualified to handle” the prospect of depositions of senior executives, “substantial exposure to additional lawsuits for the similar use of celebrity names, such as Cher and Madonna, for Kohl’s shoe lines,” among other issues, the suit claims.
Unfortunately, the lawyers didn’t learn from their own lawsuit and proceeded without a written agreement from Kohl’s.
“Due to these pending issues at the time of Sheppard Mullin’s substitution, immediate action was necessary and there was no time to wait to act until after obtaining a written engagement agreement,” the suit states. But Sheppard Mullin claims they sent their hourly rates to Kohl’s in a letter, and that the rates were “discussed and orally agreed to by Kohl’s.”
The law firm filed a lawsuit against Kohl’s in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, claiming Kohl’s isn’t paying up as they orally promised and suing Kohl’s for breach of contract among other complaints.
Kohl’s and Sheppard Mullin did not immediately return a request for comment.
Kohl’s refused to pay Sheppard Mullins “on the grounds that the fees incurred were disproportionate to the value of the case, which Kohl’s valued based on the amount of the settlement, ignoring the facts that [Deschanel] demanded $1.7 million in damages, that a loss in the case would mean significant exposure to additional similar lawsuits, and that Kohl’s faced potential sanctions.”
In early October 2011, Deschanel demanded $1.7 million “and it did not appear that settlement would be possible,” the suit claims.
“Through Sheppard Mullin’s diligent efforts in October 2011, particularly in resolving discovery battles and identifying experts, the tide turned in Kohl’s favor,” the lawsuit claims.
At the end of October 2011, Deschanel agreed to settle with Kohl’s for $100,000 in damages, according to the court filing.
Meanwhile, the law firm racked up $608,694.67 in legal fees from August to November 2011.
Kohl’s rejected the invoices submitted by Sheppard Mullin and disputed the amount of fees owed, the suit states. The retailer “criticized Sheppard Mullin for preparing for trial and undertaking tasks it thought its prior counsel was doing,” the suit states.
2012年6月26日星期二
why we need to pay extra attention when buying them
Stylist Jen Clyde came on GTU to talk about 2012 Summer Shoes you must have and tips on the right ones for your body!
"One cannot say “women” without saying “shoes”. It seems that these are two inseparable words. Besides being a fashion statement, shoes reflect a part of our personality and emotional state.
They are an essential item in everyone's wardrobe and this is why we need to pay extra attention when buying them. However, finding the perfect pair can be a tricky business, as we are looking for something trendy, yet comfortable that must also emphasize our best features and camouflage flaws.
Learning a few basic tips, you can find the perfect shoes for body types.
The Wedge- Not only should this shoe be a petite girls dream but it is hot this summer of 2012, seen all over the runway and now should be on you cute feet. Love all the different prints on the wedge and bright colors. This season if you want you legs to look longer and leaner you want a
wedge in you closet.
Flat and Funky: So flats always look better on a longer leg but a way that a shorter girl can wear these and have the longer sexy leg look is getting them in a more pointer toe not rounded. This summer everyone loves a flat to wear with all our long summer walks so if you are a girl who is shorter and wants to still look great in flats go for the pointer toe.
WARNING IF YOU HAVE BIG FEET STAY AWAY FROM POINTER SHOES, THEY WILL
ONLY MAKE THEM LOOK LONGER.
Boat Shoes: One of my top faves this season that I feel can make any body look cute. They come in flats or wedges so for a tall gal or short your ok to rocks these shoes this season.
Boots: Ok so summer and boots? You think no way. Well you can get a cute ankle boot with a cute floral design that makes the summer bloom out on your feet. If you have skinny calves go for the ones that are big and baggy around your calf making it look and appear larger and give you
more balance.
WARNING: IF YOU HAVE THINKER ANKLES OR CALVES STAY AWAY FROM ANKLE BOOTS...BIG NO NO!
Sandals: My most fave sandals this season is the lace up sandal or the gladiator style. I know that style has been out for a couple of years but I love it! Still hot right now and love the look on the foot. Sandals can look weird on girls if it’s a lace up the leg if you have bigger legs. Stay with
with a sandal lower on your foot. If you have thin legs go with the lace up and cage style because it makes it appear more balanced.
"One cannot say “women” without saying “shoes”. It seems that these are two inseparable words. Besides being a fashion statement, shoes reflect a part of our personality and emotional state.
They are an essential item in everyone's wardrobe and this is why we need to pay extra attention when buying them. However, finding the perfect pair can be a tricky business, as we are looking for something trendy, yet comfortable that must also emphasize our best features and camouflage flaws.
Learning a few basic tips, you can find the perfect shoes for body types.
The Wedge- Not only should this shoe be a petite girls dream but it is hot this summer of 2012, seen all over the runway and now should be on you cute feet. Love all the different prints on the wedge and bright colors. This season if you want you legs to look longer and leaner you want a
wedge in you closet.
Flat and Funky: So flats always look better on a longer leg but a way that a shorter girl can wear these and have the longer sexy leg look is getting them in a more pointer toe not rounded. This summer everyone loves a flat to wear with all our long summer walks so if you are a girl who is shorter and wants to still look great in flats go for the pointer toe.
WARNING IF YOU HAVE BIG FEET STAY AWAY FROM POINTER SHOES, THEY WILL
ONLY MAKE THEM LOOK LONGER.
Boat Shoes: One of my top faves this season that I feel can make any body look cute. They come in flats or wedges so for a tall gal or short your ok to rocks these shoes this season.
Boots: Ok so summer and boots? You think no way. Well you can get a cute ankle boot with a cute floral design that makes the summer bloom out on your feet. If you have skinny calves go for the ones that are big and baggy around your calf making it look and appear larger and give you
more balance.
WARNING: IF YOU HAVE THINKER ANKLES OR CALVES STAY AWAY FROM ANKLE BOOTS...BIG NO NO!
Sandals: My most fave sandals this season is the lace up sandal or the gladiator style. I know that style has been out for a couple of years but I love it! Still hot right now and love the look on the foot. Sandals can look weird on girls if it’s a lace up the leg if you have bigger legs. Stay with
with a sandal lower on your foot. If you have thin legs go with the lace up and cage style because it makes it appear more balanced.
2012年6月25日星期一
Teacher Jennifer Jones thought 200 pairs of shoes would be a success
Firefighter David Sakaki was a bit more optimistic — he thought students at his alma mater, Kay Bingham elementary, might get 500 pairs.
Today, there are about 4,500 pairs of shoes in a container, the result of a campaign at the school to collect shoes to send to needy families in Nicaragua.
Sakaki, who has made several trips to the Central American country, said he’s not sure when the container will be shipped out.
The goal is to send two containers — a second one was recently bought — along with four donated firetrucks, so logistics are a bit hard to predict, he said.
When the containers — and Kamloops firefighters and friends who will be heading down to distribute the items — arrive in Nicaragua, they’ll be met by a documentary film crew that works with a British agency, Small Steps.
Amy Hanson, who created the organization, has set a goal for herself — to visit every rubbish heap in the world where children and their families are living and try to help them.
Hanson said her agency delivered several aid projects in Nicaragua last year, recording the events and posting them online at smallstepsproject.org.
“The last one we visited was Chinandega and we planned to go back and deliver there,” Hanson said.
“Then, David [Sakaki] saw the film, collected 4,500 shoes and is shipping them down with other aid.
“So, yes, our cameraman is going to fly over and follow their journey and do drop-offs to the dumps and projects where we have already delivered.”
Jones and her young students will be involved with Hanson’s group, too — and they won’t have to leave their classrooms to do it.
The students are going to get involved with Hanson’s major fundraiser — celebrity shoes.
They’ll be writing to their favourite famous person, asking them to donate a pair of shoes to Small Steps.
Hanson puts them on eBay and sells them, using the money generated to run the agency.
“I hoping they target Justin Bieber,” Hanson said.
“One pair of shoes from him could change the lives of thousands of children.”
There are many
lessons the students have learned, Jones said.
She and other teachers at the school used the collecting and sorting to supplement math lessons.
Students learned more about Nicaragua, about poverty and about helping others.
For Sakaki, the success was particularly sweet because it took him back to his elementary school, something he said was a great feeling.
For Jones, the success went beyond the educational aspects to the simple reality her students learned: Kamloops is a community that cares — and even young children can inspire people to help others.
Today, there are about 4,500 pairs of shoes in a container, the result of a campaign at the school to collect shoes to send to needy families in Nicaragua.
Sakaki, who has made several trips to the Central American country, said he’s not sure when the container will be shipped out.
The goal is to send two containers — a second one was recently bought — along with four donated firetrucks, so logistics are a bit hard to predict, he said.
When the containers — and Kamloops firefighters and friends who will be heading down to distribute the items — arrive in Nicaragua, they’ll be met by a documentary film crew that works with a British agency, Small Steps.
Amy Hanson, who created the organization, has set a goal for herself — to visit every rubbish heap in the world where children and their families are living and try to help them.
Hanson said her agency delivered several aid projects in Nicaragua last year, recording the events and posting them online at smallstepsproject.org.
“The last one we visited was Chinandega and we planned to go back and deliver there,” Hanson said.
“Then, David [Sakaki] saw the film, collected 4,500 shoes and is shipping them down with other aid.
“So, yes, our cameraman is going to fly over and follow their journey and do drop-offs to the dumps and projects where we have already delivered.”
Jones and her young students will be involved with Hanson’s group, too — and they won’t have to leave their classrooms to do it.
The students are going to get involved with Hanson’s major fundraiser — celebrity shoes.
They’ll be writing to their favourite famous person, asking them to donate a pair of shoes to Small Steps.
Hanson puts them on eBay and sells them, using the money generated to run the agency.
“I hoping they target Justin Bieber,” Hanson said.
“One pair of shoes from him could change the lives of thousands of children.”
There are many
lessons the students have learned, Jones said.
She and other teachers at the school used the collecting and sorting to supplement math lessons.
Students learned more about Nicaragua, about poverty and about helping others.
For Sakaki, the success was particularly sweet because it took him back to his elementary school, something he said was a great feeling.
For Jones, the success went beyond the educational aspects to the simple reality her students learned: Kamloops is a community that cares — and even young children can inspire people to help others.
2012年6月24日星期日
Here’s how you can look sporty without trying too hard
WE all know that exercise is good for us. But given our hectic schedules, it’s more likely that most of us will stay ensconced in our armchair and clicking the remote control would be about the most exercise we’re ever going to get. That is, if we’re not typing away at the work desk.
Well, even if you’re not about to hit the gym anytime soon, there’s no harm looking the part! That’s half the battle won and judging by the looks of these gorgeous summer shoes, you’ll surely want to show them off in the sporting arena too.
Nike Sportswear has designed a whole new range of shoes to complement your on-pitch presence with an off-pitch look to pull off that alpha athlete style.
Drawing inspiration from its heritage, the Summer 2012 collection celebrates the sporting moments that have defined the brand, products and athletes through the years.
Here’s a glance at what’s cool for summer and in Malaysia, that means all year round.
Cortez: The icon of Nike’s earliest impact in the sports world, it’s still a classic after 40 years. Available in two iconic styles – Premium full grain leather or waterproof, three-layer lightweight upper. Made with pioneering cushion and flexible innovations for the running shoe, Nike developed the Cortez with the 100-mile a week, concrete-surface die-hard runner in mind. The original has been upgraded and female fans can also look for the Lady Cortez featuring a deconstructed upper for a sleek look that complements the slim profile of a female’s foot. Available in a wide range of colours, the premium version comes in leather and a lightweight nylon version just like the original.
GS Polo: Born on the court of grand traditions, grandstands and grand slams, the GS Polo has seen some of the grandest sports moments. Thanks to its versatility reflected in its timeless cut and the fold of the collar, this model has been given the white-glove treatment and embodies all the innovations of its athletic counterpart.
N98: A staple at the intersection of sport and street, the N98 track jacket is defined by the striking stripe down the sleeve and a tailored fit. The ultimate interpretation of the classic created for the 1998 Brazilian national team, the N98 is a mash-up of sport and style. The flat-ribbing, bonded seams and high collar mirror the blind speed and smooth style of the Brazilian team.
Well, even if you’re not about to hit the gym anytime soon, there’s no harm looking the part! That’s half the battle won and judging by the looks of these gorgeous summer shoes, you’ll surely want to show them off in the sporting arena too.
Nike Sportswear has designed a whole new range of shoes to complement your on-pitch presence with an off-pitch look to pull off that alpha athlete style.
Drawing inspiration from its heritage, the Summer 2012 collection celebrates the sporting moments that have defined the brand, products and athletes through the years.
Here’s a glance at what’s cool for summer and in Malaysia, that means all year round.
Cortez: The icon of Nike’s earliest impact in the sports world, it’s still a classic after 40 years. Available in two iconic styles – Premium full grain leather or waterproof, three-layer lightweight upper. Made with pioneering cushion and flexible innovations for the running shoe, Nike developed the Cortez with the 100-mile a week, concrete-surface die-hard runner in mind. The original has been upgraded and female fans can also look for the Lady Cortez featuring a deconstructed upper for a sleek look that complements the slim profile of a female’s foot. Available in a wide range of colours, the premium version comes in leather and a lightweight nylon version just like the original.
GS Polo: Born on the court of grand traditions, grandstands and grand slams, the GS Polo has seen some of the grandest sports moments. Thanks to its versatility reflected in its timeless cut and the fold of the collar, this model has been given the white-glove treatment and embodies all the innovations of its athletic counterpart.
N98: A staple at the intersection of sport and street, the N98 track jacket is defined by the striking stripe down the sleeve and a tailored fit. The ultimate interpretation of the classic created for the 1998 Brazilian national team, the N98 is a mash-up of sport and style. The flat-ribbing, bonded seams and high collar mirror the blind speed and smooth style of the Brazilian team.
2012年6月20日星期三
Local fruits inspire Ho to win
Vinky Ho, 28, said it took her three months to come up with the design and production, which she named as tropical temptations.
"I got my inspiration from our local fruits like durian, mangosteen, watermelon and banana and I used synthethic leather and fish skin to finish the design," the Kuala Lumpur lass said.
Ho was speaking at a press conference on Malaysia's Shoe Design Talents here yesterday, which was attended by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
For her effort, Ho walked away with RMB50,000 (RM25,120) worth of scholarship for emerging the overall champion besides the first prize in the Ladies Boots Category, which carries RMB3,000 prize money for the same entry.
Ho, who beat 300 pairs of entries from 10 countries for the grand prize, added a local celebrity had expressed interest in her design and asked Ho to sell it to her.
Asked on her scholarship plans, Ho said she was still undecided on where she would further her studies.
Besides Ho, Malaysian entries also took the second prize in the Men's Wear category, third prize in Ladies Trendy Wear category and second prize in Ladies Boots category.
Malaysia had entered 20 pairs of shoes in the competition which took place on May 30.
Earlier in her speech, Dr Ng said parents could consider shoe designing as a career for their children besides the traditional professions of medicine and engineering.
She also said that the shoe industry contributed RM1 billion to the country's economy.
"Tourists come to Malaysia to buy shoes that are produced here like Vinci, Sembonia, Bonia, Larry and Lewre," she said.
"I got my inspiration from our local fruits like durian, mangosteen, watermelon and banana and I used synthethic leather and fish skin to finish the design," the Kuala Lumpur lass said.
Ho was speaking at a press conference on Malaysia's Shoe Design Talents here yesterday, which was attended by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
For her effort, Ho walked away with RMB50,000 (RM25,120) worth of scholarship for emerging the overall champion besides the first prize in the Ladies Boots Category, which carries RMB3,000 prize money for the same entry.
Ho, who beat 300 pairs of entries from 10 countries for the grand prize, added a local celebrity had expressed interest in her design and asked Ho to sell it to her.
Asked on her scholarship plans, Ho said she was still undecided on where she would further her studies.
Besides Ho, Malaysian entries also took the second prize in the Men's Wear category, third prize in Ladies Trendy Wear category and second prize in Ladies Boots category.
Malaysia had entered 20 pairs of shoes in the competition which took place on May 30.
Earlier in her speech, Dr Ng said parents could consider shoe designing as a career for their children besides the traditional professions of medicine and engineering.
She also said that the shoe industry contributed RM1 billion to the country's economy.
"Tourists come to Malaysia to buy shoes that are produced here like Vinci, Sembonia, Bonia, Larry and Lewre," she said.
2012年6月19日星期二
Adidas' shoes targeted prison culture
When Nike began releasing its overpriced, slave-shop-constructed Air Jordan shoes in the ’hood specifically to attract inner-city tastemakers, where did you think the gym-shoe wars were headed?
When Reebok, in an effort to undo Air Jordan’s stranglehold on hip-hop sneakerheads, showered a multimillion-dollar contract on the Tupac Shakur of basketball, Allen Iverson, where did you think the gym-shoe wars were headed?
That’s right. Nike and Reebok placed the shackles on Adidas’ now-canceled line of gym shoes. Nike and Reebok laid the groundwork for Adidas to take the gym-shoe wars to their rightful home — inside America’s prisons.
The outraged, well-intentioned critics of Adidas’ initial decision to launch the “JS Roundhouse Mids” are upset about the wrong thing. They think the shackled shoes are connected to America’s despicable history of African-American slavery. They’re wrong. The shoes are an attempt to capitalize off America’s despicable drug war and subsequent mass incarceration of minority men of color.
Nothing could be more obvious.
Adidas wants to ride the wave of prison/hip-hop culture. The inner-city tastemakers who made Air Jordans a juggernaut brand in the 1980s and 1990s now mostly languish in prisons and graveyards. The key to controlling the gym-shoe market has always been controlling the inner city. Urban youth have been robbing and shooting each other over Air Jordans for nearly 30 years now. More than a decade after his retirement, the release of Michael Jordan’s latest shoe still sets off rioting and chaos among poor black youths.
It’s not by accident. Nike planted these seeds decades ago.
Adidas, showing its desperation and naivete, simply came up with an unsophisticated, straightforward, politically incorrect strategy to cut into Air Jordan’s dominance of the market.
It’s “nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery. . . . Any suggestion that this is linked to slavery is untruthful,” an Adidas spokesman said in a statement.
It’s true. It’s not about slavery.
It was about creating a shoe that would be appealing to men who have been touched by incarceration. They are the trendsetters as established by popular, commercial hip-hop culture. Their sagging pants, tatted arms, slang and acceptance of baby-mama and baby-daddy relationships drive youth culture.
When Reebok, in an effort to undo Air Jordan’s stranglehold on hip-hop sneakerheads, showered a multimillion-dollar contract on the Tupac Shakur of basketball, Allen Iverson, where did you think the gym-shoe wars were headed?
That’s right. Nike and Reebok placed the shackles on Adidas’ now-canceled line of gym shoes. Nike and Reebok laid the groundwork for Adidas to take the gym-shoe wars to their rightful home — inside America’s prisons.
The outraged, well-intentioned critics of Adidas’ initial decision to launch the “JS Roundhouse Mids” are upset about the wrong thing. They think the shackled shoes are connected to America’s despicable history of African-American slavery. They’re wrong. The shoes are an attempt to capitalize off America’s despicable drug war and subsequent mass incarceration of minority men of color.
Nothing could be more obvious.
Adidas wants to ride the wave of prison/hip-hop culture. The inner-city tastemakers who made Air Jordans a juggernaut brand in the 1980s and 1990s now mostly languish in prisons and graveyards. The key to controlling the gym-shoe market has always been controlling the inner city. Urban youth have been robbing and shooting each other over Air Jordans for nearly 30 years now. More than a decade after his retirement, the release of Michael Jordan’s latest shoe still sets off rioting and chaos among poor black youths.
It’s not by accident. Nike planted these seeds decades ago.
Adidas, showing its desperation and naivete, simply came up with an unsophisticated, straightforward, politically incorrect strategy to cut into Air Jordan’s dominance of the market.
It’s “nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery. . . . Any suggestion that this is linked to slavery is untruthful,” an Adidas spokesman said in a statement.
It’s true. It’s not about slavery.
It was about creating a shoe that would be appealing to men who have been touched by incarceration. They are the trendsetters as established by popular, commercial hip-hop culture. Their sagging pants, tatted arms, slang and acceptance of baby-mama and baby-daddy relationships drive youth culture.
2012年6月18日星期一
New student trustee intends to fill predecessor’s shoes
“I left high school to get a job,” said Mendoza. “I was going to graduate on time and was unfocused. I went back to get, and came to De Anza two years later and been here ever since.”
Mendoza said even though he was unfocused in high school, he was still attracted to being involved and helping his community. He was on the youth advisory board for a project called Friday Night Live, a positive alternative to going partying for youth.
“It exploded as a program,” Mendoza said with a chuckle. “At De Anza, I joined LEAD. I was the vice president for that and got really into the programs for the people who need the most help. It was rewarding for me to do work like that.”
Mendoza said although he has had a fairly privileged life since childhood, he still feels a desire to help those who haven’t been so privileged. He comes from a third-generation Chicano family that he said provided a strict but loving atmosphere. His mother stayed home and watched him and his siblings while their father went to college and became an engineer.
The incoming student trustee lists watching movies, dancing and cooking as his hobbies.
“I like cooking fusion,” he said. “I make fried chicken with sriracha. Sometimes my dad would forget to buy food and me and my sister would rummage through the cabinets to make food. Sometimes we’d have noodles but no sauce so we’d use butter.”
Mendoza said he wouldn’t name any particular person as his greatest influence, but rather he is inspired by those who have won at the American dream.
“I like people who are really powerful and confident,” Mendoza said. “People who come from nothing and become something.”
Mendoza said last year’s trustee, Emily Kinner, was a mentor for him and he would like to follow in her footsteps with many trips to Sacramento. He explained that he got to know Kinner while working with LEAD and when he found out what the trustee position entailed, he thought it was a perfect fit.
Mendoza said he wants to foster more student activism.
“I’m going to do whatever I can do as a citizen by voting, going to Sacramento and maybe get arrested,” Mendoza said. “I will do as much as I can as long as it doesn’t cause myself harm.”
Mendoza said even though he was unfocused in high school, he was still attracted to being involved and helping his community. He was on the youth advisory board for a project called Friday Night Live, a positive alternative to going partying for youth.
“It exploded as a program,” Mendoza said with a chuckle. “At De Anza, I joined LEAD. I was the vice president for that and got really into the programs for the people who need the most help. It was rewarding for me to do work like that.”
Mendoza said although he has had a fairly privileged life since childhood, he still feels a desire to help those who haven’t been so privileged. He comes from a third-generation Chicano family that he said provided a strict but loving atmosphere. His mother stayed home and watched him and his siblings while their father went to college and became an engineer.
The incoming student trustee lists watching movies, dancing and cooking as his hobbies.
“I like cooking fusion,” he said. “I make fried chicken with sriracha. Sometimes my dad would forget to buy food and me and my sister would rummage through the cabinets to make food. Sometimes we’d have noodles but no sauce so we’d use butter.”
Mendoza said he wouldn’t name any particular person as his greatest influence, but rather he is inspired by those who have won at the American dream.
“I like people who are really powerful and confident,” Mendoza said. “People who come from nothing and become something.”
Mendoza said last year’s trustee, Emily Kinner, was a mentor for him and he would like to follow in her footsteps with many trips to Sacramento. He explained that he got to know Kinner while working with LEAD and when he found out what the trustee position entailed, he thought it was a perfect fit.
Mendoza said he wants to foster more student activism.
“I’m going to do whatever I can do as a citizen by voting, going to Sacramento and maybe get arrested,” Mendoza said. “I will do as much as I can as long as it doesn’t cause myself harm.”
2012年6月14日星期四
It was good seeing Ice T do the interviews
It was good to hear good solid interviews with pioneering and iconic figures who still have it like Grandmaster Caz, Mele-Mel, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Nas, Chuck D, Q-Tip and Doug E Fresh to name a few. They were nicely balanced out with folks like Kanye West who got busy in this film, along with artists like Immortal Technique, Eminem, Bun B and Common to name a few..
On a side note the Grandmaster Caz spit the illest rhyme out of everyone in the entire film..I had to get that in , because a couple of my buddies thought Kanye took the cake. A couple thought Eminem came hard while others felt WC made his presence felt.. That’s the good thing about this film.. we’re all gonna come out debating who repped.. So I’m just gonna keep it real with ya since its my blog.. Grandmaster Caz killed it.. case closed!..
It was good seeing Ice T do the interviews because he pulls things out of his peers that many film makers probably couldn’t.. It was good to see him in the role of journalist, fan and participant as he ripped a few flows to remind cats, he still has flavor. It was good to see the camaraderie and mutual respect and admiration which often led humorous exchanges
The only shortcomings to this movie is it should’ve been longer.. I think 4 or 5 hours would’ve been great.. LOL Seriously Ice will have to make additional parts to this, because as dope as this flick is, there are many angles that weren’t fully covered.. There’s no way to fit everyone and everything into a film like that..especially since Ice allows folks to talk and show off their skillz.. He wasn’t cutting and editing just to fit everyone in..
Other critiques?? Pick a city, any city around the country, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Oakland, Cleveland, Boston.. Pick a city and I guarantee at every showing, there will be someone pointing out that the Art of Rap didn’t include their favorite rapper or the person they perceive to be the sharpest spitter from their part of town..There’s gonna be cats saying there wasn’t enough midwest, not enough South, no Bay Area etc etc.. That’s gonna happen and even with that critique the film is still dope..It might drop down to a 9.5 as opposed to a 10..
There will be folks from different generations who feel like more could’ve been added. Yes there will be a few who say the film should’ve included more pioneers, more cats from the 80s, more cats from the 90s and millennium cats. Some will want more underground, others will want it to be more mainstream.. That’s gonna happen… and even with that, as I noted earlier still this is a Must See film.
On a side note the Grandmaster Caz spit the illest rhyme out of everyone in the entire film..I had to get that in , because a couple of my buddies thought Kanye took the cake. A couple thought Eminem came hard while others felt WC made his presence felt.. That’s the good thing about this film.. we’re all gonna come out debating who repped.. So I’m just gonna keep it real with ya since its my blog.. Grandmaster Caz killed it.. case closed!..
It was good seeing Ice T do the interviews because he pulls things out of his peers that many film makers probably couldn’t.. It was good to see him in the role of journalist, fan and participant as he ripped a few flows to remind cats, he still has flavor. It was good to see the camaraderie and mutual respect and admiration which often led humorous exchanges
The only shortcomings to this movie is it should’ve been longer.. I think 4 or 5 hours would’ve been great.. LOL Seriously Ice will have to make additional parts to this, because as dope as this flick is, there are many angles that weren’t fully covered.. There’s no way to fit everyone and everything into a film like that..especially since Ice allows folks to talk and show off their skillz.. He wasn’t cutting and editing just to fit everyone in..
Other critiques?? Pick a city, any city around the country, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Oakland, Cleveland, Boston.. Pick a city and I guarantee at every showing, there will be someone pointing out that the Art of Rap didn’t include their favorite rapper or the person they perceive to be the sharpest spitter from their part of town..There’s gonna be cats saying there wasn’t enough midwest, not enough South, no Bay Area etc etc.. That’s gonna happen and even with that critique the film is still dope..It might drop down to a 9.5 as opposed to a 10..
There will be folks from different generations who feel like more could’ve been added. Yes there will be a few who say the film should’ve included more pioneers, more cats from the 80s, more cats from the 90s and millennium cats. Some will want more underground, others will want it to be more mainstream.. That’s gonna happen… and even with that, as I noted earlier still this is a Must See film.
2012年6月13日星期三
Have you seen the shoes that some diabetics have to wear?
Let’s just say that orthopedic footwear is in no danger of giving the boot to the fashioney-fabulous looks of Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin any time soon.
South Florida’s Eleanor Leinen is trying to change all of that with her Walk Another Way line. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2003, she was not happy with the lack of choices. So the self-professed glamazon got 9 local artists to put some “pow and wow” into a color palette that never ranged further than basic hues.
“More than often the choices included putrid tan, blah black, institutional white and dog poo brown,” said Lenin from her Hollywood, Florida home. “I’m a fashionista. I was so horrified by the possibility that I might have to wear these shoes.”
At the time Leinen was working on a shoe campaign for Donna Karan (that never made it off the drawing boards) and she had a line of sandals called Fancy Flops, so she was confident she could do better.
“I contacted the owners and manufacturers,” Leinen recalled. “But they told me that they were not interested in making these kinds of changes. They said that women [were] satisfied with what they have. Now 26.7 million people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year and 3/4 of them are women. And those women want style.”
So she started interviewing 62 artists, never telling them what project she had in mind. She then took images of patterns she wanted and “…matched them with the skill sets of the artist, but allowing them to put their own twist on it,” said Leinen.
Diabetics often have nerve damage so they don’t feel when they stub their toes or bump into things with their feet. Injuries are slow to heal. Also the feet tend to sweat more, so fungus infections are common. Orthopedic shoes give both the protection and double-lining (to wick moisture away) that they need. The shoes (Leinin uses the Drew brand of orthopedic shoes) also often have to allow room for single or dual orthotics. Diabetes can cause ulcers and gangrene resulting in amputation. Orthopedic shoes are also worn by people for fallen arches, high arches, bunions, hammertoes, ankle problems, back problems and arthritis.
Before owning Eleanor’s Craft Gallery and Inside Gallery in New Jersey, she worked for both Mayor David Dinkins and Mayor Ed Koch in New York. But it was as the “celebrity gift wrapper” that launched really launched her name with her multi-media gift boxes snapped up by the likes of Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill and Chris Noth.
South Florida’s Eleanor Leinen is trying to change all of that with her Walk Another Way line. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2003, she was not happy with the lack of choices. So the self-professed glamazon got 9 local artists to put some “pow and wow” into a color palette that never ranged further than basic hues.
“More than often the choices included putrid tan, blah black, institutional white and dog poo brown,” said Lenin from her Hollywood, Florida home. “I’m a fashionista. I was so horrified by the possibility that I might have to wear these shoes.”
At the time Leinen was working on a shoe campaign for Donna Karan (that never made it off the drawing boards) and she had a line of sandals called Fancy Flops, so she was confident she could do better.
“I contacted the owners and manufacturers,” Leinen recalled. “But they told me that they were not interested in making these kinds of changes. They said that women [were] satisfied with what they have. Now 26.7 million people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year and 3/4 of them are women. And those women want style.”
So she started interviewing 62 artists, never telling them what project she had in mind. She then took images of patterns she wanted and “…matched them with the skill sets of the artist, but allowing them to put their own twist on it,” said Leinen.
Diabetics often have nerve damage so they don’t feel when they stub their toes or bump into things with their feet. Injuries are slow to heal. Also the feet tend to sweat more, so fungus infections are common. Orthopedic shoes give both the protection and double-lining (to wick moisture away) that they need. The shoes (Leinin uses the Drew brand of orthopedic shoes) also often have to allow room for single or dual orthotics. Diabetes can cause ulcers and gangrene resulting in amputation. Orthopedic shoes are also worn by people for fallen arches, high arches, bunions, hammertoes, ankle problems, back problems and arthritis.
Before owning Eleanor’s Craft Gallery and Inside Gallery in New Jersey, she worked for both Mayor David Dinkins and Mayor Ed Koch in New York. But it was as the “celebrity gift wrapper” that launched really launched her name with her multi-media gift boxes snapped up by the likes of Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill and Chris Noth.
2012年6月12日星期二
Expensive shopping list for building a big name
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Already, LV is atwitter with excitement about the lift that, when it opens later in the year, will whisk VIP clients from the shop floor up to the ateliers high above the famous square, where craftsmen will be at their benches working on special commissions and pieces of high-end jewellery.
While this will no doubt be an impressive statement store, the real work will be taking place in an industrial park on the outskirts of Geneva, where the company’s watch division is building a large facility.
It is in the rather less glamorous surroundings of Meyrin, near Geneva’s busy airport, where the rigours of a traditional Swiss manufacture will be brought together with the fantasy and creativity of the luxury megabrand.
A decade after it launched, the company’s watch and jewellery programme is under the control of Hamdi Chatti, who has worked in the watch industry for 20 years and came to Vuitton from Montblanc, where he helped establish the Hamburg penmaker’s haute horlogerie division.
The business model he inherited was the relatively straightforward and functional one common to many of the luxury brands that have approached watches with any seriousness in the past 10 to 15 years: that of an R&D, casing and quality control operation, located in this case in La Chaux de Fonds.
Essentially an assembly plant, movements were supplied by specialist manufacturers such as La Joux-Perret and Dubois-Depraz which, he says, was appropriate for the needs of the brand at that time. However, since then, both Vuitton’s horological ambitions and the watch industry have moved on.
“The strategy was to rely on the best suppliers in Switzerland, which was a good strategy at the time. However, things have changed, because most of the movement suppliers no longer design specific movements for brands.”
This was a problem for Mr Chatti who wanted to give the watches what he calls a signature horlogère. The look of a the watch is important and, whether it is to your taste or not, the tambour is certainly sui generis and has given the timepieces a distinctive and recognisable look.
“The missing expertise was the movement.” says Mr Chatti. “The idea was that, after 10 years of developing the business, we needed to go a second level and to design specific movements that show what we stand for as a luxury company. The raison d’être of the company is travel, so we need to design movements that speak this language.”
The watch that Mr Chatti feels speaks fluent Louis Vuitton is the Spin Time, which uses a system of revolving cubes to create a timepiece that offers both home and travel time.
This movement was developed by a small, high-end movement maker called La Fabrique du Temps which also developed a minute repeater for Vuitton that displays one timezone, but gives the wearer the second timezone audibly when the minute repeater is activated. It is playful and indisputably travel-oriented, while also displaying ample high watchmaking content.
The watch was shown at the Basel fair of 2011 and it was enough to enable Mr Chatti to persuade Yves Carcelle, Louis Vuitton chief executive, to authorise the purchase of La Fabrique du Temps, whose 20 or so employees would become the nucleus of the new manufacturing HQ. Mr Chatti will not disclose the price of this acquisition, describing it only as “big money”.
But Vuitton is not afraid to pay top prices if it wants something. This is just as well because, in addition to building a new factory and buying a specialist movement maker, Mr Chatti had more things on his shopping list, among them a dialmaker.
For big runs of dials, he can rely on the production of Artecad, an industrialised dialmaker owned by LVMH that can produce dials by the hundreds of thousands.
However, he wanted to have his own dial factory to ensure creative independence. The object of bringing as many parts of the supply chain in-house is to minimise the disruption to production caused by a lack of capacity in the industry as a whole, but it was not capacity that Mr Chatti was after, rather flexibility and speed, which he identified as being necessary when it came to prototyping dials.
Although Leman Cadrans is a boutique business, capable of producing only 2,000 to 3,000 dials a year, this is more than sufficient for production of such complicated pieces of minute repeaters for the 250 or so Spin Times that will be made each year. But the real prize is that it offers a degree of flexibility that has helped bring down development times.
“Now, any time we have an idea about dials and colours and displaying the function, we can have a sample within two weeks, where it used to take six months.” When you are working, as Mr Chatti is, to a four-year plan, six months is a long time.
Since he took over the business two years ago, the number of people producing Louis Vuitton timepieces has doubled to more than 60 and, within the next two years, numbers are expected to double again as he hopes by then to have presented his first in-house movement ready for series production. If all goes to plan, it will be an impressive integrated operation by any standard, let alone that of a fashion and luxury house.
Even then, the building will be far bigger than that number of employees requires, because it will also serve as an academy of watchmaking.
Mr Chatti is not merely concerned with the design and production of watches, but also with their retail. Louis Vuitton does not wholesale, but sells through its own stores, which means that those selling the watches need to be trained.
Some of the first graduates of the Chatti academy of watchmaking will be able to put their knowledge to use when explaining the signature horlogère at the new store.
Already, LV is atwitter with excitement about the lift that, when it opens later in the year, will whisk VIP clients from the shop floor up to the ateliers high above the famous square, where craftsmen will be at their benches working on special commissions and pieces of high-end jewellery.
While this will no doubt be an impressive statement store, the real work will be taking place in an industrial park on the outskirts of Geneva, where the company’s watch division is building a large facility.
It is in the rather less glamorous surroundings of Meyrin, near Geneva’s busy airport, where the rigours of a traditional Swiss manufacture will be brought together with the fantasy and creativity of the luxury megabrand.
A decade after it launched, the company’s watch and jewellery programme is under the control of Hamdi Chatti, who has worked in the watch industry for 20 years and came to Vuitton from Montblanc, where he helped establish the Hamburg penmaker’s haute horlogerie division.
The business model he inherited was the relatively straightforward and functional one common to many of the luxury brands that have approached watches with any seriousness in the past 10 to 15 years: that of an R&D, casing and quality control operation, located in this case in La Chaux de Fonds.
Essentially an assembly plant, movements were supplied by specialist manufacturers such as La Joux-Perret and Dubois-Depraz which, he says, was appropriate for the needs of the brand at that time. However, since then, both Vuitton’s horological ambitions and the watch industry have moved on.
“The strategy was to rely on the best suppliers in Switzerland, which was a good strategy at the time. However, things have changed, because most of the movement suppliers no longer design specific movements for brands.”
This was a problem for Mr Chatti who wanted to give the watches what he calls a signature horlogère. The look of a the watch is important and, whether it is to your taste or not, the tambour is certainly sui generis and has given the timepieces a distinctive and recognisable look.
“The missing expertise was the movement.” says Mr Chatti. “The idea was that, after 10 years of developing the business, we needed to go a second level and to design specific movements that show what we stand for as a luxury company. The raison d’être of the company is travel, so we need to design movements that speak this language.”
The watch that Mr Chatti feels speaks fluent Louis Vuitton is the Spin Time, which uses a system of revolving cubes to create a timepiece that offers both home and travel time.
This movement was developed by a small, high-end movement maker called La Fabrique du Temps which also developed a minute repeater for Vuitton that displays one timezone, but gives the wearer the second timezone audibly when the minute repeater is activated. It is playful and indisputably travel-oriented, while also displaying ample high watchmaking content.
The watch was shown at the Basel fair of 2011 and it was enough to enable Mr Chatti to persuade Yves Carcelle, Louis Vuitton chief executive, to authorise the purchase of La Fabrique du Temps, whose 20 or so employees would become the nucleus of the new manufacturing HQ. Mr Chatti will not disclose the price of this acquisition, describing it only as “big money”.
But Vuitton is not afraid to pay top prices if it wants something. This is just as well because, in addition to building a new factory and buying a specialist movement maker, Mr Chatti had more things on his shopping list, among them a dialmaker.
For big runs of dials, he can rely on the production of Artecad, an industrialised dialmaker owned by LVMH that can produce dials by the hundreds of thousands.
However, he wanted to have his own dial factory to ensure creative independence. The object of bringing as many parts of the supply chain in-house is to minimise the disruption to production caused by a lack of capacity in the industry as a whole, but it was not capacity that Mr Chatti was after, rather flexibility and speed, which he identified as being necessary when it came to prototyping dials.
Although Leman Cadrans is a boutique business, capable of producing only 2,000 to 3,000 dials a year, this is more than sufficient for production of such complicated pieces of minute repeaters for the 250 or so Spin Times that will be made each year. But the real prize is that it offers a degree of flexibility that has helped bring down development times.
“Now, any time we have an idea about dials and colours and displaying the function, we can have a sample within two weeks, where it used to take six months.” When you are working, as Mr Chatti is, to a four-year plan, six months is a long time.
Since he took over the business two years ago, the number of people producing Louis Vuitton timepieces has doubled to more than 60 and, within the next two years, numbers are expected to double again as he hopes by then to have presented his first in-house movement ready for series production. If all goes to plan, it will be an impressive integrated operation by any standard, let alone that of a fashion and luxury house.
Even then, the building will be far bigger than that number of employees requires, because it will also serve as an academy of watchmaking.
Mr Chatti is not merely concerned with the design and production of watches, but also with their retail. Louis Vuitton does not wholesale, but sells through its own stores, which means that those selling the watches need to be trained.
Some of the first graduates of the Chatti academy of watchmaking will be able to put their knowledge to use when explaining the signature horlogère at the new store.
2012年6月11日星期一
Gilt is going there fast
Thought sample sales were just for the fashion elite? Meet Susan Lyne, the woman who has brought them online — so we can all pick up designer goods for less. Nancy Hess reports
SUSAN LYNE had fans. She was, after all, one of the ABC executives behind Desperate Housewives, and she ran Martha Stewart’s design empire when Stewart was in prison for insider trading.
But Lyne was unprepared for her newfound ‘fame’ when, in 2008, she took the reins at the Gilt Groupe, the e-commerce company that Wall Street expects to be 2013’s most anticipated initial public offering.
"People tag me by the sleeve and tell me it’s changed their lives," she says. "They tell me their stories of how, at 12:01pm, every day life just stops for them."
At 12:01pm daily, thousands of people, mostly women, in offices (and cars and cafes and at their kitchen tables) sign in to gilt.com, where, for a few tense moments, they vie for discounted designer merchandise, just a piece or two in each size, from a Marni blouse to a pair of Casadei stilettos.
Within 60 seconds, much of it is snatched up in the ‘flash sale,’ leaving everyone plotting the next day’s strategy.
"It’s magical," says Dawn Olmstead, a Hollywood producer. Olmstead logs on from her phone app while she is driving the kids to school. It reminds her of when she lived in New York and shopped at sample sales, the insider-only seasonal events (that inspired the creation of Gilt) where fashionistas line up to pick through leftover designer goodies.
"When you win, it’s fantastic, and even when you lose, the site is your guidepost. You see what went fast, and you know that’s what’s hot. It’s better than Vogue. It’s better than anything," she says. She may even read By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop, a business book released this month by Alexandra Wilkis Wilson and Alexis Maybank, two Harvard business school pals whom Gilt founding partner and CEO Kevin Ryan recruited to create the look and feel of the site and to be the demographically perfect public faces.
Lyne, a wry, elegant 61-year-old blonde, shakes her head with disbelief. "When you have that kind of engagement with your customers, when they think they can’t live without you, you can go anywhere," she says.
Gilt is going there fast. From its start, with five founders at two long tables in a sublet office, it has 900 employees and a sleek loft on lower Park Avenue, and a market value of $1bn. It’s the second-most-valuable e-commerce company with its own inventory, after the much-larger Amazon. It has five million members, ships 10,000 packages a day, and has expanded with ‘verticals’, including Gilt Kids, Gilt Home, Park & Bond (for men), the travel site Jetsetter, Gilt Taste for gourmet foods, and Gilt City, a competitor to Groupon. You can get more than a cute new pair of Missoni beach sandals on Gilt these days; there are $175 cuts of sushi-grade yellowtail, four private training sessions with Gwyneth Paltrow’s trainer, and trips to Balinese eco-resorts. And unlike many hyped digital operations hurling toward a stock offering, Gilt is expected to break even by the end of the year.
"I think that Gilt is Susan’s perfect platform," says Charles Koppelman, who was executive chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia when Lyne was CEO. Unlike Stewart’s company, which was a well-defined brand when Lyne arrived, Gilt has given her a chance to sculpt a new entity. "It’s creative, fast moving, and innovative, which describes her perfectly," Koppelman says.
Paco Underhill, the environmental psychologist and author of Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping, says the success of the flash sale is obvious. "The concept of brands has penetrated everywhere from the favelas of Brazil to the streets of Brooklyn. And we’ve created an aspirational population obsessed with getting things at discount."
The flash sale has advantages over bricks and mortar. Members who lose out on a sale put their names on a waiting list, sometimes hundreds of names long, so if the item is returned, as are 20%, the package is shipped out to the next person on the list. Gilt is rarely stuck with merchandise, the bane of department stores. But bringing Gilt into a new decade as an IPO looms has not been without challenges. Online flash sales hit their stride during the recession, because they were a godsend for designers who produced more than they sold.
The sales were a ‘safe’ place to wring profit from unsold items; better to sell discreetly over the internet than to consign your label to the dreary fluorescent-lit outlet floor.
But with the US economy on an upswing, critics worry there won’t be excess merchandise. Competitors have sprung up, and while Gilt has mostly beat them back — the next biggest is one quarter of its size — plenty of rivals are vying for choice items.
SUSAN LYNE had fans. She was, after all, one of the ABC executives behind Desperate Housewives, and she ran Martha Stewart’s design empire when Stewart was in prison for insider trading.
But Lyne was unprepared for her newfound ‘fame’ when, in 2008, she took the reins at the Gilt Groupe, the e-commerce company that Wall Street expects to be 2013’s most anticipated initial public offering.
"People tag me by the sleeve and tell me it’s changed their lives," she says. "They tell me their stories of how, at 12:01pm, every day life just stops for them."
At 12:01pm daily, thousands of people, mostly women, in offices (and cars and cafes and at their kitchen tables) sign in to gilt.com, where, for a few tense moments, they vie for discounted designer merchandise, just a piece or two in each size, from a Marni blouse to a pair of Casadei stilettos.
Within 60 seconds, much of it is snatched up in the ‘flash sale,’ leaving everyone plotting the next day’s strategy.
"It’s magical," says Dawn Olmstead, a Hollywood producer. Olmstead logs on from her phone app while she is driving the kids to school. It reminds her of when she lived in New York and shopped at sample sales, the insider-only seasonal events (that inspired the creation of Gilt) where fashionistas line up to pick through leftover designer goodies.
"When you win, it’s fantastic, and even when you lose, the site is your guidepost. You see what went fast, and you know that’s what’s hot. It’s better than Vogue. It’s better than anything," she says. She may even read By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop, a business book released this month by Alexandra Wilkis Wilson and Alexis Maybank, two Harvard business school pals whom Gilt founding partner and CEO Kevin Ryan recruited to create the look and feel of the site and to be the demographically perfect public faces.
Lyne, a wry, elegant 61-year-old blonde, shakes her head with disbelief. "When you have that kind of engagement with your customers, when they think they can’t live without you, you can go anywhere," she says.
Gilt is going there fast. From its start, with five founders at two long tables in a sublet office, it has 900 employees and a sleek loft on lower Park Avenue, and a market value of $1bn. It’s the second-most-valuable e-commerce company with its own inventory, after the much-larger Amazon. It has five million members, ships 10,000 packages a day, and has expanded with ‘verticals’, including Gilt Kids, Gilt Home, Park & Bond (for men), the travel site Jetsetter, Gilt Taste for gourmet foods, and Gilt City, a competitor to Groupon. You can get more than a cute new pair of Missoni beach sandals on Gilt these days; there are $175 cuts of sushi-grade yellowtail, four private training sessions with Gwyneth Paltrow’s trainer, and trips to Balinese eco-resorts. And unlike many hyped digital operations hurling toward a stock offering, Gilt is expected to break even by the end of the year.
"I think that Gilt is Susan’s perfect platform," says Charles Koppelman, who was executive chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia when Lyne was CEO. Unlike Stewart’s company, which was a well-defined brand when Lyne arrived, Gilt has given her a chance to sculpt a new entity. "It’s creative, fast moving, and innovative, which describes her perfectly," Koppelman says.
Paco Underhill, the environmental psychologist and author of Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping, says the success of the flash sale is obvious. "The concept of brands has penetrated everywhere from the favelas of Brazil to the streets of Brooklyn. And we’ve created an aspirational population obsessed with getting things at discount."
The flash sale has advantages over bricks and mortar. Members who lose out on a sale put their names on a waiting list, sometimes hundreds of names long, so if the item is returned, as are 20%, the package is shipped out to the next person on the list. Gilt is rarely stuck with merchandise, the bane of department stores. But bringing Gilt into a new decade as an IPO looms has not been without challenges. Online flash sales hit their stride during the recession, because they were a godsend for designers who produced more than they sold.
The sales were a ‘safe’ place to wring profit from unsold items; better to sell discreetly over the internet than to consign your label to the dreary fluorescent-lit outlet floor.
But with the US economy on an upswing, critics worry there won’t be excess merchandise. Competitors have sprung up, and while Gilt has mostly beat them back — the next biggest is one quarter of its size — plenty of rivals are vying for choice items.
2012年6月10日星期日
The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us
They're perhaps the most dissected element of a woman's wardrobe — shoes, the anchor of an outfit and the soul of Rachelle Bergstein's mostly lively look at the history of stilettos, sneakers and sundry other leather- and rubber-soled objects of swoon.
To be sure, a rhapsody of shoes is well-trod bookshelf terrain — indeed, Bergstein cobbles together some of her Ferragamo-to-Louboutin timeline from other shoe-centric tomes. But Women From the Ankle Down freshens up the genre with its chatty yet authoritative tone. (Bergstein, a 2003 English lit grad from Vassar, stumbles when she gets too term-paper thinky on a subject that — let's face it — is more unbuttoned that laced up.)
Trotted out chronologically are tales tracing Salvatore Ferragamo's humble beginnings in an Italian village and his emergence as Hollywood's sultan of stilettos. Lana Turner's white, open-toed pumps in The Postman Always Rings Twice? Those were his. And though Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress always nabs top fashion billing when it comes to The Seven Year Itch, Bergstein rightly pays tribute to the matching size 7AA strappy Ferragamo sandals that teeter over the iconic subway grate.
There are ripping yarns tied to other A-list leather-and-sequin creations: Judy Garland's (multiple pairs of) ruby slippers, Nancy Sinatra's go-go boots that were made for walkin'. (Bergstein, in an unfortunately rare bout of primary reporting, chatted up Sinatra, though that interview seems to have yielded little sizzle.) And the title notwithstanding, Bergstein fetes the famous footwear of a few men, including John Travolta and his Saturday Night Fever Cuban-heeled loafers — another instance of a significant celluloid shoe getting upstaged by an outfit (Travolta's white suit).
Of course, no contemporary recounting of shoes would be complete without a discussion of how Sex and the City made Manolo Blahnik a household name and cemented the idea of luxury, triple-figure footwear stashed in even upper-middle-class closets. But Bergstein spends too much time rehashing the pricey-pump-as-girl-power argument familiar to even casual consumers of recent pop culture. She has more fun rummaging through the Depression-, postwar- and disco-era wardrobes of women past.
To be sure, a rhapsody of shoes is well-trod bookshelf terrain — indeed, Bergstein cobbles together some of her Ferragamo-to-Louboutin timeline from other shoe-centric tomes. But Women From the Ankle Down freshens up the genre with its chatty yet authoritative tone. (Bergstein, a 2003 English lit grad from Vassar, stumbles when she gets too term-paper thinky on a subject that — let's face it — is more unbuttoned that laced up.)
Trotted out chronologically are tales tracing Salvatore Ferragamo's humble beginnings in an Italian village and his emergence as Hollywood's sultan of stilettos. Lana Turner's white, open-toed pumps in The Postman Always Rings Twice? Those were his. And though Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress always nabs top fashion billing when it comes to The Seven Year Itch, Bergstein rightly pays tribute to the matching size 7AA strappy Ferragamo sandals that teeter over the iconic subway grate.
There are ripping yarns tied to other A-list leather-and-sequin creations: Judy Garland's (multiple pairs of) ruby slippers, Nancy Sinatra's go-go boots that were made for walkin'. (Bergstein, in an unfortunately rare bout of primary reporting, chatted up Sinatra, though that interview seems to have yielded little sizzle.) And the title notwithstanding, Bergstein fetes the famous footwear of a few men, including John Travolta and his Saturday Night Fever Cuban-heeled loafers — another instance of a significant celluloid shoe getting upstaged by an outfit (Travolta's white suit).
Of course, no contemporary recounting of shoes would be complete without a discussion of how Sex and the City made Manolo Blahnik a household name and cemented the idea of luxury, triple-figure footwear stashed in even upper-middle-class closets. But Bergstein spends too much time rehashing the pricey-pump-as-girl-power argument familiar to even casual consumers of recent pop culture. She has more fun rummaging through the Depression-, postwar- and disco-era wardrobes of women past.
2012年6月7日星期四
Why I run and why I can't stop after 30-plus years
At about 6:45, I finished my paper and coffee and got ready for my daily run. Just like I did the day before, and the day before that. In fact, I've got a little streak going that I have no intention of ending because of my sore leg and the light rain coming down.
I'm a runner. I have been for more than 30 years. Actually running might be too strong of a word. Sometimes my 10-minutes-per-mile pace is more of a fast walk. But whatever you call it, I enjoy doing it, and I'll keep going, rain or shine, whether they name a day for it or not.
As I pulled on my cap, laced up my running shoes and grabbed my two Beagles' leashes for my morning run, I thought about why I do this. What makes someone like me, who wasn't a runner in high school and isn't going to win any races, go out and do this to myself? A lot of greater runners/philosophers than me have tried to answer that question.
For me, there are several reasons.
First, I enjoy the simple act of sweating, getting the heart pumping and running myself close to exhaustion. Whether I run three miles, six or 13, I enjoy running. That probably sounds weird to a non-runner who thinks you have to have a ball or keep score to make it worth the effort. But I enjoy the act of putting one foot in front of the other because it doesn't require a scoreboard, a partner or teammate or any equipment other than a pair of shorts, socks and shoes. I'm basically a minimalist when it comes to running. I listen to an iPod sometimes and always wear a watch, but that's about it for gadgets. Just the basics.
For me, running is a solitary escape. I rarely run with anyone and don't like races. I have my best runs when I'm lost in thought. Plotting my day, replaying the previous night, getting ready for a meeting in my head. I even wrote this column while I was running. Sometimes I'll get so lost in my thoughts that I hardly feel like I'm running. Most days, of course, it's not so easy.
My Beagles seem to like to run, too. Actually, Willie, my 8-year-old male, is like me. He often doesn't WANT to run until he's out there doing it. Then he makes it look easy and can run as far as I want to go. Most of the time, I have to bribe Willie with a treat and even carry him downstairs to coax him into joining me. Gracie, my 3-year-old female, loves to run. She always waits for me at the top of the stairs, barking as I carry Willie down. She can't wait to get going.
This morning, I took them three miles together in a cool, light rain. Then I dropped them off at the house and ran three more miles. The rain had stopped by the time I was done. And this blog post was finished, too. Easy. I gave the run a B-plus.
I dutifully write down every run I've ever taken, grade it, and even mark down a few notes about the course or which dog or human I ran with. I have 16 years worth of running diaries stashed away — unfortunately, I tossed out the first 15 years of running history during a move — and can tell you all about almost every run I've ever been on during that span.
Weird, I know. I lot of runners are like that. Part of the allure of what we do is the routine. Getting dressed, going out over and over again, day after day. Stretching after you're done. It gives a little predictability to a sometimes-chaotic world. Or if life gets a little boring, you run a different route and add some variety.
So I ran again today, and I'll do it again tomorrow, most likely.
In fact, I have run for 59 straight days. The Seattle Times asked employees to compete for a few weeks in something called Spring Training. I signed up almost as an afterthought, but it was the motivation I needed. My competitive juices were flowing again, and for a while I was running an hour and lifting weights for an hour every day.
I'm a runner. I have been for more than 30 years. Actually running might be too strong of a word. Sometimes my 10-minutes-per-mile pace is more of a fast walk. But whatever you call it, I enjoy doing it, and I'll keep going, rain or shine, whether they name a day for it or not.
As I pulled on my cap, laced up my running shoes and grabbed my two Beagles' leashes for my morning run, I thought about why I do this. What makes someone like me, who wasn't a runner in high school and isn't going to win any races, go out and do this to myself? A lot of greater runners/philosophers than me have tried to answer that question.
For me, there are several reasons.
First, I enjoy the simple act of sweating, getting the heart pumping and running myself close to exhaustion. Whether I run three miles, six or 13, I enjoy running. That probably sounds weird to a non-runner who thinks you have to have a ball or keep score to make it worth the effort. But I enjoy the act of putting one foot in front of the other because it doesn't require a scoreboard, a partner or teammate or any equipment other than a pair of shorts, socks and shoes. I'm basically a minimalist when it comes to running. I listen to an iPod sometimes and always wear a watch, but that's about it for gadgets. Just the basics.
For me, running is a solitary escape. I rarely run with anyone and don't like races. I have my best runs when I'm lost in thought. Plotting my day, replaying the previous night, getting ready for a meeting in my head. I even wrote this column while I was running. Sometimes I'll get so lost in my thoughts that I hardly feel like I'm running. Most days, of course, it's not so easy.
My Beagles seem to like to run, too. Actually, Willie, my 8-year-old male, is like me. He often doesn't WANT to run until he's out there doing it. Then he makes it look easy and can run as far as I want to go. Most of the time, I have to bribe Willie with a treat and even carry him downstairs to coax him into joining me. Gracie, my 3-year-old female, loves to run. She always waits for me at the top of the stairs, barking as I carry Willie down. She can't wait to get going.
This morning, I took them three miles together in a cool, light rain. Then I dropped them off at the house and ran three more miles. The rain had stopped by the time I was done. And this blog post was finished, too. Easy. I gave the run a B-plus.
I dutifully write down every run I've ever taken, grade it, and even mark down a few notes about the course or which dog or human I ran with. I have 16 years worth of running diaries stashed away — unfortunately, I tossed out the first 15 years of running history during a move — and can tell you all about almost every run I've ever been on during that span.
Weird, I know. I lot of runners are like that. Part of the allure of what we do is the routine. Getting dressed, going out over and over again, day after day. Stretching after you're done. It gives a little predictability to a sometimes-chaotic world. Or if life gets a little boring, you run a different route and add some variety.
So I ran again today, and I'll do it again tomorrow, most likely.
In fact, I have run for 59 straight days. The Seattle Times asked employees to compete for a few weeks in something called Spring Training. I signed up almost as an afterthought, but it was the motivation I needed. My competitive juices were flowing again, and for a while I was running an hour and lifting weights for an hour every day.
2012年6月6日星期三
The Sensational She-Hulk
Dixie Carter has a very sincere presence, and last night she was positively beaming upon introducing the new executive in charge of the Knockouts division, Brooke Hogan. Presumably, Carter was there to diffuse any negativity in the air directed at the controversial appointee.
Though there were some jeers from the Orlando faithful, it was not overwhelming.
Carter said on air what she has been saying in interviews about Ms. Hogan's passion and mind for wrestling. The two had a genuine and pleasant segment together, but afterward, I wondered why this really energetic boardroom moment was presented in the context of a wrestling program.
While I like that Carter is involving the live audience to take the stodginess out of corporate affairs and make the company seem grassroots, perhaps future segments similar to this one would work better as a website exclusive—still in front of the crowd, still a part of the TNA Live experience, but broadcast in a different venue for a more dedicated audience.
Carter's infectious faith in Brooke's creative abilities has given me hope all parties will put the focus on the talented wrestlers, and not in Brooke as a dominating on-air character. I will keep my mind open and look forward to what this partnership brings. There is no reason Brooke Hogan cannot be the Stephanie McMahon of TNA—and hopefully she will learn from that executive's career path.
Though there were some jeers from the Orlando faithful, it was not overwhelming.
Carter said on air what she has been saying in interviews about Ms. Hogan's passion and mind for wrestling. The two had a genuine and pleasant segment together, but afterward, I wondered why this really energetic boardroom moment was presented in the context of a wrestling program.
While I like that Carter is involving the live audience to take the stodginess out of corporate affairs and make the company seem grassroots, perhaps future segments similar to this one would work better as a website exclusive—still in front of the crowd, still a part of the TNA Live experience, but broadcast in a different venue for a more dedicated audience.
Carter's infectious faith in Brooke's creative abilities has given me hope all parties will put the focus on the talented wrestlers, and not in Brooke as a dominating on-air character. I will keep my mind open and look forward to what this partnership brings. There is no reason Brooke Hogan cannot be the Stephanie McMahon of TNA—and hopefully she will learn from that executive's career path.
2012年6月5日星期二
Bright lights for Little City at Friday luncheon
Little City’s Runway Exclusive fashion show will have glamor in spades. Ford models, decked in looks from Neiman Marcus, will strut the runway. The Fairmont will serve up a decadent lunch. Auction prizes include Christian Louboutin accessories and swank restaurant and theater packages. But even these luxury goods can’t outshine the residents of Little City, the real stars of the event.
For more than 50 years from its 56-acre campus in Palatine, Little City has served adults and children with developmental disabilities, including the most vulnerable in our world: abandoned children, wards of the state and high-needs kids and adults who need 24-hour clinical and therapeutic care that families can’t provide.
“Little City has taken the word ‘disability’ and turned it into ‘ability,’ ” says Eleni Bousis, who is co-chairing the luncheon with the Sun-Times’ Susanna Negovan. “They show that if everyone is given equal opportunity and equal chances in society, they can be productive, too.”
Nobody knows this better than Andrea Hockfield. Her brother, Jerry, who is blind with developmental disabilities, has been a Little City resident for 43 years. After struggling in standard schools as a young child, at Little City he began to thrive.
“For the first time he was recognized for having abilities,” says Hockfield. “They found all the things he could do well and helped him develop those skills.” Today, Jerry spends his days exercising, planting in the horticulture center, throwing pottery, playing music and dining with his fellow residents. For Hockfield’s family, all of whom are involved in the organization (her husband is foundation president Edward Hockfield, her brother is on the board, and her children started the young professionals group), knowing Jerry is at Little City is a gift. “It’s peace of mind, knowing not only does he have a roof over his head, but he’s with people who care about him and respect him.”
Runway Exclusive is one of five major fund-raisers for Little City, which relies heavily on philanthropic support. The organization weathered the brunt of the economic downfall, but recent government cuts for the disabled have made fund-raisers essential to meeting operating costs, which are on the rise. “As the economy suffers, more people are in need of service,” says executive director Shawn Jeffers. But despite the economy, he’s amazed by the commitment of Little City supporters. “People can’t give as much, but they still give. It’s a mission that’s hard not to be touched by.”
This Friday afternoon, Runway Exclusive will celebrate style and raise funds, but it also will honor the Little City residents. In addition to the luncheon and runway event, there will be a musical performance by Hockfield’s brother, Jerry; artwork by residents up for auction; and adults, kids and families from the Little City community on hand to help attendees learn more about the organization and the population it serves.
For more than 50 years from its 56-acre campus in Palatine, Little City has served adults and children with developmental disabilities, including the most vulnerable in our world: abandoned children, wards of the state and high-needs kids and adults who need 24-hour clinical and therapeutic care that families can’t provide.
“Little City has taken the word ‘disability’ and turned it into ‘ability,’ ” says Eleni Bousis, who is co-chairing the luncheon with the Sun-Times’ Susanna Negovan. “They show that if everyone is given equal opportunity and equal chances in society, they can be productive, too.”
Nobody knows this better than Andrea Hockfield. Her brother, Jerry, who is blind with developmental disabilities, has been a Little City resident for 43 years. After struggling in standard schools as a young child, at Little City he began to thrive.
“For the first time he was recognized for having abilities,” says Hockfield. “They found all the things he could do well and helped him develop those skills.” Today, Jerry spends his days exercising, planting in the horticulture center, throwing pottery, playing music and dining with his fellow residents. For Hockfield’s family, all of whom are involved in the organization (her husband is foundation president Edward Hockfield, her brother is on the board, and her children started the young professionals group), knowing Jerry is at Little City is a gift. “It’s peace of mind, knowing not only does he have a roof over his head, but he’s with people who care about him and respect him.”
Runway Exclusive is one of five major fund-raisers for Little City, which relies heavily on philanthropic support. The organization weathered the brunt of the economic downfall, but recent government cuts for the disabled have made fund-raisers essential to meeting operating costs, which are on the rise. “As the economy suffers, more people are in need of service,” says executive director Shawn Jeffers. But despite the economy, he’s amazed by the commitment of Little City supporters. “People can’t give as much, but they still give. It’s a mission that’s hard not to be touched by.”
This Friday afternoon, Runway Exclusive will celebrate style and raise funds, but it also will honor the Little City residents. In addition to the luncheon and runway event, there will be a musical performance by Hockfield’s brother, Jerry; artwork by residents up for auction; and adults, kids and families from the Little City community on hand to help attendees learn more about the organization and the population it serves.
2012年6月4日星期一
Rochelle Wiseman And Marvin Humes To Marry In Palace
Rochelle Wiseman and Marvin Humes are set to marry in a palace.
The JLS hunk and the Saturdays beauty - who will tie the knot this summer - have chosen the stunning Blenhein Palace in Oxfordshire, where Sir Winston Churchill was born, for their big day.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Rochelle fell in love with Blenheim when she went to see it and loves the history of the place.
"The gardens are beautiful and she can't wait to have her wedding pictures done surrounded by her nearest and dearest. They are going all out for the wedding and their families are tickled pink by the Winston Churchill connection."
Performers at the event are set to include Tulisa Contostavlos, Olly Murs and Pixie Lott while guests have been instructed to wear cocktail outfits and dinner suits to match the black and white theme.
Marvin - who has experienced an on-off relationship with Rochelle - previously admitted he has always known the 23-year-old beauty would make an amazing wife.
He explained: "I always knew she was wife material - even before we were together. We have so much in common and she's my best friend, which is what you look for in a partner. She was perfect from the start.
The Frasier star originally married Walsh in February 2011, after leaving Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ex Camille Grammer.
The couple decided to renew their vows during a trip to Las Vegas on Saturday (June 2), according to People. The intimate ceremony was held at the Little Church of the West.
Grammer said of the last-minute decision: "Kayte's the most wonderful person in the world. I'm just so happy! We're really excited. I've always wanted shotgun wedding pictures so we can show the kids later on!"
Walsh is currently pregnant with twins, due next month.
"We wanted to celebrate and re-dedicate (ourselves) to how much we love each other and to our growing family around the bend," Grammer added. "I love that she had the courage to marry me twice!"
Rainy days bring in a whole lot of gloom and laziness along. Reaching to work without getting wet becomes our main goal. We at Femina, believe in colour therapy to get rid of the monsoon blues. Saloni Dhruv gives you a quick guide to get monsoon-ready much in advance, helping you brighten up your rainy days with some of the most colourful rainwear
The JLS hunk and the Saturdays beauty - who will tie the knot this summer - have chosen the stunning Blenhein Palace in Oxfordshire, where Sir Winston Churchill was born, for their big day.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Rochelle fell in love with Blenheim when she went to see it and loves the history of the place.
"The gardens are beautiful and she can't wait to have her wedding pictures done surrounded by her nearest and dearest. They are going all out for the wedding and their families are tickled pink by the Winston Churchill connection."
Performers at the event are set to include Tulisa Contostavlos, Olly Murs and Pixie Lott while guests have been instructed to wear cocktail outfits and dinner suits to match the black and white theme.
Marvin - who has experienced an on-off relationship with Rochelle - previously admitted he has always known the 23-year-old beauty would make an amazing wife.
He explained: "I always knew she was wife material - even before we were together. We have so much in common and she's my best friend, which is what you look for in a partner. She was perfect from the start.
The Frasier star originally married Walsh in February 2011, after leaving Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ex Camille Grammer.
The couple decided to renew their vows during a trip to Las Vegas on Saturday (June 2), according to People. The intimate ceremony was held at the Little Church of the West.
Grammer said of the last-minute decision: "Kayte's the most wonderful person in the world. I'm just so happy! We're really excited. I've always wanted shotgun wedding pictures so we can show the kids later on!"
Walsh is currently pregnant with twins, due next month.
"We wanted to celebrate and re-dedicate (ourselves) to how much we love each other and to our growing family around the bend," Grammer added. "I love that she had the courage to marry me twice!"
Rainy days bring in a whole lot of gloom and laziness along. Reaching to work without getting wet becomes our main goal. We at Femina, believe in colour therapy to get rid of the monsoon blues. Saloni Dhruv gives you a quick guide to get monsoon-ready much in advance, helping you brighten up your rainy days with some of the most colourful rainwear
2012年6月3日星期日
The Voice UK: Will.i.am already recording with Tyler James
The Voice UK coach Will.i.am has revealed he’s already recording with some of his artists on the show.
Speaking after yesterday’s final, which saw Team Tom singer Leanne Mitchell walk away with the record contract, Will insisted that his artists wouldn’t go ignored.
“I’ve already started recording with Tyler James, Jaz Ellington and Jay Norton,” he said today. “The annoying thing for me is people go on these shows but it takes forever for their albums to come out. I wanted to do The Voice because I want to speed up the process.
“I just want to come live in London and do that.”
And Will had extra special praise for his finalist Tyler.
“I’ve recorded tracks with Tyler already and we are planning to record more in LA,” Will told the Daily Star Sunday today. “Tyler is needed in the music industry. The world needs Tyler because he is a survivor.
“There are a lot of kids out there that are going through a lot of tough things and Tyler can be their hero because he’s been there and gotten out of it.
“He’s seen dark places and menacing things but has come out the other side.”
Tyler himself revealed: “I’m definitely going to be working with Will. I’d love to do a single with him.
“I have hundreds of ideas and songs in my head so I’m ready for the hard work to begin.”
Keller said he is hearing a lot of excited buzz because auditions for next year start on Monday. Lakes actually has four choirs, beginning with Concert Chorus, which is primarily freshmen, and does not require a tryout or even vocal skills.
“As long as they don’t have auditory nerve damage, I can teach them to sing,” he said.
Then there is Royal Blues, an all girls group of intermediate to advanced singers; Concert Choir; and the elite Studio Chamber Choir, which has 32 members, all of whom are members of Concert Choir.
And the music does just that.
At Thursday night’s senior concert, the Concert Choir performed the songs for which it won in Vancouver: “Here I am, Lord”; “Musicks Empire”; “This Marriage”; “Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace”; and “Ain’t Got Time to Die”.
“When they sang, it was hard to find any kind of mistake,” Keller said. “If I had been judging it, they would have gotten close to a perfect score. They’re so incredibly sophisticated.”
Speaking after yesterday’s final, which saw Team Tom singer Leanne Mitchell walk away with the record contract, Will insisted that his artists wouldn’t go ignored.
“I’ve already started recording with Tyler James, Jaz Ellington and Jay Norton,” he said today. “The annoying thing for me is people go on these shows but it takes forever for their albums to come out. I wanted to do The Voice because I want to speed up the process.
“I just want to come live in London and do that.”
And Will had extra special praise for his finalist Tyler.
“I’ve recorded tracks with Tyler already and we are planning to record more in LA,” Will told the Daily Star Sunday today. “Tyler is needed in the music industry. The world needs Tyler because he is a survivor.
“There are a lot of kids out there that are going through a lot of tough things and Tyler can be their hero because he’s been there and gotten out of it.
“He’s seen dark places and menacing things but has come out the other side.”
Tyler himself revealed: “I’m definitely going to be working with Will. I’d love to do a single with him.
“I have hundreds of ideas and songs in my head so I’m ready for the hard work to begin.”
Keller said he is hearing a lot of excited buzz because auditions for next year start on Monday. Lakes actually has four choirs, beginning with Concert Chorus, which is primarily freshmen, and does not require a tryout or even vocal skills.
“As long as they don’t have auditory nerve damage, I can teach them to sing,” he said.
Then there is Royal Blues, an all girls group of intermediate to advanced singers; Concert Choir; and the elite Studio Chamber Choir, which has 32 members, all of whom are members of Concert Choir.
And the music does just that.
At Thursday night’s senior concert, the Concert Choir performed the songs for which it won in Vancouver: “Here I am, Lord”; “Musicks Empire”; “This Marriage”; “Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace”; and “Ain’t Got Time to Die”.
“When they sang, it was hard to find any kind of mistake,” Keller said. “If I had been judging it, they would have gotten close to a perfect score. They’re so incredibly sophisticated.”
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