Hudson's Bay Sets Sights on Saks

There's never a dull moment in the fashion world and today is no exception with the rumour of a Hudson's Bay buyout of US retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue. According to WWD, Richard Baker, Chairman and CEO of Hudson's Bay Co., is the major contender to purchase Saks Inc.

Hudson’s Bay’s potential acquisition of Saks department store and its outlet, Saks OFF 5TH, could see both stores opening up in Canada in the not-too-distant future. HBC currently owns 48 Lord & Taylor department stores and 3 Lord & Taylor outlets in the eastern United States as well as 90 Hudson’s Bay department stores and 69 Home Outfitters housewares stores across Canada. 

All rumours, all speculation at this point but can you imagine? Target, Nordstrom and Saks all without having to border-hop? Think this is the reason for Bonnie Brooks' recent promotion to Vice-Chairman? 

Isabel Marant Teams Up with H&M

Designer, Isabel Marant, with Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor at H&M.Photo courtesy H&M

OMG. OMG. OH EM GEEEE. H&M has teamed up with Parisian designer Isabel Marant for Fall! The Parisian chicster has attracted legions of devoted fans (myself inclus), hoping to achieve effortless style with her perfect mix of boho ease, urban attitude and rockstar spirit. For H&M, Marant will create a wardrobe of must-have clothing and accessories for women, men, and teens inspired by her signature style. 

“I am flattered by this collaboration. H&M works with the best designers, and this invitation is an exciting honour. I aim at creating something real – something women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carefree style. I think this is very Parisian: you dress up, but don’t pay too much attention to it, and you still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be combined following one’s own instincts, and my take on fashion is all about personality,” says Isabel Marant.

No word yet on exactly how the collection will look (I expect Marant is laissez-faire like that), but I hope there are sweaters, tees, and minis and tonight, I will be dreaming of booties. Not Marant's booty - I mean, her shoes, évidemment.

Mark your calendars (and prepare to queue up): The Isabel Marant pour H&M Collection will hit select H&M stores worldwide on November 14th, 2013. Check out the vid below for a glimpse:

Jason Wu Named Artistic Director of BOSS Womenswear

Since Jason Wu busted onto the fashion scene in 2007, I've loved his modern, distinctly feminine designs. So I was super thrilled to hear that Wu has just been named the new Artistic Director of BOSS Womenswear since it means I might finally be able to afford his clothes. Yay! Starting June 15th, Wu will assume responsibility and creative direction for all product and image related aspects of BOSS Womenswear from the HUGO BOSS headquarters in Germany.  Wu will continue to grow his eponymous RTW and Accessory Collections as well. 

“I have long been a fan of HUGO BOSS’ vast tradition and lineage in extraordinary tailoring. With the state-of-the-art facilities that are unique to the HUGO BOSS design labs, I plan to develop a strong, feminine womenswear collection that reciprocates the brand’s authority in menswear,” says Jason Wu.

The first BOSS Womenswear Collection under Jason Wu’s artistic direction will debut in New York during Pre-Fall 2014 and he'll stage his first runway show during the New York Fall/Winter Fashion Week in February 2014. Can't wait to see how Wu puts his own stamp on BOSS come Fall. Pretty exciting, huh?

Holt Renfrew Yorkdale Unveils New Beauty Hall

The new and beautifully improved Beauty Hall at Yorkdale's Holt Renfrew. Pics by Johanna Simmonds

With Nordstrom and the new Premium Outlets set to open shortly, Canadian retailers are stepping up their game to stay relevant. Holt Renfrew, never one to rest on her lofty laurels, unveiled its brand new beauty hall at Yorkdale Mall on Thursday and we were among the first to check it out.

The massive 10,000 square foot space includes 4 new treatment rooms where you can be spoiled by La Mer, Sisley, La Prairie and the Skin Lab, featuring Darphin, AmorePacific, Erno Laszlo and ReVive. Meanwhile, the hall features boutique-like shops for Chanel, Aesop, La Mer, La Prairie, Sisley, Jo Malone, Bobbi Brown, Kiehl's and Hermès. Customers can head to the Beauty Bar for skin-care consultations and makeovers, plus complimentary makeup brush cleaning and makeup bag overhauls, which will hopefully make the Holts beauty experience a little less intimidating.  

As a girl who just loves primping, I'm especially smitten with the new Primp and Polish Bar, a must-visit for blowouts, manicures, lash extensions and brow shaping. Not sure how you like that new red lipstick? Be sure to check out the clever camera wall where you can snap an 'after' photo and instantly share your look with friends on FB, Twitter etc. How fun is that?!

According to WWD, Holts plans to roll out the concept to other stores, too. “Yorkdale is the prototype for how all our stores will be made over,” said Wayne Peterson, divisional vice-president of cosmetics at Holt Renfrew. “We see all of our beauty halls converting. We will expand in the next two years.”

But the makeovers don't stop at beauty. Word is, Holts is completely renovating its Yorkdale store, with the beauty hall the first in a series of major changes for the store.  Expect the big reveal this Fall. Can't wait! x 

Toronto Premium Outlets to Open August 1st

A sketch of the Toronto Premium Outlets, set to open August 1st, 2013. 

Fellow savvy shoppers, rejoice! Toronto Premium Outlets™, (yes THOSE Premium Outlets) Canada's first ever upscale outlet center, officially opens its doors on August 1st! The new outlet centre will be like the ones we so love to visit in the States, with the top brands and irresistibly sweet deals that make for a super shopping experience. The center will be anchored by Hudson’s Bay Outlet (fun!) and will include the following stores, many of which are opening their first ever outlet locations in Canada: 

Banana Republic, Bench, Bose, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Cole Haan, Columbia Sportswear, DKNY, Dynamite, Eddie Bauer, Gap Outlet, Garage, Guess, Icebreaker, J. Crew, Kate Spade New York, Lucky Brand Jeans, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Ted Baker London, True Religion and Zumiez. Additional brands will be announced in the coming weeks. UPDATE: Burberry opening Dec 2013. #eeek

General Manager Megan Johnson says Toronto Premium Outlets™ will dramatically change the shopping landscape in Ontario. “It’s exciting because for the first time in Canada, shoppers will have an impressive collection of outlet stores close to home,” she said.

Toronto Premium Outlets™ will make a major impact on Toronto’s business and economic landscape as well, providing more than 800 full and part time jobs. To fill these positions, a Job Fair co-sponsored by Halton Employment, The Region of Peel and The Town of Halton Hills will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2013 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Milton Sports Centre located at 605 Santa Maria Blvd., Milton, Ontario. For complete details on the Job Fair and to stay in the loop for the Grand Opening Celebration and more, visit: www.premiumoutlets.com/toronto, or keep checking back on RLR. Will keep you posted the minute I hear more.

Yay. Yay. Yay. That's all I have to say. x