Natalie Massenet

>> French heritage houses like Nina Ricci and Vionnet have both been reinvented in the last couple of years with a more contemporary approach; now, add Carven to the trend.

Founded in Paris by couturier Madame Carmen de Tommaso in 1945, Carven was originally launched for petite women.  Two seasons ago, former Givenchy designer Guillaume Henry was tasked with kickstarting the label again, and judging by the reception, he's succeeded.

Last night, Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet feted Henry in London, where she gushed: "The clothes . . . Not only did we love them — the Parisian street attitude really struck a bell with us — but we just couldn't believe the amazing prices. Does this guy look like a young Saint Laurent or what?  . . . These clothes are going to change your life. I'm really looking forward to watching this man blossom and to seeing what he becomes in 20 years time."

The New York Times reports "raves" over the line »

>> Net-a-Porter Said to Be Acquired by Richemont —Earlier this year, it was Prada that luxury conglomerate and Cartier and Chloe owner Richemont was said to have its eye on, but for now, Net-a-Porter will have to do, instead.  In a deal expected to be completed this week, Richemont will acquire the remaining 70 percent of Net-a-Porter it doesn't already own, including founder Natalie Massenet's 18 percent stake (worth at least $76 million).  This move is especially notable considering that LVMH shuttered its e-commerce branch eLuxury.com just last year. [Telegraph UK, Fashionista]

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen rumored to be designing a juniors' collection for JCPenny.

Donatella Versace, Marc Jacobs, Francisco Costa, and Riccardo Tisci are headed to South America for Fashion Rocks in Rio.

Philip Crangi will offer fine and costume jewelry as well as incense, sculptures and home objects in his New York store, opening today.

The New York Vintage store where fashion designers find inspiration and celebrities shop for one-of-a-kind finds.

Vogue.com selects the best long-stap handbags of the season.

Douglas Little, of DL & Co., collaborates with Dell computers and designs window displays for Bergdorf Goodman.

Queen Elizabeth II honors Vidal Sassoon, Natalie Massenet, and Christopher Bailey for their services in the fashion and beauty industries.

Abercrombie & Fitch opens in Italy—just steps from Via Montenapoleone in Milan.

Source: Getty

Alongside Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Michelle Obama announced to PETA that she is 100% fur-free. 

Jeremy Irons's son Max will replace Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld as the face of Mango.

British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman recently spoke out against size zero models. 

Tory Burch is launching her first range of sunglasses which will hit stores in November. 

Christopher Bailey and Natalie Massenet of Net-a-Porter were awarded MBEs by the Queen. 

>> While $11,410 Balmain jackets are still selling out in less than 24 hours on parent site Net-a-Porter, The Outnet is preparing for launch next month by taking members, although no specific launch date has been announced yet.

Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet promises a lineup of more than 200 luxury brands including Christian Louboutin, Alberta Ferretti, Chloe, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, and Herve Leger when the proverbial doors open, a mix of merchandise from past seasons, classic pieces, and bestsellers resurrected from designers’ archives, all with average discounts of 40 to 60 percent.  For customers, “It’s going to be about ‘the find,’ and giving them what they may have missed buying in previous seasons,” Massenet said, adding that the company also plans to give some items away for free.

The site will offer one-off “pop-up sales” as a kind of online outlet for smaller labels like Temperley London, and fresh stock — in the categories of ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, and swimwear — will be added weekly.
*image: source

>> IN PRODUCTION —Natalie Massenet is pulling a Topshop on us and pushing back the launch of her designer discount site, The Outnet, from February to April.  Instead of discounting pieces that didn't sell on sister site Net-a-Porter, Outnet will "snap up ready-to-wear clothes that have been ordered — and then cancelled — by department stores as the recession bites.  Brands will be placed on special offer on different days, and surplus stock will be sold at up to 80% off." [Times UK]

>> IN PRODUCTION —Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter, has been promising her off-price "outlet for Net-a-Porter” site, The Outnet, since April.  She's been coy with details so far, except to promise designer goods at heavily reduced prices, but it looks like we've finally got a launch date: February 2009.  Until then, the site is up for those who want email updates. [Telegraph UK]