When the Wall Street Journal is not extolling the virtues of late capitalism, it occasionally can be seen publishing the sorts of life and culture features that not so long ago would have been unthinkable. On Wednesday the Journal printed a nearly 4,000 word story on Italian designer Giorgio Armani and the future of the 77-year-old’s global empire, which to this day he still independently owns. Although the portrait portrays Armani as an autocrat, a charge the designer would himself admit, it is done in endearing terms. Armani for his part recognizes his place in fashion and bristles at the idea of fashion not being functional. “Well, that’s absurd,” he exclaims when asked about a winter collection made of organza simply because it is a trendy fabric. “Because in winter it’s cold and you can’t go around naked.” [WSJ]
Michael Kors has spread his retail wings with the opening yesterday of his largest lifestyle store to date at 667 Madison Avenue. The 6,655-square-foot bi-level retail space boasts 22-foot-ceilings, which are tall enough to accommodate an 18-foot-high video screen flashing the latest campaign with Karmen Pedaru (Ford). [Style.com]
Speaking of retail spaces, Stella McCartney will open her own 3,900-square-foot standalone adidas by Stella McCartney store tomorrow in South Kensington’s Brompton Cross of London. Expect to find there a Team GB kit or two once the store is opened. [Vogue.co.uk]
Oneohtrix Point Never has remixed the Lindstrøm track “Call Me Anytime,” which will be released on a forthcoming 12-inch record by Smalltown Supersound. The ethereal remix can be heard in its entirety at… [Stereogum]
Tao Okamoto (Ford) & Kendra Spears (Next) for Emporio Armani Spring 2012 (Photography: Alasdair McLellan)
