http://www.wwd.com Today's News WWD.com © 2007 Fairchild Internet, Inc. All Rights Reserved -1 daily http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/today/126336?src=rss Iraq isn't the first place that comes to mind for retail expansion, but at least one fashion company is venturing where none has gone. TODAY'S TOP STORIES http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/today/126342?src=rss Seeking to extend its buying spree, NRDC Equity Partners, owner of Lord & Taylor and Fortunoff, is aggressively pursuing Hudson's Bay Co. of Canada, sources said. TODAY'S TOP STORIES http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/today/126340?src=rss Five years after launching his namesake business, Derek Lam is moving ahead with the help of a new financial partner. TODAY'S TOP STORIES http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126320?src=rss Almost four decades after opening on Rodeo Drive, Theodore has moved to a new flagship location in Beverly Hills. WWD WEST http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126322?src=rss Start your engines. Alpinestars, the Italian clothing brand that has outfitted race car drivers and motorcyclists for 45 years, is entering the U.S. women's sportswear wholesale business for fall. WWD WEST http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126321?src=rss Kitson is in growth mode. WWD WEST http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126317?src=rss Several mainstream giants have made significant sourcing changes, reflecting a shift that may cause more companies to reconsider their supply chain models in the second half of 2008. IN THE MAINSTREAM http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126316?src=rss The future is now for Liz Claiborne Inc. IN THE MAINSTREAM http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126319?src=rss Buffeted by the economic storm, the mainstream woman isn't carrying on as usual. IN THE MAINSTREAM http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126318?src=rss The better floor this year has already experienced the exits of Nautica, O Oscar and Sigrid Olsen — and more could follow for fall as retailers give exclusive lines large, prominent chunks of real estate. IN THE MAINSTREAM http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126344?src=rss The couture collections aren't always about flaunting froth and over-the-top fantasy. FASHION http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126329?src=rss Karl Lagerfeld, famous for his multitasking, is trying on the decorator's hat. FASHION http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126331?src=rss The name says it all: Collection Wolfgang Ley. FASHION http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126341?src=rss For four of the world's most sought-after women — all of who appear in the advertising campaign for Estée Lauder's new Sensuous women's fragrance — sensuality is about more than sex. FASHION http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126335?src=rss Stage Stores Inc.'s shares added almost 17 percent Tuesday after the retailer reported positive comparable-store sales results in June and projected that its second-quarter earnings would meet or exceed its most upbeat estimates. FINANCIAL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126334?src=rss Cherokee Inc. late Tuesday welcomed back former president Jay Kester to lead marketing, and signed two new representation deals reflecting its desire to move beyond its base in apparel. FINANCIAL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126330?src=rss Marks and Spencer Group plc shares spiked almost 7 percent on the London Stock Exchange Tuesday amid rumors of a potential takeover bid for the company. FINANCIAL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126339?src=rss The house of Angelo Tarlazzi is the latest fashion player to attract a private equity partner. FINANCIAL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126338?src=rss Surprise, surprise. FINANCIAL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126333?src=rss G-III Apparel Group Ltd. jumped into the outlet business Tuesday, paying $22.3 million to acquire the Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. name and operations at 116 outlet stores. FINANCIAL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126326?src=rss Weak U.S. sales and skyrocketing costs sent earnings for Levi Strauss & Co. tumbling during the second quarter. FINANCIAL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126324?src=rss The Rx for wealthy consumers in difficult economic times? Ignore those pangs of guilt, wastefulness and irresponsibility. Go ahead and indulge. MARKETING http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126323?src=rss The mind-set, shopping and spending habits of luxury consumers are fast changing. About one in five affluent Americans is turning away from indulgence and toward less materialism, as they express commitment to values like sustainability and contentment with buying good products instead of the best. MARKETING http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126328?src=rss The economy may be sluggish and consumer spending spotty, but that isn't stopping Italian fashion brands from investing in new store concepts to boost their visibility and hopefully gain market share. RETAIL http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126332?src=rss Ferragamo Parfums sees its newest fragrance, a September introduction called Tuscan Soul, as an avenue of entry into the spa business. BEAUTY REPORT http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126337?src=rss Former Helmut Newton muse, actress and model Jo Champa has been hired to bring some red-carpet flash and gossip to Vogue Italia and L'Uomo Vogue. MEDIA/ADVERTISING http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/126343?src=rss Puma AG is to relaunch its bodywear collection under a new global licensing deal, excluding the U.S., with the Dutch company Dobotex. GENERAL