Burt’s Bite: Neiman’s Tansky Dismisses Expansion-Minded Barneys

Commenting on second-quarter results released Thursday, Burt Tansky, president and chief executive officer of The Neiman Marcus Group, took several shots at rival Barneys New York.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America is trying to get Congress to take fashion piracy seriously.

Just a month after Italian brand Malo staged its first runway show in New York, creative director Fabio Piras has left the company.

Urban Outfitters Inc. delivered strong fourth-quarter results Thursday, but warned it faces challenges this year as “a tectonic shift” in fashion trends late last year gripped its business.

Dubai Port World’s offer to set up a U.S. subsidiary as a compromise to critics was rejected by Democrats and led to a stalemate in the Senate.

“My plan is aspirational. I’m a five-year planner. I already know what I want to do in 2010.”

A brief look at some of the day’s stories.

PPR on Thursday said luxury goods drove its 2005 net income ahead by 11.2 percent, and voiced “confidence” for 2006, thanks to a robust start at Gucci Group and improved retail conditions at home.

Limited Brands Inc., a company known for developing retail brands and subbrands into big businesses, has just added to the brain trust.

Just like that, St. John is off the Los Angeles Fashion Week calendar.

Kimora Lee Simmons doesn’t take no for an answer — at least, not very often.

Soon Andrea Jung may be one of the busiest women in the beauty business.

Reminded of his over-the-top generosity, Beetz replied, “It will taste much better at that price.”

Inter Parfums Inc. posted fourth-quarter profits that increased 12 percent, and said it was gearing up for an aggressive product rollout this year.

With the recent opening of the uptown branch of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa, there’s no time for Jin Soon Choi to rest.

What a difference a year can make, at least for the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association.

Former “Happy Days” star Anson Williams is having a stellar month.

Black Opal is doing an about-face by focusing on smoothing and evening skin tone on the body, a departure from its usual target: the face.

Biolage is on the party circuit. The professional hair care brand has partnered with Self magazine to participate in the Self-VH1 “Most Wanted Bodies” party.

Jane Pratt just keeps trying for that comeback — and now she’s turned to Gwen Stefani for help.

Wal-Mart has had a taste of fashion with a capital “F,” and it wants more.

Bon-Ton Stores Inc.’s fourth-quarter profits soared 42.5 percent profit as the retailer posted a tax gain of $2.2 million as well as higher gross margin rates.

As the overall U.S. trade deficit hit a new record in January, apparel and textile imports rose 7.6 percent to 4.2 billion square meter equivalents valued at $7.3 billion.

Kellwood Co.’s fourth-quarter profits showed a significant gain as its restructuring came in below budget and ahead of schedule.

Carrefour, the world’s second-largest retailer after Wal-Mart, on Thursday said profits dropped 15.6 percent last year because of divestments of unprofitable operations, but predicted better times ahead.