Protectionist Winds Stir in Fashion World

The S&P Retail Index fell 4.64 points to 296.88 Friday.

President Obama supports duty-free manufacturing zones in along Afghanistan and Pakistan borders, in an effort to help to bring stability to the regions.

Underwear firm Ginch Gonch to roll out 64 styles for women.

Private equity firm Castanea Partners purchases a controlling interest in Urban Decay Cosmetics.

Andrea Jung, chairman and chief executive officer of Avon Products Inc., took a 19.3 percent cut in total compensation during 2008.

Body Linens plans to launch wholesale distribution of high-threadcount pajamas this year.

The men’s wear department at Dublin’s landmark department store Brown Thomas has just gotten a 9.4 million pound, or $13.7 million, facelift.

When Luis Venegas offered Zac Posen a double spread to create his ideal ad, the designer jumped at the chance.

Shape line for arms to be sold at chain’s 24 units.

At Mipel, leather goods firms showed innovative wares and traditional craftsmanship to beat the economic blues.

Jeweler Solange Azagury-Partridge is opening her first Stateside boutique on Madison Avenue.

Pomellato store in Miami projected to generate first-year sales of $3.8 million.

Spanish accessories firm Tous targets U.S. in expansion plans.

This fall, Jillian Lewis, Cynthia Rowley, Michael Angel, and Diesel Black Gold pushed the limits of legwear design.

A party for the inaugural exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography drew Catherine Opie, Perrey Reeves, David LaChapelle, and Courtney Love.

Esprit has opened its first store in California since the Nineties on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.

The Yacobian Group LLC and Marvin Traub Associates, have formed a strategic partnership.

Lavender Label, Vera Wang’s contemporary line, hit hard by the economic downturn.

Alfredo Canessa, chairman of Ballantyne and founder of the Malo brand, died Thursday night at 62.

Designer Mizrahi Hosts Fashion Show, Book Signing and Style Discussion for new Liz Claiborne line.

Rossignol, the French ski and snowboard manufacturer, to cut 30 percent of employees in an effort to reach a positive operating profits.

The Brandery, a new contemporary urban fashion trade show, is planned for a July debut in Barcelona, Spain.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Zoe Tee have teamed up… Word has it Louis Vuitton has tapped Buzz Aldrin for an upcoming advertising campaign….

Luxury firm Gianni Versace SpA profits decline, hit by nonrecurring charges.

UBS Securities LLC expects 10% contraction in mall space devoted to retail channel.

Recession stirs economic nationalism.

Hat World, Inc., a division of Genesco Inc., has acquired Impact Sports.

Yasmin Le Bon, Zandra Rhodes, and Anouck Lepère were kept chuckling by Alber Elbaz at the presentation of his Lanvin summer collection.

The Movado Group-owned watch firm, aims to show the industry and consumers its capabilities.

Men’s denim brand Energie offering ophthalmic and sunglass styles.