MADE IN THE USA HITS CHINA: With the growing sophistication we’re seeing among some discriminating Chinese shoppers in top-tier cities (or those living abroad), US-made American brands like Red Wing, Woolrich, Engineered Garments, Tellason, and Billy Reid may have a chance to crack the China market in coming years. (Jing Daily)
J CREW TO OPEN LUDLOW SHOP: Next month, the retailer will open a shop centered around its popular Ludlow men’s suit. Called The Ludlow Shop at 50 Hudson, the 2,100-square-foot shop in TriBeCa will offer a full assortment of suits along with Thomas Mason shirts, Italian leather shoes and neckwear. Tailoring and monogramming will be available. (WWD)
DOIN’ IT RIGHT: J.C. Penney is about to be the most interesting retail story of the year. (Forbes)
TOPMAN UP: Topman is forging ahead with international growth via wholesale after a dramatic increase in stockists in the past 12 months. (Drapers)
MAGS GET FATTER: Magazine publishers are enthusiastic about March issues, which are posting solid ad-page gains almost across the board. (WWD)
HI TOPS: David Colman investigates the luxury hi-top trend: “High-tops are like the modern boutonniere: they’re the only area where men will throw out all restraint,” said Rick Owens, (NYT)
SKIP DESIGN SCHOOL AND GET THIS: Since 2010, FashionPlaytes.com has helped more than 50,000 girls create customized clothing using a design tool on its web site. The site invites girls to create their own designs with a banner describing the three-step process across the top of its home page. (IR)
THIN’S NOT IN: Diane von Furstenberg, president of the CFDA, has released an exhaustive set of guidelines ahead of New York Fashion Week, aimed at keeping models healthy and identifying and addressing eating disorders. (Telegraph)
