Olympic Spirit?

In case you have any spare time during fashion week, you may have noticed the Winter Olympics are underway. Whether or not you enjoy watching these events, you no doubt are aware of the patriotism it evokes. This year that is particularly true for our neighbors to the north, who on Sunday finally won their 1st Canadian Gold Medal at home. It is a time where every country is on display and we all do our best to promote and portray what is best about our nation. In the opening ceremonies many countries went with native costume or apparel that represented their image, i.e. Bermuda’s team paraded into the cold Vancouver air, sporting red Bermuda shorts.

So what did the American team wear? They were sporting the all-American Ralph Lauren classic look. The winter puffer jackets in Navy and turtle necks were all very traditional Americana. And of course there was the American flag patch and official team USA appliqué. As a matter of fact Ralph Lauren is the Official Outfitter of the 2010 US Olympic Team. So we wondered, are the clothes actually American? Is the apparel made in the USA? They must be made domestically right? The Olympic gear couldn’t be outsourced to a third world country, could it? Well, unfortunately it can and it is!

If you check out RL website under the Olympic section you can get all the details and the products are clearly listed as “Imported.” Of course they are smart enough not to publish, “Made in China” but still we know what imported means and it’s not from Canada. But just to be sure, we contacted Ralph Lauren and inquired about the Men’s Opening Ceremony Team USA down jacket and asked where it was made. Guess what the answer was? Bangladesh! Not only that, but you can get your own for the low, low, “imported” price of $350. Really, what were they thinking? Seriously, the Olympics would never pick Nissan as the Official car of the Olympics (it’s Chevy) or Heineken as the official beer (it’s Budweiser) so why is the Official apparel made in Bangladesh?

Garment Center goes to Washington

Last week local designers Nanette Lepore, Yeohlee Teng, and Stan Herman took their Save the Garment Center fight to Washington. The director and producers for the HBO documentary “Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” attended as well. There was a special screening of the documentary by Representative Diane Watson and Representative Carolyn Maloney. Following the screening there was a panel discussion open to all members of congress that included representatives from the apparel unions, designers, and Representative Tim Ryan of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus.

We are thrilled to see the Save the Garment Center efforts moving forward. Finally seeing political attention being paid to support the fashion industry and specifically domestic production is wonderful. Nanette Lepore has done an enormous job in increasing Garment Center awareness. To show your support and stay on top on of all of the latest Garment Center happenings join their Facebook page by clicking here.

Fresh Fashion Scoop

— Emaciated high fashion models are nothing new in the industry. Recently the folks in charge of Brazil’s fashion week have publicly voiced their concerns and intent to increase their already structured health requirements for models. Interesting, they blamed the US and Europe for hindering their attempts by encouraging the gaunt aesthetic and embracing models that are refused by Brazil.

— Temperley’s famous winter sale is going on now. Don’t miss a chance to snag some seriously discounted (75% off) designer dresses and separates. At 453 Broome Street by Mercer until 1/31 this is one sale not to miss!

— Thinking about buying a knock-off designer bag down on Canal street? Not only does that hurt the sales of the legit and struggling apparel industry but it supports sweatshop laborers who make these cheapo bags. Well apparently, the city has decided to crack down on the crowded Canal street vendors and raided the street shutting down 16 illegal shops in the process last week.

— What is a nice Jewish boy doing designing swastika handbags? That’s the questions we’d like to ask Marc Jacobs. So who would pay $1495 for some designer Nazi swag?

— Zac Posen is the next big designer doing a diffusion line for Target. While the goods won’t be available until April, the Look Book is out now. So take a peak, here.