Friday, November 16th, was a momentous occasion for Japanese retailer Muji as it opened its first retail location here in New York City’s SoHo district. The opening also marked the retailer, which already gained a loyal following for its “all value/quality, no frills” approach in its products, foray into the U.S. market for the first time. At about 3,200 square feet of retail space, the SoHo store will offer over 2,000 items of Muji products, including about 570 stationeries, 270 health & beauty products, 30 simple appliances, 330 apparels, and much more.

En Avant had the opportunity to chat briefly with Mr. Masanobu Furuta, the Senior Managing Director of Mujirushi Ryohin, about the retailer, its concept, and its future plans…

Muji SoHo
455 Broadway | Map
New York, NY 10013

» Muji

Rejoice New Yorkers! Japanese retailer Muji is finally coming stateside after years of speculations. Long known for quality merchandises at reasonable prices, Muji is unlike any retailers currently in the marketplace. The company promotes the absence of any well planned marketing assertions or branding strategies, with the exception of one: simplicity at its best. In fact, the translation of Muji’s Japanese name is “no brand goods”.

The first Muji store is slated to open on Friday, November 16th, in the heart of trendy shopping district of SoHo. At 3,200 square feet of retail space, the store will have over 2,000 offerings from Muji’s product portfolio. Along with stationery, housewares, beauty & wellness products, some 40 home/office furnishings, outdoor goods, and appliances will be available as well.

In line with its conservation and environmental friendly policies, the store will give away Muji’s “My Bag” reusable shopping bag, to reduce the usage of paper or plastic alternatives, for the first 3 days of the opening. Any patrons that use their “My Bag” in the future will also receive special discount or gifts.

For more information regarding this or other information about this very unique retailer, simply log onto Muji’s website.

Muji SoHo
455 Broadway | Map
New York, NY 10013

Opening Date: 11.16.2007 | 12 pm

» Muji

Derek Lam’s role as the creative director of Tod’s has been a success since he was asked to sign on by chairman and CEO Diego Della Valle in December of 2006. The Italian leather-goods brand had already mastered the craftsmanship behind bag and shoe making but needed a breath of youth to make the brand more relevant for a new group of bag-lovers. Following the footsteps of fashion icons Tom Ford (for Gucci) and Marc Jacobs (for Louis Vuitton), the budding new designer has incorporated some of his personal edge to the classic brand.

Like many other legends of fashion, Lam began his career right after graduating from Parsons School of Design and worked for the next 12 years at Michael Kors. In 2002, Lam left the all American brand to create a brand of his own. Currently, Lam’s style can be seen sprinkled among the Tod’s bags, shoes, and now ready to wear line of clothing. ‘Sporty, luxurious, with Italian sensuality and being playful with the iconography of Tod’s,” is how Derek Lam describes his mission when creating the Autumn 2007 line. With actress Sienna Miller as the face of the collection, modern edge and classic sophistication are brought to life.

Found in the collection are youthful gym bags that daringly declare “Tod’s” across the soft leather façades. A selection of black, burgundy, and cognac colored totes show off key chains that spell out “Tod’s” in block letters that are reminiscent of middle school friendship bracelets. American hunter-style jackets are lined with luxurious furs and quilted with fine Italian leather – a perfect cultural reflection of how the brand has evolved today. The Derek Lam’s prêt-a-porter collection for Tod’s will be gracing Colette’s doorstep in Paris with much anticipation.

» Tod’s

» Derek Lam

» Colette

Despite the rainstorm, German fashion label Jil Sander recently held its new season presentation at the newly opened flagship store in Taiwan. The 2-floor structure situated at the tranquil corner of Linsen N. Road and Nanjing E. Road, just steps from Linsen Park and Grand Formosa Hotel, a popular destination for luxury shoppers to relax. The flagship reflected what Jil Sander is famous for - refined, minimalist, elegance, both in store and out.

Since Prada Group purchase and subsequent departures (twice) of the designer herself, the label gone through numerous alterations under its new owner, England’s CCP. In the meantime, Raf Simons will remain as creative director, a position he held since 2005, For the Autumn/Winter season, the Jil Sander Group announced it will outsource all accessories production outside of Prada Group. The label will create a new accessories department, under Simons’ guidance, to rejuvenate its accessories collection. As for its ready-to-wear collection, the new season drew inspiration from British sculptor Anthony Gormley. Utilizing the human form to set boundaries and divisions on the fabrics. Another unique aspect is the fine pleats that effortlessly drape over the body while at the same time maintain the minimalist theme of Jil Sander.

» Jil Sander

Exclusive to Colette starting October 1st, a pair of Brigitte Bardot inspired flats will mark 60 years of classic design for Repetto. Rose Repetto was asked by Brigitte Bardot to design a pair of flats that she would be able to wear for her role in the 1956 film, “…And God Created Woman”. As she would be dancing the mambo in the film, she requested that the flats would be both sexy, the essence of Bardot, and graceful.

Since 1956, Bardot has had an important role in the history of the Repetto brand. The new shoe will incorporate the original design along with some very personal Brigitte Bardot touches: hearts and daisies, B.B.’s lucky charms.

To mark Repetto’s 60th anniversary, a limited edition of 60 pieces will be offered exclusively at Colette. To run with the same stream of thought as the dance-inspired shoes, Repetto is supporting the development and education of disadvantaged children through dance. Icons from all over the world were asked to customize a pair of Repettos for an exhibition that will travel around the world. To raise money for their cause, each of the specially designed shoes will be sold through a silent auction. Each pair of the B.B. Bardot Limited Edition Repettos will be identified with a number; Bardot will receive the pair “0” while the number 1 pair will be included in the silent auction.

» Colette

» Repetto

On the occasion of the Rugby World Cup’s inaugural game in Paris, Ralph Lauren will be presenting its Rugby brand outside of its own US retail stores. A selection of the Rugby Fall 07 collection will be showcases at Colette in Paris. In Colette 10th year history, Colette is dedicating an entire room to a single brand. This space will be transformed into an authentic Ralph Lauren Rugby environment, inspired by the first freestanding Rugby store in NYC.

To commemorate this unique partnership between Ralph Lauren and colette, four limited edition rugby shirts have also been designed and also limited edition (only 200 made) rugby ball will be will be offered simultaneously at colette and the Rugby store in NYC during the two weeks of the initiative. both item will be also available at the Colette eshop.

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Colette
213 rue Saint-Honoré
75001 - Paris, France

» Colette

» Ralph Lauren : RUGBY