Let's Talk Tisci: Riccardo, The Rottweiler and Givenchy

Riccardo Tisci in his signature Rottweiler on the FW11 runway

Riccardo Tisci has taken the fashion world by storm since his 2009 takeover of the Givenchy menswear collection. Born in 2005 under Ozwald Boateng, Tisci put it on the map with his introduction of luxurious leathers, and heavy use of black, religious, and animal imagery.   Givenchy was and continues to be highly embraced by the celebrity community, notably through Kanye West and his friendship with Tisci (Tisci designed Jay Z's and Kanye's Watch the Throne album art and tour outfits).

The Rottweiler, as seen above, seems to the be the iconic image with embodies Givenchy.  The aggressive Rottweiler reflects Givenchy's aggressive take on high fashion, more specifically where mens high fashion falls in relation to streetwear.  Tisci has seemingly blurred these lines with his subsequent collections (the most recently Star Wars inspired SS14 aside) and it's not surprising to see his designs popularly counterfeited.

What is it about Tisci's menswear collections that makes them so desirable amongst male (and occasionally even female) fashion communities though? The pricetag certainly exudes exclusivity, while availability is limited at best.  This limited availability increases the perceived exclusivity, in turn heightening the desirability of these garments. After all, streetwear and menswear are about being seen, and who doesn't want to be perceived as exclusive?

Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Tisci's designs, owning several garments myself including the Rottweiler, Birds of Paradise, and Paisley Planes.  Personally I am a fan of Tisci's use of color, or lack there of in his designs, choosing bold blacks, reds, greens and purples in place of lighter hues.  Excluding the SS14 collection, I plan on continuing the diffusion of Givenchy into my wardrobe.

How do you feel about the direction Tisci has taken Givenchy?  Do you own any pieces and would like to share your collection?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Click here to check out the new Givenchy site: Givenchy Paris

STYLE TIDINGS: Clash of the Titans

Hermès Boutique Paris

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, the powerhouse conglomerate lead by French tycoon (practically an oligarch) Bernard Arnault, has continuously been legally challenged by its rival Hermès over the past year.  Beginning with a suit filed almost a year ago in September of 2012, Hermès stipulates that LVMH conducted insider trading and price manipulation in their purchase of Hermès shares in 2010.

LVMH currently owns 22.6% of the notoriously privately held Hermès, and it seems that Arnault desires to scoop up as much of the storied Parisian luxury-goods maker as possible.  The Dumas, Puech and Guerrand families who control 70% of the Hermès shares had filed in the previous year to move their shares into a private holding company to protect from LVMH.

Just last month LVMH was fined 8 million euros by the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (the name translates to Financial Markets Authority), the regulation committee in place within France.  According to Reuters, "The AMF's enforcement committee condemned the 'unusual' way LVMH had amassed its shares, buying equity swaps with a number of banks so as to avoid disclosure requirements and using foreign subsidiaries that were not listed as consolidated units until its 2010 annual report."

Bernard Arnault, Chairman & CEO of LVMH

 Is this the last we will hear from rival LVMH? - Probably not.  Controlling several of the top names in fashion including Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Givenchy, Fendi and Céline (an abbreviated list), Arsenault has no reason not to continue his assault on Hermès ownership.  With the famed Birkin and Kelly bags at record sales levels and the expanding market in China, Hermès share price has increased 40 euros year to date.

Personally this author is rooting for Hermès.  Clearly the underdog on this one, Hermès remains pure of  LVMH's prostitution most notably displayed by their name-sake, Louis Vuitton.  LV (and Gucci for that matter) has increased its accessibility by opening up to more markets in the last few years. As a direct result, Louis Vuitton's exclusivity has sharply plummeted and as a result so has the Parisian trunk maker's image, which is now often and easily seen on the soccer mom's of America.. (ironically contributing to the soaring popularity of Céline handbags). Staying clear of Arnault's ownership has assisted Hermès in maintaining its brand and all that it encompasses (regardless of any Kardashian interferences while doing so).

The Classic H Belt Buckle

Tell us how you feel about the LVMH scandal in the comments! Do you feel LV is passé yet? What's your favourite luxury designer brand?

Click here to shop Hermès: Hermes.com

Click here to shop Louis Vuitton:  Louisvuitton.com