Friday, June 05, 2015

Luxury Brands Eye Africa, Why We're Not Wearing 3-D-Printed Shoes

News Brief: Luxury Brands Eye Africa, Why We're Not Wearing 3-D-Printed Shoes:

Johnny Depp is serious about fragrance. Photo: Dior
Johnny Depp is serious about fragrance. Photo: Dior
These are the stories making headlines in fashion early this afternoon.

Johnny Depp to front Dior fragranceJohnny Depp has been cast as the face of a yet-to-be-named men's fragrance from Dior. It is the first time that Depp has fronted a scent, though he's previously appeared in campaigns for brands such as H&M and Montblanc. The fragrance's release on Sept. 1 will coincide with Depp's next film release. {Fashionista}

In the luxury retail market, is Africa the next China?According to a new report by A.T. Kearney, a global strategy and management consulting firm, there is huge retail potential in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria and Angola have two of the fastest-growing middle classes in the world and a shopping mall in Angola’s capital, Luanda, will open soon with Gucci and Prada stores. {Quartz}

Adam Lippes designs capsule for Target

Adam Lippes has gone mad for plaid. The New York designer will debut a 50-piece collection inspired by buffalo plaid this fall, with apparel prices ranging from $19.99 to $129.99. {Fashionista}

Saint Laurent banned in the UK

Hedi Slimane likes long, lean models — perhaps too much, according to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority, which banned an ad that highlighted model Kiki Willem's bony ribcage and narrow thighs. {Fashionista}

Why 3-d printed shoes aren't mainstream yet

3-D printing has revolutionized some industries, like medical equipment, but not footwear. Simply put, it's still cheaper — both in terms of time and materials — to mass-produce full shoes the traditional way rather than through 3-D printing. But as materials get better and less expensive, and printing patents established in the '80s continue to expire, we might start seeing commercial runs of shoes with 3-D-printed elements, such as insoles or cleats. {Fast Company}

Front page photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images

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