David Beckham Launches H&M Underwear Collection

LA Galaxy star David Beckham kicked off the launch of his new collection for H&M in London on February 2. The soccer star, and former face and body model for Armani Underwear, has developed his own line of underwear for H&M with his manager and business partner, Simon Fuller.

“I’d like to be as big as Calvin Klein is in underwear," Beckham told WWD. "I’m only starting out but it’s good to aim high.”

Aiming high is exactly what Beckham is doing, as the line has launched in 1,800 H&M stores. In creating such a wide-range line, Beckham sought to design pieces for all ages, and he even consulted his wife, Victoria, and their three sons.

On the day of the launch, Beckham hosted a meet-and-greet session in London and a party later that evening.


Text Quamé A. Hamlin 
Image H&M
Source WWD

Boudoir Beauties Cost Big Bucks

After releasing a quite provocative, breast-filled short film last week, Agent Provocateur has launched their Soirée collection online. The brand's creative director, Sarah Shotton, describes the new line as “ultraluxurious” and more about “dressing up [and] a lot of embellishment[s].” The embellishments — and lavish fabrics, for that matter — include Napa Leather, Swarovski crystals, and … you name it! But, as we all know, beauty comes at a cost — and this one is pretty steep. With “knickers” starting at $312 and ranging all the way up to $24,000 (which are actually only available in London, so factor in that plane ticket, too!), you will definitely feel the price of these boudoir beauties.

Shocked? Don’t be. According to Shotton, there are loyal clients in places where the line is most popular — think the Middle East and Russia — and they are willing to spend upwards of $30,000 in a single visit. With things like the Olson twins' leather backpack on sale (and selling out) for nearly $40,000, there's definitely a market for luxurious lingerie.

Will a lavish Soirée piece grace your wish list this year?

Text Corinna Fabre 
Image and Source WWD

Forget Citibank--Italy Bails Out Fashion

Leave it to the Italians to get their priorities straight. Instead of throwing taxpayers' dollars at CEOs and insolvent banks, they’ve decided to line the pockets of fashion’s biggest names. Last month, when the Italian government gave $2.5 billion to its auto makers, Italy's Chamber of Fashion head Mario Boselli (yes, they have a Chamber of Fashion in Italy) cried foul and insisted that the government do the same for its stylish economic counterpart. He told WWD, “I can understand helping the automotive industry but wouldn’t fashion deserve the same, if not more, consideration than the furniture industry?” (“Furniture industry”? Wow, that's sassy.) While the amount of money remains up for debate, the Italian minister of economic development, Claudio Scajola, promised that the first capital injections will occur next month.

Needless to say, this makes our country’s fashion elites look almost pitiable as they hope--pray, even--that Michelle Obama gives them an economic boost. Apparently, if this were Italy, all we would need is for Timothy Geitner and Ben Bernanke to don some Ferragamo loafers to get motivated to help the stalwarts of style. Hey, with all the money they’re giving away you never know. If Obama is looking for another cabinet member, I nominate Dianne von Furstenburg for Secretary of Fashion.