Tuesday, 20 October 2009

French Government Pledges Aid To Struggling Couture Industry – 20/10/09

French couture artisans are slowly becoming a dying breed. But their chances of survival are destined to improve if the French Government goes ahead with plans to offer them a rescue package.

We read in a Wall Street Journal article that France's Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, is meeting with government advisers, luxury-goods executives and artisans to draw up an aid package for the country's craftsmen.

The article also goes on to remind us that “in an attempt to preserve technical know-how and guarantee quality, some fashion houses have sought to buy up the artisans themselves. Over the past 15 years, Chanel has bought out several Paris-based artisans who make garments for ‘haute-couture,’ the highest-end of the designer clothes spectrum.”

We hope that France can save its haute-couture industry, which some say is fighting for its life. We would hate to see it go out of fashion. As we concluded in the July 12 MO Down, it is ‘the top of the pyramid’, the lofty heights most customers aspire to. It also helps to sell brands’ ready-to-wear lines, accessories and, most importantly, their fragrance and beauty products – making it very valuable indeed!

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Who's behind the MO DOWN

Melinda O’Rourke is the founder and Director of MO Luxury, a dynamic, Sydney-based management firm specialising in luxury brands and services. Melinda and her associates at MO work with local and international brands across prestige retail, fashion, fine jewellery, timepieces and specialised services. Melinda is well-connected, well-read, and well-versed in the demands of the luxury market and its client base. Her advice is firmly based in objectivity and ultimately, accountability. Melinda offers constructive counsel and both strategic and creative thinking and is able to draw upon a strong network of specialised talent to compliment the MO Luxury team as needed. Melinda enjoys excellent industry relationships and is regularly quoted in the business and fashion media. Read more about MO Luxury, www.moluxury.com.au