Spain’s Fast-Fashion Chain Zara Opens Giant Flagship in Manhattan and Pushes Prices

In a unique move for a fast-fashion retailer, Zara’s offering borderline luxury prices for limited-edition high-end products bringing new meaning to hi-lo fashion in one store.

Bread and Butter Barcelona Reveals Trade Show Sections, Graphics, Themes, and the BB Bible of Brands

The fashion trade show by which others are measured, Bread & Butter Barcelona reveals new plans for 2009 in themes and graphics.

NBC Sports X MTV = Alli

In a move to bring some of the top action sports properties under one big umbrella organization, the Alliance of Action Sports may give the industry serious mainstream leverage.

Paris’ Galeries Lafayette Closing VO -the Streetwear Section in Attempts to Re-Org the Giant Department Store

What was once a good idea has gone sour especially among young women denim buyers, forcing Paris’ largest department store to take another look at the changes in what was once known as streetwear.

Re-Scene Scensters: Thrifted Street Styles Are Redefining Old Eras into New

The recession is now “official” but youth culture is a step ahead, tapping into the old to create something new. Here’s what’s going on from London, LA, Brooklyn, Tokyo.

%u201CWhat would make it easier for you to buy snowboarding or skiing equipment and apparel?” Fresh Data from Label Networks’ Action Sports Report Winter 2009 Reveals What’s Most Important among Today’s Savvy Youth Consumers

Winter sports are in for a challenging season, but there are unexpected opportunities for attracting new markets. Label Networks reveals fresh consumer data, plus quick analysis on the new “Burton Restricted” strategy.

Mexico X Japan Collaboration: Lost”Myth of Tomorrow” is Found and Returns to New Permanent Home in Shibuya Station

Mexican-commissioned mural of 1945 atomic bombings in Japan is found and goes back to its original source of tragic inspiration. A showstopper, young Japanese stop to click mobile pics by the thousands.

Japanese Salarymen Encouraged to Have More Sex by Big Businesses in National Campaign to Increase Youth Demographic

What is effective in Japan to increase their youth population is sure to follow in other countries with similar problems, including many in Europe.

DNR Fold-Men’s Fashion Trade Magazine Calls It Quits

Yet another print publication bites the dust, and this one doesn’t even try to attempt “moving online” as an excuse.

Trade Show Season Prep Part 3: Trade Show Lead Generation, Marketing Materials, Follow-up -How to Make the Most of Limited Funds Towards Getting Your Brand Noticed

Keepsakes for buyers and media are a good idea but bigger is not always better. Other than a postcard or marketing kit flyer, if you have cool buttons or pins that are designed and include your URL on them these tend to create a viral marketing buzz. Here are other good give-aways that work well but are not all that expensive: