Armani at cannes
Giorgio Armani is teaming up with his "long-time friend," actor and humanitarian Sean Penn, to raise money for charities working in Haiti by sponsoring an event - entitled Haiti: Carnival in Cannes - during this year's Cannes Film Festival. Penn will host the event alongside model and philanthropist Petra Nemcova with all profits and donations going to charities
"I am proud to stand alongside Sean Penn, a man cut from a very rare cloth," Armani said today. "He first captivated me as an astonishing actor. Then as a respected director. Then as a loyal friend. And now, as a life changer. It is an honour to be a part of Sean's remarkable life of service by joining his humanitarian efforts for the people of Haiti. For this to come to fruition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival marks a career milestone for me, and demonstrates what happens when you work with Sean, a world-class force of nature."
The dinner will take place in Cannes on Friday May 18 at the Agora Pavilion.
"I am proud to stand alongside Sean Penn, a man cut from a very rare cloth," Armani said today. "He first captivated me as an astonishing actor. Then as a respected director. Then as a loyal friend. And now, as a life changer. It is an honour to be a part of Sean's remarkable life of service by joining his humanitarian efforts for the people of Haiti. For this to come to fruition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival marks a career milestone for me, and demonstrates what happens when you work with Sean, a world-class force of nature."
The dinner will take place in Cannes on Friday May 18 at the Agora Pavilion.
Power Players
Jennifer Lopez has been named the world's most powerful star in 2012, replacing Lady Gaga who held last year's top spot in Forbes' annual Celebrity Power 100 List. In addition to her lucrative singing career, Lopez has landed further headlines this year with her Kohl's clothing line and fragrances and through her work as a judge onAmerican Idol. She also went through a high-profile divorce from dancer Marc Anthony, who she was married to for seven years. The pair have two children together.
Other names to make the chart include Oprah, who came second; Justin Bieber, who came third; Rihanna who came fourth; and Lady Gaga at number five. Angelina Jolie came in at 13,Beyoncé at 14, followed by Adele at 24 and Brad Pitt at 28. The only models to make the list are Gisele at 61,Kate Moss at 94 and Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima at 100.Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker made 86th position, while fellow actress Kristen Stewart came in at 43.
Other names to make the chart include Oprah, who came second; Justin Bieber, who came third; Rihanna who came fourth; and Lady Gaga at number five. Angelina Jolie came in at 13,Beyoncé at 14, followed by Adele at 24 and Brad Pitt at 28. The only models to make the list are Gisele at 61,Kate Moss at 94 and Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima at 100.Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker made 86th position, while fellow actress Kristen Stewart came in at 43.
St.John sale
St john, the American brand is up for sale. The company has been majority controlled by private equity firm Vestar Capital Partners since 1999, but is now looking for a new owner.
St John is thought to make around £252 million a year from its 26 standalone stores as well as wholesaling to Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus in the US.
"We're in the process of turning the business around," chief executive officer Glenn McMahon told WWD last year. "This is a very significant business, and it's been a very methodical turnaround. This is an evolution and a transformation of the brand that we began in earnest four years ago, when I joined the company. We're pleased with the progress we're making."
Former Chloe CEO Ralph Toledano was named chairman of St John in August 2011, a position he retained when he was named president of Puig's fashion division in January.
St John is thought to make around £252 million a year from its 26 standalone stores as well as wholesaling to Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus in the US.
"We're in the process of turning the business around," chief executive officer Glenn McMahon told WWD last year. "This is a very significant business, and it's been a very methodical turnaround. This is an evolution and a transformation of the brand that we began in earnest four years ago, when I joined the company. We're pleased with the progress we're making."
Former Chloe CEO Ralph Toledano was named chairman of St John in August 2011, a position he retained when he was named president of Puig's fashion division in January.
Net-A-Porter boost
NET-A-PORTER has helped its owners Richemont to a forecast-beating 43 per cent leap in profits. The luxury conglomerate the second biggest in the world after LVMH - yesterday reported profits for the year ending March 31 of more than £1.2 billion.
Net-A-Porter which the luxury stable acquired in April 2010 as well as its other key brands Cartier and Montblanc all performed well, with the Asia-Pacific region contributing particularly significant sales figures leaving senior executives "cautiously optimistic," the Evening Standard reports, despite the current financial climate.
The group also revealed that boutique and online sales accounted for more than half of all group sales, outperforming the company's wholesale efforts. In line with these figures, more store openings are planned for key tourist cities, including London, Paris and across Asia.
Net-A-Porter which the luxury stable acquired in April 2010 as well as its other key brands Cartier and Montblanc all performed well, with the Asia-Pacific region contributing particularly significant sales figures leaving senior executives "cautiously optimistic," the Evening Standard reports, despite the current financial climate.
The group also revealed that boutique and online sales accounted for more than half of all group sales, outperforming the company's wholesale efforts. In line with these figures, more store openings are planned for key tourist cities, including London, Paris and across Asia.
Is it a boy or a girl?
Julia Restoin Roitfeld and her long-term boyfriend,Robert Konjic, have welcomed their first child, a baby girl,
"We are delighted to confirm that Julia and Robert have had a healthy baby girl," said the model's publicist, Next's Katy Moseley. "Both mother and daughter are doing very well and resting at home."
"We are delighted to confirm that Julia and Robert have had a healthy baby girl," said the model's publicist, Next's Katy Moseley. "Both mother and daughter are doing very well and resting at home."
