SHAPE FX® Launches Capsule Collection on QVC®


Richard Lowe Breathes New Life Into Newport News

When fashion designer Richard Lowe was appointed as international creative director of Spiegel in 2013, considerable buzz surrounded their women’s fashion brand, Newport News. Namely, what would become of the 30-year-old label beloved by stylish women everywhere? It’s been almost three years since, and by all accounts the label is not only thriving but also growing, expanding to a number of cruise lines where it’s now sold exclusively. We spoke with Lowe in between sketching sessions (his favorite part of designing) to get the scoop on Newport News’ latest collections, his take on cruise fashion and the one piece every woman should own.

How would you describe the fashion you design for Newport News?

Richard Lowe

It’s affordable luxury. I want women to have that Oscar de la Renta beaded moment but at a price that makes it approachable. Think the nicest detailing and the nicest fabrics at prices she can afford. I like to make sure that we can give her the best price and the best quality.

What’s a must-have piece for any woman’s wardrobe?

Richard Lowe

Jumpsuits. She can step into one and in minutes have a full outfit — on board and at home. They’ll never go out of style; you’ll be able to wear them forever. It’s a great investment piece.

What are some of the Newport News staples guests can expect to find on board?

Richard Lowe

Some core items always on rotation are wrap dresses (they’ll never go out of style, thanks to Diane von Furstenberg!) novelty tees and wide-leg palazzo pants. We’ll repeat styles [over various collections], but we don’t repeat colors or prints.

So once a certain style or print sells out, that’s it?

Richard Lowe

We have a lot of repeat cruisers, so the whole idea is for them to get something new every time they go on board — and that they won’t be able to get ever again.

Talk about exclusive! Are your designs tailored to specific cruise lines too?

Richard Lowe

We’re producing a capsule collection for Holland America with a fun art deco theme, for instance. We took design elements from the ships and incorporated it into the fashion.

What else inspires your designs?

Richard Lowe

I love street fashion — walking the streets and seeing what’s going on in the world. We have a customer who’s in the know and wants to shop at a reasonable price. She wants to be current and trendy without looking like she’s trying too hard. [Newport News] stays ahead but not too far ahead.

What can we expect from Newport News in 2016?

Richard Lowe

Incredible prints with a modern edge. We’ve focused on warm, tropical hues and overstated florals, with collections that vary by theme. The spring/summer 2016 capsules feature Casablanca Nights, Castaway Couture, Maritime Madness and Santorini Sunsets. We take into account different locations and design specifically for the customer and what she might need while she’s on board.

What do you shop for on vacation?

Richard Lowe

I shop for prints. I buy a lot of scarves and end up with these bins and bins of scarves because they’re the easiest vehicles of print and color for any brand.

The Newport News collection is exclusively available on board select ships on Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Pullmantur, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises nd Norwegian Cruise Line. Sailing on one of these cruise lines? Leave us a comment with the name of your ship and we’ll tell you if the collection is available.

By: Virginia Gil

Credit: OnBoard.com

https://www.onboard.com/cruise-insider/richard-lowe-newport-news


Newport News hits 91 Ships in less than 1 Year!

I am so excited to announce that my Newport News resort collection for Spiegel is now featured on 91 Ships navigating the globe! Don’t miss out on these exclusive styles while traveling the world’s most renowned ships! Not to mention, all our onboard COVERS featuring the new collection!!!


The Personal Touch – Retail Merchandiser

Spiegel marked its recent 150th anniversary by continuing its legacy of reaching out to customers with products and services that have a positive impact on their lives. By Jim Harris for Retail Merchandiser Magazine

 Spiegel has touched the lives of millions of people during its 150-year history. The company’s close relationship with its customers extends back to its origins, but truly took a step forward in the early 20th century, when it became known for its extremely liberal credit policies. This included not charging interest for credit and extending credit lines that were quite large for their time.

Advertisements proclaiming “We Trust The People!” and “The People Should Get The Credit” attracted millions of Americans to order from its catalog, which at one point had more than 200 million copies in print.

 “Our customers built the company,” International Creative Director Richard Lowe says. “People came to us because of our quality, and because of the credit we offered they were able to afford the goods they needed to provide for their family.”

 Spiegel was founded as a furniture company in Chicago in 1865. Although the company, which began selling women’s clothing in 1912, is known primarily today as a women’s fashion retailer, it still hears from many of the customers who remember its earlier era.

 One customer letter that particularly touched Lowe was from a 92-year-old man who wrote of his family’s personal experience with the company. “He wrote that he and his family were lifelong customers and stayed loyal because they bought Christmas gifts through our catalog that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford without the credit,” he says.

 The family was so loyal to Spiegel that one year they received a phone call from M.J. Spiegel, grandson of company founder Joseph Spiegel, when their Christmas order wasn’t received. M.J. Spiegel led the company during the 1930s and 1940s. “The family had, in fact, placed their order, but it was lost in the mail,” Lowe says. “Spiegel took their order over the phone, and even sent them extra gifts.” This level of attention was common for Spiegel staff, which would regularly check in with customers when their orders weren’t received to “make sure they weren’t disappointed at the holidays,” Lowe adds.

 The letter writer concluded his correspondence by asking for one of the company’s vintage catalogs, a request Lowe quickly filled.

 Another example of the company having a direct impact on its customers came more recently, when it performed makeovers on 200 women on the syndicated TV series “The Doctors” in 2013. “Every woman had a story to tell about our company and how we affected their lives,” Lowe says. “This really hit home for us that we don’t just sell clothing or other merchandise – we sell memories.”

 Out to Sea

The company – now based in New York City – continues to create positive memories for its customers, with more than 10 million people receiving its catalogs each year. Spiegel also offers online shopping as well as specialty stores, giving customers “Brick, Click & Catalog” access to its products. In addition to its own eponymous clothing line, the company also offers apparel under the Newport News and Shape FX brands.

 In 2015, the company made the Newport News brand available exclusively at retail shops managed by Starboard Cruise Services located on cruise ships including those operated by Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Pullmantur. “The cruise ships wanted us,” Lowe says. “We’re selling at twice our forecasted rate, and all of our cruise line partners are very pleased with it. We’ve received pictures online of people wearing the clothes as soon as they buy them, which is a great compliment for us.”

 The company also continues to branch out on social and traditional media. Spiegel recently began working with the Buzzr television network, a classic game show channel that is available as a digital broadcast substation in 30 U.S. television markets. The company has a long history with game shows, as it was a sponsor of many shows including the original “Hollywood Squares.”

 Spiegel’s involvement with the network includes sponsoring “A Betty White Christmas,” a two-week spotlight of game show appearances featuring the veteran actress and comedienne that aired in December. Many of the game shows that included White as a panelist were originally sponsored by and featured products from Spiegel, Lowe notes.

 Product Evolution

To celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2015, the company introduced the Spiegel 60609 sewing machine, named for its historic Chicago zip code. The machine, available in Walmart, features a camera directly over the needle as well as a built-in wireless transmitter, which allows users to send images to any connected device.

 Photos taken by the camera can be shared via the company’s social sewing app, available for iPhone and Android devices. “We wanted to create something truly special for our customers, because so many of them are sewing enthusiasts,” Lowe says. Owner Lynn Tilton inspired the technology and design behind this joint venture between Spiegel and Universal Instruments. “Moving centennial companies into the future takes monumental effort and extraordinary innovation. I believe Spiegel has accomplished that product leadership with its new sewing machine living up to its history as a company of firsts,” said Tilton.

The machine retails for $296, a price Lowe calls “highly digestible” for its customer base. In addition to the machine itself, the company also launched patterns that include QR codes associated with each piece of the garment. When scanned with a smartphone, the user will have access to video instructions that demonstrate how a particular piece is made. The patterns – which have an average retail price of $12.99 – also include trims and buttons needed to complete the garment.

 The sewing machine reflects Spiegel’s corporate focus on design and disruption. “If you’re not disrupting, no one is going to pay attention to your products,” Lowe says.

The company is planning additional product launches in 2016 that include an updated version of the Spiegel Airman, a motorized bicycle originally offered in the 1950s. “We’re finding ways to innovate old products,” Lowe says. “For us, it’s always about finding that next great idea or evolution of an existing product that people didn’t realize they needed or that helps their daily lives in a way they didn’t expect.”

 SIDEBAR:

 A Company of Firsts

During its 150-year history, Spiegel has introduced a number of products, technologies and notable faces to U.S. consumers. “We’ve launched a lot of brands that people take for granted today,” International Creative Director Richard Lowe says.

 The company’s innovations include:

 1909 – The company introduces the teddy bear to the American consumer.

1920s – Spiegel introduces a credit card.

1952 – Spiegel is the first company to begin tracking consumer spending habits, with a computerized system of its own creation later purchased by Sears, Roebuck & Co.

1955 – The company is the first to offer tropical fish in the United States.

1957 – Spiegel becomes the first catalog company to visit the Paris fashion shows.

1995 – The company’s catalog is the first in the United States to feature supermodel Heidi Klum.

1995 – Spiegel is the first major fashion retailer to join the World Wide Web.

1997 – The company is the first major fashion retailer to launch a digital catalog.


Spiegel Launches New Social Sewing App

Spiegel is proud to announce the creation and introduction of the Spiegel Social Sewing Application. This application has been custom developed to work hand-in-hand with you and our Limited Edition 60609 computerized home sewing machine. The Spiegel Social Sewing application is here to help educate and guide you through the general uses of this exciting sewing machine, and also the educational advantages available within the application itself. Once you download the app you will have free access to sewing tutorials, latest fashion trends and much more. Great for beginners and experts alike, the 60609 is one of the most advanced home electronic Wi-Fi enabled sewing machines on the market. With over 350 built-in stitches, USB charging station, on-board Stitch Cam and its own Wi-Fi station, the 60609 comes fully equipped with the ability to reach a new generation of tech savvy sewing enthusiasts.

Thanks to patent-pending Wi-Fi technology you will be able to enjoy video tutorials and unlock special features on the machine directly from the Spiegel Social Sewing Application. Premium stitches and digital patterns will also be available for purchase on iTunes and Google Play. Utilizing your own Wi-Fi enabled device means you can better enhance the sewing experience. The unique smart sync technology allows you to use a smart phone or tablet, to avoid learning new technologies and changing or updating pesky personal settings.

Spiegel is proud to celebrate 150 years of style, by releasing this limited edition sewing machine and making this wonderful sewing application available to everyone free of charge.

Download the Spiegel Social Sewing App in iTunes


Newport News Sets Sail for the High Seas

Starboard Cruise Services scored an exclusive deal to bring Newport News, known for casual lifestyle fashions, to sea.

Beginning this fall, the company’s best-selling apparel and accessories collections will be sold exclusively by Starboard, part of the global luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

The partnership was announced as part of the 150th anniversary of Spiegel, the iconic women’s fashion retailer, which bought Newport News in 1993. The resort-wear collection, designed by Richard Lowe, will be on ships in October.

According to Lowe, it offers vibrant prints, elaborate beading and striking silhouettes that will distinguish it from other resort wear.

‘We are always seeking to offer the most fashion-forward, affordable and exclusive choices to our millions of cruise guests and Newport News is one of the most desirable brands we could have chosen,’ said Patrick Gates, Starboard Cruise Services’ chief merchandising officer.

Newport News has been supplying millions of customers with its signature ‘easy style’ collections for more than 40 years. Known for innovation and affordability, the company originated such programs as ‘Build Your Own Bikini’ and ‘One Price Fits All.’

Newport News also was instrumental in introducing some of the most successful models and actresses to the American public. Claudia Schiffer, Heidi Klum, Janice Dickinson, Yasmine Bleeth and Yamila Diaz are examples of those who have graced the covers of Newport News catalogs.

The company will be featured in ship brochures, and original archives from Newport News will travel aboard select ships. Fashion events and celebrity appearances will round out the Spiegel anniversary celebrations.

 Copyright 2015 Seatrade. 


A Straight Shot: E-Commerce Gives Designers Direct Line to Shoppers

These days, direct-to-consumer e-commerce is a growing practice among designers.

By Cotton Incorporated 

Whether someone’s a small designer trying to make a name for themselves or a legacy retailer in the apparel business for nearly a century and a half, reaching the consumer is the name of the game. And these days, direct-to-consumer e-commerce is a growing practice among designers.

“Our catalogs don’t generate the same amount of response they used to, so we had to invest more in online media,” says Richard Lowe, international creative director for the 148-year-old Spiegel, whose catalog business allowed it to become the grandfather of direct-to-consumer retailing.

UsTrendy’s Sam Sisakhti founded the company of 15,000 indie designers back in 2008 after four days in a corporate finance job. “I had close friends that were so talented, but there are only so many small spots out there to sell to — and not everyone has the capital to open a brick and mortar store.”ADVERTISING

inRead invented by Teads

Meanwhile, Tallulah’s Designs, based in Birmingham, AL, was in business for a year-and-a-half before it offered online shopping last October from its own website.

“We started out selling to a store in Birmingham and another in New Orleans,” says designer and founder Heather Williams. “We developed our line and our contacts there, and they gave us excellent feedback and the encouragement to expand with an online presence.”

While the design/retail business model might be intimidating, that direct line to consumers is enticing. After all, (71%) of shoppers browse the Internet for clothes, up from 66% in 2011, according to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey. Consumers still shop in-store more often — about two times per month versus once a month buying online. But they spend about 109 minutes shopping for apparel online, compared to 96 minutes in-store.

“Our site today is really 90% of our core identity,” Lowe says. “We went live on the Internet in 1994 and were the first large retailer to do so. But online, it’s always about being the most technologically advanced. We’ve gone through quite a change in the last six months.”

These days, the 28-year-old Lowe says Spiegel is “fully loaded” on social media. “We’re on Facebook, Twitter and we have a huge Pinterest page. I’ve taken 360-degree videos of the outfits so people can see the true fit. And these videos are all available on Pinterest, Facebook and our website.”

Spiegel is also going after the 2-to-5 million followers of 40 of fashion’s most elite bloggers. “We’re doing a hard push with them to get to their demographics. We’re going to send them product and challenge them to put my quality against any other label out there — and then let them talk about it.”

Social media and blogs that have a major following can be very influential — especially in an age when the notion of online “friendship” and “followers” is very fluid, and strong relationships can be formed without the parties ever formally meeting.

Among consumers, more than half (53% — up significantly from 46% in 2010) say friends are “most likely” to influence them to buy new apparel, followed by relatives (21%) and magazines (20%), the Monitor finds. Consumers ages 13-to-24 (74%) are significantly more likely than older shoppers (47%) to say friends are most likely to influence them.

“I don’t believe in pop up ads anymore,” Lowe says. “Today, people don’t care that there’s an ad telling them what to buy. They care that their friend wore it and posted what they like about it. They trust someone they know.”

For the novice designer, handling social media, courting traditional press and actually designing new apparel could seem daunting. That is where UsTrendy steps in to help the indie newcomer.

“We can reach the consumer directly online through the one million unique visitors we get on our site each month,” Sisakhti says. “For the consumer, we’re offering the rarity and exclusivity of so many designers, many of whom are only selling through us. Often, items can be personalized — so the bust can be this, the waist can be that, or they can change out the color or fabric options.”

UsTrendy also may provide capital, as well as offer advice and connections, and help with product description lines and photo shoots.

This type of support is important toward driving sales, especially as 30% of consumers cite the Internet as a source of apparel ideas, according to the Monitor.

Tallulah’s Designs’ Williams worked in retail before starting her line. Still, the new business has her wearing many different hats.

“When I sell wholesale, I sell to the stores and I’m done,” Williams says. “They market to the customer and worry about returns, exchanges and store credits. Online, you become the retailer. I have to dedicate time to be there for my customer. I spend three hours a day on emails, filling orders, helping with sizing and things like that.

“But I also have complete control of my brand,” Williams continues. “I also won’t run out of selling space like I would with a brick and mortar storefront. The possibilities for growth are endless. Online, you get to cultivate and curate your own space, and that’s wonderful.”

This article is one in a series that appears weekly on WWD.com. The data contained are based on findings from the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey, a consumer attitudinal study, as well as upon other of the company’s industrial indicators, including its Retail Monitor and Supply Chain Insights analyses. Additional relevant information can be found at CottonLifestyleMonitor.com.


Lynn Tilton Quote

I truly believe Richard to be both a prolific artist and design prodigy. Rarely do I rebuild a company centered on the talents of one individual and never have I hired someone within minutes of meeting them. With Richard, I have done both.  I believe that Richard will truly bring the Spiegel family of apparel back to the forefront in the hearts and minds of American women. – Lynn Tilton


Fashion Force Richard Lowe III Appointed International Creative Director of Spiegel

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Lynn Tilton, Founder and CEO of Patriarch Partners LLC, a New York based investment firm and holding company, announced today that Richard Lowe III has been named International Creative Director for the Spiegel® family of women’s apparel brands.  In this capacity, Mr. Lowe will be responsible for the design and creative direction of all in-house brands (Spiegel Collection, Newport News and Shape FX) in the U.S. and abroad.  He will also oversee all online development, merchandising and R&D.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130204/CG53066)

Lynn Tilton said, “I truly believe Richard to be both a prolific artist and design prodigy. Rarely do I rebuild a company centered on the talents of one individual and never have I hired someone within minutes of meeting them. With Richard, I have done both.  I believe that Richard will truly bring the Spiegel family of apparel back to the forefront in the hearts and minds of American women.”

Lowe, 28 years old, comes to Spiegel with an impressive ten-year track record in the fashion industry.  Just one year after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2007, he became the Creative Director of Bagir in the U.S. where, in addition to designing for brands Balmain and Nicole Miller, he created private label designs for Brooks Brothers and Macy’s. Moreover, Lowe was instrumental in developing a revolutionary eco-fabric made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This global initiative led to the creation of Eco-Gir, a high-tech brand that specialized in producing apparel made from recycled waste materials. Lowe also established partnerships with Dockers and Cintas. Under his creative direction, Bagir’s profits increased significantly.

Lowe has also designed fashion collections for Rebecca Minkoff and Juicy Couture; managed fashion shows for Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Rosa Cha, and provided personal wardrobe services for Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Michael Jackson. He has also appeared as a fashion expert on The View, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Doctors and The Learning Channel’s (TLC) sensation, Breaking Amish.

For his first collection, Richard has taken many cues from Spiegel’s rich and illustrious fashion heritage.  He has designed the Spring 2013 collection with an even more vibrant color palette, high-fashion fit, and youthful appeal. Says Lowe, “For spring 2013, I am infusing shades of teal, fuchsia and reds paired with whites, silvers and navies creating an exotic, adventurous and endlessly chic collection.” And he adds with a provocative grin, “a tantalizing undercurrent of flirty fun.”

About Patriarch Partners:

Patriarch Partners, LLC, is an investment firm and holding company managing 75 companies with annual revenues in excess of $8 billion. Founded by Wall Street veteran Lynn Tilton in 2000, Patriarch is dedicated to saving American manufacturing jobs by saving American companies that have fallen from economic favor. Since inception, the Patriarch family of funds have bought more than 150 companies, and in so doing have saved over 250,000 jobs. Patriarch’s platform includes a broad range of industrial concerns including Dura Automotive, Oasis Water and American LaFrance, in addition to iconic American brands such as Rand McNally, MD Helicopters, Stila Cosmetics and Spiegel Catalogs. Under Ms. Tilton’s leadership, Patriarch has become the largest woman-owned business in America with companies in its platform providing employment to more than 120,000 persons. For more information, please visit: www.patriarchpartners.com.

About Spiegel LLC:

Spiegel LLC is a multi-channel, direct-to-consumer retailer of women’s fashion apparel through its three primary brands: Spiegel, Newport News and Shape FX. Each brand reaches its customer base through a combination of specialty catalogs sent to customers throughout the year, as well as offerings via the Internet.

Spiegel has been a household name for almost 150 years and has continued to evolve its positioning to stay relevant to the new and ageless modern woman. Newport News is a 30-year old brand that appeals to women seeking stylish, yet affordable casual fashions. Shape FX is a revolutionary body-enhancing concept that offers apparel and intimates for women to help them achieve their ideal body type.

Spiegel and its business units are headquartered in New York City. For more information please visit:  www.spiegel.com

SOURCE Patriarch Partners, LLC


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