Glamour Magazine's iPad Reality

By Salma Moustafa

So while doing the usual and surfing through the Internet, I came across this article in the Media section of The New York Times which I thought was rather newsworthy. According to this article, fashion magazine, Glamour, has teamed up with the Gap and iPad to produce a reality show made exclusive to the iPad. The reality show, " Glamour Girls" will consist of a series of four episodes following the lives of four career women in the fashion industry.

The way this works, is an iPad user downloads Glamour's app and at any time while watching the show, the viewer can pause, and browse the Gap outfits worn by using a feature called " Shop the Looks" and then proceed to Gap.com to purchase the items of interest. These viewers will also be given access to Gap discounts and other promotions.

The shows real purpose is made no secret as to being Glamour Magazine's first shot at product placement. " This is cracking the code-finding a way to integrate products organically in the storytelling and actually having it be of value to the reader," said William J. Wackermann, senior vice president and publishing director for Conde Nast Publications, Magazine Publishing Company for Glamour Magazine and several other renowned magazines.

This makes me wonder what other magazines and retailers will be doing to stay abreast and on trend in this ever changing digital world we live in.With the increasing trend of brands sampling new digital and mobile technologies, and the increasing usage of social media platforms to market to, engage with consumers, and reach a wider audience, it seems that the Internet is most definitely bringing in the fashion industry from retail stores to an online network.

Material Girl Arrives at The Bay!!!

By Salma Moustafa

As a result of its huge success in the United States, Madonna in collaboration with her daughter Lola, have decided to launch their line, Material Girl in Canada and have it featured exclusively at The Bay making it their first international partnership with Hudson's Bay Company for their junior brand, Material Girl, according to MG Icon, the joint venture between Madonna and Iconix Brand Group Inc.

The Bay, one of Canada's leading fashion retailers, has entered into a multi-year license agreement to manufacture and distribute Material Girl clothing line and accessories in Canada throughout their 91 Bay stores with items ranging in price from $12 to $68.

Designed by Madonna and her daughter, Material Girl is a juniors clothing line fashioned for the fearless, spontaneous, young risk taker who knows how to make an entrance, a true and modern Material Girl.

Alongside their new international partnership comes a new face to the spring 2011 Marketing campaign. Chosen by Lola herself, Kelly Osbourne is now the new face of Material Girl. " Kelly represents a true Material Girl. She is edgy, cool and has a unique sense of style that Lola and I love," reveals Madonna.

In an official press release by Marketwire Toronto, CEO of The Bay, Bonnie Brooks says, "Just like Madonna, Kelly Osbourne is an inspiration to young females. She is spontaneous and fearless with an impeccable sense of style. The Bay is committed to introducing new and exclusive brands which is why we are delighted to share this new fashion savvy collection and campaign with Canada."

Material Girl made its official debut last Wednesday at The Bay.To check out this hot new line, be sure to make your way to your local Bay store and experience firsthand what it feels like to be a Material Girl.

U.S. Retailers Heading North

by Joseph Fabian

Many Canadians every day go across the U.S. border empty-handed and comes back with tons of suitcases full of clothes. It’s about time that U.S. retailers expand to Canada so that people won’t be sneaking in clothing, purses or accessories through the customs.

As we all know this expansion already started with stores like Juicy Couture, Bath and Body Works and Victoria Secrets. Five additional stores are on their way. These are

1) Target – A one stop shop discount retail store that carries hard and soft goods as well as groceries, mostly non-perishable. As a popular on-the-run retail store, it also carries clothing, shoes, jewelry, health and beauty products, electronics and other various types of media, bedding, kitchen supplies, sporting goods, toys, pet supplies, automotive supplies, hardware supplies and seasonal merchandise. You name it, they have it.

2) Marshalls – Another discount retail store, however is more similar to Winners(?), which offers current-season, brand-name and designer goods for men, women, teens and kids at incredible prices every day.

3) J. Crew – A clothing retail store that offers upscale fashion with complete assortments of women's, men's and children's apparel and accessories, their goods include wedding wear, swimwear, loungewear, outerwear, shoes, bags, belts, hair accessories and jewelry.

4) Express – Another popular retail store well-known for its must-have sexy, sophisticated clothing and unique fashion. Express is aimed towards young fashion-forward women and men who dress for work, the weekend or casual outings.

5) Justice – A retail clothing store for girls ages 7-14. Justice features the very latest in girls clothing and preteen fashion accessories, including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear at a value price.

Now that U.S. retailers are coming to Canada, Canadians should not have to spend money to fill up on gas in order to drive south of the border just to go shopping. With these brand-name retail stores on their way to Canada, it may finally help Canada’s economy to fully recover from the recession and open new job opportunities in the retail industry.