JUST WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR: MORE BAD NEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY

World Wide Web – It’s no secret that the recession has hit the fashion industry really hard. Labels are closing down and employees are getting laid off. But it’s a new year and with a new year comes a fresh start, correct? Sadly not in these troubled times. Yesterday it was reported that Karl Lagerfeld has laid off Beth Shapiro, the director of global marketing and public relations for his namesake label. She will leave the company this Friday (Jan. 15). In her e-mail, Shapiro stated, “The current environment has forced us to downsize.” Good luck to Shapiro. But today, Women’s Wear Daily report that K Karl Lagerfeld will discontinue its denim and sportwear lines with this spring’s men’s and women’s collections. Read more news after the jump.

Versace is another big name label that is downsizing. WWD report that Versace SpA is closing its U.S. press office and outsourcing its public relations efforts. The company now will have PR Consulting handle its U.S. public relations. Clients of PR Consulting include Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten, Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler and Narciso Rodriguez.

In New York news, Yohji Yamamoto seems to have pulled out from the Manhattan retail scene. According to Racked.com, Yamamoto’s store in Soho have been covered with paper and locked up with a note on the door that read, “CLOSED.” Although Yamamoto closed his US press office and filed for bankruptcy last year, he was rescued by Japanese private equity fund Integral Corp; therefore, the news of him closing his Manhattan boutiques come as a shock. Or maybe they are just remodeling?

Moving on to another New York news, senior Vogue staffers have been told they must start taking the subway as their transportation to attend meetings instead of using Town Cars. The reason for this is simply to save money. That’s right! Anna Wintour, subways and crowds. This is definitely something we pay to see. Perhaps Anna can tag along with her fabulous buddy Grace Coddington, who has been riding the subway before this new rule came about. Grace can teach Anna the ins and outs of taking the subway like a pro.

Kristina Bustos

[Stories: Fashionista, WWD, Racked, NY Mag/Image: NY Mag]