I was intrigued to read yesterday’s New York Times article about designer Eric Gaskins, whose business has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Another victim of the economy and, perhaps, by Gaskins’s own account, a lack of a publicity strategy.
Eric Gaskins, photographed by Michael Falco for the New York Times.
The article was just as much about Gaskins’s bitchtastic blog, The Emperor’s Old Clothes, as it was the end of his business. Gaskins had been writing under the nom de blog Fluff Chance and didn’t out himself till his business had wound down. I’ve had his blog on my Google Reader for a while and read it sporadically. Honestly, I never would have guessed it was written by someone with name recognition. I may have left a comment once, but never added him to my blog roll because I had a feeling that was going to be a one-way street.
One thing about the Gaskins blog that made a lasting impression on me was what he said about Dolce & Gabbana in a May post:
“Dolce and Gabbana are headed for a tumble. I said this at least 6 months ago and a few notable blogs like Business of Fashion and that heinous spamometer Fashionista took me to task over such a falsehood. Mark my words, the clock is ticking VERY loudly. All retail/wholesale operations in America are going to come to a close. The Director of marketing in North America, Mr. Taub is out and no one is replacing him. Italy , the home base is in for it as well. All is not right in that grand house of cards. Though the press is trumpeting the unveiling of the new fragrances , which will be a lucrative market, it doesn’t erase or explain the fact that the collections will cease to be distributed in the U.S.”
Pretty drastic! I have quite a few beautiful Dolce & Gabbana suits from my corporate days and still feel fond of the label, which always fits me perfectly. I also really like the “Mickey Mouse ears” shoulders they did this spring. Anyway, when I read that blog post, I asked a few “in the know” people if they’d heard anything about this, but no one had. Last time I was in Bergdorf Goodman, D&G had as much floor space as ever. So I’m interested to see what will come to pass. I guess if that bad news comes, we can say Gaskins said it first, but I hope that doesn’t happen.
Separately, isn’t Gaskins an elegant and handsome man? He needs to fix up that blog so that it lives up to his personal look. Damn! That thing needs some proofreading and the occasional blank line thrown in between paragraphs, at the very least. Eric, if you ever read this, I promise you I will give you a blog that’s so pretty you’ll want to put your name all over it.A If you’re hard up for cash, I’ll settle for a few custom-made dresses. Holla at me, you gorgeous bitch!
I saw that article this morning and while I hadn’t read his blog before, I’m definitely intrigued now by the insider knowledge.
& agreed, he is an elegant looking gentleman.
DAMN! He is elegant. He probably sweats Swarovski crystals and peach sangria. Especially if he’s a psychic.
I took was very intriqued by that article. I was shocked that a label such as his has gone under. I love his stuff.
He’s an elegant guy alright. His look is superb.
The first thing I noticed in the excerpt was the spacing with the commas. What gives?
These types of details divert my attention from what’s being said, and I agree with you completely about the proofreading. Call me monkey meat, but I think proofreading matters.
Then again, I text using AP style, so maybe I am, indeed, monkey meat. Or just a Luddite.
Dang- his post struck fear in me.
Ah Wendy- I love the way you do what you do.
OMG! I am sooo sad to hear this news! I adore the craftsmanship of his clothing, it’s simply gorgeous – I’ll miss his line!
Mmmm you have to be very careful what you say. I was reading Marketing Week in LCF library yesterday and luxury brands are going to experience a 6% reduction on sales globally due to economic conditions. The article was primarily concerned with how luxury brands should market/brand and retail their wares.
Whilst the guy looks daper, he is probably in the same position of many designers, no idea how to market and sell what they do. Commercial acumen often doesn’t go hand in hand.
Also top tip insider info is often just vicious rumour and gossip
I find his blog to be very thought provoking….
What a shame to hear of another fashion casualty to bankruptcy, he is indeed a very stylish man.
“Bitchtastic blog”–love it!
“Eric, if you ever read this, I promise you I will give you a blog that’s so pretty you’ll want to put your name all over it. If you’re hard up for cash, I’ll settle for a few custom-made dresses. Holla at me, you gorgeous bitch!” LOL. oh Miss Wendy I love you. You made my day today.
Besos from Spain!
Miss J.
http://www.marbellastyle.blogspot.com
P.S. Mr. Gaskins can be a celeb talk show host if everything else fails…
oooh i love insider blogs… but yes, i wouldn’t be surprised if D&G took a tumble… they haven’t come out with anything lust worthy for at least 8 years…
i’m just sayin’
He *is* a gorgeous bitch! When I read the article this morning and got to the part about how his fashion industry criticisms included too much attention paid to pretty faces and not enough to actual talent, I thought “but you are a pretty face!” And talented to boot… some of the pieces in the NYT slideshow were truly amazing. I do hope to see a WendyB/Eric Gaskins collaboration one day!
I’ve seen his blog before, and like you, I didn’t think it was written by someone well recognized (although I haven’t heard about him so much)
I’m surprised he said that about Dolce and Gabbanna. Never heard about that – although its not like I’m some sort of insider. I just stalk a lot of blogs.
Not D&G! Say it isn’t so!
What a curiously cool and colourful character. Great blog, love your writing style my dear x
It’s a real shame that he didn’t have Wendy B. promoting him on her blog!!
Yep, I have read this article yesterday, too…. Already added his blog to my watchlist!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeendy – I just LOVE your sense of humour!!!!!!!
Wishing you a great weekend!
xoxoxo, Sofie
wow he sounds a bit too intense, but he is gorgeous and chic, maybe the blog would be better if he focused on that instead? haha
He certainly photographs well!
I appreciate the labor you have put in developing this blog. Nice and informative.
Yep, He should get WendyB to sort out his blog too right! xxx
I’ll be outing myself as a know-nothing by saying this, but can’t resist: Are those HEDGE SHEARS he’s holding?
oh wow, some people are very direct in what they say aren’t they – he was not one to mince his words! sad economic times though.
Great Read Mizz Wendy 🙂
thanks for the intro. he’s something!
that said, long live D&G!
oh no another one. it is sad.
Hi Wendy,
I enjoyed reading your posts! It was a very relaxing end to my quite hectic workweek! You’re so witty and funny and of course, stylish!! =)
(PS – Thanks for your sweet comment on my post. For someone that’s just starting out on this, it’s really very encouraging!)
I’d fancy up his blog if he’d give me a couple of sexy outfits!!!!!
He is a sexy bitch. Look at him. 🙂 Maybe he’ll be the Perez Hilton of Fashion
Wendy, you are just too nice! You want to help everyone.
Had my Mojito and am ready for the weekend now LOL!
He’d be crazy not to hit you up! And he is a ridiculously chick looking gentleman.
He looks quite sharp.
My husband, of all people, sent me this article. He is such a regal man, you’re quite right. It’s interesting how blogs are reviving careers nowadays in fashion. I think it’s wonderful.
waow he kind of looks hot actually
Where will you get the energy to do another blog? Can I have some of whatever you’re on?!
Haha Wendy, you should start a blog-writing for celebs business! You could join Perez Hilton’s team! 😉
Actually, no, that would mean less of you.
And I am with you on D&G. I really dislike other supposedly similar brands: Versace, Gucci etc but I have found D&G actually come up with lovely stuff, And I will always remember my first pair of D&G Junior boots <3, a patchwork of suede, denim and faux fur. Erm, lovely…
Yes, read the article in the Times…
Good for him!
He certainly is dapper!
xoxox,
CC
He could DEF use some spaceage between those paragraphs.
This is very interesting, Ms. WendyB. I love Dolce and Gabbana. This is the first I’ve read or heard about a decline in the company. I hope that’s not true, they remain one of the more innovative fashion houses.
Thank you for dropping by my little blog. I really appreciate your presence and your comments.
Have a great day, and you look lovely in your map dress, even while it’s being altered.
He is quite elegant; hope he is wrong about Dolce and Gabanna though!
he is so elegant!
xx
Marian
homeboy is flyyy. so sad about D&G though 🙁
I must say that I love your blog/jewelry by the way 🙂 Gorgeous stuff.
Ooo he is one elegant, handsome man. I hope he is wrong about D&G- and I agree with you, WendyB- go help him out with your mad blogging skills!
He looks really impeccable too.
Mr Gaskins has quite the blog.
I found his comments about Christian Lacroix interesting. Yes of course Monsieur Lacroix created couture with soul, but he went through 11 CEOs (!!!) before the firm finally went under.
Maybe some great designers, like Lacroix, are meant to be personal dress makers for a small select clientel, a “private client” couturier if you will, rather than the front for a fashion house.
The true genius of a designer like Marc Jacobs is his creativity coupled with business acumen.
Hope he reads this and lets you shape up his blog!! Thanks for that comment;)
By Marc Jacobs’s business acumen, you mean Robert Duffy, right, Belle? 🙂
I agree, not everyone is cut out for big business. Successful and small is a fine choice!
This guy looks like an old school dandy– which I LOVE. Sad to hear about his business, but… I’m sure he has great things ahead of him. Great, well-researched post, as always. xx
oh wow… must check it. especially with an adjective like ‘bitchtastic’
btw my antispam word of the day is ‘bikini’.. so good.
Hmmm….. Eric is not exactly hard to look at. OK OK, I like looking at Eric. I may have to re-read this post a few times. Would you mind terribly if I developed a little crush on Eric?
Oh, how sad about the bankruptcy! Hope he’s wrong about D&G though! He sure does look impeccably elegant! Am off to check out his blog 😉
xx