Ivans On High

Welcome back supertalk...

Just a quick note to say we've received the StyleZeitgeist magazine at Parable. The magazine is a really interesting read and the photography and styling are likewise. The print itself is very good and as I mentioned over on SZ, the form factor is a lovely touch, measuring in at 200 x 265mm.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

I haven't been to Momofuku yet. Too busy getting reamed at the office. Though I want to go before Chang head's back to NY (if he hasn't already).

Carlie's and Co. looks pretty good. Might go check it out sometime this week. What's it like?

Any of you guys been to Momofuku yet?

I agree. It's all about finding the right mix of partners, and you must be willing to take advice from people who are more experienced than yourself. I think it would be hard to run a business if you have a big ego.

maybe work under someone/store for a certain period first....?

personally i am very dubious about people start up a merchandising business without having some sort of prior experience. some succeeded, but most failed.

takes lot's of money, luck and people skill / networking for one to do so, tho.

You need only a passing experience in retail to run a store, and starting one is not dissimilar. Look at your average career SA, not the sharpest tools in the shed. And in the end, the General Pants of this world aren't far removed from the Darklands as businesses go.

And It does take all of what you say, so why be dubious? How would you even know if a store was started by someone with prior experience? Perhaps you used the word 'dubious' incorrectly?

haha. Yeah, just follow that. Heaps easy. No thinking required!

Yes, there will always be that clash between those that are busting their ass to make something work vs. those that can throw money at a problem until it goes away.

I like to think that perseverance will pay off, and that the labels we stock will appreciated that sort of mentality - especially given the stigma which revolves around those labels. The old adage "money talks" tends to hold true, however.

These sides of the fashion world are really interesting but smack of high-school cliqs. This can be said about most industries though.

It is a fun adventure, albeit a stressful one. And one we hope will succeed.

Shipping is definitely getting more expensive, as is rent. But I think some local retails are using the 'slump' or consumer willingness to shop online as an excuse to raise prices.

Another side which has been discussed in the media is that the in-store 'experience' is lacking in brick and mortar stores, and that is why people are heading online. Stores like Harrolds are bringing this aspect of shopping back, but the truth is shoppers are lazy fucks. And unless your store is in a Westfield or on the well trodden path they couldn't be fucked. This, I am sure, is why online sales are booming.

Online sales are ticking over, but the local market is pretty tame. I seriously thought there would be more people interested given the stats of both sufu and SZ's Sydney based reader-ship.

To be fair we haven't done any local PR yet, so we won't know fully until we've started that.

And yes, Sydney retail spaces are fucking expensive. You would think that the slump in retail would mean reduced prices but that's not true. Small businesses be damned.

Sale at Parable if you sign up to the newsletter.

Including Silent, Lost & Found, Lumen et Umbra, Incarnation.

So it looks like there are some killer mags out there with the Japanese probably taking top stakes. I have a couple of issues of Gap but there is nothing interested as far as articles go, its just recaps of the various fashion weeks.

Also, Parable is launching a newsletter, and as an incentive to sign up we are offering 15% off your next purchase if you sign up before November 10.

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Does anyone know of a printing or packaging place that has thick ass cardboard? That stuff that is like 3/4 inch thick?

Yes, I had a look at January at TWR and the printing was certainly very nice. I have spoken with the team there, too. They seam to be on to something, and I think in a couple of issues it will be be great.

Tune looks like a fun read/browse too. I might go check out Kinokuniya and see what they have.

Which fashion/shopping mags or blogs do you guys read? Are there any decent ones around?

Interesting. Is he hibernating from email as well?

Anyone besides Dave (where is that guy anyway?) in PR?

keyy's mobile. Guess it doubles as a store number.

don't worry, got it.

What's the number for Pieces?

ph fever is everywhere it seems. If I bide my time I should be able to pick up a long blazer for a decent price on the second hand market.

Bump. Make me offers.

We decided not to go with Some/things as Assin are stocking it. What's the price like J?

I'm just trying to get an idea about numbers for the StyleZeitgeist magazine. How many of you guys are interested? It will be about $50AUD Inc. GST plus shipping.

Let me know if you would be interested in buying a copy.

Same here in Sydney. Raining and cold.