• According to The Wall Street Journal, Isabel Marant’s Otway boots are the “it-shoe” of the season. They cost $1,295 and sold out when they first hit stores four months ago. Hope is not lost: There are plenty of knockoffs to find elsewhere. [WSJ via HuffPo]
• The recession hit Cambodia especially hard. During the past year (through October), 70,000 jobs were cut in the apparel sector and 70 factories closed down. Of the jobs lost, 48,000 were cut as part of complying with International Labor Organization standards for proper working conditions. [WWD]
• Online shopping increased for major department-store retailers. Wal-Mart, Target, and Kohl’s all saw e-commerce growth over the holidays. [WWD]
• Angela Missoni is introducing four capsule collections that all focus on the Missoni zigzag pattern, starting with pre-fall. This is the designer’s statement against counterfeiters who rip off the zigzag patterns all the time, and the pieces will be sold at Missoni boutiques. [BlackBook]
• The most popular models in China aren’t Chinese; they are blonde with blue eyes, and it’s a growing trend because Chinese brands want representatives to “look international.” [WSJ via HuffPo]
• More images of Jamie Bochert starring in the Marc Jacobs spring 2010 campaign are being released, including one where she is on the floor lounging in all of her fancy clothes and makeup. [Sassybella]
