loose threads

Jill Stuart Launches Diffusion Line in Tokyo; Gap Cuts European Design Team

Now available at a lower price point — if you live in
Japan.Photo: Imaxtree

• Jill Stuart is launching a diffusion line and retail space to match in Tokyo, where she has a “cult-like following.” Jill by Jill Stuart the store opened on Saturday; the line is more basic than her main collection and about 35 percent less expensive. [WWD]

•Gap has decided to cut out its European design team and return to importing American ranges into Europe. Bad news for us American fans of the European collections, but good news for the Europeans, where there’s been an increased demand for the U.S. collections. Grass is always greener… [British Vogue]

•Agent Provocateur is planning a global takeover, with two new U.S. boutiques in Boston and Chicago as well as recently opened spaces in Bahrain, Geneva, and Puerto Barres. [WWD]

• The honorees for the Femmy Awards — celebrating the intimate-apparel industry’s finest — have been announced: Retailer of the year goes to Nordstrom, and Innovation Award will go to the founder of Spanx, Sara Blakely. [WWD]

• Christian Louboutin will not be designing a clothing line any time soon. “Not interested,” says the designer. “There are so many good designers, so why would I put my name on clothes when I never wanted to do it?” To which we ask, why can’t they all be like you? [British Vogue]

• Mena Suvari was sent Diane Von Furstenberg dresses to wear when she hosted Andy Warhol’s 80th birthday celebration, but ran to alice+olivia instead because the DVF dresses were too sheer and she wanted to wear “something more mod.” [NYP]

Jill Stuart Launches Diffusion Line in Tokyo; Gap Cuts European Design Team