Tory Burch

Another day, another case: Tory Burch is headed back to court. On Friday, the designer filed an infringement lawsuit in New York against Bluebell Accessories, Inc., claiming the New York-based wholesaler sold counterfeit trinkets bearing a copy of Burch’s signature double-T monogram. WWD reports that Burch initially hired an investigator on November 6, who was ordered to purchase an assortment of necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets on BluebellWholesale.com for verification. Upon arrival, Burch issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bluebell owners Jessica Min and Sung Ki Min, who reportedly have not been forthcoming with pertinent details to the case including sale documentation and supplier lists. Burch is suing Bluebell for an undisclosed sum on the counts of trademark counterfeiting, false designation of origin and false descriptions, trademark and copyright infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition, and injury to business reputation.

Diane von Furstenberg and Andrew Rosen are hosting a fundraiser on March 18th to benefit the Meatpacking District Improvement Association. The MePa duo will be on hand to host the first annual Open Market at Highline Stages with music (tunes from the Misshapes, JD Samson and Nancy), food from the hood’s best restaurants, cocktails and shopping.

The ever-elusive Anna Dello Russo is hatted up and ready to star in an MGM musical earlier today at the Fendi show in Milano. Always a delight to see the “other” Anna. We’re still wondering why ADR was in town during NYFW, yet made so few appearances at shows. We spotted her at (random alert!) Rachel Zoe and Tory Burch, but saw too many seat fillers taking her front row chair. No, bueno!

Tory Burch
A resolutely ladylike and demure showing in mostly muted tones hues ruled at Tory Burch, cast again an appropriately stately venue, the Pierre hotel. The collection included ensembles thick with embellishment (namely, sequins and beading) plus textures like fur, velvet, and laser-cut leather. There were lots of allover prints—most notably, a black-and-white floral print that recurred throughout, which Burch herself wore in the form of a tidy V-neck shift to take her bow. Hems hit just below the knee. Many of the dresses were underlaid with turtleneck sweaters—a zeitgeist-y ’90s touch and a practical layering trick for fall.

Business is booming for Christopher Burch. Yesterday it was announced that colossal hedge fund Fidelty took a $35 million stake in the company, valuing C. Wonder at $350 million. That’s quite a feat for a company that’s only been around since Burch opened his first retail store in New York’s Soho nabe in October of 2011. With the massive deal settled, the brand is planning a mega-expansion: By 2014, Burch plans to open between 50 and 100 retail stores, including international operations in Germany, Dubai, and Japan. The end goal is to amass 110 stores in the U.S., which would be part of a global portfolio of up to 350 retail spots.

Elie Tahari is getting a new man in charge. Bob Galvin, formerly president of The Camuto Group, is taking on the CEO title at Tahari. Galvin was responsible for growing The Camuto Group into a successful lifestyle company, which started with affordable fashionable footwear from Vince Camuto, and has grown to be align with moneymaking brands like Tory Burch, Jessica Simpson and Lucky Jeans, to name a few.

Gucci Kicks Off The New Year In Manga Style [Telegraph UK]Japanese Manga artist Hirohiko Araki collabs with Gucci for its 2013 windows…Israel’s New Year’s Resolution: No More Overly Thin Models [Wall Street Journal] Israel is cracking down on “unnatural thinness” on the catwalk…Tory Burch Lawsuit Ends [Vogue UK] The legal battle between Tory Burch and her former hubby, Chris Burch, is finally fini

Meggan Crum, formerly accessories director at InStyle, has left the magazine…Julie Beynon, formerly senior account executive at C&M Media, has been named public relations manager, RTW at Michael Kors…Lola Burstein, formerly of the Paris press office at Sonia Rykiel, has been named head of U.S. press and public relations for the brand…Kate Etter, formerly senior account manager at PR Consulting, has been named PR director at Tory Burch.