Having mastered the art of social media — they’re #1 on Facebook with nearly 9 million “Likes” and #2 on Twitter — Burberry continues to find innovative ways to engage consumers such as a live-streaming Tweetwalk, where looks from London Fashion Week were Tweeted before they hit the runway. They also scored well in e-commerce and mobile commerce thanks to its global site relaunch, landing the over 150-year-old British label the top spot on the L2 index and the official label of “Genius.”

Kate Spade was a newcomer to the index but their blend of smart e-commerce and a strong mobile and social presence skyrocketed the brand to the #2 spot. Storied houses Chanel and Christian Dior, on the other hand, seem to be resting on their luxury laurels earning only “Average” L2 IQs.

Prada and Hermès started running with the bad girls in school, smoking in the bathroom and dating college boys instead of working on their social media and as a result their IQs plummeted from “Gifted” in 2009 to “Challenged” in 2011. And to make matters worse, Prada was cited as the “biggest digital disappointment in luxury.” Yikes, wait til your father hears about this….

But in their defense, Europe might just have a harder learning curve. Ten of the top fifteen brands in the L2 index were American and on average American brands have a higher digital IQ than their Euro counterparts. Finally, somewhere the U.S. excels in something besides obesity and sluttiness.

The top 10 list is as follows:

1. Burberry: Digital births an icon: Proof that digital investments translate to shareholder value.

2. Kate Spade: Top social media score; Index newcomer did not get memo that heritage is necessary to be iconic digitally.

3. Coach: New York native continues to woo the blogosphere and registers top scores for site experience.

3. Gucci: Gucci Connects dots and delivers with shoppable video and recent Tumblr launch

5. Dolce & Gabbana: Global site relaunch threads needle of edgy and effective.

5. Tory Burch: Facebook store leads fashion F-commerce (r)evolution.

7. Ralph Lauren: New York Times iPad app takeover transforms brand into rich media publisher.

8. Hugo Boss: Top mobile scores and interactive YouTube channel venture differentiate the brand online.

9. Louis Vuitton: Embracing the spirit of travel with Amble app; Leads on Foursquare.

10. Michael Kors: Destination: Kors. Evolving brand into an online lifestyle.

[Luxury Lab, Telegraph]

Christian Dior — alongside Pierre Balmain — worked for Parisian couturier Lucien Lelong during World War II and ensured that Nazi wives were the chicest anti-Semites of the Third Reich. Unlike Boss, who was an early co-signer to the Nazi party — Dior’s involvement was a move to preserve the tradition of Haute Couture, with Lelong being quoted as saying ”You can impose anything upon by force, but Paris couture cannot be uprooted, neither as a whole or in any part. Either it stays in Paris or it does not exist.”

Meanwhile, Dior’s sister, Catherine was a member of the French Resistance and was deported to the Buchenwald concentration camp, the memory of which was invoked at the fall 2011 Dior show by CEO Sidney Toledano as he addressed the audience following Galliano’s dismissal. Catherine was released in May of 1945 and two years later, Dior revolutionized womenswear with his acclaimed “New Look,” liberating women by giving them back their “sparkle and joyfulness,” to paraphrase Toledano.

One woman who was perhaps a little too liberated was Francoise Dior, Dior’s whackadoo neo-Nazi niece who openly professed her love for all things Kampf in a 1963 video that went viral during Gallianogate. In said video, Franny extolled the virtues of “defending the race” and keeping the bloodline “pure’; words she would put into action by attacking British synagogues and sticker-bombing Swastikas at the British Embassy in France.

In a new biography about the clothing company, Hugo Boss 1924-1945, economic historian Roman Koester reveals that founder Hugo Ferdinand Boss was pretty chummy with old Chaplin-stache. Boss was Hitler’s favored tailor and also provided uniforms for the Nazi army.

To outfit the Third Reich, Boss used 140 slave laborers from Poland who had been kidnapped by the Gestapo and 40 French prisoners of war at the company’s factory in Boss’ hometown of Metzingen, Germany.

This makes Yves Saint Laurent hurling a glass at an incompetent assistant look like kid’s stuff.

Although from April 1940 on he used forced workers — primarily women — Boss did make attempts, albeit belated attempts, to improve the often harsh conditions in which his slaves employees slaves had to live. For instance, in 1944, he tried to alleviate them of the camp built on the grounds of the factory by asking to house them himself.

As Koester explains: ”We can only repeat that the behaviour towards the forced labourers was at times harsh and involved coercion, but that concern for their welfare was also displayed, rendering simplistic characterisations impossible.”

After the war, Boss claimed that he had only taken the uniform contract to save his company, but he had actually joined the Nazi party in 1931, some two years before Hitler came to power. Boss was eventually tried and fined for his Nazi sympathizing only to die of a tooth abscess in 1948.

With the publication of Hugo Boss 1924-1945, all of these unsavory tidbits about the Hugo Boss brand have come to the harsh light of day, prompting the company to issue a statement in which it expresses ” its profound regret to those who suffered harm or hardship at the factory run by Hugo Ferdinand Boss under National Socialist rule”.

An apology is nice and all, but IKEA‘s Nazi founder doubled his company’s charitable spending to almost £100 million/year after his past as a Nazi recruiter was revealed. Maybe it’s time for Hugo Boss to put its euros where its swastika is/was. #justsayin [Telegraph, BBC, Wikipedia]

The page it will feature mixes from the event as well as a live link and content from Hugo Boss Rooftop Circus event that took place earlier this summer (featured above) along with upcoming fashion events this NYFW.

“HUGO BOSS is known for bringing fashion and music together. Partnering with Dubset allowed HUGO BOSS to enhance our social media presence and extend the life of the event by capturing the audio and video allowing a broader audience to experience,” says Mark Brashear, Chairman and CEO for the Americas.

Fashion & music pretty much hand in hand now and it’s great to see what kind of music you’re favorite brand recommend/is jamming to. We think we’re going to set up our account pretty soon. Before we do that we suggest you check out Hugo Boss’ channel at www.dubset.com/hugoboss

DJ Cassidy

This year for their annual rooftop celebration, Hugo Boss transformed the space into a modern circus complete with performance artists with displays of fire breathing, sword swallowing, contortionists, and balancing acts which people watched while munching all the delicious circus themed foods. To add a cherry to this already amazing sundae, recording artist Cee Lo Green performed some of his hits including “I Want You”, “Bright Lights Bigger City”, and “Forget You.”

Both DJ Cassidy & Mel DeBarge spun tunes while the party goers enjoyed the great weather and even better company.

Keep reading to view more pictures from the Hugo Boss party by FashionIndie  Kirillwashere.

Would you swing a little preppy to be in Mr. Sexy’s arms?

Link Love: Fashionisto

A look at NINE bags that are sure to add hair to your chest…

[Above: Prada]

At the core of man is raw, testosterone-filled power. A true man will throw a girly guy bag out his window like a World War II grenade.

Sturdy, leather and grip-worthy — here are nine bags that’ll help you return to your roots (beard roots).

[Louis Vuitton]

[Dior]

[Polo]

[Marc Jacobs]

[Gucci]

[Louis Vuitton]

[J. Crew]

[Hugo Boss]

The event is presented by Moët Hennessey USA. Here are some of the major highlights:

• Theory: Debut of Theory Fashion Insider:  The Remix, featuring a live DJ set by Andrew Wyatt, a founding member and the lead vocalist of Swedish/American trio Miike Snow, and a video “mash up” by artist Philip Ashley.  Theory Fashion Insider stylists will also be on hand to remix shoppers’ fall looks.
• Stella McCartney: Selma Blair hosts the evening’s festivities that features an exhibition of Helena Christensen’s work to benefit the Chernobyl Children’s Project International.
• Hugo Boss: Grammy award winning artist, Robin Thicke will perform an acoustic set.
• Moschino: Singer, Kelly Rowland hosts Moschino’s fantasy world of surrealism where guests will be photographed in a giant handbag.
• Tory Burch: DJ Cassidy to spin and Shake Shack on the BBQ.
• Diane von Furstenberg:  Hosted by Refinery29, the DvF and HP Experience Lounge features cutting-edge fashion installations and a photo booth.
• Helmut Lang: Explore the world of Helmut Lang with Creative Directors Nicole & Michael Colovos, along with DJ Harley Viera Newton, a photolab presented by Cobrasnake, spirits provided by East Village’s Death & Company and bites catered via Rickshaw’s Dumpling Truck.
• Jeffrey New York:  Personal appearances by designers L’Wren Scott, Jason Wu, Nicholas Kirkwood, Monique Pean, Christina Ricci, and Current/Elliott.
• Maybelline New York makeovers for the mini-catwalk and a chance to win a year’s supply of makeup.  DJ Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Sean Lennon to spin.
• Scoop NYC:  EDUN Pop-Up shop with Ali Hewson and a DJ set from Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio.
• American Express ZYNC ZONE with Style Pack partner Gilt Groupe: Providing makeovers, a photo-booth and lounge.
• Tracy Reese:  Hosting a dance-a-thon featuring DJ Rajni Jacques of Nylon. Wallflowers can receive complimentary manicures from Sally Hansen.
• Vince:  Performances by DJ Mia Moretti and pop-rock violinist Caitlin Moe.
• Click here for a link to the entire list.

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For Dad’s Best Friend: John Bartlett Tiny Tim Tee – www.johnbartlett.com

Perfect for the dad with dog, this tee features John Bartlett’s rescue pup Tiny Tim. Proceeds of each shirt benefit the ASPCA.

For The Home Decor Obsessed Dad: Jonathan Adler Scented Candles – www.jonathanadler.com

In unusual scents like Tomato and Grapefruit, these are the perfect gift for the daddy obsessed with keeping his castle smelling great. Adler suggests that each home should have a signature scent, I suggest each room…

For The Dad Who’s Into Smelling Good: Kenneth Cole Vintage Black – www.kennethcole.com

A deeper, sharper scent with top notes of fresh green lime with a dry oakwood to create an icy tequila shot of appealing odor.

For The Dad Into Grooming: John Allans Grooming Services – www.johnallans.com

Kind of like the beauty salon for men, operated by a born and true Jersey boy, it’s the type of place you imagine Frank Sinatra would frequent, when he wasn’t busy attending orgies with President Kennedy…

For The Dad Who Wants to Feel Soft to Touch: Vaseline Men Care System – www.vaseline.com

I actually bought a kit for my dad a few weeks ago cause of his diabetes. It’s no frills, doesn’t smell floral and it cools his skin on application. Definitely a great buy if you want something for a papa who forgets to take care of himself.

For The Dad On The Go: Coach Dop Kit – www.coach.com

A black sleek dop kit is ideal for a dad that travels often. Fill it with airport security approved shave gels and cleansers (John Allan’s Salon actually carries a kit) and you’ve got a thoughtful gift and a dad who will think of you when he’s away.

For The Dad Who Needs Get Polished: Rowenta Travel Iron – www.rowenta.com

I already steamed all my clothes with this thing. It’s addicting, so make sure you don’t use it before it goes to daddy…

For The Dad Who Worships The Sun: Hugo Boss Aviator Sunglasses – www.hugoboss.com

Same as above, too stylish to give away.

For The Suave Dad on A Budget: JCPenney Joseph Abboud Suit – www.jcpenney.com

Becks and I just took a trip to JCPenney and fell in love with the crazy amount of perfectly priced items for women. I fell in love with the Joe by Joseph Abboud collection, which reminded me of my years working at the Woodbury Commons at the brands outlet. Still have suits from them and I can tell you, they are perfectly fitting for the American sized dad.

For The Rock n Roll Dad: Jan Leslie Cufflinks – www.janleslie.com

If you’ve got a bit of a Rock N Roll dad, then you need to get him these cufflinks. They are just way too bad ass to pass up.

For The Dad Who Needs to Be On A Schedule: Skagen Watch – www.skagen.com

Wearing this right now, I just don’t think I can part with it. DAMN YOU VERDI!!! You’re just too good at selecting gifts that I want, my dad’s totally getting a pair of tube socks for Daddy’s day.

For The Dad Who Keeps His Money Close: Cole Haan Seton Tuxedo Wallet – www.colehaan.com

Might need to have a dad who wears tuxedo’s to make this work, but still a great looking, very stylish looking wallet.

For The Clean Freak Dad: Stoner Solutions Invisible Glass – www.StonerSolutions.com

If you’re dad is an auto hound, Stoner Solutions offers the most advanced windshield cleaning solution on the market. My dad already uses this stuff, but considering the amount of sut New York apartment windows collect, it’s really necessary for this urban life of ours.

For The Dad Who Likes A Bloody Good Cocktail: McClure’s Pickles Bloody Mary Mix – www.mcclurespickles.com

I discovered this at Whole Foods a few weeks ago, since I’ve gone through six bottles. Got to give it to Verdi for giving me the tools to support my destructive habits. It’s happy hour somewhere, drink up!!!

For The Dad Who Likes A Good Chick: Kluckr Chicken Wing Finding iPhone Application – www.kluckr.com

Looking for Chicken Wings? There’s an app for that…

For The Dad Who’s a Total Tool: Leatherman Skeletool – www.leatherman.com

Every dad needs one of these. It’s like a necessity. Like football sunday, or classic car shows, LeatherMan = Dad.

For the Clear Headed Dad - Headblade Shaving Kit – www.headblade.com

If you’re daddy’s got a Homer Simpson dome, it’s a good time to get him some protective gear. A shaving kit and shaver made specifically for baldies. Daddy will be proud, and hopefully, it’s not hereditary…

Designer denim used to be the go-to strategy of luxury labels to lure in new customers, but now it seems as if trainers are the new jeans.

While brands like Dior, Hugo Boss, and LV have long been in the market of men’s designer trainers – with the latter’s collaboration with rapper Kanye West selling out in no time last year – women’s counterparts are just now gaining momentum.

Lanvin and Pierre Hardy launched successful ranges, Gucci inuagurated its Icon Temporary pop-up store in London last week to promote its new line of sneakers designed by hip music producer Mark Ronson.

And this week, stiletto label Jimmy Choo celebrated the introduction of its $600 trainer collection with a social media-savvy scavenger hunt across the same city.

After its partnerships with Ugg and H&M, it could be safe to say that Choo knows where the money is, but even if in doubt, all its creative head, Tamara Mellon needs to check are the fan figures on Stylophane’s Facebook Fashion Index.

Sneaker brands such as Converse count more than two million fans while their high-heeled competitors (Manolo Blahnik, Louboutin) have 100,000 or less.

The trend is not restricted to luxury brands, by the way: leading flip flop label Havaianas also just presented its first collection of high tops.

(luxuo.com)

LINK LOVE:Luxury Brands Looking to Sneakers for New Business

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

Shop W Style is a retail celebration of W’s first-ever shopping issue. On Saturday, March 27, W will bring its unique take
on chic to the Meatpacking District with in-store events, appearances by Weditors & experts and special offers at over 40 retail destinations.

Highlights will include:

The Shop W Style Lounge
W’s headquarters for the day will be in the Shop W Style Lounge at The Standard Hotel, New York. Be sure to visit the Lounge first for:

* A detailed event map and W shopping bag
* Make-up applications by Shiseido expert Renato Almeida and his team of talented make-up artists
* Appointments for a stylist-on-demand
* Exclusive opportunity to shop Tacori’s new 18k925 line
* Private Style Sessions at Hugo Boss with celebrity stylist, Sarah Gore Reeves

More info here.

Participants include: ADAM, Brass Monkey, Buckler, Calypso, Catherine Malandrino, Charles Nolan, Diane von Furstenberg, The Earnest Sewn Co., Generra, HUGO BOSS, La Perla, Wonderland Beauty Parlor, Moschino, Paige Denim, Ports 1961, Revel, Scoop, Theory, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Trina Turk, VINCE., Yigal Azrouel, Zero Maria Cornejo

Lara is also being referred to as he girl with the Brigitte Bardot looks…..okay, I can see some of that, but what I’m most excited about is, the fact that she has a “real body.” You all know what I’m talking about. The opinions and comments that I express here are not in anyway meant to offend anyone, but it is quite refreshing to see someone who can put on a dress and actually “fill it out.” I’m aware that it is the designer’s choice as to the models used to “sport their wares,” but some of the young ladies with the ribs showing and the knees that look as though they are about to snap in two if they walk too fast are a bit too thin for some of the clothes. Hats off to the designers who are using Lara in their shows! read more below from the actual article.

Every so often a truly original model emerges. Lara Stone is 25 – comparatively old in an industry where most are deemed past it by the time they reach their mid-twenties. She is a relatively curvaceous British size 10, with feet that measure a six (instead of sample size seven to eight), wispy fair hair and a noticeable gap between her two front teeth. Yet somehow it’s a mesmerising combination.

Stone’s unique look has designers and fashion editors swooning; Prada contracted her for a semi-exclusive catwalking deal (preventing any other designer from using Stone before she walked in its a/w 09 show), and French Vogue dedicated its entire February issue to her – marking the return of sultry, Brigitte Bardot-esque, womanly proportions. Born in Holland, Stone first emerged when she entered the Elite Model Look competition in 1999. She didn’t win, but the Elite judges glimpsed a flicker of potential in the 15-year-old, and agreed to sign her regardless. After several frustrating years her breakthrough finally came when she made it on to the books at IMG International, and a prestigious catwalk debut in Givenchy’s a/w 06 couture show followed.

This season has seen the renewal of contracts with Givenchy and Hugo Boss, and Stone has also been signed as the face of Jean Paul Gaultier and Jaeger – whose chief executive, Belinda Earl, is quick with praise for the star of its new campaign. ‘Lara is stylish, confident, chic, and most importantly she’s a real woman.’

Perhaps these defining qualities go some way towards explaining the fact that for a/w 09 Stone walked in no fewer than 14 ready-to-wear shows in 19 days, not to mention a further three in Paris last July, when she opened both Chanel’s and Jean Paul Gaultier’s haute couture shows. She might not fit the stereotype, but this certainly hasn’t stopped her from having the fashion world at her feet. Welcome to a season in the life of Lara Stone.

1.Lara Stone models Jonathan Saunders, February 15, Marc Jacobs, February 16, Diesel Black Gold, February 17.

2. Lara Stone models Anna Sui, February 18, Zac Posen, February 19, Prada, March 1.

3. Lara Stone models Balmain, March 15, Isabel Marant, March 16.

4. Lara Stone models Jean Paul Gautier, March 7, Givenchy, March 8, Stella McCartney, March 9.

5. Lara Stone models Chanel, March 10, Hermes, March 11, Miu Miu, March 12.

Not meant for the States, this video was only released in Europe, but Sienna looks super cute so we thought we’d share…

Via FWD

We knew the recession was tapping out designers, but I guess the bad economy is having an even worse effect on models.

Joshua Walter, a 20-year old model who first made national headlines for boinking his 37-year-old second grade teacher, has been arrested for knocking up bodegas and gas stations in Brooklyn and Queens. The model apparently pistol-whipped one victim at a Dunkin Donuts and made off with $15,000 in cash through out his two day crime spree.

Of course the best part of this story is it gives us a chance to share some quotes from when Joshua first hit the headlines for doing the naughty with his teach/current lover.

When Department of Education investigators questioned Walter about the affair, he said, “I’m tapping that ass and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Classic.

Wondering if he’s available to be one of our TAKEOVER EDITORS…

QUICKLINK: JOSHUA WALTER PHOTOS: Hugo Boss Model Arrested In NYC Crime Spree

Hugo Boss is back people (not that they ever went anywhere), and they are here to reassure everyone that they are the best in menswear. The suits look amazing! The strappy sandels looks great too.

Gallery: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Hugo By Hugo Boss Spring 2010 Collection

via Men’s Style

GALLERY: FIRST LOOK: Backstage Hugo Boss Fall 2009

Thanks Frillr!

Love the coloring used for the background of the new Hugo By Hugo Boss spring campaign.

via The Fashionisto

Let’s start with the obvious-The fedora, made popular by Frank Sinatra, is a timeless hat. Felt in the winter. Straw in the summer. Dress it up or dress it down…just make sure you wear it (or any hat for that matter) the right way:

Dress Up: If you're going for the more formal look, cock the hat slightly to the side. You'll be looking like a fox in seconds!

Dress Down: Casual attire means carefree. Tilt the hat back on your head so you don't look so damn serious.

Hats are all about framing your face. Too big, too small, wrong style…you’ve got problems. Here are a few more styles to check out:

Porkpie: Orlando Bloom rocks this hat...definitely a hat for a guy with a thinner face.

News Boy: A lighthearted touch to any outfit. Looks great with vintage!

Walking Hat: Grad one in tweed and it goes with just about anything! Perfect for a brisk fall day!

Oh, and one last tip. Don’t choose an outfit around the hat. A man that tries too hard isn’t exactly charming…and for God’s sake, it’s an accessory.

Thanks Men Style!