• The H&M Group's sales including VAT increased in local currencies by 5 percent during the first six months of the financial year. Sales in comparable units decreased by 4 percent. Converted into SEK, sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 60,027 m (59,491), an increase of 1 percent.
• Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 9,359 m (10,754). The Group's profit after tax amounted to SEK 7,113 m (7,958), corresponding to SEK 4.30 (4.81) per share. Substantial negative currency translation effects and long-term investments during the period make it difficult to compare the results with the corresponding period last year.

SECOND QUARTER

• The H&M Group's sales including VAT increased in local currencies by 5 percent during the second quarter. Converted into SEK, sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 31,635 m (31,658). Sales in comparable units decreased by 4 percent.
• Continued substantial negative currency translation effects as a result of the continued strengthening of the Swedish krona against most sales countries' currencies. The reported sales of SEK 36,923 m including VAT would have been approximately SEK 1.8 billion higher using the same currency rates as in Q2 2012.
• Gross profit amounted to SEK 19,337 m (19,546), corresponding to a gross margin of 61.1 percent (61.7). Increased markdowns have negatively affected the gross margin by 0.9 percentage points in relation to sales compared to the corresponding quarter last year.
• Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 6,125 m (7,053). The Group's profit after tax amounted to SEK 4,655 m (5,219), corresponding to SEK 2.81 (3.15) per share, a decrease of 11 percent.
• A successful start for & Other Stories and continued very good performance by COS.

• Sales have got off to a good start in June. Sales increased by 14 percent in local currencies in the period 1 June – 17 June 2013 compared to the same period last year.

Comments by CEO Karl-Johan Persson

'The second quarter has been a period of intense activity, with the opening of nearly 100 new stores. We have for example, opened our first store in the southern hemisphere in South America – in Santiago de Chile. The store has had a fantastic reception from customers. We are continuing our strong expansion in Asia where we now have 200 stores and where we are now starting to establish our newer brands like COS and Monki.

This quarter has been marked by substantial negative currency translation effects, which have had a negative impact on both sales and profits in SEK. Sales in local currencies increased by 5 percent. Although sales remained strong in Asia, overall sales were not satisfactory mainly due to the continued challenging situation for the fashion retail industry as well as unfavourable weather in March and a couple of weeks into April in many of our big markets.

At H&M we take a long-term perspective and we are continuing with our investments in IT, online sales, new brands and broadening the range. Although most of these long-term investments have not yet generated revenues, we see them as wise and necessary – all in order to build an even stronger H&M. The fantastic response that our new brand & Other Stories has had from customers is one example of an investment that has already borne fruit. During the quarter we opened our first seven stores of this new brand, in cities such as London, Paris and Milan. COS continues to perform very well and the strong expansion of the brand continues both in existing markets and in new markets such as Turkey and Switzerland, where we will be opening COS stores in the autumn.

There is great potential in the growing online market. We are looking forward to launching our online sales in the US in August. In parallel, we are continuing our work on the global roll-out of H&M's online store, with the aim of adding several new online countries during 2014.'

The information in this Interim Report is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden's Securities Market Act. It will be released for publication at 8.00 (CET) on 19 June 2013.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. The company's business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M Group has more than 2,900 stores in 49 markets including franchise markets. In 2012, sales including VAT were SEK 140,948 million and the number of employees was more than 104,000. For further information, visit www.hm.com.

— WebWireID176168 —

The 77th Pitti Bimbo will take place from 27 to 29 June at the iconic Fortezza da Basso in Florence.

An event running parallel to the prestigious Florence exhibition will add to the appeal of an attractive exhibition schedule. For the second year running, an exclusive show dedicated to Spanish kidswear will make Bóboli, Barcarola, Cóndor, Desigual, Losán, Mayoral and Pan con Chocolate the stars at the second day of Pitti Bimbo.

At 10 a.m. on Friday 28 June, six brands — all top international names — will take the Sala Rondino of the Fortezza da Basso exhibition centre by storm, brandishing outfits which combine talent with design, quality, comfort and fun, all in kid's size.

The edition will showcase Summer 2014 collections, which Spanish brands have interpreted in a rich mixture of different codes: ethnic and tropical, Hippy Cool, Safari, Hawaii in the 1950s and Street Wear in vitamin colours. There are also updated preppy looks and silhouettes inspired by the Mediterranean. A rebellious, vibrant and deeply-pigmented colour palette rubs shoulders with pastel shades, turquoise and navy.

Considered the best global showcase in the sector, Pitti Bimbo confirms and ratifies the global reputation that Spanish fashion has earned for itself, offering a unique opportunity for companies to strengthen and consolidate their brand image.

Spain has a strong showing at Pitti Immagine Bimbo, and will this year have 22 kidswear exhibitors representing a total of 26 brands.

These include Ágatha R. de la Prada, Bóboli, Mayoral, Nanos, Cóndor, Pan con Chocolate, Desigual, Nice Things Mini, Fina Ejerique, Paz Rodriguez and Barcarola in the textiles segment, and León Shoes, Cuquito, Eli, Pretty Ballerinas and Unisa in footwear. The brands see taking part in Pitti Bimbo as crucial to their international ambitions. Their collections come under scrutiny from the world's top buyers and they claim that participation brings substantial commercial and economic benefits.

Pitti Bimbo brings together 460 brands in an area of more than 47,000sqm. At the last edition, the exhibition received more than 10,000 trade visitors from 80 countries, both buyers and opinion leaders.

To strengthen the image of Spanish children's wear, some leading brands have featured in advertising inserts in prestigious Italian fashion magazines like Vogue Bambini, Bambini Collezione and 0-3 Baby.

Italy is the biggest market for Spanish textiles experts. In 2012, this market accounted for almost a quarter of Spain's total sales in the sector, worth more than €100 mill.

— WebWireID176106 —

In the second quarter of 2013, i.e. during period 1 March to 31 May, sales including VAT increased by 5 percent in local currencies. Sales in comparable units decreased by 4 percent.

Sales including VAT in the second quarter converted into SEK amounted to SEK 36,923 m (36,947).
Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 31,635 m (31,658).

The difference of 5 percentage points between the sales development in the quarter in local currencies versus SEK is explained by substantial negative currency translation effects as a result of the continued strengthening of the Swedish krona against most sales countries' currencies. To illustrate the impact of the currency translation effects on sales: the reported sales figure of SEK 36,923 m would have been approximately SEK 1.8 billion higher using the same currency rates as in Q2 2012.

The total number of stores amounted to 2,908 on 31 May 2013 versus 2,575 on 31 May 2012.

Percentage sales development for the month of June will be published on 15 July 2013.

--------
The information in this press release is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden's Securities Market Act. It was released for publication at 08.00 (CET) on 12 June 2013.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. The company's business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. In addition to H&M, the Group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M Group has more than 2,900 stores in 49 markets including franchise markets. In 2012, sales including VAT were SEK 140,948 million and the number of employees more than 104,000. For further information, visit hm.com.

— WebWireID175886 —

Abbacino's fresh and trendy Mediterranean style has met with a warm welcome in China. In 2011, the Spanish bag brand opened its first shop in the country in top mall Shenzhen City Square, in the city of Shenzhen. After opening in Beijing, Tianjin and Xinjiang, the brand continues to grow in the Chinese market. 'Growth prospects are excellent. In fact, we've signed dozens of deals to open retail corners all over the country which will make their debut this year', explained Sebastià Vadell, managing director and co-founder of the Majorca-based brand.

To celebrate what Vadell has called Abbacino's 'societal debut' in China, catwalk shows took place on 20 and 21 May at the TIT Creative Industry Zone in Canton. Eighteen models graced the catwalk sporting brand bags inspired by the depths of the Mediterranean, in the case of the Spring-Summer 2013 collection, and romantic 19th-century gardens for the Autumn-Winter 2013/14 designs. The audience applauded the bright colours, bold material combinations and quality finishes of the bags, many of them made by hand.

Abbacino originated in 1982, although the accessories brand itself, which balances style with practicality, was not created until 1997. Today, the family firm, run by brothers Sebastià and Toni Vadell operates in more than 15 markets, including the USA, Italy, France, Russia, Japan and China. With more than 1,500 sales points around the world, Abbacino is on sale at top stores like Coin (Italy), Anthropologie (USA), Passito-Fricker (Switzerland) and Görtz (Austria). The brand is a regular at tradeshows Mipel (Milan), Pure London and ILM (Offenbach).

— WebWireID175869 —

H&M is proud to announce its autumn collaboration with Parisian designer Isabel Marant. With her effortless style, Isabel Marant has created a widely influential and successful take on Paris chic. Mixing urban attitude, boho elegance and rock 'n' roll spirit, she delivers a genuine French allure. For H&M, Isabel Marant will create a wardrobe of must-have pieces inspired by her signature style. Available from November 14, 2013, in around 250 stores worldwide and online, the collection features clothing and accessories for women and teenagers. Isabel will also, for the first time, create a collection for men.

'I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honour. I aim at creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one's own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality" says Isabel Marant.

'We are excited to have Isabel Marant as a guest designer at H&M. The way she mixes different elements in her collections, creating a style that is effortless and urban, makes her very contemporary. She has a fantastic eye for ethnic detail and the rare ability to create something that people really want to wear. We are sure the H&M customers will be enthusiastic about this collection' says Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor at H&M.

Born and raised in Paris, Isabel Marant started customising her own clothes while still at high school. A graduate of the famed Studio Berçot, Marant worked her way up the fashion system starting with a jewellery line, then adding knitwear, finally launching her eponymous collection in 1994. Today she runs an internationally successful fashion powerhouse with a string of boutiques worldwide. Her Parisian chic style, a mix of bohemia and masculine tailoring, grows in popularity season after season.

Information about Isabel Marant: www.isabelmarant.com

— WebWireID175811 —

A live webcast of the presentation will be accessible from www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Financial News and Events pages) beginning at 9:55 a.m. ET on June 12, 2013. An archive of the webcast presentation will be available for 90 days.

Forward-Looking Statements

The conference call and webcast may contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "project," and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include statements regarding:

-Revenue growth, comparable sales growth, shifting sales mix to higher-return channels, and gaining market share;
-International expansion, including Old Navy expansion, Outlet expansion, franchise expansion, and expansion in China;
-Investing in growth opportunities, including Online, Outlet, Athleta, Piperlime, and Intermix;
-Digital innovation, and omni-channel development;
-Supply chain optimization;
-Maintaining expense discipline and leveraging expenses;
-Distributing cash to shareholders, including share repurchases and dividends;
-Margin expansion, operating leverage, and growing earnings per share;
-Productivity improvements, including through optimizing North America store count, square footage, and sales per square foot;
-Disciplined inventory management;
-Strong free cash flow; and
-Improving return on invested capital.

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following:

-the risk that changes in general economic conditions or consumer spending patterns could adversely impact the company's results of operations;
-the highly competitive nature of the company's business in the United States and internationally;
-the risk that the company or its franchisees will be unsuccessful in gauging apparel trends and changing consumer preferences;
-the risk to the company's business associated with global sourcing and manufacturing, including sourcing costs, events causing disruptions in product shipment, or an inability to secure sufficient manufacturing capacity;
-the risk that the company's franchisees will be unable to successfully open, operate, and grow their franchised stores in a manner consistent with the company's requirements regarding its brand identities and customer experience standards;
-the risk that the company or its franchisees will be unsuccessful in identifying, negotiating, and securing new store locations and renewing, modifying or terminating leases for existing store locations effectively;
-the risk that comparable sales and margins will experience fluctuations;
-the risk that changes in the company's credit profile or deterioration in market conditions may limit its access to the capital markets and adversely impact its financial results or business initiatives;
-the risk that trade matters could increase the cost or reduce the supply of apparel available to the company and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations;
-the risk that updates or changes to the company's information technology ('IT') systems may disrupt its operations;
-the risk that actual or anticipated cyber attacks, and other cybersecurity risks, may cause the company to incur increasing costs;
-the risk that natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, or other catastrophic events could adversely affect the company's operations and financial results;
-the risk that acts or omissions by the company's third-party vendors, including a failure to comply with the company's code of vendor conduct, could have a negative impact on its reputation or operations;
-the risk that the company does not repurchase some or all of the shares it anticipates purchasing pursuant to its repurchase program;
-the risk that the company will not be successful in defending various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, claims, and audits; and
-the risk that changes in the regulatory or administrative landscape could adversely affect the company's financial condition, strategies, and results of operations.

Additional information regarding factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact net sales and profitability are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are based on information as of the date of the presentation. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2012 net sales were $15.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, over 300 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

— WebWireID175748 —

The store

The new Pull&Bear store concept is inspired by the renowned Californian town of Palm Springs. The façade, one of the most characteristic elements of the new store, rescues the traditional glass block or paved block, creating a spotlight that welcomes the customer. The façade itself renounces traditional shop windows typology and attracts the attention off passers –by thanks to visual projections that invite them to step inside and discover the new space.

Inside, it recovers DIY or building site materials such as painted concrete, OSB or pine wood, which along with restored old doors, the textured walls and other elements, create a rich atmosphere of colours, materials and textures.

The technical lighting, visible before, gives way to a multitude of different decorative lamps that create an environment with its own personality, similar to that of an interior design editorial than of a point of sale.

Inditex in Germany

With the opening of its first German store, Pull&Bear is joining Zara, Massimo Dutti, Zara Home and Bershka which already operate in this market, where Inditex Group has presence from 1999. Inditex now has 92 stores in prime shopping locations in 50 cities through the country.

— WebWireID175732 —

The six-month results for the period 1 December 2012 to 31 May 2013 are released at approximately at 8.00 CET on 19 June and thereafter published on hm.com.

The press conference starts at 9.30 CET in 'Ljusgården' in H&M's premises on Mäster Samuelsgatan 49, 3rd floor, in Stockholm. H&M's CEO
Karl-Johan Persson and Head of Investor Relations Nils Vinge will present the six-month results followed by an open Q&A session.
The press conference is held in Swedish.

Participants in the telephone conference can choose to pre-register at
https://eventreg1.conferencing.com/webportal3/reg.html?Acc=056083&Conf=187647
and receive log in details for the telephone conference.

Participants who choose to dial in on the telephone numbers below are kindly asked to call in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the conference in order to avoid a queue. Please quote ref 932980.

Sweden +46 8 505 202 65
UK +44 20 8288 5566
US +1 334 323 6201

Presentation material will be available at hm.com under Investor Relations at approximately 10.30 CET on 19 June and a recording from the telephone conference as of 20 June.

Welcome!

— WebWireID175540 —

SAN FRANCISCO – – Continuing to deliver on its global growth plans, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that it will introduce Gap brand to Paraguay and Hungary through new agreements with existing franchise partners Neutral for Paraguay and Gottex Brands for Hungary. Additionally, the company announced plans to open the first stand-alone Banana Republic stores in Mexico later this year.

By the end of 2013, Gap Inc. expects to have a presence in eight Latin American countries, including Chile, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru and Brazil with expectations to add a brand presence in Costa Rica in the near future.

Paraguay

Gap Inc. has signed a new agreement with Neutral to open the first Gap store in Paraguay later this year. Neutral launched Gap in Uruguay in November 2012. 'We look forward to bringing Gap's distinctly American style to consumers in Paraguay where we have high brand awareness,' said Stefan Laban, SVP, Gap Specialty International. 'Paraguay marks yet another important step for the company as we continue our growth into Latin American markets.'

Hungary

Gap Inc. will open its first two Gap stores in Budapest, Hungary through an existing relationship with Gottex Brands which is a part of the Trimera Group. Budapest offers an exciting platform for Gap Inc. to bring Gap's casual American style and store experience to customers as it is one of the great international cities with a unique and youthful atmosphere as well as a high rate of tourism.

Mexico

Banana Republic will open the first free-standing store in Mexico in late 2013 through an existing agreement with retail partner Distribuidora Liverpool, S.A. DE C.V. Previously, Gap Inc. offered Banana Republic-branded merchandise in a franchise 'store-within-a-store' concept at the Liverpool Department stores. This will be the first stand-alone Banana Republic store in Mexico and will provide a full product assortment and branded store experience to the local consumers.

Gap Inc. has significantly expanded the international reach of its brands since launching its first franchise operated store in 2006. Over the last six years, Gap Inc. has substantially grown its store base and currently has over 300 franchise stores across the world. Gap Inc. franchise stores can be found in 40 markets throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Australia.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'project,' and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the following:

-Expected franchise store openings and timing;
Global expansion strategies, including growth in Latin America.

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

These factors include, without limitation, the following:

-the risk that changes in general economic conditions or consumer spending patterns could adversely impact the company's results of operations;
-the highly competitive nature of the company's business internationally;
-the risk that the company or its franchisees will be unsuccessful in gauging apparel trends and changing consumer preferences;
-the risk that the company's franchisees will be unable to successfully open, operate, and grow their franchised stores in a manner consistent with the company's requirements regarding its brand identities and customer experience standards;
-the risk that the company's franchisees will be unsuccessful in identifying, negotiating, and securing new store locations and renewing, modifying or terminating leases for existing store locations effectively;
-the risk that natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, or other catastrophic events could adversely affect the company's operations and financial results;
-the risk that acts or omissions by the company's third-party vendors, including a failure to comply with the company's code of vendor conduct, could have a negative impact on its reputation or operations;
-the risk that the company will not be successful in defending various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, claims, and audits; and
-the risk that changes in the regulatory or administrative landscape could adversely affect the company's financial condition, strategies, and results of operations.

Additional information regarding factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013, as well as the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These forward-looking statements are based on information as of June 3, 2013. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2012 net sales were $15.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, over 300 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

— WebWireID175496 —

As the COO, Koehler will be in charge of the functions Operations as well as Supply Chain Management, Logistics and IT. With this organizational change PUMA will streamline the organization within its Transformation program and integrate the responsibilities of the former Chief Supply Chain Officer into his resort.

'I am pleased that Andy Koehler will be joining PUMA as Chief Operating Officer, an important step in rebuilding and establishing a strong and effective senior management team under the leadership of PUMA's future CEO Björn Gulden', said Jean-Francois Palus, Chairman of the Administrative Board of PUMA SE. 'Andy Koehler brings international and industry experience in sourcing and supply chain management necessary to manage PUMA's operations through the company's Transformation period and consequently its next phase of growth.'

'I am excited to be a member of PUMA's top management team contributing in supporting the company and brand strategy within its Transformation program and beyond', said Andy Koehler, Chief Operating Officer of PUMA. 'PUMA has an enormous potential to tap both the sports performance and lifestyle markets with its design and innovation power as well as its unique brand heritage and I am eager to support reaching the business and growth targets within the next stage of the company's development.'

Andy Koehler has a broad international experience in various industries such as the sporting goods, automotive Tier 1 industries and consumer goods. Before joining PUMA, he was Managing Director Hong Kong and Head of Global Sourcing at adidas Group, where he led the global sourcing activities across all product categories for adidas, Reebok, Taylormade and others. From 2004 to 2008 he held the position as Vice President Purchasing at automotive and Industrial products company Johnson Controls Automotive and was member of the leadership team responsible for Europe, South Africa and South America.

Andy Koehler graduated at the University of Karlsruhe with a Masters in Business Administration and Engineering. He will be based at the PUMAVision Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

— WebWireID175383 —

"When we first showed our players the Nike Premier they said to us: 'That looks like a classic from the archive.' When they put it on though, they realized it's far from old-fashioned," said Phil McCartney, Vice-President of Nike Football Footwear, who briefed the Nike Football design team to create a classic-looking boot using the latest technology and performance insights.

"We know from talking to players that fit, touch and traction are the three things that they want from their boots. We define fit as comfort over 90 minutes, with no distractions. For touch, we look to deliver the perfect touch every time regardless of conditions, and with traction, we want to give our players the perfect traction underfoot, on demand. Our goal with the Nike Premier was to deliver those three areas in a boot with a timeless look," added McCartney.

Visually, the inspiration from the boot came from two sources: the iconic 1994 Tiempo Premier, worn by 10 of the players inthat year's World Cup final, and the first shoe to ever carry the Swoosh, a 1971 boot called 'The Nike'.

"We wanted the Premier to have a simple visual design but for it to be bold and, stylistically, carry a lot of Nike Football DNA. There are players out there who want a beautiful black leather boot that delivers a great fit and a ultra-soft touch on the ball. The Premier is for those players."

The Premier uses Nike's most anatomical football last to date, as also seen on the new Hypervenom, which helps place the foot closer to the ball and ground for greater touch. The premium leather used for the upper sets the benchmark for softness and feel for leather-based boots, and the transitional flex in the sole plate provides a firm midfoot combined with a flexible and responsive forefoot. The sole plate's design also provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.

"A lot of players will see the Nike Premier and be reminded of the early-to-mid 1990s. When they put the boot on and get out on the pitch, they will soon realize that this is a 21st century product."

The Premier launches in North America on June 1 and will be available elsewhere from July 1.

— WebWireID175373 —

On 21 May, Camper opened its fourth shop in the Big Apple at 522 Fifth Avenue. Level with 44th Street, it carries the unmistakeable minimalist style of Nendo, the studio run by the Canadian architect of Japanese origin, Oki Sato.

Designed as a clean-cut, functional space and inspired by an art installation, it places all the focus on Camper's footwear. The concept revolves around its legendary 'Pelotas' shoe, designed in white resin to look as if it is walking on air, covering the walls and creating the feel of a well-ordered warehouse. The new Camper Together shop also has an area given over to showcasing the brand's new sock and bag collections, designed in partnership with Dai Fujiwara.

Founded in Majorca in 1975, Camper has footwear for men, women and children defined by comfort, durability and sparkling creativity. Active in more than 50 countries and with 300 shops, Camper continues unstoppable on its own unique 'world tour'. The brand has just opened new Camper Together shops in Copenhagen and Brussels with the help of Martí Guixé and in Sao Paulo with Marko Brajovic. This summer comes another Sao Paulo shop, with Campana Brothers, followed by London with Doshi Levien and Philadelphia, again with Martí Guixé, the three latest boutiques on its busy schedule.

— WebWireID175305 —

Corn used for producing fabric for clothing has been around for several years, with Naturework's Ingeo fabric leading the pack; however corn fabric has still not been able to take hold in the apparel marketplace.

Using a plant based fabric for clothing sounds like a great idea, right?  We grow tons of corn in the US and the resulting fabric should be 'natural' we may assume.  Let's slow down here for a second.  What is Ingeo and who is its creator, Cargill Dow?  They must be a sustainable company focused on improving health and the environment right?  Nope.  Cargill doesn't get as much press as its partner in crime, Monsanto, but their coalition to control the world's food supply is very real.   

As GreenAmerica.org notes, 'Cargill has tried to "green" its image with NatureWorks PLA, a biodegradable synthetic material that uses a corn base instead of petroleum, but Cargill does not publicize the fact that the corn used to produce NatureWorks PLA is genetically modified.'  As it turns out, Natureworks and Ingeo are both part of a campaign to make Cargill look environmentally and socially responsible in an attempt to shield their true purpose, to commercialize photosynthesis.  Cargill's CEO, Gregory Page stated in 2011, 'Cargill is engaged in the commercialization of photosynthesis.  That is the root of what we do.'  Commercialize photosynthesis?  What could possibly go wrong?  

The case for GMO based corn fabrics is simple; it is not natural in any form or function.  The corn itself is genetically modified corn, Monsanto's greatest 'achievement'.  Once the corn is harvested, it must undergo extreme chemical processing in order to become fiber for the fabric using many of the worst chemicals known on earth.  The process of making viscose (synthetic fiber) is so damaging to the environment that its production is in decline, at least as long as we can keep this 'natural' corn fabric out of the apparel industry.   Corn fabric is not the only concerning development in the apparel world, but it may be the next battle to keep GMO and chemically manufactured fabrics from invading our bodies.   

— WebWireID175263 —

The brand renowned for offering men and women style over fashion, core wardrobe essentials and garments that evoke timeless modernity, will launch in the landmark development Zorlu Centre, later in the year. As the first opening in the diverse Turkish retail market, this represents a new chapter for the brand known for its commitment to design, quality and affordability.

Marie Honda, Overall Brand Responsible for COS, said of the planned Turkish expansion, 'We are all looking forward to the opening. Istanbul is a vibrant and exciting city and we feel the Zorlu Centre will be the ideal setting'.

More details to follow in due course.

— WebWireID175244 —