
Forever 21 is in trouble for alleged labor violations. You don't say. The fast-fashion chain has failed to cooperate with a Department of Labor investigation into the labor practices of its Los Angeles-based suppliers and manufacturers, even ignoring subpoenas. The agency, which is seeking information about alleged violations of minimum wage and overtime laws, has petitioned the court to compel Forever 21 to turn over the records in question. "Since 2008, our investigators have identified dozens of manufacturers producing goods for Forever 21 under sweatshoplike conditions," said a spokesman for the labor department, who said the company's actions demonstrated "a clear disregard for the law." [WWD]








- Karl Lagerfeld and Kanye West had lunch together at the Mercer hotel. According to an onlooker, "They were in a deep conversation, then later appeared to be getting devices out to discuss design ideas." [P6]
- Rob Kardashian got himself a sock endorsement deal. "Socks are something I've always been passionate about," he says, gamely. "Ralph Lauren started with ties and I want to emulate that." The socks cost $30 per. [WWD]
- Revenues at the luxury conglomerate PPR rose 6.6% year-on-year during the quarter just ended, to $3.2 billion. François-Henri Pinault says that the group's luxury division, which includes Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen, saw revenues clime 24.3%, to $1.9 billion. [WWD]
- Oh happy day! Duro Olowu is doing a collaboration with J.C. Penney. It'll be in stores in March and retail for $10-$100. [Fashionista]
- Lord & Taylor announced that, for the first time ever, it will open its Manhattan flagship store on Thanksgiving Day. Sorry, retail drones. You don't get a holiday. The store claims that no worker will be forced to work the day — and volunteers will get the enticement of holiday pay — but store associates hardly seem thrilled by the news. [WWD]
- Irina Shayk says she has a hard time watching herself as the host of Russia's Next Top Model. "I am very critical to myself. When I watch, I am like, ‘Oh my God, what am I talking about? I should not say that.'" She continued, "It's very hard to see myself on TV judging someone else because I am a person who judges myself every time and [tries] to be better." [P6]
- This coming January, Kenzo and Maison Kitsuné are to be the guest designers at Pitti Uomo and Pitti W, the Florence trade shows. [WWD]
- Eyewear giant Luxottica reported its net profits rose year-on-year by 30.6%, to $173.2 million, during the quarter just ended. [WWD]
- Procter & Gamble, meanwhile, saw sales at its beauty division fall year-on-year by 7% during the quarter. P&G owns, among other brands, CoverGirl, Olay, and Pantene. [WWD]






