London's bold fashions, Burton's McQueen challenge, Customer focus, Social shopping, Denim's Italian roots

Bold London fashion seeks way out of recession (Reuters)
"London Fashion Week is emerging from the shadow of a recession that has hung over the industry the last few seasons, with confident designers presenting bold creations."

McQueen Moves On to a New Season (WSJ)
"Now, as Ms. Burton gears up to unveil her first full women's wear collection in Paris on Oct. 5, the label faces a tough question: What does it mean to be Alexander McQueen without Alexander McQueen?"

Luxury brands must regain focus on customer experience (Luxury Institute)
"57 percent of high-income shoppers identify superior customer service as a defining quality of luxury goods, yet 50 percent have noticed a marked decline in the customer experience. This downturn poses a significant threat to upscale brands."

Selling becomes sociable (Economist)
"Firms in this market combine e-commerce with social networks and other online group activities... Angus Davis, Swipely's boss, points out that the internet has already disrupted the content industry. Commerce will be next, he says."

Denim jeans originated in Italy (Telegraph)
"Clues to the origins of denim jeans have been discovered in the works of a forgotten 17th century painter, suggesting the fashion favourite came from Italy nearly 400 years ago rather than France."