Abercrombie and Hollister's Retail Dance in the Dark...

"Welcome to Hollister, would you like a torch?"

There have been some complains in the UK about the lighting inside Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister stores...enough complains to garner attention from the news media. People complain that the lighting is too dark and that they can't see barely anything. "I can't see the sizes, I can't see the prices, I can't see the till - I can't see the point," shared a shopper at the Bullring store in Birmingham, England. Are they all kidding? Let's hope so because if not then they should ease up a little!

Abercrombie & Fitch is always set out to provide a signature shopping experience. Agreeably, the lighting is low enough to inspire an intimate, mysterious, and upscale environment. The spot lighting highlights perfectly to make out merchandise and price labels. (Again, if you have trouble seeing anything than you definitely need a doc visit or are just exaggerating to the point of stupidity). There is a ambiance playing out - even a story, as is the case with HCo and Gilly Hicks - romanticism - in the store and the shopper is to explore it. And if you miss the romantic aspect then at least it all comes across as an exclusive and cool club-like feel: "People can get lost in a club-like environment, relax, and hopefully spend more," adds a store employee at one Hollister. The setting creates and inspires curiosity and wonder. Many elements - models, photography, fragrance, music - are tied together by this such romantic, dim lighting to bring to life the ultimate shopping experience. No other stores do it like Abercrombie & Fitch and its family of brands.

Nevertheless, such retail settings are not agreeable to everyone...Primarily the parents of the young shoppers. Reporter Phong Fuu called it the "shopping trip from hell" and asked "where's the bar for all the weary parents?" as a reference to the club-esque feel of the lighting and music. Parents, too, complain about losing their kids inside. That I can understand because of the many shoppers inside, but it wouldn't be any different with bright lighting - they still wouldn't be able to spot their kid in the crowd! But you know, the setting is not meant to please middle-aged people; it's meant to please young consumers and it is working of course...

As one other shopper commented, "I don't think I'd want them to fix the lights 'cause with different lights it just wouldn't be Hollister!" We can all agree on that! Cheers!

Stay FIERCE!

Our Abercrombie Boy-Toy at Madrid Promo Event!

He's appeared in every Abercrombie & Fitch promotional event since 2009 at the opening of A&F Milan! He's the most prominent model in store opening events. On October 28, our "Abercrombie Boy-Toy" - Chris - made another appearance while heating things up in Madrid promoting the upcoming opening of the Abercrombie & Fitch flagship at No.5 Plaza Marqués de Salamanca.

There's no A&F event without him! Check him out!

Let's hope to see him up next at A&F Dusseldorf!!! Stay FIERCE!

The Promo Boys of A&F Madrid!

Abercrombie & Fitch in Madrid Promo Event... Beefcake, Anyone?

Beefcake, anyone? | (image source)

Talk about putting it all out! Just as it did for A&F Paris, Abercrombie & Fitch has rolled out tons of beefcake - 101 pieces of eye-candy to be exact! - in honor of the upcoming opening of A&F Madrid! The hottest guys from A&F international flagships strutted out of the regal No.5 Plaza Marqués de Salamanca to promote the opening of Abercrombie & Fitch in Spain! Things heated up as cameras flashed and fans got excited...hell, everyone - and I mean everyone - stared and/or loved it!

News reporters couldn't get enough of the guys. Neither could the folks out in the streets. Taking pictures with the boys, making comments, and counting abs was what it was all about! The drivers of the cars (which would stop in front of the store by traffic) couldn't even keep their eyes off of all the action! One lady in her car was yelling, "Come on! There's room enough for everyone!" So amazing! hahaha

And do you notice the first guy smiling at us in the picture above? Yup. It's our Abercrombie Boy-Toy, Chris! It's never a true A&F event without him is it?!

Oh, and for the first time, you can "RSVP" to the opening of an A&F flagship. Technically, there is nothing to RSVP. You can just show up for the opening, of course. However, you can RSVP (here) just to show that you're going to the opening of Abercrombie's awesome flagship in Madrid!!!

Make sure to check out the A NEW PALACE IN MADRID photo album on the official Abercrombie & Fitch Facebook page (here).

A&F Madrid opens on November 3 at 10:00 (CET) in the morning! Stay FIERCE!!!

Abercrombie to Rule Savile Row!

A&F London on the corner of Burlington Gardens and Savile Row.

We're totally late on this, but most of you probably haven't even the foggiest on the matter. Plus, The Sitch on Fitch writes news cooler...

Abercrombie & Fitch has been moving pieces across the chess board as it further expands its presence on the reputable Savile Row. In mid-2011, the company extended its lease inside 7 Burlington Gardens / 42 Savile Row - the home of A&F London - to 2021! But that is not all. Supposedly, the rent has been tripled from £900,000 (€1.034 million / US$1.437 million) to up to roughly £3 million (€3.446 million  / US$4.790 million). The rent increase comes as no surprise, 7 Burlington gardens is a Grade II structure of cultural significance to the United Kingdom. A&F London is also highly profitable. Furthermore, the shopkeepers of Savile Row - the renown and respected tailors who've given Savile Row its high reputation for up to 200 years - dislike the fact that A&F is right next door blasting electronic dance music and displaying semi-nude models while selling tees and jeans. Well, they are just going to have to accept the changing times...

Rumors (which began in May and furthered during the summer) solidified by September that Abercrombie & Fitch was in the progress of closing a deal to lease the building at 3 Savile Row. Should plans go through, it will be inside 3 Savile Row where the company will open the UK's first ever abercrombie kids shop. The building, also called the Apple Building, was headquarters to The Beatles and it was on its rooftop where they made their last live performance back in January 1969. So, as you can see, its quite a notable structure. It was once purchased in 2007 from Peter Shaw of Executive Offices Group for £17 million (€19.554 million / US$27.146 million)!

While Abercrombie was initially looking for 10,000 square feet (939 square meters), 3 Savile Row ultimately offers 14,000 square feet (1,301 square meters) in total. It is thought that the remainder 4,000 square feet will be used for office space. Abercrombie & Fitch will have to renovate the building to convert the basement, ground level, and lower floors to accommodate its retail plans. The project is seen as expensive, but A&F has a sufficiently "strong balance sheet" to fund the renovations. Obviously! A&F has been renovating structures of integrity to meet its flagship standards - incorporating the A&F flagship prototype while maintaining and uplifting the structure's architectural worth.

Hopefully, the deal goes through! For quite some time, Abercrombie & Fitch has been looking for locations in which to open abercrombie; it targeted the upscale Mayfair area throughout its search. However, rents for previewed locations had been too high to what abercrombie kids can manage, but 3 Savile Row is just perfect. Not only is it a recognized building on a recognized street, but it is also across the street from A&F London!!! Sure, the rent will be pricy, too, but far higher still will be the sales from the numerous of people walking through its doors!

3 Savile Row as seen on Google Maps.
It's a few steps from A&F London and a stone's throw away from tailors Gieves & Hawkes.
Image used here for illustrative purposes only

After this, Abercrombie & Fitch will be the most domineering business to operate on Savile Row! Long reign the Abercrombie moose!

Stay FIERCE!

Models Profiled! | Justin Bruening's Blowing Up Ringer!

Justin's still got it...

Here's another past Abercrombie & Fitch model of worthy note. Born on 24 September 1979, Justin Bruening was discovered and made his first appearance in A&F stores for the Spring 2002 fashion season. With his rugged and charming looks, Justin returned for the Back-to-School 2004 campaign and was featured in the Rising Stars themed catalog of the season. He was also a part of that season's marketing for the high-end Ezra Fitch clothing line...

After his modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch, Justin was cast in the TV soap opera All My Children. He played the character of Jamie Martin from 2003 to 2007. Oh, and he appeared in Britney Spear's music video for Boys. In 2008, Justin stared as Mike Traceur in the 2008 Knight Rider series. Afterwards, he made a dramatic return to All My Children in 2011 to "shock" his on-screen dad! LOL.

But the only reason I'm posting about him today is because I saw Justin last night on the TV drama Ringer. I'm hooked to that show! It's always got you on the edge! It stars actress Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997-2003, The Grudge, 2004) as both Bridget and Siobhan - Bridget's twin sister. Siobhan mysteriously fakes her death and Bridget impersonates her sister because the authorities are after Bridget. As it turns out, Siobhan is alive and scheming in Paris. Who the hell knows what, but it is apparent that she's behind the attempted murdering of Bridget (who's being stalked and threatened in New York). It is in Paris where Siobhan meets Tyler. Justin Bruening, looking rather more mature than in his previous days as an A&F model, portrays Tyler. Siobhan naturally is attracted to him as he is to her, but she's using Tyler's influence in finances to further her scheming.

Will Tyler catch Siobhan at her game? Watch Ringer Tuesdays at 9:00pm on the CW (in the United States) and look out for our Abercrombie guy! Ringer is coming to the United Kingdom, France, and Spain soon, too! Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Below are some shots of Justin by Abercrombie & Fitch...

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This is a fourth in the Models Profiled! series highlighting previous A&F Co. models that have gone on to become notable figures in the media/modeling/fashion world.

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Abercrombie Düsseldorf WILL Open in December!

We've had people asking confused about the opening of Abercrombie & Fitch in Düsseldorf on Königsallee 17. Some people out there are under the impression that A&F Düsseldorf will be opening in November. That is completely wrong! If you've heard that from somewhere else then ignore it.

The Sitch on Fitch has been stating correctly for months now that A&F Düsseldorf will be opening in December. Nevertheless, we went around asking and researching just to see why people were saying "November" and to make sure that there hadn't been a random change in schedule (although we highly doubted it). No. A&F Düsseldorf WILL be opening in December. Abercrombie & Fitch itself answered the question:

Original Facebook post made on Thursday, October 20, 2011.

The people who incorrectly say "November" say "November" because that was the opening time given when news first broke out back in 2010 of A&F opening in Düsseldorf. The opening was moved to December in 2011...

So there you go. If you were among the confused, then hopefully this helped you out. If you come across someone saying "November" then correct them! The exact day in December is still undetermined, but we will keep you posted whenever we can.

Stay FIERCE!

UPDATE: As the reader commented (and I responded) below, we can now all agree that A&F Düsseldorf will open on December 1st. Thank you anonymous reader!

A&F DÜSSELDORF IS NOW OPEN!

Read Germany's Gotten FIERCE! Abercrombie & Fitch in Düsseldorf Now Open!

Abercrombie & Fitch in Brussels Opens December 8th!

Abercrombie gets Boulevard de Waterloo HOT! | (image source)

That's right! We checked our sources one, twice, thrice till assured...and we finally have the elusive opening date for A&F Brussels! It's December 8 and we couldn't be anymore stoked!

After so much anticipation, Brussels is gonna get FIERCE with an Abercrombie & Fitch flagship of its own! A&F Brussels is found on Boulevard de Waterloo which, of course, is home to multiple luxury shops (Chanel, Dior, etc.). It is from within Boulevard de Waterloo 21 (or "Waterloolaan 21") where A&F Brussels will be blasting all-American cool for its excited Belgian fans! Renovations and interior design within this elegant structure were conducted by MichelGroup (a reputable firm which claims clients such as Louis Vuitton and Bloomingdale's among others). The only currently available photos of A&F Brussels are from the construction phase, but don't let them fool you...the location is very nice.

The admirable result will be another amazing Abercrombie & Fitch flagship location. A&F Brussels will be offering 1,600 square meters (about 17,222 square feet) of retail space - enough space to provide you with the best of the Abercrombie lifestyle! Recruiting has been going on in October and its expected that the store will hire up to 400 people to keep the party going! Of course, the store models have to be among the best looking people in Brussels!

There was loads of delaying for the opening. Abercrombie & Fitch first planned to open A&F Brussels in March 2011. Then when March came around it was pushed to "late-2011," but with no word on what month. Reports came out in the summer that it would open in December, but, again, no exact date. And that is why its hard to pin-point the opening dates to A&F flagships sometimes because of A&F's knack of schedule changes and obscurity. But whatever. The date is now known! Mark your calendars, people!!! A&F Brussels opens December 8!

Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Oh, and do you see that Singapore? Boulevard de Waterloo also has a billboard just like the one on your native Orchard Road...no complains from the Belgians, though! ;)

Marketing Review! | Christmas 2011: Privileged and Chill... It's the Hottest Christmas Ever for which You Wish!

Christmas 2011 is HERE! Get you sleigh rides ready for one totally awesome season full of FIERCE yule joy!

Here's our seasonal review of the marketing:


Abercrombie & Fitch presents... A&F Privilege

See the entire photo album (here).

This is a return to the simply classic and iconic Abercrombie & Fitch Christmas! It's so compelling I swear I almost teared! Literally, I was smiling so hard my face began to hurt!

A&F has used solid gray backdrops since 2004 and the one such image that has always stood out for me is Matt Ratliff's Christmas 2005 main image. A&F Christmas 2011 makes a bold return to that aesthetic. All that you have in front of you is the models, and their eyes, their expression, their pose...nothing more. And that's wholly intimate, sincere and attractive wouldn't you say? But out of the two models, it is the female model (in the shot where she holds up her arms to her hair) that captivates you with her wondrous gaze. Phenomenal!

And this is also another classic and traditional A&F Christmas campaign because of the return of the main male model clad with a fur-winter coat, open and bearing abs. Previous Xmas campaigns have been lead by such imagery since 2004.

Wrap it all together in a FIERCE red ribbon and you've got yourself a very A&F Privileged yule! So HOT!

abercrombie presents... You Wish

See the entire photo album (here).

It's nice and to the point. It passes off as a great campaign for the season and does not fall short of meeting expectations. It's simple and classic, but not in a commanding simplicity like A&F. No. This abercrombie campaign is just simple to the point of calling it cute.

We also see the return of the male model from Back-to-School 2011. The female model posed for the online Look Book in early 2011. And she sure does look like she's planning to be a little naughty this season! The poor statuesque boy should take a leaf out of her book. Or maybe he just wants to be good for Santa...don't we all. He comes across better than the girl anyway.

It's just nice. But will it bore? ...You Wish!

Hollister Co presents... So Chill

See the entire photo album (here).

This Christmas 2011 campaign is something new for Hollister. It follows along the visual lines of A&F...something that's never been done before. The result brings that bold simplicity and sophistication of A&F to Hollister with laid-back SoCal attitude. There are no romantic duos or beachside rendezvous...it's just individual intimacy affront. I like it. I really do.

We also see the return of the male model Paddy Mitchell - yeah that's his name, don't ask - from Spring-Summer 2011 and the female model from Back-to-School 2011, Morgan Dixon. She, in particular, looks much better than in the previous campaign and her sharp forward gaze, too, manages to bring sophistication into the mix.

All of this - chill sophistication, I would call it - is unique to HCo, bold and just enough to carry you on through a very cool and chill holiday season! In fact, it's so chill, my fellow Dudes and Bettys, that it's just totally bad-ass!

Gilly Hicks presents... Hottest Christmas Ever

See the entire photo album (here).

I'm gonna go easy on this girl...she's completely won me over with her Christmas cheer! Am I talking about Gilly or the model Ashley? Both, actually, because apparently there synonymous with one another.

I disliked previous campaigns because Ashley was always back looking the same. :/ But she is so cute with model Jimmy Brighton! Damn you, Ashley! Nothing says Christmas like plaid...plaid on your booty as it is! She's very into the season, very fitting, and I enjoy that. I appreciate that. It's fun, fun, fun. Who wouldn't wanna have a holiday blast like Ashley's having with her Abercrombie boy?!

And with Gilly opening in Germany this Christmas...this may just be the Hottest Christmas Ever, Gilly Hicks!

Conclusion...

What do you think?! Awesome, hot, fun? It's all three wrapped up as one incredible Christmas 2011...and it's all for us, the fans! Aren't we totally privileged! Stay warm... Stay chill... Stay FIERCE!

Oh, and I hope you enjoy the new look of The Sitch on Fitch for the holiday! Amazing, isn't it?! And a very merry Abercrombie Christmas to you all!!! You're awesome and don't forget to like us on Facebook - the hottest blog on the block! - C.E.R., editor-in-chief

All photography featured in this post is by Bruce Weber. It is used here for illustrative purposes only. All rights reserved by the copyright owner.

Lace Up for the Hottest Christmas Ever!

You'll love 'em! And so will he! | (image source)

This goes out to all you gorgeous Gilly Girls out there! Lace is back and better than ever and just in time for one unforgettable Christmas 2011...

Created to be exceptionally beautiful, delicately detailed Push 'Em Ups and Down Undies are all traced in lace for a flirty silhouette with a playful attitude - gillyhicks.com

The Gilly Hicks lace collection of bras and Down Undies are a must!

• Push 'Em Ups: The lace Push 'Em Ups come in a wonderful variety of styles...all totally gorgeous! There's everything for every Gilly Girl. Purchase one individually ($29.50 to $39.50 USD) or snag yourself a Gilly treat and get two for $40 USD! Check 'em out (here)!
• Down Undies: Totally cute and always adorable, the lace Down Undies collection rules the house in a mouthwatering array of colors! The Christa style is $9.50 USD and the Curl Curl style is $12.50, everything else is $10.50! But you know, you can always get 5 for $25.50! Check 'em out (here)!

What are you waiting for! It's the hottest for the season! Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Gilly Hicks originally sold lace bras and Down Undies - all under the "Fashion" collection - until 2009 when it discontinued the collection. GH is promoting this new lace collection as "introducing" it for this season.

Models Profiled! | James Preston... As James Dean!

James Preston as James Dead | (image source)

James Preston
A&F Spring-Summer 2011

James Preston has been one very popular Abercrombie & Fitch model! The Sitch on Fitch posted on him in Models So Hot They Were Featured More Than Once | James Preston and it became a hit! Everyone fiinds this guy extremely attractive... On that note, I will assume you all will also find this post interesting...

Our Abercrombie boy will be starring in Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean. Yes, and he will be playing the leading role as the iconic James Dean! The film (produced by Iconoclastic Features, and written and directed by Matthew Mishory) explores the sexuality of James Dean (1931 - 1955). Dean played an influence in the image of RUEHL No.925 and it is very fitting for Abercrombie model to play his role! And get this: it was A&F photographer Bruce Weber who told Preston to drop out of college to pursue acting! Preston himself makes a great Dean. However, Preston is, too, a model and so he kinda comes across as a bit too touched up faced than the genuine Dean. Joshua Tree, 1951 is nevertheless wholly nostalgic and - pardon me - bad-ass! ...Only worthy of a complete rebel without a cause.

Intimate, romantic warmth... | Screenshot from Joshua Tree, 1951 | (image source)

Purely classic! | Screenshot from Joshua Tree, 1951 | (image source)

JOSHUA TREE, 1951: A PORTRAIT OF JAMES DEAN Teaser Trailer from Iconoclastic Features on Vimeo.

For more on Joshua Tree, 1951 and on James Preston himself check out the devoted page to him (here). The Joshua Tree, 1951 makes its debut in 2012... Stay FIERCE!

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This is a third in the Models Profiled! series highlighting previous A&F Co. models that have gone on to become notable figures in the media/modeling/fashion world.

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The A&F Gift Box... A Beauty to Behold!

Photo created and owned by C.E.R.

I wanted to share what came in the mail for me. Just thought it was completely beautiful and had to share with everyone! Stay FIERCE!

- C.E.R., editor-in-chief

German Gilly Girls Rejoice! Gilly Hicks Shop in Germany Opens December 8!

Be there and take a photo with the hottest Abercrombie boys!
Screenshot from GH Private Shopping Event video | (image source)

Oh yes, and you heard it hear first! We first heard rumors about Gilly Hicks coming to Germany back in June and we reported on it in out An All-Amercian Blitzkrieg Takes Germany By Storm post. Now, it's so official, everyone! And of course, we've got you the opening day for Gilly Hicks! December 8th!!!

Surely, you don't need telling that the German market has become hugely important for Abercrombie & Fitch! I mean we've been practically reporting about it for quite a while. The company first entered Germany back in 2009 with its first ever Hollister Co store in Deutchland and has opened nine more totally awesome stores since then - all with very cool success! Fittingly, the rest of the A&F Family is coming along for the profitable ride! Abercrombie & Fitch is opening its first ever location (a flagship including abercrombie kids) at Königsallee 17 this December, too...and so is Gilly!

This completely wonderful brand will be bringing its vintage-chic romanticism of Australia to some very, very lucky German gals! To be located inside the Centro Oberhausen shopping mall in the city of Oberhausen, Gilly's shop will offer gorgeous goodies from the Land of Down Undies throughout 600 square meters (6,458 square feet) of retail space.

But why in Oberhausen and not in Frankfurt or some other much bigger city? Or Dusseldorf - Germany's fashion capital - like A&F?  Oberhausen may not be as big a city as Frankfurt or a fashion capital like Dusseldorf, but it is home to Germany's biggest mall and one of Europe's most popular - Centro Oberhausen. Obviously Centro Oberhausen draws in many, many shoppers who come from all over (and not just from Germany) to check out all the brands and entertainment it has to offer! A&F wants to test the market for its Gilly Hicks brand with this first store - what beter location than in the Centro?!

Oh, and need I mention that after the opening of Gilly Hicks in Oberhausen, Germany will become the only other country apart from the United States to have all four A&F brands?! How cool is that?!

Beautiful German Gilly Girls, get ready for a cool storm cute bras and Down Undies this upcoming Christmas season! You'll have a very Merry Christmas, indeed!

Stay FIERCE!

Boxers for the Holidays... With a Christmas Punch!

Who isn't excited for the upcoming Christmas season at A&F?! It's the best time of the year! And while Christmas 2011 doesn't begin until late-October, Abercrombie & Fitch is already treating us with speak peaks. First it was A&F 1892 cologne and Perfume No.1 and now A&F presents this...

Lake Eaton shown in red | $22 USD | abercrombie.com | (image source)

Lake Eaton shown in navy | $22 USD | abercrombie.com | (image source)

Very nice, right?! That little bulldog on the boxers made his first appearance back in August on the Lake Arnold boxer shorts. It reminded us of RUEHL's Trubble - the little Frech bulldog! Well, the doggie on these A&F boxers...let's call him Trubble's Abercrombie cousin.

Now who doesn't want to get into some naughty Trubble this season?! You know what we're talkin' about! Stay FIERCE!

Hollister is Surfing into Austria!

Are you READY for this, Austria!? | (image source)

Since 2009, Hollister has been performing phenomenally in Germany! So it was no surprise when news broke out in May that HCo was surfing down into Austria! The time is approaching and we're here to keep you on tabs...

Hollister will be entering the Austrian market with two stores! Of course, securing the best locations for the stores was a priority. Both locations will measure at around give-or-take 700 meters squared (about 7,535 square feet):

• HCo EUROPARK: Noted for being the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is gonna get even more renown (among the coolest kids in town at least) when its HCo store opens doors inside the EUROPARK mall. The Internation Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) happens to have awarded EUROPARK as the Best Shopping Center in the World back in December 2007. Very nice.
• HCo MURPARK: On the other side of Austria in the south, HCo will open its second shop in the city of Graz (an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site) inside the MURSPARK shopping center - the only mall on the left bank of the Mur river.

Recruiting for began in the summer - "We're looking for outgoing, good looking, stylish people" - duh! - and interviews started in early-October. Once more, both of these stores will be opening in November...the first one to open will be in EUROPARK and then the second one will open a few days later in MURPARK! Get your surfboards ready, Austria!

Stay FIERCE!

IMPORTANT UPDATE (25 October 2011): The store openings have been moved!!!

• HCo MURPARK will be opening on Thrusday, December 1!!!
• HCo EURPARK will be opening on Thursday, December 8!!!

Heads Up Munich! Abercrombie is Heading Your Way!

The Quartier Hofstatt is getting a FIERCE renovation! | (image source)

The news first broke out in August in Germany, and we have a special reader - hopefully you know who you are if you read this - to thank for reminding us...

Abercrombie & Fitch is planning to open shop to its third store in Germany! That's right! It is apparent that the German market has become key to the company's European international expansion and Abercrombie & Fitch is steamrolling ahead. What will make this historic is that the opening of A&F Munich will make Germany the only other nation in the world (apart from the United States) to be home to more A&F stores than any other country in the world. WE LOVE GERMANY!

Fitting, Munich is a world class city worthy of Abercrombie & Fitch. Business-wise, "Munich continues to be one of the most successful property and business locations in Germany," says the Expo Real. Life-wise, the Bavarian city has a population of 1.3 million that can testify for Munich's reputation as one with the top best quality of living in the world. Mercer ranked it 7th place (sharing the spot with Frankfurt am Main) behind Dusseldorf for 2010 in its Quality of Living survey. However, Monocle's Most Livable Cities index ranked Munich 1st in the world...

And where will this special A&F flagship be at, exactly? In the first-half of 2011, Abercrombie & Fitch finally closed negotiations to lease space on Sendlinger Straße inside the Quartier Hofstatt. It's a done deal! Sendlinger Straße is located in the historic heart of Munich - Altstadt - and is a walk away from the renowned Marienplatz. I personally was hoping A&F Munich would open in Maximilianstraße, arguably the street to shop at in Munich, and home to high-end labels such as Chanel, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana. But not all upscale shopping is found on Maximilianstraße, and Sendlinger Straße is quite fitting for A&F in terms of its penchant for culturally significant sites. Sendlinger Straße is one of the oldest shopping streets in Munich. Stores owned by families for numerous generations were exclusively found on Sendlinger Straße before the coming of international companies. Since then, it's become upscale. Some of those original, family-owned shops have survived and give the street an intimate and personally unique feel...

A&F Munich will open in "late-2012" which I presume will be after October 2012 during the Christmas fashion season. It is in late-2012 when renovations on the Quartier Hofstatt will be complete. Historic appeal will meet modern cool! Three levels - 3,300 square meters (roughly 35,521 square feet) - inside A&F Munich will be offering fans the among best of the A&F experience! A fourth level - the basement - will serve as stockroom. The space is massive! Thus, Abercrombie & Fitch won't be the only label under the roof...abercrombie kids will also be taking residence inside A&F Munich!

It's a lot isn't it?! Yes, A&F Munich is destined to become another unique location in the line-up of Abercrombie & Fitch flagship stores. Not only will it be the third A&F in Germany, but also, incidentally, it will also be the third A&F flagship in the world to house both Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie kids under one roof! Germany will also become the only other country apart from the US to host more A&F locations than any other country, and it will be the only nation with two dual A&F/abercrombie flagships!!! [Gasp!]

Too much to handle? Well you can always relax at the famous Hofbräuhaus am Platz beer hall where an awesome mug of equally famous Hofbräuhaus beer awaits! A weary Abercrombie shopper can just birghten up his or her spirits among some good ole traditional Bavarian people and charm! In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus, oans, zwoa, g'suffa! Great Bavarian style and Abercrombie & Fitch...could wish for more out of München?! Don't think so!

Stay FIERCE!

Coming Your Way for Christmas 2011... Perfume No.1!

Perfume No.1 | 1.7 fl oz, $54 USD | abercrombie.com | (image soure)

Ladies, Abercrombie & Fitch has the perfect fragrance to heighten your sensual appeal this upcoming holiday season...Perfume No.1. Touted as opulent and wholly feminine, Perfume No.1 is now available for you to pre-order on abercrombie.com for delivery on October 28 - just in time for the Christmas 2011 fashion season...

"Fresh, effortless and undeniably feminine, Perfume No.1 is incredibly luxurious and uniquely carefree. A&F’s sexy signature scent was created by the world’s most sought after perfumers; the fragrance combines fresh peony, tangelo, white pepper, sandalwood and crisp white pine." - abercrombie.com

As it is being described, Perfume No.1 sounds like a worthy successor to EZRA eau de parfum - a luxurious fragrance that was discontinued in 2007.  And if it is, then I promise you Perfume No.1 will not disappoint my fair Abercrombie ladies...

Stay FIERCE!

Coming Your Way for Christmas 2011... A&F 1892 Cologne!

The A&F 1892 cologne collection by Abercrombie & Fitch

My god, Abercrombie & Fitch has done it again! My friends, say hello to the A&F 1892 collection!

"Uncompromising in quality with an athletic masculine edge, the 1892 Collection is inspired by the rugged, collegiate atmosphere that charges through competitive Ivy League sports. The 1892 Collection draws its energy from fresh citrus and cedar wood, while moss and vetiver deliver a distinctly masculine finish." - abercrombie.com

Running along the lines of Ivy League heritage, the A&F 1892 collection comes in four preppy colors - cobalt blue, green, red, and yellow stripes!

A&F 1892 shown in cobalt blue | $50 USD | abercrombie.com | (image source)

A&F 1892 shown in green | $50 USD | abercrombie.com | (image source)

A&F 1892 shown in yellow | $50 USD | abercrombie.com | (image source)

A&F 1892 shown in red | $50 USD | abercrombie.com | (image source)

You can pre-order at abercrombie.com - shipping October 28 in time for the start of the Christmas 2011 fashion season! Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Cologne 41 is being phased out! :(

Models so Hot They were Featured More than Once! | Chloe Pridham...

Model Chloe Pridham can get any guy she wants! She's got model David Gandy, after all!

She's so hot - so FIERCE! - she's posed as a lingerie model - Guyism noted her as "a lingerie model you need to be aware of"!

At 5' 10'' (178cm), Chloe Pridham is an amazing beauty that captivates the camera with her grace and sexuality - her sensual body, gorgeous brunette locks and blue eyes can attest to that! Currently signed to Select Model Management (London), and Women Management (Milan), Chloe is one of the rare few models that have had the privilege of being a part of numerous marketing campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch.

She made her flirty debut in Abercrombie & Fitch Spring 2009...

Abercrombie & Fitch Spring 2009 | Photography by Bruce Weber

For Christmas 2009, not only did she join the exclusive list of A&F models who have been recalled for a second campaign but she also became among the first to ever be featured in two different campaigns at the same time...

Abercrombie & Fitch FIERCE Christmas 2009 | Photography by Bruce Weber

RUEHL No.925 Fall-Winter 2009 | Photography by Bruce Weber

Both images are just really sensual and her RUEHL photo is rather more intimate as if she were captured in the intimacy of her luxurious abode. And if that weren't enough, she's also among the privileged models that were apart of the last ever marketing campaign for RUEHL before it closed in Janaury 2010.


Chloe made her long-awaited and captivating return as a part of the Abercrombie & Fitch Spring-Summer 2011 campaign...

Abercrombie & Fitch Spring-Summer 2011 | Photography by Bruce Weber

Her image for Spring 2011 is wholly sensual - can't use the word enough! - and euphoric under a radiant brilliance. Note the triangular composition of the photograph that exudes an over all effect of photographic masterpiece.


And currently, Abercrombie ladies and gentlemen, Chloe is featured in the timeless Back-to-School 2011 campaign...

Abercrombie & Fitch Back-to-School 2011 | Photography by Bruce Weber

Abercrombie & Fitch Back-to-School 2011 | Photography by Bruce Weber

I said "featured" because the above photography are just digitally altered versions of their original photos. Chloe really didn't model for this campaign.

The first photo isn't much altered; it has just been given a different background...

This second one is a heavily altered version of Chloe's original photograph from RUEHL...

My personally made illustrative comparison of Chloe's two photographs.

The backdrop was digitally swaped out for a different one. Note how the linear direction of the top stone background in the A&F image follows that of wall paneling behind her head in the RUEHL image. But the most notable change of course is her head. Her head in the RUEHL image was digitally removed and replaced with a new shot of her head merged onto her body. Photoshop then aligned the shape of her neck and upper half of her hair with the lower half curls on the shoulders. You see it? The wonders of photoshop! The result is very, very impressive!


Chloe Pridham is just completely gorgeous and I believe A&F has used her so often not only for that but because she also has this very bold and sophisticated look worthy of an equally bold, sensual, and upscale brand. No wonder she was used in RUEHL as well.

I presume her to be English. Chloe's leading agency is based in London and her surname sounds so English..."Pridham," honestly. Nevermind, yeah, she's definitely British. There's loads more pictures of her available than info...no surprises there!

Chloe and David looking HOT at the polo match.
(image source)

She has even modeled with model David Gandy!!! You should all know him from Dolce & Gabbana (and the D&G underwear ads!!!), and they are both good friends!

"The only thing I can think of as to describe my friend Chloe is she is Britain's best kept secret. She is classy, down to earth, and very talented. "  - David Gandy

Both of them were spotted at a celebrity-studded polo match at Windsor Great Park. The match made the news after three men streaked about the place completely naked...oh, and Prince Charles was present! How fun, right?

And they say they are just friends, but I'm sure we can all agree that Chloe and David could make a wonder and steamy couple! I mean, look at them together! OMG! Both of them have been spotted together often in the past months at different events. As friends or as a pair? Chloe and David attended the opening party of Hervé Léger by Max Azria in Knightsbridge, London, and Vogue UK included an image of them (in an article about the event) with the caption reading "David Gandy and girlfriend Chloe Pridham." That was back in September 2009, though. So who knows?

But back to Chloe. Isn't she amazing? I sure hope she comes back for another round at A&F! If not, then we sure enjoyed having her gorgeous face in our favorite stores!

Stay FIERCE!

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This is a second in the Models so Hot They were Featured More than Once! series of posts highlighting models that have been featured in numerous marketing campaigns for either one or multiple A&F Family brands.

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