The Average American Bra Size Is Now 34 DD: Over the past 30 years, the average American bra size has increased from a 34B to 34DD, according to sales data and customer surveys performed by lingerie retailer Intimacy. And lingerie brand Cosabella told Racked that “within the past year they’ve added a size 38 band for C, D, and DD cups." Said Guido Campello, Cosabella’s VP of sales, branding, and innovation: “I simply believe the industry is focusing on larger cup sizes more in terms of offering, where they had never offered luxury or fashionable product before.” Intimacy concluded that demand for larger sizes stemmed from improved customer service and women recognizing their actual sizing needs. [Racked]
Designers Sketch Regal Royal Baby Presents: Royal baby items aren’t just wacky—they can also be chic. Designer royal baby items are on the (literal) drawing board, thanks to Karl Lagerfeld, Dior, Vera Wang, and more. WWD asked designers what they would create for the royal baby, which resulted in nothing but the most regal of designs. Lagerfeld designed a royal “dummy,” an English nickname for a pacifier, while Nanette Lepore sketched a majestic baby carriage for the yet-to-be-named His Royal Highness. [WWD]
Peter Fonda Sues Dolce & Gabbana: Only weeks after being sued for tax evasion, it appears Dolce & Gabbana is in trouble yet again—this time, for using an actor’s face on apparel without his permission. Actor Peter Fonda is reportedly suing the brand for $6 million for using images from his role in Easy Rider, claiming he “suffered injuries to his peace, happiness, feelings, goodwill, reputation, image, loss of fair market value of his services, and dilution of his current and future publicity value” because of the product, according to a filing with the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles. He is also reportedly suing Nordstrom for selling the tops. [The Telegraph]
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New Facial-Recognition Technology Helps Stores ID Celebrities: Celebrities have always received special treatment in stores—but how are retailers really supposed to differentiate between VIPs and regular customers? Technology, of course. British company NEC IT Solutions has created a VIP-identification technology that recognizes faces and alerts staff when there is a VIP in the store. According to NPR, “the U.K.-based company already supplies similar software to security services to help identify terrorists and criminals.” The facial recognition tool can also apparently relay other retail-oriented details, like apparel sizes and shopping history, so sales personnel can have sizes ready when a VIP walks into the store. [NPR]
J.Crew Designs High Line Collection: J.Crew is showing its love for the Big Apple by launching a collection for New York City’s High Line, a park formed from elevated train tracks on the West side. The J.Crew collection will include clothing and accessories, retailing for $5 to $78, and will be available starting Wednesday. All net proceeds will be donated to Friends of the High Line, the nonprofit organization that works to maintain and expand the park. “J.Crew has created fresh, timeless designs that are perfect for New Yorkers on the go. We are happy to collaborate with J.Crew and some of our favorite artists to debut unique merchandise to support the High Line’s operations,” said a co-founder of the charity. [Complex]
