However, in private, Beijingâ€s luxury-obsessed consumers are now more spoiled than ever, as many of the worldâ€s top high-end brands have learned that outdoor advertising is less effective than online outreach and have gone increasingly digital.

While some luxury brands have limited their digital efforts in China to Chinese-language versions of their websites, others have taken steps to harness the growing popularity of online shopping. International retailers ranging from the Gap to Armani have recently launched online shopping platforms for the China market, and over the next year, weâ€re likely to see brands like Diane Von Furstenberg offer e-commerce platforms on their Chinese-language sites. However, for some brands, simply adding a couple of extra features to their websites isnâ€t enough. For Louis Vuitton and Burberry, two brands that have made serious pushes into the digital space in China, itâ€s all about technological superiority in the China market.

Back in 2008, Louis Vuitton, already one of the most well-known luxury brands operating in China, tapped celebrities Shu Qi, Joan Chen and Gong Li for its Soundwalk audio guides campaign, and last year LV became the first major luxury brand to experiment with digital marketing via Sina Weibo — Chinaâ€s answer to Twitter — a move saw other brands like Chanel, Gucci and DVF follow in rapid succession. Louis Vuitton has also taken steps to localize its digital outreach efforts by not only staking out a presence on Weibo, but also working to ensure its output resonates with Chinese netizens. From Wave:

Louis Vuittonâ€s official brand page on SINA, a popular Chinese social network similar to Twitter, has attracted a strong fan base with over 70,000 followers, more than other premium brands like Chanel or Gucci. Alongside posts about their products and cultural events, Louis Vuitton have recently posted pictures of their charity sponsored panda, named “Louis”, who acts as an emblem for the brandâ€s supportive actions towards panda protection in China.

WaveMetrix analysis shows that the post about Louis the panda generates the most positive response among all topics Louis Vuitton posts about. This suggests that a successful way to engage consumers in emerging markets is to post about topics that will resonate with their cultural background. In addition, Chinese consumers are not only more positive in response to the charity post, but also express more love for the Louis Vuitton brand than they do for product-related posts.

While Louis Vuitton was arguably the first out of the gates in terms of embracing the Chinese blogosphere, Burberry — which has spent the last couple of years trying to change its image from one of stodgy British tradition to one of hip internationalism — is in the midst of an extended (and expensive) effort to crack the China market. Last July, the company bought back control from its trading partner, Kwok Hang Holdings, for US$108 million as part of a restructuring effort and announced plans to unify its brand message to appeal to Chinese consumers. Earlier this month, Burberry unveiled its largest-ever digital rollout in preparation for the opening of its massive Beijing flagship, promoting the event by launching official accounts on the four major Chinese social media platforms (Kaixin001, Douban, Youku, Sina Weibo) and becoming the first luxury brand to experiment with Chinaâ€s location-based social media network, Jiepang. (A social “check-in” service akin to Foursquare.)

To celebrate the opening of its flagship, Burberry held a dazzling runway show at Beijing Television Centre, which incorporated huge digital screens and music by the British band Keane and DJ ShanXi. Following its star-studded event, Burberry announced that it would upgrade all 57 of its current China locations to make them more “digitally-savvy.” As PSFK notes:

The stores will have touchscreens as big as full-length mirrors displaying special collections and staff will carry iPads to help customers order items that arenâ€t available in their store. Fashion shows will be streamed from other countries, and there will be special Burberry-produced entertainment. Burberryâ€s other markets will later follow the digital retail model debuted in China.

Now, as Burberry  has arguably taken the lead in Chinaâ€s digital luxury “war,” the ballâ€s in Louis Vuittonâ€s court. But will LV be able to move quickly enough and appeal to a younger, hipper crowd? Do they want to? Will other brands like DVF or Gucci soon leapfrog LV in the digital sphere and successfully incorporate Chinese social platforms and cutting-edge technology into their China strategies? Interesting questions to keep in mind as major brands continue to make the transition from physical advertising to tailored digital outreach.

As Beijing Cracks Down On Outdoor Advertising, Luxury Giants Go Digital by Avery Booker originally appeared on Jing Daily and is republished on Signature9 with permission.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia’s boutiques are suffering with clothing and footwear sales down 4.8% in 2010.

“In the latest twist, retailers have resorted to charging try-on fees in store, which are refunded upon purchase, to stop consumers heading online to search for the same item at a lower price.”

Is anyone there? They probably decided to skip the try-on toll and shop online.

The Sydney Morning Herald article quotes two retailers who are trying various tactics to entice shoppers to their stores, but it’s not clear if one or both are experimenting with the try on fee. Regardless of if one, both, or some unattributed retailer is the one behind the idea, it sounds like a case of cutting off the nose to spite the face.

While the internet can compete on price, one of the few features that it can’t compete with brick and mortar stores on is actually being able to try on clothes. Good photography, detailed clothing measurements and reviews from other customers can all help someone get an idea of fit, but it’s not the same as being able to actually put a garment on and spin around in it, or slipping on a pair of shoes to know if you’ll need them half a size smaller or larger.

So far, the most detailed example of this practice comes from ski boot retailers who charge a $50 AUD fitting fee for trying on ski boots, which is refundable if a customer actually purchases a pair of boots. {The Australian} Retailers say the fee is in response to an Australian tax structure that allows non-Australian websites to sell items to customers without the same taxes and import duties brick and mortar retailers have to include in their prices.

So instead of playing up the fact that in store shopping gives customers a better opportunity to assess fit and comfort, the retail response is to charge users more for the privilege? Because they’re afraid the internet is beating them on price?

The jokes write themselves, and on this one we’re pretty sure retailers who go with the try-on toll won’t be the ones laughing.

A few months ago, we defended Baileyâ€s collection (after all, at least he made an attempt to take advantage of modern technology and business practices), but for his Fall 2011 Burberry Prorsum show, which took place this week in London, we thought there would be no need for Signature9 to come to Baileyâ€s defense. The clothes he turned out are overtly fall (Cathy Horyn at The New York Times dinged Bailey for ignoring spring influences in favor of clothes that could be worn right away last season), colorful, 60s-inspired and overall quite charming (love the cow print!). It seems, though, that many fashion critics are still unimpressed by Burberry and still complaining that Baileyâ€s embrace of technology has left his creativity in the dust.

Booth Moore at the Los Angeles Times said the show was “cute” and that “Bailey was right to keep the focus on outerwear,” but criticized Baileyâ€s clothes for being too far from the seasonless looks shoppers crave these days, which is funny considering Bailey was criticized last season precisely for being seasonless.

Suzy Menkes at The New York Times said Burberry was thinking too big, writing that “what [Burberry] gained in bombast, the once-quirky line lost in charm, cheek and irony that the designer Christopher Bailey has previously brought to the Burberry Prorsum brand.” She also said, “Burberry has to be careful that its brilliant and forward-looking embrace of the Internet does not leave too much behind — especially that ironic take on tradition, the British countryside and the brand heritage that Mr. Bailey can tweak so well.”

Looks like we need to weigh in again. Lucky for Bailey, though, it seems the general consensus among smaller fashion bloggers is that Burberryâ€s recent collection was highly impressive, and not just in comparison to the last show. We know we little old bloggers arenâ€t Anna Wintour or anything, but Fashionista, for instance, called Bailey “a master of the brand he has brought into the 21st century with ease.”

We wonâ€t go on a rant about the importance of digital technology and the urgent need for fashion types to make like Bailey and embrace it already, but we will say this: thank goodness for Christopher Bailey. The showâ€s coats looked warm and realistic for winter, the tweeds and tights were just what we want to be wearing come fall and there was the perfect amount of bright colors mixed with snowy whites and neutrals – and Baileyâ€s managed to do this all while catering to the modern need for instant gratification by making the collection available very soon, not months from now like most other brands†clothes. Bravo, Bailey!

If youâ€re one of those people who likes to buy an item of clothing, wear it once, then return it to the store, beware: retailers are on to you, and they have now developed a way to track “wardrobers.”

Retail Equation is new software that allows stores to pinpoint “serial returners,” or those who practice what retailers call “wardrobing.” Retailers certainly needed this software, as stores lost an estimated $14.8 billion last year due to shoppers who brought back gently used items. {WSJ via The Cut}

We’ve all made the routine impulse buy that can’t be justified a few days later, but people who “wardrobe” on a regular, continual basis has to be beyond annoying for retailers. Anecdotally, we’ve always heard about serial returners who’ve received “thank you for your business, but don’t bring it here” letters, so the idea behind the software probably isn’t completely new.

The prospect of lessening this practice is not the only good news here, though: some stores are adopting more lenient return policies for shoppers who don’t push the return policy rules since they can now track “wardrobers.” Among them are Macyâ€s, Toys “R” Us, OfficeMax and Best Buy, which recently eliminated its unpopular 15 percent restocking fee. {WSJ}

Itâ€s still not clear exactly how the software will work and what will be done to offenders (we vote for barring them from returning worn or used merchandise indefinitely) but hopefully there will be a way to distinguish repeat returners who are “wardrobing” from those who just happen to get a lot of misfit holiday gifts.

The situation is definitely a win-win for retailers, since studies have shown that consumers buy more when return policies are more relaxed and less risk exists in purchasing an item they are unsure about. {WSJ via The Cut}

Alexander McQueen Moves Forward

Goodbye Mr. McQueen, hello Ms. Burton. Long live McQueen.

Style.com covered the passing of Alexander McQueen and the showing of the final collection he designed, but something that was equally important this year was the success of Sarah Burtonâ€s first show as the new designer for the McQueen label. The passing of such a genius creative mind was indeed tragic, and the showing of McQueenâ€s last collection was a special moment, but Burtonâ€s signal that the brand can honor McQueenâ€s legacy while moving forward was absolutely stellar.

John Gallianoâ€s Dior Couture Wows

Dior haute couture was in full bloom this year when John Galliano showed his Spring 2011 collection of flower-inspired looks. The imagery and execution of the designs combined with the high, tulip-like hair of the models for a full package display of gorgeousness and perhaps our favorite moment in fashion of 2010.

It was announced this week that Teva has partnered with Grey Ant, a New York City-based designer known for tongue-in-cheek interpretations of old trends, to create Teva high heels. They come in “Natural,” which is tan and has a buckle closure, and “Worlds Unite,” a black and white mash-up with – you guessed it – a Velcro closure. They go for $330. {the gloss, New High (M)art}

You can order the shoes by phone at 323-638-0271. {Daily Candy} They are also available online at New High (M)art, whose product page for these babies says New High (M)art is “proud” to exclusively present Teva Stilettos and includes the following copy:

It’s the classic “Hurricane” style sport mandal re-imagined as a STILETTO. This co-branded effort sees the Teva velcro-strap styling and grip-sole construction on a 4″ stacked heel. They’re calling it the most comfortable, performance high heel on the planet — we call it the most daring mash-up of the decade. This is anti-fashion at its purest. And so good when paired with socks.

A note at the bottom of the page adds, “*Not recommended for actual hiking, gardening, mountain climbing, or Phish concerts :).”

For once, weâ€re speechless. Especially because these things cost more than $300. The Teva Stilettoâ€s availability on New High (M)art seems to be as tongue-in-cheek as the shoeâ€s actual creation, but the high heels do legitimately exist and are for sale online, nonetheless. And we have a feeling there are people out there crazy enough or determined enough to be anti-fashion that they will purchase them. Hereâ€s the only silver lining to this situation: New High (M)art has limited quantities available. (Phew!)

It is a unique twist, to say the least

If you love bacon in the morning but want to avoid the unhealthy side effects of eating it for breakfast, you can now enjoy the bacon flavor fat free. How you ask?

Last week, Glamour magazine tweeted that the latest flavored syrup from Torani is bacon, so you can have bacon-flavored coffee or lattes in the morning.

A bottle of the stuff goes for $6.95 on Toraniâ€s Web site, where  it has apparently been sold for a few months now. The site also has maple flavored syrup available, so if you figure out how to drink the combination from a pancake you may be well on your way to having a balanced liquid breakfast. According to Torani’s ½ – 1 oz. of syrup should be used to flavor a 6-8 oz. beverage and they suggest adding bacon flavor to manhattans, milkshakes and bloody marys in addition to coffee. The brand even offers recipes for bacon cocktails, including the Bacon Bourbon Sour, which is made with bacon syrup, lemon juice, bourbon and a garnishing strip of real bacon. {The Consumerist}

Torani claims its bacon-flavored syrup tastes salty, sweet and just like real bacon.

Hey, we didnâ€t say this was a perfect solution to the delicious but oh-so-unhealthy bacon conundrum. Plus, we havenâ€t actually tried bacon-flavored syrup, and it may turn out to be one of those things that sounds disgusting but is actually fantastic.

The Glamour staffer who wrote about the syrup did also mention seeing a café in Seattle that was selling bacon lattes, so maybe bacon-flavored drinks are the next Pumpkin Spice latte and will end up making us look foolish for questioning their tastiness. Maybe.

Not your average suspenders

Apparently there exists – and has for quite some time now – a contraption that clips your shirt to your socks and is worn underneath pants to keep those pesky shirttails from popping out when you bend over or stand up after sitting. {The Cut} Armynavyshop sells these special suspenders, calling them Military Uniform Shirt Stays, in both clip-on and stirrup form. And theyâ€re cheap! The clip-on style runs for $5.31, whereas the stirrup version is $8.10.

T Magazine published news of these shirt garters after catching up with Maloney, who said he recommends them to other bartenders all the time.

“To explain how necessary I think they are, I will laugh and point at the shirt pooch that forms between the waist of the pants and the bottom of the vest of the guys who donâ€t wear them,” he said.

He did, however, also admit to several downsides to these internal suspenders, saying, “They are fussy and annoying. They detach and leak out your pant leg at the most inopportune time. If ratcheted too tight, you feel like a dandy Pinocchio, slightly drunk and walking on the moon. Worst of all, they get you singled out in security lines at the airport. To this day there hasnâ€t been a T.S.A. employee who hasnâ€t raised an eyebrow when I explain about the shirt garters.”

Well, Toby, you could always just secure an airport pasty to your private parts and head to one of the full-body scanners to avoid that last little problem.

We have to admit shirttail suspenders is a pretty practical – if obvious and silly – idea. We just wonder if it might get awkward in an intimate situation – like if, say, a woman were to wear Spanx or a chicken cutlet bra on a hot date. In any case, we’re interested to see if these man-garters turn out to be a full-blown trend.

We were set to pop open the champagne along with the folks at Elle, but, upon further inspection of the evidence presented, weâ€d like to declare only a partial victory – the halfway lap, if you will.

Marc Jacobs made a bang, but fashion still has a way to go before declaring social media victory.

Elle is correct to say that a decent number of designers and brands have made a push into the Facebook market. Marc Jacobs, in fact, recently ran a contest centered around Facebook to promote his new fragrance, Bang. However, if you really think about it, shouldnâ€t every designer, fashion label and retailer have some sort of Facebook presence by now? Businesses in other industries have long since figured out that a Facebook presence is necessary for success into the future.

The magazine also points to the pending launch of PassportStyle, a fashion social network through which designers can interact with their customers, which is set to go live later this week as evidence that fashion has finally risen in technology. The Web site has a great concept, but Elle is right to also point out that it may not necessarily be successful, since it seems no one has bothered to investigate whether shoppers really want to use this kind of site.

Finally, Elle says that the re-launch of Bizzy this Tuesday is an important advance because the site recommends boutiques based on ratings from users. They leave out one important factor: Bizzy recommends all sorts of local businesses from restaurants to parks and a wide variety of stores, not just clothing boutiques, so it doesnâ€t really count as a fashion-specific advance.

Overall, fashion brands and fashion startups have been making some smart social moves lately. We just wish theyâ€d hold the high praise, since most of these “innovations” should have been pushed for long ago – ya know, around the time the rest of the world started using technology for business purposes. Itâ€s certainly not too late for someone to take the lead in bringing fashion into the digital age, but many brands are still struggling with the basics. Letâ€s just get someone on it already.

This year, New York’s Fashion’s Night Out got its own TV special, and the celebrity appearances from 2009 were even bigger and better. Bergdorf Goodman’s star studded events featuring people like Tom Ford, Victoria Beckham, Nicole Richie and Mary J. Blige among many, many others drew a line that wrapped around the block for much of the evening, and crowds filling the streets.

Even with a love affair with Tom Ford that goes back to his early days at Gucci, the prospect of waiting in a line for 2 hours was enough to make me decide to save the fawning for a future fashion event. A few blocks away, Payless hosted collaborators Patricia Field, Isabel Toledo and Christian Siriano. While the line was nowhere near as outrageous, it was still a slow shuffle into the store, up the stairs and out the door as soon as people had their opportunity to snap a picture with their chosen designer. I, again, lost patience, but did notice that the Steve Madden next door to Payless had no celebrities, and no lines, but a small yet steady stream of people browsing the shoes on display.

It’s been impossible to track down any hard sales figures for Fashion’s Night Out, and our emails and calls for comment by participating merchants are still unreturned. So while the evening was successful in generating a massive amount of buzz, it’s not unreasonable to imagine the heavy crowds drawn in by celeb heavy events may not have done much for business. These weren’t the type of crowds lured in by the promise of dirt-cheap items (as is the case for many Black Friday shoppers) or one heavily anticipated object (a la the iPhone or iPad), ready to whip out their credit cards and shop. The promotion and events may have been spectacular, but the silence makes us think the bottom line returns were lackluster in comparison.

What does that have to do with Fashion’s Night In? Well, while it probably won’t generate the same amount of hype that taking a picture with your favorite designer or fashion icon does, when it comes down to immediate sales that may not be a bad thing. Most of the Fashion’s Night In promotions are centered around shopping perks like free shipping, product line launches, prize drawings and the occasional free gift with purchase. Taking a page from flash sale sites, the various promotions are time sensitive and only available during certain hours.

Free shipping or a gift with purchase may not be as exciting as meeting Tom Ford, but for people on the fence about making a purchase those are the kind of things that are probably more likely to push a decision to buy.  Plus, the one thing that clicks retailers can (usually) offer that bricks retailers can’t is the option to shop without having to fight crowds. The Outnet’s anniversary sale proved that there are occasions when you go through similar headaches, but in general a massively popular online event will still be less stressful than an in-store event.

Lest you think shopping at your desk (many of the events start around 5pm London time, which is 12pm EST) while eating lunch is an anti-social experience, many of the stores are offering feedback and shopping suggestions via Twitter for the evening.

Visit Signature9 UK on Monday for our shortlist of events to bookmark. While the event is organized by Vogue UK, many of the retailers ship to the US (and other countries around the world).