– ROBERT TALBOTT EXPANDS WOMEN’S: Carmel, Calif.-based men’s wear label Robert Talbott is taking steps to reinvent its Audrey Talbott women’s wear division with the hiring of Kim Joffrion as creative director. “What I am trying to do is build the next American luxury brand at a good value price point, slowly and quietly,” said president and chief executive officer Richard Cohen. Cohen and Joffrion both started consulting for Talbott after stints at St. John, where Cohen was ceo and Joffrion was brand manager. Cohen came on board permanently six months ago. Joffrion has been working to expand the Audrey Talbott offerings from shirts, sweaters, scarves and belts into a full collection for spring, including trousers, suitings, trenchcoats and dresses. The line will retail between $200 and $800. Cohen estimated first-year sales in excess of $2.5 million. The company was founded in 1950 by Robert and Audrey Talbott.
– KIDS GET GILT: Gilt.com, an invitation-only online sample sale site, will add children’s fashion items for sale beginning July 15. The site already offers more than 100 women’s and men’s fashion and luxury brands. The children’s category will launch with Lucy Sykes designer clothing for girls. After those pieces sell out, Gilt.com will offer styles and sizes for girls and boys from a variety of brands including Kiko Kids, Hickey Freeman and Cacharel.