Fashion Breakfast

WWD looks back at Robert Polet's first three years at Gucci Group and says he has exceeded all expectations of the expectations he put in place when he arrived. (WWD)

European department stores look to join forces. Germany's former KarstadtQuelle AG, La Rinascente of Italy and Printemps of France intend to create a premium department store alliance creating a Continent-wide player. (WWD)

Caught red-handed, the 11 defendants caught while trying to move at least $200 million in counterfeit apparel and accessories were indicted Wednesday in Manhattan after the ring . (WWD)

Zara's net income advanced 27% with store openings in Europe and Asia. Although the numbers were low in Spain, Inditex still has high hopes for the six month results.(WWD)

Williamson responds to protesters angry about his showing versions of traditional African costumes on the runway. Ethiopian officials had said, "nobody has the right to claim these designs as their own". But Williamson said he was celebrating the styles, not claiming them as his own. A Williamson spokesperson said of the MW customer, "her style is in part defined by incorporating many different cultures, traditions and customs. The spring/summer 2008 season was particularly inspired by the idea of modernizing and celebrating certain traditional African fabrics and costumes."(Vogue UK)

Green Shopping: The Pro's and Con's, is it really all its racked up to be?(The New York Times)

Despite the devalued dollar, American's still bought the majority of works at Art Basel. As one gallery owner, Rachel Lehmann, explained, "they consume more and save less then Europeans do." Plus, the Europeans were far to busy partying to shop.(The New York Times)