Iconix’s CFO Resigns

Iconix Brands Group’s chief financial officer, Jeff Lupinacci, has resigned to pursue another business opportunity. The company said in a filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a Form 8-K, that the resignation, which was given on March 24, became effective as of today. David Blumberg, executive vice president and head of strategic development, will take on Lupinacci’s duties while the company searches for his replacement. Iconix said in the SEC filing that it “anticipates filling the position in the near term.”

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Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban Returning to Cosmoprof

Las Vegas — Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban will return to Cosmoprof North America in July. He’ll be joined by Paul Mitchell hair care co-founder John Paul DeJoria on stage at the Professional Beauty Association’s Business Forum, hosted by CPNA, as part of Cosmoprof. The billionaires and a number of investor groups will hear live presentations from fledgling beauty firms. The winner of this program, called the Beauty Pitch, will receive a year of mentorship from Cuban. The inaugural event will run from July 12-14 at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Companies wanting to enter the Beauty Pitch must be U.S.-based, be up and running and submit entries to a Web site established for the contest, beautypitch.com. A panel of experts will cull the entrants down to five who will then pitch their business concept during a live audition. There will also be an opportunity for entrants to win cash from an unidentified investment group. DeJoria was put on the bill to lend industry expertise to Cuban, who admitted last year that he wasn’t an expert in beauty. “The winner has total access to Mark and the chance to put his Rolodex to work,” said Daniela Ciocan, marketing director for Cosmoprof North

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DSquared2 Twins on U.S. Tour

NEW YORK — It’s been 20 years since twin brothers Dan and Dean Caten launched their first men’s wear collection. And now — with two decades of experience and $228.6 million in sales under their belts — it’s time for the retail rollout to begin in earnest. In the past few months alone, their company, Dsquared2, has made a splash in the American market, opening three stores in Los Angeles, New York City and Miami. A London flagship — the company’s largest at more than 8,000 square feet — opened two weeks ago in Mayfair. Dsquared2 operates 35 stores around the world in spots as diverse as Abu Dubai, Paris, Hong Kong and Milan. Ten are directly owned and the remainder are franchised or operated with partners. The plan for the future is ambitious, they revealed, with the intent to roll out 10 stores a year for the next five years. “It’s the right moment to do this,” said Dan Caten, sitting in one of the custom-designed chairs at the Dsquared2 store in SoHo, where he and his brother would be hosting an opening cocktail party Monday night. “It took us a while. We practiced and made mistakes in our own water. But

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Aerie in Programs on Body Image, Eating Disorders

Aerie is taking a stand on body image and eating disorders. The American Eagle Outfitters subbrand on March 26 launched a limited-edition collaborative bralette collection for the 11- to 15-year-old set called Aerie for Yellowberry. A start-up intimates brand, Yellowberry was created by 19-year-old entrepreneur Megan Grassell after she went shopping at the mall for bras with her 16-year-old sister and found nothing suitable, with all of the offerings overtly sexy and inappropriate for a teenager. Grassell founded Yellowberry in 2013 from a Kickstarter campaign. The bralettes come in a range of colors and patterns, including stripes and polka dots, have names such as Lil’ Sis, Fresh Picked and Freebird, and range in price from $29.95 to $34.95. “This is the perfect sisterhood of two brands, supporting the common belief that every girl should be confident and comfortable, embracing their real self,” said Jennifer Foyle, Aerie brand president. “Aerie is pleased to announce that proceeds from Aerie for Yellowberry will support the entrepreneurial spirit of Megan and Yellowberry and see that its message of positive body image continues to spread.” The arrangement between Aerie and Yellowberry is a limited-time collaboration. Grassell worked with the Aerie design team on exclusive styles for the Aerie

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