In death, great artists become so much greater. Rest in peace Michael.

The self-proclaimed "king of pop" who died suddenly on Thursday occupied the top 15 slots on online retailer Amazon.com Inc's (AMZN.O) best-selling albums within hours.

The No. 1 disc, not surprisingly, was the 25th anniversary reissue of his 1982 blockbuster "Thriller," the biggest selling album in history with estimated worldwide sales of almost 50 million copies. Three different configurations of "Thriller" came in at number 12, 13, and 14.

Second place went to 1979's "Off the Wall," which was followed by 1987's "Bad." Both were also massive sellers upon their initial release. His last studio album, 2001's "Invincible," came in at a more modest No. 10.

Read the rest of this Reuters story here.

Hong Kong Vintage's new location opens up today at 1514 Central Ave., between Thomas and Pecan avenues. It's biggers, better and only a couple of blocks away from the old location.

Now you won't scrap the bottom of your car trying to get into the parking lot next to the store (as was the case at the old spot).

704-334-0538

Let me just go ahead and say that I wouldn't be caught dead in this dress. What was this British design student thinking?

Last week, an attention-grabbing dress was unveiled: It was a prototype dress that is designed to light up when the phone of the person wearing the dress rings. What the heck?

Georgie Davis [the design student] said the dress is designed to eventually be connected to the wearer's phone by Bluetooth wireless technology, so she can be alerted to a call even in noisiest of places.

"When you're in a pub or a bar, you can never, ever hear your phone," 20-year-old Davis told Reuters on Wednesday.

The right shoulder of the dress is embellished with translucent white scales that move and light up.

Apparently there's a thin line between style and technology.

Finally, some good is coming out of this recession. The good folks with Dolce & Gabbana have realized that if they want to stay in the luxury goods business, they need to make their stuff a little more affordable.

Alas, don't get your hopes up too much. They're only cutting prices down by 10 to 20 percent.

After criticizing what they deemed untimely and unrealistic shipment schedules (think beefy wools in stores in July and wispy silks in November), the designers’ latest quest is to shave prices by between 10 and 20 percent while maintaining creativity and quality.

Evidence of the lower prices is seen in the following items: A pair of five-pocket jeans for spring will sell for $450 (for spring 2009 they cost $695); a dress will cost $1,469, down from $2,295; a leather bomber jacket will be priced at $1,499, compared with $2,296, and an iconic stretch silk tulle corset dress will go to $3,589 from last year’s $5,200.

Read the rest of this story on WWD.com.

The Charlotte Observer has an interesting slide show of photos on their site showcasing "Maya Angelou Hat-i-Tude." The South is known for its flamboyant headgear, isn't it?

Maya Angelou spoke at the Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon at The Westin on Saturday.

Revolve offers fashion savvy men a new and affordable way to shop, while also giving them a chance to make money by consigning the clothes they no longer wear.

The grand opening is Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., perfect for Father's Day. Come in to receive 10 percent off any single item.

339 Circle Ave., Suite 1

704-817-7845

www.revolvecharlotte.com

But it's not like your favorite outdoor clothing retailer is going to be shutting its doors anytime soon.

Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. filed Wednesday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, overwhelmed by debt payments and a steep drop in customer spending.

Eddie Bauer has local stores at Northlake mall and Concord Mills Outlet.

The company has struggled with its debt — a crisis that worsened as revenue dropped, part of an overall trend affecting most retailers during the recession. The company has lost nearly a half-billion dollars in the past three years.

Read the rest of this Charlotte Business Journal story here.

Here's a recent press release for you folks interested in the Charlotte NC Fashion Week, going down Sept. 10-12 at the Mint Museum of Art.

Simply the Best for Barbara McKay and Charlotte NC Fashion Week 2009

June 16, 2009

Charlotte, NC. Barbara McKay of Charlotte’s “Simply the Best” Magazine and local television show, signs on as special guest emcee for Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week (CNCFW) September 10-12 at the Mint Museum of Art.

Barbara’s show, which airs on Saturdays on WSOCTV Channel 9, Charlotte provides raving reviews of the most exciting and absolutely best places to go in Charlotte for looking your best. Ms. Mckay joins the ranks of fashion enthusiasts who see CNCFW as an amazing opportunity for Charlotte’s fashion and entertainment industries. “I am honored to participate in CNCFW and am dedicated to making this a very special event in Charlotte.” States McKay.

Already set to grace the runway this year: returning designers Luis Carlos Machicao of Machiçao Couture, Kimberly Pixton of Pixton Bridal Couture and Shinikki Peterson of Lujeanik Designs. This year CNCFW will feature two European designers from Sarajevo, Alen Kekic and Amela Rodan who will join the line up of talent showing their collections on the runway.

CNCFW Director, Anthony Simons is extremely pleased with the showing of support from contributing businesses. “The customer base and brand identification of our sponsors convey the ideal image desired to enable us to enhance this exciting multi-day event.” Among those companies participating this year include; MAC cosmetics, Varji Varji salon and spa providing hair styling, Bakers Shoes providing footwear, and Scott Jaguar as the official car sponsor. Fox News Charlotte, Elevate Lifestyle Magazine, Sotac Magazine, and Plitzs Lifestyle Magazine will provide Media coverage.

This year organizers are very excited about hosting the second annual event at the Mint Museum. The rich history, character and significant role the museum plays in the world of art and fashion lends to an exceptional partnership.

Tickets are currently available for the fashion event of the year. Both General Admission and VIP options are offered. Those interested in attending may purchase tickets online or by phone. Visit charlottencfashionweek.com for more information.

This is a positive event for Charlotte, generating revenue for local business and creating internships for students studying in the fields of fashion marketing, public relations, and fashion merchandising. CNCFW is the only professionally produced multi-day event in Charlotte where designers can show their collections on a modest budget. Travelers to Charlotte will have a cultured and thrilling activity to attend and fashion buyers will have fresh new choices.

For more information on becoming a sponsor email info@Charlottencfashionweek.com or call 888-644-9230

Designers, boutiques and media inquiries contact Jas Dodd at jas@Charlottencfashionweek.com or call 347-564-0206.

Luxury sports goods retailer The Orvis Co. is coming to Phillips Place.

Orvis, which specializes in outdoor fly fishing, hunting, apparel and dog accessories, has signed a lease to occupy 7,500 square feet of space currently occupied by women's clothing boutique Coplon's, according to Phillips Place. Coplon's will move to a smaller, 3,500-square-foot space across from The Palm.

Read the rest at the Charlotte Observer.