Gawker is reporting that Conde Nast is closing the door on DNR, the men’s fashion trade magazine. From Gawker, “The feeble spin is that WWD will pick up the slack by launching “comprehensive, round-the-clock men’s fashion and retail coverage.” More to come as we get information.

DNR is reporting that Renzo Rosso’s Staff International has signed a worldwide license to produce and distribute the Marc Jacobs men’s ready to wear line beginning with the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection. Staff International’s showrooms based in Milan, Paris, New York, and Tokyo will distribute the line.

CNBC’s Jim Cramer made mention recently that the economies in the BRIC nations of Brasil, Russia, India, and China, was on a down turn. "Crumbling" being the other term being toss around. I do not think anyone mentioned this to a core of companies that are opening doors and magazines in the country of India, which has seen some crazy GDP growth in the last two decades. Luxury goods and fashion may be finally catching on and gaining steam Earlier this month, GQ India was launched in the country and today, DNR is reporting that both Armani and Diesel are planning outposts with Armani heading to the Emporio Mall of New Dehli. D&G is also reportedly opening doors in the same mall.

More on the India story from DNR.

DNR has published their 2009 Denim Forecasting Guide focusing on eight trends that they believe will impact and shape the market. One word stands out (and it comes almost as no surprise): Uncertain. On the other hand, it looks like many high end makers are now offering more mid-range pricing on some models to meet a consumer market that is still trying to find out when we’ve hit the economic bottom.

More on the 2009 Denim Forecase from DNR.

Every time a survey about men shopping comes out, the same result happens – Men hate to shop, don’t follow trends, blah, blah. So it’s nice to see this DNR survey, released last week. It states that 63 percent of men say they strongly or somewhat enjoy shopping and 83 percent say they buy most of their own clothes. A couple of years back the figures to these questions would have been markedly different, although you have to wonder whether there’s actually been a change or the men being surveyed are just being more honest nowadays.

Check out the full article at DNR.

DNR is reporting this morning on some moves from Polo Ralph Lauren towards the opening of solo standing purple and black mens stores. "Freestanding men’s stores for Black or Purple Label may be in the cards for Polo Ralph Lauren. As those labels continue to expand their reach, adding more product categories and offerings, the company is considering breaking them out as separate retail concepts."

Read the story at DNR.

DNR reports, "Alber Elbaz’s rejuvenation of Lanvin is spreading further into the men’s department, with a new-look store coming to London’s Savile Row this fall…The 1,600-square-foot boutique at 30-32, which will replace an outmoded unit on New Bond Street, will showcase the French brand’s runway collection, its classic 15 Faubourg line plus made-to-measure, a pillar of Lanvin’s men’s wear business since the ‘20s." (photo via HC)

Italy outwear maker, Fay is making a further push in the USA market, according to DNR. “Fay, the Italian outerwear brand, is out to make a name for itself stateside.

The Fay collection, including sportswear and outerwear, moved into the Barneys New York flagship on Madison Avenue last winter and, come fall, it will be rolled out to four additional Barneys doors…The business was founded in 1980 with one hit product, the “4-Hook” coat, inspired by American firemen’s coats.”

More to come on Fay…

DNR this morning is reporting that Banana Republic is converting their Bleeker Street store in NYC into their first “Monogram” label concept lab and shop. The “Monogram” concept store opens on April 7th and will remain for nine months.

Monogram is BR’s “elevated brand concept” of menswear that caters heavily to men looking for tailored attire, slim fits, and higher quality fabrics. A women’s line is set to launch this spring as well.

DNR is reporting that Riccardo Tisci has added mens ready-to-wear and accessories duties to his role as artistic director at French fashion house Givenchy. Tisci is the first named designer to fill the role since Ozwald Boateng in 2007 (Boateng subsequently moved to a role as consultant).

In 2005, Tisci was appointed director of Givenchy femme haute couture and ready-to-wear collection, and has since transform the line back to profitability. For more on Riccardo Tisci, read this New York Time’s Q&A with the designer from Feb. 2007.