It was sometime in April that Elaine and I were notified QVC was planning not to go forward with the Linea Brand. We were in shock because just a few weeks earlier we had a meeting with the buyers on how well the line was selling! We were dumb founded……absolutely blindsided…What could have happened in a matter of two weeks? The Spring shows were set through June,the buys were done and approved, and production was in the works, but Fall was still up in the air. They called a separate meeting at Elaine’s which we thought was a strategy meeting about Fall, and to show them sketches of what was planned. At this Thursday meeting they gave us the news! After they left Elaine, Rowena and I sat in her office in a state of shock, and tried to come up with different scenarios as to why this turn about had happened!? We had suspicions but no proof. We knew they were bringing in new “Designers”, and the on air time and money had to come from somewhere…..We guessed it was Linea, but we couldn’t be sure. All we new for sure was we were OUT. I posted on my website that Friday what had happened, and you ladies took over!!!!! By that next Weds. TPTB called for a “meeting”, and I agreed to meet, but not at QVC. We would meet at Elaine’s….my turf! You all know what happened! The uproar you all created shook them to the core. Nothing like this had ever happened, and they were shocked by the back lash….We met that following Thursday and I was back, but it was never the same. The buys became smaller, I had very few prime time shows, and then my time slot became 1:00pm. The TSVs stopped. It was evident to Elaine and me that they brought us back at a very diminished level, and just to appease the customers. You will notice how the fall line up was very small….Many of you noticed the difference and commented on the lack of TSVs and no evening hours…..but we were back, and we were back for another TEN YEARS!
IT WAS SOMETIME IN APRIL 2010″
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We would have raised a ruckus a second time had you wanted us to, Louis! But I think we all understand the difficulty of working in a toxic environment. Like the others, I have enough Linea to last me a couple of lifetimes. But I sorely miss seeing the new collections, which we all eagerly anticipated. And I along with others bought a few new pieces just to freshen up our wardrobes a bit. It was always fun to incorporate new Linea with what I already had for endless new creations. I continue to buy both fashion and jewelry for my daughter in law and pay QVC as little as I can by shopping shrewdly LOL!
I have been buying your clothing since your partnership with Donna Karan. I own a lot of Linea. QVC currently sells next to no office clothing and formal casual wear. Shortly all of us will have to return to offices. Jamie Dimon thinks it is time very shortly. It will be interesting! I might have to actually go into stores.
Thank you Louis for all of your beautiful Linea Clothing. As an example I am going to a wedding next weekend. For the Groom’s Dinner I am wearing my Linea tuxedo jacket with my Linea black sequin pants. For the wedding I am wearing my Linea silver/black embroidered skirt with my Linea black scoop neck 3/4 whisper knit sweater with a GILI wrap suede belt. I am so glad I purchased a lot of your beautiful Linea clothing, I will look effortlessly sensational at the wedding because you are my designer. Thank you
You’re a man of more generous heart than most. Many would have taken such affront at the insult of the sudden unexplained dismissal that just meeting on home turf would not be adequate. “Take this job and shove it.” comes to mind. But as you have heard loudly and clearly, THANK YOU, for staying loyal to your customers despite the enormous obstacles QVC kept throwing your way. We also appreciate the role Elaine and Jac played in fighting for your line and for your customers. I feel sorry for all the women who will miss out on looking like a Linea Lady. We’re an exclusive club and are so honored to be members.
Joanne, you are going to look spectacular!
I’m so very grateful to the powerful women who quickly organized to bring you back for the 10 years I was able to get to know you and your designs, Louis. My closets and drawers are full of Linea that will last me the rest of my life! Thank you for staying on Facebook and continuing your blog! All my best to you, Louis, and all the Linea ladies!
I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since QVC lost their minds the first time! I have brought my fair share of Linea to last and love a lifetime which I am truly thankful for. QVC is just one big mess that I no longer even watch and my purchases have dwindled dramatically. I still can’t believe some of the vendors they kept I can’t use the word designers because it does fit.
When a certain vendor left Shop NBC, I stopped buying there. I noticed the things they did to your line 10 years ago. And I have to be honest, I started buying less. Now that you are going I probably will too. Lot of junk on QVC and most of the presentations are pitiful.
How grateful I am that the original Linea Ladies rescued the line because I had not yet discovered you and my fantasy-wardrobe-come-true.
I joined the happy and well-dressed group a little after this fracture in your relationship with QVC. Thank heavens the ill-advised company had the good sense to retain the Linea brand.
I am grateful for those ten years, even if they were diminished; they were better than anything else, and it is during those ten years I got to know you through your blog. So cheers to the women who make themselves heard and the man that makes them look good!
I was, always, grateful to all the Ladies who spearheaded the campaign for your return. It was very well organized, contained impressive statistics and data and extremely successful. I remember them bringing in a designer who had a line at Target after several lines in New York became Unzipped, he seemed to be “the new boy in town”. I was delighted that we were all successful in achieving your return but I often wondered at what price to you. No matter what constraints were placed on you……………..you designed beautiful outfits and pieces for us of a designer quality that continued to delight. I thank you for your gift of being well dressed while wearing your designs. I am, always, delighted in my appearance knowing I have been personally styled by a fabulous designer. Have a fantastic Easter! As always, Cat
There was also a new “stylist” in town too, but I think her halo is slipping….it happens to all of us, as Bob Mackie warned so many many years ago.
Kisses! Remember, what goes around comes around and my all time favorite: Revenge is best served cold! oxoxoxoxo