#Luxury fashion

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IG: @Motliez

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Cause It’s Money To Make

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IG: teairawalker

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Dior 2011 Couture F/W

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REMA | PARIS FASHION WEEK

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It's almost that time

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Antitrust is a labor issue

I'm touring my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me SATURDAY (Apr 27) in MARIN COUNTY, then Winnipeg (May 2), Calgary (May 3), Vancouver (May 4), and beyond!

This is huge: yesterday, the FTC finalized a rule banning noncompete agreements for every American worker. That means that the person working the register at a Wendy's can switch to the fry-trap at McD's for an extra $0.25/hour, without their boss suing them:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-announces-rule-banning-noncompetes

The median worker laboring under a noncompete is a fast-food worker making close to minimum wage. You know who doesn't have to worry about noncompetes? High tech workers in Silicon Valley, because California already banned noncompetes, as did Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington.

The fact that the country's largest economies, encompassing the most "knowledge-intensive" industries, could operate without shitty bosses being able to shackle their best workers to their stupid workplaces for years after those workers told them to shove it shows you what a goddamned lie noncompetes are based on. The idea that companies can't raise capital or thrive if their know-how can walk out the door, secreted away in the skulls of their ungrateful workers, is bullshit:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/02/its-the-economy-stupid/#neofeudal

Remember when OpenAI's board briefly fired founder Sam Altman and Microsoft offered to hire him and 700 of his techies? If "noncompetes block investments" was true, you'd think they'd have a hard time raising money, but no, they're still pulling in billions in investor capital (primarily from Microsoft itself!). This is likewise true of Anthropic, the company's major rival, which was founded by (wait for it), two former OpenAI employees.

Indeed, Silicon Valley couldn't have come into existence without California's ban on noncompetes – the first silicon company, Shockley Semiconductors, was founded by a malignant, delusional eugenicist who also couldn't manage a lemonade stand. His eight most senior employees (the "Traitorous Eight") quit his shitty company to found Fairchild Semiconductor, a rather successful chip shop – but not nearly so successful as the company that two of Fairchild's top employees founded after they quit: Intel:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/24/the-traitorous-eight-and-the-battle-of-germanium-valley/

Likewise a lie: the tale that noncompetes raise wages. This theory – beloved of people whose skulls are so filled with Efficient Market Hypothesis Brain-Worms that they've got worms dangling out of their nostrils and eye-sockets – holds that the right to sign a noncompete is an asset that workers can trade to their employers in exchange for better pay. This is absolutely true, provided you ignore reality.

Remember: the median noncompete-bound worker is a fast food employee making near minimum wage. The major application of noncompetes is preventing that worker from getting a raise from a rival fast-food franchisee. Those workers are losing wages due to noncompetes. Meanwhile, the highest paid workers in the country are all clustered in a a couple of cities in northern California, pulling down sky-high salaries in a state where noncompetes have been illegal since the gold rush.

If a capitalist wants to retain their workers, they can compete. Offer your workers get better treatment and better wages. That's how capitalism's alchemy is supposed to work: competition transmogrifies the base metal of a capitalist's greed into the noble gold of public benefit by making success contingent on offering better products to your customers than your rivals – and better jobs to your workers than those rivals are willing to pay. However, capitalists hate capitalism:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/18/in-extremis-veritas/#the-winnah

Capitalists hate capitalism so much that they're suing the FTC, in MAGA's beloved Fifth Circuit, before a Trump-appointed judge. The case was brought by Trump's financial advisors, Ryan LLC, who are using it to drum up business from corporations that hate Biden's new taxes on the wealthy and stepped up IRS enforcement on rich tax-cheats.

Will they win? It's hard to say. Despite what you may have heard, the case against the FTC order is very weak, as Matt Stoller explains here:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/ftc-enrages-corporate-america-by

The FTC's statutory authority to block noncompetes comes from Section 5 of the FTC Act, which bans "unfair methods of competition" (hard to imagine a less fair method than indenturing your workers). Section 6(g) of the Act lets the FTC make rules to enforce Section 5's ban on unfairness. Both are good law – 6(g) has been used many times (26 times in the five years from 1968-73 alone!).

The DC Circuit court upheld the FTC's right to "promulgate rules defining the meaning of the statutory standards of the illegality the Commission is empowered to prevent" in 1973, and in 1974, Congress changed the FTC Act, but left this rulemaking power intact.

The lawyer suing the FTC – Anton Scalia's larvum, a pismire named Eugene Scalia – has some wild theories as to why none of this matters. He says that because the law hasn't been enforced since the ancient days of the (checks notes) 1970s, it no longer applies. He says that the mountain of precedent supporting the FTC's authority "hasn't aged well." He says that other antitrust statutes don't work the same as the FTC Act. Finally, he says that this rule is a big economic move and that it should be up to Congress to make it.

Stoller makes short work of these arguments. The thing that tells you whether a law is good is its text and precedent, "not whether a lawyer thinks a precedent is old and bad." Likewise, the fact that other antitrust laws is irrelevant "because, well, they are other antitrust laws, not this antitrust law." And as to whether this is Congress's job because it's economically significant, "so what?" Congress gave the FTC this power.

Now, none of this matters if the Supreme Court strikes down the rule, and what's more, if they do, they might also neuter the FTC's rulemaking power in the bargain. But again: so what? How is it better for the FTC to do nothing, and preserve a power that it never uses, than it is for the Commission to free the 35-40 million American workers whose bosses get to use the US court system to force them to do a job they hate?

The FTC's rule doesn't just ban noncompetes – it also bans TRAPs ("training repayment agreement provisions"), which require employees to pay their bosses thousands of dollars if they quit, get laid off, or are fired:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/08/04/its-a-trap/#a-little-on-the-nose

The FTC's job is to protect Americans from businesses that cheat. This is them, doing their job. If the Supreme Court strikes this down, it further delegitimizes the court, and spells out exactly who the GOP works for.

This is part of the long history of antitrust and labor. From its earliest days, antitrust law was "aimed at dollars, not men" – in other words, antitrust law was always designed to smash corporate power in order to protect workers. But over and over again, the courts refused to believe that Congress truly wanted American workers to get legal protection from the wealthy predators who had fastened their mouth-parts on those workers' throats. So over and over – and over and over – Congress passed new antitrust laws that clarified the purpose of antitrust, using words so small that even federal judges could understand them:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/14/aiming-at-dollars/#not-men

After decades of comatose inaction, Biden's FTC has restored its role as a protector of labor, explicitly tackling competition through a worker protection lens. This week, the Commission blocked the merger of Capri Holdings and Tapestry Inc, a pair of giant conglomerates that have, between them, bought up nearly every "affordable luxury" brand (Versace, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, Stuart Weitzman, etc).

You may not care about "affordable luxury" handbags, but you should care about the basis on which the FTC blocked this merger. As David Dayen explains for The American Prospect: 33,000 workers employed by these two companies would lose the wage-competition that drives them to pay skilled sales-clerks more to cross the mall floor and switch stores:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-04-24-challenge-fashion-merger-new-antitrust-philosophy/

In other words, the FTC is blocking a $8.5b merger that would turn an oligopoly into a monopoly explicitly to protect workers from the power of bosses to suppress their wages. What's more, the vote was unanimous, include the Commission's freshly appointed (and frankly, pretty terrible) Republican commissioners:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-moves-block-tapestrys-acquisition-capri

A lot of people are (understandably) worried that if Biden doesn't survive the coming election that the raft of excellent rules enacted by his agencies will die along with his presidency. Here we have evidence that the Biden administration's anti-corporate agenda has become institutionalized, acquiring a bipartisan durability.

And while there hasn't been a lot of press about that anti-corporate agenda, it's pretty goddamned huge. Back in 2021, Tim Wu (then working in the White wrote an executive order on competition that identified 72 actions the agencies could take to blunt the power of corporations to harm everyday Americans:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/08/party-its-1979-og-antitrust-back-baby

Biden's agency heads took that plan and ran with it, demonstrating the revolutionary power of technical administrative competence and proving that being good at your job is praxis:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/18/administrative-competence/#i-know-stuff

In just the past week, there's been a storm of astoundingly good new rules finalized by the agencies:

A minimum staffing ratio for nursing homes;

The founding of the American Climate Corps;

A guarantee of overtime benefits;

A ban on financial advisors cheating retirement savers;

Medical privacy rules that protect out-of-state abortions;

A ban on junk fees in mortgage servicing;

Conservation for 13m Arctic acres in Alaska;

Classifying "forever chemicals" as hazardous substances;

A requirement for federal agencies to buy sustainable products;

Closing the gun-show loophole.

That's just a partial list, and it's only Thursday.

Why the rush? As Gerard Edic writes for The American Prospect, finalizing these rules now protects them from the Congressional Review Act, a gimmick created by Newt Gingrich in 1996 that lets the next Senate wipe out administrative rules created in the months before a federal election:

https://prospect.org/politics/2024-04-23-biden-administration-regulations-congressional-review-act/

In other words, this is more dazzling administrative competence from the technically brilliant agencies that have labored quietly and effectively since 2020. Even laggards like Pete Buttigieg have gotten in on the act, despite a very poor showing in the early years of the Biden administration:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/11/dinah-wont-you-blow/#ecp

Despite those unpromising beginnings, the DOT has gotten onboard the trains it regulates, and passed a great rule that forces airlines to refund your money if they charge you for services they don't deliver:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/24/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-rules-to-deliver-automatic-refunds-and-protect-consumers-from-surprise-junk-fees-in-air-travel/

The rule also bans junk fees and forces airlines to compensate you for late flights, finally giving American travelers the same rights their European cousins have enjoyed for two decades.

It's the latest in a string of muscular actions taken by the DOT, a period that coincides with the transfer of Jen Howard from her role as chief of staff to FTC chair Lina Khan to a new gig as the DOT's chief of competition enforcement:

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/2024-04-25-transportation-departments-new-path/

Under Howard's stewardship, the DOT blocked the merger of Spirit and Jetblue, and presided over the lowest flight cancellation rate in more than decade:

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/2023-numbers-more-flights-fewer-cancellations-more-consumer-protections

All that, along with a suite of protections for fliers, mark a huge turning point in the US aviation industry's long and worsening abusive relationship with the American public. There's more in the offing, too including a ban on charging families extra for adjacent seats, rules to make flying with wheelchairs easier, and a ban on airlines selling passenger's private information to data brokers.

There's plenty going on in the world – and in the Biden administration – that you have every right to be furious and/or depressed about. But these expert agencies, staffed by experts, have brought on a tsunami of rules that will make every working American better off in a myriad of ways. Those material improvements in our lives will, in turn, free us up to fight the bigger, existential fights for a livable planet, free from genocide.

It may not be a good time to be alive, but it's a much better time than it was just last week.

And it's only Thursday.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/25/capri-v-tapestry/#aiming-at-dollars-not-men

[theblackfemininesociety]

⏰ Its Time To Level Up Your Wardrobe: Everything You Need to Slay This Fall / Winter ! 💋

Hello Besties and Future Besties of B.F.S,

Tis’ the season to dress to impress! As the holidays approach, it's time to embrace vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics, and fashionable accessories that capture the festive and wintry spirit. From cozy gatherings to glamorous parties, each occasion calls for a unique outfit that showcases your personal style. Whether you opt for a classic little black dress, a chic tailored suit, or a playful holiday sweater, remember to accessorize with flair. Statement jewelry, elegant shoes, and a stylish clutch can elevate any look, making you shine at every event. Embrace the season's trends, mix and match textures, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

This is where your BFF (us, duh!) comes in to make sure you have the best fashion looks while you create unforgettable memories!

👩🏿‍🎨 Let's start with the color schemes:

As the seasons change, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with inspiring color schemes that capture the essence of fall and winter. Think warm earth tones, rich jewel hues, and cozy neutrals that not only evoke the beauty of nature during these months but also create stylish, layered looks. Use the color palettes above as a guide to mix and match pieces, from chunky knits to tailored coats, ensuring your outfits are not only chic but also reflective of the season's spirit!

It’s a Cheetah-licious Fall 🐆

Animal prints (done the right way) can add flair and dimension to your looks! This season we want you ladies to experiment with cheetah/leopard prints! Whether it's a boot, jacket or scarf, we encourage you to mix and match these bold patterns with your existing wardrobe. Pair a cheetah print scarf with a solid-colored top for a chic look, or wear leopard print boots with a denim skirt for an edgy vibe. Don't be afraid to layer different prints together; just keep the colors complementary for a stylish effect (see season color schemes above) . Accessories are key, so consider adding a statement bag or bold jewelry to complete your outfit. Embrace your wild side and have fun with these trendy prints!

😻 Fur Trimmed Galore:

Last season, we discussed the importance of elevating your jacket selections (see post here) we mentioned how fur was giving ✨Rich Aunty💰✨ just like the Sherling jacket was highly recommended last season. We urge you to look into ANY clothing item with a fur trimming to elevate your look.

👛 Meet Tweed, Plaid’s Rich Bougie Sister:

As the crisp air of fall and winter settles in, tweed clothing emerges as the quintessential choice for those seeking both warmth and sophistication. This elevated plaid fabric, with its rich textures and intricate patterns, effortlessly elevates any ensemble, making it a staple for the season. Tweed’s timeless elegance not only provides comfort against the chill but also adds a touch of refinement to your wardrobe, whether you’re dressing for a cozy gathering or a formal event. Embrace the allure of tweed this season and step out in style, showcasing a look that is both classic and contemporary.

👢Soft Girl Suede:

This winter, let’s embrace the cozy charm of the "soft girl suede" look – it’s the perfect blend of comfort and style that will make you feel effortlessly chic! Imagine stepping out in those stunning suede high boots paired with an oversized shirt and a flirty skirt, topped off with some chic gloves to keep you warm. Suede not only looks fabulous, but it also adds a luxurious touch to any outfit, making it a must-have for the season. So let’s elevate our wardrobe and wrap ourselves in the soft, dreamy textures of suede – trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this trend!

🥋 The Power of a Belt:

A little beltology is needed this season. Point number one: do not underestimate the power of adding a belt to your look. Whether it’s a simple leather belt to add on to your trousers or a glamorous statement belt to put over your blazers or dresses, please get your belt game up! If you can splurge on a designer belt this season. This will add a little extra touch to your outfits! Accessories are a must so have fun and don’t overthink it 😉

🪢 Dare to Mix and Match Fabrics?

As we embrace the cozy charm of fall and winter, let’s elevate our layering game by mixing fabrics for a stylish twist! Imagine the warmth of a chunky knit sweater paired with the sleek elegance of a silk blouse, or the rugged appeal of a denim jacket layered over a soft cashmere turtleneck. Mixing textures not only adds depth and interest to our outfits but also allows us to play with colors and patterns in exciting new ways. This season, let's break free from the ordinary and create unique looks that reflect our individual styles. So, gather your favorite pieces, experiment with combinations, and watch how effortlessly chic our ensembles become—because layering isn’t just about warmth; it’s about making a statement!

👔 Layering with Corsets:

As the chill sets in and our wardrobes start to cozy up, it’s the perfect time to add a little flair to those capsule favorites! 🤎 This fall and winter, let’s take our style game to the next level by layering corsets over our beloved staples like a crisp white button-up, a chic long-sleeve dress, or even that classic blazer jacket!

Imagine the magic: a structured corset adds a touch of sophistication and a hint of edge, transforming your everyday looks into stunning outfits that turn heads! 🤩 Whether you’re heading to brunch, a night out, or just want to feel fabulous while running errands, this layering trick is a must-try!

🎨Colorful Monochromatics:

As we embrace the cozy vibes of fall and winter, why not add a splash of fun to our wardrobes? This season, let’s say goodbye to the dull and hello to colorful monochromatic looks that are not only stunning but super easy to pull off!

Imagine stepping out in a chic matching set or coordinating pieces that make you feel like a fashionista without the fuss. ✨ The best part? You can choose one or two pops of color from the fabulous color schemes above and effortlessly build outfits that turn heads! 💥

Whether you’re vibing with warm earth tones or cool hues, monochromatic looks can totally work with our core colors too! So, let’s mix and match, layer it up, and have fun with our outfits this season.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Connect With Us 🫶🏽🫶🏾🫶🏿

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[authenticfashionstatements]

Ben Frank

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