Bernard Arnault, LVMH's chairman, has expressed interest in Calvin Klein, but he is cool in his enthusiasm at best. American companies have a reputation for already being too loose with their labels. You have fantastic brands, but they are the creation of the last 20 years. American brands, they are the fastest to build. Everyone seems to be shunning the Americans.
American designers sense a bit of snobbery.
I've never had an expression of interest from them, and it's surprising, in my opinion,'' he said. It is not a frequent phenomenon to have a brand that is so hot and is still small,'' Mr. Arnault acknowledged. Hermes International S.A., the maker of elaborately pattered silk scarves and ties, and Salvatore Ferragamo, known for its comfortable dowdy pumps, are quietly on many investors' wish lists, and both say they are not interested. Nor is the Italian fashion retailer Stefanel, whose share price jumped 14 percent one day earlier this month on rumors that LVMH was preparing a bid. In the chase to make so few tightly held firms consider selling out, investors are finding themselves in expensive contortions.