POIRET HONOR: "Poiret: King of Fashion," last spring's exhibit at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will be honored at the International Association of Art Critics/USA's 20th AICA Awards. The show, which was curated by Harold Koda and Andrew Bolton, will be awarded first place in the best architecture or design show category. The ceremony, which honors museum shows, will be held at the Guggenheim Museum on March 17.

MAUS BUYS MORE GANT: Switzerland's Maus Frères SA on Tuesday said it had built its stake in Gant to 25.8 percent as it continues its hostile bid to gain control of the Swedish sportswear firm. Maus, the retailer that owns France's Lacoste sportswear brand, has been consolidating its stake in Gant over the last month despite Gant's management rejecting Maus' 5.3 billion kronor, or $809.3 million, offer. Maus' offer for Gant, which runs more than 300 stores, is good through Friday.