Fashion Mannuscript October 2023

MOVIN G FA S HIO N

FROM SH I P TO SH ORE A N D DO O R TO DOO R FASTER

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STEP INTO SPRING

Look ahead to bright days and sunny styles as you source Spring/Summer ’24 and more at Atlanta Apparel this October. See full collections for the next season as well as top brands for Resort, Accessories, and Shoes. Don’t miss the one market where you can find everything you need in one place, with affordable hotels and plenty of award-winning dining and entertainment options nearby, trend presentations to inspire you, and fun activations to make your trip memorable.

FUTURE MARKET DATES

October 10–14, 2023

February 6–9, 2024

April 9–12, 2024

June 4–7, 2024

July 30–August 2, 2024

October 15–18, 2024

Atlanta-Apparel.com #atlapparel | @apparelmarkets

EDITORIAL Editor

Laurie Melchionne

Editorial Consultant

Debra Hazel

Associate Editor

Alex Baumbusch

Copy Editor

Geraldine Melchionne

California Editors

Daniella Platt

Kimberly Goodnight

Southeast Editor

Shanna Forrestall Director of Communications and Marketing

Penelope Herrera

Director of Newsletter Division

Cheri Phillips

PRESIDENT/CEO

Jeff Mann

ART

Art Director

Krystal Peguero

Graphic Designer

Serena Bhullar

Associate Designer

Ran Jing

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Jack Victor

CONTRIBUTORS

Ronald S. Friedman

Frank DeLucia

R. Couri Hay

Joseph Pastrana

Anne Marie Soto

Debra Hazel

Michele Gerber Klein

Donna Johnson-Klonsky

Laurie Melchionne

Krystal Peguero

BUSINESS

Technology Consultant

Joshua Fried

Distribution

Mitchell’s Delivery Service

California Distribution

MD Service

West Coast Advisor

Ilse Metchek

DIGITAL MEDIA

Serena Bhullar

Krystal Peguero

Debra Hazel

Penelope Herrera

Alex Baumbusch

Web Developer

CS Designworks

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ONE MANN’S OPINION

Hello everyone and happy New Year!

This past month marked a busy season for us here at Mann Publications. We had a presence covering coastto-coast events all over the country. From MAGIC, SOURCING, PROJECT and COTERIE in Las Vegas, to inclusive fashion shows in Nashville, Tennessee, to our in-depth reporting on New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the team at Fashion Mannuscript has really taken coverage on the national apparel and consumer products industry to the next level.

We also saw our friends at Marcum, LLP and Rosenthal & Rosenthal, where important industry decision-makers from New York and Los Angeles mingled at the two companies’ cocktail parties at MAGIC in Las Vegas. As soon as trade show season was over in Vegas, it was time to hit the runway at NYFW, where, as you’ll see in this issue, menswear and fall/winter collections are in full swing.

Another tremendous success was the Mann Charitable Foundation’s annual Golf Outing, which honored Robert Grbic of White Oak Commercial Finance and Christopher D. Peterman of PKF O’Connor Davies for their outstanding contributions to the apparel and consumer products industry. It was our most successful golf outing to date, with professionals from all across the industry turning out in large numbers to celebrate, network and donate to a great cause.

We are always changing, expanding and improving on new and exciting things. For this issue, we have stepped into a new category that, this fall and winter season, demands our attention: menswear. Jack Victor has always been a staple in the menswear fashion category, and their contemporary take on traditional styles has been the perfect fit for October’s cover. I hope you will enjoy it!

“To have respect for ourselves guides our morals; and to have a deference for others governs our manners.”

-Laurence Sterne, “The Koran,” The Works of Laurence Sterne

Fall has begun here in New York with New York Fashion Week (NYFW), where designers from all over the world gathered to flaunt their upcoming fall/winter 2023 collections. My favorite highlights include Canada Goose’s women-empowerment line with a campaign shot by the incomparable Annie Leibovitz. Pacsun and the MET are also at it again with another collection inspired by the museum’s Greco-Roman sculptures, a line that transports wearers back in time to the glory of antiquity. Speaking of history, another one of our features is about Desmalter, a French handbag brand that blends elements of its Napoleonic past, underscored by their history of making furniture not only for Napoleon Bonaparte himself, but for a long lineage of French royalty.

Another reason why this issue is so exciting is because we’ve ventured into menswear. It is not often that we cover mens’ fashion, but the brands and events you’ll find within these pages were too good to miss. This includes Mens’ Day at New York Fashion Week, TAELOR custom menswear tailoring services and, last but not least, Jack Victor’s fall collection that graces our cover and honors the autumn vibes in Montreal, Canada.

Fall is a popular season for a reason. Pumpkin spice and cooler weather aside, this season marks the return of some of our favorite fashion staples.

So join us in welcoming back sweaters, scarves and leather boots with our Fall Issue!

KNOW GREATER ADVICE

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MARCUM LLP HITS MAGIC LAS VEGAS

The Consumer and Industrial Products Group at Marcum LLP networked with guests during a cocktail reception at MAGIC in Las Vegas. MAGIC, one of the premiere apparel trade shows of the summer season, is a major hub for buyers, sellers, exhibitors and accounting and fi nancial advisors like Marcum LLP. Check out the event’s behind-the-scenes here.

ROSENTHAL & ROSENTHAL HOSTS SEMI-ANNUAL COCKTAIL PARTY AT MAGIC

FASHION IS FOR EVERYBODY

Fashion is For Every Body is a Nashville-based non-profit that uses fashion “as a language to promote body positivity and self esteem while seeking inclusion for all ages, sizes and physical abilities.” Their recent runway show at Studio 615 featured an array of talented designers and models ranging in age from 18 to 66 and sizes 00 to 3x. The show offered a selection of fashion forward looks from local boutiques as well as work from established Nashville designers like Laura Citron of A Lady of the Lake and many more.

Guests enjoyed light bites from Actual Food Nashville and beverages from Corsair Distillery and Heineken and was a lovely “retirement party” for founder Alicia Searcy who is officially stepping down. Searcy’s work has paved the way for models, designers and consumers in the region by encouraging and showcasing inclusive design. She will be missed, but she’s raised an incredible team of local creatives who are determined to carry on her important work.

“The idea of Fashion being inclusive always seemed so common sense to me. As a wheelchair dependent woman, dressing with intention and finding my voice with my clothing has been life-changing. I wanted every adult, all ages, sizes, sexual orientations, gender identities and physical abilities to have that experience. Fashion is for Every Body has made that wish very real,” said Searcy.

MANN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION HOSTS 2023 GOLF OUTING

The Mann Charitable Foundation hosted its 2023 Golf Outing this past summer to raise awareness and donate to charities that fight Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, Crohn’s and colitis, liver disease and other geriatric diseases. It was a full day of events, networking, fundraising and golf at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, New York.

This year’s honorees were Robert Grbic, president and CEO of White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC and Christopher D. Peterman, partner at PKF O’Connor Davies. Grbic and Peterman were honored for their contributions to financial advising in the apparel industry and beyond, as well as for their ongoing relationship with the Foundation.

The Luxury Real Estate Authority

Bonnie Heatzig is the Director of Luxury Sales for Douglas Elliman and rated nationally as the top 1% of real estate agents nationwide with over 1 Billion Dollars in sales. She ranks among the most elite agents in South Florida thanks to her unparalleled knowledge of the ultra-luxury real estate market, especially in Boca Raton.

What truly sets Bonnie apart is the fact that she is a licensed attorney, making her able to navigate even the most complex contracts with ease and finesse. Bonnie approaches every deal with a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to help her clients. Her ability to build strong and lasting relationships is a testament to her exceptional interpersonal skills and her unwavering commitment to providing the most personalized, ultra-exclusive services.

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY GOLF CAR HAS ARRIVED

Crafted from only the highest quality automotive materials, and through the most revolutionary design in the industry, Garia creates vehicles that perform even better than they look. Recognized as much for its functionality and usability as for its modern Scandinavian aesthetic, the Garia is not just your average golf cart. It’s a golf car.

RACK ROOM SHOES WELCOMES RANDOLPH BRODWIN AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND NEW CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Rack Room Shoes, a leading name in the footwear retail industry, has named Randolph Brodwin as its new senior vice president and chief legal officer. With nearly three decades of corporate legal and business expertise, Brodwin plays a key role in guiding Rack Room Shoes through its next phase of growth and innovation.

“I am honored to join Rack Room Shoes and provide legal oversight and strategic guidance to the organization,” said Brodwin. “Rack Room Shoes has a storied history in the retail sector, and I am excited to contribute to its continued success through sound legal strategies.”

In his new capacity, Brodwin leads Rack Room Shoes’ legal team, overseeing a range of legal aspects including compliance, strategic development, litigation, commercial transactions, intellectual property, privacy and risk mitigation. His appointment to the executive leadership team underscores Rack Room Shoes’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal integrity while fostering innovation and expansion.

Brodwin’s appointment comes as part of Rack Room Shoes’ strategic efforts to fortify its leadership team and continue positioning the company as a leader in the ever-evolving footwear market. Previously, Brodwin was vice president – associate general counsel at Foot Locker, and most recently vice president – legal affairs at Circle K.

CROCS, INC. WELCOMES ERINN MURPHY AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, INVESTOR RELATIONS AND CORPORATE STRATEGY

Crocs, Inc. announced that Erinn Murphy was hired as senior vice president, Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy. Murphy joined the Enterprise leadership team and reports directly to Crocs, Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Anne Mehlman.

Murphy joins the organization from leading investment bank, Piper Sandler. She has nearly 20 years of deep experience in the financial industry and a proven track record of top research performance. Most recently, Murphy served as the managing director of consumer equity Capital Markets, with oversight of the group’s consumer sector. She built her career on Wall Street as an equity research analyst, leading Piper Sandler’s global lifestyle brand coverage across nearly 30 stocks, including Crocs, Inc.

Throughout her career, she has lent her expertise as a frequent contributor to top national news outlets, including Forbes, Wall Street Journal and CNBC. She was also integral in authoring Piper Sandler’s “Taking Stock With Teens,” a consumer insights survey on Gen Z spending patterns and brand preferences. In addition to her experience at Piper Sandler, Murphy previously held roles at ExxonMobil.

Murphy joins at a time of incredible momentum for Crocs, Inc., with the company experiencing a fifth consecutive year of record revenue growth and industry-leading profitability. The Crocs and HEYDUDE brands are aligned with where consumers are today and will be in the future, providing comfort and style at an accessible price point.

THE ORIGINAL HERITAGE SNEAKER EVERYONE IS WEARING THIS FALL

Fall calls for new sneakers and K-SWISS has the perfect everyday shoes you need! The ST329 CMF and the ARVEE 1.5 are a few fan favorites this season.

Providing both style and comfort the ST329 comes in an upgraded model for even better comfort and quality. Designed to last you a lifetime the inside of this shoe features a cushy Smartfoam Strobel board and a premium Ortholite insole for long lasting comfort.

The ARVEE 1.5 comes in a perfect chocolate brown along with other timeless shades to choose from. The sneaker delivers sleek style with a leather upper and classic lace-up closure. The low profile cupsole offers comfort to complement this athletic shoe’s sporty style. Make sure to gear up this fall with K-SWISS!

SKECHERS PERFORMANCE FOOTBALL

BOOTS NOW AVAILABLE

Over the last several weeks, fans around the world have watched Harry Kane on the pitch as he scored multiple goals for his new Bayern Munich club wearing Skechers Football boots. Now players of all levels are able to bring this incredible performance to their game with the arrival of Skechers Football boots in the U.K. and Europe.

The Company known for its product innovations and award-winning performance technologies has developed an advanced Skechers Football collection with three new boots for women and men. Featuring a custom-designed last meticulously crafted to optimize comfort, this unique boot ensures that every player experiences the perfect fit for enhancing touch on the field. The SKX_01 is available in both a standard low profile, as well as a high-top version for upgraded ankle support. Additionally, the Skechers Razor is a lightweight speed boot with an explosive track-inspired design to maximize acceleration and energy return. It features a carbon-infused soleplate for responsive power and agility during play.

The full collection of Skechers Football boots is available now at skechers.co.uk/football and skechers.de/football, as well as at select Skechers stores and specialty football retailers in the U.K. and across Europe. Football fans can get behind-the-scenes access to Skechers Football product launches and more by following @skechersfootball on Instagram and TikTok.

LANCOME AND THE LOURVE COLLAB FOR “BEAUTY IS A LIVING ART”

The Louvre Museum and Lancôme are joining forces in an unprecedented collaboration. Inspired by nine masterpieces from the sculpture department, as well as the museum’s lights and colors, Lancôme has designed a limited-edition of skincare and makeup products signed Lancôme x Louvre.

The campaign supporting this launch was filmed at the Louvre Museum with Zendaya, Aya Nakamura, Amanda Seyfried and He Cong, all ambassadors of this collaboration. These four personalities, each an image of the beauty of our time, embody the characteristics and myths of a few sculptural icons through their strong personalities.

From its inception in 1793, the Louvre Museum was intended a place where artists could learn from the works of great masters, drawing inspiration to create their own pieces. To this day, the Louvre is a living museum, an inexhaustible source of inspiration for all creators, as art history continues to illuminate our times in many areas. For this unprecedented partnership, Lancôme was inspired by the Venus de Milo, Victory of Samothrace, Corine, Diana of Gabies, Nymphe with a Scorpion, Echo, Hygieia, Venus of Arles and, finally, Hermaphrodite. Each of these masterpieces, through its story and that of the myth it embodies, inspired Lisa Eldridge, global creative director of Lancôme Makeup, to create this makeup collection.

SALLY BEAUTY LAUNCHES BONDBAR HAIR COLOR AND EXPANDS AWARD-WINNING CARE LINE

Sally Beauty, the ultimate destination for salon-quality hair color and care, announces the third extension to the Bondbar product line. This line of bonding solutions amassed thousands of rave reviews and award-winning status within its first year. With the newest expansion, Sally Beauty is redefining hair care and reinventing color with a line of permanent shades expertly designed with built-in bond repair. Also launching are four new bonding products, including a first-to-market shampoo and three versatile styling products.

The “skinification” of hair has continued to rise in popularity, with consumers consciously seeking products that elevate their routines and prioritize their hair health. Sally Beauty strives to remove the barrier for color-loving consumers worried about hair damage. The beauty retailer harnessed its rich expertise in product innovation to create the Bondbar Bonding Permanent Hair Color. It is the first full shade range of permanent hair color at Sally Beauty specially designed and tested to deliver bonding technology to strengthen, condition, repair hair fibers and reinforce bonds while providing 100% gray coverage.

On the care front, the retailer’s newest Bondbar repair products include solutions to detangle and help deliver smooth, moisturized styles for all hair types and textures. A standout is the first-ever Bonding Blue Shampoo. This innovative product is specifically designed to brighten and remove brassiness from brunette hair, providing shade support to this most common hair color, which is often plagued with fading, dullness and brassiness. These new innovative additions bring the Bondbar lineup to 14 products with bonding technology. Bondbar was developed with proprietary formulas that work by penetrating deep into the hair cortex, creating new hydrogen and ionic bonds that support and restore the internal keratin structure. This provides improved strength and manageability for damaged hair.

LAFC AND PACSUN UNITE SOCCER AND STYLE WITH FIRST EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE COLLECTION

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), known for its dynamic gameplay and passionate fanbase, and California-based retailer Pacsun expand on their community partnership to introduce dedicated merchandise, encapsulating sport and streetwear. The limitededition apparel collection incorporates LAFC’s bold black and gold colors and striking crest.

Pacsun continues to meet consumers where they live, creating an outlet for selfexpression by merging fashion with their interests. With the ever-growing popularity of soccer in the United States, the partnership stands as a testament to Pacsun’s consistent relevancy in pop culture and style. The accessible line allows fans everywhere to flaunt their gameday pride and shop the line at BMO Stadium or from their living room. Pacsun dives deeper into the world of Major League Soccer through this creative collaboration, broadening the LAFC fanbase nationwide.

Together, Pacsun and LAFC teamed up with the Bresee Youth Center to provide local students with necessary apparel and supplies. Recent impact moments have included a Mock Interview Day for career development coaching, the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) end-of-year celebration and the Annual Bresee Backpack Distribution Day. Pacsun’s presence at LAFC Fan Fest events has helped amp up fans through entertaining activities, offering fans and customers exclusive access to free products, discounts and more.

AURATE LAUNCHES AT MACY’S WITH EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION, AUDREY BY AURATE

Aurate, the sustainable, high-quality and luxury jewelry brand, announced the launch of its new collection, Audrey by Aurate, made exclusively and in partnership with Macy’s. Aurate is one of the first jewelry brands to design an exclusive collection with a sister brand business model, which is created by Aurate specifically for Macy’s customers. The exclusive collection is available for purchase online and will be sold in 167 stores nationwide at Macy’s exclusively.

The collection features 150 pieces, including a Zodiac collection and extended size rings. Also featured in the collection are on-trend styling in rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, with an average price point of $500. The line celebrates women and consists of beautiful pieces crafted in gold plated fine sterling silver and 14 kt gold paired with natural diamonds and colorful gemstones. Aurate values its customers’ opinions and desires, and promises to always design and evolve products that speak to its audience. The selections in the Audrey by Aurate collection were designed specifically for Macy’s customers and made to last a lifetime.

For more information, please visit auratenewyork. com and follow its Instagram at @auratenewyork.

FLASHBACK PART 6:

20th FashionCenturyHistory Los Angeles

Hello again! October has arrived, and with the holiday season approaching, it seems appropriate for me to speculate on what is in store for the fashion industry. I am normally very optimistic, and I believe everything will work out okay for those in the industry. But this year seems different. Retailers are currently having a difficult time meeting budgets and expected sales levels. Living in Los Angeles allows me to hear shoppers’ fears during these difficult times.

Do you go out to the stores and shop, or do you stay home for fear of coming face-to-face with smashers and grabbers? Retail stores operate in fear of being vandalized by gangs running throughout the city. We are seeing a decline in foot traffic at retail stores. Sales are reported at levels that do not support the stores’ expenses. Will these fears continue through the holiday season? I suspect to some extent, but the public will go shopping with caution and some trepidation.

Los Angeles is no different than many large cities in the United States. We are all concerned about our retail crime and the lack of responses from our mayors and city councils. They seem to give us a lot of talk with a lack of execution of policy. The police cannot stop the crimes for several reasons, including a lack of personnel and district attorneys who will not prosecute. In Los Angeles, you can steal $900 a day and

not spend time in jail. San Francisco is worse than Los Angeles as many major retailers have closed their doors due to the high rate of crime and lack of customers shopping. City streets downtown are empty, with stores boarded up. A client of Marcum told me that he is afraid to come downtown because he does not know where to park his car and where it will be safe.

Being an optimistic person, I believe the malls will increase security over the holiday season, and the shoppers will be there. Everyone wants to feel good during the season and spend money on gifts for family and friends. The malls can afford the extra security, but the local brickand-mortar retailers cannot afford that extra security. Retailers earn their money in the final quarter of the year, but I am not so confident about this year.

This article is part of the financial section, and I have given you my thoughts about the current state of affairs. Still, I love to talk about the history of the apparel industry in Los Angeles. Since we are talking about difficult times now, let us go back to 1973 and the oil embargo by OPEC. In 1973, oil went from $2.90 a barrel to $11.65 a barrel by January 1974. By 1979, the cost of a barrel of oil was $40.

What I remember most about the increase in oil was sitting in my car for up to two hours to fill my gas tank, and I could only fill up on

even or odd days of the week, depending on my license plate number. That was the most inefficient way to spend my day when I could have been with my apparel clients, advising them on how to survive this crisis. It was not only that we had a hard time getting fuel for our cars, but inflation was running rampant in this country. Fuel drives all costs from receiving the fabric, moving the material to the contractors for production, and ultimately to the retail stores and the consumer. Who pays for all these cost increases? Of course, the consumer pays.

Every month, our clients repriced their lines as the cost kept creeping up. Every quarter, the employees received raises just to keep up with the rate of inflation. By 1979, the cost of money was getting really expensive, with banks loaning money at 20% and manufacturers having no choice but to pay the high-interest rates. They needed money to pay their bills and borrowing on accounts receivable from their factor or bank was the only source of money.

Does any of this sound familiar? Of course, it does. We have come full circle, and here we are today with rising costs for all products. Inflation is here, and we can all look at the rising cost of fuel affecting all products that are consumed. The manufacturers take all these cost increases and just pass them on to the consumer. In my opinion, the one major change that will get costs under control is to become fuel-independent and drive down the price of a barrel of oil. Maybe wishful thinking, though, as I said, I like to be optimistic! In the 1980s, fuel costs came all the way back to $10 per barrel from $40 per barrel, so let’s hope the same will happen in 2024 with fuel costs coming down and the economy improving.

Until next time, remember what I always conclude with…if you are not having fun, then do something else!

GINA SABIO

DESMALTER: Century-Spanning French Heritage

2020, the company started in 1775 when Georges Jacob Desmalter began to make cabinets and furniture that would eventually be supplied to five French kings. The grandeur of pieces like the Imperial Throne Chair (from the real throne chair in Tuileries Palace, recreated by Savchenko in 2020) caught the eye of Napoleon Bonaparte himself–both for the Sphinx armrests that honor Napoleon’s Egypt campaign and for the easily assembled pieces that the French military commander would require while marching across the Continent.

Savchenko turned the brand into a competitive haute couture label with a presence at major fashion weeks around the world. In doing so, Savchenko elevated Desmalter’s legacy of French furniture-making and ensured that the products of its early days lived on in his bags and accessories inspired by the furnishings it once produced.

With gilded wood engravings on honey-speckled maple, mahogany and amaranth, sculpted winged sphinx armrests, plated gold leaf and silk velvet covers, the chairs have graced royal drawing rooms for decades and can be made to order today.

It is from these chairs that the Desmalter bag was born. Printed with fabrics made from the traditional Jacquard method, Desmlater integrates old-world French craftsmanship to produce an authentic, slowmade bag that Napoleon probably would have seen had he ordered handbags in addition to portable imperial armchairs.

“There are jewelry-like elements in each bag,” Savchenko explained. “This elevates each item into the kind of keepsake that Desmalter

Today, the word “imperialism” conjures images of Europe’s aristocratic past that, frankly, is unrelatable for 21st-century fashionistas. Desmalter, the Paris-based accessories brand with roots in 18th-century royalty, has turned this perspective on its head.

Just in time for Ridley Scott’s upcoming epic, “Napoleon,” Desmalter’s bags honor France’s Napoleonic legacy with the eight-pointed Imperial Star, a logo featured across items such as the Sphinx Handbag, Griffon Tote, Griffon Pouch and Griffon Leather Tote. Empire Green colors and the signature royal lion paw that accents each bag’s handle are other signature elements that harken to the brand’s aristocratic heritage.

While Desmalter was revitalized by Fedor Georges Savchenko in

products originally were back in the 18th-century; quality items sourced with unique materials that are the best-in-market in terms of both historical technique and sustainable production practices.”

Grounded in a centuries-old appreciation for style and efficiency in travel, Desmalter’s bags and accessories continue to utilize jacquard fabric and printed linen for durable, waterproof products. The Imperial Star and lion’s paw handles, staple elements wearers will find on each item, were seen on furniture present for Napoleon’s coronation ceremony as emperor. By printing these images on each bag, Desmalter has immortalized symbols of Napoleonic history that his contemporaries would have witnessed…and brought it to the 21st-century handbag-lover.

“We are presenting new elements on the bags at Fashion Week in October, and we will have a presence in LA, Monaco, Taiwan and so many other places around the world where we are establishing exciting brand partnerships,” added Savchenko. “We have clients all over the world, and even a presence in the art world when we attend events like Art Basel in Miami. We offer something for everyone.”

Sourcing comes from the finest materials that blend elegance with durability. Calfskin, Jacquard fabric, double-sided printed linen and solid leather are some of the varieties that customers can choose from in each bag. These materials make each item different from the last, especially with Desmalter’s customization options. This service allows wearers to personalize a tote, crossbody or accessory with initials, dates, imperial logos and more. Desmalter allows its wearer to put their own stamp on an item steeped in royal heritage, turning Napoleon-era imperialism into a style statement for the masses.

REVO EYEWEAR

DELIVERS INNOVATION WITH DESIGNER BORI KERESZTURI

Bori Kereszturi, a Hungarian native and NYU alumna, is leading the charge as the Head of Product Design at Revo, the NASA-tech sunglass brand. With a background in digital design and drawing inspiration from her experiences in Budapest, London and New York, Kereszturi has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of this iconic independent American heritage brand and the evolution of Revo.

Kereszturi’s design philosophy blends the classic appeal of Revo’s origins from 1985 with cutting-edge styling, seamlessly incorporating state-ofthe-art technologies and premium materials. This fusion of classic and contemporary aesthetics has set Revo apart in an increasingly competitive market. Beyond her aesthetics, Kereszturi’s designs are meticulously engineered to deliver not just style but also superior protection and comfort.

Her unwavering dedication to both form and function has garnered Revo acclaim from the realms of fashion and adventure sports alike. Revo’s recent appearance in National Geographic’s “Lost in the Arctic” documentary, worn by expeditioners and filmmakers Renan Ozturk and Mark Synnott, is a testament to the brand’s enduring allure.

Kereszturi’s impact extends beyond her role as a designer; she has been

a dynamic force in some of Revo’s most captivating collaborations. The brand has united forces with sports icons like golf legend Annika Sorenstam, Peloton’s Kendall Toole and Olympian Bode Miller, resulting in remarkable collections tailored to specific pursuits. In partnership with Annika Sorenstam, Revo crafted sunglasses engineered to perfection for golfers, featuring polarized lenses that elevate visibility on the greens, while ensuring all-day comfort.

The collaboration with Kendall Toole resulted in a line of sunglasses epitomizing chic design, catering specifically to the fitness community by blending fashion and comfort. Collaborating with Bode Miller, Revo ventured into the realm of light-adaptive ski goggles and bright designs, encapsulating the adrenaline-fueled spirit of mountain sports. These collaborations have not only expanded Revo’s reach across diverse audiences but have also reaffirmed the brand’s unwavering commitment to performance and style.

Revo is not just a brand; it’s a symbol of heritage, style and a relentless pursuit of innovation in the world of eyewear, consistently pushing the boundaries.

P IPER SKYE &

As the fall season approaches, international designer Piper & Skye is excited to introduce new bags that embrace the tones and textures of fall fashion. Created to elevate any outfit for any occasion, the new Delray Shopper in Verdant Green and the unisex Mac Pack in Verdant Green are the latest additions to Piper & Skye’s collection of ethically-made, sustainable luxury bags and accessories that are made using leather skins of invasive or overpopulated species.

One of the most classic bags in their collection, the Delray Shopper, designed in luxurious soft pirarucu leather, is now available in verdant green. This sophisticated bag is an everyday statement to hold all your personal items including a large interior zipper pocket and two deep open pockets and sturdy shoulder straps to carry it all. The deep verdant green hue adds a touch of seasonal charm, effort-

Also available in verdant green, the Mac Pack, made from pirarucu leather, features a spacious interior to fit all essentials, making it the perfect functional yet

EMBRACE AUTUMN WITH

GRAN DIN ROA D

REVEALS 2023 FALL INT ERIOR AND HALLOWEEN COLLECTIONS

Grandin Road, online retailer for seasonal home furnishings and decor, released its fall home furniture and décor collection for 2023, alongside its new and always unmatched Halloween Haven.

“We design for the whole home, and our customers wanted even more for their primary gathering space – the living room,” said Vice President of Merchandising, Kristy Jones. “We created new sofas, sectionals and décor to incorporate that justright balance of color and texture for the season.”

The interior and seasonal assortment from Grandin Road introduces hundreds of new items to welcome you back inside.

Create the perfect gathering space, choosing seating options from leather to upholstery, swivel to recliners and traditional to modern. Not only will the collection scareup any outdoor scene for a thrilling Halloween season, it will get you cozy with the warmth of leather, earthy textures of kilim

fabric and the soft landing of natural-fiber wool rugs. The collection will also allow you to make the bedroom a sanctuary with the new Bliss cotton and velvet bedding set.

Warm up your welcome with transitional front door layers that will take you from summer to fall with greenery, doormats and pumpkins.

“Everyone also knows Grandin Road for Halloween,” said Jones. “Our fans countdown the days for the launch each year. We design so the pieces can mix and match and sit alongside the other décor in your home. However, the best part is seeing the looks our customers create.”

A resource since 2003 for helping you Love Your Home More™, Grandin Road offers a broad assortment of products ranging from home furniture and accessories to seasonal décor, all offered with a commitment to quality, service, value and customer satisfaction. Grandin Road is part of Qurate Retail GroupSM, a select group of leading retail brands that also includes QVC®, HSN®, Ballard Designs®, Frontgate® and Garnet Hill®.

SOMETHING BORROWED BLOOMS: The Fall Wedding Must-Have Accessory

Something Borrowed Blooms is an online premium silk floral rental service that is modernizing the wedding flower industry by offering an affordable and sustainable option compared to fresh flowers. With their rent-and-return system, couples can have the wedding flowers of their dreams without the high price tag of traditional wedding flowers or sacrificing on their honeymoon.

For the Fall 2023 wedding season, Something Borrowed Blooms released a brand new collection and collection glam-up that pairs perfectly with the cozy color palettes and spark inspirations when planning the ideal wedding.

Meet the Marlowe Collection, inspired by 2023’s color of the year, Digital Lavender. Taking the purple hue to the next level, this collection features a combination of soft lavender, deep plum and merlot, achieved with the perfect wildflower mix of anemones, scabiosa, sweet pea and delicate ranunculus.

The bold and regal collection also includes two hand-tied bridal bouquets. This full-color ombre design is composed of blooms from

the entire collection and a blanc version primarily focused on soft tones. A new product offering in this collection, the Marlowe Flower Ball, is a decorative floral orb that can be hung above for a beautiful floral installation or held by the bridesmaids for an ultra-chic style.

A classic Italian-inspired wedding flower collection and one of their best-selling collections, the Olivia is made of ivory roses, mini ranunculus and rosemary olive bushes. It has been upgraded to include a brand new bridal bouquet option, a Garden-Cut style that has gained popularity amongst the floral bridal community.

The Olivia Bridal Bouquet Garden-Cut features a terracotta rose for a pop of color that is the perfect addition for an autumn wedding. Another fan-favorite, the Shelbie Collection, is again at the top of the list for fall. A modern chic twist on a southern classic, the collection features open and closed magnolia blooms, paired perfectly with camellias and gardenias. The dark underside of the magnolia leaves with emerald and golden hues bring warmth to the collection’s overall aesthetic, making it a must-have for fall and winter weddings.

REIMAGINED: MODERN MENSWEAR

With roots that trace back to 1913, Jack Victor is celebrating its 110th anniversary with a fresh fall capsule. The collection includes expanded sportswear and a new Home Collection that merges a new take on menswear ready for the cooler season.

For over one hundred years, Jack Victor has worked with only the fi nest mills, manufacturers and craftspeople to create design-driven, high-quality menswear that stands the test of time. The new FW23 Collection in wool, silk and cashmere knits is a testament to this commitment. Expertly spun in Biella, Italy, this collection is made from a

signature yarn that is incredibly soft to the touch and offers all-day comfort. While Extrafi ne Merino wool offers durability, silk offers luster and unparalleled softness with added cashmere.

With the collection, Jack Victor has taken its decades-spanning legacy to a new level. For the fi rst time, the Jack Victor label has introduced cashmere throws to kick off the Jack Victor Home collection. Now, fashion-focused men can weave their personal style into their homes and truly embody what it means to be a Jack Victor man.

Jack Victor has its roots in Italian craftsmanship. Italian-tailored suits have a distinct silhouette that is recognized around the world in men’s

fashion. From the fi nest tailors on London’s Savile Row to Jack Victor’s New York City flagship, the sleek-fitting personalization of Italian menswear delivers the aura of Europe’s fi nest to each blazer, sweater, polo and coat found in a Jack Victor wardrobe.

This season, the latest Jack Victor collection is inspired by another location on the globe: Montreal, Canada. In this historic Canadian city, autumn is defi ned by rich color palettes in changing trees and elegant outerwear pairings as people bustle about their days on the French-esque, cobblestone streets. This sophisticated way of life, highlighted by knitwear of the fi nest qualities and power blazers in autumnal earth tones, has inspired the way Jack Victor defi nes the new season.

Cashmere, suede, stretch wool and silk are some of the cozier materials used in the collection. With a variety of colors, fabrics and cuts, the collection allows wearers to mix and match pieces to tailor a look that is versatile, comfortable and sophisticated. Each pairing can be dressed up or down for a seamless transition from the office to date night, brunch to power meetings or a simple autumn stroll to the coffee shop. Like Italian tailoring itself, Jack Victor cuts allow the wearer to defi ne which path the styles lead them throughout their day and how they identify their autumn aesthetic.

According to the Jack Victor website, the collection is “Inspired by autumn in Montreal” and “welcomes contemporary elements and a rich

palette, weaving together a diverse selection of seasonal textiles presented in bold and elegant hues.”

Jack Victor aims to curate a men’s wardrobe of timeless, elegant pieces adapted to the lifestyle of the modern man. They use the finest materials and exceptional craftsmanship, offering thoughtfully-designed menswear that goes beyond seasonal trends and will stand the test of time.

Some highlights of this elegant collection include:

WOOL SILK CASHMERE KNITWEAR

Every piece in this collection is fully fashioned and individually knit before all components are meticulously linked. This sand-linking process ensures each sweater has smooth, finished seams for the most flattering fit.

THE CASHMERE THROW COLLECTION

The Jack Victor 100% Cashmere twill throws are classically designed with a modern twist in elegant color tones and textures. It flawlessly features layered cashmere elements meticulously woven by skilled hands in Italy.

JACK VICTOR X NO CHASER MAGAZINE

In collaboration with No Chaser Magazine, Jack Victor celebrates men of distinct style this fall. It features four New York tastemakers in Montreal; Ben Brewster, Mustafa Kacar, K. E Guerre and Ontario Armstrong, highlighting key sportswear and tailored looks from FW 2023 juxtaposed against the backgrounds, distinct lifestyles and cultures of Montreal and New York.

GOOSE

CELEBRATES FEMALE EMPOWERMENT IN FW23 CAMPAIGN SHOT BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

The performance luxury brand taps Sheila Atim, Sophie Darlington and Kimberly Newell to unveil the fall season’s new womenswear styles.

Canada Goose is bringing its community on a journey of female empowerment and individuality as it ventures, with Annie Leibovitz, to the rugged landscapes of New Mexico, the setting of its latest brand campaign.

The Live in the Open campaign celebrates three trailblazing women from the distinctly different worlds of cinematography, performance and sport. Interconnected by a relentless pursuit of purpose and the passion to be part of something bigger: actor, musician, writer and composer Sheila Atim, wildlife filmmaker and cinematographer Sophie Darlington and Olympic ice hockey goalie Kimberly Newell are captured in their element on the red hills of New Mexico.

Critically acclaimed for her work on stage and on screen with BAFTA, Cannes and Olivier awards to her name, Sheila Atim has carved out a career as an actor, musician, writer and composer. Her credits include “The Underground Railroad,” “The Woman King” and “BRUISED.”

BAFTA and multi-award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer Sophie Darlington has been making wildlife feature films and television series for over three decades. Having learned her art in Tanzania working with eight-time Emmy-winning cinematographer Hugo van Lawick, today

she continues his legacy. Darlington is passionately involved not only in filmmaking but also in mentoring, public speaking and increasing diversity in wildlife filmmaking.

Kimberly Newell is an Olympic ice hockey goalie who was recruited from Wall Street in 2018 to play for China’s first-ever professional ice hockey team. Going on to represent Team China at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she led the team to a historic record of two wins. Today she is based in Canada where she dedicates herself to inspiring female athletes to unleash their full potential through Empower Hockey, a female-focused hockey development school.

It is not the first time that Annie Leibovitz has photographed for Canada Goose, having captured the brand’s Fall/Winter campaign in 2022. Embarking on a second partnership together, the location is familiar territory to Leibovitz who has previously visited New Mexico to photograph Georgia O’Keeffe’s home, the trailblazing artist whose connection with New Mexico inspired the campaign’s backdrop.

“This is all about celebrating fearless and visionary women, past, present and future. It’s a great honor to do that with the highly esteemed cast and crew involved in this year’s Live in the Open campaign, all of whom play a crucial role in inspiring our female consumers to live boldly, without compromising on style or performance,” said Penny Brook, chief marketing & experience

officer at Canada Goose.

Echoing the raw landscapes and palette of New Mexico, the Fall 2023 collection includes shades inspired by nature itself, including Desert Sand, Limestone and Sagebrush alongside classic black, navy and grey colorways and offers streamlined silhouettes with tonal branding that combine luxurious style and performance.

Crafted in Pima Cotton, an ultra-luxe water-repellent fabric with a matte, dry finish, the Garnet Puffer, Garnet Cropped Puffer and Garnet Vest feature a sleek interior lining, subtle elliptical hem and fixed down-filled hood or collar providing a modern, minimalistic silhouette which fits any outfit.

Made with Lumina, a recycled fabric that is water-repellent and wind-resistant with a super-soft sheen finish, the Rhoda Parka, Rhoda Jacket and Rhoda Vest offer premium warmth with a fixed wrap hood, off-centered snap button closure and an oversized quilted design.

The collection includes the Copal Cashmere Crewneck and the Copal Cashmere Turtleneck. Designed with next-to-skin softness and breathability, the knitwear pieces are made with 100% Cashmere Yarn.

Finally, female consumers will also find warmth with a new Alpaca Scarf, Cashmere Toque, Cashmere Balaclava and Cashmere Gloves.

Pacsun and The Metropolitan Museum of Art expanded The Greek and Roman Collection, a release that signifies a new era of art-inspired fashion. With new Autumn and Winter styles that beautifully capture the essence of timeless masterpieces, Pacsun and The Met continue their commitment to ignite curiosity and fascination for art, and to establish intimate connections with audiences through fashion for a new generation of enthusiasts.

Following the immensely positive response to their previous drops, the newest iteration focuses on The Met’s distinguished collection of Greek and Roman art. Pacsun’s meticulouslycreated designs celebrate revered works of art, including a Roman marble Head of an Athlete from 138-192 CE, a 2nd century CE depiction of The Three Graces and many others. The dualgender line is an artistic tribute that evokes self-expression.

Reimagined with a fresh hand-drawn aesthetic, The Greek and Roman Collection introduces a range of men’s and women’s attire, designed

to accompany you through the seasons. The women’s line features casual and elevated pieces like an exquisite Intarsia sweater, chic puffer jacket, versatile crewnecks, cozy fleece hoodies and pants, essential tees, shorts and denim. The collection also boasts a matching corset top and skirt set as well as an allover printed mesh top.

Standout features encompass photoreal outerwear adorned with artfully placed statue prints, as well as illustrated works drawing inspiration from classical masterworks. Similarly, the men’s offerings have been meticulously designed to captivate, encompassing a printed patchwork bomber jacket, heavy canvas work pants with a matching garage jacket, cropped distressed fashion knit jumper and various tees that integrate innovative printing techniques. This drop also includes a baseball hat and tote bag that can be incorporated into everyday style.

The multiyear collaboration, initiated in October 2022, maintains momentum by

GRECO-ROMAN ARCHITECTURE SCULPTS PACSUN’S FALL COLLECTION

consistently generating successful collections that deeply resonate with a diverse consumer base. Numerous pieces from previous drops have sold out, underscoring the fervent reception. The Pacsun and The Met design teams work closely with Met curators, ensuring continuous evolution and new focus with each collection. For this specific release, they’ve highlighted a selection from The Met’s remarkable collection of Greek and Roman art, which comprises over 30,000 artworks.

“Working with Pacsun has been an incredible journey,” said Stephen Mannello, head of retail and licensing at The Met. “The resounding success of these collections stands as a testament to the enduring resonance of art. Seeing Met visitors and fans of art history wearing pieces that are emblematic of their favorite artworks is a real joy.”

The Greek and Roman collection is priced between $25-$90 and is available for purchase at pacsun.com and in Pacsun retail locations nationwide.

THE FASHION MANNUSCRIPT PRESENTS: TECHWEAR

Bringing you the latest breakthroughs in software, I.T. and fashion technology. From creative solutions to insights from experts, we are the source for all things fashion tech.

ALPAKA ENGAGES RECURATE TO LAUNCH RESALE PROGRAM, RE:CARRY

Recurate, a full-service resale platform offering brands re-commerce technology and strategy to meaningfully participate in the circular economy, announced that it will now lead resale initiatives for Melbourne-based ALPAKA premium bags and accessories.

Recurate equips brands and retailers with tools to scale a resale program, including a white-labeled front-end user experience, product catalog data collection, e-commerce platform and warehouse integration and single-SKU processing for damages and returns. By including resale as part of their omnichannel strategy, brands including Steve Madden, Michael Kors, Frye and now ALPAKA can acquire new customers, better understand and track their behavior and engage them through the full lifetime (i.e., postnew purchase).

Recurate will specifically support ALPAKA in launching RE:CARRY, a marketplace enabling ALPAKA’s customers to sell pre-loved items through their website, bringing peer-to-peer reselling directly to the brand. This initiative aligns with ALPAKA’s existing dedication to sustainability. ALPAKA plants one tree for every bag purchased through One Tree Planted and donates 1% of their revenue to environmental causes and nonprofits including

1% for the Planet and Surfrider Foundation.

To support this program, ALPAKA will also engage Recurate partner Loop Returns, a post-purchase platform that enables Shopify brands to transform returns into exchanges. Loop Returns will route any damaged ALPAKA items to be inspected, photographed and uploaded onto the RE:CARRY marketplace. Loop helps over 2,200 brands including Allbirds, FIGS, Princess Polly and Chubbies to increase customer loyalty, retain more revenue and lower reverse logistics costs.

“With Recurate’s help, we’re thrilled to launch RE:CARRY, which is a pivotal step in our ongoing mission to embrace circularity. By giving pre-loved items new life, we’re not only providing exceptional value to our customers but also making a meaningful contribution to a sustainable future. This is an important milestone for us as a brand to keep reducing waste and create a more conscious and connected community,” said Ramiro Gomez, ALPAKA co-founder.

To learn more about this partnership, please visit alpakagear.com/pages/ re-carry.

LAUNCHING A NEW PRODUCT WITH A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH: THE SCIENCE BEHIND MODERN-DAY SUCCESS

In the not-so-distant past, launching a new product into the market had a very specific order. Brands negotiated with physical retail stores to secure some shelf space or mustered the resources to open their brick-and-mortar locations. They went to tradeshows, hired a sales team and bootstrapped for as long as it took. The success of a product largely hinged on factors such as store location, word-of-mouth and perhaps a splashy advertising campaign or some solid press coverage that people read and then made a purchase. In other words, it was a world dictated by tangible assets and visible efforts.

Then the digital revolution arrived. With the advent of the internet and the normalization of e-commerce, suddenly the barriers to entry for launching a product seemed that much easier. It would appear that almost anyone with an idea could create a website in a matter of hours and sell directly to consumers. The illusion of “build it and they will come” took hold, and many believed that launching a product was just about having a pretty website and driving traffic through social media campaigns.

Sadly, that is not the case. Today, the digital marketplace is saturated, consumer attention spans are fragmented, and the competition is fierce. It can take more time, effort and investment to launch that brand. Keep in mind though, that in this complex landscape of SEO, organic and paid traffic, backlinks, and affiliate programs lies opportunity for those who are willing to adapt and innovate.

Taking A Data-Driven Approach

Most executives and entrepreneurs understand that there is a lot of data available. We know that each time we surf the web or look on our phones. There’s always a targeted ad being run, a note in our email inbox, or even a magical postcard that appears after we’ve taken a peek at a website. Small and mid-size companies should know that data is available and it doesn’t necessarily cost a lot to use it. In the long run, it can save thousands of dollars and be the difference between a successful launch and a failure.

Letting Amazon Lead the Way: Taking Advantage of Data

Amazon has both revolutionized the way we shop and has hurt businesses that were not able to innovate. There are countless brands that couldn’t keep up with Amazon’s cutthroat marketplace and eventually fell into obscurity. It’s true that Amazon takes a significant percentage of your sales. Many brands think, “Why not go it alone and keep all the profits?” While there’s some wisdom to that, it’s important to understand that Amazon offers immediate access to a massive, ready-to-buy audience.

Understanding What Products Sell and Where There’s Opportunity

Navigating the Amazon marketplace can feel daunting. With enough combing and patience, Amazon’s trove of analytics can direct you to what type of product has the potential to be a hit. You can see best sellers, price points and even what specific sizes or colors are catching shoppers’ eyes. You can also discover which keywords cost the most to compete against and how much money you’ll need to budget to be in the game and gauge how much you’ll likely need to spend on marketing to rank among the top sellers. It’s like a ready-made focus group with tens of thousands of participants.

The Real Cost-Benefit of Launching on Amazon

At first glance, launching a product on Amazon might give you sticker shock. Then take a moment to add up the costs of going at it on your own. You’ll be piecing together a digital puzzle that includes SEO services, social media management, Google Ads, and perhaps even an affiliate manager. Each needs time to build and adjust as you gain new information. Amazon has a built-in audience, established trust and a range of tools to help you hit the ground running. They can take care of warehousing and shipping, have advertising tools built in, affiliate programs with press and influencers, and an endless array of tools to help market your product.

Small Brands Can Thrive, Too

You might think that only big-name brands can really succeed on a platform as massive as Amazon. In reality, Amazon’s ecosystem is a fertile ground for smaller brands to grow and find their audience. To be successful, you need a quality product, a clear understanding of your target audience, a well-thought-out listing, and good photography and video. The built-in analytics allow even small brands to gather valuable insights, optimize their offerings, and reach customers who are actively looking for products just like yours.

Your Own Website and How to Benefit From Those Amazon Sales Amazon offers a solid strategy for launching a brand and getting sales quickly. Your own website is where the magic happens. It’s a 360-degree brand experience that shoppers crave. It’s where customers can learn your story, soak up inspiration on how to use your product, and really get to know your brand.

Amazon’s Affiliate Program: Working with Press and Influencers

Is getting press coverage for your product something that you feel is important? It should be. Especially when it comes to awareness and driving organic traffic and SEO. Publishers, including Condé Nast, Hearst, Dotdash Meredith, etc. often include Amazon affiliate links in their product roundups, reviews and gift guides, exposing your brand to their massive audiences. Influencers, with their curated aesthetics and dedicated followers, can seamlessly integrate your product into their content, making for authentic and highly effective endorsements. If you only want to sell products on your website, it’s up to you to set up and manage an affiliate program. When you list your products on Amazon, you tap into their expansive affiliate network.

Getting Started

The beauty of this strategy is that you’re using data and an established audience to launch your product. And you don’t have to go at it alone. There are loads of websites and videos that can provide insights. There are also knowledgeable consultants that can be hired for a reasonable fee on a project basis to help you determine if your idea to launch a product is a good one, how much it will cost to get things going and establish parameters for the months and years ahead.

Shannon Smyth is a seasoned Amazon Business Consultant with a passion for helping brands unlock their full potential on the world’s largest e-commerce platform. With years of hands-on experience, she specializes in launching Amazon stores from scratch, setting up product listings that not only look good but also convert, and crafting ad campaigns that drive traffic and sales. Contact her at shannon@agirlsgottaspa.com.

TORRAS SHOWCASES PHONE CASES AT IFA 2023, HERALDING NEW TRENDS IN MOBILE ACCESSORIES

TORRAS, the award-winning accessory brand, unveiled its innovations by showcasing a range of kickstand phone cases at IFA 2023. As TORRAS is set to redefine the purpose of phone cases and free users’ hands in the age of short video, these groundbreaking products highlighted how technological innovations can address the greatest challenges our smartphones face.

At IFA 2023, TORRAS showcased its four latest kickstand phone cases, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to simplifying people’s lives through technological innovation. These included the round stand case series UPRO Ostand, the one-piece stand UPRO Pstand, the lens stand case UPRO Lstand and the frame stand case UPRO Hstand.

As streaming videos on mobile devices increases, TORRAS’ kickstand phone cases offer the perfect solution for both horizontal and vertical positioning. With multi-angle adjustment ranging from 40° to 120°, you can easily find the ideal angle to suit your personal needs. For instance, you can place your phone on a table to enjoy hands-free video conferences, or magnetically attach it to the refrigerator to conveniently view recipes while cooking in the kitchen. Whether you’re watching videos, attending virtual meetings or multitasking, TORRAS’ kickstand phone cases provide stable support whenever you need it.

In line with this, TORRAS showcased its cutting-edge technologies from TORRAS LAB, from concealable kickstand engineering to innovative Coology cooling technology.

COMMENTSOLD LAUNCHES VIDEEO™, A SHOPIFY LIVE SELLING APP

CommentSold, the leading fashion live selling platform, announced the launch of Videeo for Shopify. This innovative Shopify app revolutionizes customer engagement and optimizes fashion and beauty live selling experiences with a host of innovations. Designed to integrate with Shopify seamlessly, Videeo empowers shops to convert e-commerce shoppers into super fans and repeat customers. Building a community and direct customer connections, in turn, increases conversions and maximizes revenue through the perfect fusion of entertainment and commerce.

Research shows that more than one-third of U.S. consumers have watched a shoppable live stream, and 52% of U.S. live stream viewers make purchases. Retailers and brands without an existing live video commerce strategy will face a significant challenge to stay competitive, especially as competition for wallet share grows more difficult in a tightening economy. Through an installation process that only takes five minutes, Shopify merchants can self-onboard and go live with their collections within a few hours of installation. Powered by CommentSold’s tried and tested market-leading technology backbone, Videeo is poised to unlock major video commerce success stories in the Shopify ecosystem. With its innovative and scalable solution set, Videeo for Shopify will revolutionize the landscape of interactive video commerce for Shopify merchants. It is available on the Shopify App Store and a free 15-day trial is available.

PERFECT CORP. ANNOUNCES EXPANDED FUNCTIONALITY OF AI-POWERED LIVE SKIN ANALYSIS SOLUTION

Perfect Corp., the leading artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) beauty and fashion tech solutions provider, today announced updates to its groundbreaking AI-Powered Live Skin Analysis Solution. The HIPAA-compliant and dermatologist-verified technology empowers users to gain deep insights into their skin condition and receive personalized skincare recommendations, while an AR overlay highlights specific skin concerns in real-time. The new functionality of the AI Skin Analysis innovation analyzes up to 14 skin concerns through live camera mode, enabling users to view real-time detections of various areas around their face.

Perfect Corp.’s Live Skin Analysis technology is now able to detect up to 14-skin health concerns: spots, wrinkles, texture, redness, oiliness, moisture, eye bags, acne, droopy upper eyelids, droopy lower eyelids, firmness, radiance, dark circles and pores. The experience is coupled with AR overlay effects, which help to outline the detection areas more clearly and provide users with an instantaneous visual representation of the skin health factors. The tool also now comes equipped with 30-degree wide angle detection technology, capturing the peripheries of the user’s face, and allowing for an even more seamless real-time skin analysis experience.

By delivering fast and accurate results, the Live AI Skin Analysis builds on a more comprehensive skincare analysis that shoppers can trust. Furthermore, when compared to traditional hardware skin analysis devices, Perfect Corp.’s Live AI Skin Analysis solution offers improved speed and accuracy. This provides consumers with a personalized and convenient way to educate themselves about their skin health.

The live AI Skin Analysis solution is available across major browsers and mobile apps, allowing

PLATINUM BORN REVAMPS WEBSITE FOR NEW CAMPAIGN

Platinum Born announces the debut of a new consumer branding campaign and the launch of its redesigned website at platinumborn.com. The jewelry takes center stage in the campaign that was shot amidst the stunning landscapes and otherworldly settings of Joshua Tree, California. Ads will appear on digital and social platforms starting this month and on the brand’s revamped website that has been upgraded with improved user experience, enhanced content and enriched storytelling capabilities.

Drawing inspiration from the cosmic origins of platinum itself, the jewelry is highlighted against the striking yet minimal backdrops of the distinctive landscapes, and is featured on four models, who represent various ages, ethnicities and life stages. Both relatable and inspirational, the campaign is designed to appeal to fashion forward, early-adopting female self-purchasers who value luxury products and yearn for distinctive pieces that stand out.

Accompanying the campaign launch is the debut of Platinum Born’s redesigned website. Created with the user experience in mind, the revamped site has upgraded functionality that provides a more seamless shopping experience and optimized mobile compatibility. The intuitive design allows visitors to thoroughly explore the brand’s collections and product and easily navigate to a simplified shopping and checkout interface. Innovative features such as “Shop the Look” showcase the brand’s new campaign and allow visitors to discover multiple pieces within a single image with a seamless transition to the product page for purchasing. Engaging video throughout the site captures the more unique elements of the jewelry and provides an opportunity to highlight why platinum is the superior choice for luxury jewelry. The new navigation also offers the ability to continue building out new capsules and collections. The brand will be rolling out more features to further support new and existing customers in the coming months.

Despite my best efforts, when I am unexpectedly emotionally triggered, I sometimes replay the scene repeatedly in my mind. And, as I reminisce about the experience, I become more agitated. I should use one of the hundreds of tools and strategies I have created, taught, coached and encouraged others to use. Instead, I remain stuck in unproductive behavior. Are there situations where your thoughts go from a tranquil river to an active volcano? What can be done?

In past articles, I highlighted one of the nine stages of change along with two change proficiencies. The Change Proficiencies are strategies and techniques that help us journey from one stage to the next.

For this article, I paired the stage of change, “Welcome,” with “Transform Energy” and “Lead Conscientiously.” These pairings will expand your capacity to maneuver through obstacles to ensure success.

Eighth Stage of Change: “Welcome”

The “Welcome” stage can be compared to the awe and curiosity one might feel as one stares into a star-filled night. Your accomplishments, many originally beyond your comfort zone, shine brightly. Honoring all your feelings has led to embracing yourself more fully. Commitment to wellness practices nourishes you physically, mentally and emotionally in your business and personal life.

Your ability to thrive despite constant change and uncertainty amazes you. With heightened anticipation, you look toward a future unhindered by doubt and fear.

LEADERS: WELCOME PROFESSIONAL GROWTH ALONGSIDE YOUR TEAM

Change Proficiency: “Transform Energy”

We all can be emotionally triggered by an event regardless of where we are in the change process. However, the difference between “Welcome” and earlier stages is that we accept full responsibility for our reactions and interactions. When we consciously shift our mindset concerning an incident to move beyond its debilitating influence, we apply the “Transform Energy” technique. How can you switch gears?

One of the most effective strategies I use to regain my equilibrium is to reach out to my PVP (Positive Venting Person). What is a PVP? A person you trust who will not disclose confidential information. How can they help? They will provide a safe, nonjudgemental environment for you to blow off steam. Their only responsibility is to listen. Not to agree or disagree, ask or answer questions, and, most importantly, not add fuel to the fire. If you benefit from their constructive insight, arrange to connect with them in the future.

How does it work? First, set a reasonable “venting” time. I recommend five to seven minutes. This is important because your PVP, at the appointed time, will gently remind you that you have sixty seconds to wrap up what you need to share. Next, explore your network to identify someone who could support you in this manner.

Then, have a conversation enlightening them on their role and the “signal” that your PVP is needed. The signal could be as simple as a text message that says “PVP.”

After you have connected with your PVP several times, share the process and experience with your team. Besides regaining and maintaining our mental focus and balance, what else should leaders focus on during the “Welcome” stage? Explore how you lead. The longer we are entrusted with leadership positions or responsibilities, the more likely our decisions and actions could operate on autopilot.

Change Proficiency: “Lead Conscientiously”

In my early days of leadership, I remember being advised always to sound and appear successful. The truth is I was not. For many of us, myself included, success came much later. If our words imply our endeavors are always successful, those on your team could feel inadequate, incapable and insecure.

When we “Lead Conscientiously,” our decisions and actions align with the values and beliefs we desire our team to embody. I have discovered that we may eagerly gravitate toward unexplored pathways but resist making fundamental changes to how we lead. The phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is not always accurate. A closer look at our leadership style may highlight growth opportunities.

Few of those we lead can hide their vulnerabilities when a change is required. Yet, we urge team members to embrace new technology, systems and procedures that expose their weaknesses to teammates and leaders. Yes, changes are required for businesses and careers to thrive. Could your team benefit from awareness of professional growth challenges you face on that surface due to a change?

During the “Welcome” stage of change, anything seems possible and achievements are numerous. Remember, fully embracing yourself includes a willingness to share both strengths and weaknesses with your team. Working alongside your team as you collectively face the challenges that come with professional growth will benefit you and those you lead.

Once the domain of Merchant Princes, the corner CEO office today requires a broad set of skills that includes an understanding of digital marketing, supply chain, IT systems, human capital management and more. So where does 21st century C-Suite talent come from? And why does the talent, once hired, so often fall short of expectations?

At a recent Retail Marketing Society webinar, Matt Berglass, president, Berglass + Associates, a wellknown executive search firm with a focus on the retail and consumer sectors, and Michael Keane, an independent consultant focused on helping organizations perform better and grow by aligning their strategies, operating systems and cultures shed some light on this important issue.

How Can a C-suite Hire Go Wrong?

The merchant model has shifted to one that has become brand driven. Product is not the only answer. There needs to be a great supply chain, an understanding of customer acquisition from a digital standpoint, an understanding of retail operations—with a leader who can bring all these people together to work as a team. One reason for failure in C-suite hires, observed Keane, “is over-indexing skills and the size of a person’s Rolodex instead of paying more attention to leadership and culture.” Companies need to hire C-suite executives who are team builders.

Another concern is that companies expect their hires to be perfect. “They expect perfection,” ex-

JITTERS IN THE RETAIL C-SUITE

plained Keane, “and then they underinvest. How many of us have watched this happen with Chief Marketing Officers? In my opinion, it’s the hardest role in the C-suite because of the breadth of the role. It’s probably the worst role to recruit for.”

Both speakers agreed that filling a C-suite role is not the same as filling a junior level role. In the latter, if you have an opening, you get it filled as quickly and effectively as possible. For the C-suite roles, companies should always be searching. Well run companies are continuously doing some form of succession or talent planning. And the best succession plans have an external component to them. “You should always be having an external sort of periscope around to see how your internal talent stacks up against external. That’s just smart,” said Keane.

The Change in the Retail Landscape Impacts C-Suite Turnover

Once upon a time, the roles and the culture were similar. Today every business is different; every model is different. “The pandemic also caused complete diversity . . . and complexity in work environments. “Some are remote, some are hybrid and some have relocation. And it’s tough to call someone who is in the office three days a week and tell them the position requires five days a week in the office,” added Berglass. In their search, companies need to be flexible. “If you’re not open to it, you’re going to lose 70% of the herd.” And top talent has options. “During the search, you’re going to have flexibility, you’re going to have to be aggressive . . . you’re going to have to be on your game all the time because the good people will go quickly and the good people will have the best choices.”

The Role Tech Plays in C-Suite Hires

“A lot of times you’ll look at a tech firm to find someone but have to be careful,” warned Berglass. This is a consumer business, and this is about cus-

tomer experience, brand customer. They’re going to have to know a lot about it, but they don’t have to be an expert. You have to be the band leader not the lead singer. You do need to know about it, but I would warn any CEO to put a customer lens on it and put a brand lens on it as opposed to a pure technology person. Technology and digital commerce are very, very different.”

“It’s very interesting to see the personal technology habits of senior executives,” said Keane, “because that translates into whether they feel very facile with the technology conversation. It’s increasingly becoming part of how they think and view the world.”

Getting It Right

Keane offered some words of advice for a successful executive search: “If you want to hire better for a longer-term fit, it really involves getting it right on three levels: fit in the head, which is the easy part; the heart, which is values; and the gut, which is courage.

There are not a lot of assessments that get at the second and third ones. There are all kinds of assessments to tell you whether someone is smart enough to do what you do. The heart and the gut take more time to assess. Again, that gets to the impatience that we talked about. But ultimately, the heart and the gut are what will make you very happy with a hire or will disappoint you every time.”

It’s important for all businesses in the fashion and apparel industry to ensure they’re adequately covered by a workers’ compensation policy.

Just like your business has commercial property insurance to pay for the costs of theft or fire, or a commercial auto insurance policy to pay for the costs associated with a vehicle collision, it must have a workers’ compensation (WC) policy to pay for the costs of injuries that employees sustain in the workplace.

There are about 2.6 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries in the United States’ private industry each year one. Sprains, strains and tares are the most common workplace injury in the US, while overexertion and bodily reaction, slips, trips and falls are the highest causes of workplace injuries in the U.S.

This list also includes contact with objects, equipment and machinery. These examples account for 84% of all nonfatal injuries at the workplace.

Although the framework is different from state to state, WC generally protects companies from potentially limitless tort liability for industrial accidents and occupational diseases, while expediting the delivery of benefits to injured employees regardless of fault.

The loss of experienced employees due to injury can be a major threat to your business. Not only does this contribute to an unhealthy workplace environment, but it also prevents a company from

PREVENTING COSTLY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS AND INSURANCE PROTECTION

successfully protecting and leveraging the benefits that qualified employees bring to the work environment.

Understanding your risks and implementing proactive risk management strategies can help you prevent injuries and reduce insurance coverage costs.

Some common causes of injuries in the fashion and apparel industry include, but are not limited to slips, trips and falls, prolonged standing, overexertion and exposure to fibers and dust. This does not include the other common causes of injuries in the apparel and consumer products industry, such as contact with heavy objects and machinery during the production and manufacturing process.

WC insurance pays monetary benefits to injured employees to compensate them for temporary and permanent disability associated with their work-related injury or disease.

Equally important is that workers’ compensation insurance supplies, at no cost to injured employees, medical benefits related to the work-related injuries. In general, this means that injured employees are furnished with a primary care physician and specialists when needed, hospitalization needs, medical tests, prescription drugs, physical therapy and rehabilitation care.

A workers’ compensation policy also covers other kinds of liability that may be imposed upon an insured employer. For example, coverage applies to third-party claims, where an injured employee sues someone other than the employer and then the third-party tries to hold the employer responsible.

Workers’ compensation also covers situations in which the spouse of an injured employee files a lawsuit against the employer for loss of consortium.

It’s important to assess and manage workforce and workplace risks and create a workers’ compensation coverage package that meets the employer’s specific unique situation and insurance requirements.

Not only does this ensure peace of mind for all involved parties, both for employers and employees, but it takes into account the different ways that people can be protected by workers’ compensation practices at the highest standard of ethics that enhance employee security and protect the longterm reputation of the company itself.

Employers should also work with their insurance advisor and their risk management teams to reduce workplace injuries by providing guidance on best practices for creating healthy and safe working environments.

Frank DeLucia serves as Senior Vice President of HUB International Northeast, a leading full-service global insurance brokerage. With over three decades of experience, DeLucia specializes in building insurance and risk management programs for the real estate and apparel industries and is a long-time active member of the Fashion Service Network (FSN).

DeLucia can be reached by phone at 212-3382395 or at frank.delucia@hubinternational.com. For more information on HUB, please visit www. hubinternational.com.

Young designers have always played an important role in fashion. There’s a certain excitement in watching new talent grow and noticing how collections become more refined with each passing season. For young and emerging designers, fashion weeks are an opportunity to make a statement and leave a lasting impression on retailers, business partners, influencers, the press and ultimately consumers.

It can be challenging to think about building a brand consistently when there are collections to complete, models to select, venues to secure and so much more. Where does one start, especially when on a shoestring budget? In a world where visual content reigns supreme, video is the medium that can make your designs resonate with the audience you desire.

Let’s Look At Some Statistics.

A recent study shows that as many as 91% of consumers want to see more online video content from brands. In that same study, 92% of video marketers in 2023 said video gives them a good ROI—a record high (Wyzowl, 2023). The majority of marketing professionals (78%) say videos have directly helped to increase sales, while 86% also say that videos have increased traffic to their websites (Wyzowl, 2021). As many as two-thirds of consumers (66%) say they pay the most attention to short-form videos—2.5 times more than long-form videos (Sprout Social, 2022).

Your Marketing Toolkit 101

Navigating the whirlwind of a runway show can feel overwhelming. When it comes to marketing, many young designers think they need a big budget for a marketing firm. That’s not necessarily the case. There’s a lot that a small team or someone solo can do. Remember, start simple and build from there. Be aware of

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK (NYFW) AND BEYOND: ESSENTIAL VIDEO TOOLKIT & COST GUIDE FOR EMERGING DESIGNERS

resources that focus on emerging designers and offer a turnkey solution. Here are some things to consider:

and accessories. Use your video to pitch collaborations with brands in those sectors.

1

. One-Stop Vendor: Opt for a vendor that takes care of everything—video of the red carpet, designer interviews, photography and video editing. Consolidating your needs into one package will be cost-effective and streamline the process.

2. Capture the Energy: Make sure the atmosphere of the show—high-energy, mesmerizing designs, the buzz of the crowd—is well captured in the video. These visuals are your evergreen content to use across various platforms.

3. Post-Production: Don’t underestimate the power of good editing. Well-edited footage can make your designs look even more attractive. Ensure that your video team also offers editing services and aims to get the final product as soon as possible after the show.

4. Syndication: Look for a partner that is able to get you extra visibility by getting the content shared on various news websites. For example, sites like MSN and Yahoo share content, which is also known as syndication.

Leverage Your Content

You’ve invested in creating this content. Now it’s time to maximize its use.

1. Social Media: Have different versions of your video ready for various platforms. What works on Instagram might not be suitable for YouTube.

2. Press Page: Feature the video and all your press hits prominently on a dedicated page on your website.

3. Follow-ups: If you’re in talks with retailers or collaborators, a professionally shot video from NYFW can serve as a strong follow-up tool.

4. Email Signatures: Incorporate your video link in your email signature. You’d be surprised how much traffic this little trick can generate.

5. Pitch to Other Brands: If your focus is apparel, remember that your models also need footwear

6. Network with the Press: The moment you lock in your show date, send out those VIP invites and blast it on your social media. But don’t stop there. Take a daily 5-minute break to scour Instagram and follow fashion reporters. A quick Google search or a visit to platforms like rocketreach.io can usually unearth their email addresses. Then, shoot them your show’s invite. Think of it as planting seeds; it might seem like a chore now, but you’re laying the groundwork for this show and all the dazzling ones you’ll have in the future.

Cost Guide

Now that you’re convinced about the ROI of a well-crafted video, what about the costs? For a starting price of around $1,800, emerging designers can expect a comprehensive package that includes:

- Runway video

- Designer interview

- B-roll footage from backstage and the front row

- Royalty-free music

- 1-2 minute editorial video distributed across platforms

- Reels up to 3 minutes

NYFW can be a watershed moment in your career. While it’s easy to get caught up in the design and production aspects, don’t ignore the long-term benefits of a well-executed marketing strategy. Video content can amplify your current show and serve as a valuable asset for your brand’s future. A little investment now can reap substantial rewards down the line, making you not just a designer but a brand to be reckoned with. So go ahead, roll out those red carpets, strike a pose and let the cameras roll!

Adriana Kaegi is the founder and executive producer/preditor, of ADDY.media LLC and co-owner of Styleculture TV. She has launched and produced programming across all media platforms from inception through execution and distribution, earning 108 million video views in 2022.

STEP INTO SPRING

Look ahead to bright days and sunny styles as you source Spring/Summer ’24 and more at Atlanta Apparel this October. See full collections for the next season as well as top brands for Resort, Accessories, and Shoes. Don’t miss the one market where you can find everything you need in one place, with affordable hotels and plenty of award-winning dining and entertainment options nearby, trend presentations to inspire you, and fun activations to make your trip memorable.

FUTURE MARKET DATES

October 10–14, 2023

February 6–9, 2024

April 9–12, 2024

June 4–7, 2024

July 30–August 2, 2024

October 15–18, 2024

Luxury is the name of the game these days, with apparel, jewelry and home décor designers expanding around the city and the country.

All about Apparel and Accessories

Fashion designer Vera Wang has signed a 26,708-square-foot office and showroom lease at 500 Park. Ave. Vera Wang, the American fashion design house best known for its wedding dress and haute couture collections, has relocated from 15 East 26th St. and will occupy the entire fifth floor and part of the seventh floor.

Yohji Yamamoto has returned to New York City with a concept store at 52 Wooster St. Arc’teryx, the Canadian outdoor apparel and equipment chain, has opened a new location at The Gate at Manhasset in Manhasset, New York. The Arc’teryx store occupies a 3,900-square-foot space located between Lululemon and a Natuzzi furniture store. The new store at The Gate represents the company’s fifth retail location in New York State, as the brand continues to expand globally.

What a way to celebrate a 10th anniversary: apparel brand Tanya Taylor opened a boutique at 980 Madison Ave. featuring her apparel as well as a selection of art, jewelry and shoes. Commando, which offers ready-to-wear and intimates, is testing freestanding retail with a pop-up boutique at 75 Greene St., now through December.

Baubles, Bangles and Beads

Look for Van Cleef & Arpels to open an additional New York City boutique at 690 Madison Ave. Breitling has joined the luxury rush to the Meatpacking District with a boutique at 875

DEB’S RETAIL DISH AND DEALS: FALLING INTO FALL

Washington St. Brooklyn’s Catbird has flown across the country, opening its first West Coast shop at the Platform LA shopping center in Culver City.

Food, Glorious Food

Sweet Cats Cafe, a dessert cafe from Queens, signed for a Manhattan outpost at 21 East 17th St. The Wendy’s Company has opened the first of its Global Next Gen restaurants, while also finalizing a new Global Next Gen High-Capacity Kitchen design option for the highest customer demand. Both digital-first designs were created to enhance customer, crew and franchisee experiences, the company said. The first Wendy’s Global Next Gen restaurants are now open in Great Bend, Kansas and Edmond, Oklahoma, with more than 200 Global Next Gen restaurants slated to open through 2024

Home Sweet Home

Luxury interior brand Frato has leased the ground floor retail space at 500 Park Ave. for its first New York City store. Frato, established in 2010 in Portugal, has leased 4,641 square feet to showcase its range of luxury furniture and interior accessories. Carl Hansen & Son, the 115-year-old, family-owned Danish furniture company, has leased 9,063 square feet at the famed Hammacher Schlemmer Building at 145 East 57th St. The location will serve as Carl Hansen’s U.S. flagship retail store and showroom.

The Great Outdoors

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open in Ithaca, New York in summer 2024. The 17,000-square-foot store, to be located at South Meadow Marketplace at 742 South Meadow St., will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing and snow sports, among other activities. Certified mechanics will tune and repair equipment through a full-service bike, ski and snowboard shop.

That’s Entertainment

I guess it’s not a fad. Luxury health brand Life

Time has broken ground on Life Time Chanhassen Pickleball in Chanhassen, Minnesota, its first ground-up pickleball location in the country. The 25,000-square-foot building, adjacent to the Life Time Chanhassen athletic country club, will feature eight indoor and seven outdoor pickleball courts, along with a viewing area, lounge, dressing rooms and more. Life Time Chanhassen Pickleball is expected to be completed in early 2024. Meanwhile, The Picklr announced a major expansion that includes 80 new facilities and 13 new franchisees. The new locations will span 11 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

Around the U.S.

Primark’s expansion continues, with a store at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois to launch on October 12. The store will offer more than 37,000 square feet of retail selling space with the latest fashion trends and essentials for the whole family as well as homewares and beauty. The store is the second in Illinois and is located less than an hour from the city.

Australia-based fashion brand Princess Polly has hopped across the Pacific, opening a boutique at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles. Most of the sales of the brand, beloved by Gen Z, come from the U.S., WWD reported. Designer lab-grown diamond jewelry brand Jean Dousset held the grand opening of its first-ever flagship boutique at 607 West La Cienega Blvd. in West Hollywood, California, marking what the company calls “a significant milestone in the evolution of Jean Dousset into a luxury heritage lab-grown diamond brand.” Designer Dousset would know — he’s the great-great grandson of Louis Cartier.

Debra Hazel

Debra Hazel Communications

North Las Vegas, NV

Tel: (201) 618-5247

PICKS

Autumn in New York…it makes you think of tucking a book under your arm and heading to your favorite cafe on a cloudy day. Or whipping out those leather boots you’ve been waiting all summer to dust off. It’s the time of year for earthy color palettes, sophisticated layers and rejuvenating the spirit as we anticipate cozier months ahead.

Here are our top October picks to celebrate!

1 Rhode Tinted Peptide Lip Treatments: Beautiful muted shades that restore and replenish your lips while giving them a pop of color.

$16 | www.rhodeskin.com

2.Prada Arqué leather shoulder bag: Black is the new black. A refreshing shape that is nostalgic and modern at the same time allowing it be used for any occasion from work to a cocktail event.

$2700 | www.prada.com

3.COS Belted Double Faced wool coat: A classic New York winter staple that will remain in your closet for years.

$350 | www.cos.com

4.Gisou Hair Oil: Keep your hair shiny and hydrated even during the weather transition.

$46 | us.gisou.com

5.The List by Yomi Adegoke: A deep and clever dive into online world dynamics. $30 | www.amazon.com

6.Spinelli Kilcollin Pisces Pavé YG: The perfect daily staple that embodies elegance and play. $4800 | www.spinellikilcollin.com

7.Chanel Ballet Flats: A classic shoe silhouette and tweed. A combination made in heaven for shoe lovers. Don’t trade comfort for style with these ballet flats. $975 | www.chanel.com

8.Moscot Lemtosh Sunglasses: Established over 100 years ago, they surely know how to make you look effortlessly cool all year long!

$340 | www.moscot.com

When the show’s over, the brands come home to THE NEW MART

For the ultimate buyer experience, spend the day among our permanent showrooms and shop the complete collections of more than 500 world-class fashion brands.

• Parking adjacent to building

• 24/7/365 on-site security

• Open daily throughout the year

• Generous buyer amenities

NYFW:

UNBRIDLED CREATIVITY AND ARTISTIC FREEDOM CELEBRATED AT ALBRIGHT COLLEGE NYFW SHOW

Albright College marked its comeback at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on September 9 with an eagerly awaited runway fashion show. Following the tremendous achievements of the past two years, Albright College, renowned for its nationally ranked Liberal Arts-based fashion design, merchandising and costume design program, proudly presented the innovative designs of five graduates and one current senior on the prestigious runways of NYFW.

The show opened with Freddy Diaz’s collection of artfully-combined floral elegance and playful polka dots, including an opening look of a floral pleat neck tank top and terra cotta pleated wide-leg trousers. He introduced a charming floral tie-front top and a polka dot camp shirt with floral shorts. The standout was a timeless terra cotta wrap halter maxi dress, inspired by New York City and Diaz’s Dominican Republic heritage.

The following collection, by Susie Benitez, aka “Susie Buttons,” seamlessly blended contemporary elegance and timeless charm. Her collection featured vibrant pieces like a yellow jacquard floral blouse with a dirndl skirt, a green floral halter top with capri pants and a striking blue floral jacquard camisole top with feather-trimmed cigarette pants. The centerpiece was a floral jacquard bustier top dress with detached blouson sleeves and a full ballgown overskirt.

Next came Philadelphia native Jasmin Burton, whose collection radiated effortless style and creativity with versatile pieces, including a retro cut one-piece swimsuit layered under a lavender chiffon, ruffle-tiered negligée cover-up.

Returning designer, Nicholas Kedge, followed with an avant-garde collection of short dresses with cut-out details, racer front and back designs and unique pom-pom ornamentation. His designs showcased a fusion of traditional patternmaking with hand-draped elements.

Queens native Victoria Aquino then presented grace and creativity with unique touches like a sleeveless bustier maxi dress with hand-painted detailing. The pinnacle is reached with a highcollar trumpet-sleeve white lace wedding dress,

radiating ethereal beauty.

Senior Zyaire Valentine closed the show with bold textures and styles. There were standout pieces like a yellow skirted ball gown with a black hologram tuxedo overcoat. The fi nal look was a black hologram plaid taffeta coat paired with a hot pink taffeta asymmetrical ballgown, showcasing Valentine’s bold approach to design.

This remarkable event served as a testament to Albright College’s unwavering commitment to fostering emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of fashion creativity. The audience at NYFW was treated to a mesmerizing showcase of diverse perspectives, innovative designs and groundbreaking concepts, underlining the institution’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the fashion industry.

perspectives, show,

“At Albright College, we aim to harness the transformative power of education in order to unlock the potential of all our students. Through initiatives like our NYFW fashion show, we nurture creativity, passion and professionalism, empowering our students and graduates to become the innovative leaders of tomorrow,” said Jacquelyn Fetrow, president, Albright College.

DELL SCOTT COLLECTION DEBUTS ANTHOS

AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SS24

With the debut of their Spring Summer 2024 collection, Anthos from the Dell Scott Collection marks another successful season on the runways of New York Fashion Week.

The self-titled Dell Scott Collection was established in 2015. The collection was founded by International designer, Dell Scott (CFDA affi liated and FGI board member).

After successfully presenting in Paris and Dubai, she returns to New York this season to debut Anthos (meaning flower in Greek). The luxury formal wear collection of silky satin dresses, sequin pants, tulle gowns and lace shorts was the theme for the evening. The collection boasts a color palette of rich hues of blue, purple wine, fuchsia purple, cream gold and black accented with floral elements. The addition of Grecian accessories was inspired by the designer’s travels to Europe this year.

The collection’s theme displays the essence of boldness. A flower is relatively unnoticed before it blooms, but once it does, it is bold in stature and demands to be noticed. Once again, the designer, niche for high slits, deep necklines and form fitting silhouettes, draws attention to the very essence of the female form.

The foundation of the brand is to create exquisite formal clothing that empowers women to embrace who they were truly created to be. Every season the collection consists of designs that tap into the vibrancy, sensuality and the very essence of all women. Its designs are for women of any culture. It is for the woman that knows when she looks good, she feels good and when she feels good, she can conquer the world.

This season Dell Scott, Dell Scott Collection graciously thanks sponsors Voodoo Makeup, EBIN New York, LYNN New York, The Town Cocktail and Morgans of Delaware.

PhotographyThe Runway Authority @therunwayauthority

VERDAVAINNE

UPTOWN GLAMOUR MEETS DOWNTOWN CHIC IN A DAZZLING FASHION PRESENTATION

V E R D A V A I N N E, the esteemed luxury fashion brand, unveiled its Spring 2024 collection in a mesmerizing fashion presentation that left guests in awe. Held at the exquisite Casa Cipriani in downtown NYC, the event saw a distinguished audience of editors, stylists, influencers and loyal clients gather for an intimate and unforgettable experience, designer Cyril Verdavainne’s debut as part of the official New York Fashion Week (NYFW) calendar.

The Spring 2024 collection by VERDAVAINNE is a celebration of bold eveningwear, featuring stunningly imagined silhouettes with voluminous skirts that captivate with their architectural structure and graceful movement. The collection also showcases oversized high-contrast patterns that demand attention, and elegant kimono-inspired, trapunto-stitched belt detailing that added an exquisite touch of refi nement to each ensemble.

The collection also focused on neckline treatments, from alluring halter styles that exuded elegance to romantic off-shoulder designs that offered a touch of provocative sophistication. Bold and strong shoulders were also a commanding statement. A highlight of the presentation was the collection’s fi nale, a breathtaking wedding gown in chalk white that featured a halter neckline and a self-appliqué sash made of delicate white poppy flower petals, creating an ethereal and romantic masterpiece akin to a moving marble sculpture.

“I wanted to show something glamorous and generous in proportion but with clean, crisp lines. The use of colors was a must for me with the Neon Yellow, the Chartreuse, the Shameless Fuchsia Pink… it’s all about bringing fun to our clients’ wardrobes,” said Cyril Verdavainne, founder and designer of the eponymous label.

Verdavainne added, “Speaking of our clients, it was important for us to feature our gorgeous curvy ladies because they are here, they are very real and they very much appreciate brands like VERDAVAINNE. I have been at this gig for a little while now, and I haven’t met a woman who is a straight size.”

VERDAVAINNE’s Spring 2024 presentation was all about embracing the bold, celebrating contrasts and weaving elegance into every minute detail. The collection marked a true embodiment of the

brand’s commitment to sophistication, creativity and an unwavering dedication to delivering fashion that celebrates the unique beauty of every woman. The collection’s boldly proportioned silhouettes and subtle yet forward detailing will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on both wearer and admirers alike.

Founded in 2018 by Cyril Verdavainne, VERDAVAINNE not only embraces luxury, creativity and boldness, but it is also dedicated to sustainable practices and the creation of handcrafted, sophisticated women’s eveningwear. With 15 years in the industry, Verdavainne has worked with Carmen Marc Valvo, and has inspired a commitment to eco-conscious fashion and personalized, custom designs that empower women with unique, one-ofkind fashion that serves for long-term style at the highest quality.

Rooted in his global fashion journey from Casablanca to New York City, VERDAVAINNE epitomizes sophistication, creativity and a deep appreciation for the unique beauty of every woman.

NEGRIS LEBRUM

DEBUTS THE PICKLEBALL TOTE AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SS24

Fashion house Negris LeBrum dazzled New York Fashion Week runways with its Spring/Summer 2024 collection.

Drawing inspiration from the unmistakable flare of Pan American fl ight attendants, designer Travis Hamilton reimagined the feminine silhouette, revising mini-dresses, skirts and rompers in rich, soft floral brocades. An additional feature in this season’s runway show signaled a significant milestone for Hamilton: his whimsical, vibrant, tailored pickleball totes highlighted Negris LeBrum’s unprecedented venture with Texas Southern University (TSU) – House of Maroon.

The brand love story is based on the interracial marriage of a Southern couple from Louisiana in the 1940s which still resonates with many today. Brand founder Travis Hamilton’s design process is heavily influenced by his Southern Creole roots, and the Negris LeBrum love story is a tale of an influential woman of the same name who lived in the designer’s hometown of Natchitoches, LA. As a French Creole woman, Mrs. Negris could pass for white but chose to remain true to her black roots. She eventually fell in love with a black man, and their romance was frowned upon. In the end, the two were brought together by a force so strong –love. Through fashion, their story continues to be shared with the world.

This Love Story is the foundation of Negris LeBrum, and is rooted in the company slogan Lenoir est Joli, French for “Black is Beautiful.” Each collection pays homage to the courage of this amazing woman.

The Negris experience didn’t stop with the runway show as an afterparty was held following the show at the Ideal Glass Studio venue. Guests included a wide range of fashion influencers, photographers, stylists and celebrities. Event sponsors included Yolonda Sweets, Owls Brew, The Town cocktails and June Shine can cocktails.

AUTUMN

Autumn Apparel Reads

It’s sweater weather! Now is the time of year to rummage through our closets for our favorite knitwear staples, or to find inspiration with autumnal menswear blazers. Below are autumn’s go-to reads for fashion-minded bookworms!

A Knitters Guide to Gloves by Anghadrad

Thomas

August 1, 2023

“A Knitter’s Guide to Gloves” introduces several construction techniques, alongside the possible materials and tools that are suitable for knitting the gloves you want. A chapter on design guides you through adapting and customizing your glove knitting before outlining how to go about designing from personal inspiration. The book also traces the history of knitted gloves and is lavishly illustrated with examples from museum collections, some of which are rare or even unique. Patterned gloves from Yorkshire and Scotland are described, alongside the stories of examples that have survived into the twenty-first century. Selected gloves from Estonia are discussed, as well as some from U.K. collections including the Glovers Collection Trust and the Knitting and Crochet Guild. Includes step-by-step photos guide those new to knitting gloves through the key points of glove construction and making your first pair. Five further glove patterns then give a choice of styles to knit, from a plain pair through to color worked gloves of varied complexity.

Scarves by Nicky Albrechtsen and Fola Solanke

June 8, 2021

Indispensable accessories and sought-after collectors’ items, scarves were an important innovation in twentieth-century fashion. From art deco through 1950s Hollywood, the Swinging Sixties and beyond, scarves have been represented in every major decorative arts movement over the past century and into the present one.

This marvelously illustrated compendium showcases the work of a wide range of international designers: Paul Poiret, Elsa Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Mary Quant, Gucci, Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, Zandra Rhodes, Nicole Miller and many more. The collection showcases more than 250 scarves, beautifully reproduced in color and all specially photographed. Scarves also includes concise biographies of more than fifty scarf designers, information on retailers and manufacturers, and even a resource guide that provides expert advice on conservation, museum collections, vintage fairs and specialist dealers.

Classic Tailoring Techniques for Menswear: A Construction Guide 2nd Editionby

March 26, 2015

Since its first publication, “Classic Tailoring Techniques for Menswear” has been the authoritative resource for custom hand tailoring production. This new edition focuses on updating these timeless construction techniques through extensive use of all new photography and digital illustrations to enhance the clarity of each process. The enduring art of tailoring and the nature of bespoke tailoring processes means that the techniques presented in the first edition remain as relevant for today’s designers as ever.

Knitwear Design by Carol Brown

September 10, 2013

Packed with diagrams, knitwear samples and images from a wide range of contemporary designers, the book offers a practical approach to designing garments from initial research, finding sources of inspiration and developing the design, through an exploration of color, texture, and knitting techniques to constructing a garment and creating and writing a pattern. Knitwear Design also showcases the techniques that are transforming knitted textiles, such as heat treatments and painting and printing knit, and profiles the fusing of knitting, art, and craft. The book includes case studies from international designers, offering students a unique insight into the industry. Knitting is a tactile and versatile craft, and “Knitwear Design” gives readers the knowledge and inspiration they need to create innovative and eye-catching fashion.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Puzzle by Myles Mellor

Fundamental concepts for Nicole Amato’s jewelry,

One of the most prominent lingerie trade shows in North America: debuted a new display at Paraiso Miami Swim Week British rapper who collaborated with Versace

New technology which will deliver comfort and aesthetics into the world of intimate apparel

UK’s leading fashion retailer, ____ London, Renowned LA brand creating uniquely

French luxury design house that recently opened a new store in Aspen, Colorado Creators of the AI based tool Dupe Killerwhich detects fakes in the fashion world

Fashion runway celebrated in a series of 8 books by brands such as Chanel, Prada and Chloe

Promotional free stuff at fashion shows

For answers, please visit mannpublications.com/fashionmannuscript/crossword-answers-oct-2023

SOCIAL SAFARI:

Hamptons Concours

Sergio Nicolosi, Greg Matthews and Bradford Rand, of RAND Luxury, hosted the annual “Hamptons Concours” in Bridgehampton. The exclusive event benefited the Southampton Animal Shelter, the leading “No-Kill” shelter on Long Island, and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Guests, including animal advocate Georgina Bloomberg, writer Devorah Rose, plastic surgeon Dr. Lyle Leipziger, Consuelo Vanderbilt, influencer Sofie Mahlkvist, attorney Daniel Stock, Sunny Akhtari and dermatologist Dr. Ken Mark, observed the vintage and new luxury motorcars. The collection of vehicles was estimated to be worth over $100 million USD. The event featured new cars from the top manufacturers, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley. A select group of automotive connoisseurs and judges, led by Chief Judge Glenn Simon, reviewed nearly 80 handmade Italian masterpieces during the contest. The Best in Show went to a lime green 1992 Porsche 964 Turbo. randluxury.com

Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon”

Joaquin Phoenix is starring in Ridley Scott’s upcoming biopic “Napoleon,” premiering on November 22, 2023. The movie, which is already garnering Oscar buzz for Phoenix, co-stars Vanessa Kirby as Josephine. The fi lm looks back on Napoleon’s rise from French artillery officer to emperor. Scott said of Phoenix, “If something bothers him, he’ll let you know. He made ‘Napoleon’ special by constantly asking questions.” Deep-pocketed fans of Napoleon Bonaparte can buy his personal footbath for $24k, his plate warmer for $14k or his camel saddle, used in one of his Egyptian campaigns, for $20k from M.S. Rau in New Orleans. They are also selling a diamond necklace, bracelet and tiara for $1.250 million that Napoleon gave not to his beloved Josephine, but to one of his mistresses. rauantiques.com

Hetrick-Martin Institute

Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Don Lemon, Marci Klein and Thom Filicia all came out to support Hetrick-Martin Institute’s (HMI) annual School’s Out Fundraiser in Watermill. The evening began with a lively cocktail hour with mermen in the pool and was followed by a “Best of the Hamptons” dinner with bites from Almond, Duryea’s and Kerber’s Farm. The annual event was launched in 1998, to help support programs for LGBTQIA+ youth throughout the summer months.

HMI is the nation’s oldest LGBTQIA+ youth organization serving queer and trans youth, primarily of color, between the ages of 13 and 24. The evening, sponsored by Nordstrom, United Airlines and Douglas Elliman, raised a record breaking $620k. hmi.org

The Empire State Rare Book & Print Fair

Eve and Edward Lemon brought The Empire State Rare Book and Print Fair to St. Bartholomew’s Church this fall. Over 50 exhibitors from across the country brought everything from a fi rst edition of “Tom Sawyer” to science fiction books from the 1960’s and other one-of-a-kind collectibles. Ryan Miller, the lead singer of the band Guster, performed his song “Empire State” during the opening night. A portion of the ticket sales went to the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Benevolent Fund. finefairs.com

Julia Haart’s + Body

Netfl ix’s “My Unorthodox Life” star Julia Haart visited Ukraine and Rwanda to work alongside women’s charities to provide feminine products in areas affected by war and poverty. Haart, the former creative director of La Perla, has joined fellow entrepreneurs Kim Kardashian and Lizzo in creating her own shapewear line, +Body. Haart created the collection to bring technological innovation to the category and change the way women think about shapewear. She is also an ambassador for the cutting-edge skin care line, Ameon. bodybyjuliahaart.com

God’s Love We Deliver

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka opened their far-flung Funhouse Farm in the Hamptons for the God’s Love We Deliver 22nd Annual Drinks Benefit. The property features whimsical touches, including a vintage Ferris wheel that sadly no longer works but perfectly fits the farm’s circus vibe. Guests dining on carnival-themed food mingled around the uniquely round pool and the lavishly-landscaped gardens. Attendees included Nicky Hilton and her children Nathan Lane, Alex Guarnaschelli, Kyle MacLachlan, Desiree Gruber, Derek Blasberg, Vicente Wolf, Jason Weinberg, Geoff rey Bradfield, Andrew Farkus, Andrew Saffi r, Jeff rey Banks and Terrence Meck, the board of directors co-chair, who said, “We haven’t had so many people at this event since Calvin Klein opened his house.” God’s Love is the only provider of medically-tailored meals for individuals living with severe and chronic illness, including HIV/AIDS, in NYC. Everyone left with a gift bag fi lled with Supergoop! products and, of course, “Chuck’s Famous Brownies.” glwd.org

Tibetan Shrine

Alice Kandell offered a last visit to her private Tibetan Shrine room before it gets packed up and moved to the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), where it will go on view during the summer of 2024. Below are the photos from the bon voyage party!

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WOMEN TO WATCH - PART 1

With the southeastern United States experiencing a renaissance in the areas of fashion, jewelry and accessory design, as well as cosmetology, we’re excited to highlight some of the women in this region. These women are redefining what it means to be fashionable and sharing their hard earned wisdom to encourage other emerging creatives and business owners.

DARIN WRIGHT AND ELEA WRIGHT OF ELEA BLAKE

A mother and daughter duo redefining our relationship with color and custom cosmetics. Chattanooga, TN

Darin Wright has owned and operated Elea Blake for two and a half decades. Her business, named after her twin daughters, started as a skincare-oriented, custom makeup company. Wright is a Colorist who studies the science and power of color and the art of using it. She created a customized personal color analysis system that teaches individuals color

theory for a range of personal and business applications and this system is helping her “regional” business reach a global consumer. This unique color system gives shoppers the tools to color shop confidently for clothing, cosmetics and interior decor.

Wright just released her first book in an upcoming series on the specificity of color. Her first book, “Find Your Strength: A Love Letter to Orange” was published May 2023 and teaches the power of Orange.

“I’ve been in business for almost 27 years, and when I first started my biggest challenge was funding. I remember being so appalled that even with a great credit score and a stable revenue stream that I was offered a lower interest rate if my husband was on my business loan. Frankly I was pissed and refused to do so. My husband’s score wasn’t even as good as mine! I paid the higher interest rate which only hurt me, however I just couldn’t allow a misogynistic company to push me into something I

absolutely did not want to do. As soon as I was able to find a line of credit resource that would respect me as a woman I changed it.

I stay as focused as I possibly can. Concentrating on what I do best is the key to my success. I don’t allow myself to have a pity party, and I always shake off negativity as quickly as I can. I wake up each day thinking about how I can help others and improve my processes or creations. I decided early on in my career not to focus on the money but to focus on the clients and doing my best every day. I’m not always my best, no one is, but that mindset has gotten me through a lot of hardships. I’ve always been active in my community. As I age I find myself practicing what I preach as they say. I have become more confident using the tools I teach and have become an activist for social Justice and animal welfare. My acts of service energize me and give me a broader purpose for showing up everyday and doing my best even when I’m not my best. Elea and I will continue to focus on color education as the business moves forward. Color is so much more than people think and our dream is to help everyone feel and look their best by simply using color. My dream is to touch as many people to help them build confidence and strength using color intentionally.” -

IG: @eleablake

Website: eleablake.com

FELINA MARTIN, PAMPOJA NA

A visual artist utilizing unique custom artwork to create cutting edge fashion.

Augusta, GA

Felina Martin is an artist, serial entrepreneur and self-proclaimed “Ideator” who, along with her son, serves as the Co-CEO of Be In Marketing, an event marketing and personal branding company. She is the designer and owner of Pamoja Na, an online wearable art fashion line that was inspired by her original painting called “Diversity Chattanooga.” Both businesses focus on positively influencing inclusion and diversity in underrepresented ecosystems and industries.

Martin is also the published author of a memoir, “Sunshine in Hell,” which was released on Amazon in April 2023.

“The biggest obstacle that I have faced in my work is self-doubt. I was reluctant to share my art and design outside the ‘walls’ of my mind by allowing too many negative thoughts to prevent me from moving forward. Some thoughts were engraved in my head as a child and others were self-inflicted. After accepting that I had a problem with self-doubt, I thought, now what? Either I could wallow in doubt and watch others pursue my dream or I could start doing something to make my dreams a

reality. I overcame the obstacles by making small steps that included celebrating my accomplishments, surrounding myself with encouraging friends, taking different classes and doing what I could control to move forward.

One of the biggest supporters that I have had in becoming an artist is my son. When I was feeling at my lowest point in my career, he asked ‘What was it that you always dreamed about doing when you were a little girl?’ In his infinite wisdom at the age of 25, my son encouaged me to pursue my love of art, fashion and flying (another story for another time).

My business goal for 2024 is to sell my clothing in boutiques and museum gift shops. And my ‘big, audacious’ goal is to secure a contract

with a national hotelier or airline to purchase my product for employee uniforms.” -

VICKY DOGANIS, KNOT ME JEWELS

A native New Yorker who’s found her niche creating original designs in rural Tennessee. Maryville, TN

Vicky Doganis has been dressing up, designing and creating her own clothes since she was a little girl. Her friends kept encouraging her to become a fashion designer, and so she followed those dreams to FIT in New York and Europe. Her designs help to bring the feminine back to its origin and encourage women to remember that they can be feminine and powerful. She creates designs that are flattering for women of all ages and sizes and often focuses on feel-good fabrics like organic cotton with stretch so they fit well and allow for free flowing movement. Doganis was the winner of Chattanooga Fashion Expo’s 2023 Design Competition.

“The fashion industry can be a fabulous place, but it can also be a very rigorous environment. It’s difficult to manage composition, stay on top of the market, and cultivate new designs. My biggest challenge in my personal life has been maintaining my brand while supporting my family.

Fashion is competitive but staying strong and loving myself has brought me to better understand my most authentic creative side. If you have too many ideas, or have a creative block it can be tedious. Focusing on one goal at a time will lead you to your next one. Whatever it is, it has to come from the heart.

It has to be true to who you are to make an impact. In the future I would love to see greater exposure for emerging artists. Having professional coverage can make an extraordinary difference in one’s career. I would love to continue to get more national exposure to open doors to additional wholesale and press opportunities.” -Vicky

IG: @knot_me_jewels

NEWYORK MEN’S DAY

New York Men’s Day marked a refreshing departure from conventional fashion presentations, offering a dynamic platform that celebrated both emerging talents and seasoned designers in the realm of menswear. Nestled within the industrial allure of Hudson Yards, this event granted each designer the autonomy to manifest their unique artistic visions.

In a cultural landscape that is embracing the concept of gender fluidity, it is noteworthy how this theme reverberates through the fabric of contemporary fashion. This resonance has notably contributed to the surging popularity of menswear and the emergence of genderless clothing, underscoring the evolving sensibilities of our time.

The inaugural segment of the day featured an eclectic lineup of designers, including Clara Son, Terry Singh, Kent Anthony, B|M|C by Brandon Murphy and A. Potts. Each designer, with their distinctive approach, brought forth a captivating narrative through their creations.

The latter half of the event was a showcase of remarkable creativity, featuring the ingenious works of Sebastian Ami, Raleigh Workshop, Skyco, Tarpley and The Salting. It was in this segment that the confluence of artistic energy reached its zenith.

Amongst the myriad of remarkable displays, my personal favorites were Clara Son and Terry Singh. Their designs exuded an effortless sense of playfulness and sophistication, resonating deeply with the zeitgeist of the event. The atmosphere in their respective spaces was nothing short of electrifying, further affirming the immense talent and innovation on display at New York Men’s Day.

DISCOVER THE CUTTING EDGE OF FASHION

Coast -to-coast, Dallas is the premier resource to uncover the latest emerging trends in contemporary, footwear, accessories, western and more. From LA to New York, exhibitors come to Dallas Market Center with the latest fashionforward apparel and accessories. New looks are closer than you think.

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market

OCTOBER 24 – 27, 2023

dallasmarketcenter.com

@dallasmarket

Inspiration Starts Here.

Taelor

Every Man’s New Way of Looking Great

Anya Cheng and Phoebe Tan are the founders of TAELOR, menswear’s latest online custom tailoring service. Not only is TAELOR providing personal stylization for menswear, but it is the fastest-growing fashion company contributing to the circular fashion industry. Founded on the principles of no-waste, resale, streamlined technology and top-tier custom tailoring, TAELOR is the online service that the menswear category never knew it needed.

Check out our interview with the founders below.

How did TAELOR start?

A: Phoebe and I are the founders of TAELOR, which we started about two years ago. I have a background in technology which really helped get the ball rolling: my most recent job history was with Facebook, where I built their social e-commerce initiative and also worked for eBay’s e-commerce teams in the Silicon Valley area. In addition to my work with TAELOR, I teach marketing at the Medill School of Journalism.

P: Before starting TAELOR, I was VP of procurement for a food company. Transitioning from food to fashion was a big transition for me, but I’ve always had a passion for both. I was able to optimize that passion when I met Anya in Chicago at school more than ten years ago. With all the experience I accumulated in the corporate world, I started our own venture at TAELOR.

What inspired the idea for TAELOR?

A: I was interested in starting something similar to other clothing service companies like Stitch Fix. Like TAELOR, Stitch Fix has someone style you, but you have to buy from every single shipment. But as a user, I did not want to have to own so many clothes, because owning too many clothes causes waste. Much of your closet gets forgotten. Rent the Runway was an already-existing solution to this, but you must spend hours browsing through thousands of items. There was a moment I realized that most of those surveys were designed for people who care about fashion,

not people who just want to get ready for their day. We surveyed a lot of people who told us how much they hate clothes shopping and hate doing laundry. A lot of the people who immediately signed up for our service were men, since we take a lot of the hassle out of looking great. That’s why we started TAELOR’s menswear rental subscription.

Walk us through the process of how TAELOR works.

A: People pay a flat monthly fee. It could be $79 for one shipment per month for item or $109 for two shipments per month and get five items each, which is ten total. And the item includes all kinds of categories from T-shirts, shirts and blazers or pants, chinos, joggers. They start by signing up for our style quiz. “I’m size medium and I’m going out for a date” or “I really love red and blues.” The customer tells us whatever they want us to know about their personalities, style preferences and day-to-day lifestyles. From there, our stylists tailor their wardrobe. During the consultations, we also send them initial emails of recommendation. Then we utilize feedback from the customer. After that, we send the first shipment. Once they get that delivery, they provide feedback again. It’s a constantly moving service based on changing feedback that allows us to get very specific with people’s preferences.

Are the one-on-one stylist consultations required?

A: The consultations are optional. About half of our customers take advantage of that service, while the other half uses our digital styling tools.

How do you collaborate with other brands to choose the right look for people?

P: Based on our customer’s profile, we create the most diverse assortment that will fit in their lifestyle and occasions. With brand partners, we look for brands from all over the world. Because we are a rental service, where customers return the clothes when they are finished with them, we contributed to reusing clothes and reducing waste. It’s circular fashion. The customer gets their clothes, rents them for a period and then resends them to us to be reused in a fresh, new way. There are some major elements that partnered brands must provide our customers: sustainability, performance, comfort and quality.

What makes renting clothes more efficient?

A: Instead of constantly wearing the same thing, they can have a stylist to help them hone in on the details.

P: People probably only wear 20% of what is in their closet, and everything else just goes to waste. With the rental service, they wear every single item that gets sent to them. They’ll even have the option to buy it. That’s great for the environment because it’s a re-

sale on the second hand pre-owned item.

What incentives do brands have to partner with TAELOR?

A: There are a few incentives. One of the biggest is that everyone knows circular fashion is the future. By partnering with us, it’s a way for brands to get into circular fashion with very little investment. All they need to do is work with us, pick a few styles and have a small test to start. There are also financial incentives if they have unsold inventory or if there are new collection ideas, we provide customer feedback before investing more time and money into it.

Anything exciting for the future that you’d like to share?

A: We always have something exciting going on. We are backed by major names like the investor of Instacart and Lyft. Our investors have high hopes for us, despite just being in our third year, and they push us forward. On the tech side, we are using more technology to help streamline the customer experience through AI and machine learning algorithms. We have a rich amount of data constantly flowing through our databases.

P: With TAELOR, men no longer have to rely on their girlfriend or friends to help them find the best outfits. TAELOR is the new way of looking great.

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