Trade Show Round Up: ENK Intermezzo/Accessorie Circuit, Moda, and D&A
by Candy Washington
As I entered Pier 92 on this warmer-than-average day in January, I couldn’t help but notice there were fewer cars and taxis than usual pulling up to the gates that led to the trade shows, but the fashion buzz and excitement remained the same. Buyers, press, and sales reps still filed into the Piers, the Javits Center, and even down the road at D&A. The top trends for the season, and seen from show to show, were color blocking, a return to simplicity, natural tones, neons, the 70′s, embossed snakeskin, mixed fabrications, and softer silhouettes.
Qi was a stand-out brand, along with its sister company Ainsley. The cashmere cardigans at Qi pulls off color blocking perfectly and is also known for its knitwear. Its looks are vibrant and sexy yet practical. Nevertheless, it is afforable with all price points being lower than $200 and with Fall delivery dates of 7/30, 8/30, and 9/30. The line also boasts long silk maxi skirts in both solids and prints. Ainsley is for the more whimsical girl and the theme of its latest campaign being ‘Journey to Palm Springs’ did not disappoint. The line has an international and quirky appeal but also speaks to the girl-next-door shopper. My favorite piece was a long silk maxi dress with a 70′s inspired butterfly print. There was a also a silk pleated short that is a must-have for stores.
If you are in the market for dresses Stella &Jaime has pretty, soft, and simple dresses with a bit of a sexy edge. The line is also branching out into handbags, some with 4k gold embellishments and a growing celebrity following. Liebeskind Berlin offers leather bags in a variety of colors, the most notable being the natural and neutral toned. Leigh & Luca has soft printed scarves and Gold Hawk has silk, lingerie-esque tops and very feminine pieces. Jane Tran heralds haute headbands and fascinators made from metals, pearls, lace, and mesh.
For the New York fashionista in me, I had to stop and peruse the looks at Miilla. The line is for the fashion-foward SoHo girl who is cool enough to wear the pieces at her 9-to-5 and then rock them out-on-town with the girls. The line is simple yet versatile, edgy, and chic. Miila also keppes it fresh by mixing fabrications.
On trend with a return to simplicity, Tiger Mountain, an accessories line, featured a ‘Copper Collection’ of pounded, simple , flat copper pieces with owls, birds, trees, Buddhas, and more on small emblems on necklaces with thin metal chains and rings.
Bella Luxx is the go-to brand for comfy jersey knits, simple pieces, and basics. Don’t forget about daftbird that also has some of the softest, most wearable, and comfortable tops and bottoms. Tracy Watts had cool hats and fedoras for all seasons and their top-seller is a crushable ivory hat. Their prices range from $70 to $125. Sea Bags brings the nautical theme to the next level with canvas bags and totes with anchors on them and their bags are made from recycled sails.
by Candy Washington
The first booth that caught my eye was newcomer, Cut 25. A mixed fabric black leather dress is a must-have for pre-fall and the same dress yet in a deep teal would be ideal for spring. There was also a lime green and light blue color block dress and a salmon mixed fabric jacket, which is my editor’s pick from this collection. Although its the designer’s first time at the trade shows, the collection was representative of some of the most dominant trends for the upcoming season. Lucas Jack: London, another newbie, displayed highly desirable rings, necklaces, and arm-cuffs made from resin and soft golds and silvers with price points starting at $35 and up.
Since going green is no longer a trend but an embraced way of life, over 40 eco-friendly fashion brands presented at the shows. A break-out brand includes Matt&Nat that houses distressed and smooth leather bags, messenger bags, wallets and portfolios in an array of colors from black, brown, dark purple, blue, grey, and earth tones.
Over at Moda Nakamol Designs, an accessories line based in Chicago, proved to be one of the busiest booths. All designs are hand-made to order and manufactured in Thailand, as the designer is Thai, and the line has a variety of wrap bracelets and necklaces on thin chains with beads, crystals, and pearls. One of their statement pieces was a clear multi-strand crystal couture necklace.
Also on trend with color blocking and neons, Melia Bianco Accessories displayed handbags with bright solid colors, neon solid colors, and natural-toned solid colors, that are perfect for both day and evening wear. My editor’s pick is their medium-sized bronze purse with a large wooden closure.
The overall vibe at Designer’s and Agents was young, hip, cool, and laid-back. The brands and designs shared this motif as well. Koch was a stand out collection and also an eco-friendly line, with a practical light grey sequined jacket that is easily dressed down for everyday wear, oversized sweaters and tops with metallic thread woven through, cute shorts, and bird print tees. The line also included fabric belts with fish charms and feathers. Another green fashion brand and recipient of a D&A Green Leaf Award, was allagiulia, that makes shoes out of recycled materials.
Calleen Cordero Designs was one of the edgier brands at D&A with black leather bags, studded belts, and mixed fabric and embellished shoes. The brand definitely speaks to the hipster, downtown, fashionable girl. For the more conservative girl, look to KaloSoma for solid color and natural colored canvas shorts and bottoms.