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PROJECT New York: The New Prep
CommentBy Candy Washington
PROJECT BLOGGER PAD CURATED BY MARCUS TROY
On the second floor of the trade show lived a hub of male bloggers, giving down-to-the-minute updates on the new fashion trends, current designers, and industry buzz as it was happening. I had the pleasure of meeting Atif Kazmi, Editor-in-Chief of Por Homme, and he excited about his blog, which was one of five chosen to participate. The others included William Yan, Selectism, Madbury Club, and Denim Therapy. The bevy of boy bloggers was curated by the a famed lifestyle blogger Marcus Troy.
MADE BY PROJECT
One of the most fashion-forward aspects of this year’s PROJECT show featured eleven exclusively selected artisanal brands to make and produce product in real time during the shows. This station embodied the spirit of spontaneity, true craftsmanship and skill, customization, one-of-a-kind pieces, and interactivity between designer and wearer. Featured brands were: Hartford Denim Co. (custom denim), Welcome Stranger (handmade bow-ties), Jon Contino (illustration and typography), Bowery Lane Bicycles (hand-crafted bicycles), Leather Head Sports (handmade footballs and baseballs), ETWAS (handmade, energy-independent bags), Joya (bespoke scented candles), Silva LTD (handmade bamboo and cowhide MacBook and iPad cases), In God We Trust (eclectic engraved jewelry and accessories), Walk Up Press (custom-designed letterpress stationary), and Gabriel Urist (hand-carved jewelry).
The dominant fashion trend throughout the show was The New Prep, think Kanye West meets Brad Goreski during his Project Zoe days. Simple solids mixed with plaids and pastels is the essence of this trend. The king of this look was The Brooklyn Circus. They had a full array of Varsity Letter jackets, leather shoes, and even suspenders, all with a hipster yet 1920′s twist. Airedale truly embraces this fashion statement with striped and printed button-ups, shorts in muted pastels and prints, and shirts, shorts, and pants in light solids. This is ideal for the Georgetown alum summering in the Hamptons. Go Hoyas.
Turn to Mulholland for their oversized Locomotive Weekender made locally from North America bison and comes in a beautiful brown for a masculine carryall. Altru offers a modern and humorous take on the classic vintage tee. Made from 100% cotton their tees with witty graphics and saying look great under your blazers or layered over long-sleeve shirts. Opt for Proper Fools if you want a more militaristic take on this look.
Falling Whistles has embellished metal and steel whistle necklaces that perfectly compliments this style. For edgier accessories Mateo Bijoux designs metal rings, necklaces, and bracelets inspired by knives, scissors, nails, and hammers.
Those eyes.
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DVF inspired
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Jerry Hirsch: Just Go>Silk with it
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By Candy Washington
Are you ready to Go Silk? Famed designer, Jerry Hirsch is launching a new contemporary line, Go by Go>Silk, and this may be just what the fashionista ordered to revamp your racks. Read on for the story behind this legendary fashion brand then our exclusive one-on-one interview with the designer himself.
Contrary to popular belief of diamonds as a girl’s best friend, Go Silk has defiantly made silk a girl’s best friend since 1984. Founded by Jerry Hirsch and flattering to every woman, Go Silk revolutionized the way the fashion industry and consumers utilized silk by designing the first stone washed and washable silk sportswear collection. In 2011, Go Silk is back and better-than-ever and still designing, manufacturing, and distributing designer silk sportswear. Its line is comprised of natural silk and silk blends.
Impressively, Go Silk has been popular among celebrity, musician, and artist clientele. It is also available within 20 varying countries. This innovation line also won The American Institute of Architects, Interior Architecture Award of Excellence in 1994. The future of Go Silk lies within the launch of its new contemporary line, Go by Go Silk that is geared toward a younger demographic but maintains the heritage, core aesthetic, and integrity of the parent fashion line.
Fashion Edits: What’s the inspiration behind your line?
Jerry Hirsh: The inspiration behind the go by go>silk collection is the tremendous success that was achieved by its Parent, go>silk, in the 1980′s and 1990′s. Go>silk created luxurious sportswear and then washed the silk garments. Go>silk also created fabric washed and sand washed silk. Go>silk was the first company to wash silk (stone, garment, sand wash) creating an entirely new category of clothing. Go by go>silk continues this mission by recreating and designing new classics of sportswear while maintaining the luxury of silk with the ease of machine washing this precious fabric.
FE: What are some of your professional highlights?
JH: My professional highlights span over 25 years of designing and producing go>silk. I think the satisfaction of having a collection that everyone wanted and everyone copied. Our roster of celebrities was quite impressive and many of them I got to meet. Jack Nickelson, Anjelica Houston, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and my good friend the late Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes. Our Fashion Shows and parties also attracted an interesting collection of movers and shakers. The likes of Donald Trump, Thierry Mugler, Anne Slater, Frank Andrews, Marc Jacobs, Meat Loaf, Ru Paul.
FE: Where can we find your collection?
JH: Go by go>silk can be found at fine specialty stores worldwide. To mention a few in the United States, Knit Wit, Betsy Prince, RTW, Frances Kahn, Wendy Foster, Betsey Bunky Nini, Deborah James.
FE: Who is the Jerry Hirsch girl?
JH: The Jerry Hirsch girl is the same as the go>silk girl. It’s the women that can throw on a few pieces of washed silk, and make it her own. She has the confidence to stand tall, throw her shoulders back and hold her head up high. In fact what ever she wears she has to have confidence in her posture.FE: Where do you see fashion headed?
Fashion is all over the place and I like that. I think looser, softer clothing will take hold. I like to see women mixing soft feminine clothes with an item of military of safari origin.
FE: What are some things retailers should know about your line?
JH: I think retailers already know that we design and manufacture a fashionable quality garment that is easy to care for and will give their customers years of wearing pleasure. It also comes with a pedigree. The go>silk and go by go>silk look and label is highly distinguishable.
FE: Feel free to add in any additional information you want our readers, retailers, and buyers to know.
JH: Our new Collection, go by go>silk has a younger more contemporary point of view without limiting it to a certain age group.
Are you ready to Go Silk? Famed designer, Jerry Hirsch is launching a new contemporary line, Go by Go>Silk, and this may be just what the fashionista ordered to revamp your racks. Read on for the story behind this legendary fashion brand then our exclusive one-on-one interview with the designer himself.
Contrary to popular belief of diamonds as a girl’s best friend, Go Silk has defiantly made silk a girl’s best friend since 1984. Founded by Jerry Hirsch and flattering to every woman, Go Silk revolutionized the way the fashion industry and consumers utilized silk by designing the first stone washed and washable silk sportswear collection. In 2011, Go Silk is back and better-than-ever and still designing, manufacturing, and distributing designer silk sportswear. Its line is comprised of natural silk and silk blends.
Impressively, Go Silk has been popular among celebrity, musician, and artist clientele. It is also available within 20 varying countries. This innovation line also won The American Institute of Architects, Interior Architecture Award of Excellence in 1994. The future of Go Silk lies within the launch of its new contemporary line, Go by Go Silk that is geared toward a younger demographic but maintains the heritage, core aesthetic, and integrity of the parent fashion line.
Fashion Edits: What’s the inspiration behind your line?
Jerry Hirsh: The inspiration behind the go by go>silk collection is the tremendous success that was achieved by its Parent, go>silk, in the 1980′s and 1990′s. Go>silk created luxurious sportswear and then washed the silk garments. Go>silk also created fabric washed and sand washed silk. Go>silk was the first company to wash silk (stone, garment, sand wash) creating an entirely new category of clothing. Go by go>silk continues this mission by recreating and designing new classics of sportswear while maintaining the luxury of silk with the ease of machine washing this precious fabric.
FE: What are some of your professional highlights?
JH: My professional highlights span over 25 years of designing and producing go>silk. I think the satisfaction of having a collection that everyone wanted and everyone copied. Our roster of celebrities was quite impressive and many of them I got to meet. Jack Nickelson, Anjelica Houston, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and my good friend the late Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes. Our Fashion Shows and parties also attracted an interesting collection of movers and shakers. The likes of Donald Trump, Thierry Mugler, Anne Slater, Frank Andrews, Marc Jacobs, Meat Loaf, Ru Paul.
FE: Where can we find your collection?
JH: Go by go>silk can be found at fine specialty stores worldwide. To mention a few in the United States, Knit Wit, Betsy Prince, RTW, Frances Kahn, Wendy Foster, Betsey Bunky Nini, Deborah James.
FE: Who is the Jerry Hirsch girl?
JH: The Jerry Hirsch girl is the same as the go>silk girl. It’s the women that can throw on a few pieces of washed silk, and make it her own. She has the confidence to stand tall, throw her shoulders back and hold her head up high. In fact what ever she wears she has to have confidence in her posture.FE: Where do you see fashion headed?
Fashion is all over the place and I like that. I think looser, softer clothing will take hold. I like to see women mixing soft feminine clothes with an item of military of safari origin.
FE: What are some things retailers should know about your line?
JH: I think retailers already know that we design and manufacture a fashionable quality garment that is easy to care for and will give their customers years of wearing pleasure. It also comes with a pedigree. The go>silk and go by go>silk look and label is highly distinguishable.
FE: Feel free to add in any additional information you want our readers, retailers, and buyers to know.
JH: Our new Collection, go by go>silk has a younger more contemporary point of view without limiting it to a certain age group.
Stephen Burrows: The man behind the icon
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By Candy Washington
Always controversial but never gratuitous, the iconic Stephen Burrows is back and better-than-ever from his legendary days in the 60′s rubbing the elbows of Cher, Warhol, and the like. Known for his innovative designs and adding “color” to the fashion scene, he consistently keeps it real and adds a dose of reality to the ever-allusive fashion industry. Read below for our exclusive interview with this revered designer.
* Also view our exclusive video interview here!
Always controversial but never gratuitous, the iconic Stephen Burrows is back and better-than-ever from his legendary days in the 60′s rubbing the elbows of Cher, Warhol, and the like. Known for his innovative designs and adding “color” to the fashion scene, he consistently keeps it real and adds a dose of reality to the ever-allusive fashion industry. Read below for our exclusive interview with this revered designer.
* Also view our exclusive video interview here!
Independent Retailer Month: The heart of indie retail
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Looking for innovative ways to expand your business and find meaningful relationships with the fashion community? Then look no further than the Independent Retailer Month. Read below for our exclusive interview with this community conscious fashion organization.
Can you please tell our readers the overall concept of Independent Retailer Month?
Independent Retailer Month, July 2011, is a global campaign to celebrate the importance of independent retailers in the community, the economy and the overall retail sector mix. It is a time to encourage, engage and inspire independent retailers. Independent Retailer Month is a campaign to highlight the important role independent retailers play within the retail sector as a whole.
What are some ways in which Independent Retailer Month connects with and helps fashion retailers?
Independent Retailer Month connects with fashion retailers by working with industry resources like yourself as well as Nolcha.com, one of the co-founders, social media and newsletters. The month long initiative helps fashion retailers as it gives them motivation to join in the celebration as well as ideas to gain awareness, new clientele and increase sales among their community. In addition we are working with GlobalFashionBrands.com to do a specific promotion for independent fashion boutiques. Interested stores can read here: www.globalfashionbrands.com/indieretail.How long have you guys been in business and how did it come about?
In 2009 Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha, originally devised a plan to advance the business of independent fashion retailers via a weeklong city wide shopping extravaganza in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. The team created initiatives and programs to promote local fashion boutiques to help grow their brands, as well as encourage the city to buy local. In 2010 ShopLocalMontclair.com opened the concept to all independent retail businesses in the town and this intrigued Bannigan to explore beyond fashion retail.In 2003, Tom Shay, principal of Profits Plus, created a holiday, ‘Independent Retailer Week’ to show retailers how they could create celebrations for their communities, industries and own businesses. Each year Shay added another component to the event as he gathered ideas from those retailers, associations and groups that joined in the promotion.
Discussions began between Bannigan and Shay as they wanted to focus on all independent retailing, regardless of what products they sold. They also wanted to include the manufacturers, wholesalers who are providers of products and services to these independent retailers. As they found other organizations that had a celebration with the same focus of independent retailing, they noticed most held their event during the month of July. Bannigan and Shay wanted to be inclusive of everyone that had some form of recognition for independent retailing in the hope that Independent Retailer Month would be become the umbrella for all. Hence, what was a week for each of these two individuals and their groups became a month for everyone.
Idea Bank seems like an awesome resource for those of us in the fashion industry, can you please us more about it?
Absolutely. This is a resource that we add to on an ongoing basis as well as welcome ideas from others, it is a place to inspire ideas in retailers create promotions, events and outreach to support their participation in Independent Retailer Month.What are some up-and-coming events and resources?
There is a range of activity from community shopping crawls, to brand meet and greets to fashion shows, pop up stores and more. Make sure to visit facebook.com/independentretailermonthusa to stay up to date on activities and events. What are some ways in which retailers can get involved?
Firstly download the logo and place it in the store window front, newsletters and/or website. Contact the local media and tell them about this for their community. Gather customers together for an exclusive evening. There are so many ways to get involved, and only each retailer knows what is best suited to their clientele.Anything else you would like to share about Independent Retailer Month?
Make sure to spread the word, get involved and celebrate with us. Visit www.independentretailermonth.com for more information.
CONTACT:
Organizations/Chambers/Main Street Programs: Tom Shay: 888-529-5907 or 727-823-7205 | tomshay@profitsplus.orgMedia Inquiries & Partners: Kerry Bannigan: 888.665.2421 | kerryb@nolcha.com
Mail: Nolcha LLC | 350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor | New York | NY | 10118
Independent Retailer Month UK queries: Clare Rayner: clare.rayner@retailchampion.co.uk | 0844 4145153 | The Old Pump House, 1A Stonecross, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4AA
CONNECT:
FacebookFashion for a cause: We are all under the Same Sky
CommentSAME SKY’s project employs HIV+ women in Africa who survived the 1994 Genocide. Instead of a hand-out, we offer them a hand-up and a chance to rebuild their lives. Our bracelets are handmade with heart by these extraordinary women artisans.
By Candy Washington
Through purpose, empowerment, and education, Same Sky is equipping women from across the globe with a life-changing tool: a sense of integrity. Please read below my exclusive interview with Elizabeth Long, Director of Sales and Business Development of Same Sky.
Same Sky is an amazing program and embodies the spirit on entrepreneurship, can you please our readers how it all got started and what the basic idea behind the brand?
Same Sky’s Founder, Francine LeFrak, who is also an award winning film maker, spent 8 years making a film on the Rwandan genocide that never proceeded to fruition. However, Francine still wanted to shed light on the genocide and especially lend her support to women survivors. A friend introduced her to the idea of fair trade and suggested she come up with jewelry products for women to create as a way of making a means. The glass bead bracelet, a design inspired by a renowned artist and HIV/AIDS activist Mary Fisher, became Same Sky’s signature product and symbol of women empowering women. The rest is history.
Francine came up with the name “Same Sky” as all women look up at the same moon and same stars in the sky. Same Sky in essence encourages a movement of connecting and empowering women everywhere.
Trade-not-aid is a new kind of philanthropy that Same Sky strongly advocates. By providing a job, in this case as an artisan, a woman has the tools to rebuild her life on her own and feel good about doing it without traditional “aid.”
Educate others whether it be friends, family, buyers, retailers, etc. on the importance of empowering women, spreading HIV/AIDS awareness and also creating a dialogue about the 1994 Genocide. Knowing about our cause is so important and the more people we can reach the better.
On a promotional level, Same Sky has received a significant amount of attention in the media. Same Sky’s fabric wrap bracelets were featured in Vogue and Daily Candy while our signature glass bead bracelets have been featured in Harpers Bazaar, Town and Country, Marie Claire, The Today Show, The View, etc.
Some other Same Sky highlights have been expanding into 2 additional collectives and having recently been able to fund a work space for Same Sky artisans in Zambia.
I think that Same Sky has brought a significant amount of attention to the buying power of making a difference. Having the opportunity to buy a fashionable product that truly changes someone’s life is gratifying. I believe that the “ethical shopping movement” which Same Sky is very much a part of is growing and becoming more attractive to the consumer and in turn to retailers.
Same Sky stands tall amongst the fashion industry as an ethical, high quality fashion brand. Our hope is that the fashion industry will feel inspired to embrace the ethical shopping movement and develop lines that give back or make a difference.
Jade Green, Clear Sky and Seafoam are very popular in the glass bead bracelets. Material Girl and Purple Rain are top sellers in the fabric wraps. The bubbly necklace has been a hit and the Prosperity Bracelets in neutral tones have been selling particularly well.
Think you covered it all!
CONTACT:
http://www.samesky.com/
http://www.facebook.com/sameskybracelet
http://twitter.com/sameskybracelet
http://www.youtube.com/user/sameskybracelet
http://www.vimeo.com/sameskybracelet
917.668.3901
Viva L.A.+JO
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By Candy Washington
Having just opened a new Culver City store to join its already uber-popular Fashion Island and Santa Monica locations, L.A.+JO is heating up the fashion scene with the recent launch of its new online retail destination on May 2nd.
Based in California and already a staple for celebrities like Amanda Seyfried, Taylor Armstrong, and Cassidy Lehrman, L.A.+JO offers some of the most feminine yet post contemporary designs for the modern lady with a girlish twist. Recent press includes Lindsay Albanese Style Expert blog and PopSugar.
What’s even more impressive about this highly sought-after line of dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories is how retailer friendly and innovative it is. L.A.+JO is debuting a first of its kind way to connect retailers with its merchandise. The revamped website will be the one-stop hub for all things L.A. + Jo. This creative way to shop bypasses the usual venues of markets, appointments, and showrooms, to bring 24-hour access to potential buyers.
Under the motto of ‘buy now, wear now’, products are shipped on the same day they are purchased if ordered prior to 12pm Pacific Standard Time. Affordability, accessibility, and timeliness are invaluable to buyers and retailers, and L.A.+JO have mastered all three. It has even mastered design, wholesale/sales, manufacturing, and quality control.
See below for the current collection of top new designs from L.A.+JO, and what’s even more impressive is that when its highly sought-after items sell out, the site is replenished with the latest fashion items:
Cocktail dress:
Roman pleated dress:
White lace dress (reminiscent of the one Lindsay Lohan has recently worn):
Black and White dress:
Navy short:
Navy stripped knitted tank top:
Light knit cardigan:
Cropped knit pant:
Purple tank with cuff off shoulder:
Cocktail necklace:
Lace back tank:
Navy transparent long sleeve shirt:
White fine cotton shirt:
LA Tank:
Order and view more here: http://www.laandjo.com
For more information contact:
Pat Berger
Director of Sales
305.519.0119
pat@laandjo.com
http://www.laandjo.com
Based in California and already a staple for celebrities like Amanda Seyfried, Taylor Armstrong, and Cassidy Lehrman, L.A.+JO offers some of the most feminine yet post contemporary designs for the modern lady with a girlish twist. Recent press includes Lindsay Albanese Style Expert blog and PopSugar.
What’s even more impressive about this highly sought-after line of dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories is how retailer friendly and innovative it is. L.A.+JO is debuting a first of its kind way to connect retailers with its merchandise. The revamped website will be the one-stop hub for all things L.A. + Jo. This creative way to shop bypasses the usual venues of markets, appointments, and showrooms, to bring 24-hour access to potential buyers.
Under the motto of ‘buy now, wear now’, products are shipped on the same day they are purchased if ordered prior to 12pm Pacific Standard Time. Affordability, accessibility, and timeliness are invaluable to buyers and retailers, and L.A.+JO have mastered all three. It has even mastered design, wholesale/sales, manufacturing, and quality control.
See below for the current collection of top new designs from L.A.+JO, and what’s even more impressive is that when its highly sought-after items sell out, the site is replenished with the latest fashion items:
Cocktail dress:
Roman pleated dress:
White lace dress (reminiscent of the one Lindsay Lohan has recently worn):
Black and White dress:
Navy short:
Navy stripped knitted tank top:
Light knit cardigan:
Cropped knit pant:
Purple tank with cuff off shoulder:
Cocktail necklace:
Lace back tank:
Navy transparent long sleeve shirt:
White fine cotton shirt:
LA Tank:
Order and view more here: http://www.laandjo.com
For more information contact:
Pat Berger
Director of Sales
305.519.0119
pat@laandjo.com
http://www.laandjo.com