Fashion Mannuscript February 2023

Enjoy our limited $30 lunch special Monday-Friday 12-3:30pm!

Curiously nestled behind an enigmatic mural in Midtown, behind a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it door stands Sei Less, a newly minted Asian fusion speakeasy. With an exclusive flair paired with close proximity to establishments like the Garment District and Madison Square Garden, it's the spot to stop at before or after an event.

10018

EDITORIAL Editor

Laurie Melchionne

Editorial Consultant

Debra Hazel

Associate Editor Lauren Schuster

Copy Editor

Geraldine Melchionne

Senior California Editor

Daniella Platt

California Editor

Kimberly Goodnight

Director of Communications and Marketing

Penelope Herrera

Director of Newsletter Division

Cheri Phillips

PRESIDENT/CEO

Jeff Mann

ART

Art Director

Krystal Peguero

Graphic Designer

Priyanshi Pareek

Associate Designer

Ran Jing

CONTRIBUTORS

Ronald Friedman

Frank DeLucia

Michael Sacco

Ilse Metchek

Joseph Pastrana

James Bloomfi eld

Anne Marie Soto

Benjamin Siegel

R. Couri Hay

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

Priyanshi Pareek

Krystal Peguero

Debra Hazel

Penelope Herrera

Lauren Schuster

Web Developer

CS Designworks

West Coast O ce: 578 Washington Blvd., Suite 827 Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 866-306-MANN (6266) mannpublications.com

East Coast O ce: 450 7th Ave, Suite 2306 New York, NY 10123 212-840-MANN (6266)

Here at Mann Publications, we are honoring Black History Month across our magazines. Actress, model and ICU nurse Ciara Miller graces the cover of Fashion Mannuscript, and Mann Report’s cover star is Switzer Group’s Chairman and CEO Lou Switzer, while at Mann About Town, New York Artist Courtney Minor is spotlighted front and center. We have devoted February to recognizing amazing contributions from Black innovators, artists and designers.

Diversity, equity and inclusion has always been the foundation for the stories we deliver to you every month. This issue shines a special spotlight on these principles, especially as we continue to deliver all the latest coverage on the Black designers revolutionizing the fashion industry in New York and beyond.

February is also trade show season, and I look forward to visiting MAGIC at Las Vegas this month with my team. We can’t wait to cover the latest retail shows, particularly in the growing swim suit and intimate apparel sectors ahead of the Spring 2023 fashion season. Las Vegas is also where fashion and finance meet, and this season I look forward to attending events with Rosenthal Inc., White Oak LLC, Marcum LLP and Wells Fargo for all the behindthe-scenes on the industry’s latest scoop.

Our ever-expanding presence on social media, as well as our weekly email newswires, keep audiences across the country up-to-date on all the news, events and people making strides in fashion. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook to never miss a beat.

ONE MANN’S OPINION

“

As a human being, you have the privilege of being able to do everything consciously. In exercising this choice is the solution for all human ills. ”

-Sadhguru

Black History Month is a busy time for the fashion industry. Not only does it give everyone a chance to spotlight amazing Black designers and stylists revolutionizing the fashion world, but it also bridges the gap between creativity and the social issues that are prevalent today. February showcases that Black innovators in fashion take their craft beyond the industry.

Like our cover star Ciara Miller, who is part fashion influencer, part ICU nurse, this entire issue highlights the ways the Black fashion community utilizes this space to bring a voice to those who had previously been silenced. Whether its Grace Eleyae providing high-end silk headwear solutions for all hair types, or David Bridal’s new options for brides of all shapes and sizes, or Suzy Levian’s jewelry collection built on the theme of women empowerment, the fashion industry has become a place where ethical initiatives can thrive.

February is also an exciting time ahead of the Spring/Summer seasons. Trade shows in New York and California are in full swing, and we’re already thinking ahead to spring and summer fashion scenes. This issue gives you a glimpse of what’s been going on and what’s ahead for future warm-weather styles, and we have something special in the works that I can’t wait to share with you all. I won’t spoil anything just yet, but I can say that it’s going to be quite an eventful next few months.

And you can find it all here within these pages. Enjoy!

As advisors to the fashion industry, we have experienced the global and local issues that affect the way you do business and are well-positioned to help you deal with changing conditions.

We provide a wide range of financial reporting, tax and advisory services to make your business and finances stronger.

Marc Federbush, CPA, CGMA Partner and Fashion Industry Group Leader marc.federbush@anchin.com

We help you turn challenges into opportunities through innovative and insightful thinking. Cash flow planning, gross profit by product line, chargeback analysis, assistance with access to capital, and operational improvements are just a few ways we help fashion companies gain an edge. MANHATTAN |

@AnchinCPA | 212-840-3456 | anchin.com

Photo Courtesy of Millicent

MARVIN SHEIN and AMANDA LACHOWICZ

GISELLE KHOURY, JONATHAN LE’WINTER, MICHAEL CHADWICK

HALEY WELLS AND AVERY HASKELL

ANNA KULINOVA and REGINA KRAVITZ

CHANCE SPIESSBACH AND ANNA KULINOVA

ANNA KULINOVA & MARIA CATALINA

MICHAEL CHADWICK AND REGINA KRAWITZ

GOTHAM FINE JEWELERS HOST CHARITY EVENT “DIAMONDS & CHAMPAGNE”

courtesy

Gotham Fine Jewels hosted a special charity event with the Happy Faces Foundation, a subcategory of Ronald McDonald House New York. Ten percent of the event’s profits from donations and jewelry purchases were donated to the Happy Faces Foundation, an organization that helps children and families in need throughout New York.

Hosted by actress Anna Kulinova, the event launched on Madison Avenue and offered guests cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Some notable attendees included Marvin Schein and fiancè Amanda Lachowcz, Noam Baram, Jonathan LeWinter, Regina Kravitz, Chance Spiessbach, Julian Michael, Monica Kazemi and Marius Bargielski.

Photos

of Robert Klein and James Grossman

GISELLE KHOURY, EVANGELINE SARNEY, GEORGINA JOHNSTON - WATT, ANNA KULINOVA, MICHAEL CHADWICK

H&M HOSTS

BUY FROM A BLACK WOMAN HOLIDAY MARKET

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

A DJ brought lively beats to the event.

H&M and Buy From a Black Woman traveled from coast to coast to present the second year of the “Buy From a Black Woman Holiday Market” (BFABW) with events in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago. The market featured BFABW vendors from around the U.S. H&M’s partnership and support will further assist the nonprofit’s mission of empowering, educating and inspiring Black Women and the people who support them.

Buy From a Black Woman is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by Nikki Porcher that connects over 600 Black women-owned businesses across the United States and provides a community of support with the goal of helping them flourish. With education and networking programs, funding and branding opportunities, BFABW blends small business entrepreneurship with women empowerment for the Black community.

Brand owners pose with their products.

Shemeka Wright, founder of Be You Candles at the L.A. Buy From A Black Woman market

Co-Founders of Dirt Don’t Hurt Maritza Murray, Sativa Murray and Kaya Murray.

Maritza Murray, Sativa Murray, Rhonda Cammon, Nikki Porcher, Eugenia Marshall & Wendy Rose Berry

Chattanooga Fashion Expo

Chattanooga Fashion Expo (CFE) is a community run organization started by Shanna Forrestall, whose background in film/ TV/music and whose experience working as a volunteer with Tracee Dundas of New Orleans Fashion Week, led her to create a literal and figurative runway that showcases and launches creatives from her new hometown of Chattanooga, TN (Shanna moved to Chattanooga in 2020 during the Covid crisis).

Chattanooga Fashion Expo’s second year went off with a resounding bang and created a powerful platform for artists of all types from the region. The four-day event that included three separate runway shows, education, networking and friendly competition, welcomed emerging and established creative professionals from the region who work in fashion design, accessory design, fashion styling, sustainability, fashion construction, sewing instruction, hair, makeup, nails, anti-aging technology, color theory and much more.

The event began with a unique presentation and runway show at the Hunter Museum entitled Hair Peace: The Black Hair Journey. Inspired by the imagery of the Hunter Museum’s exhibit, “Memories and Inspiration,” the show featured a creative opener by Demetrius Seay that chronicled the history of black hair, and included powerful dance elements choreographed by Damien Kyle along with a team of talented area dancers.

The show then unfolded into a couture runway show by New Orleans designer Romey Roe, whose custom “African Couture” looks embellished with jewelry by Gemstone Drippin were highlighted with hair looks by Emmy nominated Andrea Mona Bowman and esteemed makeup artist Tatiana Hernandez. The festivities also included access to the museum’s exhibit and an afterparty at the Moxy Hotel in Chattanooga, TN.

A special VIP reception gathered designers competing in the 2022 Design Competition and met with the event judges to showcase and discuss their work before hitting the runway. VIP guests were also invited to attend this private reception hosted by Elea Blake cosmetics, where they enjoyed complimentary wine, Sweetwater Brewing beer and assorted sweet treats from Noogarons and other local vendors. They were able to meet the 2022 designers in person to experience the Design Competition looks before they made their stage debut.

The fourth day started early with final fittings and rehearsals as the CFE team prepared for the final two runway shows. At 4 pm the inaugural “Emergence Showcase,” a family friendly runway show, themed Alice Sewing in Wonderland, kicked off the fashion festivities. This whimsical presentation curated by Kandyce Hudson, designer and instructor for InKandycence sewing studio, showcased looks from students, pieces from Kandyce’s own line, as well as a beautifully unique collection of upcycled vintage “all day lingerie” created by Elizabeth Miller of Funky Junktion and her brand “Peaches Edelstein.”

The show was emceed by Moxie Mars from Nashville and it showcased a range of young talent as well as differently abled talent and emerging models. The colorful spectacle wowed the crowd and performances by The Giant Jelly and Ballet Esprit also charmed attendees.

In between the two runway shows, the Retail Marketplace featured goods by the CFE 2022 showcasing designers and included custom handcrafted purses, jewelry, clothing, gifts and more. Attendees perused the diverse product selection with care, admiring the quality and details applied by passionate artists from Chattanooga, Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, Maryville, Birmingham and Savannah.

The Main Expo Runway Show themed The Four Elements began at 7 p.m. on the last day, on the same runway within the Chattanooga Convention Center. This show featured the work of 11 clothing designers and two key jewelry designers. With a range of talent on display, the runway featured designers launching their very first collection, Goodies Swim and K-tribe Designs, as well as experienced designers like Knot Me Jewels and Romey Roe who have showcased at Paris Fashion Week and NY Fashion Week respectively. Attendees were treated to a diverse and inclusive show rich with color, forward thinking sustainable design elements and fashion statements that ranged from streetwear to sportswear to custom couture.

The Showcasing Designer List included Sokana Rose, Hot Girl Heaven, Rainn Jackson, Elle Stovall Designs, Jamie Rogers, Goodies

Laken

Swim, K-tribe Designs, Lo.Custom.Art, Fusion Threads Collective, Morello & Co., Knot Me Jewels & Romey Roe. The Jewelry Designer List included Fairy Findings and Gemstone Drippin. The Design Competition this year was fierce, with most of the showcasing designers serving up avant garde, sustainable, themed pieces that resonated with the judges and the crowd. Vicky Doganis of Knot Me Jewels took the award, with her custom macrame dress that took over three weeks to make (valued at $8,000) and Nwane Rose of Sokana Rose walked away with the Audience Favorite Award (after a close audience choice run-off).

CFE 2022 Top Model was awarded to Via Hendrix who flew in from New York to support her best friend, Showcasing Designer Mia Powell of Hot Girl Heaven. Via modeled for several different designers and our judges felt like she really brought the WOW factor to the runway.

“Like the artists featured in our shows, I grew up in an area that did not always have the tools I needed to find my way to the creative career I desired,” said CFE Founder Shanna Forrestall. “I hope to continue to create opportunities for others who have talent, but need access and support. I am very proud of what we accomplished this year, and will be continuing to seek resources to see how we can grow the support system we provide to talented artists and makers in our area.”

Laken Rowland wearing Fusion Threads Collective. Photo by David Tedder.

Brittany Moss wearing Romey Roe for Hair Peace. Photo by Millicent Garland.

Becca Lucca wearing Lo Design Art.

Photo by Dennis Driscoll.

Model Isa Heuer wearing Hot Girl Heaven. Photo by David Tedder.

Model Molly Robinson wearing Knot Me Jewels. The dress is a Design Competition Winner by Vicky Doganis. Photo by David Tedder.

A model getting ready for the runway. Photo by Millicent Garland.

Moxxie Mars at Emerging Showcase Emcee. Photo by Dennis Driscoll.

photos by

“SHARING THE LIGHT OF HEALING” GALA CELEBRATES HOPE WITH AFNATAL

AFNATAL hosted the inaugural “Sharing the Light of Healing” gala with an emotional and moving program that was an inspiring celebration of optimism and healing. The event took place at the illustrious 583 Park Avenue where Jude Yovel Recanati, NATAL’s co-founder and president, and Andrew J. Malik, chairman at Needham & Company, were honored by press, community members, philanthropists and mental health professionals. Emceed by TV journalist Tijana Ibrahimovic, the gala raised awareness for the pioneering work NATAL has accomplished in Israel and the USA through AFNATAL.

“It is an honor to be recognized for the work of NATAL and AFNATAL in America,” said Recanati. “I founded the organization with psychiatrist Dr. Yossi Hadar 25 years ago and it’s rewarding to have helped support and heal over 450,000 people. NATAL provides

therapists, training and the only 24/7 telephone helpline with constant support for children, families, soldiers and people that experience traumatic injuries, PTSD and illnesses as a result of war, terror and violence. We are now spreading this expertise through our Global NATAL programs and through AFNATAL in America. Tonight’s gala also introduces Emi Palmor, our new chair, to continue building and growing NATAL for years to come.”

Yair Aquizerat, an Israeli soldier, student, husband, father and NATAL client spoke movingly about his four-year journey of trauma and treatment. He credits NATAL for helping him understand that he was not alone in his suffering. “One of my fears was the thought of how I would be able to function as a father when I could not function myself. My greatest personal victory is fatherhood. I am now in a place where I feel lucky and grateful for the path I have taken.”

JUDE YOVEL RECANATI, NATAL’S CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT AND ANDREW J. MALIK, CHAIRMAN

AT NEEDHAM & COMPANY HONORED FOR THEIR TIRELESS DEDICATION TO NATAL.

AFNATAL

Sharing the Light of Healing Inaugural Gala honoring Jude Yovel Recanati and Andrew J. Malik.

Pastor Chris Harris of Chicago’s Bright Star Community Outreach went to Israel and was struck by the similarity of the impact of violence and war. Following an engaging exchange with Rabbi Michael Siegel, who developed the Chicago program with him, Pastor Harris sang the Hatikvah, Israel’s National anthem, in a splendid gospel version. He spoke about bringing the NATAL model of counseling, creating the 24/7 hotline and training therapists to reach several thousand African American people in Chicago where urban violence continues to rise dramatically.

Andrew J. Malik received AFNATAL’s first Impact Award, spoke about being a Holocaust survivor, the PTSD his parents faced and how it all came together when he learned about NATAL. “When I was introduced to Jude, it wasn’t 15 minutes with this remarkable woman, and I was in

her thrall. Her obvious dedication to NATAL and its work came through so dramatically. Its mission struck a deep-rooted chord in me.” Words of support, inspiration and encouragement were also provided in a keynote speech by Dan Halutz, Israeli Air Force lieutenant general, former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces and commander of the Israeli Air Force, who talked about the need to recognize PTSD and trauma as a silent killer and NATAL’s life changing work. Asaf Zamir, Israeli politician and diplomat, spoke to anti-Semitism and how the work of NATAL is helping to create a positive perception of Israel through this important mental health work.

The evening concluded with a successful Fund-A-Need Live Appeal with auctioneer Pat Tully.

SUPPORTING PIONEERING TREATMENT FOR TRAUMA AND PTSD

Yair Aouizerat, Dan Halutz

Jaime Waldman Seltzer, Kym O’Meara, Ran Eliasaf, Dan Halutz, Emi Palmor, Jude Yovel Recanati, Efrat Shaprut, Andrew J. Malik, David Kostman and Rabbi Michael Siegel

Rabbi Michael Siegel, Pastor Chris Harris

Photos courtesy of Cheyenne Bosco

PVH NAMES SERRANO AS CALVIN KLEIN GLOBAL BRAND PRESIDENT

PVH Corp. announced the appointment of Eva Serrano as global brand president, Calvin Klein. Serrano, a seasoned Inditex Group veteran, will join the company in March 2023 and report to Stefan Larsson, CEO of PVH Corp.

Eva joins PVH and Calvin Klein with 20 years of leadership experience with Zara and the Inditex Group. Serrano began her career in Europe, where she was part of the international commercial development for Zara Europe before assuming the International Commercial Director position for Asia Pacific and playing a key role in expanding growth in the region. She most recently served as president for Inditex Greater China. While at Inditex, her responsibilities spanned multiple brands, and she has experience across the entire retail value chain – product, marketing, consumer experience in stores and digital, as well as supply chain – affording her a true omni-channel marketplace view.

Larsson said, “Eva is a unique leader in the fashion and apparel sector and has proven experience within one of the most innovative and highest performing brand groups globally in our sector. She knows how to drive brand growth in global markets, how to connect with the consumer and what it takes to win across the marketplace.”

Serrano has a Bachelor of Arts, Touristic Management from the GETA Business School in Spain and received a postgraduate degree from HKU Business School in Digital Social Media Marketing. In 2022, she completed both her Masters, Global Executive Program at Tsinghua University in China and the Advanced Management Leadership Program from the Säid Business School at the University of Oxford. In 2021, Serrano was recognized with the best Entrepreneurs Award in Shanghai, China.

TAILORED BRANDS APPOINTS CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Tailored Brands, Inc. announced the appointment of Yen D. Chu as its executive vice president and chief legal officer and corporate secretary (CLO). Ms. Chu joins Tailored Brands with more than 25 years of extensive brand and consumer-facing experience for both private and publicly traded companies. She is a highly regarded leader in the legal field, known for her work as a trusted advisor to Boards of Directors and executive teams on corporate governance, ESG, global regulatory compliance, government affairs and risk management.

“Yen joins us at a time when we are seeing strong customer response to the changes we have made in the business and has exceeded our plan for two consecutive years,” said Bob Hull, coCEO. “Her deep legal expertise and robust background in the retail industry, combined with a proven track record advising boards, individual directors and executive teams makes her the ideal leader for this role. We are thrilled to have her join our team and executive committee.”

Most recently, Chu served as EVP and chief legal officer of Equinox Group LLC. At Equinox, she was a member of the executive team and oversaw legal, ESG, government affairs and community relations. Prior to joining Equinox, she held various leadership roles at the Ralph Lauren Corporation, including senior vice president and associate general counsel.

Prior to that, Chu spent almost a decade at the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, where she executed complex corporate transactions for private equity firms, investment banks, public and private companies in a variety of sectors and non-profit organizations.

Chu is a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, and beyond her workplace responsibilities, she is passionate about giving back by donating her time and voice to organizations that focus on advancing and empowering women, people of color and other underrepresented groups. Most recently, she has been the recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award, the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s Women’s Leadership Award and the Women Influence & Power in Law Thought Leadership Award.

Eva Serrano. Photo courtesy of Business Wire

Yen D. Chu. Photo courtesy of Business Wire

PUMA AND FOOT LOCKER, INC. TARGET NEXT-GENERATION CUSTOMERS

Puma, the fastest sports brand in the world, and Foot Locker, Inc., the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, announced an expanded partnership, underscored by a focus on basketball and the creation of exclusive product collections that meet the demands of the growing next-generation market segment. The companies also plan to roll out hyper-relevant creator engagements and brand partnerships that specifically resonate with a younger audience.

“Puma’s long-standing relationship with Foot Locker has played an instrumental role in our ability to drive innovation and push the boundaries of sports, fashion and technology globally,” said Bob Philion, president of Puma North America. “Our enhanced partnership not only provides us

PhotocourtesyofBusinessWire

with additional opportunities for collaboration and growth, but it will enable us to provide even greater experiences and inclusion for our evolving customer base around the world.”

Through this strengthened partnership, Puma and Foot Locker have planned a series of exclusive collections and product collaborations with highly influential ambassadors reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Specifics include expanding the basketball and classics categories with continued exclusive access to the LaMelo Ball Signature program. The new venture will launch the first-ever Puma x Pokémon collaboration. Puma and Foot Locker Inc. are partnering with The Pokémon Company International and Niantic, publisher of the popular Pokémon Go mobile game, to turn 400 Foot Locker, Champs Sports and Kids Foot Locker stores across the U.S. and the Puma NYC Flagship store into Gyms and Poké Stops in Pokémon Go.

“We are very excited to build on our already strong partnership with Puma,” said Andrew Gray, executive vice president, Global Lockers and Champs Sports, Foot Locker, Inc. “By expanding and strengthening our collaboration with Puma, we continue to advance our strategy to diversify our product selection and bring new and innovative products to our consumers.”

SKECHERS AND AVA MAX PARTNER FOR THE GLOBAL POPSTAR’S FIRST FOOTWEAR COLLABORATION

Calling fashion and music lovers everywhere— Skechers has collaborated with multi-platinum global pop sensation Ava Max on a limited-edition footwear collection. This on-trend capsule is the evolution of an ongoing partnership between Skechers and Ava Max. It all began with her wearing Skechers D’Lites in her 2021 “My Head and My Heart” video, which led to a campaign launch earlier this year for the brand’s bestselling Skechers Uno sneaker.

“It has been incredible working with the Skechers team to bring my vision to life with the Skechers x Ava Max collaboration,” said Ava Max. “I wanted to create my own spin on classic silhouettes, and I am so excited for it to finally be here!”

Sneakerheads can wear their favorite popstar’s glammeets-edge look with two hot styles designed with guidance from the singer and songwriter herself. Skechers x Ava Max: Roadies Surge, a high-top lace-up fashion sneaker boot, brings the Y2K vibe with a black patent leather upper and classic rugged lug outsole. Skechers x Ava Max: Uno Hi is an elevated update to the iconic Skechers Uno fashion sneaker in monochromatic off-white with patent leather trim on a platform wedge for extra height.

The global hitmaker, whose tracks have been streamed more than 12 billion times, was recently honored with awards for International Artist of the Year and Best Video of the Year at the 2022 LOS40 Music Awards in Spain, and performed her new single “Million Dollar Baby” at the 2022 MTV Europe Music Awards in Dusseldorf. Ava Max’s second studio album, Diamonds & Dancefloors, released on January 27, 2023.

The first limited-edition Skechers x Ava Max capsule collection is available at skechers.com and in select Skechers flagship stores. Additional styles will follow later in the year.

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

SEPHORA

REVEALS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BEAUTY INSIDER BIRTHDAY GIFTS FOR 2023, INCLUDING DIOR, GLOW RECIPE, ILIA, OUAI AND MORE

Sephora announced its 2023 birthday gift offerings for the U.S. and Canada in the makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance categories from Dior, Glow Recipe, ILIA and OUAI. The much-anticipated birthday gifts are available to all three tiers of Beauty Insider members (Insider, VIB and Rouge) during their birthday month, instore and online. Throughout the year, Sephora will also offer clients more product choices through four rotating gift selections exclusively available online for VIB and Rouge clients, with this year’s first online rotating gift from Farmacy. To provide more options and value to clients, Sephora will continue to offer the option to receive 250 Beauty Insider points, in lieu of a physical gift, available exclusively in Sephora stores and online.

“Our Beauty Insider birthday gifts have always been a long-awaited treat for Sephora’s clients, as they look forward to celebrating a small slice of their birthday months with us,” said Emeline Berlind, vice president, general manager of Loyalty at Sephora. “We’re especially excited to unveil this year’s assortment of gift offerings, and provide even more options to choose from. For the first time ever, we will offer a fragrance core gift, available for all Beauty Insider members to redeem online and in store. We strive to ensure that our clients continue to feel energized about our ever-expanding birthday gift offerings!”

The 2023 birthday gifts will also be available at Sephora at Kohl’s and Kohls.com in the U.S.. Kohl’s shoppers will have access to the Beauty Insider gift options from Glow Recipe, ILIA, OUAI and an exclusive Sephora at Kohls fragrance gift set from Maison Margiela.

KEYS SOULCARE REVEALS LATEST SKINCARE INNOVATION WITH CLINICALLY PROVEN PEPTIDE SERUM

Keys Soulcare, a new vibe in beauty centered around caring for your whole self – body, mind and spirit, created by Alicia Keys with board-certified leading dermatologist Dr. Renée Snyder – continues to advance the connection between skin and soul with the launch of Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum. The serum is clinically-proven and plumps, hydrates and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles with a polypeptide complex and marine bamboo. Clinical results speak for themselves as 97% of subjects experienced an instant improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while 98% saw an increase in skin hydration immediately and 100% experienced an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just seven days.

Like all Keys Soulcare offerings, Truly Becoming MultiBenefit Peptide Serum features an affirmation on its packaging, written by Alicia Keys herself. It reads, “I rise above,” which Keys has said “is a little reminder that you can do anything...and you really can. Once you believe in your greatness, there’s nothing that can stop you!”

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

Photos courtesy of Sephora

VON DUTCH LAUNCHES LUXURY COLLECTION, VON DUTCH PARIS

Hollywood heritage brand Von Dutch enters their next chapter with a line of premium-quality apparel and accessories, Von Dutch Paris. This collection gives high-fashion a new meaning and is the first introduction of the iconic brand into the luxury designer space. Made famous by top

celebrities in the early 2000s, Von Dutch is back and more popular than ever before, featuring high-end, one-of-a-kind styles and fashion-forward designs.

Von Dutch Paris embraces the fluidity of street culture while establishing a new standard of apparel by marrying fine fabrics and handcrafted finishes with innovative, fashion-forward designs and ultra-flattering fits. The unisex collection will consist of a line of reimagined streetwear staples which includes bold graphics, t-shirts, premium denim apparel and “sports couture” pieces including track suits, hoodie and jogger sets, sports jerseys and puffer jackets. The Von Dutch Paris line also introduces new concepts for the brand like eyewear, boots and elevated accessories.

This high-end line was thoughtfully crafted and curated in their design studio based in Paris where the label harnesses French craftsmanship and offers a global perspective in terms of design and trends. Adding to the brand’s readyto-wear collection and their legendary impact in the fashion world, the creatives behind Von Dutch Paris designed this line with a clear vision and understanding of the artistic expression behind high fashion.

“This collection is designed to bring Von Dutch into the luxury space and reintroduce the brand in a way it has never been seen before,” said Earl Pickens, artistic director for Von Dutch Paris. “We have worked together to create a line of apparel and accessories with a French-American connection that also challenges the norms in the current high-end fashion industry.”

This unisex line is composed of unique, lightweight leather apparel, from hoodies and t-shirts to pants and shorts as well as premium-quality denim jackets and jeans. The infamous Von Dutch bowling bags have also been elevated with luxury materials and fashion-forward designs like the incorporation of stones and feathers on the accessories. Von Dutch Paris is the start of a new chapter for the brand and introduces a new era of fashion in the industry.

The Von Dutch Paris line is available for purchase exclusively at vondutch.com.

OLIVE & JUNE, DISRUPTOR OF AT-HOME MANICURES, LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE AT WALMART

Olive & June, disruptor of the at-home nail category, recently launched in over 2,500 Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com. With this expanded distribution and robust product assortment, the brand known for delivering beautiful at-home nails is making it even easier for customers to achieve an affordable, salonquality manicure at home.

“Since the very beginning of Olive & June, I have always wanted to make beautiful nails possible for everyone,” said Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of Olive & June. “Bringing our line of premium performance nail products to Walmart brings us one step closer to making this dream come true. We couldn’t be more excited for this new collaboration and to connect with the Walmart community.”

Olive & June will launch with over 50 options including the most robust assortment of press-on nails available outside of the brand’s own ecommerce channel. The launch marks the first and only brand at Walmart to offer solutions across all nail categories that includes nail tools, treatments, polish and press-ons featured together in a onestop, easy-to-shop solution.

Photo courtesy of Von Dutch

Photo courtesy of Olive & June

Five Steps to Recession-Proof

Your Consumer Products Company

BY MICHAEL SACCO, PARTNER & NATIONAL CONSUMER AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS LEADER

As 2023 begins, the economic outlook has rarely been so uncertain. Inflation has put a lid on household spending and lifted the costs of many of the goods and services on which businesses rely. Rapidly rising interest rates have raised the cost of borrowing at the fastest pace on record. The market for home mortgages has plummeted, and a string of large layoffs has rippled through the tech sector.

All these factors are raising the possibility of a recession in the new year. In fact, Bloomberg Economics has called a recession “almost certain” next year, and other forecasters such as Oxford Economics have put the chances of a significant slowdown at more than 90%.

With those kinds of odds, now is a good time to prepare your business to weather the economic storm, while also keeping an eye out for potential opportunities when the clouds pass. Here are five key areas to focus on, along with action steps you can take to recession-proof your business.

Photo courtesy of Marcum LLP

Pay Attention to Payments

Last year was one of the busiest for many consumer product companies. When the economy is booming, it can be easy to overlook the details of payment systems and overhead costs in the scramble to fulfill a flood of orders. But taking the time to understand redundant costs or lags in vendor payments can help companies streamline expenses and avoid escalating financing costs.

Technology can help. While it’s important to scrutinize software subscriptions to identify potential cost savings, investing in payments software can save more than it costs. Programs that automate and speed up the invoicing process can reduce time to payment. Programs that identify late-paying customers and send reminders can also help companies project and, ideally, reduce late payments. Faster payment systems not only increase cash flow but can also save on financing costs to carry the expense of late payments, which will be increasingly important as the cost of borrowing rises with higher interest rates.

Fill Open Roles, But Be Strategic In Your Actions

Has your company fallen into a cycle of “labor hoarding” (overhiring) when it is difficult to find qualified labor? It’s a move that again gained popularity as companies struggled to fill open positions due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, an uptick in baby boomer retirements and a refocus by many on what they want their “work life” to look like.

When headcount outweighs demand, as may be the case in a slower economy, decreasing that inflated expense may seem obvious. But layoffs, as many have witnessed, come with their own inherent costs — namely reputational damage and lower employee morale. It’s an outcome that may be diverted by being strategic in all hiring decisions and considering the value of each potential new hire, including how your company may benefit from cross-training and cross-utilizing each employee. This can keep things running smoothly, with pared-back expenses, in leaner times while maintaining employee morale and voiding the productivity loss associated with employee turnover and staff reductions.

Scrutinize Your Supply Chain

While paying attention to your people and payment processes offers solid returns, consumer products companies also need visibility into their supply chain. In good times when consumer spending is on the rise, it might be hard to keep products on store or warehouse shelves. As that spending slows, products can pile up, and excess inventory can lead to higher warehouse costs.

Consumers are spending more on travel and experiences and less at the store, leaving retailers with excess inventory. In turn, retailers are canceling or delaying orders. That means manufacturers and wholesalers must be focused on the following:

• Managing inventory levels more carefully.

• Adjusting production schedules to coincide with demand.

• Implementing strategic flexibility in their supply chain and being ready to pivot when consumer demand shifts. While it might be too late for the goods already on the shelves,

consumer products companies that want to avoid future excess inventory challenges and money-losing liquidation discounts should take the time to monitor their supply chain from end to end. This is another area where software can help. Companies should consider implementing technology solutions that give them visibility and realtime data analysis into their inventory levels, open orders and supply chain. This will allow companies to balance consumer demand and production more efficiently. Understanding exactly where your products are in the supply chain process — from the factory to the container ship to the warehouse — is a crucial step to plan out your purchase calendar and can help company leaders more confidently project future production needs.

Discount Judiciously

As sales slow and inventories take longer to turn over, companies with a strategic approach to liquidation can deepen their connection to their best customers and potentially reach new consumer segments, even during a downturn. While deep discounts on products might be painful to immediate profits, companies can reward their most loyal customers by offering them their deepest discounts. Early or exclusive access to specific lines of inventory can also help strengthen customer loyalty, which can last through a downturn and pay dividends when the economy improves. Companies that closely follow consumer behavior can also be less affected by a recession. In fact, discounters such as dollar stores often perform better during recessions than in boom times. When consumers look to save money they often seek out these discount retailers, which economists call “counter-cyclical.” Companies that have focused on only mid- or high-end consumers might consider which of their brands would be a good fit to place in such discount outlets.

Don’t Lose Sight of Opportunity

Slower economic times lead some companies to hunker down, focus internally and go on “defense.” But those that have a balance, also go on “offense,” and take a longer-term approach that will be well positioned to succeed in the better times to come. In an economic downturn there is an opportunity to take advantage of lower-cost capital improvements and lower prices for inventory and freight costs. You can also recruit competitor talent, invest in strategic acquisitions and build market share. Companies with enough capital reserves should also take this time to research businesses with complementary strengths. Just as you may have to put your companies’ products on sale, struggling companies that lack infrastructure to weather the storm may also be on the market with decreased value, and a strategic merger and acquisition strategy can help save the seller and bolster the buyer’s strengths.

Count On Marcum

Recessions are painful for consumers and businesses alike, and there is no telling how long the coming slowdown will last or how deep it will cut. Consumer products companies that are prepared for the worst but optimistic enough to make a plan will emerge in the best position. Reach out to your Marcum advisor for further guidance on these and other issues related to operating in the current environment.

Mann International Fashion Alliance

The elite networking society for emerging and experienced professionals in the fashion industry

$995 Yearly Membership

*Inquire about corporate memberships

Members in the Apparel Industry include:

• Designers

• Manufacturers

• Factors

• Bankers

• Patent and Corporate Lawyers

• Accountants

• Logistics (Dynamic Worldwide)

• Real Estate

• Marketing & PR

Includes the inside scoop in the apparel industry from a business point-of-view, monthly events, and so much more Contact Penelope Herrera

Suzy Levian

SECRET DIAMOND GEM COLLECTION

CELEBRATES EMPOWERMENT

INNOVATIVE STATEMENT COCKTAIL RINGS BY SUZY LEVIAN FEATURE SPARKLING DIAMONDS, SET UNDER COLORED GEMSTONES.

The Afterglow Amethyst and Secret Diamond Ring

A layer of secret white diamonds are set beneath a cushion cut purple amethyst, encased in a 14k rose gold split prong setting. French filigree detail is engraved within the profile of the band to add extra detail and depth to this simple yet elegant design.

The Monarch Amethyst and Secret Diamond Ring A secret butterfly made of white diamonds, round amethysts and an oval cut chrome diopside create a delicate masterpiece, shining through a cushion cut purple amethyst, and set in 14k rose gold. Pave white diamonds are encrusted across the band of this ring.

The Hexad Amethyst, Ruby and Secret Diamond Ring A layer of secret white diamonds and rubies are set beneath an elongated hexagon cut purple amethyst, framed with a row of white diamond in a 14k rose gold tiger prong setting.

Photos courtesy of Suzy Levian

uzy Levian is the youngest of the five children of Mr. A. LeVian, the founder of LeVian Corp. While working with her brothers at LeVian Corp., Suzy Levian opened her own business with the goal of empowering women through beautiful, affordable jewelry designs for all. Her signature collections are renowned for their breathtaking juxtaposition of gemstones and curves. Passionate and energizing, Levian creates provocative, elegant accessories that cater to women and invigorate their inner power.

As a second-generation fi ne jewelry designer and entrepreneur, Suzy Levian empowers women to embrace the hidden beauty within themselves. Mother of six, business owner and creative powerhouse, Levian has developed a new concept for setting diamonds into cocktail rings, symbolizing the individual strength, indestructibility and sparkle each woman carries within her soul. The new Secret Diamond Gem Collection is available online and in select retailers and is the perfect “me gift” for any time of the year.

Emulating motifs associated with feminine energy, the Secret Diamond Gem Collection illustrates the strength of women and the beauty held within. The Golden Citrine and Secret Diamond Ring presents a layer of white diamonds protected by a cushion cut citrine gemstone, framed in a 14K rose gold bar setting. The warmth produced by the citrine has a semblance of a cozy fi re, symbolic of the warmth women provide loved ones day-to-day.

“In the world today, there is so much judgment around superficial beauty and it has made such a huge impact on how women perceive themselves. My goal is to change that ideology and remind women of the secret diamond within them. True beauty isn’t from the large unique gemstone we show on the outside, it’s from the diamonds that shine through from within,” Levian said of the innovative collection.

The Afterglow Amethyst and Secret Diamond Ring features a bed of white diamonds topped by a cushion cut purple amethyst, held in a split prong 14K rose gold setting. The profi le of the band is engraved with French fi ligree detail, adding detail and depth. This piece emphasizes the strength of women with its split prong setting and sheltered bed of white diamonds. As a gemstone, amethysts are known for their calming energy and protective qualities. This ring is an homage to one’s

inner calming energy, for peace, as well as to one’s inner warrior, for protection as needed. The Hexad Amethyst, Ruby and Secret Diamond Ring features an elongated hexagon cut purple amethyst above a layer of white diamonds and red rubies, haloed by a row of white diamonds set in a 14K rose gold tiger prong setting. The number six, as the sides of the hexagon, represent perfection, wisdom and love, specifically selflove for the wearer. The Monarch Amethyst and Secret Diamond Ring features a secret butterfly underneath, made with white diamonds, round amethysts and an oval cut chrome diopside, set below by a cushion cut purple amethyst, in a 14K rose gold setting, with pave white diamonds across the band. This piece demonstrates the transformative power each woman holds within, as well as her freedom. Like the ring’s namesake, each wearer is a queen and the creator of her own destiny.

The Star Topaz and Secret Diamond Ring highlights a star, made of white diamonds, and shines through a pentagon-shaped green blue topaz center stone, which is tiger prong set and surrounded by a halo of sapphires. It has white diamonds across the band, set in 14K white gold. The bright color and eccentric design are the ultimate nod to the power, strength and beauty women have within. From our world, one looks up at the stars, but metaphorically women are rockstars, and this ring celebrates that.

For Levian, parenthood directly inspired her to develop a new symbolic setting for fi ne jewelry. “Going through the daily struggles of raising my six children, I understood the importance of teaching my daughters to feel empowered and for them to recognize that their true beauty lies within themselves,” said Levian. “This collection has been a dream of mine to create for so many years, to be an example for my daughters and for all other women and their daughters.”

The Suzy Levian Secret Diamond Gem Collection, groundbreaking in its design, offers a fresh and literal perspective on how to wear one’s strength and power hidden in plain sight. Offering reawakening of selfempowerment, and a wearable way to recognize one’s accomplishments, journey, pain and joys, the Secret Diamond Gem Collection is the ultimate “me jewelry.”

“It’s not about the diamonds you wear, but the diamonds you keep in your heart,” concluded Levian.

To shop the Suzy Levian’s Secret Diamond Gem Collection, visit suzylevian.com.

The Star Topaz and Secret Diamond Ring A star of white diamonds shines through a tiger prong set pentagon blue topaz center stone, surrounded by a halo of sapphires, with white diamonds across the band, all set in 14k white gold.

The Golden Citrine and Secret Diamond Ring A layer of secret white diamonds are set beneath a cushion cut citrine, encased in a 14k rose gold bar setting.

Made for All

CREATES INCLUSIVE “Members Only” LEISUREWEAR LINE

While sitting poolside in the summer of 2015, Danny Burke and Brandon Winslow dreamed about the fashion brand they hoped to build. As they laid out their creative vision for a

luxury leisurewear brand, Made For All was born. Designed and manufactured in the heart of the Los Angeles Fashion District, Made For All was born out of Burke and Winslow’s shared love of minimalist style, luxury design and quality craftsmanship. More than just a brand, Made For All is a “members only” club for hardworking, dedicated dreamers committed to achieving their goals.

“Made For All’s intention isn’t just that of inclusion but a belief that people can achieve anything they set their minds to,” said Co-Founder Danny Burke. “Made For All is the understanding that your dreams are meant for you—going beyond the idea that you’ve got to chase your dreams. Your dreams are already yours. You must trust you deserve them and be willing to do what it takes to stand in them—whatever that looks like for you!”

Brandon Winslow added, “We honestly believe greatness is made for all to achieve. You can see Made For All as a ‘member only’ club with an acceptance qualification of believing in yourself.”

Photos courtesy of Made For All

In August 2022, after years of development, Made For All launched its first collection. Their dedication to high quality and ethical manufacturing has paid off. The debut collection has quickly become a favorite of superstar athletes including Portland Trail Blazers players Justise Winslow, Josh Hart and Former NBA player and current commentator Kenny “The Jet” Smith.

Though their commitment to their mission and their brand has never wavered, the entrepreneurial journey has not been without twists and turns. Burke and Winslow’s commitment to ethical manufacturing made the development period longer than they had originally anticipated.

Local contract manufacturers would send samples overseas for productions after creating them, which made timelines drag on and extend the production process. For

Burke and Winslow, this made it seem like production control was far out of their hands. Their dedication managing the quality and customer experience they wanted to craft kept them focused on finding the perfect manufacturing partner.

More than just a leisurewear line, Made For All is an aspirational yet attainable members’ only club that welcomes all. Serving as a reminder to its wearers that everyone should believe they deserve the greatest of their dreams, Made For All believes that success and achievement are functions of living one’s own dreams on their own terms.

What sets Made For All apart is their commitment to a great customer experience, from development to delivery. Winslow said, “We want people to know that we care about their customer experience. We put a lot of effort and thought into each detail, from the fabric sourced down to the stitch placement.” The incredible fabrications used to create Made For All’s pieces include bamboo cotton and sustainably produced Tencel. Each piece is thoughtfully packaged in a high-quality, reusable cloth garment bag and is available for two-day delivery, for anyone anxious to receive their pieces as soon as possible.

As both business partners and friends, Burke and Winslow often discuss what success looks like and how to define it on their own terms. For them, success is about celebrating the “little wins,” from their first sale to a new product launch. “Success is celebrating that we are learning as we go and are passionate about what we do,” said Burke.

By both traditional measures and their own, Burke and Winslow are succeeding on all fronts with their slam dunk brand, Made For All.

Made For All’s pieces range in price from $10 for socks to $85 for their oversized Tencel set in dark gray. The full collection is available for purchase now at madeforall.com.

ARMITRON DROPS

EXQUISITE TIMEPIECE RELEASES FOR EARLY 2023

Photos courtesy of Armitron

Top Left To Right, Armitron Watches Jasmine in Black and White and Blueprint in Iridescent. Bottom Left to Right, Armitron Watches Charles in Tan Ivory and Miles in Burgundy Brown

Consistently leading the charge for affordable and on-trend timekeeping, Armitron announced four new watch releases for 2023. Since 1975, Armitron has been known for its selection of both fashion-forward and retro-style watches, quality materials and a coveted affordability factor. With awe-inspiring watch features such as faces with gorgeous integrated motion to bands that vary in color and materials, including stainless steel and genuine leather, the brand does not miss a beat with its timely men’s, women’s and unisex collections. All exclusively available on Armitron.com, the new products include:

JASMINE™

Jasmine is a sparkling glimmer of charm and style. Shimmering crystals encrusted around the stainless steel case and bezel highlight its stunning mother-of-pearl dials. Finished with a smooth, luxe ceramic bracelet, Jasmine is the perfect way to add a little extra dazzle to your look. Priced at $135, Jasmine is 36mm of elegance that comes in black with gold accents or white with silver accents.

BLUEPRINT™

This latest release is a feat of engineering and precision timekeeping. The stainless steel Blueprint is powered by an automatic movement, a self-winding mechanism that operates without a battery by using the wearer’s natural arm movements to power the timepiece. Built to last with style and sophistication, Blueprint is available in a range of seven different finishes, including leather bands, metal bracelets and a one-of-a-kind iridescent plated edition. The 48mm Blueprint is priced between $150 and $175, depending upon band selection.

CHARLES™

Sleek and sophisticated, Charles is all about the details. The textured dial adds a dash of classic charm, while the sub-dials and bezel provide multi-function capabilities. Housed in a stainless steel case and finished with a sturdy stainless steel mesh bracelet or genuine leather band, Charles is made for years of treasured use. Regularly priced between $100 and $105 based on band selection, the 45mm Charles can be purchased in the mesh Silver/Ivory or leather Tan/Ivory.

MILES™

Miles is a timeless, classic watch that is beautifully crafted with a premium leather band in three autumnal shades. The traditional dial design brings an air of old-world sophistication and is finished with rich tones of burgundy, tan and green in sumptuous genuine leather. Complement your dressy look or elevate a casual weekend outfit with the unisex Miles. Regularly priced at $75, the 42mm Miles can be purchased in Silver/ Green, Gold/Tan or Burgundy/Brown.

“Armitron is a global watch brand and pioneer that is consistently evolving with the times. We have exciting partnerships and several new collection releases in line for 2023,” stated Chief Marketing Officer Marisol Tamaro. “We wanted to spotlight these stunning pieces, as they are more than just on-trend. Each has a wondrously unique factor to its watch face or band. These are more than just watches, they’re enduring style pieces that make them the perfect gift.”

For more information, visit www.armitron.com.

The Miles in Burgundy Brown

The Blueprint in Iridescent

WEST ELM KIDS LAUNCHES NEW COLLABORATION WITH MISHA & PUFF

The debut collection showcases textiles, accessories and furniture for kids, which features West Elm Kids to promote sustainability, hand craftsmanship and fair-trade practices both in home decor and in the fashion industry.

Global design company, West Elm, announced the launch of a new collaboration with artisanal fashion brand Misha & Puff. West Elm debuted in 2021 and is a portfolio brand of WilliamsSonoma, Inc., the world’s largest

digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer. The Misha & Puff for West Elm Kids collection features a curated assortment of textiles, accessories and furniture, ranging from $34-$799. The 12-piece collection is available exclusively at westelm.com/ mishaandpuff.

Misha & Puff Founder Anna Wallack collaborated with the West Elm Kids design team in creating items intended to last for generations, similar to the heirloom quality designs synonymous with the fashion house. Pieces from the Misha & Puff for West Elm Kids collections celebrate a modern color palette and embrace cozy, gender-neutral hues. The curated assortment evokes vintage charm and pairs bright textiles with warm wicker accessories and furniture.

“This collection is very near to my heart, showcasing signature Misha & Puff prints and colors and capturing the essence of the brand,” said Wallack. “Marrying vintage inspiration with contemporary styling, these are timeless pieces to integrate into your existing decor and unique style.”

Photos courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

The West Elm “Good Design” approach to 100% organic cotton products is Greenguard and Fair Trade Certified. West Elm Kids today features more than 2,000 products for babies, kids and teens. West Elm also participates in The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the fleet of best-in-class brands.

Misha & Puff has also been in the sustainability sphere for years. The fashion brand makes thoughtful knitwear to last a lifetime. Founded by stylist Anna Wallack in 2012 and inspired by New England culture, each collection is ethically handcrafted in Peru by a network of talented knitters and artisans using premium natural fibers and low-impact dyes — delivering beloved heirlooms for future generations.

Key items in the West Elm Kids x Misha & Puff collection include the ABC Felted Wall Art ($125), the Geometric Shag Rug ($399, $799), the Patchwork Triangle Quilt ($119, $169, $199) and the Rattan Headboard ($399, $449).

To learn more about the collection, please visit westelm.com/mishaandpuff

THE ICONIC MANHATTAN VINTAGE SHOW RETURNS TO NYC BRINGING

The show empowers entrepreneurs and communities through innovation and sustainability in the fashion industry.

The Manhattan Vintage Show, New York City’s most iconic and prestigious vintage show, announced the dates of the first of three Manhattan Vintage

Shows for 2023. The first shows will kick off the year on Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4, featuring the greatest collection of vintage clothing, accessories and antique textiles assembled under one roof. Held at Metropolitan Pavilion, located at 125 West 18th Street, the show is open to the public, and advance tickets can be purchased online.

Led by creative entrepreneurs and owners of Manhattan Vintage Show, Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer, the February show will mark the couple’s first full year spearheading it since acquiring the show in 2022. Their commitment to a seamless and all-inclusive shopping experience will be at the forefront, with on-site custom tailoring services by Alternew, dealers focused on upcycling vintage fashions into new designs and oneof-a-kind pieces from museum collections and estate sales. The 90+ dealers will also include new collections and vendors with a focus on workwear and menswear from the 1990s and early 2000s.

“This has been an incredible year in which vintage fashion has become increasingly adopted, shopped and worn by a larger audience than ever before,” said Abrams, co-founder of Shop Extraordinary Enterprises, the parent company of the

#VintageForAll TO NEW YORK

Manhattan Vintage Show. “The opportunity to take a beloved, time-honored New York City institution and bring fresh perspective and awareness to it couldn’t come at a better time.”

Abrams and Glimer’s passion for vintage as a business has endured for over 20 years and stems from a shared love of travel, exploration and experiencing different cultures. This duo of visionary entrepreneurs believes in the power and talent of local artisans and creators, which has driven their relationships with vintage dealers all over the world.

They also founded Artists & Fleas, a retail showcase in Brooklyn for makers and creators in 2003, followed by Regeneration, a marketplace of vintage, thrift and upcycled fashion in 2021. Manhattan Vintage Show joined their portfolio in 2022. Shop Extraordinary Enterprises is headquartered in New York City and supports entrepreneurs while powering communities in innovative and sustainable ways.

“Manhattan Vintage Show is the ultimate place where creative self-expression through vintage fashion takes place in an environment that is electric and welcoming,” said Glimer, co-founder of Shop Extraordinary Enterprises.

“At the forefront of everything we do is a desire to create memorable experiences for everyone who walks through the door whether it’s for the first time or the fiftieth time; this is about delight.”

Audiences recognize Ciara Miller from the Bravo reality series “Summer House” and “Winter House.” When Miller isn’t featured on the mansion-ridden, romance-fi lled reality shows, she models on runways and is partnered with major fashion, lifestyle, beauty and wellness brands such as Charlotte Tilbury Smirnoff, Baffi n, HUM Nutrition and OGX Beauty. Beauty hauls, special podcast appearances and glamorous New York photoshoots are part of Miller’s daily grind.

Nutrition and

But all the glitz and glam that surrounds this model and actress doesn’t showcase the side of Ciara Miller that the public doesn’t get to see. Off the runway, Miller is an ICU nurse, and has balanced two successful careers in two separate, extreme environments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Fashion

Mannuscript got the inside scoop on Miller’s life-saving double life.

Photography by Madison White

What came first, fashion & TV or being an ICU nurse?

If I had to list it chronologically, I believe it would be fashion. I started modeling when I was 16 years old, but a college education was mandatory in my parents’ household. I modeled throughout nursing school, but it took a back seat to my studies so then nursing became my main priority. Then, my TV career became front and center. Fashion, modeling, TV and nursing all have an equal level of importance in my life. Each sector is so different, bringing out various sides of me in different moments.

How did you get your start in fashion & TV?

What drove you to this world?

When I first started modeling around 15/16 years old, it really started as a way for my mother to keep me busy and distracted. I enjoyed it enough to not fight with her on the subject. There were various

things about my extracurricular activities that we did not agree on, but mothers know best. Turns out, she was wildly right. The feedback along my early modeling career seemed positive enough to keep going, and after a while I knew in the back of my mind that this was what I wanted to do. My opportunity for TV seemed to present itself in the middle of a dark time: the pandemic. I was in the middle of my modeling contract when I got the call, not knowing which direction to go. I decided to look at it like a light, so I quite literally closed my eyes and followed the light. I had no idea what to expect, and I don’t believe anyone can properly prime you for the TV world.

You have brand partnerships with the likes of Charlotte Tilbury & Alohas. What is the creative process like?

A lot of trial and error. Like a lot. I am a perfectionist to a downfall. Sometimes I overthink

a lot of things, but really, I just want it to be the best. Charlotte Tilbury is one of my favorite brands to work with, and I truly love the company throughout. Whenever I’m creating, I want people to love the product as much as I do, or at least be intrigued enough to try it out. It’s really fun; I feel like I’m expanding my brain power with new ideas and trying to think of new ways to showcase a product.

What drove you to wanting to work both in medicine and fashion?

Originally, I wanted to be a doctor, but then as I dragged myself to school every morning, I just thought there’s no way I want to be in school into my 30’s. But I loved the hospital, and I loved medicine. My mom is a nurse, so I knew that was an option, but I didn’t want to “copy” her. I always had this “doing it my way, making my own path” type of attitude, and I wanted no overlap with

anyone in my immediate family. Obviously, I got over that. I modeled through nursing school; it was a great side income since I couldn’t work a full time job in nursing school. Then I graduated and continued to work in the hospital and as a model. I’ve always done both; I never thought I had to choose just one. There are moments when one takes the front burner versus the other, but I’ve never thought to just limit myself to one.

These two are very different, intense careers. How do you balance the two?

I love the contrast between the two careers. I feel like it gives me great balance in my life. TV and fashion tends to be very self-indulgent and self-centered, leaving room for creativity and the ability to make your own rules. Nursing is regimented, selfless, creative within a certain constraint, structured, often life or death.

When I have too much of one, I find myself seeking the other. I love being of service to another person, whether it’s a stranger or a neighbor. I find great purpose in being a part of a collaborating team with a common goal aiding in someone’s care. It is such a unique feeling.

And I love making my own creative rules, experimenting and trying new things in the world of fashion and TV. This industry has taught me a lot about myself, allowed me to really reflect on inner work, and has challenged me to be more open and freer. I think I have the best of both worlds.

How did you balance the two during the pandemic when you worked on the front lines?

I was just starting my TV career during the start of the pandemic, so I had to completely withdraw

from my nursing life during the filming process. When I went back to the hospital and “Summer House” began to air, I could still fly under the radar. I didn’t (and still don’t) talk much about my TV life in the hospital; I don’t want it to serve as a distraction. The focus is patient care, not what episode is airing Monday at 9 p.m. I decided to try my luck with TV during the pandemic because it seemed like crazy timing. I made the decision to go into TV because I needed to pause nursing and try the TV world because I felt like it was something I needed to do for myself, despite everything going on. It wasn’t easy though. I definitely had a lot of guilt leaving the hospital setting.

To be honest, I was exhausted so it was nice to take a break, but I felt an obligation to my team (nurses everywhere) and the unit. Most units were short on nurses, per usual, but it was more

“I love being of service to another person, whether it’s a stranger or a neighbor.”

-ciara miller

intense this time. Patient workload had tripled (if not more), and acuity was intensely high, so leaving at that moment was not easy. Some could say it was a selfish decision, but hospital politics also played a huge role in my departure, which most people don’t understand unless you have worked in the hospital setting. But just imagine how everything intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Do you plan on returning to nursing?

I’ve never officially quit nursing. Nursing is the type of career you can pause, especially with travel nursing. After I fi lmed my fi rst season with “Summer House,” I went home to Atlanta and continued nursing. Filming isn’t every single day; it’s in spurts. Sometimes we fi lm for three months and sometimes we fi lm for two weeks. Nursing has given me the flexibility to do both. Since I am a travel nurse, I would just pick up six- to eight-week contracts between fi lming dates. I stopped working full time after my second season on “Summer House.” Fortunately, there are so many different opportunities that come with the show, and I want to be able to say I tried everything, so I’m giving myself room to do just that. I will always keep my credentials up-to-date, and my certifications current. And when, or if, I am ready, I can go back to nursing full time whenever I want.

What was it like starring on Bravo TV Shows?

My favorite part about the show is the friendships that I’ve formed. When I moved to New York, I really only knew two people, and the shows allowed me to meet more people. I really do love spending time with all these crazies in one house, gossiping in the bed at night, sharing beds, dressing up and just laughing nonstop with people. I never got the chance to go away for college and live on campus, so I like to think this is my college experience since I lived at home. I met some of my best friends, it’s been great even through all the ups and downs, laughter and tears.

What inspires your creative process for collaborating with brands on collections?

It defi nitely depends on the product, but naturally I’m very drawn to fashion-forward advertising. I love 90’s fashion campaigns, from Versace and Dior to Levi’s and Calvin Klein. I love 90’s models too, so I feel like a lot of my creative thoughts originate from that era. Sometimes time doesn’t always permit. But I also love just natural-looking, real life creative collaborations. Nothing too pose-y. I love to collaborate with a brand that just showcases how I incorporate the product into my life. It depends on the message with how creative I can get.

Anything planned for the future you want to share? In medicine and/or fashion?

I am always up to new things. My plan for 2023 is to jumpstart a few ideas I’ve had for the past few years. Hopefully, I can fi nally bring them to fruition.

Photography by Madison White

DAVID’S BRIDAL

ANNOUNCES BRAND PARTNERSHIP WITH

David’s Bridal, the nation’s leading bridal and special occasion authority, and Kristine Thompson of Trendy Curvy have teamed up in a branded partnership.

Founder of Trendy Curvy, wildly popular plus size fashion influencer, blogger and bride-to-be Kristine Thompson has taken the fashion world by storm with her relatable content and fashion insights. With over 1.6M TikTok followers and over 500K on Instagram, Thompson’s Trendy Curvy brand is grounded in a mission to show that curvy women can be just as stylish and fabulous as everyone else. Thompson has reshaped the plus size fashion industry through her carefully curated content and empowering messaging that boasts body positivity and style inclusion for all.

The partnership with David’s Bridal is a perfect match as both the retailer and Thompson lead the way on inclusivity in the special occasion space. David’s Bridal proudly offers the largest selection of plus size gowns for all occasions – from weddings and date night to military balls, prom, homecoming and beyond, as well as price parity in sizing from classic ball gowns to dramatic mermaid/trumpet gowns in sizes 14W–30W. Partnering with Thompson is a natural fit as her platform aligns with the retailer’s brand ethos that everyone deserves their dream dress without any compromise on price, size or style.

In this branded partnership, David’s Bridal and Thompson will craft compelling content showcasing the retailer’s exclusive designs as well as offer fashion tips, insights, how-to style looks

and share favorites from the influencer herself. As a 2023 bride, Thompson will wear David’s Bridal styles for events surrounding her wedding as well as her bridal gown for her upcoming nuptials. Thompson also attended the brand’s Spring 2023 Bridal Market Week showcase as a brand ambassador with a vignette dedicated to her favorite David’s Bridal styles.

To continue disrupting the wedding planning space, the retailer has teamed up with respected brands and influencers to build on its existing portfolio of partnerships and ambassadors. By crafting strategic partnerships and working intentionally with brand ambassadors that align with the retailer’s mission and values, David’s Bridal continues to uphold its commitment to standing beside every bride throughout their entire wedding planning journey from the “yes” to the “I do” and beyond.

“Teaming up with Kristine is so special. She is a brilliant fashion influencer and advocate for the plus size community,” said Kelly Cook, chief marketing & IT officer of David’s Bridal. “At David’s, we believe unequivocally that everyone deserves their dream dress without any compromises. We are thrilled to have a partner like Kristine to amplify our brand philosophy.”

“Partnering with David’s Bridal has been such a perfect relationship,” said Thompson. “As a plus size bride myself, it’s been amazing to showcase the affordable and stylish options that David’s Bridal has to offer for so many body types. It’s of the utmost importance to me for women to feel special and beautiful on their big day, no matter what their size is.”

KRISTINE OF TRENDY CURVY THOMPSON

Photo courtesy of Kristine Thompson

Grace Eleyae’s New Collection

By Joseph Pastrana

Adds Style To The Spa Experience

The momentum of Grace Eleyae seems unstoppable as it barrels into the new year with an all-new spa collection. With the health and wellness spa industry earning $19B in 2022, it’s no surprise

for the niche brand to lean into the trend of at-home spas while providing professional spas with more stylish alternatives to typical, clinical white terry cloth options.

The collection includes shower caps, absorbent microfi ber towel turbans and headbands, silk scrunchies, loungewear, oils, masques and assorted implements such as combs, detangling brushes and tamers. And like its core products, the brand’s spa pieces were conceived specifically to protect hair with particular attention to those prone to damage. Profits from the sales of the Grace Eleyae collection also help provide fresh accessible water to a village in Uzere, Nigeria.

Since its inception close to a decade ago, Grace Eleyae has been a buzzy rags-to-riches story that has garnered two recent appearances (2020 and 2022) on Oprah’s Favorite Things list as well as a celebrity following that include Gabrielle Union, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria and many others.

Its namesake founder Grace Eleyae was the fi rst-generation American from a Nigerian father and a Kenyan mother. And growing up in a predominantly white suburb provided scant ways to fit in with her short, fi ne hair unable to sway back and forth like those of the other girls. She also realized later that her hair was also more susceptible to damage.

“The tighter the curl, the thinner the cuticle on the hair shaft,” explained Eleyae. “This makes it difficult for oil to travel from the scalp to the hair strands and results in a tighter curl pattern [that is] likelier to dry.”

Photos courtesy of Grace Eleyae

And unfortunately, keeping hair covered, especially during sleep, didn’t really help much primarily because the material was wrong. Eleyae revealed, “I decided to create my own headwear and accessories that would change all that. Unlike cotton which absorbs moisture away from hair, our collection is made with satin and silk to contain that moisture in the hair where it belongs. Sleeping and resting the hair against satin and silk results in less friction which helps to eliminate unnecessary splitends and hair breakage.”

Another aspect of the brand is a sense of style unlike anything else in the market. Eleyae added, “I grew up surrounded by a rich cultural heritage, going to events where bright, bold fabrics were the norm. I loved the idea of incorporating them into our line.”

With her breakthrough product, the Satin Lined Cap (aka the Slap), Eleyae established a company owned and operated by her family with each member performing different functions. Eleyae herself stays on top of everything.

“I oversee development, production and fulfillment operations,” she said. “I’m usually in meetings in the morning to make sure projects are on track, and I’m constantly comparing our plan to actuals with the team daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly.”

Of the entire collection, Eleyae added, “My favorite

product is still the knot turban because it works great and is versatile for different looks. But in general, my goto recommendations for first-time users are our staples: original Slap, adjustable Slap, knot turban and silk pillowcase. Any combination of those works well to cover your hair from your morning to your nighttime routine.” Not too long after introducing the line online and overcoming growing pains, traction steadily grew from social media engagement and the interest of high-profile celebrities. Eleyae recalled the early days of the journey and its challenges.

“Because we didn’t have access to the spaces that make big decisions for different corporations from banks, publications and retailers, we were forced to get creative with how we ran our business,” she explained. “Key to that was taking the product to market. So instead of going through retailers, we found ways to go directly to consumers right away.”

Soon, the brand was being touted in national platforms like “The View” and “Good Morning America.”

The growth of the brand is a testament to the growing market demand for products that speak to specific needs instead of the previous generations’ one-size-fits-all focus. Eleyae said, “Our brand’s biggest goal is to provide solutions for people that help make their confidence look effortless. So, I think people should be permitted to feel confident in whatever they wear.”

EPSON & DESIGNER YUIMA NAKAZATO

Epson has partnered with renowned Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato and his eponymous Yuima Nakazato brand at Paris Haute

Couture Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 to unveil creations that are both stunning and sustainable. In addition to utilizing Epson’s digital textile printing to reproduce his unique and creative worldview, Yuima Nakazato realized some of its creations with the help of a new, more sustainable and potentially industrytransforming textile production process

Epson’s dry fi ber technology, which is already used commercially to recycle office paper and which requires virtually no water, has been adapted to produce printable non-woven fabric from used garments. The new fabric production process was revealed in Paris as part of a three-year collaboration between Epson and Yuima Nakazato and was used in the creation of items for the fi rst time during the latter’s runway show at the Palais de Tokyo on January 25, 2023.

The collaboration between Epson and Yuima Nakazato builds on the success of the company’s printing support for his couture and evolves the level of his creations to enable the lowimpact production of high-quality custom garments. Both Epson and Yuima Nakazato are keen to raise awareness of the water and material waste associated with excess production. The Paris Show illustrates how switching to digital textile printing using more environmentally friendly pigment inks offers the fashion industry a more sustainable and less wasteful means of textile printing.

The fabric taken to create the latest Yuima Nakazato fashion line was derived from material from used garments sourced from Africa, the destination for many discarded garments from elsewhere in the world. Nakazato visited Kenya where he collected around 150 kg of waste garment material destined for the “clothes mountain” of discarded textiles he encountered there. Epson then applied its dry fi ber process to produce over 50 meters of new refurbished, nonwoven fabric, some of which was used for printing with pigment inks with Epson’s Monna Lisa digital printing technology.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EPSON EUROPE

Hitoshi Igarashi from Epson’s Printing Solutions Division explained the importance of the technology:

“Although in its early stages, Epson believes its dry fi ber technology combined with pigment ink digital printing could offer the fashion industry a much more sustainable future, significantly reducing water use while allowing designers the freedom to fully express their creativity.”

“Epson’s Environmental Vision is committed to contributing to a circular economy,” Igarashi continued, “and this development could be one step towards achieving this. Dry fi ber technology applied to the fashion industry offers the possibility of producing material for new clothes that have been recycled from used garments.”

SHOW A GLIMPSE OF A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR FASHION

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.

THE FASHION MANNUSCRIPT PRESENTS: TECHWEAR

3 DIGITALIZATION STRATEGIES DRIVING FASHION SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY

BY MERILEE A. KERN, MBA

Expert cites 3 common fashion sector supply chain risks and how to safeguard against inevitable turbulence and uncertainty

With the considerable fashion sector supply chain disruptions brought on by the pandemic and amid escalating inflation, supply chain resilience is more critical than ever before. The unforeseen pandemic presented a range of challenges that many supply chains were clearly—often admittedly—unprepared for. Labor shortages, shipping cost surges, new patterns of production and consumption have all played a key role in disrupting fashion industry business logistics, upending markets, industries and whole economies in the process. In its wake are logistics, procurement and other supply chain professionals who continue to suffer stress and chaos on the frontline, while scrambling to react to newly exposed systemic weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

“In order to prepare against unforeseen and inevitable turbulent events ahead, it’s important to take proactive measures to identify the most inherently fragile areas within a supply chain,” urged Nirav Patel, CEO of Bristlecone, the leading provider of connected logistics solutions that is part of the $19 billion dollar Mahindra Group. “In this post-pandemic era, we need to challenge conventional thinking and pursue digital innovation on a much larger and more significant scale.”

Three Common Risks to Supply Chain

While there are numerous reasons why supply chains are disrupted, there are a few prime culprits:

1. Environmental Forces: External factors, such as natural disasters, economic turmoil and geopolitical instability impact supply chain performance in numerous unsavory ways like damaged transport infrastructure, canceled deliveries and demolished inventory—all of which can lead to unbalanced supply and demand.

2. Value Chain Disruptions: Issues within the value chain, the process starting from businesses receiving raw material to then selling the finished product to consumers, can create a bullwhip effect where small fluctuations in initial operations can lead to even greater negative effects across the entire supply chain. Value chain

triggers include labor disputes, limited supplier cash flow, manufacturing accidents and so on.

3. Business Operation Challenges: When troubles arise internally within key areas of the business, like breaches in the finance, IT or HR divisions, core operations will struggle to function and that will impede the company at large.

As supply chain threats like these and others remain omnipresent—with regional, national and global implications—it has become an imperative for organizations to employ digital tools for enhanced automation, visibility and resiliency.

Here are three digital strategies leaders can implement to do so:

1. Supply Chain Digital Twins: Digital twins are digital replicas of physical supply chains. They integrate with the company’s systems to provide real-time insights on any sudden disruptions in a supply chain’s performance level, allowing supply chain management to become more proactive than reactive. Digital twins help companies mitigate environmental risks by immediately notifying them of natural disasters or other external forces that can harm the supply chain’s efficiency. This simulation provides an additional level of visibility that would otherwise be impossible without leveraging technology.

2. Predictive Maintenance: This is a preventative technique that uses machine learning technologies and sensors to track how machines and systems are functioning. Predictive maintenance is able to foresee when a machine is likely to develop issues in the near future so that maintenance can be done before any breakdowns. Supply chain operations become more resilient knowing that all machines and robotics are working efficiently.

3. Tracking: Today’s supply chain management companies live in a fortunate time where they can collect real-time updates on current events courtesy of the Internet and other technologies. Companies can leverage social media to obtain consumer behavior analytics while also monitoring the industry, news and other sources that can indicate potential supply chain disruptions like the passing of a new regulation. Logistics

and transportation technologies provide powerful modern digital fleet tracking so that companies can track their shipments and fleets across land and sea, all over the world. Analytics from cloud-based and other technologies provide valuable insights on—and can fiscally quantify—things like employee engagement and productivity. This data is direct feedback that supply chain managers can leverage to assess what leadership tactics are effective and which fail to drive workforce benchmarks.

Mitigating avoidable business risk by proactively transforming and shoring up supply chains with digital technologies and methodologies like these is a trend forecasted to persist over the next few years. Gartner, a global management consulting company, predicts that “by 2026, more than 75% of commercial supply chain management application vendors will deliver embedded advanced analytics (AA), artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.”

Digital transformation is already reinventing the modern supply chain across sectors as technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IOT) and Blockchain integrations grow. These next-gen digital deployments are offering innovative ways for supply chain professionals to procure highly accurate, up-to-the-minute data—the kind that creates opportunities for companies to predict and aptly react to macro and micro conditions, mitigate risks and, at the most extreme level, thwart a business-busting disaster.

“Supply chains are complex and disruption is becoming the norm,” Patel added. “Businesses must be able to operate seamlessly within their ecosystem of functional teams, partners, logistics providers, customers and other stakeholders, and work together to navigate and mitigate supply chain risk—all while improving customer experience. Establishing multi-tiered digitalization replete with data aggregation, information exchange, collaboration, risk management, AI-powered analytics and robust cloud technologies can shore up a supply chain with unprecedented speed, visibility, synergy and control. It’s a mission critical way to maintain the kind of resiliency that will demonstrate—and protect—business value.”

FOREVER 21 LAUNCHES THE WORLD’S FIRST METAVERSETESTED FASHION COLLECTION, IRL

Forever Beanie in our Roblox store, we are thrilled to bring this beloved product and the entire F21 Metaverse Collection to life.”

Forever 21 is celebrating its one year “Meta-versary” by launching its first-ever metaverse-inspired fashion collection. The F21 Metaverse Collection, resulting from the brand’s success in virtual product testing, is now available in-stores and on Forever21.com. The collection features hoodies and t-shirts, designed with elements from the brand’s virtual offerings and includes the real-life version of the fan-favorite Forever Beanie, the #1 selling item in Forever 21 Shop City on Roblox.

Winnie Park, Forever 21 CEO, said, “Our initial goal with Forever 21 Shop City was to expand how we engage with our customers and make our products accessible to all. With the success of the virtual

Utilizing Roblox as a testing ground, Forever 21 has proven that there is appetite for its offerings within and beyond social games. Roblox’s own research from the “2022 Metaverse Fashion Trend Report” offers further evidence with 70% of Gen Z users saying they borrow ideas from their physical selves for their avatars. Forever 21 is currently working on ways to connect virtual and physical items through “phygital” experiences. This limited edition F21 Metaverse Collection will be available instores and on Forever21.com, with products starting at $14.99. Forever 21’s virtual store on Roblox features head-to-toe looks for anyone, with products ranging from apparel, accessories, shoes, costumes and much more.

“Since its launch on Roblox last year, Forever 21 has pushed boundaries, becoming the first and largest retailer to make on-trend virtual fashion accessible. Today’s launch showcases how Forever 21, in partnership with VBG, has created an entirely new way to innovate, design and retail fashion globally,” said Justin W. Hochberg, Virtual Brand Group’s CEO. “Roblox is a phenomenal platform, and I can’t wait to reveal the next exciting experience that consumers can expect from Shop City.”

HIGH FASHION MEETS VIRTUAL FANTASY IN H&M’S LATEST INNOVATION STORY

H&M is proud to present the latest drop in its Innovation Stories initiative, an eye-catching collection that explores the craftsmanship of high fashion and the fantasy of virtual wardrobes. The H&M Innovation Metaverse Design Story collection is available at H&M Times Square and on hm.com

The ready-to-wear collection is inspired by the immersive potential of the Metaverse, as well as the tactile beauty of the physical world.

Key pieces from the physical collection blend eye-catching silhouettes with intricate embroidery and an internetbreaking color palette. For women, a corsetwaisted, neon-yellow dress with a dramatic tulle skirt dominates the spotlight. For men, an oversized black beaded bomber jacket offsets relaxed tailoring. In accessories, women’s wrap-around metallic sandals spiral to the thigh, while futuristic jewelry for men and women takes its cues from liquid metal that looks as though it’s been plumped by pixels. The more-is-more styling has been

brought to life by Ibrahim Kamara, creative advisor to H&M for this project.

Five augmented reality filters, accessible via the H&M app, complete the Innovation Metaverse Design Story line-up. Designed in partnership with the Institute of Digital Fashion, an AR fashion lens powered by Snapchat enables virtual try-on, which seamlessly brings the physical and digital worlds together and empowering customers

to express themselves both IRL and online.

“We at the Institute of Digital Fashion are excited to partner with H&M on a digital collection that pushes the boundaries of fashion as we know it, breaking free of physical restraints to embrace pure creativity. These digital garments are for every body, extending beyond seasons, beyond gender and beyond realities, and helping us to consider the planet,” said Leanne Elliott Young and Cattytay, cofounders of the Institute of Digital Fashion.

Customers wanting to learn more about the collection will be able to dive into an immersive Metaverse experience on hm.com. This interactive virtual space celebrates the unique digital garments that were made for the collection and gives customers a glimpse into the future, where digital art expands the expressive possibilities of fashion. In addition, H&M has partnered with AI Avatar, Kuki, who will be connecting with people as a virtual influencer via @kuki_ai on Instagram wearing pieces from the Metaverse collection.

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

Photo courtesy of H&M

TAPCART LAUNCHES LOW-CODE PRODUCTS TO EXPAND MOBILE APP

Tapcart, the mobile app commerce platform for Shopify’s fastest-growing brands, today announced the launch of Custom Blocks, a new low-code product that allows merchants and developers to design, build and customize their mobile apps. This new low-code addition will serve more complex enterprise merchants and partners to extend the base functionality Tapcart offers on its out-of-the-box platform.

Custom Blocks uses basic web principles like HTML, CSS and Javascript to deliver a low-code option for merchants to expand the look, feel and functionality of their mobile storefront. For example, merchants can use Custom Blocks to add shopper personalization, product bundles, customdesigned experiences or any other API or custom functionality they can dream up to boost retention and sales. Custom Blocks can be deployed and edited in real-time to give marketers and developers full control of their mobile app’s feature set.

During the last three months of the Custom Blocks beta phase, over 120 merchants in different industries have built impactful features for their apps. LSKD, for example, boosted conversions on its homepage by offering a customized content carousel, allowing customers to add products to the cart with a single tap.

“We’ve been live on Tapcart for two years now, and it’s been game changing for building a strong community. Our marketing team has stretched the platform to the limits and is always looking for ways to keep our mobile app the main hub for our brand,” said James Reu, ecommerce manager of LSKD. “Now, with the ability to write custom code in our app, our marketing team is able to build an entire roadmap focused on features that engage and retain our customers. Tapcart’s focus on flexibility here is exciting, and we see this as a major driver toward our growth this year.”

Merchants can also tap into ecommerce development agencies, technology partners and Shopify app builders to explore how they can bring solutions into a mobile experience. For example, prominent customer service platform and Tapcart Tech Partner Gorgias has built a Tapcartoptimized customer service integration that allows customers to get merchant chat support in-app using Custom Blocks.

Custom Blocks are available today on Tapcart Enterprise plans. More information on Custom Blocks can be found at tapcart.com/product/ custom-blocks.

Photo courtesy of Tapcart

Worker safety has always been a major point of scrutiny for the fashion and apparel business and one that deserves attention when it comes to proactive caution and coverage measures. It has been recorded that there are about 1.4 million injuries in the fashion industry workplace every year, which can be equivalent to an injury rate of about 5.6 per 100 workers.

The loss of experienced employees due to injury can be a major threat to your business. 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 & Falls:

Slips, trips and falls are among the most common and costly workplace accidents across all industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 1,000 workers die each year as a result of a slip, trip or fall and countless other mild or serious injuries resulting in days away from work. The good news is that most slips, trips and falls in the workplace are preventable. Investing in employee education on preventing slip, trip and fall hazards and ingraining safety practices into your workplace’s culture can lead to substantial long-term cost savings.

Prolonged standing:

When workers must stand for lengthy periods on concrete or similarly hard surfaces, they can develop swollen or painful feet or legs, tendinitis, heel spurs, varicose veins, knee problems, lower back pain and neck and shoulder stiffness.

Overexertion:

Bending, stretching to reach, repeatedly grasping, lifting, pulling and pushing can cause sudden trauma

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: TOP CLAIMS AND PRECAUTIONS FOR FASHION & APPAREL IN 2023

By Frank DeLucia, HUB International

or cumulative strain, sprains and tearing injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissue. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common overexertion injury caused by the type of repetitive tasks found in textile work.

Contact with machinery:

Employees risk having their fingers, hands or arms stuck in machinery. This may lead to serious crushing and tearing injuries, including loss of body parts, bruises, cuts and/or burns.

Exposure to fibers and dust : Anyone working with fibers should be masked as inhaling dust from synthetic fibers or natural fibers like cotton and wool can cause acute and chronic lung damage.

However, accidents happen. And incredibly serious accidents happen in the workplace, even when an employer has implemented strict safety protocols and training programs. If a workplace injury occurs at your place of business, that’s when workers’ compensation (WC) insurance comes into play.

WC insurance pays monetary benefits to injured employees to compensate them for temporary and permanent disability associated with their workrelated 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.

Most WC policies are comprised of two parts which address workers’ compensation and employers’ liability:

• In the first part, the insurer agrees to pay whatever a state’s required compensation amounts to, since workers’ compensation (unlike other kinds of insurance) does not have a ceiling or limit on a policy amount. The insurance company pays whatever the employer is statutorily obligated to pay as a result of an employee’s injury. In the second

part, the workers’ compensation policy provides coverage where an employee sues the employer for work-related injury or illness that is not subject to state statutory benefits. This part of the policy does have a monetary limit.

• It 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 WC coverage package that meets the employer’s specific unique situation and insurance requirements.

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. Pre-hire screenings, enhancing the physical workplace with healthy food options and access to walking trails, work-focused options like task-based work rules and employee safety training, daily check-in requirements for workers that perform injury prone tasks and wellness programs to promote employee physical and emotional health are all lynchpin elements for creating a comprehensive and affordable risk management and workers’ compensation strategy.

Frank DeLucia currently serves as senior vice president of HUB International Northeast, a leading full-service global insurance brokerage. With over three decades of experience, Frank specializes in building insurance and risk management programs fortherealestateandapparelindustriesandisalong time active member of the Fashion Service Network (FSN. Frank can be reached by phone at 212-3382395 or at frank.delucia@hubinternational.com. For more information on HUB, please visit www. hubinternational.com.

Springtime is just around the corner, and I look forward to everything that comes with this time of year including Opening Day of baseball season and golf. I am also looking forward to spring planting as I have taken care of my garden since I was eight years old. My father started me at the right age.

This article is a little different from most articles I have written for Fashion Mannuscript. I am a history buff and I want to share some thoughts about what I have witnessed throughout my career in public accounting and the fashion industry. As you will notice, history repeats itself.

I began my career in public accounting in 1971 as an apparel accountant. The apparel industry was the focus of the CPA firm I worked for at the time. We were the go-to for helping apparel manufacturers grow and prosper during difficult market conditions.

We think interest rates are high today, but today’s rates are nothing compared to the 1970s. I purchased my first house in 1975 and the mortgage rate was 9.25%, which I thought was a bargain. Later in the decade, I purchased my second house at a 12% interest rate. At the end of the 70s our clients were borrowing from their factors and banks at 18% to 20%.

Nobody thought twice about the rates, as business was good and profits were strong. Our clients figured out how to make money despite inflation.

I also remember when gasoline was in short supply and you could only buy gas on either odd or even days, depending on your license plate number. The

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF: THE NEW RETAIL CLIMATE

by Ronald S. Friedman, CPA

cost per gallon went from $.36 (1972) to $.86 (1979). Inflation was out of control.

The industry was able to absorb the inflationary cost of product by consistently passing on the increases to consumers. The successful businesses worked closely with their professionals on forecasting, budgeting and open-to-buys. The banks and the factors worked closely to support their client base with the funding necessary to survive, even with the high cost of money.

Then came the 80s with a change in Washington that gave us lower tax rates and less government interference with business. Inflation slowed down substantially, and we had better market conditions for economic growth. The apparel industry thrived, and our clients all watched sales take off and profitability climb.

Production started moving offshore, and employment numbers started declining and have continued to decline ever since. The driving force for moving offshore was the cheap labor pool in Asia and the ability to get large capacity factories to manufacture for our domestic market. We have seen the apparel industry become dependent on production from Asia, with our clients developing strong relationships with their overseas production facilities. As we moved into the 1990s and later years, fewer apparel manufacturers entered the marketplace, but the manufacturers with strong overseas production continued to grow.

As an accountant and adviser to the industry for all these years, I have found that the focus of our services has shifted from apparel to consumer products, from serving manufacturers to retailers and online merchants. What has changed is the way the industry connects with consumers and the way merchandise is sold. Shopping malls – once the epicenter of consumer shopping – are on a steep decline and are moving from being apparel centers to becoming entertainment centers. Malls are now all about experience, with a competitive array of dining, movie theaters, gyms, night clubs

and seasonal pop-ups. All the while, traditional brick-and-mortar apparel stores are disappearing from the floor plan.

I said at the beginning of this article that history repeats itself. Here we are in 2023 with interest rates at 40-year highs and climbing, as the Federal Reserve continues efforts to slow down the rate of inflation. The cost of fuel cost escalated to record levels in 2022 but now seems to be stabilizing. Our clients who import products from Asia saw the cost of a container go from $2,000 to $20,000. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in California were overwhelmed during the 2022 holiday season, with over 70 ships waiting for docks to unload, and the wait took as long as 60 days. The net effect of all this was that by the time merchandise arrived at the warehouses, the holiday season had passed. Manufacturers were left with excess inventories and the high cost of carrying that merchandise into the new year. The banks are now faced with financing excess inventory that none of them are happy to finance.

The ports are no longer congested, and ships that are arriving find no delays at the docks. Still, everyone is sitting on last season’s merchandise, which must be liquidated to provide cash flow to produce and deliver new merchandise. Gross profits will not be the primary concern for manufacturers in 2023. Moving old inventory at any margin is now their top priority.

You will get through this difficult year with the proper discipline and a little luck. I’m rooting for you! Be on the lookout for our next Retail Symposium coming your way in late April or early May in Los Angeles, and for the first time in New York in late October or November.

Ronald S. Friedman, CPA is an advisory and assurance partner in the Los Angeles office of Marcum LLP and a retail practice leader in the Firm’s Consumer & Industrial Products group. Contact him at Ronald.friedman@marcumllp.com.

Do any of these situations sound familiar?

LEADERS: FORTIFY TIME BOUNDARIES FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS

LEADERS: WHAT WILL YOU HAVE TO MASTER?

By Donna Johnson-Klonsky, president of DJ Consulting Services Inc.

by Donna Johnson-Klonsky

For example, when I write professionally, my family has been advised not to disturb me unless it’s urgent. If they do, they get the “look.” You know, the one that says, “I love you but leave now.” On the other hand, if a prospective client wanted to speak to me, I would accept the call if possible.

Instead of being deflated by the outcome, you look to grow from the experience. Others are drawn to your willingness to “fail forward” toward future success.

Others’ Relationship With Change

Why Must You “Fortify Time Boundaries?”

s you climb the ladder to the highest platform, take a moment to listen to your thoughts and feel your emotions. You have victoriously emerged from your change, eager to master your world.

AShannon’s colleagues repeatedly asked her to share her skills without offering compensation and then provided those new skills to their clients. Diane’s family consistently volunteered her for their projects, which wreaked havoc on her time. Tony’s teammates borrowed and failed to return resources which left him unprepared. Before board meetings or conferences, Jennifer’s supervisor always waited until the last minute to assign items they needed “yesterday.”

In my last article, “Leaders: What Will You Have to Welcome?” I shared the most significant characteristics of the eighth stage of change, “welcome.” In this article, I introduce the ninth and final stage, “master,” to help you determine if you are on this stage of the change process and what you could do next.

Proficiency & Expansion

In our efforts to maintain strong relationships, managers, colleagues, teammates, family and friends may frequently infringe on our time and interfere with our ability to pursue business objectives. Most of us can relate to these types of interruptions and the frustration they cause. How often has a similar scenario reared its ugly head in your life? This article, the twelfth in the series, continues to introduce the various Change Proficiencies, which are different strategies and techniques required to facilitate successful changes. It will present the “Fortify Time Boundaries” technique that prevents supervisors, clients, connections and even ourselves from sabotaging our schedule so we can focus on goals.

In the “master” stage, you are proud of who you have become and look forward to further transformation. You are comfortable with disquieting memories that surround your change and share your feelings freely. You are confident that you have the knowledge, expertise and understanding to master other changes, which will ultimately lead to mastery in other areas of your life and strengthen your cherished dynamic energy.

What Does it Mean to “Fortify Time Boundaries?”

Release From Fear of Failure

First, I will define how I use the word “boundary.” Boundaries govern the interactions of others with us as it relates to our time. Those guidelines are like doors to various rooms, each with a specific key. Privileges will vary, and not everyone should have access to every door. To “Fortify Time Boundaries,” one must predetermine who has permission, what type they have and how we will protect our aspirations.

One of the greatest freedoms is being free from fear of failure. When you reach the “master” stage, you are driven by curiosity of what could happen and are no longer held hostage mentally or emotionally to failure. After exploring the risks and rewards, you pursue goals with expectations of success. Even if you fall short of your objective, you are prepared to extract and apply what you have learned.

Maintaining rules about how others treat your time is as necessary as tracking your credit card expenses. If you neglect to pay attention to your charges, you may have a hefty bill. Likewise, not being aware of whom and when you allow others to disrupt your progress or momentum can lead to falling behind on deadlines and interfering with future revenue or income.

How Can You “Fortify Time Boundaries?”

Awareness - To be aware of someone taking liberties with your schedule, you must first define the rules. Are they arbitrary, based on your current mindset? Do they fluctuate? It is hard to support someone’s efforts if they are a moving target. First, consider three boundaries you would like to strengthen to increase your effectiveness in achieving a specific financial goal in the next six months. Write them down and place them where they can easily be seen to memorize them. Then, create a list of frequent boundary crossers; you know who they are and decide what permissions they will be granted. Remember, when someone invades your rights, you and they share responsibility.

To master your change, you have had to modify your overall relationship with change. Pay attention to others who are experiencing change. You must take time to analyze and comprehend how those who work closely with you respond to change. Their actions, which originate from their thoughts and emotions, are like road signs that can reveal where they are in the change process. This insight will improve your ability to navigate how their changes may impact your professional or personal goals. Listen intently, and compare their thoughts and actions to the knowledge you have gained from the change process. As a leader, application of this knowledge is vital.

Preparation - In my earlier example, it took time, and lots of conversations, to get my family to reign in their eagerness to connect with me while I worked on writing or other professional projects. To be honest, it was not only them. Often, I welcomed the interruption, especially if I was struggling or not motivated. I had to practice patience while reiterating why their actions interfered with my financial goals. Then, because I knew specific periods were prime time for them to infiltrate my office, I prepared beforehand how to maneuver around this potential pitfall.

and tools to conquer future changes, results in more clarity and focus. Remember: you have mastered a specific change, not your entire life. The more changes we can master, the greater our success. However, it does take time and patience. Many more victories will have to be won before you can experience mastery multiple areas of your life.

If you believe you have reached the “master” stage in your change, congratulations! Now, ponder and choose another experience, and apply what you have learned about change to approach, process and master it. If you haven’t completed the “master” stage, I strongly encourage you to remain dedicated to working through your current change.

Based on your professional responsibilities, boundary invasion by a swarm of supervisors, colleagues and customers could be written into your job description. Identifying their habits can take some of the strings out of urgent and notso-critical requests infringing on your time. During which circumstances are they likely to pull rank and commandeer your schedule? Once you have an idea, attempt in advance to modify your schedule to coincide with their pattern. For instance, if you know they usually wait until the end of the day to give you something that must be done, try to leave some time open. Whether it’s professional or personal boundary crossers, you may get pushback. Repeatedly. Remembering your financial objectives will reinforce why you must guard your time.

Through my clients, I have often heard that when their teammates’ and colleagues’ words and actions are misaligned, it frequently has to do with the disconnect between where they are in the change process and where their leader wants or needs them to be. You may need your team to evolve or embrace different professional situations or ways of performing their assignments, and they may still be trying to figure out how to stand up to or accept the change. A business coach can help bridge the gap between leaders’ expectations and their team members’ performance.

As you go forward, remain alert to your thoughts and emotions, and align your actions so your dynamic energy will continue to blossom. From “stand up” to “master,” your journey through the change process has cleared away faulty perceptions for your specific change. As you select the next change, seek insight from those you trust. To upgrade your viewpoint, ask them questions about inconsistencies that may exist between your words and actions.

When it comes to boundaries, in the end, we must answer to ourselves if we neglect to allocate the time necessary to pursue our goals. Many of those whom you have relationships with will make requests. Discerning, in advance, the best way to handle requests in various situations leads to wise choices that support your business or career ambitions. Reflect on the actual cost of how intrusions will disrupt your schedule. Prepare for possible hurdles. When you “Fortify Time Boundaries,” you create a pathway toward more effective results and greater financial rewards.

This article is the last in a series that highlighted the nine stages of the change process presented in my book, “Aspects of Change.”

What Mastery Means

Reflection - It requires conviction and courage to stand up to someone when they request something, even though you know it is not in your best interest to fulfill their request. To cement your determination to maintain personal boundaries, consider the impact on your long-term and shortterm goals. Reflect on previous times when you pushed your commitments and deadlines aside to create time for others’ requests. Was your performance impacted? Did your overall health suffer? Did you have to disappoint a family member or friend?

Mastery is demonstrated in many ways. Exceptional progress will be made because your actions are closely aligned with future goals, and you are committed to continual transformation. Your relative peace of mind amid uncertainty and fear, which stems from the confidence that you possess and the knowledge, insight

The next series of articles will highlight the “art of change” and reveal the proficiencies you need to move from one stage of change to the next and create forward movement in any goals. No change can stand in your way when you apply these practices.

Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA DJ Consulting Services, Inc. djconsultingservices.com

845-447-1037

Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC DJ Consulting Services, Inc. East Fishkill, New York 12533

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

– Nelson Mandela

Sometimes, the smallest things can lead to the biggest of changes.

Some years ago, a single, short conversation led me to completely change the way I think about my business and my industry.

I co-founded and run the technology company Moda Match, building AI-powered tools for the fashion industry. At first, my singular goal was to help bring the industry into the 21st century through new technologies. As a veteran of the space, I thought I knew all about fashion’s pain points: from antiquated practices and outmoded technologies to conventional thinking from decision makers across the industry. We raised money, built an application and were well on our merry way to coming to market when a young, plus-sized woman came to speak with me after testing our pilot application.

She told me a story about a recent experience shopping at a retail store. It started in a way that is familiar to all of us. She went to a store, browsed, found something she liked and hoped to maybe try it on and buy it. Except when she asked for it in a larger size, she was told that not only did the store not have that size, but the brand in question didn’t even make items in her size.

She quickly left, went directly home and cried her eyes out. She told me about how the experience made her feel; the shame, the embarrassment, the blatant reminder of the insecurity she already had.

TO THE NAMELESS WOMAN WHO CHANGED MY LIFE

By James Bloomfield, Moda Match, co-founder and CEO

By the time she was done with the story she was close to tears. To my surprise, so was I. It wasn’t a long conversation and I never saw the young woman again, but I think about her often. Whenever a decision is made, she comes to mind, and I ask myself “How would this decision make things easier for her? How would this make her shopping a better or more empowering experience?”

I now had a new goal: to make sure that what that woman experienced never happens again - not to her, not to anyone.

Diversity, inclusivity, body positivity - these things shouldn’t just be slogans to market or trends to follow. They don’t deserve lip-service or halfhearted initiatives. These things represent more than opportunities for profit or new demographics to study. We are talking about a poison in the heart of fashion and the need for a fundamental shift in an industry that touches the lives of billions of people.

Because at its heart, her story represents everything that is wrong with fashion today, from how it makes its clothes, to how it services shoppers, to how it affects the planet. And technology can help.

New tech in fashion is not a new idea. In fact, it’s been talked about for the better part of the past 25 years. But the technology has never existed to take all the industry’s variables into account in a meaningful way. Only by leveraging the most advanced retail AI could this be possible - and that is exactly what I wanted to do with Moda Match. New, convenient tech producing more profits at a lower cost is the holy grail of sales pitches.

It has been a long time since then and Moda Match has come far. We now offer multiple tech solutions within our suite of services.

One is a plug-in Virtual Fitting Room for brands

and retailers. We use a range of highly inclusive and representative models for shoppers to choose from and dress with hyper accuracy. By allowing shoppers to choose from a diverse range of models, people can see how things will look on a body like their own. Through mix-and-match functionality, we provide great interactivity as well as opportunity for items to be sold in combination with higher conversion rates and total order value. When shoppers know how items will look and fit before purchase, they feel confident about their shopping experience and are far less likely to return items, leading to fewer returns, less waste and greater sustainability.

Another solution is the generation of photorealistic digital models. Through generating accurate images of items on people, we can help companies add much greater diversity to their lines, while also significantly cutting down on costs, from manufacturing to photoshoots. A single sample item, digitally shown on a range of models, means no more producing tons of SKU’s only to have them end up in landfills, meaning greater sustainability.

Our solutions represent our goal to bring fashion into the 21st century, to make it more inclusive, more engaging and experiential, more accurate and more sustainable. They also represent the culmination of years of decisions made with one person in mind.

To that nameless young woman - you will never know how important you are to me or how deeply you impacted me or my business. You are my North Star, and it is for you that I do what I do.

Sometimes, the smallest things can lead to the biggest of changes.

James Bloomfield Moda Match, co-founder and CEO james@moda-match.com +1 (514)243-8437

We may be one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., but we never lose sight of the individual. Our Relationship Managers personally get to know your business, taking the time to understand your unique needs before offering their custom solutions. And with over 150 years of industry experience, you won’t just like working with us. You’ll love it.

tdbank.com/commercialbanking

We’re banking experts. People experts, too. Customized banking solutions for every customer.

FASHION, LABOR, COUNTERFEITS & DANGEROUS CLOTHING

By Benjamin S. Seigel, Esq. of Counsel to G & B Law, LLP

A LOOK AT FASHION’S TOP BLACK DESIGNERS

By Benjamin S. Seigel, Esq.

Beyonce, Saweetie and Keke Palmer have all worn Hunte’s designs. He is known for using the buffalo-check pattern in many of his clothes including jeans.

and clothing and may supply American retailers.” Segran’s article continues to say that forced labor is connected to Western supply chains and consumers, as Xinjiang produces over 80% of China’s cotton and that the United States imports more than 30% of its apparel from China. Even if a product isn’t imported into the United States directly from Xinjiang, it may contain fabrics or components made from the forced labor that happens in Xinjiang camps.

Carly Cushnie is the founder of Cushnie. Her styles have been worn by so many major names, too many to mention all here, but just a few include Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Selena Gomez and Michelle Obama. The New York Times referred to Cushnie as one of the most prominent Black-owned brands in American Fashion.

label featuring fun pieces worthy of a night out like long-sleeve bra tops and cut out dresses.

Wales Bonner. Bonner’s brand was launched in 1904 in menswear and later expanded into womenswear. His designs are inspired by European and African history and are perfectly tailored.

Finally, in “The RealReal Sold me a $3,600 Fake: Here’s Why Counterfeits Slip Through Its Authentication Process” from Forbes in October 2019, Richard Kestenbaum wrote, “The thrift store business has gone big-time. What used to be a local, mom-and-pop business has been tech-enabled, allowing what were local inventories of unique items to be available worldwide. Fabricated by venture capital and private equity, the resale business (as it’s now known) has scaled up, handling thousands of items and hundreds of millions of dollars of product.”

Kenneth Ize. Mixed patterns and prints are embodied in colorful menswear-inspired pieces that are clean and joyful on the eye.

DWhen we think about fashion designers today, those in the fashion industry have become aware of many successful Black designers who have made significant contributions to the field. In a recent Cosmopolitan article by Lauren Adhav and Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien entitled “23 Black Fashion Designers Who are Killin’ the Game,” the discussion was introduced with, “They’re the most stylish people in the biz, and they create even more stylish clothes.” Here are some of the top designers on everyone’s radar.

espite the beautiful department store windows on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills and Fifth Avenue in New York, an undercurrent of potential problems is pervading the fashion industry.

In a report that appeared in MR magazine on October 23, 2019, Elizabeth Segran, author of an article originally from Fast Company, stated, “Slavery and indentured labor is widespread in the fashion industry.” She noted that the South China Morning Post reported that China experts have gone to Capitol Hill to explain to lawmakers that American apparel brands may be benefiting directly from coerced labor carried out by Uighurs, members of a Muslim ethnic minority living in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China.

Hussein Suleiman, Jefferson Osei and Abderrahmane Trabsini are the owners of the brand Daily Paper. The group was founded in 2012 by these childhood friends and they channeled their love of the arts into creating one of the fastest growing fashion brands in Europe. Their designs include menswear and womenswear celebrating the vibrant heritage of African culture and contemporary life.

Jason Rembert is the owner of Ailette. He is a sought-after Hollywood stylist, dressing the likes of Issa Rae and Marsai Martin. Rembert’s luxury label is inspired by his mother and features Mane Gorge Creations including the dress Zendaya wore in her Netflix film “Malcolm & Marie.”

Her article stated, “The New York Times says that more than a million Uighurs have been forcibly held in camps and subject to political indoctrination. A United Nations human rights panel said that Uighurs were being detained in a ‘massive interment camp that is shrouded in secrecy. The Chinese government refers to these camps as ‘vocational training centers.’ New evidence has emerged that some of these Uighurs [are] being coerced to work in factories that make apparel

Aurora James is the owner of brand Brother Vellies. James was also the creator of the “15 Percent Pledge,” which launched in 2020 to give more shelf space to Black businesses in retail stores in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Brother Vellies, a sustainable accessories brand, features enviable boots and handbags.

Telfar Clemens is the owner of the brand name “Telfar.” Clemens designs purses with his signature logo, which have been given the name of Bushwick Birkin. His designs are unisex and are referred to as general neutral clothing.

Romeo Hunte. Michelle Obama, Zendaya,

LaQuan Smith. His designs have been worn by Rihanna, Beyonce and others of similar fame. Known for glam and/or sexy outfit needs, Smith has become a favorite of many celebrities.

Rihanna herself is behind the brands Fenty and Savage X Fenty. Known as RiRi, she is the founder of two fashion lines. Savage X Fenty features affordable and size-inclusive lingerie, while Fenty showcases high upscale fashion.

Similarly, an article by Justin Scheck, Jon Emont and Alexandra Berzon in The Wall Street Journal, updated on October 23, 2019, entitled, “Amazon Sells Clothing From Factories Other Retailers Blacklist” stated that, “After a 2013 factory collapse that killed more than 1,100 people in Bangladesh, most of the biggest U.S. apparel retailers joined safety-monitoring groups that required them to stop selling clothing from factories that violated certain safety standards.” The authors then stated that Amazon didn’t join, and that, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation, the site today offers a steady stream of clothing from dozens of Bangladeshi factories that most leading retailers have said are too dangerous to allow into their supply chains.

Christopher John Rogers. At 28 years old, Rogers has already dressed high-profile figures like Michelle Obama and Cardi B. In 2021 he won American Womenswear Designer of the Year at the CDFA Fashion Awards.

Fe Noel. Noel designs beautiful robes, swimsuits and ready-to-wear clothing. She uses stunning vacation-worthy prints on each design.

Dapper Dan. This Harlem designer creates made-to-order designs, which are practically synonymous with the hip-hop stars of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Known for reworking designer logos into his clothes and for collaborations with Gucci, Dan has a store on 125th Street in New York.

Victor Glemaud. Glemaud is known for his amazing knitwear. His 2021 Target collaboration featured multi-colored stripes and color-blocking, which sold out almost immediately.

Kestenbaum explained that one of the keys to the RealReal’s success as an online resale business is authentication. He advised that there are a lot of fakes in the market, especially if the brands are high-end. Having an intermediary with expertise who vouches for authenticity is an enormous value-add for consumers because it often takes an expert to detect forgeries. At the RealReal, “copywriters” do the authentication. However, in spite of their efforts, fakes still get through.

Heron Preston. Preston’s streetwear aesthetic has been a favorite among celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. His graphic tees usually have a bird design. He also creates bags, phone cases and belts.

Virgil Abloh. Abloh is behind brands like OffWhite and Louis Vuitton menswear. He has been likened to the millennial generation’s Karl Lagerfeld. The Ghanaian American is one of the few Black designers to lead the iconic luxury house as artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection.

The Journal also found other apparel on Amazon made in Bangladeshi factories whose owners have refused to fix safety problems identified by two safety-monitoring groups, such as crumbling buildings, broken alarms, missing sprinklers and fire barriers. U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Target and Costco have agreed to honor bans imposed by these two groups, to have their supply chains inspected and to disclose to the groups the factories that supply them.

When Kestenbaum bought a fake Christian Dior bag on the RealReal, it looked like the real thing, but when he consulted with an expert on the herringbone pattern, the fake bag was apparent from the real one. Thus, even the most reliable dealers can often get stuck with fakes.

Liya Kebede. Kebede’s brand is Lemlem. She is an Ethiopian model and designer of her brand, which is produced by artisans across Africa. She created a foundation that benefits African women by connecting them to healthcare, education and pathways to jobs.

In summing up all of the things that are looming in the background when apparel is purchased, the watchword must be “caution,” but few buyers have the patience and desire to do the thorough research to distinguish real from fake, how a garment is produced or whether it is made of fabric that can be dangerous when worn.

Dumebi Iyamah is behind the brand Andrea Iyamah, which specializes in swimwear for everyone, even brides, in stunningly colorful collections.

The article noted that Amazon has been expanding its efforts to encourage listings directly from suppliers in Bangladesh, some factories said, with company representatives attending seminars to teach factory owners how to sell on a website without middlemen.

Hanifa. These sophisticated designs are sold in sizes zero to double extra large and are the beginning of Hanifa’s innovations. She recently debuted her newest collection in a completely digital, 3-D fashion show that has received a lot of media buzz.

Mowalola Oguenlesi. A Nigerian British designer who led the Yeezy design team in Kanye West’s Gap collaboration, Oguenlesi has her own

Benjamin S. Seigel, Esq. G & B Law, LLP bseigel@gblawllp.com 818-382-6200

Tracy Reese. Reese owns brands Tracy Reese and Hope for Flowers. Michelle Obama and Regina King have worn her creations. Since 2007, Reese has been a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. In 2019 she launched Hope for Flowers, which focuses on sustainability and ethical production practices.

Stella Jean. Jean is Italian-Haitian with designs that represent the intersection of her two cultures. She is recognized as Italy’s first Black fashion designer. Jean uses bright colors, mixes patterns and adds a tropical flair to all of her pieces.

Benjamin Seigel, Esq. is an attorney who specializes in matters related to the textile and fashion industries. He can be reached at benseigel@msn.com

As the retail business gets tougher and tougher, brands are looking for new ways to get their products in front of the consumer. At a recent Retail Marketing Society webinar, several speakers shared thoughts and strategies for reaching consumers as the travel and tourism industry begins to recover. Panelists included Melvin Broekaart, director of global retail, Rituals Cosmetics; Christopher Olshan, CEO of the Luxury Marketing Council; and Earl Heffentrayer, vice president/ senior credit officer of Moody’s Investors Services. The moderator was Marie Driscoll, managing director, luxury & retail of Coresight Research.

As the recent holiday travel debacles show, travel can involve hours spent in airports with time on one’s hands providing the consumer with time to shop. Companies like L’Oreal, which is a $35 billion company, and Estee Lauder, an $18 billion company, get close to 30% of their sales in travel retail. “For many luxury brands,” Melvin Broekaart stated, “it is still important to have that physical connection, not just an online connection. If you really want to entice these people to step into your store, then you need to catch them at the moment when they actually have time available. For us, that is certainly the airport.”

But it’s not only time spent in airports. Shopping is a big part of the travel experience. Marie Driscoll shared, “As an analyst covering retail for many years, there is also this data pointing out that

NEW POSSIBILITIES FLY IN TRAVEL RETAIL

By Anne Marie Soto, Retail Marketing Society

when traveling, people tend to spend one out of four days shopping.”

The Airport: A Place of Discovery

Everyone recognizes the journey you take at the airport. Today’s travelers must arrive several hours early. Once they go through security and customs, there’s no going back. In many airports, you enter a world of food, beverage and luxury shops. “On average, people have 38-39 minutes to spend before they need to move towards the gate,” reported Broekaart.

“At Rituals,” Broekaart continued, “we need a specific environment where we can enable the brand to tell the story.” The company currently has about a thousand stores, 30 of which are in airports. “We’re just getting started at airports! It’s a very rewarding journey because we can measure what we do as turnover, obviously from cash register sales data. But we can also measure which customers start that journey at the airport and how they continue it. We put a big effort into making them part of our CRM program as well so we can see that they onboarded at the airport and how they continue their purchasing journey.”

Geography has a lot to do with what sells in airports. “If I look at American airports,” said Broekaart, “most of the sales are done in food and beverage, eating and drinking. The other way round is the case for Asian airports, then Europe sits a bit in the middle but leans towards more retail.”

Categories That Do Well

So, what are the most popular categories for travel retail? The general agreement was that perfume and cosmetics are the top sellers in

airports. Skincare is really big in Asia, so in Asian airports, this category could account for as much as 40% of sales. Because of the price-saving benefits in many places, particularly airports with many international flights, liquor sales are strong. Depending on what part of the world you are in, tobacco can be a significant category, and is far stronger in the Middle East than in the U.S. or Europe. Fashion, while highly visible in airport stores, is generally in fourth place. Its position is complicated by international differences in body shapes, sizes and dimensions in general.

Beyond the Airport

“When we look at luxury, travel and retail, and look at the spend from travel, there’s a couple of different ways we can frame this,” observed Olshan. “One area that has gone through the roof is the spending because of travel. What I mean by that is, if you’re going to take a trip for two weeks and you decide ‘let’s buy new luggage, let’s buy new electronics, let’s buy a new wardrobe, let’s shop and get something special for the trip we’re going to take.’ People seem to be so excited about getting back out there. The second side of that is that we’re seeing a major increase in experience while people travel. ‘Let’s go to a concert, let’s splurge on dinner on the beach, let’s buy a 40-year-old bottle of rum instead of a 12-year-old bottle of rum’ [...] When people are traveling, they’re making the most of it.”

Anne Marie Soto

Retail Marketing Society

201-692-8087

www.retailmarketingsociety.org

retailmarketingsoci@retailmarketingsociety.org

The LARGEST Apparel Show in the Country

Only in Dallas you’ll find thoughtfully curated fashion brands across the largest lifestyle marketplace, complete with trending trade show floors and stunning permanent showrooms. Our expansion momentum is bringing you a bigger and better inspirational experience at every market. Join us and source our vast and juried selection of premier lines from contemporary apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, and even diamonds. Don’t miss your chance to see what everyone’s talking about.

Dallas is your destination for fashion.

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market

MARCH 21-24, 2023

dallasmarketcenter.com

@dallasmarket

Inspiration Starts Here.

FROM MOVEMENT TO MAINSTREAM

According to the Census Bureau, about 1.15 million or 19.9% of employer businesses in 2020 were minorityowned, and the number continues to grow. As diversity,

equity and inclusion broadly shifts from a mantra to the mainstream, a growing number of buyers are conscious of the change and are seeking out BIPOC businesses and brands.

“As greater emphasis is being placed on the diversity of people behind their brands, International Market Centers (IMC) is cultivating a more inclusive future one market at a time,” said Caron Stover, IMC SVP, apparel. “The companies in our markets bring unique perspectives, backgrounds and business practices to Atlanta Apparel, Las Vegas Apparel and our social occasion markets.”

America & Beyond (Indian-owned)

A&B is the brainchild of the Indian-born, Florida-based sibling duo, Parul and Mohit Juneja. Born in a family that’s been in the textile designing and manufacturing business across three generations, the Junejas built upon this priceless know-how, and combined global sensibilities with their Indian roots to nurture the A&B philosophy. This passion to offer beautiful, artisan-made boho clothing to the world gave birth to the A&B brand.

America & Beyond is an artisanal boho clothing label that offers handcrafted bohemian fashion made for the creative, free-spirited woman with a zest for life. Each offering at A&B has a uniquely global appeal with local, handmade charm. Fairtrade practices and sustainability lie at the core of A&B’s ethos as a brand, and this philosophy drives every decision taken at each stage of creation--from conceptualization, designing, sourcing and production to waste management.

Kwame Baah (Black-owned)

Kwame Baah Brand’s founder, George Kwame Baah, grew up in Ghana under impoverished conditions. He was blessed to make it to the USA as an adult, where he attended university and got a job as an engineer. Whenever he visited his family in Ghana, his desire grew to fi nd a sustainable avenue to help raise them out of poverty. Recollecting his childhood experience of making his own shoes from used car tires, he was inspired to begin a shoe company. His vision was to design shoes and employ men and women in Ghana to handcraft

them for the US market. In 2011, Kwame Baah Brand was founded with the mission to provide sustainable, economically just employment for skilled artisans in Ghana. The company blends contemporary design with traditional fabrics from Ghana producing quality handcrafted footwear and accessories that are comfortable, stylish, durable and affordable. Kwame Baah trains artisans from Georges’ hometown, AkimOda, and nearby regions to make sandals and accessories that follow George’s own designs.

Boho style from America & Beyond. Photo courtesy of America & Beyond.

Handcrafted footwear from Kwame Baa

George Kwame Baah, owner of Kwame Baah Brand. Photo courtesy of Kwame Baah Brand.

IMC TAKES STEPS

TOWARD MORE DIVERSE APPAREL OFFERINGS

Laura Faye (Black-owned)

Jessica Robinson, owner of Laura Faye, is a self-taught leather seamstress who incorporated aspects of her family into her business practices – Laura being her mother’s middle name, and Faye, her grandmother’s – and grew her company from the ground up.

Laura Faye is known for its luxury, boutique-style handbag designs. The best-selling, original design, called The Mini Clutch, is exclusive to Laura Faye and one of the staples of the company’s collections. At the 2022 Laura Faye fashion show, the company introduced its newest addition, the LF Logo Clutch, which has quickly become another brand favorite, and the momentum is showing no signs of slowing down.

Ragazza Fashion (Latina-owned)

Founded in 2004 by the designer Carolina Vázquez, Ragazza Fashion has become a company that has crossed borders thanks to its haute couture designs created exclusively by hand with an avant-garde vision. Ragazza Fashion is part of the Andalucía Costura

Corporate, which has nine brands specialized in party, ceremony, bridal and quinceañera dresses. Ragazza is the leading brand of quinceañera dresses in Mexico.

Ragazza Fashion has been recognized for its social work by sponsoring girls in vulnerable situations, high-performance athletes with different abilities and a project for social reintegration in the Jalisco Women’s Prison. Ragazza Fashion also has the Socially Responsible Company certification in Mexico.

For more information on IMC’s apparel markets, visit Atlanta Apparel at www.atlanta-apparel.com, Las Vegas Apparel at www.LasVegas-Apparel.com and social occasion markets at www.atlanta-apparel.com/VOW

Jessica Robinson, owner of Laura Faye. Photo courtesy of Laura Faye

Boutique-style handbags from Laura Faye. Photo courtesy of Laura Faye

Carolina Vazquez, owner of Ragazza Fashion. Photo courtesy of Ragazza Fashion

A quinceañera dress by Ragazza Fashion. Photo courtesy of Ragazza Fashion

Visit:

Exhibit:

JANUARY

BY ILSE METCHEK

TRADE SHOW

RELEVANCE TODAY

It’s up to those in the industry, manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, service providers and more, to reimagine a new relevance. As we emerge from the shock of the pandemic, supply side shortages, late shipments, unwanted inventory and inflation on all fronts, we will certainly not need the same-old exhibition spaces as before. Everybody aged during the pandemic. We have watched Generation Z go from somewhat young and naive to grown-ups with a “when did this happen” attitude. They are not babies anymore and they want to be part of fashion, whether they know anything about the manufacturing process or not.

These will be the new attendees and exhibitors at trade events, but only if the “invitation” to them is a clear message of welcome and assistance. How else can the next wave of apparel and textile entrepreneurs come face-to-face with a host of professionals for direction and a clear analysis of their opportunities?

Fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry employing this host of professionals including designers, manufacturers, retailers, merchandisers, tech experts, new machinery, international groups, accountants, attorneys, trade facilitators, etc. All of them should be visible at a trade show!

Manufacturers are retailers. Retailers source for themselves. Textile companies create products for vertical brands. Contractors become brands themselves. Financial pros seek out “the next big thing” at all levels of the process. All of these players should be able to avail themselves of the trade show as a melting pot of ideas and opportunity.

The business of fashion deserves to be taken seriously, warts and all. A 2023 trade event should celebrate its creativity and entrepreneurial spirit; we are the most aspirational, industrious and dynamic of all industries. Therefore, all facets of a current business concept, and its problems, should be addressed for small, medium and large entities.

Examining the tried and true “Trade Show” concept brings us to the picture of brands in their booths waiting for buyers to review their lines, while the brands are relying on their own source of “inspiration” to plan the next line. This is all while trying to figure out how to produce the one that is being shown and worry about being “copied.” Those days are over.

Let us all agree that the “fashion dictators” are only relevant for 10 weeks or so. In our new independent and tech-driven world, no one individual or global fashion capital has the clout to change the way any subsection of society dresses. Street style influences couture even as couture influences street style. Times have changed!

Retailers want to view their own perception of society and yet, now they want to know what’s going on that will affect their delivery, image, prices, profit, etc. Everyone wants to be smarter. Access to all relevant information that will present knowledge, awareness and opportunity should be part of a fashion industry trade event.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMWEAR TRADE SHOW GEARS UP FOR THE MIAMI SWIM WEEK

SWIMSHOW IS THE BIGGEST SWIMWEAR TRADE SHOW AFTER 40 YEARS OF SUCCESS FROM THE SHOW FLOOR & BEYOND!

Long aisles criss-cross the Miami Beach Convention Center every July, filled with hundreds of branded booths as the world’s best swim brands, buyers and press all flock to Miami from dozens of different countries.

What to watch on the show floor? The latest and most notable trends in the market, buyers from hundreds of retailers deciding what will make it to their stores, designers gathering together to conduct business, meet and mingle over an elevated curated cuisine selection; these are just a few of the sights to be seen at SwimShow, the longest running swimwear-dedicated tradeshow in the fashion industry. SwimShow just celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 with a successful show season bringing new and veteran brands to the Miami Beach Convention Center during the widely popularized “Swim Week” in Miami.

Last year alone, SwimShow underwent a significant rebranding which unveiled a new logo, a redesigned show floor and a new digital experience for show attendees and exhibitors alike. The new tropicalinspired gradient coral to tangerine seascape colorwave was seen throughout the show floor and on their updated social channels (@ swimshow) on Instagram. If you don’t already follow, you should!

In an effort to create a new scaled approach to special events and activations, SwimShow in partnership with the leaders in trend forecasting, WGSN, developed SwimLab - a collaborative group of new-age brands that spearhead conversations like sustainability, innovative design and inclusive sizing at the forefront. The chosen lucky brands were given an area right on the show floor to exhibit and present their lines, meet with buyers, press and other key industry players throughout the three-day show.

WGSN Swimwear Editor, Rebecca Saygi, moderated a panel with the four brands which included BFyne, Mare Perpetua, Léa the Label and Natasha Tonic. The group discussed how the development of new materials and swim fabrics are paving the way for new design and aesthetic. Natasha Tonic, who hails from Los Angeles, has worked on the development of one of the first fully biodegradable swim fabrics as a nod to her brand’s ethos of a fully sustainable future. “SwimShow’s Activation, SwimLab, was a great experience as a new brand to connect with buyers and also to meet like-minded brands. The ability to showcase the brand and really be able to show the brand story to new people was a wonderful experience as well!” said Helena Paul of Mare Perpetua.

SwimShow started 40 years ago as an association of swim industry experts with the ultimate goal of bringing the industry’s most notable swim brands together to support and cultivate the growth of what is now internationally recognized as Swim Week.

SwimShow is popularly known for its presentation of both emerging and veteran brands; it has developed new show categories to help both brands and buyers navigate the show floor and further identify product categories. The NewNew will represent emerging brands fresh to the market; SwimCore is for brands that have become swim staples, globally recognized and celebrated; and, finally, SwimMode is for those innovative and disruptive brands that never fail to set the trends for every new season.

“On the contrary of other shows out there, we are proud to represent all swim tiers and categories. We have worked with size-inclusive brands for many decades alongside those brands that are setting trends and those early innovators who made sustainability a priority many years ago. The swim industry is a niche market and our mission is to bring it back together in one place,” said Judy Stein, SwimShow executive director. “We are witnessing a counter trend of online brands looking for offline visibility. Our goal is to bring everybody back in-person and do what we do best. These days more than ever, there is a need for human interaction to rediscover the tactile experience of trade shows. Even in conceptualizing our new logo icon, we connected the two S’s in an effort to symbolize unity and the swim industry coming together again.”

Swimwear brands from countries across Latin America, Europe, Canada, Australia and, of course, the United States all flock to Miami to present their upcoming collections. “After years of hard work, we knew we were ready to open the international market; we knew it was time for us to expand and show the world Mar de Lua! Our first participation at SwimShow in July 2021 was a complete success! We had over 30 international pre-orders from more than seven countries and new contacts for further business. Being part of SwimShow marked a new beginning of growth and expansion for our brand!” said Carolina Diazgranados, owner and designer of Mar de Lua from Colombia.

This season, SwimShow will help launch new brands while showcasing the innovation of many veteran labels. The Miami show takes place July 8 through 10. Find the show’s roster of exhibiting brands and its go-to blog, SwimStories by visiting SwimShow.com.

Photos courtesy of SwimShow

Ready, Set, Dressed.

Experience an expansive collection in Atlanta for women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. Then, head west to Las Vegas for another great opportunity to shop young contemporary, accessories, shoes, and more. Each market hosts top brands, plenty of parties, complimentary food and drinks, and trend presentations and photo ops to keep you inspired.

FUTURE MARKET DATES

October Atlanta Apparel

October 11-October 15, 2022

January Atlanta Apparel

January 31 – February 4, 2023

February Las Vegas Apparel

February 12 - February 15, 2023

March Atlanta Apparel

March 28 – April 1

For full market dates and registration, visit Atlanta-Apparel.com and LasVegas-Apparel.com

Black History Month Reads

Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion by Marcellas Reynolds

October 8, 2019

To date, there has never been an art book devoted exclusively to black models. “Supreme Models” lls that void, paying tribute to black models past and present: from the rst-to-be featured in catalogs and on magazine covers, like Iman, Beverly Johnson and Donyale Luna, to the supermodels who reigned in the nineties—Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. e book also observes the newest generation of models—Adwoa Aboah, Jourdan Dunn and Joan Smalls—who are shaking up the fashion industry by speaking out about racial prejudice and becoming social media sensations.

Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments by Carell Augustus

October 4, 2022

“Black Hollywood” is a groundbreaking reimagining of Hollywood’s most beloved lms, including “Breakfast at Ti any’s,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Forrest Gump” and more. Visionary photographer Carell Augustus has created a “who’s who” of today’s Black entertainers, recreating iconic cinematic scenes and renewing readers’ appreciation of the past while asking questions about representation in media and inspiring the artists of the future.

past

Black Designers in American Fashion by Elizabeth Way

July 1, 2021

In chapters from leading and up-and-coming authors and curators, “Black Designers in American Fashion” uses previously unexplored sources to show how Black designers helped build America’s global fashion reputation. From enslaved 18th-century dressmakers to 20th-century “star” designers, via independent modistes and Seventh

Avenue workers, the book traces the changing experiences of Black designers under conditions such as slavery, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. “Black Designers in American Fashion” shows that within these contexts, Black designers maintained multifaceted practices which continue to in uence American and global style today.

Africa in Fashion: Luxury, Craft and Textile Heritage by Ken Kweku Nimo May 5, 2022

“Africa in Fashion” explores the kaleidoscope of craft cultures that have shaped African fashion for centuries and captures the intriguing stories of contemporary and avant-garde African brands.

Black Women Fashion Coloring Book by Sun El Ra October 23, 2022

Coloring is a beautiful way to express your inner self and relax, while being present in the moment. is coloring book o ers a unique experience, with 75 hand-drawn illustrations, made by an artist who has a great passion for fashion design. Every page has been thoughtfully designed and curated by an artist who loves to pay attention to every detail. is coloring book is single sided, which is designed to minimize the bleed through from pens and enables removal for framing and display. is book also features a 8.5”x11” format with a silk matte cover. It is suitable for coloring pens, pencils, markers and crayons.

Photos courtesy of Amazon Books

February Horoscope

This month for Aries awakens the ability to empathize with others. You are finding yourself to be a little more patient with your loved ones due to an understanding that you can compartmentalize. This creates a strong friendship with people that you hadn’t realized you had a stronger bond with before. Maybe this stems from a work opportunity or rediscovering a distant friend. Either way, your perspective shifts. During this period, you’ll also encounter health issues. It is advised to slow down a bit.

Taurus will mostly stay busy with work during February. Your motivation to complete your goals heightens and you gain a wave of productiveness. Mars in Gemini will have a positive effect from your work, and you’ll continuously have new ideas that gain recognition. Make some time with loved ones and do not forget it is okay to rest as it is necessary to recharge.

February is a time for rest and focusing on your goals. It is okay to not be a part of every social scene you get invited to. You have work goals to accomplish. Stay focused. You find yourself overthinking more as you have more time alone during this month. Your body wanted this reset to weed out who and what is good for you and who and what to distance yourself from.

February will bring self-confidence and people are recognizing your energy. During this period, you will surprise yourself with creativity at work and your personal life. This month is filled with success thanks to Jupiter’s strong influence. Rely on your strategic and negotiating skills to finalize a good agreement. On the 15th, an idea you’ve been manifesting takes shape. Whether it’s an emotional connection, a love affair or a social ambition, you’re getting closer to your goal.

You are feeling magnetic and are very enjoyable to be around during the month of love. Venus reinforces your sensual appetites and elevates your romantic interests/relationships. Single Leos should stop looking for love that makes you feel less than; not everyone understands your charisma. Money is looking a little stagnant. Watch over your finances and resist the urge to splurge.

You will collaborate with those around you who may not see eye to eye on work tasks as you do, but this is the time to learn a new perspective on problems. Try not to be so controlling on situations that are not needed. You’ll find yourself stressing out over things that aren’t that serious. It is time to listen and take a step back. This will take a load off your shoulders with future projects.

Thanks to your natural power of seduction, you connect or rekindle an old flame, but ask your loved ones if your feelings are mutual. You’ll want to have clear communication with what you are feeling as not everyone can pick up what you are thinking. You change things in the most harmonious way possible between you and those around you. Your ego will be satisfied, and your influence will grow. Finances seem to be doing well this month thanks to your hard work and some luck.

You have the urge to shut the blinds and spend your days at home. You have been part of hustle culture, non-stop working and now you’re ready to recharge and stay away from the noise. Some loved ones will find offense with the lack of communication, so make sure to be transparent on what you’re trying to accomplish with your staycation mood. Booking a vacation is perfect right now. You work hard and saved enough to treat yourself. Book that trip and thank yourself later.

This month will be favorable for natives regarding finances, career and spiritual satisfaction. It is predicted that those who are doing business this month may be able to overtake their competitors and earn good profits. Your health is also looking good due to the placement of Saturn. Any underlying health conditions should be treated right away. Continue working towards your goals as this month is a very lucky one for most Sagittarians.

People with major Capricorn placements will have a very mixy month. You’ll find yourself with career advancements or financial gain during the first half of the month. Second half of the month, things start to slow down and you find yourself in less positive mood. Mars may bring up triggering feelings that you want to suppress. Use this energy at the gym to let go of the stress.

Right now, your career seems to be a bit challenging. You’ll have to move quickly, make solid decisions and accept the changes. The alignments of the sun and Mercury also makes the second half of the month not as favorable. You are a naturally creative thinker. Use this creativity with what curve balls are heading your way and do not resist the changes.

February finances seems to be a bit of a struggle for major Pisces placements. You find yourself facing some surprising expenses that you weren’t counting on paying. This little set back shouldn’t throw you off in a huge way. The challenges you’ve been facing with health is because of lack of immunity. Consult a doctor right way and take it easy on your body. The stress and lack of sleep is affecting more than you know.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

PUZZLE BY MYLES MELLOR

1. Luxury beauty products company in India launching a new fragrance series with Hrx

5. Jeans fi rst produced in 1889

8. It describes a trend making a comeback

9. Gradual widening of a skirt or pants

27. Men’s jewelry brand introducing The Pearl

30. Leading destination for watches and horology that teamed up with John Mayer to the create G-

1. LA movement company founded by Natalie

2. Manhattan-based fashion designer promoting hand craftmanship, Lavanya _____

5. Creators of the Wonderful World of Chocolates

20. Adorned with glass, stone or wood

SOCIAL SAFARI ON THE RED CARPET

BY R. COURI HAY

New York Philharmonic Gala

The David Geffen Hall, which has been elegantly refurbished to the tune of 500 million dollars, was the centerpiece of this season’s gala opening of The New York Philharmonic. Yes, the acoustics are finally as celestial as the orchestra itself. The ladies, including composer Karen Lefrak, Diane von Furstenberg, Martha Stewart and philanthropist Afsaneh Akhtari dressed to the nines while the gentlemen, such as billionaires David Geffen and Richard Lefrak and CNN’s Fareed Zakari, were requested to leave their ties at home which made for a more relaxed yet still glamorous evening.

The night featured brilliant performances by The Phil and a killer star-studded lineup of Broadway stars including an incandescent Bernadette Peters, Sara Bareilles, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Vanessa Williams and Lin-Manuel Miranda along with the cast members of “Hamilton.” Surprise performances included opera singer Renee Fleming, Alicia Keys and Stephen Colbert who did a hilarious routine that ended up with him proclaiming, “I’m officially the first person to twerk on this great new stage.” And he did, to wild applause. This was hands down the season’s most stellar show! The night’s co-chairs included Veronica Atkins, Jody and John Arnhold, Susan and John Hess, Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The night raised 17 million dollars. Bravo! nyphil.org

Audrey Gruss’ Hope for Depression Research Foundation

Anderson Cooper, Brooke Shields and Olympic Gold Medalists Aly Raisman and Michael Phelps have all been honored in New York by Audrey Gruss’ Hope for Depression Research Foundation for their advocacy work on behalf of depression. Phelps told Gruss, “What tennis player Naomi Osaka did by telling her story about depression, wow. We can all learn from her. All of the athletes and celebrities that have stepped up and shared their experience about mental health have been able to save lives.” On February 18, the foundation will celebrate the fifth anniversary of its 5K Race of Hope in Palm Beach. The annual winter tradition is supported by billionaires John Paulson and his girlfriend Alina de Almeida and former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and his wife Hilary Geary Ross. hopefordepression.org

Arthur Aidala, Tracy Morgan & Mayor Eric Adams

Andy Sabin’s South Fork Natural History Museum

Susan and David Rockefeller, “Ray Donovan” star Liev Schreiber and Adrian Grenier from “Entourage” are all long-time supporters of metal magnate Andy Sabin’s South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center in Bridgehampton. Sabin recently rescued four lion cubs from Ukraine that he helped fly to the states by private jet and relocated to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota. On February 11, Sabin will host his annual Eastern Tiger Salamander search for endangered species for kids and their parents in the woods near the museum. The mini safari to see the largest native salamander attracts nature lovers who can also tour the museum, which houses rare snakes and turtles and teaches patrons about protecting the environment and its wildlife inhabitants. sofo.org

International Sous Vide Day

Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller were among the culinary luminaries wishing Dr. Bruno Goussault, the chief scientist at Cuisine Solutions, a happy 81st birthday last month. Dr. Goussault has trained 80% of the world’s Michelinstarred chefs in the art of sous vide cooking, which he perfected. The company’s sous vide products are used in over 26,000 restaurants worldwide, including Starbucks. His birthday coincided with International Sous Vide Day, which was celebrated with parties around the globe on January 26. cuisinesolutions.com

Philoche’s “New York, I Still Love You”

Artist Guy Stanley Philoche will celebrate Black History Month with a show opening February 1 at Cavalier Galleries on W. 24th St. The painter has created portraits of iconic Black visionaries including Lena Waithe, the star of “Master of None,” baseball legend Jackie Robinson and James Baldwin, who wrote “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Last fall, the gallery presented Philoche’s series “New York, I Still Love You.” This love letter to the Big Apple received critical acclaim during Miami Art Week for its celebration of NYC’s grit and charm. Notable guests at the exhibition included young Philanthropist Sofie Mahlkvist, CMO of Cuisine Solutions Thomas Donahoe, Lauren Roberts, Dr. Lee Phillips, Morgan Stanley Wealth Manager Sergio Nicolosi and Divorce Attorney Daniel Stock. philochestudios.com

The President’s Award

Mayor Eric Adams, Attorney General Tish James and Geraldo Rivera led the applause when legal eagle Arthur Aidala received the President’s Award from the Brooklyn Bar Association at El Caribe. All three noted that as the “quintessential New Yorker,” Aidala, who hosts a weekly radio show called the “Power Hour” on AM970 and is the dean of the Friars Club, is always there to help his fellow citizens no matter what side of the aisle or what walk of life they come from. The schmooze-fest had FOX News’ Rivera and Democratic leaders Adams, James and Frank Seddio hugging and kissing while exchanging war stories about the famed litigator who has represented Harvey Weinstein, Rudolph Giuliani and Lawrence Taylor. The organization raised over $100K for local charities. aidalalaw.com

Gerard & Daniel. Photo by Patrick McMullan

Karen and Richard LeFrak.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Michael Phelps & Audrey Gruss.

Photo by Jared Siskin

CASITA MARIA HOLIDAY PARTY EMPOWERS SOUTH BRONX YOUTH

BY MICHELE GERBER KLEIN

Jacqueline Weld Drake’s annual holiday party featured the children’s Casita Maria Choir for an evening of songs and youth-focused fundraising.

The event awarded the William E. Simon Scholarship to Mia J. Fernandez Sanchez, a student from St. Catherine’s High School, and Neveah Byrd, who is enrolled at Monsignor Scanlan High School. Children from the Casita Maria Choir were also rewarded, and opened presents gifted to them by Drake. The Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education is New York City’s oldest Latin charity and provides over 1,000 students with quality education in the arts every day.

Providing a safe space for poor communities in the South Bronx, Casita Maria empowers and uplifts youth and their families to set and achieve educational, artistic and career goals for years to come.

Photos courtesy of Annie Watt

Alica Lutz, Stella

Katie Shay, Amy Hoadley, Amy Bonazzo

Steven Aranson, Michele Gerber Klein

Luisa Lopez, Alberto Marica, Belen Moreno

Jenn Nubian, Jacqueline WeldDrake, Mike

Irina Serrano Andreas Serrano, Ben RodriguezCubanas

Expertise you can count on no matter what path your business takes

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE

FACTORING

ASSET-BASED FINANCING

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGEMENT

ACQUISITION FINANCING

INVENTORY FINANCING

IMPORT AND EXPORT FINANCING LETTERS OF CREDIT

In an industry that endlessly strives for the next big thing, having the flexibility to adapt at a moment’s notice is key to success. With Wells Fargo, you get the strength and stability you need, along with the nimbleness you want. Our flexible financing may support your growth, and our proven track record in factoring and receivables management helps make sure you’re ready for whatever’s next.

Tap into our knowledge, experience, and broad o ering of products so that your business’ success never goes out of style. Learn more at wellsfargocapitalfinance.com/apparel.

Peter Pugliese

Senior Vice President, Regional Sales Manager

212-703-3551

peter.pugliese@wellsfargo.com

Lover Girl Era

Magnolia Lace Ouvert Panty, $78 fleurdumal.com

Renaissance Rose Bustier $75 savagex.com James Lace Garter $138 fleurdumal.com

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush $39 dior.Com

Tis’ the season of love, romance and intimacy. We enter a new era and it’s all about love. Love for yourself, love for friends and love for that special someone. What better way to start this month than with a guide to the most exquisite intimates that every lover girl needs? Whether it’s for that special person, or yourself, there’s no shame in romanticizing your life and slipping into something sexy for Valentine’s Day or just because. When you look good, you’ll feel good. Shop the best of women’s lingerie online where you will fi nd many different styles and fabrics that hug your body and complement your frame. From mesh, lace, to something a bit more modest, there is a variety that every woman can appreciate. Pop that champagne, play some Lana del Rey and get into that self-care. Dolling up for the special day is half of the fun. Nothing screams femininity like these selected garments. So let’s take a closer look on this year’s musthaves for Valentines Day.

Diesel logo-plaque crossbody bag $295 farfetch.com

Velvet Vixen Corset $48 savagex.com

Renaissance Rose Corset Dress $100 savagex.com

Pat McGrath MatteTrance™ Lipstick, $39 patmcgrath.com

IVAR Jewelry Brings Indian Elegance to Madison Avenue

BY LAURIE MELCHIONNE

Located at 29 East 73rd Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues, IVAR Jewelry is an oasis of Indian interior design, water-themed accents and, most importantly, a treasure trove of fine jewelry. Founded by designer Ritika Ravi, IVAR’s latest New York location gives customers a taste of Indian culture. IVAR is also the first Indian brand to be certified by the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark, which verifies the brand as ethical and sustainable. From sourcing to production, customers can shop with a clean conscience knowing that ethical practices are in place and approved by the Butterly Mark’s credibility.

Fashion Mannuscript met with Ravi for an inside look on the fine jewelry brand.

You have a BA in Fashion Jewelry from the London College of Fashion; have you always wanted to go into jewelry?

No. I’ve always been a creative person, but the path wasn’t always so clear in the beginning. When I was a student, I often thought, ‘Why do I actually need to do this course? It makes no sense.’ But going to school was the best decision that I took. As students, we explored so many different aspects of our passions. Not only were we taught different design areas like footwear, accessories and textiles, but we also got exposed to marketing, visual merchandising and so much more. That was when I realized where my strengths and interests were. I love jewelry design. It’s something that I used to do with my mom from when I was young. However, I didn’t know that I wanted a career in it until I got to college.

How is the London fashion scene different from the New York fashion scene?

Here in New York, there is the option to be a lot more casual in a lot of places. In England, fashion is more formal. Everyone always dresses up. It was never acceptable to turn up to university in sweatpants. However, people are more experimental here than they are in London.

Have your design decisions here in New York been informed by the London fashion scene?

I wouldn’t say specifically London. My travel influences my designs. You never know where inspiration is going to hit. When I’m traveling, I’m always inspired; I love seeing, learning and experiencing new things. That inspires me to create jewelry. I’ve always been quite a global citizen. I’ve traveled so much with my parents, and they’ve given me so much exposure to so many new different things. So my designs are always about trying to bridge that traditional aspect of the more contemporary aspects.

Store photos courtesy of Costas Picadas

Ravi in the entrance of her store

What kind of traditional Indian crafting methods are found in your jewelry?

All of my pieces are handmade. We use this technique called meenakari, which is an enamel push combined with a more contemporary use of some inlay work. Enamelware can give a contemporary and global aesthetic. We also work with typical Indian bridal jewelry. It originally came to India from the Mughals, which was hundreds of years ago, so it makes our jewelry rooted in history. It’s important for every bride to have something that is an uncut diamond, and that comes from a design technique called polki. This process makes the jewelry feel like lace. It’s sparkly and elegant while at the same time not overpowering; perfect for any bride.

What distinct cultural elements set your jewelry apart from other brands?

Traditional craftsmanship is key to what we do. The craftsmen are integral to every product. A lot of brands produce things quicker and cheaper with machine-made jewelry, but to me, a product is all about what comes behind it. There is a story behind every piece. What sets us apart is that when you speak about traditional cultural aspects, there is a very traditional piece typically given to the Indian bride. A lot of young brides actually come in and want a ring that is given to them at their wedding and has sentimental value forever. I have a beautiful piece of jewelry that was my grandmother’s, and my mom wore it. I love the sentimentality of it. That’s an important cultural thing; it’s lovely to have sentimental jewelry, but you also want to wear it and incorporate it into your everyday style. If you can’t relate to the jewelry

anymore, and just keep it in a safe somewhere in your house, the value of the item is lost.

What has it been like to open a store on Madison Avenue?

It’s been surreal. Honestly, I was so focused on getting the store that I forgot to enjoy the process a little. It hit me one day and I thought, ‘Oh my God, I have a store on Madison Avenue.’ On December 1 when we actually opened, I was here at the store and I just needed a minute to take it all in. It was a dream come true for me.

It couldn’t have happened without my amazing support system. I have the best champions behind me who always push me to do more and grow in the best possible ways. Without my parents, my brother and all the people behind me, I couldn’t have achieved this.

What challenges you about your job?

Anything new that you try is always going to be a challenge. For me, this journey is not a challenge but an adventure. I like learning new things. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Taking time to make sure things are done right sometimes brings delays. There have been things that I didn’t hope for, but I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I started this journey in 2021, and I’m finally here today and happy with everything that’s happened.

What is your design process?

It starts with the concept. For example, for traditional rings, I took the time to research them and what they actually look like in India. I

like putting pen to paper; I do not like honing my concepts digitally. Wherever I go, I always take a notebook and pen with me in my bag. As much as I’m organized about everything in my life, my design notebook is very chaotic and only I can understand it. I usually do quick sketches, and six months pass before an entire collection is realized. Then I do my final lineup and have a team back at home that digitizes that and sells it to the factories. After that, I handpick every gemstone that you see in my store and on my website. A lot of thought goes into every piece, especially because I want jewelry to be comfortable. Jewelry shouldn’t feel like a strain on your body that you can’t wait to take off after a day at the office or a night out. I don’t ever want my clients to feel that way. Jewelry should be a joy, not something you want to remove.

Anything planned for the future?

We have two new collections that are coming out this year, one of which I’ve been working on for three years now. It’s a reversible collection that can be worn on both sides. The entire collection is about versatility, multiwear and reversibility. I also hope to donate a percentage of sales from that collection to breast cancer awareness and research.

We also were recently certified by the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark, which means that we are a verified ethical and sustainable brand. Since I’m a young brand, it’s a lot easier for us to implement changes that make us sustainable, which has always been important to me. Moving forward, I think that’s very, very exciting, and only means great things for the future.

The entrance and vestibule contain elements which evoke schools of fish or ocean waves, with individual displays arranged at various heights and places

The Charu Collection blends tradition with modern influences to envision heirlooms for a new generation

Photo courtesy of Ivar Jewelry

STREAMLINING THE SHIPPING PROCESS

Dynamic’s latest online platform, DYNAMIC TMS, automates the tendering of a shipment to the preferred carrier based on your criteria. The system automates the routing, optimization, and real-time visibility of each transaction resulting in a more efficient cost saving solution.

Retailers are successfully using our new user-friendly technology and experiencing great results. Contact us today to learn how our new platform can improve your shipping experience.