Fashion Mannuscript August 2022 by Mann Publications

THE DESIGN ISSUE

FA S H I O N M A N N U S C R I P T NEW YORK LOS ANGELES MIAMI THE HAMPTONS

INSIDE:

KZ_K STUDIO’S CLASSIC STYLES MARRY DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

PLUS:

ALTERRE’S STYLISH & MODULAR FOOTWEAR COLLECTION

CGS JOINS INSPECTORIO TO DELIVER QUALITY CONTROL FOR FASHION BRANDS

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE WITH MICHAEL HUDGENS AND MARC HELLER CIT COMMERCIAL SERVICES MERGES WITH FIRST CITIZENS BANK

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ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

OCTOBER 17, 2022 Join Jeffrey Mann and the Mann Charitable Foundation at the beautiful Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, New York for a great day of golf, food, and networking. The Mann Charitable Foundation was founded 20 years ago in memory of Marion and Irving Mann. Its mission is to fund research for geriatric diseases, and to ultimately find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, the Mann Charitable Foundation expanded its initiatives to include Crohn’s and colitis, breast cancer, and liver diseases. This year we are expanding our donations to lymphoma and macular degeneration.

HONORE ES

Itinerary

8:30 AM Arrival and Registration 9:00 AM Breakfast/Brunch 11:00 AM Call to Carts 11:15 AM (SHARP) Shotgun Start 5:00-6:00 PM Hors D’oeuvres and Cocktails 6:00-7:00 PM Dinner and Presentation of Golf Winners and Honorees

Tickets

Marc Heller President CIT Commercial Services

Harriet Greenberg CPA, PFS, Co-Managing Partner Friedman LLP

I would be remiss if I didn’t say something from my heart: yes, it is our 20th anniversary, and I cannot tell you what it means to me to have my two dearest friends and two of the greatest success stories in the history of the financial industry in the fashion capital of the world, New York City, as my honorees: Marc Heller and Harriet Greenberg. With love and deep appreciation, Jeff

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CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Alleyne Amy Berkowitz Howard Bader Norah Bradford Frank DeLucia Rachel Evans Leslie Gallin Erynn A. Gifford Frances Harder Jordan Harouche R. Couri Hay Debra Hazel Courtney Hazirjian Shannah Henderson Amanda Hodge Eve Hodgkinson Donna Johnson-Klonsky Merilee Kern Natasha Kersey Michele Gerber Klein Donna Leah Nathan Liao Krystal Peguero Daniella Platt Wilfredo Rosado Sandra Roy Benjamin Seigel Annie Watt Sabrina Zohar

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The opinions expressed by our columnists are not reﬂective of the views and opinions of the publisher or the editorial staff of Fashion Mannuscript. Publication of such views and opinions does not constitute endorsement by Fashion Mannuscript. Any reproduction, including but not limited to internet usage, is prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher.

At Mann Publications, we haven’t sat still all summer. Myself and our team has been attending a number of exciting, high-profile fashion industry events across the country, including FashionGo Week’s trade show in Palm Springs, the Marcum Retail Symposium (where Mann Publications was a digital sponsor and the guest speaker was Tom Nastos, the biggest face of fashion trade shows) and womenswear brand Alice + Olivia’s 20th anniversary celebration. Our social media team flew out to Florida to attend Miami Swim Week, and our followers are growing at an incredible rate across our Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. Penelope, our communications director, and I also attended Chagit Leviev’s launch party for the “Stronger Together” jewelry collection, which took place at Mister French in New York City. Leviev, who was featured on the cover of the May/June issue of Mann About Town, partnered with the victims of “The Tinder Swindler,” who were featured in the Netflix crime documentary of the same name, to create the jewelry line. Debra Hazel, editor of Mann Report, recently attended the Lead Innovation Summit in Brooklyn, New York. You can view photos of all of these events and more on our social media pages. Follow along! I am so excited to share that the Mann Charitable Foundation will be putting on its Annual Golf Outing for the first time in three years in honor of the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary. I cannot tell you what it means to me to have my two dearest friends and two of the great success stories in the history of the financial industry in the fashion capital of the world as our honorees: Marc Heller, president of CIT Commercial Services, and Harriet Greenberg, CPA, PFS, co-managing partner at Friedman LLP. As you can see, things at Mann Publications are buzzing at a pace that I’ve never seen before. Despite all that is going on in the world, our team is on top of all that continues to change and we pivot every day to make the right moves. That’s how we operate here.

“Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them” — Orison Swett Marden

ONE MANN’S OPINION

Hello, readers! It’s almost hard to believe that it’s time for us to be talking about the end of the summer, to be jetting off on our last warm-weather travel plans and beginning to think about autumn and (sooner than we think) winter trends. Though I’m still in short sleeves now as I’m writing this, August always makes me feel like the end of the year is right around the corner — and the end of the year is my favorite time of year, so this time always feels like the ramping up to moments to come that I really enjoy. But let’s not skip too far ahead, because this issue is filled with so many exciting stories about how the fashion industry has spent its summer! As you’ll see in the pages ahead, our team attended Alice + Olivia’s 20th-anniversary party, which was a bright, glittering, rainbow-colored and prom-inspired event in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood. The evening was such a great way to celebrate such an iconic brand. I also had the chance to speak with Harmony Pilobello and Shilpa Iyengar, the founders of Alterre, the modular footwear company, and learn more about their incredibly unique brand and the friendship that keeps it growing. This issue also features a sneak peek at design-focused brands that will be featured at upcoming International Market Centers trade shows, a closer look at the AI-powered data that is driving disruptions in the fashion market and an exciting and inclusive lingerie company. August has been incredibly exciting — and busy! And on a personal note, the August issue holds a special place in my head and heart because the 2021 edition was the first issue that I worked on when I started at Mann Publications now more than a year ago. Time really is flying!

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AUGUST 2022

COVER FEATURE

FASHION FAVORITES 14

Prom Night: Alice + Olivia Celebrates 20 Years By Lauren D’Errico

The Jack Martin Fund Hosts Annual Golf Outing

Cosmetic Executive Women Hosts Women’s Leadership Awards

20 46 ON THE COVER

CIT COMMERCIAL SERVICES MERGES WITH FIRST CITIZENS BANK — AND LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE BY JOHN MORAN

New Concepts @Nordstrom Launches Concept 017: Sports!

Foot Locker Foundation Brings Together Footwear, Fashion and Athletic Industry for “On Our Feet” Gala

FASHION FABULOUS 7

One Mann’s Opinion

Editor’s Letter

Fashion 411

14 FASHION FAVORITES

PROM NIGHT: ALICE AND OLIVIA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS Photo courtesy of Rony Alwin

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

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THE DEPART MENTS 36 Fashion at Home

65 TechWear

80 The Columns

101 Trade Show Update

111 Crossword Puzzle

114 Look Books

116 Horoscopes

119 By The Numbers

120 Social Soiree

124 A Closer Look

126 Last Look: The Beginning Of... By Lauren D’Errico

FASHION FORWARD 42

Karina Brez: The Equestrian Jeweler and Jewel By Olga Gonzalez

Inclusive Lingerie Brand Untamed Lingerie Honors Femininity By Katie McKenna

KZ_K Studio Marries Architecture & Design for Multi-functional, Fashionable Garments By Lauren D’Errico

Coco Reef: The Inclusive Swimwear Brand Empowering Women for Nearly Two Decades

Alterre Oﬀers Modular, Stylish & Sustainable Shoes — in a Snap By Lauren D’Errico

The Cooper Design Space’s Fashionable History By Mito Aviles & Cooper Design Space

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PROM NIGHT

ALICE + OLIVIA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS Photo courtesy of Rony Alwin

n celebration of its 20th anniversary, Alice + Olivia — the womenswear lifestyle brand that allows shoppers to express their own unique, whimsical and sophisticated style — channeled nostalgic prom night vibes with cocktails, live musical performances by pop singer Gracie Abrams and DJ Kiss and a number of activities and photo opportunities at the Close East Lawn in New York City this June. Launched in 2002 by Stacey Bendet and originating from her quest to design the perfect pair of pants, the brand has grown to offer readyto-wear garments, gowns, handbags, shoes and accessories. A long-time favorite of celebrities

and iconic public figures, the brand has been worn by Michelle Obama, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Drew Barrymore, Gigi Hadid, Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow and more. Alice + Olivia is available to shop at boutiques around the world, in addition to 800-plus department and specialty stores and aliceandolivia.com. In what was a private escape from the usuallybustling Chelsea neighborhood, the Close East Lawn, a green space tucked between buildings, was decorated in full with glitter and bold, bright colors. The evening’s guests, who were encouraged to dress to the nines in prominspired styles, walked the red carpet, mingled and danced as the sun set on the late spring

evening. Spread throughout the space were a variety of photo stations — a wall of rainbow basketballs covered in glitter and a chandelier hoop, a spray-painted recreation of a high school hallway with lockers and gymnasium bleachers and more — and guests were able to visit the airbrushing station for customized Alice + Olivia graphic sweatshirts and the tattoo table for trendy micro tattoos. Near the end of the night, Abrams performed a set that brought guests to the dance floor. The event’s h’ordeurves were provided by Beatnic, a New York City-based vegan restaurant, and signature drinks were provided by Absolut Vodka and Olmeca Altos Tequila.

Photo courtesy of Rony Alwin Photo courtesy of Rony Alwin

Photo courtesy of Rony Alwin

Nicky Hilton Photo courtesy of WIREIMAGE - Dimitrios Kambouris and Astrid Stawiarz Stacey Bendet Photo courtesy of BFA - Rupert Ramsay

Photo courtesy of BFA - Rupert Ramsay Lea Michele Photo courtesy of WIREIMAGE - Dimitrios Kambouris and Astrid Stawiarz

Photo courtesy of BFA - Rupert Ramsay

FASHION FAVORITES

THE JACK MARTIN FUND HOSTS ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Photos courtesy of Joseph Sorrentino/JAS Photos LLC Alan Feldman, chairman and Allan Trompeter, secretary of the Jack Martin Fund

The Jack Martin Fund (JMF) held its annual Golf Outing at the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club. The event’s honoree was Curt Huegel, the owner of Host Restaurant Group, that also includes the ever-popular New York City establishment, Campagnola. The weather at the event was gorgeous, and the Jack Martin spirit was on full display leading to a spectacular day and fundraising effort. This year’s golf outing and related fundraising efforts allowed the Jack Martin Fund to raise $500,000 to support the Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The organization’s leadership group is headed by: Alan Feldman, chairman; Kenny Dichter of Wheels Up; Mitch Grabow, vice-chairman and Chris Mongeluzo of Newmark and Mark Zeller of UBS, who serve as co-presidents. Zeller, who also serves as treasurer, said, “With this year’s donation, the Jack Martin Fund will have fulfilled its commitment of providing $2.5million in support since 2018, three years ahead of schedule. JMF and Mt. Sinai will soon announce a new commitment that will lead to many more years of support for the Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology.” The JMF leadership and vision of “Giving Back” has been passed down from the Fund’s long time leader, Alan Feldman, and that passion will continue to drive the organization for years to come through the leadership of Dichter, Grabow, Mongeluzo, Zeller and the many others that have supported the organization over the years. The Jack Martin Fund, now marking its 72nd anniversary, is one of the most remarkable stories of volunteer support of medical care and research. In terms of outright generosity and commitment to one institution, Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, the fund has few equals. Since its inception in 1950, the Fund has contributed nearly $50 million to Mount Sinai to further progress in human health through education, research and technology.

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FASHION FAVORITES Jordan Weiss, Mark Weiss, Alan Feldman, David Henchel and David Greenberg

Mark Zeller, (JMF co-president), Guest of Honor Curt Huegel, Chris Mongeluzo (JMF co-president) and Marc Rothschild (board member)

Gary Spitalnik, Gilad Block, Gregg Gropper and Chase Rettig

Aaron Winston, Josh Winston, Paul Cahmi and Eric Diton Jeff Gabel, Nancy Gabel, Ken Schulman and Fernando Tan

Larry Hutcher, Cate Huegel, Guest of Honor Curt Huegel and John Heil

Adam Cott, Noel Cott, Billy Bruckman and David Bruckman, owners of Pietro’s Restaurant

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Mark Zeller, Dan Coash, Reed Fawley, Ryan Carney and Lance Cholet, UBS Financial Services

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COSMETIC EXECUTIVE WOMEN HOSTS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARDS Photos courtesy of CEW

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FASHION FAVORITES

osmetic Executive Women (CEW) — an international organization of 9,000+ individual members representing beauty and related businesses, including leading brands, indies, retailers, media and suppliers — celebrated women and their achievements at the 2022 Women’s Leadership Awards, a program that embodies CEW’s mission to motivate, elevate and advance female leaders who are shaping the beauty industry today. The two-day live and virtual hybrid event recognized and celebrated the recipients of three awards: the new Catalyst for Change Award, which celebrated one woman for moving the industry forward through a social movement; the Achiever Awards, which acknowledged seven accomplished senior-level female executives and the Social Impact Awards, which honored seven emerging beauty executives who are positively affecting change within their companies and the industry. “The Achiever Award recipients are the future of the beauty business, representing different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, ages, leadership styles and points of view,” said Carlotta Jacobson, CEW president. “They bring a wealth of innovation and new thinking. They are expanding our industry in new directions and building a better, more equitable workplace.” In partnership with Dotdash Meredith, the program commenced with an in-person luncheon to recognize all honorees and concluded with a dynamic virtual panel comprised of Achiever honorees, moderated by editor Linda Wells, eliciting insights, advice and their secrets of success. The 2022 Catalyst for Change Award was awarded to Sharon Chuter, founder and CEO, Uoma Beauty. The 2022 Achiever Awards were awarded to Susan Akkad, SVP, local and cultural innovation, The Estée Lauder Companies; Nata Dvir, chief merchandising officer, Macy’s; Nathalie Gerschtein, president, consumer products division, North America, L’Oréal; Sarah Curtis Henry, chief commercial officer, N.A., Parfums Christian Dior; Marcela Melero, VP, global skin cleansing, Unilever; Ilaria Resta, global president, perfumery, Firmenich and Alexis Schrimpf, VP, global skin and personal care design, P&G Beauty, co-founder, chief design officer, SeeMe Beauty. The award recipients were introduced by a range of speakers including Fabrizio Freda, president & CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies; Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO, Macy’s; Ann Gottlieb, president, Ann Gottlieb Associates; Carol Hamilton, group VP, acquisitions and West Coast Headquarters, L’Oréal USA; Carl Haney, executive VP, research, product and innovation officer, The Estée Lauder Companies; Gena Smith, chief human resources officer, LVMH and Markus Strobel, president, skin and personal care, P&G Beauty. The Women’s Leadership Awards also honored the following emerging leaders with 2022 Social Impact Awards: Simone Jordan, global head of purpose and brand partnerships, Sundial Brands; Erica Monteith, executive director of brand activations and beauty marketing, CVS Health; Debra Redmond, vice president, beauty division merchandise manager, Nordstrom; Crystal Sai, executive director, chief of staff, global online, The Estée Lauder Companies; Angela Simpson, vice president, U.S. marketing, Nars Cosmetics; Amber Stryker, director, BFA Impact, BFA Industries and Rolanda J. Wilkerson, Ph.D., senior director and scientific communications fellow, Olay and Multicultural Hair Portfolio, P&G Beauty. Sponsors included Amazon Premium Beauty, 24Seven, P&G Beauty, Harris Williams, Unilever, RéVive Skincare, L’Oréal USA, Dyson, EDO, SeeHer, Ulta Beauty, Clarins, Nordstrom, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, BFA Industries, Olaplex, Meta, NielsenIQ, Sephora, LVMH, Too Faced, MMC, and Parlux. Event partners include Beauty Inc, Fairchild Media Group, Consultancy Media, Kaplow Communications, Badger Agency and Suite K.

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FASHION FAVORITES

NEW CONCEPTS @NORDSTROM

ew Concepts @Nordstrom presented Concept 017: Sports!, a multi-brand active shop highlighting apparel, footwear and accessories for golf, tennis, running, training and cycling. Inspired by nostalgic sportswear that holds up to today’s performance standards, Concept 017 marked the 17th project for New Concepts @Nordstrom. New Concepts @Nordstrom is a platform to discover what is next and best in fashion through partnerships with the world’s most exciting brands, as these unique collections come to life in the custom-built environments at the brand’s

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flagship stores and online, Nordstrom said. The ongoing series of digital and physical pop-up shops invite customers to discover new products through exclusive partnerships. The shop highlighted brands that bring new life to training, running, cycling, tennis and golf with products that blur the lines between high style and high performance. Concept 017: Sports! featured exclusive capsules from golf brands Bogey Boys and Malbon Golf; tennis brands Full Court Sport, Lacoste, Palmes, Paterson and Reigning Champ; 2XU, running and training brands District Vision, Hoka One One, O Design Studio, On Running and Y-3 and Rapha, MAAP

and Pas Normal Studios for cycling. Five of the 16 brands are now available at Nordstrom for the first time. The shop included a range of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories, with products ranging from $7 to $500. “Heading into summer, we are excited to offer the Nordstrom customer a fresh take on sports product,” said Sam Lobban, SVP of designer and new concepts. “Whether you are a performance athlete or just trying out a sport for the first time, we hope Concept 017 offers something unique and interesting you may not have seen before.”

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LAUNCHES CONCEPT 017: SPORTS! Photos courtesy of Nordstrom

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FASHION FAVORITES

FOOT LOCKER FOUNDATION BRINGS TOGETHER FOOTWEAR, FASHION & ATHLETIC INDUSTRY FOR “ON OUR FEET” GALA

Photos courtesy of Foot Locker, Inc.

Shaheen Holloway

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Christian Crosby & Flo Ngala

FASHION FAVORITES

Hillary Ramos Espinoza, Foot Locker scholar athlete

The Foot Locker Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of Foot Locker, Inc., the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, joined together members of the footwear, fashion and athletic industries for its annual “On Our Feet” fundraising gala. The event was held at New York City’s Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers. This year’s event theme of “Getting Back On Our Feet” was a celebration of how far the industry has come in the past two years and an important reminder of the work that lies ahead to improve upward mobility for young people and to build a more equitable and inclusive future for all, Foot Locker said. “The ‘On Our Feet’ gala has long spotlighted the importance of community service, empowerment and investing in the next generation of changemakers,” said Richard Johnson, chairman and CEO of Foot Locker, Inc. “This year’s event is particularly poignant as we get back on our feet to acknowledge how much progress we’ve made together and the opportunities that lie ahead. Now, more than ever, we must take a critical eye to how we invest in initiatives and programs that can affect real change in communities across the country.”

Shaheen Holloway, CEO Dick Johnson, Patrick Walsh, Elizabeth Norberg, CFO Andrew Page & Christian Crosby

Representatives from sports and athletic retailers such as Nike, Adidas, Converse, Puma, Champion, Crocs, New Balance, Reebok, Under Armour and Vans were in attendance alongside the event’s guest of honor, Shaheen Holloway, who joined the evening’s master of ceremonies, Christian Crosby, for an on-stage interview about community investment, perseverance and the importance of giving back. “Investing in our communities and youth is key to building a stronger future where we all thrive,” said Holloway, who is head coach of men’s basketball at Seton Hall. “I’m proud to be part of the Foot Locker Foundation’s ‘On Our Feet’ gala, which supports initiatives and causes dedicated to empowering and uplifting the next generation.” For more than 20 years, the Foot Locker Foundation has provided support for youth initiatives and programs that seek to improve upward mobility and empower communities. In addition to the Foot Locker Scholarship Program, the Foundation supports organizations like UNCF, Two Ten Footwear Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of America. Christian Crosby & Shaheen Holloway

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FASHION 411 BANTER BY PIERCING PAGODA APPOINTS TIERRA WHACK AS FIRST-EVER CREATIVE DIRECTOR

anter by Piercing Pagoda announced Grammy-nominated rapper, songwriter and artist Tierra Whack as the brand’s first-ever creative director. Known to be unapologetically herself, Whack will use her boundless creativity to engage customers with designs that elevate the brand’s bold spirit, the company said. As creative director, Whack has designed a capsule collection of jewelry in conjunction with designer Malyia McNaughton, a member of the Black in Jewelry Coalition. “We are extremely excited to welcome Tierra to the Banter family and are energized to share her creative energy and fierce individuality with our customers,” said Kecia Caffie, president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda. “Bringing Tierra onboard will help amplify our ongoing mission of inclusivity. Like our customers, Tierra is a creative visionary who rejects labels and celebrates her own unique identity.” “I’m excited to be the first-ever creative director for Banter by Piercing Pagoda and give a unique spin on what jewelry means to me,” said Whack. “My fans have always been a great source of inspiration. Like me, they’re all about celebrating creativity. I’m thrilled to now turn my attention toward creating jewelry that brings all our shared passions to life. I can’t think of a stronger partner to do that with than Banter, who helps people express their own unique style every day.” Previously known as Piercing Pagoda for more than 50 years, the brand recently rebranded to “Banter by Piercing Pagoda” in 2021 to focus on consumers’ passion about expressing their individuality through jewelry and piercings. As part of the Signet Jewelers portfolio, the brand caters to the Gen Z and millennial customer who express themselves boldly through their personal style.

Photo courtesy of Banter by Piercing Pagoda

CENTURY 21 ANNOUNCES RETURN TO NEW YORK CITY IN SPRING 2023

entury 21 has announced its New York City comeback, relaunching the beloved institution in Spring 2023 at its flagship location downtown, across from the World Trade Center. The retailer has teamed with premium experiences company Legends to introduce a revitalized shopping experience to Century 21’s local and global fans. Through this next evolution, Century 21 will remain true to its DNA — one synonymous with value and luxury — continuing to thrill New Yorkers and tourists alike with an exceptional assortment of designer brands at the unbeatable prices the brand has delivered for over 60 years, the company said. As a global, data-driven holistic sales service provider, Legends has operated brick and mortar, pop-ups, e-commerce and in-venue retail experiences for renowned brands such as the NFL, MLB, PGA, NASCAR, Real Madrid, Dallas Cowboys, and the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, among others.

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The Tierra Whack collection includes one necklace, two bracelets, seven earring styles, one ring available in every letter of the alphabet and five different charms in both 10K and plated gold. The pieces reflect meaningful symbols to Whack, such as wings and music notes. The Tierra Whack collection ranges from $55 to $1,750 and is available at locations nationwide and on banter.com.

been a long-time symbol of this city’s resilience and unwavering spirit. In our 60-year history we have only closed our doors twice, once after the devastation of 9/11 and then again during the COVID-19 pandemic. But like the true New Yorkers we are, we have persevered. We could not be more excited to bring Century 21 back home, delivering the same products and value to customers, in partnership with Legends.” This partnership will couple Legends’ omnichannel operating expertise with Century 21’s expert curation of designer brands at affordable prices to bring fans of the brand an enhanced shopping experience in-store and online. “Century 21 is, and always will be, a New York City brand,” said Raymond Gindi, Century 21 co-chief executive officer. “Our flagship store has

As a result of this partnership, Century 21 will be introducing a more streamlined customer shopping experience through in-store upgrades and an elevated e-commerce presence, which will debut at the same time the brick-and-mortar store opens its doors. The re-opened Cortlandt Street location will span the four main floors of the original downtown space and will offer men’s, women’s and children’s designer apparel, footwear, outerwear, handbags, accessories and fragrances.

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FASHION 411

RYAN DESTINY PREMIERES SELF-TITLED COLLECTION WITH PACSUN

acsun announced its latest collaboration with multi-talented artist Ryan Destiny. Well-known for her acting and music careers, Destiny has officially added designer to her repertoire with the launch of her first fashion line with Pacsun, self-titled The Ryan Destiny Collection, the brand said. At a young age, Destiny fell in love with the idea of expressing oneself through fashion and channeled her personal style as a major influence when developing her collection, which she describes as cool, chill, eclectic and edgy at times, said Pacsun. Always having a desire to design something herself, Destiny found a partner in Pacsun to help bring her ideas to life. “Pacsun represents the youth in a really cool way, and they always kind of understood what is now and what is the future,” said Destiny. “They’ve always had a grasp on all of my moods and my styles and have curated so many different mixtures of things where everybody can just go there for anything. I think that is a huge reflection of me as well and something I really appreciate all the time.” “At Pacsun, we genuinely pride ourselves in the diversification of our offerings. We want our consumers to be able to find themselves and feel represented,” said Brie Olson, president at Pacsun. “Ryan’s outlook aligns so well with that idea, and her collection is the perfect intersection of many styles and moods, with pieces that everyone will not only feel great in but look great in too.” For the collection, Destiny pulled inspiration from spring and summer and incorporated her favorite colors — blue, green and brown — in hopes for people to feel how she does in the clothes, Pacsun said. She also focused on the idea of producing pieces that could be worn throughout the day, either by dressing them up or dressing them down, with a mix of halters, short- and long-sleeved tops, mini skirts, trousers, mini and midi dresses, in satin, twill, mesh and jersey material. “My audience is whoever wants to feel fun and wants to feel cool and comfortable all at the same time, while pulling off a look. Just making sure you look good, fly and just [feel] really good about yourself,” added Destiny. The Ryan Destiny Collection is available now on pacsun.com in sizes XS-XL and range from $25.00 to $70.00. Select pieces from the collection will also be available in 20 stores nationwide.

Photo courtesy of Pacsun

TRUE RELIGION ANNOUNCES ACCESSORIES PARTNERSHIP WITH GMA GROUP

rue Religion, the American apparel and accessories brand, announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Concept One Accessories and Capelli/ Ballet, divisions of GMA Group, for True Religion men’s, women’s and children’s cold weather accessories, fashion headwear and jewelry, as well as women’s handbags, small leather goods and hair accessories. Designs will continue to pay homage to the brand’s core branding elements, which include its horseshoe and Buddha logos. True Religion’s creative director, Zihaad Wells, will lead the design and creative execution. The collection will launch in stores this month. “This is the first time we are bringing the full power of our group to a brand license opportunity, and [it] represents our new go-to market strategy that we will be adopting as we approach new brands and licenses,” Sam Hafif, president and CEO of Concept One. “As a group, we have over $1.2 billion in retail sales, across 12 categories of merchandise, and placement at virtually every large retail chain in North America and Europe.” Hafif continued, “With True Religion, we see an opportunity to drive $50-75 million in retail sales across all of our product categories. We are very excited about this partnership, and the power of the True Religion brand.” “This strategic partnership builds on our commitment to elevate and nurture the True Religion customer experience, affording all genders to enjoy our brand across more categories,” said Paul Rosengard, EVP of wholesale and licensing, True Religion. “We are excited to welcome Concept One/Cappelli into the dynamic and growing True Religion family.” Photo courtesy of Concept One

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EXECUTIVE CHANGES

FASHION 411

MAHONEY JOINS KINDTHREAD AS HEAD OF STORES FOR SCRUBS & BEYOND Kindthread, a healthcare apparel brand, announced that Angela Mahoney has joined the company as head of stores for Scrubs & Beyond, which was recently acquired under the Kindthread portfolio. In this role, she will be responsible for leading store and field operations, focusing on driving customer-obsessed retail strategies and delivering world class experiences throughout the stores, the company said.

Photo courtesy of Kindthread

“I am thrilled to join the Kindthread team, and to bring my unwavering commitment to unforgettable experiences, talent and brand development to Scrubs & Beyond,” said Mahoney. “I am energized by the Kindthread mission and purpose, providing exceptional products and experiences to healthcare professionals. I believe there is tremendous upside in this underserved category and look forward to being part of the modernization of the brand.” Mahoney brings over 25 years’ experience of leading strategy and store expansion to the company. Prior to joining Kindthread, she worked as vice president of stores at Bath & Body Works and White Barn, where she oversaw retail operations within their fleet. During her tenure there, which spanned 21 years, Mahoney fostered a quality-centric work environment, excelled at translating roadmaps into action plans and cultivated an inclusive environment for teams to excel. Angela Mahoney

FREECOAT NAILS NAMES FINDLEY AS PRESIDENT Freecoat Nails, the non-toxic nail and beauty franchise, announced that best-selling author and international motivational speaker Carisa Findley has joined as the new president. Findley takes the helm as the brand continues to re-imagine the clean beauty movement based on a seismic move away from the typical negative experience and harmful chemicals used in traditional nail and beauty salons nationwide, Freecoat Nails said. “Franchising is so much more than a job or [an] industry to me,” said Findley. “I was introduced to the importance of franchising and small business ownership at the age of three when my parents launched a franchise cleaning brand. Since then, I have been around it and learned very early how franchises can help people thrive in businesses they are passionate about.” A veteran franchise executive, Findley began her professional franchise career with Curves International. After living abroad for several years, Findley helped to grow Xtend Barre. Findley returned to the United States, and went on to help brands like Elements Massage and Title Boxing Club as a senior business coach, trainer and vice president of learning and development.

Photo couresty of Freecoat Nails

Carisa Findley

“Kat and I are super excited and proud to welcome Carisa to the Freecoat family,” said Landon Eckles, co-owner and CEO of Freecoat. “Freecoat is a special brand that has attracted the attention of younger entrepreneurs looking for small business ownership, and Carisa’s dynamic energy, attitude and leadership will certainly shine through this next, enthusing new chapter in the Freecoat story.”

KATZ BECOMES INTERIM CEO AT INTERMIX In June, Karen Katz, Intermix board member, became interim CEO. As the former president and CEO of the Neiman Marcus Group, Katz has held numerous executive roles, is an inspirational leader and has deep experience in multibrand retail, e-commerce and large-scale transformation, said Intermix.

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

“It has been an honor to lead the talented team at Intermix for the past eight years,” shared Jyothi Rao, Intermix’s CEO, upon the announcement. “I am proud of the brand we have built, one that curates the most exciting mix of established and emerging designers, while using our platform to advocate for issues around female empowerment, diversity and inclusion and sustainability. I am confident that with Karen and Altamont Capital Partners paving the way, they will position the brand for continued success.” Katz is the former president and CEO of the Neiman Marcus Group, where she led the company through its digital transformation. After eight years as CEO and 33 years with the company in a variety of positions, she retired in 2018. Katz serves on three public company boards: Humana Healthcare, Under Armour and The Real Real. She also spends time as a board member on privately held consumer company boards and acts as an advisor to a number of startups in the technology, service and product spaces. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from The University of Houston. Karen Katz

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FOOTWEAR

FASHION 411

NEYMAR JR., DANNA PAOLA, LAMELO BALL & ROMEO BECKHAM PARTNER WITH PUMA FOR SLIPSTREAM SNEAKER

portswear brand Puma introduced the next-generation Slipstream sneaker, bringing ‘80s basketball to the modern day. Without compromising its performance roots, the Slipstream is a court classic reinvented, said the brand.

Thirty five years after its initial release, Puma has penned the latest chapter in the saga of the Slipstream, the company said. The Slipstream has made its return in a variety of colorways and makeups. Today’s reimagined 2022 evolution of the Slipstream combines its basketball DNA with a clean and modern look. The silhouette’s tooling and upper are given a contemporary feel via a sculpted midsole, updated overlay panels and a remodeled collar construction. The accompanying “Welcome Unbored” campaign features a cast of Puma fan members who embark on a galactic journey to reach new horizons with the Slipstream. The Slipstream ambassadors invite those ready to escape the old to enter the new and join them on a journey that enters the Slipstream, said Puma. The Puma “Welcome Unbored” Ambassadors are Neymar Jr., Romeo Beckham, Kingsley Coman, Danna Paola, LaMelo Ball, Pamela Reif, Armand Duplantis, Memphis Depay, Gianmarco Tamberi, Just Riadh, Imenella and Don Strapzy. The 2022 Puma Slipstream are available globally throughout summer 2022 on puma.com and in selected retailers.

Photo courtesy of Puma

REEBOK LAUNCHES NEW PERFORMANCE RUNNING SHOE, THE FLOATRIDE ENERGY X

Building on Reebok’s iconic design heritage and silhouettes, the collection aims to enhance the quality of life for everyone by providing functional products that don’t compromise style or performance, said Reebok. Each style within the collection offers enhanced features to help people with disabilities gain more independence. “At RDG, we continue to prioritize innovation by creating products that inspire physical activity,” said Todd Krinsky, senior vice president, GM, product at Reebok Design Group (RDG). “We’re proud to introduce our first official adaptive footwear collection to help those with disabilities thrive — from sports and fitness to everyday life.” The performance-focused Nanoflex Parafit TR offers a breathable mesh upper that is lightweight yet durable. The shoe features a medial zip closure and heel pull tab that makes it easier for wearers to put on. Designed with style in mind for everyday moments, the Club MEMT Parafit offers a medial zip closure for easy on and off functionality, extra 4E for wider foot support, a low-cut

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Photo courtesy of Reebok/Authentic Brands Group

eebok, the lifestyle brand, and leading experiential e-commerce and customer service company zappos.com announced the launch of Reebok’s first-ever adaptive footwear collection, Reebok Fit to Fit. Inclusive of both performance and lifestyle, the collection was designed in collaboration with Zappos Adaptive, a curated shopping experience by Zappos featuring functional and fashionable products. The partnership was established by Reebok Design Group (RDG), the brand’s global hub for design, development, innovation and creative services.

design for easy mobility and a removable sockliner for a custom fit, Reebok said. Both shoes are available in adult unisex sizing. “First-hand feedback from the disability community is essential when designing or modifying a product that is accessible and also delivers on fashion,” said Dana Zumbo, business development manager at Zappos

Adaptive. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with RDG on their Fit to Fit Collection, and for the opportunity to introduce our first functional and fashionable athletic shoe to the Zappos Adaptive shopping experience.” The Reebok Fit to Fit adaptive collection is available for purchase on reebok.com and zappos.com in a range of colorways and mixed sizes.

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212-743-7000

BEAUTY

FASHION 411

EDGEWELL INTRODUCES FIELDTRIP, A GEN-Z FOCUSED, GENDER-INCLUSIVE, SUSTAINABLE SKINCARE BRAND

dgewell Personal Care, a consumer products company, launched its newest skincare brand, Fieldtrip, a unisex, clean skincare brand that will engage a new generation of skincare enthusiasts who are seeking sensorial experiences through on-trend products with luxury formulations at affordable price points, Edgewell said. Fieldtrip’s inaugural lineup will include seven products ranging from cleansers and moisturizers to serums and facials mists. Fieldtrip products harness nature-found ingredients from around the world and highlights their unique stories by showcasing each key ingredients’ sustainable sourcing and historical significance. In addition to sustainably sourced ingredients, Fieldtrip has also partnered with Keep America Beautiful’s Retreat Program, which redefines disaster relief by engaging communities to replant lost trees after natural disasters. As part of this partnership, Fieldtrip will be donating 5% of net proceeds to this program each year.

Photo courtesy of Fieldtrip

HOT TOOLS ANNOUNCES NICOLE SCHERZINGER AS NEW STYLE AMBASSADOR

ot Tools, the Helen of Troy Limited brand and go-to brand of professional stylists for over 30 years, is thrilled to announce a yearlong partnership with Grammy-nominated artist and television personality Nicole Scherzinger. As a longtime fan of Hot Tools, Scherzinger kicked off the summer with the brand in style to inspire people with her signature, effortless waves and favorite hair-flip worthy looks, Hot Tools said. “I am so excited to be teaming up with Hot Tools. Everyone around me knows how much I love the brand, so this partnership is a perfect fit,” said Scherzinger. “I love expressing myself through my hair and my style, whether I’m performing on stage or hanging at home, and Hot Tools makes that so easy.” “I can’t wait to share all the new looks I have planned this year with people everywhere,” Scherzinger added. Throughout the year, Scherzinger will take fans behind-thescenes as she hits red carpets and performs on stages around the world and give them an intimate look into her off-duty life via social media content and editorial campaigns. Hot Tools and Scherzinger will also curate exclusive Hairspiration Boxes featuring her go-to Hot Tools products and gift them to fans.

Photo courtesy of Helen of Troy

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“As an industry and style icon who embraces confidence and authentic self-expression, Nicole is the perfect partner for Hot Tools,” said Vanessa Sobers, VP of marketing and beauty at Helen of Troy. “We celebrate the innovation and inspiration of artists across all industries, whether they are behind-the-scenes or in front of cameras, and [we] love collaborating with these creatives to help our consumers imagine their style. We look forward to working with Nicole this year as she continues her successful ventures in music, fashion and television.”

“We’re so excited to bring Fieldtrip to the market to offer younger generations a brand that not only delivers on their skincare expectations but also aligns with their core personal values,” said Gabrielle DeLatin, head of marketing for Grooming at Edgewell. “Gen-Z consumers expect more than just functional benefits. They seek out brands who are socially responsible and sustainable, offer clean formulations that perform as advertised, and are transparent throughout. This way of thinking really aligned with our core values and inspired Fieldtrip’s launch.” DeLatin continued, “Equally important was being able to offer clean, effective products at an affordable price to ensure the line is accessible to all.” The brand embraces a “Your Earth, Your Skincare” philosophy and formulated all products to be clean, cruelty-free, vegan and formulated with a minimalist ingredient list that excludes ingredients such as silicones, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, chemical sunscreens, retinyl palmitate, synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, formaldehyde, triclosan, triclocarban, petrolatum, mineral oil, talc, hydroquinone, BHA and BHT, Fieldtrip said. Additionally, packaging contains bio-based polyethylene, which is a bioplastic made from renewable items and has fewer greenhouse gas emissions, along with post-consumer recycled materials, light weighted caps, and recyclable glass wherever possible. The brand is also certified by PETA’s “Beauty Without Bunnies” program. The first phase of products include Fresh Start Purifying Face Cleanser with Glacial Clay, Into The Blue Stress Less Moisturizer with Indian Wild Indigo, Trail Blazer Anywhere Shave Lotion with Birch Sap, Overnight Trip Hydrating Lip Mask with Moringa Butter, C The World Brightening Serum with Camu Camu, Eyeland Retreat Cooling Eye Gel with Red Maple Bark and Wandermist Hydrating Facial Spray with Rambutan Peel Extract. All Fieldtrip products are under $25 and available now on fieldtripskin.com and Amazon, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and macys.com

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COLLECTIONS

FASHION 411

FOREVER 21 X BARBIE LAUNCHES IN-STORES, ONLINE & IN THE METAVERSE

n the heels of launching a new brand campaign entitled “Forever LA,” Forever 21 has announced its latest collaboration with Barbie, one of the brands by Los Angeles-founded global toy company Mattel, Inc. The new limited-edition collection includes a range of on-trend vintage style apparel items, swim, sleepwear, beauty and accessories, as well as home décor inspired by the Barbie DreamHouse. The collection will be simultaneously available in-store, online and in “Forever 21 Shop City” on Roblox.

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

Forever 21’s Roblox experience was created in partnership with the Virtual Brand Group (VBG), a web3 fashion designer, game developer and retailer that creates immersive metaverse experiences by building and operating for global brands’ web3 businesses. The metaverse collection was created by VBG’s global multicultural design team working across five countries. The Forever 21 x Barbie collection replicates its real-life inspiration and campaign using Roblox’s latest Layered Clothing technology for hyper-realistic 3D clothing that fits any avatar body type. The designs feature real-world fabrics and details like intricate stitching on the collection’s Malibu Denim Jacket, embossed art, beadwork and textured fabrics on jumpsuits, dresses, hoodies, iconic t-shirts, trucker hats and jelly bags. “Barbie, a SoCal native, plays in the same inclusive, empowering and fashionable space that our customers love, appreciate and have come to expect from our business,” said Winnie Park, CEO at Forever 21. “We are thrilled to offer shoppers unexpected line extensions that include Barbie in-store and online and in virtual fashions in the metaverse. This was the perfect collection to launch first, under our ‘Forever LA’ umbrella.” Available at all Forever 21 locations, the Barbie Summer 2022 Collection celebrates inclusive fashion with sizes ranging from XS up to 3XL and offers an additional assortment for kids. Prices range from $6.99 to $54.99 and will be available for a limited time only at Forever 21 stores, on the Forever 21 app and online on forever21.com. The new fashions can also be experienced inside Roblox.

TIMEX & “STRANGER THINGS” RELEASE SPECIAL EDITION COLLECTION

imex has announced the release of its newest special edition collection in collaboration with Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” The Timex x Stranger Things collection brings together two cultural phenomena that will turn the watch world Upside Down, launched in conjunction with Season 4 of the sci-fi-horror-drama to make its debut, said Timex. Set in the early 1980s, “Stranger Things” is rife with retro throwbacks, from synth-heavy musical undercurrents to period-perfect wardrobe aesthetics. For this special edition collection, an exploration of the Timex archive has resurfaced three cult classics from this iconic era — Timex Camper, Timex T80 and the Timex Atlantis, Timex said. “With the Timex x Stranger Things collection, two cult franchises join forces to create a capsule that is intrinsic to this pop culture moment,” said Shari Fabiani, senior vice president of brand marketing and creative services at Timex Group. “Through rich storytelling and ageless design, these special edition styles proudly resurrect one of history’s most expressive decades that transcends through all generations.” The Timex x Stranger Things capsule is available in three styles: Camper (40mm), Timex T80 (34mm), Timex Atlantis (40mm), each retailing for $89. Key features include a stainless-steel bracelet or fabric strap, resin case and strap, Indiglo backlight, customized alarm and more. Sported by Lucas Sinclair through the season, the original Timex Camper permeates the shadows with an ominous Indiglo backlight and hidden image. The two digital watches, Timex T80 and Timex Atlantis, which made their first debut around the time of Will Byers’ mysterious disappearance in 1983, feature a customized alarm with the “Stranger Things” melody. Viewers may have already spotted Sheriff Hopper’s Timex Atlantis in previous seasons — an iconic watch Timex has rereleased in his honor. The Timex x Stranger Things collection is available for purchase on timex.com.

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Photo courtesy of Timex

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years of natori NATORI.COM mannpublications.com

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WEST ELM AND KULE DEBUT CAPSULE COLLECTION Photos courtesy of West Elm

lobal design company West Elm introduced a capsule collection with NYC-based fashion brand Kule. The 13-piece assortment offers a cheerful extension of Kule’s stripes and cheeky motifs across an array of textiles including cushions, pillowcases and beach towels. The Kule x West Elm collaboration interprets Kule’s playful aesthetic into a lifestyle and home collection, developed in partnership with the West Elm design team. Bold in personality and color, the collection’s pieces are a celebration of summer fun, sold exclusively on westelm.com/kule. Retail prices range from $30.00 to $125.00 Born in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is a global design company dedicated to transforming people’s lives and spaces through creativity, style and pur-

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pose, the company said. West Elm offers original, modern and affordable home decor and curates a global selection of local, ethically-sourced and Fair Trade-certified products available online and in 100-plus stores worldwide. West Elm is a part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, and participates in The Key Rewards, which is a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the fleet of best-in-class brands, said the company. Kule’s spirited nature and fresh take on Americana designs is the brainchild of founder and CFDA member Nikki Kule. Designed by CFDA member Nikki Kule, the brand launched as a childrenswear brand in 2001, and later relaunched as a collection of perfect stripe tees in 2015. The ready-to-wear brand debuted in 2015 to much acclaim, quickly establishing itself as the

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destination for “classic clothes with a happy wink,” the brand said. Now encompassing multiple categories for women, men and children, the brand is sold at kule.com and through luxury retailers around the world. Kule’s signature colors — royal blue and poppy red — were thoughtfully interspersed throughout the Kule x West Elm pieces, offering a unique opportunity for devotees to bring the much-loved aesthetic into their homes, West Elm said. “We are thrilled to collaborate with West Elm on this collection,” said Nikki Kule. “The product is a perfect combination of West Elm’s timeless design, paired with our playful, colorful aesthetic. By mixing our signature stripes and smiles with West Elm styles, we were able to bring our happy energy to the brand.”

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TO BENEFIT:

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For further information, please contact Deborah Lom at 516.634.4171 or deborah.lom@sunriseassociation.org.

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Feil Family Foundation • Loretta & John Cameron The Altman Family Foundation, Inc.

Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island is the world’s first full-summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge. Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island is a proud member of the Sunrise Association, whose mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide. Sunrise accomplishes this through the creation and oversight of welcoming, inclusive summer day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered free of charge. Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island is a program of the Friedberg JCC, a beneficiary agency of UJA-Federation of New York.

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Peter S. Duncan I 212.481.1137 I pduncan@gcomfort.com Matt Coudert I 212.542.2121 I mcoudert@gcomfort.com Andrew F. Conrad I 212.542.2101 I aconrad@gcomfort.com AUGUST 2022 FM | 41

KARINA BREZ THE EQUESTRIAN JEWELER & JEWEL BY OLGA GONZALEZ

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Photo courtesy of Frank Castillo

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FEATURES

Photos courtesy of Kate Benson and David Antalek

or centuries, horses have inspired art and artists. Undeniably connected to humans through their soulful majesty, the equestrian world has been translated in landscapes, furniture, sculpture and throughout the decorative arts. Jewelry, which is regarded as one of the most personal mediums, as it is worn on the body and gifted from generation to generation, beautifully celebrates horses as well. Equestrian fine jeweler Karina Brez is internationally renowned for her signature fine jewelry collections: Huggable Hooves, Horse Luv, Bit of Luv, Lucky Horseshoe and the Garden Collection, each of which is an accessories feast. A first generation Ukrainian-American, Brez earned the title of Miss Florida USA in 2012 and was inspired to design a jewelry collection after fellow contestants were impressed by the design she created for her own pageant dress. A horse enthusiast with a passion for gemstones, Brez completed the Gemological Institute of America’s graduate gemologist program, and is an appraiser and advocates for non-profits that introduce children to the healing power of horses. Attending the top equestrian shows across the United States, her following has grown organically from riders to those who love horses and to a wider audience locally and nationally. The launch of her Palm Beach, Florida flagship, her social media presence and new wholesale partnerships have propelled the designer through her growth. Brez’s equine designs are worn by celebrities and riders alike, and will only continue to grow as the year of the horse (2026) quickly approaches. The designer’s first collection, Huggable Hooves, features bracelets and rings, which can be worn solo or collected and stacked. Shaped as wraparound horse hooves, the bracelets are available

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in three sizes and are set with diamond pave. The new look of equestrian jewelry and the design’s characteristic shape resonates with equestrians and jewelry connoisseurs alike. “Let the horses hug you back,” Brez said of the collection upon its launch. In her Horse Luv collection, Brez combines the form of two horses into a heart, a symbol for those who love horses, and an heirloom for connecting those who have a shared endearment for horses. In its latest iteration, Brez abstracts the outline of the horses, making the heart prevalent and open, the company said. Both 18K solid gold and mixed gold and diamond styles are available in either white, rose or yellow gold. Timeless and elegant, Horse Luv uniquely captures the bond between human and horse in an image that fits into customers’ everyday style. Regarding the inspiration behind the Bit of Luv collection, Brez said, “A client brought me her horse bit, laying it on the counter, asking me to create a custom piece for her. After careful inspection of the bit and noting its creative details, I created a one-off piece. Since, I would often get requests for horse bit jewelry, yet hadn’t designed more. While in my Palm Beach store recently, I began sketching a bracelet concept that would stack with my Huggable Hooves, offering devoted clients a chance to add to their equine jewelry collection.” “I decided to go for a mini size on the bit design, which is something I haven’t seen done before, resembling a chain link,” Brez continued. “The Bit of Luv bracelet feels like butter in your hand. All the links are movable, and the pictures are great, but the feel of it is even smoother and more comfortable to wear than one realizes. It is fashioned in solid gold. Bit of Luv is a collec-

tion of jewels to experience and wear every day, made for the horse enthusiast.” In her latest collection, Brez pays homage to the style of her flagship location: the store has a garden jewel box theme, and features faux ivy walls and turf in shades of emerald green. “Since I was young, I have loved and been fascinated by gardens,” Brez said. “After traveling to see many of the world’s most spectacular gardens, from the enchanting Butchart gardens in British Columbia to visiting the opulent gardens of Versailles, I feel a connection to them, which ultimately have a universal draw to each and every one of us. Flowers are beautiful, soft and feminine, and offer a shared experience that affects multiple senses.” Featuring Acadian pieces, the Garden Collection is comprised of floral designs, Zahara and Leilani, available in multiple styles. Both names directly refer to the floral inspiration behind the collection: Zahara means “radiance,” “shining” as well as “flower,” while Leilani means “heavenly flower.” The Garden Collection uses both pink and blue sapphires for an ombré, with earring, necklace and ring options available among other floral styles. A modern heirloom, Karina Brez jewelry is designed with timelessness in mind, so that it can be gifted from generation to generation. The jewelry is a byproduct of Brez’s passion for equestrian sport and horses, and is the perfect gift for any equine enthusiast. Karina Brez jewelry is available for purchase at karinabrez.com, as well as at the flagship location, 240 Worth Ave., Unit 116, Palm Beach, FL 33480, and at select retailers. Follow the designer on Instagram @karinabrezjewelry.

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FEATURES

INCLUSIVE LINGERIE BRAND

UNTAMED LINGERIE HONORS FEMININITY BY KATIE MCKENNA

Photos courtesy of @ JM.Boudoir

s everyone excitedly sheds their oversized, quarantine-appropriate athleisure, lingerie is making a post-pandemic comeback with celebrities from Rihanna to Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian sporting sexy, boudoir-ready pieces on the runway, street and big screen. New inclusive and affordable brand, Untamed Lingerie, is here to make sexy accessible to every woman regardless of size or budget.

their womanhood.”

The brand’s founder, Sheridan Labbé, is uniquely positioned to run her own fashion house, having a diverse range of experience in finance, marketing, education, e-commerce and fashion. A marketing professional at heart, Labbé ran her own branding agency, Untamed Marketing, for more than seven years, where she primarily served small businesses. Inspired by her clients — many of whom were female entrepreneurs — she decided to switch gears and launch her own fashion brand, Untamed Lingerie, in 2018.

“Untamed is not about being sexy for someone else,” Labbé said. “Untamed is a way for women to honor their womanhood and revel in their femininity without judgment or restraint.”

“I observed so many women who suppressed their sensuality and feminine nature because they had to tend to practical needs of survival,” said Labbé. “Caring for families and striving for meaningful careers left little time for these strong, powerful women to lean into their vulnerability and explore

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As her own career grew, Labbé found her own daily routine lacking in moments of self-care as well, which is why she set out to create a brand that not only sold lingerie but gave women an outlet through which to connect to their femininity, sensuality and sexuality — regardless of their partnership status or other responsibilities.

In addition to being an inclusive e-commerce store, carrying lingerie in sizes small to 5XL, Untamed Lingerie offers a safe, educational platform through its blog, where guest writers include sex rights activists and sex educators. Both here and through Untamed’s social media channels, women can connect to relevant content and explore their sensuality in a safe space. Untamed Lingerie also hosts in-person Boudoir Experiences in major cities, where women can be inspired and educated in a safe, judgment-free environment. As an inaugural member of Amazon’s

Black Business Accelerator Program, Untamed Lingerie is poised to elevate its brand and continue inspiring women across the globe to be untamed. As for what’s next for Sheridan Labbé and Untamed, the brand and its founder are currently focused on growth. “There is an opportunity in the market to expand in multiple directions,” said Labbé, who is currently working with her team to develop products in the sex toy space and increase the footprint of her in-person events, which were temporarily on hold due to COVID-19. Though she is always busy with her own brand and exploring next steps, Labbé is happy to offer advice to fellow entrepreneurs and designers looking to strike out on their own. “My advice is to continue to fill your tank,” Labbé shared. “There will be challenges and roadblocks. You may feel burned out or unmotivated at times. When these moments occur, continue to nurture your spirit and creativity and remember why you started. Don’t be afraid to live your life untamed.” Untamed Lingerie is available for purchase through Amazon and its own e-commerce store, untamedlingerie.com.

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COVER FEATURE

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COVER FEATURE

CIT COMMERCIAL SERVICES MERGES WITH FIRST CITIZENS BANK — AND LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE BY JOHN MORAN Photo courtesy of Jill Lotenberg

eirdre Quinn, CEO of noted fashion house Lafayette 148, knew she had a great opportunity to relocate her business. Still, it made her nervous.

After all, Lafayette 148 had been founded in Manhattan and flourished there for more than two decades. Moving across the East River to the Brooklyn Navy Yard would mean more space, lower expenses and greater flexibility. But making the move would be costly. So, Quinn reached out to the folks who’d helped her successfully navigate other financial challenges: her bankers at CIT Commercial Services. After discussing the merits and running the numbers, it was clear Quinn would have the financial backing she needed to make the move work. It turned out to be a great investment at just the right time. “I’ve been with CIT forever. I’m a huge fan,” Quinn says. “It’s all about your relationship. I feel I can pick up the phone any time and get an answer or a callback. It’s a real partnership, and who doesn’t want that?” CIT Commercial Services has long ranked among the largest and most successful factoring companies in the United States. And its financial strength and breadth of complementary banking services have only grown since January 2022 when CIT Group merged with Raleigh, North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank. With the merger, CIT Commercial Services became a First Citizens Bank subsidiary. But in many ways, the success of CIT Commercial Services is attributable as much to intangibles — such as strong relationships, deep

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industry knowledge and unmatched insights — as it is to the dollars and cents of lending. “We’ve spent many years building relationships with clients who have been with us for decades,” said Marc Heller, who is the long-time president of CIT Commercial Services. “Relationships and trust are the foundation of how we do business. As our clients have grown, we have grown with them.” Factoring Leadership CIT Commercial Services was already a major factor in 2004 when its business got a huge boost through the acquisition of HSBC Bank USA’s factoring unit with its $8 billion in annual factoring volume. Along with that acquisition came another key asset: Heller, who was working at HSBC and had already built a reputation throughout the industry for savvy business dealings and strong relationships. After serving as northeast regional and international manager, Heller was named as president of CIT Commercial Services in 2016. More recently, he has been joined in a leadership role by Michael Hudgens, another long-term regional manager who was promoted to group head in March. Despite their decades of combined experience, Heller and Hudgens don’t spend much time discussing CIT Commercial Services’ storied history. Instead, they are laser-focused on leading the business into the future with an eye on significant growth. The recent merger with First Citizens Bank is a major catalyst of that advancement. First Citizens Bank brings many complementary banking services, such as wealth management, that

can benefit CIT Commercial Services clients. In addition, First Citizens Bank has its own client relationships that can leverage CIT Commercial Services financing. Factoring is a Range of Services The core of CIT Commercial Services, now and in the future, will be factoring, a financial service that remains a mystery in many corners of the business world. In its simplest form, factoring involves buying invoices or accounts receivable at a discount, typically from a manufacturer, importer or wholesaler — that way, the client gets paid immediately and avoids extending credit and worrying about collecting. But factoring also describes a bundle of services that can be unbundled to meet client needs. Some CIT Commercial Services clients, for example, finance their receivables. Some finance receivables and inventory. Others only use expert cash application, collection, credit protection and/or credit analysis services. In essence, these clients are outsourcing some or all of their financing, credit and collection needs at a fraction of the cost of handling the job themselves. “At first, many of our clients don’t believe the value we’re providing,” Heller said. “Then they get used to it, and then they don’t want to live without it.” Growing in New Verticals Factoring is closely associated with fashion, footwear, furniture, housewares, cosmetics, electronics and other consumer products. But it is available to businesses in any market vertical. Increasingly, clients outside traditional fac-

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COVER FEATURE

RELATIONSHIPS AND TRUST ARE THE FOUNDATION OF HOW WE DO BUSINESS. AS OUR CLIENTS HAVE GROWN, WE HAVE GROWN WITH THEM. — Marc Heller

toring markets are discovering the value and convenience of factoring services. “We’re always going to be big in fashion and furniture, but our business is truly industry agnostic,” Hudgens shared. “Ours is a really compelling product.” Hudgens continued, “We can support clients that are involved in any business-to-business financing. And we are determined to grow across all these opportunities.” For many clients, factoring is a secret weapon that helps them move more quickly and focus more intensely on core skills than the competition. Over time, that speed and focus provide a substantial and decisive competitive edge. What Sets CIT Apart CIT Commercial Services isn’t the only company offering factoring services — but no others likely can match its depth of industry knowledge, breadth of market insight, stretch of relationships and willingness to stretch when the circumstances are right. Consider the experience of Jim Ziozis, owner of Linon Home Décor Products, which provides furniture and home furnishings for a large variety of e-commerce companies, lifestyle furniture firms and core retailers. “Early in our business, we had a credit line with a traditional middle-market bank and they said we were growing too fast,” Ziozis said. “So we connected with CIT and found them to be very solutions-oriented. They had a commonsense approach. They understood the difficulties that companies like ours face. “By solutions-oriented, I mean that when a

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challenge or problem arose, they didn’t focus on the problem; they focused on how the problem could be solved. They had more ideas on how to structure the credit than other lenders,” Ziozis continued. “There’s always ups and downs with the economy and with retailers. I’ve never had to explain to CIT about that. They get it.” Being deeply embedded throughout retailing enables CIT Commercial Services to share insights and leverage relationships that others can’t. Let’s say, for example, that a client is struggling. Or, conversely, that it is doing well and looking to grow through acquisition. The right introductions at the right time to the right players can lead to results that benefit everyone involved. Just ask Haresh Tharani, chairman and CEO of Tharanco Group, a leading manufacturer of men’s and women’s apparel. “The type of relationships that CIT and Marc have built are engaging and proactive,” Tharani said. “That’s a special thing in a time where everything is so transactional. We know how to run our business. Working with CIT allows us to focus on what we do best.” Hudgens agrees. “Because we know everyone, we’re pretty good at match-making for those market participants that want to buy another business or sell their own,” he said. “We know people and we know your business. We’re not just your factor, but also your advisor.” Advanced Industry Knowledge Paired with Strong Relationships That kind of fundamental business understanding can be particularly helpful in coping with the cyclical nature of retail, fashion, furniture and so much more. The recent COVID-19 pandemic is just the latest in a long line of

challenges that CIT Commercial Services has helped its clients overcome. “CIT has been a great partner for us through thick and thin,” said Eddie Betesh, president and CEO of SaraMax Apparel Group, which is a global leader in the intimate apparel industry. “We’ve had some tremendous bumps over the years — the pandemic just being the latest one to come to mind. But they understood our business: more than just the numbers, but also the relationships behind the numbers. Their support has allowed us to prosper in good times and bad.” Again and again, discussions with CIT Commercial Services clients come back to the value of both relationships and industry knowledge in the fast-moving and ever-changing retail environment of today. Quinn, who is now directing Lafayette 148 into more of a direct-to-consumer model, shared that entrepreneurs get great returns from an informed third-party perspective. “They’re part of our company. They’re almost like the doctor. They’re on the outside looking in and they see things that we might not see because we’re on the inside,” Quinn said. “They know the factoring industry. The highs and lows. They understand that. And they stuck with us.” So, if a friend were looking for a factor, what company would Quinn recommend? “I would tell them 100% that I would recommend CIT,” she said. “It’s not just one reason. It’s sleeping at night. I know that if something comes up, I have a banker I can count on. That means so much more than just a rate.”

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FEATURES

KZ_K STUDIO MARRIES ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FOR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL, FASHIONABLE GARMENTS

BY LAUREN D’ERRICO

hat sets a garment apart from simply being another shirt on the rack to being a piece of wearable art is thoughtful, intentional and functional design — and no one considers the importance and power of design when it comes to the creation of fashion more than Karolina Zmarlak and Jesse Keyes. A fashion designer and architect respectively, the pair — who are also life partners as well as partners in business — are the founders of KZ_K Studio, a New York City-based fashion brand that was created on the design pillars of modernism, sustainability and versatility. The brand presents two collections per year — one for the cold seasons and one for warm seasons — which includes such offerings as lightweight shirt jackets, reversible tops and trouser-inspired darted pants in the warm weather collection, and matching cinched jackets and pants, blazers, sweaters and dresses in the cold weather collection. Each piece is designed with multi-functionality in mind and are built with materials that will retain their quality through consistent wear — the garments can transition, convert and reverse to create a number of silhouettes and styles on their own or paired with other KZ_K Studio pieces, which means that they will be staple pieces in shoppers’ closets for years to come. Always a lover of fashion and all things creative, Zmarlak studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she was able to hone and refine her design technique — and develop the skills that would become the groundwork for KZ_K Studio. “I believe that in order to really be a great designer, you have to understand the fundamentals and have the technique behind the image of fashion,” Zmarlak said. “For me, that was very particular.” After Zmarlak graduated from the FIT and entered into the fashion world amidst The Great Recession, she saw a unique opportunity to follow her ambition to create her own brand. “Jesse and I were already collaborating in our personal life and work life … We were coming up with a lot of different ideas, and we talked about doing a made-to-measure type of atelier,” Zmarlak said, “which turned into what you see to this day: a ready-towear line.” The brand took on its first life as a small capsule in 2009, and in 2015, Zmarlak and Keyes reassessed their process and what the future of KZ_K Studio might look like in the long-term. “Instead of doing the regular sort of fashion program and only working with stores, we evolved to be direct-to-client and found new ways to partner with stores that made our business sustainable,” Zmarlak said. “We could design and work in a way we felt was going to be the future [of the brand] for the next 20 to 30 years — because we want to be in this for the rest of our lives.” Architectural Influences KZ_K Studio’s atelier model is just one element of the brand’s DNA that sets it apart. Not only is the brand inspired by the fashion houses of old — where clients would work one-on-one with designers to develop and create pieces together that would form their own personal collections for a season or more — but it also takes inspiration from what Keyes called the architecture studio mentality. In this model, rather than creating a product (or, in this case, a garment) and then trying to convince clients of why they need it, the designer and the client form a relationship wherein both parties understand each other’s abilities and needs — and the product that comes from this dialogue compliments both’s aesthetics. “Over time, you develop that deep, loyal, design-oriented relationship,” Keyes said. “Clients come to us because they know we’re designing clothing that works, functionally, and [is] aesthetically pleasing.” “The differentiating factor [of KZ_K Studio] is twofold,” Zmarlak continued. “It’s definitely in the product, which has evolved but has Photo courtesy of Bellamy Brewster

FEATURES Photo courtesy of Joanna Totolici

always stayed within the value system of multi-functionality, and also with that architectural thinking and atelier-style connection with the client … The client [comes] back over time and is really connected not just as a customer, but as part of the success and part of a community.” Architecture also informs KZ_K Studio’s garment offerings as well. Each of the brand’s biyearly collections are “concept driven,” Keyes said, and are inspired by the works, aesthetics and artistic movements of noteworthy architects and artists. Zmarlak and Keyes often travel to and immerse themselves in the international settings that inspired their designs. “We had a Barragán collection, so we went to Mexico City and spent a week and a half studying all of his art, architecture and history, and integrated some of those elements that make sense — like some color coordinations, details in fabrics or even finishing some of the details in the studio that we were inspired by,” Keyes shared. The brand’s most recent Spring/Summer collection paid homage to Madam Clicquot and Picasso’s last 15 years of work and life, some of which he spent in Mougins, France. “[In the collection], you’ll see beautiful, couture colors done in our sort of minimalist, neutral way,” Zmarlak said. “Madam Clicquot was this incredible woman who took over a failing business from her husband who passed and made it what it is today.” The Fall/Winter collection was inspired by Charlotte Perriand, a well-known French designer and architect who lived for almost 100 years. “She was one of the first product designers, and many people consider her an architect … She never received the credit, but she was really prolific and worked with new materials and textures,” Zmarlak said. “The collection is sleek and minimalist, but with amazing sculptural details.” “When you live in an incredible city, especially here downtown, it’s everything from what you can see … to really thinking about what Charlotte Perriand was looking at, and the materials that she was working with in the 1920s — and how [they are still] incredibly modern today and utilized in product design,” Zmarlak continued, expanding further on where she finds her inspiration as a designer. “When you’re searching and seeking out techniques and well-designed products, the themes interconnect and you have an archive of it all in your brain. It builds on itself.” Multi-functionality & Sustainability Multi-functionality is at the core of KZ_K Studio’s mission — and this focus on the mutability of pieces informs many of Zmarlak and Keyes’ choices when it comes to the fabrics and techniques that it takes to create them. The founders take pride in their relationships with their factories and manufacturers — most of which are located in New York City’s Garment District, in addition to continued collaborations with mills and tanneries located in Japan and France, respectively — and work closely with them on designs and learning new and unique techniques for their multi-functional garments together. “We’re doing the sampling and all of the manufacturing with these teams,” Keyes said. “It goes hand in hand: those factories that we, over time, have figured out how to become deep partners with, from our perspective, are the best factories because they have the highest level of technique and quality.” This commitment to quality ties directly into the brand’s sustainability goals. Many of the KZ_K Studio’s garments are made with recycled fabrics and plant-dyed materials —

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Photo courtesy of Bellamy Brewster

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Photos courtesy of BFA

for example, sweaters in the Fall/Winter collection, which were designed in collaboration with the brand’s Japanese partners, were made from fabrics that were dyed with food waste that was collected and repurposed by a Tokyo-based food project. “The ultimate meaning for sustainability to us — as with architecture, too — is how well-built the structure is and how wellbuilt the pieces are. If [the garments] last for a lifetime of use — for 20, 30 and 40 years — then that’s the ultimate in sustainability,” Keyes added. KZ_K Studio’s New Downtown Home Zmarlak and Keyes’ commitment to truly listening to their clients and satisfying their needs with garments that are long-lasting, good for the environment and timelessly classic sets the brand apart from its competitors — and will assure that the brand will be an important part of the fashion industry for years to come. The brand has just moved to a new space, the Great Jones Street Studio, which provides a central meeting ground where the founders, their team and their clients can come together to create, learn and explore. “We had an opportunity to take over this whole floor downtown, in the neighborhood that we so enjoy, and be able to take a space that’s really an extension of that same design ethos,” Keyes said, “and make each space [in it] purposeful, interconnected, multifunctional and flow. [We] utilized all these techniques and materials with two things in mind: that same modernist, multi-functionality and styled minimalism.” “We always say we don’t want to be looked at as a fashion brand,” Zmarlak concluded. “We keep calling ourselves a design studio, and I think that that’s the exciting part about having this space. It’s sort of coming full circle, and keeping it sort of relatively small [means] we don’t have to be the next giant — it really is something that the passion of the work can be really fantastic and fulfill one’s life in a way that’s smaller and intimate.”

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FEATURES

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FEATURES

COCO REEF

THE INCLUSIVE SWIMWEAR BRAND EMPOWERING WOMEN FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES Photos courtesy of Heather Key

pioneer in bra-sized swimwear established in 1996, Coco Reef has been a leader in the supportive swimwear category for decades with its revolutionary fit solutions, the brand said. Designed to flatter curves and inspire confidence, it’s no wonder that women around the world are flaunting their shape in these swimsuits. Nearly two decades later, Coco Reef is still on its mission to empower women to feel confident in their skin and swimsuits. With a line of bra-sized bikinis, tankinis and one-pieces that range from C-cup to G-cup and size up to 24W, Coco Reef’s mission is to enhance, support and sculpt a woman’s figure in styles that flatter curves and inspire confidence while delivering the reliable support of a traditional undergarment. The brand’s fashionable twists on bra-sized and size-inclusive swimwear mean that these suits are anything but boring: Coco Reef takes flattering silhouettes and undergarment-like support and pairs them with bold, fun colors and prints to mix and match so that customers can find a suit that makes them feel and look their best. While trends may not last for many seasons, Coco Reef’s swimsuits do, the brand said. Whether it is the brand’s simple solid bikinis, one pieces or flowing cover-ups, each piece is made with high quality fabric and a classic silhouette so that suits will stay in style and in good condition for many summers to come. Launching three new collections every year, the brand often offers new pieces to shop when customers are ready to update their swim collection.

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Coco Reef also offers a proprietary label, Coco Contours, which includes a collection of brasized shapewear swimsuits that are made with patented Shapemaker lining that smoothes, sculpts and supports curves with its control-fit technology. Coco Contours swimsuits are designed with control panels around the core and bottom with a lifting shaper that provides support where it is needed. Coco Contours features a trendy array of beach apparel in its Getaway Collection. Made with wrinkle-resistant fabrics, the Getaway Collection is designed to travel so that wearers can be ready and in style wherever the sun may take them, the brand said. Following the launch of its “Flaunt Your Shape” campaign in 2020, Coco Reef took a virtual road trip around the country in 2021, highlighting women from all 50 states who flaunted their shape and represented their state in Coco Reef’s swim collection. Coco Reef will soon launch its new campaign, “Flaunt Your Shape at Every Age,” which will highlight women of all ages and their confidence in swimsuits. While it can be hard to find a swimsuit that is flattering no matter wearers’ shape or age, Coco Reef definitely has shoppers covered, the brand said — and pointed to its customer testimonials of women who wear their Coco Reef swimwear at the pool and on the beach to further support the success of its mission. One customer reviewed the Solitare One Piece, and said, “This suit hugged my curves and made me feel so confident. The Shapemaker lining really smoothes your body.” Another reviewed the

Ultra Fit Tankini Top, and wrote, “Having big breasts makes shopping for swimsuits dreadful for me, [and] I found this [swimsuit] and I thought I would give it a chance. I was extremely surprised and satisfied. The underwire and wider straps made perfect sense for someone with a big bust.” In another review, a customer praised the Five Way Bikini Top: “Rarely anymore do I find a bikini that is exactly what it claims it is online,” the customer said. “I have been wearing one brand of bikini in the same style for years. This bikini is true to size, flattering, versatile and high quality.” Another customer also commended the adjustability of the Verso Bikini Bottoms, and wrote, “I like for my stomach and booty to be covered and these bottoms deliver. If tummy isn’t an issue, you can roll down the waist. Plus, they are reversible so I can wear the bottoms on the solid side with another top.” This summer and every day going forward, Coco Reef encourages women to put on their bikinis and flaunt their shape — because their bodies are bikini bodies, and they are beautiful, the brand said. Both Coco Reef and Coco Contours are sold online, in specialty stores across the United States, Canada and Europe and are among the top five swim brands sold at department stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s and Belk nationwide. For more information on the brand and its products, visit cocoreefswim.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @cocoreefswim.

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TECHFEATURES

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ALTERRE OFFERS MODULAR, STYLISH & SUSTAINABLE SHOES — IN A SNAP BY LAUREN D’ERRICO Photos courtesy of Alterre

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FEATURES

hen Harmony Pilobello and Shilpa Iyengar met at Parsons School of Design, what initially bonded them was a shared love for what Iyengar called “morbid humor” — and from their friendship would come Alterre, the modular footwear company that combines comfort, style and sustainability with shoes that feature an interchangeable strap design, so that wearers can easily switch out straps in different colors, textures and styles to personalize their look. Not only did the founders mesh because of their shared interest in the macabre, but they also complimented each other when it came to their areas of design work. While Iyengar had focused on evening wear and womenswear, Pilobello’s areas of focus were menswear, sustainability and accessories — so, between the two of them, they had knowledge of and experience in a large subsection of the fashion industry. “Even though we thought we were going to work really well together, I don’t think I actually understood how much we complement each other until a few years in,” Pilobello said. “Part of it almost feels like luck that we create this perfect circle together, if that makes sense. Pilobello and Iyengar’s common interests continued to be an influential guidepost as they formed their footwear brand — based in New York City, the founders were inspired by their fast-paced city lifestyle and their shared love of travel to create a brand that would be fashion-forward while also centering versatility and comfort. “We wanted a shoe that was really comfortable,” Pilobello said. “At the time, we lived in New York, and we were dragging tons of bags in our high heels — living the dream of being fashionable and also hustling. I think that combined with our love for travel really led to wanting to make shoes that were comfortable, versatile and, obviously, sustainable, because that’s something that was really important to both of us.” Pilobello and Iyengar focused on developing a removable strap in order to address this need for modularity — and fill a gap in the footwear market with truly unique, customizable shoes that are simple to use. Each Alterre shoe style features a metal stud that is attached to the sole — wearers can easily maneuver their chosen strap either over the shoe’s toe or heel and snap it into the stud to attach. This patented stud technology works seamlessly with all of Alterre’s styles, which include sandals, mules, slides, ballet flats, boots and stilettos that are available in half, wide and narrow sizes ranging from size five to 11. In order to adjust to the various heights of these styles, the straps also include extra notches for a personalized fit that can be customized for any occasion; nearly all of the straps can be mixed

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and matched with each of the shoe base styles. The founders shared that they spent years carefully developing the brand’s stud technology, considering the traditional construction of various styles of shoes and how they could incorporate the addition of a modular element without sacrificing comfort or safety for customers who are wearing Alterre shoes all day, every day.

some of the styles — as well as other presentations to showcase their wide range of modular shoes. From opal snakeskin platform heels to baby blue mules with yellow and silver strap accents, white open-toe heels with 3D flower detailing, black suede studded stilettos and moss loafers with lace-up straps, Alterre’s offerings cover a wide range of styles that are appropriate for — and can adapt to — any occasion, from casual to formal.

“We didn’t want to do an interchangeable heel because we didn’t want to mess with the integrity of the shoe and the way that it fits. There’s a metal shank inside of shoes, and once that goes off-balance, it feels really weird when you’re walking,” Iyengar said. “We weren’t really comfortable with making shoes where the detachable component would come off when you were walking, so the strap idea was a better idea.”

The brand also offers curated “starter kits,” which include a shoe base and a number of complementary straps. For example, the black ballet flat starter kit offers “three shoes at once,” according to Alterre’s e-commerce site — which includes the individual shoe bases (one pair), the Mary Jane-style Twiggy straps and the velvet bow Marie strap (two more pairs).

Iyengar shared that she and Pilobello found inspiration from notching mechanisms that were used in the creation of leather handbags — and so, to find functional materials, they were able to work with the leather-making industry. Easeof-use was also a large driving factor in their development phase and continues to influence the pair’s design process.

Another unique feature of an already unique footwear brand is Alterre’s recently launched “design your own” process, wherein customers can virtually pair their choice of shoe base and strap, digitizing the one-on-one experience that shoppers had had when shopping at the Alterre showroom with Pilobello and Iyengar there in person to offer support and suggestions.

“A lot of people think of modular shoes as a more tech approach. For us, the design was really focused on simplicity,” Pilobello said, “[and] how simple we could make the shoes for an everyday person to use — so that it is as fast to get out of the doors as possible. Whereas, with a lot of things that exist in the market right now, it takes a little bit of time to be able to do whatever is the interchangeable aspect of the shoe.”

“You basically go in, you choose your size and the base shoe you want and you have color options,” Iyengar explained. “Once you add to cart, then it will show you the price and what sizes you need together. It actually only shows [styles] that are available in your size, and it also shows you straps that we already think would look good with [the shoe].”

With the strap technology established and perfected, Pilobello and Iyengar launched Alterre in a big way; not only did they introduce the brand during New York Fashion Week, but they organized a burlesque show to highlight how versatile and comfortable the shoes truly were. “It was an accurate representation of our personalities at the time and a really fun way to lure in editors who didn’t know anything about us,” Pilobello said. “We were actually surprised by people that wanted to come, because they were so curious, saying, ‘What kind of shoe show is at a burlesque place?’” “The idea of the shoes is not that they are this high-fashion concept on the runway, but they’re supposed to be for you to use, for any person to use,” added Iyengar. Since that first show and the brand’s initial launch, Alterre has participated in more Fashion Week events and runway shows — including a fashion show that featured swing dancers who would eventually become the namesakes of

“With the build your own shoe [feature], people still like the idea of being able to customize and shop that way, but a lot of the time, they end up with what we’re already selling as pre-made kits on our website,” Pilobello said. “It’s really interesting seeing that thought process — like, ‘Let me just see if I want to buy a different combination,’ — and then they go for something that’s already really popular.” As for their own favorite shoe-strap combinations, Iyengar said she had been wearing the white V mules with the rainbow-colored Marylin acid snakeskin ankle strap and gold Elsie strap, while Pilobello said she alternates between the aforementioned denim V slides with red Twiggy strap and the V slides in leopard for slides and the lilac gloss V mules for heels. Their current favorites also reflect their excitement about upcoming footwear trends — which, Pilobello said, include “basics being done in interesting colors or interesting textures,” an “interest toward space” that combines “spacey inspirations with practicality and uncertainty” and a specific focus on shades of dark blue. Pilobello and Iyengar also shared that in seasons to come,

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FEATURES

Alterre will offer more vegan styles — through the continued use of deadstock materials as well as collaborations with traceable suppliers — including ballet flats and twist sandals, a Chelsea boot and a holographic “galaxy” fabric that transitions from blue to purple to green. What is so fundamentally exciting about Alterre is the fact that the brand can almost exist within all trends because of Pilobelllo and Iyengar’s focus on adaptability: as styles change and expand, for Alterre customers, following the newest trend is as simple as changing their shoes’ straps rather than buying an entirely new style. This versatility and movement away from over-consumption ties directly into the founders’ commitment to sustainability, which Pilobello and Iyengar shared has been central to Alterre’s ethos from the brand’s concept to its future. “What we really focused on at the beginning was fair labor practices and working with a factory that was as transparent as possible with us,” Pilobello said. “From there, it’s been accepting slow growth toward a more sustainable future, looking at different aspects of our production cycle and how we can improve each one.” Pilobello continued, “Right now, we’ve had a lot of focus on [what we can do at] end of life, including donating lightly worn shoes to Soles4Souls and encouraging our customers to have their shoes repaired so that they last longer. Something I’m focusing on right now is [providing] more DIY content for our customers, like how to repair your stiletto heel or how to mend tears in your shoes. It’s really exciting that we’re actually at a point where we’re thinking about all these micro details right now.” Pilobello and Iyengar are also committed to giving back directly to their local community, and have patterned with Restore NYC, an organization that supports trafficking survivors through housing and economic-empowering solutions. In addition to donating 5% of their earnings to Restore NYC, Pi-

lobello and Iyengar collaborate with the non-profit organization as a part of its Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program, which offers peer-to-peer mentoring for women who are starting their own businesses. “If someone is just starting out, [our role is] helping them with the things they would need on a low budget — which is what we’re good at,” Iyengar said. “It’s nice to be able to help out people who maybe don’t have the community because they didn’t grow up here and didn’t go to the same schools — they don’t have that community to reach out to, so we’re providing that community for them.” For a business with friendship at its core, community and partnership remain an important part of what makes Alterre so special. When they speak about their business, their grand ideas for future products — eco-friendly rain boots and interchangeable sneakers, to name a few! — and their own working relationship, they have a natural chemistry and excitement surrounding all that comes with helming one’s own brand. “I love working with my best friend,” Iyengar said. “It’s nice to be able to trust someone to have the same work ethic that you do, and just know that if you say you’re going to do something and they say they’re going to do something, it’s actually going to get done. That’s really hard to fi nd out in the world.” “I think it takes a particular type of person to be an entrepreneur, and we’ve learned to just let go of the things we can’t control,” Pilobello added. “I think in some situations, that could have broken people. There’s defi nitely been points where we’ve been like, ‘Holy moly, is this business going to have to close down now because of unforeseen circumstances?’ The fact that we can both be like, ‘No, f**k that, we’re going to figure out how to make it work’ takes a particular type of person. I’m always appreciative that Shilpa is like, ‘No, we’re going to make it happen! We’re going to figure it out!’”

Expertly designed financing Capital One® Commercial Banking offers you the financial services your business needs to succeed. You get customized solutions designed by a dedicated team of Consumer Products bankers with a combined track record of more than 75 years in the apparel, footwear, accessories and beauty sectors—and they’re backed by the full-services capabilities of a top 10 U.S. bank.* Let us create a solution that matches your vision.

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*Note: Rank excludes banks with high non-loan asset concentrations: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BONY, State Street, Charles Schwab. Ranks as of 9/30/2019. Based upon total gross loans and total aggregated domestic deposits for bank holding company. Sources: SNL, FDIC, company reports. Products and services are oﬀered by Capital One, N.A., NMLS ID 453156, Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. © 2020 Capital One.

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THE COOPER DESIGN SPACE’S FASHIONABLE HISTORY BY MITO AVILES & COOPER DESIGN SPACE Photo courtesy of Cooper Design Space

ince its construction in the early 1920s for the clothing manufacturer Milton G. Cooper Company, the Cooper Building has maintained a strong connection to the garment industry through its historic use and industrial design. Though it has evolved and adapted throughout the latter part of the century, the property has always remained true to its roots of fostering creativity and innovation, particularly in the fashion and design industries. In 1928, Milton G. Cooper closed out his stock after 20 years in the wholesale business and opened a new department store in the Cooper Building for the public to enjoy. Upholding its unique reputation and pioneering history, the Cooper Building was the first multi-level retail building in its district and was LA’s premier address for fashion industry showrooms into the 1940s and 50s In the late 1960s, the sportswear industry was booming — and California was popularizing casual wear and iconic swimsuit labels. Many designers flocked to Los Angeles, seeking to dress movie stars, and apparel manufacturers quickly followed. Stanley and Anita Hirsh acquired the Cooper Building in the 1970s, transforming it into an outlet mall — the first of its kind in America — in the heart of the Garment District (as it was known at the time). Stanley Hirsh worked with the LA City Council to establish the city’s first Business Improvement District (BID) and, in 1996, renamed the neighborhood the Fashion District. Spanning 100 blocks in the heart of

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Downtown LA, the Los Angeles Fashion District is the hub of the L.A. fashion industry, featuring more than 2,000 independently owned retail and wholesale businesses offering apparel, accessories and footwear. Stanley Hirsh served as the BID’s chair for several years, leaving a lasting legacy — not only of bettering his own neighborhood, but of impacting the entire city by his significant efforts and civic endeavors as well. Now known as the Cooper Design Space, the building at the corner of 9th and Los Angeles Streets is the iconic home to many of Los Angeles’ most creative and exciting brands in the fashion, art and publishing industries. The Cooper Design Space offers a wonderful variety of studio, office and showroom spaces within a single, dynamic location. With its legacy of being one of Los Angeles’ purveyors of all things creative, the Cooper Design Space is truly bringing back the face of West Coast contemporary fashion through its world class showrooms and influential impact on the Fashion District of Los Angeles. Currently, the Fashion District in Los Angeles is undergoing a renaissance — and at the helm is the Cooper Design Space. Through strategic partnerships with nearby fashion buildings, local businesses and hotels within what is currently known as “The District,” Cooper Design Space is seeking to aid in bringing back the West Coast fashion scene through their fashion markets and elite fashion showrooms. Fashion markets are the West Coast’s premier destination for contemporary fashions, including apparel, accessories and footwear. The market

hosts and highlights both established and upand-coming designers and brands; it’s a place to discover new brands and create new shopping experiences. The focus on national fashion markets as opposed to regional fashion markets arose from the impact national markets have on the fashion industry, within Los Angeles and, most importantly, throughout the world as well. This new focus steers the direction as to where fashion markets are headed and where businesses want to have the most impact for not only business-to-business (B2B) interactions but ultimately when it leads to business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions. Hosting an array of influential industry events — from the Brand Assembly trade show to fashion events with the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), to music videos to commercial shoots and movies — Cooper Design Space continues to be the destination for all things creative and a true hub of creativity. In tandem partnerships with businesses in “The District,” the Cooper Design Space will reshape the idea and notion of what West Coast fashion markets can be. But most importantly, the Cooper Design Space will impact not only what the fashion district in Los Angeles can offer businesses, but it will also set the standard for what fashion markets need to be today.

Stay tuned and updated on what the Cooper Building is working on by following our social media pages (@cooperdesignspace) or by visiting our website (cooperdesignspace.com).

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A TASTE OF THE SOUTH

We invite you to visit us in Atlanta this year and experience a Market that offers the utmost care for our customers. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, we bring the best of the best together offering expansive category collections conveniently located all under one roof. Atlanta Apparel hosts over 500+ showrooms and hundreds of unique temporaries at each event with comfortable curated lounges, food and beverage offerings, morning coffees, photo opportunity installations, daily happy hours, and more! Book your trip today!

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TECHFEATURES

ECOVATIVE ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATIVE MEMBER

Image courtesy of Forager

covative, the mycelium technology company, announced the final new member of its Fashion for Good Cooperative — sustainable fashion company Reformation — and a direct partnership with footwear company Wolverine Worldwide, to collaborate in the testing, development and commercialization of custom mycelium materials for use in their products. Founded in 2007, Ecovative’s mission is to create next-generation materials through mycelium biofabrication and to make mycelium materials accessible to everyone.

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Wolverine World Wide, Inc., which was founded in 1883, is a global marketer and licensor of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s and uniform footwear and apparel. Through a diverse portfolio of brands, Wolverine Worldwide’s products are designed to empower, engage and inspire consumers every step of the way, the company said. The company’s portfolio includes Merrell, Saucony, Sweaty Betty, Sperry, Hush Puppies, Wolverine, Keds, Chaco, Bates, Hytest and Stride Rite. Wolverine Worldwide is also the global footwear

licensee of Cat and Harley-Davidson. Based in Rockford, Michigan for more than 130 years, the company’s products are carried by retailers in the United States and globally in approximately 170 countries and territories. Founded in 2009, Reformation is a lifestyle brand that combines vintage-inspired designs with sustainable practices and releases limited-edition collections for individuals who want to live sustainably. Setting an example for the industry, Reformation remains at the forefront of innovation

Photo courtesy of Gary He

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in sustainable fashion — running the first sustainable factory in Los Angeles, using deadstock and eco-fabrics, tracking and sharing the environmental impact of its products. Reformation is Climate Neutral-certified and its products have been carbon neutral since 2015, with a commitment to become Climate Positive by 2025. The brand has also established itself as a pioneer in retail innovation, developing an in-store tech concept that brings the best of its online experience to its physical doors, Reformation said. Reformation and Wolverine join a roster of worldclass brands entering into collaboration with Ecovative in the Fashion for Good initiated project, including Fashion for Good partners Bestseller, Pangaia, PVH Corp. and Vivobarefoot, the company said. Reformation and Wolverine will draw from Ecovative’s expertise in cutting-edge mycelium materials — in particular, its specialized Forager division, which is focused on soft goods for fashion and apparel, providing feedback that will guide the testing and development to replace incumbent materials in products that traditionally use animal leather or plastic.

try use,” said Kathleen Talbot, Reformation’s chief sustainability officer and VP of operations. “Since relaunching our Ref Shoes category in 2021, we’ve invested deeply in the nex-gen space to find a vegan solution that meets our high product and sustainability standards, without the plastic.” “Helping test and bring Ecovative’s Forager Hide to market is a critical evolution of this work, and one that we hope will drive forward a holistic sustainability agenda for fashion. We’re energized to unlock a solution that can not only be used in future Reformation collections but be made available to the entire industry,” Talbot continued. As the urgency of the climate crisis sinks in, consumers and brands alike are eager to replace the leather in wearables, the supportive foams used in shoes and jackets and the plastic found throughout the industry’s products with sustainable alternatives that don’t come at a cost to quality or durability, Ecovative said. Industrial animal agriculture — of which leather is a co-product — requires more arable land than any industry on Earth, consuming immense amounts of water,

and using caustic chemicals, the company said. Plastic also represents a global crisis, and the apparel space has an especially high footprint of plastic, which is involved in almost every product for structural support and durable finishes, making many of them impossible to recycle or reclaim. Ecovative’s mycelium technologies make it possible to replace these unsustainable materials with fully compostable alternatives that come from and return to nature. “The need for more sustainable materials is clear, and we could not be more excited to bring them to market in partnership with Wolverine and Reformation,” commented Gavin McIntyre, Ecovative’s co-founder and chief commercial officer. “Both companies represent an immense amount of market knowledge, a diverse family of products and expertise in complex supply chains that will be crucial to applying our mycelium materials for maximum impact.” “Together, we are taking a big step [toward] transforming these industries for the better,” McIntyre also said.

Based in New York, Forager develops advanced mycelium materials for apparel, foams and insulation. The Ecovative subsidiary leverages the expertise of Ecovative’s Mycelium Foundry to grow sustainable materials tuned for performance, the company said. Products include vegan hides that are plastic-free and foams made from mushrooms rather than petroleum. Through partnerships with brands and product developers, Forager is accelerating circularity in fashion, footwear and automotive industries with the next generation of mycelium materials to meet the fast-growing consumer demand for products that benefit people and planet Earth, said the company. Ecovative has already developed two products for the fashion and footwear industries: Forager Hides, a premium leather-like material, and Forager Foams, for breathable insulation and structural support components, each made with pure mycelium. All of Ecovative’s products are biobased, free of plastics and toxic chemicals, grown on agricultural byproducts and compostable at the end of a product’s life. Full-size mycelium sheets are grown in sheets up to 24 meters in length and 1.8 meters wide over the course of just nine days. These mycelium materials represent viable, sustainable, scalable alternatives to the fashion and apparel industries’ unsustainable status quo, Ecovative said. “We’re beyond excited to join Ecovative’s cooperative to support the development of an entirely plastics-free leather alternative for scalable indus-

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TECHFEATURES

CGS AND INSPECTORIO PARTNER TO DELIVER VISIBLITY, TRANSPARENCY & END-TO-END QUALITY CONTROL FOR FASHION BRANDS, MANUFACTURERS & RETAILERS

nspectorio, the creator of an AI-powered collaboration platform for quality control, tracking and compliance across the production chain, and CGS, a global provider of business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services, announced a strategic global sales, marketing and product partnership. This agreement will make it easier for manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to align internal shop floor control (SFC) operations with external quality, compliance and on-time delivery (OTD), the companies said.

For nearly 40 years, CGS has enabled global enterprises, regional companies and government agencies to drive breakthrough performance through business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services. CGS is focused on creating comprehensive solutions that meet clients’ complex, multi-dimensional needs and support clients’ most fundamental business activities. Headquartered in New York City, CGS has offices across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Inspectorio aims to build an interconnected, sustainable and transparent supply chain via a cloud-based SaaS solution. The company helps brands, retailers, manufacturers and suppliers manage risk through digitized quality and compliance programs and is used by over 7,000 customers globally. Inspectorio offers Inspectorio Sight for quality management, Inspectorio Rise for compliance management and Inspectorio Tracking to facilitate improved production track-

ing. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Inspectorio has over 250 global employees. The partnership will improve the value proposition for the companies by combining CGS’s BlueCherry Shop Floor Control technology with Inspectorio’s Sight quality management system. Bringing the two platforms together will give customers greater visibility into the supply chain and manufacturing. Seamless integration will bring CGS SFC production data into Inspectorio quality control dashboards. As a result, suppliers and manufacturers get end-to-end visibility with real-time production tracking. “Now more than ever, each stakeholder along the value chain — from suppliers and manufacturers to retailers and customers — is demanding visibility, transparency, and insights into manufacturing and shop floor operations,” said Paul Magel, president of CGS Applications Division. “Our newest offering — Shop Floor Control Essential — feeds data collected straight from the shop floor into Inspectorio’s algorithms and dashboards. We look forward to working closely with Inspectorio to increase brand awareness within their customer base and expand our global footprint to drive sales and provide customers with the best solution available to deliver actionable insight into operations.” Earlier this year, CGS announced the launch and global availability of Shop Floor Control (SFC) Essential at Texprocess Americas. This latest addition to its award-winning BlueCherry suite is a

cloud-based solution that enables manufacturers, brands and subcontractors to gain real-time visibility, control, and insights into their complete supply chain and factory floor operations from any mobile device or browser. “By combining forces, we’re creating a win-win for everyone. Our combined solution enables total transparency, so our customers can reduce costs, improve product quality and gain real-time visibility into their operations,” said Carlos Moncayo, CEO and co-founder of Inspectorio. “Working together, we deliver AI-driven quality, compliance and production tracking and deep, real-time insights into every step of the process.” By partnering with CGS, Inspectorio will be able to combine its network collaboration features, such as self-inspection program governance, remote inspections and risk-based automations with expansive and detailed Shop Floor Control data to enhance its AI algorithms and improve its reporting and analytics offering for users across all levels of the production chain. Inspectorio’s Sight technology empowers retailers, brands, vendors and factories to optimize their quality, sustainability and compliance operations. Inspectorio leverages machine learning to transition manufacturers from reactive interventions to a proactive, preventative approach to supply chain management. Sight automates quality operations, including activating self-inspections and analyzing large datasets to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.

TECHFEATURES

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AI-POWERED ALTERNATIVE DATA DRIVING FASHION MARKET DISRUPT BY MERILEE KERN, MBA

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TECHFEATURES

umerous indicators make clear that the next five years will usher in extreme transformation for a multitude of fashion industry sectors and the global economy at large. This begs the question: what is driving such significant and rapid change?

This big question is answered in two words: alternative data. Fashion-related companies that are slow to incorporate alternative data into their R&D, marketing, investment, risk analysis and other key processes expose themselves to extreme opportunity loss at best and operational peril at worst. As one prime example, active investment management firms incur the strategic risk of being outmaneuvered by competitors leveraging alternative data in their securities valuation and trading signal process. As an ever-evolving methodology, the last decade has ushered in a myriad of new types and sources of alternative data. Unlike traditional data made available by financial exchanges and indexes, SEC filings, financial statements, corporate filings, analyst predictions, press releases, management presentations and other well-entrenched mainstream sources, today’s breed of alternative data sets are compiled from wide ranging and disparate sources. This includes financial transactions, satellites, public records, mobile devices and more. Web scraping and financial transactions are, by far, the most common methods of alternative data procurement. So lucrative is the economic upside of alternative data assets, the category is experiencing a veritable gold rush mentality that is driving extreme growth worldwide across practically every industry sector. The alternative data market size is expected to reach $143.31 billion by 2030 — a staggering increase from $2.7 billion in 2021 — with the category forecasted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 54.4% from 2022 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. Notable industries making great strides in the alternate data space include online retailers, SaaS purveyors and hospitality. These and other such industries are tapping the power of this alt intel for an array of projection activities, with predictive and algorithmic modeling, demand and trend forecasting, lead generation and competitive intelligence among them. “There are numerous categories of alternative data, and the businesses who fare best are those with the capability to mine insights from the collected data and cross reference and combine it with other types of data, thus enabling investors to identify profitable trends and strategic opportunities,” noted Julia Valentine, managing partner at AlphaMille. “The driver behind this phenomenon is two-fold: investors’ appetite for using the data and the providers’ willingness to sell credit card transaction data,” Valentine continued. “Moreover, data providers

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have been enhancing their capabilities of sorting credit card transaction data by gender, age, seller, geography and other metrics.” Of course, these types of drill down insights can make it much easier to identify and evaluate opportunities, especially when advanced analytics and data science are applied to examining alternative data sets. According to Valentine, these offerings produce a crucial differentiator generating alpha for buy-side entities like hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity funds, pension funds, unit trusts and life insurance companies. “It’s essential for investors to have curated alternative data to make their teams, innovation and companies more competitive,” said Tracy McWilliams, CEO of Inspire Global Ventures. “Machine learning-enabled alternative data analytics assist our clients, mid-market companies and investment firms, make faster and more informed decisions about investments, innovation, M&A and partnerships with early-stage and private placement companies.” The benefits of employing alternative data are seemingly innumerable. “Among the most important is its ability to derive proprietary real-time signals providing alternative viewpoints, unforeseen insights or perhaps both,” noted Valentine. “The ability to go beyond standard financial data to understand company performance, market dynamics or consumer behavior is extraordinarily valuable for companies and investors who desire to plan and execute in a calculated, enlightened and intentional way with mitigated risk.” Even amid the extreme upside, a number of challenges plague processes for incorporating alternative data into the investment and risk models. “As compared to the traditional financial data collection, alternative data assets are known to be unstructured, lack specific patterns and, given its high collection frequency, require significant storage and processing resources,” said Vita Koreneva, AlphaMille managing partner. “Collecting and analyzing alternative data sets certainly requires navigating any number of difficulties or outright obstacles,” Valentine warned. “This includes the procurement of expert personnel and cutting-edge technologies like analytics, fluid data architecture and data science platforms, as well as testing tools to actually leverage meaningful insights gleaned from the data.” According to Valentine, starting or enhancing an alternative data platform involves multiple steps: design, plan, source data, integrate, transform, use ML, deploy, support and evaluate. A shorter, fivestep implementation model is also available for entities that are ready for a fast route to value creation. With such specialized tools and skillsets involved with mining and distilling alt data, many outsource

the function. “A few key considerations for a prospective professional services partner involve their ability to quickly integrate new solutions with existing infrastructure, cost of data feeds and proving what they deem to be optimal, uncorrelated data sets genuinely add quantifiable value rather than noise,” she said. “Data mastering is fundamental to gleaning insight from this seemingly limitless universe of information,” noted Christian Robertson, CEO of Datasynthesis. “It means tracking the data lifecycle from its source — be it real-time or historical, structured or unstructured — through a strict rules-based validation process generating actionable data used to feed the various business intelligence tools used in decision making. However, to distill meaning from so much information one must adopt an active data mastering approach, which can only be achieved by leveraging the latest open-source technologies with capabilities that far exceed anything possible with existing legacy systems.” Preconditions and complexities aside, AlphaMille Chief Revenue Officer Rick Lutz is keeping an optimistic eye on the big picture. “Alternative data hasn’t nearly reached critical mass as of yet and there is tremendous growth ahead in this space,” he said. “The big winners will be those that onboard the right ‘kind’ and caliber of experts who can adeptly navigate this highly specialized and ever-changing field.” Digital transformation demands agility. Having the ability to adeptly procure and process alternative data provides a tremendous advantage — especially for those needing to pivot in the short term. Whether to reconfigure a strategy, structure or team, the use of digital technology assures value-creating and -protecting opportunities. The profit promoting outcomes are seemingly endless when organizations utilize cutting-edge cloud, cybersecurity and data science tools. No matter the industry in which you operate, now is the time to architect a sound and scalable alternative data plan that ensures your company can keep pace in the 21st Century Digital Age.

Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry changemakers, movers, shakers and innovators across all B2B and B2C categories. Kern is founder, executive editor and producer of “The Luxe List” as well as the host of the “Savvy Ventures” business television show and “Savvy Living” lifestyle television show. As a prolific business and consumer trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and experiences at all price points. Learn more at theluxelist.com

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TECHNOLOGY

FASHION 411

QUIET PLATFORMS PARTNERS WITH PITNEY BOWES TO OFFER BRANDS FAST AND EFFECTIVE DELIVERY

uiet Platforms, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Eagle Outfitters Inc., announced a partnership with Pitney Bowes, a global shipping and mailing company. This partnership builds on the logistics capabilities available to customers in the Quiet Platforms network, offering fast and efficient delivery options. Under the agreement, Pitney Bowes will provide value-added carrier services, allowing customers to leverage the scale provided by the Quiet Platforms shared services model to optimize their supply chains. As we continue to expand the Quiet Platforms business, we are excited to partner with Pitney Bowes, which will enable faster delivery services and logistics capabilities to get orders into the hands of customers quicker and more efficiently,” said Brent Beabout, president of Quiet Platforms. “Offering in-network retailers and brands access to our expansive logistics capabilities enables them to focus more closely on what they do best, creating great products and memorable customer experiences.” “Pitney Bowes is committed to innovation and we’re excited to work with Quiet Platforms as it builds next-generation supply chain capabilities for retailers and brands,” said Gregg Zegras, EVP and president, Pitney Bowes Global E-commerce. “This partnership, leveraging the recently announced Pitney Bowes Designed Delivery service, will help brands in the Quiet Platforms network continue to enhance the customer experience.” Quiet Platforms’ innovative shared supply chain network enables companies to collaborate to solve their common logistics, fulfillment and delivery challenges by optimizing operations. It enables faster, greener and more cost-efficient supply chains without investment of additional capital or resources. Quiet Platforms’ end-to-end supply chain capabilities include cost-effective middle-mile transportation solutions and advanced in-market fulfillment centers that allow retailers and brands to “get closer and ship smarter,” strategically positioning inventory closer to end consumers. Quiet Platforms was formed through AEO’s 2021 acquisitions of AirTerra and Quiet Logistics.

DEPOP INTRODUCES ECOENCLOSE PACKAGING IN THE U.S.

epop, the community-powered marketplace app to buy and sell unique fashion, has partnered with EcoEnclose to bring its U.S. sellers more sustainable packaging solutions. As part of its 2022 Sustainability Plan, Depop committed to promote circularity in its community by partnering with organizations to offer practical solutions to help buyers and sellers lead a more circular life. This new partnership with EcoEnclose makes it easy for sellers to find eco-friendly packaging at competitive prices, the company said.

EcoEnclose + Depop packaging is made from 100% recycled materials or certified, responsibly sourced paper, which is easier to recycle at home. It comes in the most commonly used packaging types and sizes on Depop, branded or unbranded. With a view to encourage packaging reuse, the EcoEnclose + Depop packaging range also includes a Depop-branded sticker which highlights that it is a reused package, and to spruce up secondhand mailers. Sellers can purchase packaging and stationary from a co-branded page on Eco-Enclose’s website.

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Photo courtesy of Depop

This partnership also contributes to reducing Depop’s indirect greenhouse gas emissions, as seller packaging is one of the key drivers of its Scope 3 emissions, the company said. This initiative is part of the company’s plan to reach its Net Zero targets, which were set as part of Etsy Inc.

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TECHNOLOGY

FASHION 411

KLARNA CARD LAUNCHES IN THE UNITED STATES ALONGSIDE NEW MONEY MANAGEMENT TOOLS

larna, a global retail bank, payments and shopping service, announced the launch of the Klarna Card in the U.S., bringing the company’s popular “Pay in 4” service to a physical Visa card form. The Klarna Card, issued by Webbank, allows consumers to pay over time in four interest-free payments with no down payment for any store or online purchase. In tandem with the launch of the card, a new service called Financial Overview is available in the Klarna App, featuring money management tools to help consumers stay on top of their Klarna purchases and keep full control of their finances at all times. “The fact that over one million U.S. consumers signed up to our waitlist in a matter of weeks demonstrates the incredible demand for a fair and transparent alternative to conventional credit cards,” said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, co-founder and CEO, Klarna. “By placing the power of our ‘Pay in 4’ service in consumers’ pockets, the Klarna Card lets them experience the convenience, flexibility and control of interest-free shopping wherever they go. In combination with our new, intuitive Financial Overview dashboard in the Klarna App, we make it easier than ever for consumers to understand their spending habits and manage their budget, placing them in the driver’s seat of their financial future.” Photo courtesy of Klarna

Consumers pay for their card purchases via the Klarna App with bi-weekly statements that make it simple to manage outstanding payments. Consumers can choose to pay their statement early or enable “Autopay” to automatically pay on the due date. The Klarna App notifies consumers in real-time of all card transactions and sends alerts for upcoming payments. In combination with the Financial Overview dashboard, Klarna Card users stay informed on their spending at all times, the company said.

PINTEREST ACQUIRES THE YES, AN AI-POWERED SHOPPING PLATFORM FOR FASHION

interest announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Yes, an AI powered shopping platform for fashion that enables users to shop a personalized feed based on the user’s active input on brand, style and size. Pinterest believes that The Yes’ leadership, innovative technology and talented team, combining shopping expertise with fashion industry credibility, will help accelerate Pinterest’s vision of being the home of taste-driven shopping. With hundreds of brand merchants on its platform, the team at The Yes has built an extensive fashion taxonomy that uses human expertise and machine learning to power a comprehensive algorithm in fashion. The Yes’ brand relationships and shopping expertise can be applied to other categories on Pinterest such as home, beauty and food. The Yes was founded in 2018 by CEO Julie Bornstein, an e-commerce and fashion industry veteran, and CTO Amit Aggarwal, a tech industry veteran. Bornstein will report to Pinterest’s Co-Founder and CEO, Ben Silbermann, and will lead shopping vision and strategy across Pinterest, creating a new and strategic organiza-

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and merchants on Pinterest.

tion

dedicated to Pinterest’s taste-driven shopping efforts that will help steer the evolution of features for Pinners

“The Yes team are experts in building an end-to-end shopping experience. They share our vision of making it simple to find the right products that are personalized for you based on your taste and style. We’re very excited about The Yes’ talented team and technology as we build dedicated shopping experiences on Pinterest,” said Silbermann. “I’ve spent my career at the intersection of shopping, fashion and technology and have seen first-hand the valuable impact of building technology that enables brands to join a platform with ease while enabling customers to share their preferences. Joining forces with Pinterest to broaden our reach utilizing such an inspirational platform is an exciting and ideal next step for our team and technology,” Bornstein said. Pinterest is a shopping platform that brings together the commercial intent of its audience and the ability to visually explore products. In a world of impulse buying, Pinterest is designed to enable inspired shopping, said the company.

AUGUST 2022

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: John P. Giordano, CPA, Partner Manufacturing & Distribution Practice Co-Leader

jgiordano@citrincooperman.com 631.930.5000 x6351

Citrin Cooperman is a leading accounting and advisory providers for manufacturing and distribution companies. Over time, the ﬁrm has developed a focus on fashion and apparel companies, providing assurance, tax, and advisory to both start-ups and well-established brands. Citrin Cooperman has a keen understanding of the industry and remains upto-date on market trends and changes that impact fashion and apparel companies, and translates this knowledge into industry-speciﬁc business solutions that help clients accomplish business goals and remain competitive in the market.

COLUMNS

IS CANADA’S APPAREL INDUSTRY REBOUNDING FROM THE PANDEMIC? By Howard D. Bader

also made names for themselves by designing and producing their products in Canada, including Anne Mulaire, Encircled and Thief & Bandit. Canada also represents one of the world’s largest women’s clothing markets, with a market volume of $20.69 billion USD in 2022.

he outlook for Canada’s apparel industry is getting brighter, although challenges remain. Like the United States, Canada was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many retailers closed for months due to government shutdowns and manufacturers plagued by supply chain disruptions. However, Canada’s apparel market is rebounding and expected to see strong growth over the next several years. Canada’s Apparel Industry Canada’s apparel industry has a rich history. In the 1970s and 1980s, some of the world’s top designers and the country’s textile and clothing industries were also booming well into the 1990s, with 70% of the textile and clothing products consumed in Canada manufactured locally. In 2005, the Canadian government removed import quotas on clothing and textiles, pursuant to World Trade Organization agreements signed 10 years prior. The change resulted in an influx of less expensive foreign-made apparel, which made it more difficult for the Canadian apparelmanufacturing industry to compete. While some segments of the industry contracted, others pivoted to remain viable. For instance, many apparel manufacturers have transitioned toward niche markets, producing luxury clothing as well as specialty garments such as sportswear and protective clothing. In fact, Canada is still home to some of the most highly-regarded technical textile manufacturers in the world. Canada also still has a large apparel market that includes popular brands, including Lululemon Athletica and Canada Goose, as well as top designers, such as Sid Neigum and Hayley Elsaesser. Several “slow fashion” brands have

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Apparel Market Quickly Rebounding from COVID-19 Unfortunately, Canada’s apparel industry was not left unscathed by the economic turmoil of the past several years. Retail sales of apparel plummeted by more than 23% in 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, much like the United States, sales of clothing and footwear rebounded in 2021, as retail stores reopened and consumer demand increased. Trendex North America reported that the industry saw a year-overyear gain of 16.2% last year. In 2022, revenue in the entire apparel industry stands at $37.52 billion USD, according to Statista. The apparel market is predicted to grow, with a volume growth of 5% in 2023. Overall, the apparel market is expected to sustain annual growth of 3.9% from 2022 to 2026. According to Trendex, the industry will see annual gains of 14.8% in 2022, 5% in 2023, 2.9% in 2024, 1.5% in 2025 and 1.8% in 2026. Canada’s luxury apparel sector has not recovered as quickly as the rest of the industry. Given that the slow recovery can be attributed to the lack of foreign tourism, retail sales of luxury apparel are expected to rebound as COVID-19 travel restrictions are further relaxed. However, the increasing demand for secondhand luxury goods among Canadian consumers may also inhibit growth. The Canadian Apparel Industry Still Faces Uncertainty Barring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be behind us. However, the Canadian economy faces many of the same challenges. The Canadian economy faces many of the same uncertainties that we are dealing with in the United States, including the impact of the war in Ukraine, rising fuel costs and ongoing supply chain issues. As consumers

are becoming more cautious about discretionary spending on clothing to focus on other necessities, retail sales of apparel are likely to slow down. Canadian apparel companies must also contend with worldwide inflation. The costs of shipping, textile raw materials, labor and energy, all continue to skyrocket. Accordingly, companies must make the difficult decision whether to absorb rising costs or pass them on the consumers. Supply chain disruptions and shipping delays also remain a concern for businesses, with too many fashion companies still facing one- to two-month delays. Future COVID-19 lockdowns in China also have the potential to cause additional supply chain headaches for Canadian apparel companies that rely on Chinese suppliers. Even if demand increases, Canada faces a lack of skilled workers, with cutters, sewers and pressers not being replaced as older generations retire. As a result, Canadian firms often find it difficult to compete with foreign manufacturers, which can offer both skilled laborers and lower costs. Key Takeaway While Canada’s apparel industry has faced challenges in recent years, it recovered quickly from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and is poised for continued growth over the next several years. By moving into niche markets and producing quality apparel closer to home, manufacturers and designers are well-positioned to fuel a revival.

Howard D. Bader is a NYC attorney who serves as general counsel for clients in a wide range of industries on an international scale. With over three decades’ worth of legal experience, he has represented clients in numerous legal matters, including commercial litigation, intellectual property, bankruptcy, creditor’s rights and mergers and acquisitions, as well as numerous corporate transactions and business law matters. Howard D. Bader hbader@sh-law.com (212)784-6926 sh-law.com

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COLUMNS

SUCCESS THROUGH A HARD INSURANCE MARKET FOR FASHION & APPAREL BUSINESSES By Frank DeLucia, senior vice president, Hub International Northeast In layman’s terms, a “hard insurance market” is the upswing in a market cycle when insurance premium rates are escalating and insurers are disinclined to negotiate terms; underwriting standards tighten and insurers closely monitor insurance rates and manage coverage capacity. Through the remainder of 2022 and beyond, insurance buyers will continue to feel the effects of the hard market in the hospitality industry.

s the fashion and apparel industries continue their journey to recovery from the wake of the pandemic, a focus on organizational resilience has never been more important. The continuing effects of COVID-19, as well as supply chain disruptions, have dominated the fashion and apparel industries over the last several years and these challenges have also had a major impact on insurance. Becoming more resilient through vigilant risk management through steps taken to mitigate risks, especially against new challenges and exposures that have arisen during the pandemic, will greatly influence insurance premiums and coverage availability throughout 2022 and beyond. The current state of the insurance market requires fashion and apparel businesses to present themselves in the best possible light to enable their brokers to present the best-case scenario to insurers. This means that in partnership with your insurance advisor, demonstrate to the marketplace why they should want your business (i.e., good loss history and corrective measures taken to prevent similar losses from reoccurring, proactive risk management/transfer practices, proper safety protocols and property upgrades).

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Underwriting losses, poor industry results, decline in investment income due to lower interest rates, an increase in natural disaster claims, social factors such as “social inflation of claims” and “once-in-a-century events” such as COVID-19 are all factors that contribute to the state of the market. On the property insurance side, water damage and catastrophic weather events have been costly for insurers — while on the liability side, increasing claims for slips and falls have led to expensive lawsuits. Some companies have stopped offering hospitality insurance and exiting the space, which has resulted in fewer players in the market. The economic fallout from the global pandemic includes lower interest rates, pushing premiums higher yet again as insurers can’t rely on investment behind the scenes to remain profitable. Additionally, concern relating to COVID-19-related liability claims is tightening the market even further. What Can Businesses Do? Within such an environment, underwriters carefully review submissions, questioning and reviewing every detail of information on the application. Together with your insurance broker, you can work toward a professional submission that highlights the strengths of your risk management efforts.

Completing an insurance review and gathering information takes time. Here is what you can do to improve your situation in this hard market: Be proactive: Providing your updated information to your broker early in the renewal process will allow you to obtain renewal terms sooner and address options with your broker. Be complete: Insurance underwriters have limited time to go back and forth with your broker requesting missing information, so assist by ensuring your file is complete. Be current: Improve maintenance, implement risk services recommendations and undergo an operational evaluation — underwriters favor and value clients that take care of their business. These are just some of the ways you can get ahead of rising premium costs and navigate the current state of the insurance market. Now more than ever, it is imperative to work with your insurance advisor to review your coverages and to understand what your P&C policies cover, what they don’t and the best ways to mitigate the individual and unique risks of your properties.

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 for the real estate and apparel industries and is a long-time active member of the Fashion Service Network (FSN). Frank can be reached by phone at (212)338-2395 or at frank.delucia@ hubinternational.com. For more information on Hub, visit hubinternational.com.

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263 WEST 38 STREET TH

Between 7th & 8th

BEAUTIFUL NEW PRE-BUILT UNITS: APPROX 5K AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY •

Commission Paid on Signing

•

High-end Finishes & Large Pantries

•

Floor-To-Ceiling Glass Front Offices

•

Polished Concrete Floors

•

Newly Built & Move-In Ready

•

3 Sides of Windows & Excellent Light

•

Virtually Column Free with High Ceilings

•

New Elevators

•

Attended Lobby with 24/7 Access

•

Easy Access to: A, C, E, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, PABT, Penn Station & PATH

Darell Handler, EVP 646.597.6171 dhandler@handler-re.com

Kyle Galin, Associate 646.998.6012 kgalin@handler-re.com

Alex Bush, Director 646.517.8782 abush@handler-re.com

Scott Galin, Principal/CEO sgalin@handler-re.com

212.398.1888 | Handler-re.com The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed reliable. While we do not doubt its accuracy, we make no guarantee, warranty or representation about it. The prospective tenant should carefully verify each item, and all other information herein.

COLUMNS

DESIGN AND OUR WORLD By Leslie Gallin

skilled labor force, the country now had a better source of skilled workers to recruit from.

ccording to Wikipedia, a design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process. I started pondering how design has changed our lives and realized that most design has enhanced our lives, be it in artistic value or streamlining processes for our daily lives. Truthfully, I do not believe anyone sits down to intentionally design that which will only complicate. Conceptually, a designer’s inspiration begins with an idea to update or modernize, to make things easier to understand and to discover new ways to approach manufacturing and products we use and need. Here is an overly simplistic snapshot of a real problem and a designed solution. Let’s look at the country of Singapore — its use of seasonal immigrant labor was becoming uncertain as its next generation workforce citizenry was growing more educated. These workers realized the country needed new solutions with regards to manufacturing; goods still needed to be sourced, made and shipped. The country knew that automation of the factories would help speed up deliveries, but it also wanted to consider how to create jobs with more depth in order to match the new knowledgebase of its workforce. Singaporean businesses quickly saw the benefits of machine automation, and by utilizing this technology, they could conceivably create more value and interest for a new generation of more highly skilled workers. With this more highly-

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I’m sure that most workers feared the use of automation and viewed this development as putting people out of work. Actually, the way in which Singapore approached this problem by weighing the pros and cons resulted in its quick realization that this problem was in reality the solution to provide more meaningful jobs for its people. There are times when I’m sure we have all experienced some degree of fear when facing change; perhaps this is a direct correlation to the unknown. Yet, we seem to embrace the design changes and covet new versions of mobile phones, cars, televisions and other consumer electronics. With each redesign in these sectors, we’ve come to anticipate streamlined sleek styling, ergonomically comfortable gadgets and appliances with greater speed and enhanced graphic quality — all the while hoping for greater longevity rather than designed (planned) obsolescence. A recent article in Business Week magazine looked at the issues surrounding redesigning and modernizing the design of convention centers. Post-COVID-19 event organizers are reviewing closely the upgrades to convention centers and their amenities, as these refinements will be considerations in attracting organizations to hold their events within a particular venue. While designing an impressive statement-making spiral staircase as the centerpiece for a convention center redesign, the designer envisioned the staircase gleefully whisking visitors into the conference/ exhibit space. Sadly, while the monumental staircase may look lovely and impressive, it turns out not to be a functional option, given the size of most convention centers and arenas. Those attending large events look for any way to streamline and lessen the distances and time needed to walk in order to cover an event. Why not utilize people movers/escalators? When contemplating upgrades to the design of public facilities, those designers should include

stakeholders/users to ensure design changes really do meet the needs into the future. Lighting, audio visual and bathrooms are key upgrades to modernizing design in larger faculties. Also, for those in the Trade Show Biz … we would appreciate fewer columns in our halls. Thank you. The father of art and design was Leonardo DaVinci. Many of DaVinci’s original designs are the core of modern inventions and advancement for humankind — and we don’t need to look far, as the helicopter was a Leonardo DaVinci design. Everything in our lives has been designed! Clothes, houses, cars, roadways and communities — the list goes on and on. What’s old can be new again, which is why we need to ensure continued education and support in order to cultivate and nourish those amongst us who have the innate talent for design, those who are able to think of ways to enrich our daily lives and make us each think, “What did we do before?” With upgrades coming at us at a fast and furious pace, remember that when you need a can opener, stick to the original. Good design is a good design!

As president of footwear for Informa Markets, Leslie Gallin developed the FN Platform, the footwear shows at Magic. Gallin scouts the world’s best new designers and trends, providing unparalleled business insights and access into the world of footwear and beyond. Gallin is a board member of Footwear Distributors/Representatives of America, American Apparel and Footwear Associate, Two Ten-Footwear Charity and fromfashionwithlove.org, among others, and has held positions at World Shoe Association, Geoffrey Benne, Escada, Louis Feraud and Pauline Tigere. She has been featured in Footwear Plus, Footwear News, O The Oprah Magazine, Vegas, Fox’s Good Day LA, Extra TV and more. Leslie Gallin Meridian Group missfashion@cs.com

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WFH

WORKING FROM HERE

263 West 38th Street Between 7th & 8th

Entire 16th floor: 7,000 RSF • •

BUILT SPACE IN GREAT CONDITION • Available Immediately

Concrete floors, raised ceilings + glass front offices • Access to all transit

CREATIVE + EFFICIENT FLOOR PLATE

Darell Handler, EVP 646.597.6171 dhandler@handler-re.com Alex Bush, Director 646.517.8782 abush@handler-re.com Kyle Galin, Associate 646.998.6012 kgalin@handler-re.com 212.398.1888 | Handler-re.com

Scott Galin, Principal/CEO sgalin@handler-re.com

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed reliable. While we do not doubt its accuracy, we make no guarantee, warranty or representation about it. The prospective tenant should carefully verify each item, and all other information herein.

COLUMNS

DEB’S RETAIL DISH AND DEALS: SUMMERTIME IN THE CITY By Debra Hazel, president of Debra Hazel Communications

easing right now is as hot as the weather! Apparel and accessories stores are taking advantage of some amazing locations — and a lot more is happening around the U.S. All About Apparel Salvatore Ferragamo has opened its first “concept” store, an immersive, modular 2,700-square-foot space at 63 Greene St. GFP Real Estate LLC has signed performance lifestyle brand Athleta to a five-year lease for 4,590 square feet of retail space at 594 Broadway in SoHo. Talk about service: luxury development and investment firm Shvo announced an exclusive partnership between two of its residential developments, Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue and Mandarin Oriental Residences, Beverly Hills and Saks Fifth Avenue. This collaboration will provide residents at the New York and Beverly Hills properties with special in-residence offerings, VIP services and curated lifestyle programming. PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) has signed a 7,541-square-foot lease for its first Westchester County location at 80 Nardozzi Pl. in New Rochelle, New York. PXG is a global golf research and development company committed to designing the world’s finest golf clubs and sports fashion apparel. The company, which serves golfers in more than 50 countries through a distribution model that prioritizes a direct-toconsumer experience, is now expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint. Sportswear retailer Lids continues its expansion, signing a long-term lease for 545 Fifth Ave. Handbags

and

accessories

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re-commerce

company Fashionphile has come east, opening a 60,000-square-foot authentication center and showroom at the Starrett-Lehigh building in West Chelsea. Luxury hatmaker Ryan Ramelow will open its first retail location in Manhattan at 107 Sullivan St. between Prince and Spring Streets in SoHo. Upscale clothing brand Faherty has leased a flagship store at 1175 Madison Ave. Bridal company Anne Barge and eveningwear designer Flora Petaks have come together to launch a salon at 766 Madison Ave. Sustainable swimwear brad Fair Harbor has come to 19 Prince St. Welcome Back Local New York City retail legend Century 21 is returning, relaunching in Spring 2023 at its flagship location across from the World Trade Center. The retailer and purveyor of off-price luxury fashion has teamed with global premium experiences company Legends to return to physical retail. The chain, which at one point had 13 stores in New York City and environs, filed for bankruptcy and shuttered all of its locations in September 2020, citing lack of payment on its business interruption insurance (due to enforced closing as a result of COVID-19) as a cause. Food, Glorious Food Bakers clearly know something about patience: Butterflake Bakery, a Bergen County, New Jersey institution that opened its first location in 1950, will be opening a second location. The second site, located at 444 Cedar Ln. in Teaneck (close to its existing location at 448 Cedar Ln.) will be used as a commissary and as a Passover retail location. High-end bakery Patis Bakery signed a long-term, 3,417-square-foot retail lease for the ground floor of 44 West 37th St. Wining and Dining Hyatt, GFI Hospitality LLC and GFI Development LLC have opened Parker’s at Thompson Central Park New York. Open to hotel guests and the public, the bar transforms the hotel’s newly designed lobby atrium with live music, elevated ambiance and crafted cocktails that are complemented by contemporary American fare. To Your Health Chai Urgent Care, with 23 locations across New

York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has signed a 12-year lease for 4,200 square feet at 800 Second Ave. Star Wellness Spa, a career training school and practice salon, has signed a longterm, 5,920-square-foot office and retail lease at Flushing Plaza, located at 41-61 Kissena Blvd. in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York. The facility will conduct medical-related and beauty training and practice for services such as Botox and filler injections, IV treatments, laser treatments, cosmetology and more. Home Sweet Home Jonathan Adler has debuted a three-level flagship store in Soho — combining office space, design studio, pottery studio and showroom — at 382 West Broadway. Mattress Warehouse is opening its first Middlesex County location at North Village Shopping Center on Route 1 in North Brunswick, New Jersey.

Out of Town Y Based on the NBC television show “American Ninja Warrior,” American Ninja Warrior CM Adventure Park opened at MainPlace Mall MY in Santa Ana, California in early July. The CY 17,000-square-foot park features truss obstacles such as Monkey Swings, Spider Walls, Tilting CMY Logs, Floating Bridges and the Warped Wall. K In addition to the truss obstacles, there is a 10,000-square-foot inflatable obstacle course. Target will serve as the anchor retail tenant of mixed-use development Evermont, the reinvigoration of 4.2 acres of what has been vacant land for over 30 years at the intersection of Vermont and Manchester Avenues in South Los Angeles. Just in time for hot Orlando summers, a Häagen-Dazs shop debuted at Icon Park in the Orlando Entertainment District. In the conclusion of the first phase of a three-phase renovation, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company reopened its flagship Chocolate Experience Store, located in San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square.

Debra Hazel Debra Hazel Communications North Las Vegas, NV (201)618-5247

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COLUMNS

LEADERS — SUPPORT YOUR PURPOSE WITH WISE CHOICES By Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC

hange can be similar to playing a card game … you never know what you will be dealt. During each hand, you will face a new set of cards and a new challenge. In business, as soon as leaders think they have a grip on moving forward, external or internal forces may unexpectedly deal them a completely different hand. This can appear in many forms, such as labor shortages, cyber security challenges, workplace flexibility expectations and pandemic concerns. According to an article in McKinsey & Company, titled “Three Keys to a Resilient Post-pandemic Recovery,” “History shows that in times of disruption, resilience depends on adaptability and decisiveness.” So how do we continue to move forward while uncertainty obstructs our path like heavy fog? In this article, I will pair the third stage of change, Rise Above, with the Change Proficiencies, “Possibility Focused” and “Choose Wisely.” These tools will give you insight into decisively choosing the best course of action and prioritizing tasks to achieve the desired results. Rise Above: Third Stage of Change During the Rise Above stage of the change process, your focus shifts. While you are still uncomfortable with unfamiliar circumstances, you are resolved to take charge of your situation. Whether the journey is switching careers or employment, starting, reopening, expanding a business or simply stepping more fully into your role as a leader, it will take courage. Your commitment to not just survive, but thrive, propels you forward. As you proceed, you may sometimes wonder why you are challenged in an area where you had

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previously experienced victory. While there are times when you will be stuck, do not give up. Acknowledge all of your accomplishments, whether large or small. Each triumph brings you one step closer to mastering your change. The Change Proficiency “Possibility Focused” will assist by pinpointing actions that will yield the best return on your investment of resources. Change Proficiency: “Possibility Focused” To be “Possibility Focused” is to explore opportunities and activities without being enticed to go off course or prolong the journey. As leaders — whether of self, one or many — you recognize the need to efficiently apply your finances, time and other resources. New circumstances may have introduced additional responsibilities and pathways that you must navigate. If you do not readjust to identify and target the best course of action, you may be productive but fail to accomplish the most important tasks that move you closer to your ultimate destination. The “Possibility Focused” tool provides the guidelines to discern when and how to apply your resources. To successfully allocate your assets, staff and time, your purpose must be “top of mind.” It should be infused into your thoughts, similarly to how some actions in your life are on autopilot. Every day should start with an assessment of where you are in relation to your purpose, resources and timeline and what you should complete that day. Some changes might require shifting certain activities or deadlines to meet new priorities. You may have to move beyond your comfort zone or substitute tasks that you enjoy with those that yield more immediate outcomes. Choose “bridge” activities that shorten the gap between where you are and where you need to be. For example, suppose you face rapidly approaching revenue deadlines. In that case, focusing on outreach and closing deals should replace other efforts like upgrades to your website unless you are dependent on online sales to close the gap. How do you make those tough decisions? The

second tool, “Choose Wisely,” helps you analyze and reprioritize or eliminate tasks that can steal valuable time. Change Proficiency: “Choose Wisely” It is critical to remind yourself that “saying yes means saying no,” especially when immersed in new or different professional circumstances. For every choice you make, there are consequences. Saying yes without consciously recognizing and acknowledging what you are saying no to is similar to stepping into quicksand. Even though it might not initially seem like a problem, repeatedly cramming too much into a fixed time frame can cause you, in the long run, to mentally, emotionally and physically sink. Activities may take longer than you think. Have you ever found yourself clinging to old ways of doing things while adapting to new circumstances? Before deciding how you will proceed, long-term, short-term and daily decisions must be considered, while keeping in mind your new situation. Two areas in which your choices could jeopardize your primary goal are deciding whether to pursue new projects or accept non-mandatory assignments. Resisting the urge to automatically say yes, whether professionally or personally, may be difficult — but it will help you decline opportunities or tasks that will strain your resources. It takes courage to commit to thrive in a climate of change and uncertainty. To become more resilient, use the “Possibility Focused” tool to obtain the clarity to adapt to specific pursuits that align with your purpose. Yes, there are always particular circumstances you must honor that require quick responses and may wreak havoc on your schedule. Still, when you use the tool “Choose Wisely,” you can decisively respond to requests in a manner that supports your ultimate goals. Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC DJ Consulting Services, Inc. East Fishkill, New York 12533 djohnson@djcsfirm.com (845)447-1037

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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 offering 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

© 2018 Wells Fargo Capital Finance. All rights reserved. Wells Fargo Capital Finance is the trade name for certain asset-based lending services, senior secured lending services, accounts receivable and purchase order finance services, and channel finance services of Wells Fargo & Company and its subsidiaries. IHA-5534901

COLUMNS

DOPAMINE COLORS: THE KEY FASHION TREND — AND DESIGNER AYSHA SEED GETS IT By Daniella Platt

colors that evoke both masculine and feminine energy. The brand also designs workwear in shades of off-white, navy, taupe, brown, military green and olive. Other conscious colors to be mindful of include soft pastels, peach tones, chalk and pumice. These colors offer energetic tones that are derived from the earth, rather than being covered by synthetics, and celebrate color’s raw, natural beauty. What do you feel like wearing? Selecting clothing is largely based on what elements of fashion spark joy and give us energy. Before making a purchase or walking out the door, a good question to ask yourself is, “Does it make me dance?” Appetites for bright colors have grown in popularity as people venture outside once again post-pandemic. You can see this trend locally, as friends and neighbors are starting to emerge wearing pops of hot pink and bright blue. It isn’t a coincidence that colors evoke energy and dopamine; how we are dressing is in sync with the mood of the world. There is a certain level of awareness of the relationship between color and mental health as well — it’s why dressing up “just for fun” is truly healthy! An increase in dopamine sparks joy as well as serotonin, which is largely known as the “happy mood hormone” of our bodies. So, what are the trending, dopamine-inducing colors of this season? A collaborative talk with trend forecasting companies WGSN and Coloro revealed that the five shades for Spring/Summer 2024 are: 1. Elemental Blue, which triggers affection and emotion. 2. Radiant Red, which boasts softness, as opposed to its traditional primary color. 3. Fondant Pink, representing the metaverse with its candy-like pop that transitions vibrantly from the physical to the digital world. 4. Nutshell, an earthy, brownish tone with a beautiful satin sheen finish that appeals to today’s culture and luxury market. 5. Cyber Lime, a neon that fits into the current roster of fun brights. The brand The North Face has a different variation on an energetic color pallet. Its neutrals showcase skin color diversity with a gender-neutral base — think tinted browns, mauve-casted tans and other

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Today, anyone can wear anything; masculine and feminine energies are moving away from gendered stereotypes, and there is momentum in the above-mentioned trending colors to support gender inclusivity and shift the general mindset to remove gender from color. One result of this shift is that pink and purple are likely in question for all shoppers! But why are these colors making such an impact? It’s the energy of society today. The world is a mix of divides: emotions, lifestyle habits, politics, gaming and the virtual world, just to name a few. Today, there are creators, innovators, rethinkers and dreamers, all who aim for positive change for the future — which includes working toward a healed, post-pandemic world. Color represents a voice without words and a loud form of self-expression — when you dress up for your adventures, you are displaying your personal confidence and mission

How did fashion give you the confidence to fit in? As an awkward teenager, I turned to fashion in order to fit in with the American culture. I learned at an early age that wearing beautiful clothing that fit me and had style gave me a much-needed source of confidence and a sense of my identity. That is what I wanted the Aysha NY brand to do for women. Where do you produce your clothing? In 2019, I made a commitment to make 100% of our garments in New York City. I am committed to doing what we can to bring back jobs to the New York City Garment District. All of our garments are designed, sourced and produced with sustainability in mind. What is something that is unique about your collection? We work with almost 13 different businesses to make one single garment from start to finish! Those 13 factories and suppliers are mostly women-owned or mom-and-pop local businesses.

As you can see, there are no limitations to how many ways you can embrace color — as long as you are sparking joy with your choices. Let’s build a brighter future!

Aysha NY is known for the Blousette, a hybrid garment that is part blouse and part jacket. I’ve tried it on, and the drape, colors and print felt rich! How do you style the Blousette like a VIP? The Blousette is such a versatile piece because it can be worn and styled in so many ways. Our favorite way to wear it is with solid-colored pants. The solid color is important because it does not fight with the Blousette’s print. The pants’ cut can be fitted or more of a trouser style as well.

Speaking of a brighter future, meet Aysha Seed and her namesake fashion brand, Aysha NY, which sparks joy and creates energy with her unique creations. As the brand’s founder, Seed creates garments that are works of art, filled with whimsy, creativity, quirkiness and fun.

So, whether you are a fashion/publishing producer and rep like me, a creative or in the fashion world in any capacity, keep in mind that you are in the business of inducing dopamine and sparking joy through your color choices. Life is too short to wear boring clothes. You are limitless!

I caught up with Seed to find out more about what influences her brand aesthetic. Tell me about the origin of Aysha NY. Aysha NY, a fashion and lifestyle brand, was founded and self-funded with one purpose: to make clothing that will give women the power to utilize fashion in order to control and create perceptions. I’ve been doing this since I was 12 years old, when I moved to the United States with my family from Pakistan.

How will you be sparking joy through dopamine colors? Let me know on LinkedIn @DaniellaPlatt.

Daniella Platt is a brand strategist and author of “Fashion Startup Playbook” and “Ten Commandments to be a Sales Rockstar.” Energy is her fashion statement. Visit daniellaplatt.com for your complimentary brand consultation and your free guide: “How to Dress Rich — on Any Budget” with bonus “Tips to Create a Clothing Line.”

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OBSERVATIONS FORFOR 2022 STYLE IN MENSWEAR 2022 By Leslie Gallin, former president, footwear, Informa Markets By Benjamin S. Seigel, Esq.

T A

here have been some significant changes

menswear styles we noware thatstill wefinding are starting s weinhead into 2022, that to see issome global normalcy to what COVID-19 a constant headline.due Upon writseems to be a lowering of the fears and anxieties ing, we learn that we may be facing a new that the pandemic has brought about throughout and perhaps straindays, of there the isvirus, the countrymore and thevirulent world. These less newly-named Omicron. The health precautions working from home for some, which means more time spentalmost in-persontwo in the office. For— lawyers, we implemented years ago masking, also seeing lessmost Zoom importantly, hearings and more insocialare distancing and, getting court appearances, which has resulted in a move vaccinated — are not only still with us but will away from loungewear and toward suits and ties. seemingly be here to stay for some time to come. While this return to normal has been prevalent, Protecting ourselves, ourcontinue families,toour and loungewear will still be society a part of a our businesses has become an even more importman’s wardrobe. ant component to our way of life.

The Popularity of Seersucker Suits Various news and media outlets are documenting Our retail businesses find themselves specifically this shift in men’s fashion. In a recent article for in theMR dead center of theJones bullseye of disruption Daily, John Russell explored menswear on sothrough many the fronts. Supply bottlenecks, inlenses of the chain popular seersucker suit — and Nationaldemand Seersucker which takes creased consumer andDay, renewed conon inflationary June 9. cerns place about trends — the likes of

which we last saw in the late 1970s and early 1980s Jones shared, “A couple of years ago I had — are rearing their ugly heads.

the pleasure of being a guest of Haspel — the originators of the seersucker suit — for a few days Increasing Storefronts in New Brick-and-mortar Orleans. Although it’s hard to capture the rarifiwe ed need heritage when wearing a Perhaps to one ask feels ourselves, “Is this asuch natusuit while sipping a Sazerac cocktail on a steamy ral course in the evolution of retail selling?” First, evening in the Latin Quarter (I wore a dangerous we had the general store, which gave way to dewhite-on-white classic SB for the occasion), partment stores, and now we find ourselves with slipping into a jacket, a shirt, or even a pair of the advent of a newinshopping thecan inshorts executed the classic emporium: Southern fabric ternet.certainly The silver is coming, as genteel.” was outlined makelining one feel a bit more

in a recent front-page headline of the Wall Street Jones origin“E-commerce of National Seersucker Journal, inalso an shared articlethe titled Needs Day: “According to Wikipedia, Seersucker Real Store Locations Now More Than Ever.” The Thursday was originally initiated by Republican articleSenator said that time since 2017,who we TrentforLottthe of first Mississippi in 1996 are seeing a shift in shop openings that will exceed closures. Brick-and-mortar stores are becoming integral to fulfilling e-commerce orders and are serving as hubs for pick-ups and online returns. 92 | FM AUGUST 2022 Attracting New Generations of Consumers The cost of acquiring customers online has sky-

how they want to shop and what they want at a the building manager becomes the lead stor all news channels. as a for result, speed tolike‘bring nevera before. Consumers be on wanted little Southern charm towant the tobetween stay-at-home styles and And, essentials a many loca Capitol’ to remind the Senate of how story senators world heading back todrop normal living.” as a delivery option. restaurants DoorDash immersed in a brand’s authentic and wish dressed before the advent of air conditioning in to fully understand a company’s values, ethics the 1950s. Of course, Haspel makes a point of Cheong also noted Ermenegildo Zegna, the Italian and sustainability, alongside its artistic roots and What can we learn from this story? Your custom spotlighting the day, and what a better time than luxury fashion designer, as another example of er service team is your front-line contact with th no longernaturally enough to produce tocraftsmanship. take advantage It of is seersucker’s cooling designs that symbolize today’s feelings of freedom properties as customers or return to engi— calledconsumer! “post-sartorial tailoring.” Cheong wrote, public is no We all know the general productsthan thatright arenow quality-driven value offi ces with air-conditioning, pack to for tell summer “The label wastoreported last — year to have easy navigate and today,been businesses also neered —iffy companies now need the stories weddings or just plain want to feel a bit more building a new atelier in Novara, Italy, for the need to investigate not only what the complaint i of their brands. confident and sophisticated at the neighbor’s BBQ construction of all these new jackets, suits and but also...who By using the elec or a Sunday School picnic.” other garments. This the wascomplainant something of ais.musttools at our disposal, To achieve this fully-immersed experience, have re- itemtronic a couple of years back, and it we popscan up quickly see Changing Styles and Colors again every new decade or so.” tailers must utilize marketing via all channels. For the consumer reaching out to us has an influentia Another a change in menswear several indication years, theofword “curation” buzzed around internet presence. The very last thing a compan styles is a shift from dull colors to bright and wacky “Sociable Fashion” how and why retailers brought products to store needs is for a consumer to go viral by defamin ones. In Bervin Cheong’s recent article for Star, Cheong highlighted the fashion industry’s your brand. shelves. when one has a true point titled “No Curation More Drabworks Sweatpants: Men’s Fashion newfound efforts to appeal to and engage with the viewwith andBright can and authentically explain it,hewhich is market. He wrote, “The Valentino collection isofBack Wacky Collections,” Gen-Z sees trendconsumers as a response the increased (for bothI men and women) washope. unveiled at the had the op will leave you with I recently whythis more are tolooking to purchase access to gatherings and travel post-pandemic. Carreau Du Temple in Paris, an old marketplace items from company-owned, mono-brand stores. portunity to pitch a business idea to graduat area filled with cafes and restaurants. Guests of at the University of Southern Californi They can see the full product range and be the ser-showstudents Cheong wrote, “Two years of having to tone were seated at tables as if they were Graduate School of … Business (USC) in a creativ viced by employees who have been trained in the down on our social engagements left lots of us patrons of the establishments. The aesthetic suffering cabin fever. and Designers is all lightweight the initial type of marketing and class.versatile, During the pitch, the clas brand’s from history. It could shouldhave be ajust wonderthe – bold, bright andretailers wacky collections. gender-neutral looks you will often but said very little. What they did sa fulremedy time for independent to shine, andunconventional, the was engaged The sentiment is that we just need to go back to see being worn in TikTok videos. … Outerwear, was that this pitch was the first time they were be ability to offer services, such as alterations, proper having fun with the way we dress, and not feel shirts and T-shirts appeared as loose, with the ing asked solve issues fitting and customer service, will rule the day. guilty about it. Yet, some things have changed. colors vibrant, as if to made to real-world catch attention on and not jus learning theory. A few weeks later, The need for comfort will never be forgotten. screen, more than anything else. If you had to I returned to While we probably (or hopefully) won’t return summarize season’s menswear the thethis class to hear and seeofferings, their presentations, and How do we cultivate and drive the next generation totothe phenomenon of sweatpants and oversize word ‘sociable’ comes to mind. Designers are our products? Video game advertising (which is I was in awe. The thing that got me most was th sweaters again, there is a compromise to be happy to return to designing for the life they know a simplistic way of saying “intrinsic advertising plat- students’ ability to explain their reasoning for th found in the Spring/Summer 2022 designs. best: shoppers back out in the world themselves, approach eachintook form”) of is just onehave way.re-emerged, I won’t bore with celebrating sta- creative Elements tailoring butyou in the with friends, and they dressing their to solve th question atclothes.” hand. Those of us with historic know tistics, rather just say, what child do you know form of aand more casual, less restrictive cut. Fashion newest and brightest houses also quick toplay reference all conedge can be of real value to companies with ou todayare that doesn’t videodestinations games? Let’s over the world, citing them as inspirations.” you look around on teams the street, on thebased upon to guide new forward sider printed magazines. Having online portalsSo, forwhenability subway and in the office, you will notice the engaging new readers is key, but how do you get strong foundation. Cheong also cited Silvia Venturini Fendi — emergence of a new and different menswear style the young reader to your platform? Today, creative director of accessories, menswear and there for the summer season and beyond. If the trends childrenswear at Fendi who has spoken Happy healthy holidays to all, and here’s to are companies who— can support yourabout efforts with mentioned aboveand continue to gain popularity, then the notion of freedom, and your expression in into it will bebrand-new a major improvement for the menswear year! game producers tooptimism interweave products men’s fashion as an example of changing trends manufacturing industry — which will result in their video games! in the industry. improved bottom lines, all of which is good for As president of footwear for Informa Markets the economy. Customer the Digital Leslie Gallin developed the FN Platform, the foot Cheong wrote,Service “Some ofinthe Fendi piecesAge were S. Seigel, Esq. of counsel to the law the world’ aAlittle odd, like a cropped suit that left a delivery model’s toBenjamin DoorDash driver makes a food an wear shows atisMagic. Gallin scouts firm G &best B Law He specializes in matters belly exposed,building but overall they exuded to a carefree apartment and decides relieve themnewLLP.designers and trends, providing unpar related to the textile and apparel industries. He feel. Maybe the collection is just a half-and-half self in the lobby — which is caught on camera. alleled business insights and access into the world version of what fashion has now come to be – can be reached at bseigel@gblawllp.com. The building manager writes and calls DoorDash of footwear and beyond. Gallin is a board mem to share the incident and ask that DoorDash be ber of Footwear Distributors/Representatives o responsible for the cost of the cleanup. DoorDash America; American Apparel and Footwear Assoc responds by saying that the company would be ate; Two Ten-Footwear Charity and From Fashion more than happy to remove the charge for the with Love.org, among others, and has held pos mannpublications.com delivery and offer a coupon for a future order. tions at World Shoe Association, Geoffrey Benne After many attempts to reach a senior executive Escada, Louis Feraud and Pauline Tigere. She ha

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MARKETING IN THE METAVERSE

GOLF CLASSIC By Anne Marie Soto, Retail Marketing Society

and Gen Zs, that number is 32%. Among Baby Boomers and older, 71% wanted nothing to do with the metaverse. In its Retail Reset Framework, Coresight Research highlighted the metaverse as a key trend for 2022. It predicted that the world’s biggest consumer brands would be leading the charge to the mass appeal of the metaverse and related transactions like NFTs. However, the development of the metaverse depends on essential technological infrastructure that’ll make it fun for consumers to be there.

esis is a collection of 2,000 4K animated NFTs which collectors can redeem for an identical pair of Italian-made luxury sneakers. Drop 001 is a collection of varsity jackets with both digital and physical versions. To engage the Web3 community, collectors (not

he building blocks of the metaverse and NFTs are in place. Coresight Research estimates that the digital innovations market could be worth $100+ billion by 2023, driven by hyper-growth in crypto, the metaverse, NFTs and other related DeFi (decentralized finance) technologies. Seventy-five percent of retailers and brands will have a presence in the metaverse by 2025, and according to Mark Zuckerberg, this next platform will be even more immersive than what we have now. It will be an in-bodied internet where consumers will be in the experience, not just looking at it.

2020

— the appeal is to people who want to BENEFITING NATIONAL JEWISH customers HEALTH possess multiple NFTs) can select a unique patch

artwork design from pioneers within the Web3 space: Deeze, Wonderpals, Robotos, The Heart Project and HPPRS. Although, at this point, the majority of collectors are male, Cult & Rain does not want to be a singular gender brand. Therefore, the Varsity Jacket collection was deliberately designed to appeal to all genders.

EL CABALLERO MONDAY, COUNTRY CLUB the early days of e-commerce taught us anyMAY 4“Ifthing,” said Driscoll, “it’s that retailers need to be Tarzana, California where their consumers are even before their consumers get there.” Retailers and brands need to pay attention to the metaverse.

Opportunities for further collector engagement are

currently inSERVICES the works. Cultr World will essentialLOS ANGELES REAL ESTATE AND FINANCIAL

ly be a gateway to multiple experiences in the “The gist of it,” continued Driscoll, “is that the bar- metaverse, including Cultr Lounge, where it will riers to entry are driving adoption. New VR sets host meetings, town halls, discussion groups and will make it even more exciting, and shoppers will a Cultr Shop, where collectors can collect and Anthony Behrstock enjoy immersive experiences. It is generational, David Sonnenblick buy physical products that correspond to their digCommonwealth Land and Title Sonnenblick-Eichner Company 13to 24-year-olds are really the most familiar ital wearables. A recent Retail Marketing Society webinar exand 75% of Gen Zers have actually purchased a Co-Chair Co-Chair plored the implications of this platform for the redigital asset within a virtual game. Sixty percent Revenue Streams tail community. Subject matter experts were Robin “In terms ofMichael revenue,” Rosenblum said Griffiths, “the future of Zach Brandler Charles Eberly Fred Lionetti of Gen Zers believe that brands should be selling Lewis, CEO, The Robin Report; Marie Driscoll, Douglas Elliman Real Estate The Eberly Company Business Broker and Consultant Rosenblum Law and Office digital brands doesn’t start stop with physon Metaverse platforms.” Luxury Research Analyst, Coresight Research and ical products. We have identified four different Andy Griffiths, CMO, Cult&Rain. Jonathan Canter Ronald Friedman Todd 1) Sherman digital assets tied to physical Griffiths concurred. “ThereJeff is aMann generation of our revenue streams: JP Morgan Securities Marcum LLP Mann Publications First Pacific Financial products; 2) digital only. Selling digital collections children … and our children’s children who are Why the Metaverse for avatars to wear, to be worn in gaming, to Lewis opened the discussion with some statis- going to live parallel lives. They’re going to have Steven Cohen Carrie Jenkins Deborah Medway Paul Stern be interoperable with different metaverses; 3) tics from research conducted by Fortune Ana- a digital life, and they’re also going to have a real Real Estate Investment and Triumph Business Capital Commonwealth Land Titlephysical only, Guggenheim Commercial Real which we’re also working on now, life, and they’re going to be interchangeable.” lytics. This study found that 37% of U.S. adults Operational Exec and Principal Estate Finance, LLC where we will have 300 physical sneakers, differsay they’ve heard nothing about the metaverse, William Levinson Eric Nelson ent to the Genesis Drop, same mold, same styles, A Luxury Brand at the Forefront 48% said they have heard a little and only 15% Carlton Fields Rimrock Real Estate Ventures Cult & Rain is a disruptive digital luxury fashion but different colorways to sell within traditional have heard a lot. Second point, 0.9% of U.S. adults say they’re extremely interested in using the house brand that merges innovative NFT art platforms, traditional eCommerce platforms and metaverse/3D virtual world. Another 13% say with exclusive high end physical redeemables. 4) trades and revenue that you get from the secondary market by trading NFTs.” they’re very interested. Twenty-nine percent say The brand saw that within the NFT and Web3 community, there were digital assets that weren’t they are somewhat interested. Fourteen percent of U.S. adults say they’ve used the metaverse/a being tied to physical products, particularly in the Retail Marketing Society (201)692-8087 network of 3D virtual worlds while 86% said they luxury fashion space. To date, they have launched two “phygital” collections — collections that tran- retailmarketingsociety.org had not. Twenty-seven percent of adults would scend both the physical and digital worlds. Gen- retailmarketingsoci@retailmarketingsociety.org like to shop in the metaverse. Among millennials

2020 COMMITTEE

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THE DESIGNER IS … WHO? By Linda Tucker, EdD

education. It’s a shame that these basic human rights need to be spelled out as goals — and that the attainment goal is more than seven years away. These are people. They deserve recognition. They have an identity.

n a recent Vogue Business article, titled “The Indian artisans behind Paris Couture. Recognition at last?”, the author gave a shoutout to the needle arts workers in India. For its Spring/Summer 2022 show, Dior commissioned a huge 3,600-square-foot backdrop that took over 200,000 hours and 320 artisans to create. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s artistic director, was quoted in the article, stating, “In the Eurocentric tradition, we have talked about the excellence of countries like France and Italy … [and,] in order to do so, we have overlooked or underplayed other stories that are fundamental in understanding the richness that defines contemporaneity globally.” This got me thinking … The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs is the gatekeeper for the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network, a partnership of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Fashion Impact Fund. On its online platform is this statement: “Considering the fashion and lifestyle sector’s significant impact on societies and the environment, the Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network fosters transparent, inclusive, and transformative engagement of global stakeholders …”

More recently, New York initiated the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, which called for corporate accountability and environmental justice. The provisions of the law pertain to the environment, labor and business. While there is mention of how garment workers have been exploited in the past, the focus of this legislation is mostly on worker and facility safety. I got to thinking some more. In these current times where traceability is a large part of being sustainably responsible, wouldn’t it be reasonable to give credit to those who contributed to the creation of the fashion as well as to the designer? Look at the credits at the end of a movie. Listed are all those who assisted in the creation of the film, from directors and costume designers to gaffers and caterers — and some jobs we’ve never heard of. At the end of the film, the list of credits can roll as long as five to 10 minutes listing as many as 2,000 names.

Transparent, inclusive and transformative. Big ideals, but what does this statement mean?

If fashion designers were held to the same standard, they might need to do the same. For example, each design house would reveal the fabric designer. Or, if the art came from a totally different source — such as an African or Native American artist — then that person would be recognized. In years past, designers have been criticized for cultural appropriation. In the bigger picture, when a textile artist isn’t identified, that is appropriation of a different kind.

Of the 17 goals set forth by the UN, four of them apply directly to the workforce. Goals one through four deal with no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being and quality

Shouldn’t a textile artist be acknowledged and/ or paid for the use of their art? Most times, they are not. It is a common practice and a form of plagiarism. According to the 2022 Oxford

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Dictionary, plagiarism is “the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.” Although not illegal, plagiarism is considered a violation of honor. Now I realize that this might be a radical idea, but aren’t we attempting to be more transparent? Isn’t documenting the origin of fibers and fabrics an effort to be more accountable and honest? Why doesn’t this apply to the unseen workers who make the designers’ ideas a reality? If we’re going to care about the global environment and its people, shouldn’t we recognize those people? While these garment workers usually don’t seek to be famous, they carry with them a sense of pride in helping to create such works of art as an evening gown or a swimsuit. How much more pride and loyalty could be gained by recognizing their identity? It may not be reasonable to include on a hangtag all the names of those who worked on a garment, but perhaps they could be included in the “About Us” section of the company website or in a list published annually in a trade paper that says, “Thank you for contributing to our success.” What’s happened to our humanity? We shouldn’t need legislation or government intervention to recognize people that help in the creation of the clothes we wear. Isn’t it time to give credit where credit is due?

Linda Tucker is a seasoned fashion professional with demonstrated experience in fashion design, retailing, wholesale apparel selling, sales force management and business consulting. She has a strong background in teaching at both the college and university level, has obtained an EdD degree in organizational leadership from University of La Verne and has written a book entitled “Apparel Wholesale Selling: From Manufacturer to Retailer.”

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Leave it to the Experts... With insights from the industry’s leading experts and executives, Fashion Mannuscript’s newest section covers the ins and outs of the financial world. From banking and factors to supply chain issues, advancements in e-commerce technologies and insights on apparel and consumer products, Fashion Mannuscript now offers an exclusive, insider view on how brands can best do business today.

TRADESHOWS: Creating Event-Driven Platforms Connecting and Inspiring the Global Fashion Community as it Evolves.

TRADE SHOWS

SAVULA JOINS DALLAS MARKET CENTER AS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST

ndustry veteran Dave Savula has joined Dallas Market Center as business development strategist, the company announced. Savula is responsible for growth strategy across the marketplace with special focus on home décor/design and gifts. He brings more than 25 years of experience to Dallas Market Center, most recently having served in executive roles with International Market Centers (IMC) and AmericasMart. Savula reports to Dallas Market Center president and CEO, Cindy Morris. Dallas Market Center is a global business-tobusiness trade center and wholesale marketplace

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in North America, connecting retailers and interior designers with manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting and apparel. Inside its five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via trade events for gift, home décor, holiday and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America and the largest and most successful open-daily design center, the company said.

“Dave has the respect of the industry, the vision for strategic growth, and the track record of innovation,” said Morris. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team. His role is to identify new opportunities and to help capitalize upon our trajectory for trade events and daily business. I’m confident he will help attract new resources and enhance the marketplace experience for buyers and sellers.” Savula joins Dallas Market Center during unprecedented growth in new buyers visiting the open-daily marketplace and new brands taking space in its 5 million square foot collection of buildings, the company said. The marketplace

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TRADE SHOWS

has recently welcomed more than 40 new and expanding showrooms. Its June 2022 Apparel & Accessories Market was the largest since 2004, and its June 2022 Temps at Total Home & Gift Market was completely reimagined and expanded for the largest summer exhibition in more than a decade, Dallas Market Center added. “I’m pleased to join a company with such tremendous momentum and that balances an aggressive growth mindset with a focus on customer partnerships,” said Savula. “Dallas Market Center is the talk of the wholesale trade in North America and for good reason. They understand where the business is heading, they

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are staying true to their family-owned company values and they are committed to creating outstanding opportunities for brands to connect with buyers.” Savula joins a team of leadership in gift and home that includes Joan Ulrich, executive vice president, leasing; Jo Ann Miller Marshall, senior vice president, leasing; Troy Hanson and Lori Castillo, senior leasing directors and Nancy Axtman and Nancy Wolkow, leasing directors. Dallas Market Center is the largest open-daily design center in North America, with more than 1.5 million square feet of home and design

manufacturers. Each month, thousands of interior designers visit the marketplace, and design events throughout the year are held in partnership with industry organizations and media partners. Four times a year, its Total Home & Gift Markets welcome gift and home buyers from around the world. Twice a year, the marketplace hosts the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, Lightovation. Savula most recently served as EVP of IMC and president of gift and apparel. Previously, he served AmericasMart as executive vice president for more than 20 years and was vice president of leasing for MMPI/High Point Market.

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TRADE SHOWS

Photo courtesy of Equipment

Designfocused Brands Spark Sales at IMC Trade Shows

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ashion design often debuts at runway shows with custom-fitted, high-end designs in directional color palettes conceptualized and created by luxury designers. Everyday brands translate pieces of these exaggerated, high-end designs into their creations with a flair that recreates these aspirational looks into ontrend ready-to-wear fashion. “Design is a differentiator; the best designs are those that successfully pinpoint elements of runway fashion and translate them perfectly for their target markets,” said Caron Stover, International Market Centers’ (IMC) SVP, apparel. “Whether shopping in a boutique or strolling in a museum, well-designed items speak to you and engage you.” “Good design” has no specific definition, but for business success, a design must fit industryspecific parameters. For apparel, good design must address utility, aesthetic and durability, and accessories and footwear must be designed to withstand everyday wear and serve a purpose. International Market Centers’ Atlanta Apparel and Las Vegas Apparel offer retailers a chance to find well-designed apparel, shoes and accessories that translate timely trends to wearable pieces. JuniperMarket.com, IMC’s online, year-round wholesale marketplace, allows buyers to source and shop between physical Markets. Find these design-led products — and thousands more — at IMC’s physical and digital markets this summer:

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Equipment Equipment fuses French sophistication with effortlessly chic style. Staying true to its heritage, the new Equipment collection recalls the classic, nonchalantly European undertones of the illustrious brand. Timeless and innovative, the collection exudes discreet sexiness through luxe fabrics and unexpected details found in modern, androgynous silhouettes. The Equipment line can be found in the Ambrosia Showroom at AmericasMart Atlanta. equipmentfr.com Anne-Marie Chagnon With the arrival of spring styles, the Spring/ Summer 2022 collection at Anne-Marie Chagnon is all about fluid movements, emotions and stories that celebrate the beauty of all things raw and delicate. Built around a contradictory fusion of textures and materials, the collection invites self-expression in every way possible by embodying all of Anne-Marie Chagnon’s core values. Anne-Marie Chagnon can be found in the Tim Philbin Showroom at AmericasMart Atlanta. annemariechagnon.com/en/ Musse & Cloud Craftsmanship and practicality have been at the core of Musse & Cloud since its inception. The multigenerational, family-owned and operated business with over 70 years in the footwear industry has found success stemming from dedication to a core philosophy: each season, design and technology come together to create products that stem from life’s necessities. Even after expanding internationally with products produced and designed in Spain, Musse

Photo courtesy of Anne Marie Chagnon

Photo courtesy of Musse & Cloud

TRADE SHOWS

& Cloud stays true to these roots. Working in tandem with a local production network, the company aims to strike a balance between traditional artisanal techniques and innovative practices to ensure that the promise of quality craftsmanship can be seen and felt in each pair of Musse & Cloud shoes. Musse & Cloud can be shopped wholesale in temporary booths at both Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta and Las Vegas Apparel at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. musseandcloudusa.com DAPH Started in 2016, Peruvian-born designer Daphne Benzaquen founded DAPH as a means to let her creative thinking and business-savvy mindset positively impact her Peruvian roots while introducing the world to the amazing craftsmanship and resources coming out of the rich country of Peru. From the early days making paper handbag models, the brand grew beyond leather accessories to include alpaca fiber apparel designs. DAPH pieces reflect a love for natural, quality, handcrafted treasures made with techniques passed down through several Peruvian generations. Find DAPH 24/7/365 on junipermarket.com. shopdaph.com

IMC presents these design-focused products and thousands more on August 2 through August 6 at Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta (atlanta-apparel.com) and August 7 through August 10 at Las Vegas Apparel at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas (lasvegasapparel.com), or shop JuniperMarket by IMC anytime and everywhere at junipermarket.com.

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SWATHS OF COLOR PUZZLE BY MYLES MELLOR

FOR ANSWERS, PLEASE VISIT

MANNPUBLICATIONS.COM/FASHIONMANNUSCRIPT/ CROSSWORD-ANSWERS-AUGUST-ISSUE-2022/

Across

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1. They may be volumized 4. Strive toward an ideal 9. Elegant 10. Fabric made on a loom fitted with a device to facilitate the weaving of figured and brocaded fabrics 11. Chihuahua for one 12. DXV’s new luxury kitchen collection 14. Hindu toga 15. Philosophy suffi x 17. Born in French 18. Chapter, for short 19. Land of choli tops and lehenga skirts 21. Black Opium or Flowerbomb 23. Cheerleader’s cry 24. Spiked the punch 26. Full of fun 29. Queenly 30. Swaths of color 32. Stretch out 33. Color describing the goal of conservation 34. Tint of color

Down 1. Bridal bikini creators, 2 words 2. Emotionally moved 3. Former lover 5. Disks sewn onto clothing 6. Dream up 7. Hair problem: split ___ 8. Lady of pop who sang “Fashion!” 10. London based new-gen photographer, ___ Olins 13. X on a sundial 16. Silk or wool fabric woven so as to have a raised surface 18. Type of sweater 20. Trendy and fun fashion brand created by Claire Henderson and Mike Branney, 2 words 22. Sandy island 25. Shape shown off on the catwalk 27. Orange color 28. Paris-based womenswear brand founded by Chloe Lin and Franck Lin 31. Kilogram, for short

AUGUST 2022

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Mann About Town

Nothing HOTTER than Mann About Town Consider being part of it in helping promote your brand through our print and digital platforms

Director of New Business Development Penelope Herrera pherrera@mannpublications.com

Distribution in New York Los Angeles Miami Palm Beach The Hamptons

Call for more information 212-840-6266 ext. 313

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

#atlapparel #shoplva | @apparelmarkets

How to Make a Dress: A Memoir By Jenny Packham (August 1) Packham explores her own illustrious career as a dressmaker — during which she designed dresses for celebrities, brides and royalty — in this personal story of style. Packham outlines her creative inspirations and takes readers into her studio and onto the red carpet, asking the question, what is the meaning of our clothes? Prêt-à-Porter: Paris and Women By Alexis Romano (August 11) In this first-ever critical history of French ready-made fashion, Romano explores the historical narrative and wider cultural context of these garments. Through close study of iconic fashion magazines and other media sources, Romano identifies the ways that French readymade garments developed alongside French fashion photography. The Power of Plus: Inside Fashion’s Sizeinclusive Revolution By Gianluca Russo (August 16) The call for diversity in the fashion world has intensified, and the increased visibility of plus-size people and fashion is changing the industry for the better. Through interviews with plus-size fashion icons such as Tess Holiday, Emma Aronson and Gabbi Gregg, Russo traces the evolution of the plus-size fashion industry and how it has influenced shoppers’ relationships with their bodies. Fashion, Dress and Post-postmodernism By José Blanco F. & Andrew Reilly (August 25) An exploration of technology, temporality, appearance and fashion, Blanco F. and Reilly deep-dive into the era that is now being called postpostmodernism through examples such as recent post-postmodern fashion exhibitions, geographical markers and social networking apps.

Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech By Michael Darling (August 30) Through interviews, essays and personal files, Darling explores Abloh’s design aesthetic through the lenses of art history, streetwear, race and high fashion to provide insights into the designer’s acclaimed and tragically short career.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE FUTURE OF FASHION Covers courtesy of Amazon Books

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CONSUMERS ARE READY TO TRAVEL! More than half of U.S. consumers surveyed expect to return to their pre-pandemic leisure travel behavior within 6 months. Find out what they’re buying and where, online and in-store, to meet their pent-up demand.

LEARN MORE

Contact your NPD account representative, call 866-444-1411, or email contactnpd@npd.com. Source: The NPD Group/Consumer Survey, May 2021

aries

August is a great time to live your life to the fullest, Aries. You are known to seek adventure and take risks, and this month is no different. You will experience unexpected positive changes that will play a major role in your personal growth — now and through the rest of the year. Try new things and don’t hesitate to participate in social events.

gemini

You may face some health problems this month, so you are advised to take caution regarding your well-being. However, your finances will remain profitable and your career is looking great in August. Whether your hard work is recognized or you recieve a promotion, you will be feeling on top of your craft.

leo

This month, heavy Leo placements are thriving. Remain focused on your goals, and do not listen to those who try to talk negatively toward your dreams — people are intimated by your ambitions and the confidence you have in reaching them. While you are focused and driven to reach your goals, make sure not to get caught up in your ego, as your loved ones may be feeling neglected.

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in the

Leo Tarot Card Leo’s Tarot card, the Strength Card, embodies nature in its most primal form, allowing the Lion to embody and express its true self. This card is not only about physical strength, but also represents strength of the heart, mind and soul.

taurus

Sun, Venus and Mercury placements suggest a great month for Taureans. Romance hasn’t been coming easily for you, but the issue is that you are focusing too much on it — instead, shift your focus to self-growth and change your outlook on finding love. Let love find you! Taureans in relationships can spark romance in their relationships by trying new things with their partners.

cancer

Many Cancers are facing challenges when it comes to their health and fitness goals during August. Consistency is key for success — going to the gym is a great routine to form to help your physical and mental health. Seek ways that feel natural for you to learn your mind, as you may be neglecting your own self-care routines to focus on others.

virgo

You are attracting a lot of positive attention this month, Virgo. Make sure to stay on your toes and not stray away from any social events — you can use these situations to your advantage and learn new things about yourself. Your health and finances are both looking good this month as well.

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stars... libra

August is a great month to spend with friends and family, Libra, as you are feeling connected to your long-term friends. However, Jupiter will remain positioned in your sixth house — the house of diseases — in a retrograde position, so you are likely to suffer from some health issues during this month. Be sure to listen to your body when something doesn’t feel right.

sagittarius

During this month, Sagittarians may become more interested in exploring their spirituality. Those who are married can look forward to a harmonious month with their spouses, as well as an increase in intimacy. Your finances and career life both seem to be going well, though your health may be a little shaky — be mindful of what you put in your body.

aquarius

Although you are worried about your career and health, the stars show that you will have a relatively good month. Try not to be hyper-focused on what could go wrong and instead focus on the positives. Sometimes, your outlook on a situation can change your destiny. Remain positive and do what you can to achieve the results you hope for!

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Virgo Tarot Card The Hermit, Virgo’s Tarot Card, represents one of the most important parts of one’s journey. This card is a potent force of the spiritual insights and knowledge that comes from within.

scorpio

Scorpios will start this month in a positive state of mind. Be careful not to focus only on your physical form, as your mental and spiritual self is just as important to maintain. During August, your loved ones will seek your time and company, so make sure to save room in your busy month to spend quality time with them.

capricorn

Heavy Capricorn placements may feel tense this month due to their declining financial reports. Remember that money comes and goes — try not to be too hard on yourself during this time, as you are already going above and beyond at work. It is okay to take a break! You will bounce back from your current stagnant financial situation. Take this month to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

pisces

Pisces placements have been feeling more stress than usual, but August will bring some conclusions to your troubles. You will experience a shift in energy that brings about a good mood and may change your outlook on those ongoing troubles. Remain hopeful — you can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

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ALF CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC

Business Honoree

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22, 2022 24th Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic benefiting cancer research Maidstone Club, East Hampton, NY 10:30 am: Registration & Brunch 1 pm: Shotgun Start 5:30 pm: Cocktails followed by Awards Dinner & Live Auction Foursome cost: $8,800 Cost per person: $2,200 includes brunch, golf, cocktails, awards dinner, premier goodie bag & opportunities to bid on prestigious golf & travel opportunities

Dan Pontecorvo Global Director of Real Estate & Engineering Jane Street Capital

To reserve your foursome please contact Jean Skidgel @ jlskidgel@gmail.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ANN LIGUORI FOUNDATION VISIT: https://annliguori.com/ philanthropy/

BY THE NUMBERS

GROWING, CHANGING, STAYING THE SAME:

THE FUTURE OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY As we fully settle into summer and into the second half of 2022, this month’s By The Numbers focuses on the many ways that the fashion industry has grown in just this year alone — and how it will continue to expand as time goes on. Be it in-person shopping, e-commerce sales or the ever-increasingly popular m-commerce (mobile commerce) market, studies are showing that just as the fashion industry is adapting to the technologies of the day, it will still continue to grow thanks to sales from more traditional shopping methods. Below, learn more about the current and predicted values of fashion markets, the increase in online sales and how shoppers decide to make purchases — by the numbers.

263 MILLION

The expected percentage of U.S. retail sales that will still take place in brick-and-mortar stores in 2024. (Forrester)

$759.5 BILLION

The net worth of the fashion industry’s e-commerce market. (Common Thread Collective)

$239 BILLION

The predicted value of the children’s clothing market by 2023. (Zippia)

58%

Percentage of consumers for whom flexible shipping options are important to their shopping experience. (Shopify)

$7.63 BILLION The expected net worth of the global bridal wear market by 2023. (Market Watch)

53%

Percentage of shoppers who will find a product instore and then buy it online. (Shopify)

108 MILLION The number of “social buyers” — those making online purchases via social media — by 2025.

72%

The number of American customers who shop online — which equals almost 80% of the population. (Statista)

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SOCIAL SOIREE

On The

Red Carpet BY R. COURI HAY Tabletop Design Event: Breast Cancer Research Foundation Iris Dankner, the founder of Holiday House and a breast cancer survivor, welcomed the Hamptons design community for a tabletop event to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Jean Shafiroff, honorary chair, and Andrea Stark of Stark Carpet and decorator Campion Plat, design chairs, led the perfumed pack to the showcase. The day featured chic tabletops from leading designers, including ABC Carpet & Home, Abundant Habitat, Amal Kapen, Ashley Stark and Sarah Lenderman.

Garden. The after-party followed a dinner that honored George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, Linda Goode Bryant and Wolfgang Tillmans. The bevy of guests included artists Cindy Sherman, Maria Kreyn and Bentley Meeker, who also designed the glamorous lighting throughout the space; Martin Scorsese, Tamara Mellon and Michael Ovitz; Stavros Niarchos and Dasha Zhukova; Larry Gagosian, Thelma Golden, Marc Glimcher, Stephanie March, Marie-Josee and Henry Kravis; Mimi Hass and Michael Bloomberg, who is in a race with Mayor Eric Adams to see how many NYC events they can add their pizzazz to. moma.org

“After producing four successful virtual showhouses during lockdown, we are thrilled to be back with live events and reunited with our beloved design industry members, talented designers and loyal patrons,” said Dankner. holidayhousehamptons.com

“The Tinder Swindler:” Stronger Together CEO Chagit Leviev of Leviev Diamonds launched the “Stronger Together” bracelet in collaboration with “The Tinder Swindler” stars Cecilie Fjelhoy, Pernilla Sjöholm and Ayleen Charlotte at a glamorous party at Mister French in NYC. Guests included designers Libbie Mugrabi and Frederick Anderson, Morgan Stanley’s wealth manager Sergio Nicolosi, Dr. Lee Phillips and this magazine’s publisher, Jeff Mann. Guests enjoyed tasty kosher bites as well as the reveal of the bracelet, which was designed by the four women. The item features two golden rings and two natural diamonds, interlocking together representing how women are stronger together.

Taste of Summer at Central Park Conservancy Chef Todd English, Neil Patrick Harris, Gillian Hearst, Carol and Earl Mac, Elsie Newhouse, Dori Cooperman and Betsy Smith led the way to the glorious Bethesda Fountain in Central Park for the Central Park Conservancy’s Taste of Summer Annual Food Festival. Chairs Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, Kristy and Jonathan Korngold and Evelyn and David McCabe welcomed guests to a night of light bites and beats by DJ Timo Weiland. Over 40 restaurants, including Benoit by Alan Ducasse, Sant Ambroeus, Melba’s, Serendipity 3, Maison Pickle, Phillippe Chow and Tavern on the Green participated in the event. Tiki Chick and SmartWater created a specialty cocktail for the evening, while 90+ Cellars provided the wines and Brooklyn Brewery brought the beer. The fun fest was sponsored by Macquarie and raised $1.1 million to preserve our precious green oasis. The party’s festive florals were designed by Raiola/Co. centralparknyc.org Party in the Garden at the Museum of Modern Art The rain could not stop the beautiful people from hitting the dance floor to the beats of Anderson .Paak — who performed as DJ .Peewee — at the Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) Party in the Garden, which took place in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture

All profits from the bracelet will go to the women to help them recoup their financial losses from Leviev imposter, Shimon Hayut, aka the Tinder Swindler. “These women were courageous enough to go on Netflix and tell the whole world how they were deceived. I felt their pain as a woman, and I wanted to reach out to them to offer our support to do something together,” said Leviev. leviev.com New York Special Screening of “The Andy Warhol Diaries” “The Andy Warhol Diaries” are particularly relevant, given the recent record-breaking sale of his “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” painting for $195 million. Warhol gave me my first job, and I am featured both in his actual diaries as well as the brilliant six-part Netflix series by Ryan Murphy, executive producer, and Andrew Rossi, director. Warhol was intensely tight-lipped about his personal life — except to a few of us, who witnessed the ups and downs of his love life

— and this was among the reasons why Warhol wanted the diaries published posthumously. Warhol loved gossip, and used it in the end to talk about his own secret life. A cross-section of friends — from John Waters to Rob Lowe — all dished about life around Warhol. “The Diaries” deftly validates Warhol’s belief that the idea is not to live forever, but to create art that will. Brooke Shields, Theodora Richards, Laurie Anderson, Will Cotton and Rose Dergan, Cynthia Rowley, Francisco Costa and John DeStefano, Anh Duong, Amy Fine Collins, Justin Wilkes and Libbie Mugrabi were among the first to see the series that had its premiere at The Whitney Museum. In a controversial but compelling decision, Rossi uses cutting-edge AI techniques to insert Warhol’s own voice into the documentary. “To fully appreciate the radical vulnerability that Andy shares in ‘The Diaries,’ I felt that we needed to hear the words in Andy’s own voice,” said Rossi. netflix.com Antique Show & Young Collectors Night for the East Side House Settlement This year’s 68th Antique Show transformed the old Barneys space into a fun six-floor art fair to benefit the East Side House Settlement. The party was chaired by Lucinda Ballard, Michael Lynch and Helen Allen. In the mix: Jane Seymour, Polina Proshkina, Martha Stewart, Michael Bloomberg, Lizzie Tisch and the organization’s Daniel Diaz and Thaddeus Gray. The Young Collectors Night — whose supporters included Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Jeffrey Caldwell, Alice Wright, Emily Collins, Alex Armstrong and Elise Taylor — was equally glamorous. The proceeds benefited the Settlement’s education programs in the Bronx and northern Manhattan. The event included an installation by the American Museum of Folk Art, haute couture from Christian Siriano and Victor de Souza and window jewelry box displays by art historian Levi Higgs. “Everything I wear is a do and everything else is a don’t,” said Siriano. thewintershow.org

SOCIAL SOIREE

Yuan Fang, Michael Diaz-Griffith, Lydia Johnson, Robbie Gordy, Mieke ten Have, Lucinda May, Sam Dangremond, Jeffrey Caldwell (© BFA)

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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 AUGUST 23 - 26, 2022 dallasmarketcenter.com

@dallasmarket

Inspiration Starts Here.

SOCIAL SOIREE

Opera Lafayette’s “Susanna” The French Embassy — which loves to promote culture — hosted a fabulous evening of cocktails in honor of the Opera Lafayette’s upcoming production of Stradella’s incomparable 1681 oratorio “Susanna,” which is based on the Old Testament story of Susanna and the Elders. The Opera Lafayette is the pre-eminent interpreter and producer of period instrument opera from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Baroque music lovers and harpsichord players, please note below.

Photos courtesy of Opera Lafayette by John Sanderson/AnnieWatt.com

Galina Novikkova, Francois Dubois

Samuel Triboulet, April Gow, Mattias Ederer

BY MICHELE GERBER KLEIN

John French, Carol French

Dimty Milberg, Horacio Milberg

Shawn Ingram, Yvonne Ben Galina Nouvikova, Angela Chen

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Max Jakin

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A Closer Look

Miami Swim Week 2022

L et’s ta ke a cl oser look at M ia mi’s hottes cluded the ho t event, Mia m ttest brands i Swim Week. that showca se the most flat This year’s w d the most ec tering design eek incentric prints s that form to ty Little Thin , colorf ul st yl ever y body ty g, Lulo Fa m es pe and . O a and Cupshe. ur favorite pi rics, mesh cu ck s include P You will be ab t-outs and bo retle to see the ld prints that smooth lycra are a must ha fabve for your va cation wardro be.

RAPHAEL JAVAHERTI AND THE BEGINNING OF… MERGE ACTIVEWEAR AND STREET STYLE BY LAUREN D’ERRICO

Photo courtesy of Megan Sistachs

thleisure trends are more popular than ever with shoppers across genders and age groups, and it’s clear that activewear is no longer just for the gym. Serious athletes and casual movers alike want garments that can transition from the gym to the streets — which is where The Beginning Of… comes in. The Beginning Of… is a fashion-forward activewear brand offering garments that are ergonomic and on-trend for affordable prices. The brand’s offerings include highneck and scoop padded sports bras and bralettes, contoured leggings, cropped shirts and jackets, maxi dresses and bodysuits in white, lilac, terracotta, granite, light blue and washed grey and blue colorways. The styles are seamless, moisture-wicking and designed with doubled-layered fabrics to add extra support and compression, making them appropriate for all forms of exercise. No matter the garment, central to the brand’s message is the creation of high-quality garments that empower wearers to reach their goals in the gym — and outside of it, too. Product names like the “Get Up and Go” bra, the “Killin’ It” bodysuit and the “Superhero Girl” leggings offer inspiration and confidence to wearers, and the brand’s sustainable values ensure that The Beginning Of… products are positively impacting the earth as well. The Beginning Of… was created by fashion industry veteran Raphael Javaherti, who brought his 30-plus years of experience in fabric production and distribution to the activewear brand. Below, Javaherti shared his distinguished career in the fashion industry that led him to establish the brand, how The Beginning Of… is unique from other activewear brands and what the brand’s future holds as it continues to expand its offerings and reach. Tell me about your background in the fashion industry. What drew you to the activewear industry? I was a third-generation textile company, initially. I migrated to New York in 1978 when I was 14 years old for my cousins’ Bar Mitzvoth. There was a revolution in Iran, so we never went back — we stayed in New York as tourists. My father was in the textile business and had offices in Italy — for many years, we imported fabrics from Italy and distributed them in New York. We moved to Los Angeles in 1989, where I worked for my father. In 1991, I was reading Women’s Wear Daily, and there was an article about this new-age fabric called Lyocell, which later became Tencel. I contacted the company [featured in the

LAST LOOK article], Courtaulds, and told them that I had a textile degree — and if they gave me the fiber, then I would work on it and develop it with them. Long story short, we sent the fabric to weaving companies that we knew in the Carolinas. At the time, we were importing fabrics from Japan and dyeing them in Los Angeles at a dye house. The issue with Tencel, in the beginning, was that you could finish it, but it would pill again. After nine months of trial and error, in 1992, we became the first company to develop commercially viable, large-volume Tencel fabrics in the United States. We were selling to Jones New York, Liz Claiborne, Perry Ellis and other brands. Within two or three years, we had sales offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Tokyo, Osaka, Melbourne and Sydney. All we did was Tencel — Tencel by itself and with cotton, rayon, in denim, printed and yarn-dyed. After many years of growth — during which everything was made in the USA — the government suddenly passed NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement), and all of the United States dye houses died. We had to reinvent ourselves. How did your business adapt and respond to this change? We took our know-how and knowledge to Korea. It took us about six months to a year to establish factories in Korea, and then our business actually grew again — at the time, we were able to add more products at lower prices that were equal in quality. We got some really nice volume in our international business. Fast forward to 2006, China was let into the WTO (World Trade Organization), and that was the beginning of the end for us in Korea. Most of the Korean companies were public companies, and they started going out of business because Chinese companies would undercut them. Our customers told us that if we wanted to keep our fabric orders, then we had to make private label full packages. We resisted as long as we could, but we were losing orders and had no other choice. Things were changing. We got into doing packages. It was good, because we knew the factories that were shipping the fabrics. [Those factories] would give us styles and tech packs to do costing and samples, and as long as the fit and the price was fine, then we had nice orders. Our clients were Kellwood Company, Wet Seal, Deliah’s, JC Penney, Sears and other brands. We had many nice domestic accounts, but starting in 2013, these publicly-traded companies went out of business one by one.

How did you transition from these previous roles in the fashion industry into the creation of The Beginning Of…? After being in this business for more than 30 years, and being on both sides of selling fabrics and designing and producing garments, I thought, “Maybe it’s time I roll the dice for myself and launch my own brand.” In April, we launched our website, thebeginningof.com, and our Amazon shop. We took our best-selling styles and upgraded the fabric qualities and finishes. We also used some sustainable and recycled fabrics. All of our garments are dyed with dyes that are AZO-free (so there are no carcinogens) and PFSA-free, which means they are free of fluorine. Where did the name The Beginning Of… come from? It means the beginning of the chapter. You can fill in the blanks [after the ellipsis] any way that you like. The Beginning Of… is a new journey, a new venture or the next chapter of your life or your business. What is the brand ethos behind The Beginning Of…? We offer premium-quality activewear that is on par in quality with Alo Yoga or Lululemon — but at half the price. The Beginning Of… is factory direct and made in vertical mills. Especially in these inflationary times, we want to give people value for their money. I knew that now was the right time to launch [the brand] to offer the right trends. For example, most of our styles have 3D textures and patterns as well as tensions that are strategically placed to hold or accentuate curves and offer extra support with double-layer fabrics. We don’t skimp on our fabrics — everything is heavy, washable and high quality. Tell me more about the brand’s current collection. In order to meet minimums of size and color [at this stage of production], we currently can’t offer sizes XS or XXL, because it would be too much inventory. Rather than taking orders and bringing in goods, we’re front-loading our inventory based on our own projections. In order to have a safe business [our current offerings] are sized with split-sizing — XS/S, S/M and L/XL — because our fabrics have great stretch and recovery. What does “performance by design” mean to your brand? When we were thinking about the collection, we asked, “What will be our brand’s DNA?” Anyone who does sports wants to see results — that comes from performance. We are designing the performance [of the products], from the garments’ fibers

to tension, construction, weight, dye processes and finishing, as well as making sure that there are no harmful chemicals used in manufacturing. This thoughtful ethos, which is our version of performance, is included by design — we have [made these efforts] consciously and create our products purposely. What activewear trends are customers most excited about? The biggest trends that I see — and what people are responding to most — are activewear garments that have textures and specialty finishes, colors and dyeing techniques. Customers are also responding to ergonomic garments. The Beginning Of… offers ergonomically contoured garments that fit perfectly. I have one of the best tech designers in the Los Angeles area [working with The Beginning Of…] — he was the head of technical services at Guess, where he managed eight tech designers. He is dialed into how to make the garments fit perfectly for our customers. What can the fashion and athletic clothing industries learn from one another? The athletic industry is the fashion industry — if people wanted to wear plain outfits to exercise, then the multi-billion dollar athleticwear industry wouldn’t be around. Customers are responding to looking different, owning performance athleticwear and wearing garments that are fashion-forward yet comfortable. We’ve taken our seamless experience and even have designed dresses that can be worn after working out. These dresses don’t wrinkle, are light and look great because they fit perfectly. What would you say confidence means to you? To me, confidence means having high self-esteem, believing in yourself and and being uncompromising in those beliefs. To be confident, you have to go after your dreams and your goals. What’s coming up next for The Beginning Of… ? We are looking to continue to grow our brand’s sales and turnover. We hope to become more size-inclusive and add more size options once we can do a higher volume of business. We plan to add cotton activewear garments, layering options in made with high-quality cotton and other performance-knit fabrics. We will be exhibiting at the Active Collective trade shows in New York City and California and the Magic trade shows in New York City and Las Vegas in August and September. We plan to grow our distribution to specialty boutiques and stores, have an online presence through our own direct-to-consumer website and on Amazon.

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