Fashion Mannuscript April 2022

THE MENSWEAR ISSUE

INSIDE:

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

THE POPPY CARAVAN’S NEW FASHION POP-UP SERIES THE APP BRINGING SOCIAL SHOPPING TO THE DIGITAL AGE

PLUS: THE SHAPEWEAR BRAND FOR EVERY OCCASION

MAURA HORTON, MAGNAREADY & YARROW

CREATING ACCESSIBLE, ADAPTIVE FASHION

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They said it couldn’t be done.

We didn’t listen.

We’ve done hard things before, we do them all the time.

For most cancer patients, the usual options are surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

So we’re working on ways to get the immune system to deploy billions of cancer-killing cells and help more patients survive.

When some people experienced mysterious COVID symptoms and had nowhere to go, our team created the first Center for Post-COVID Care.

It wasn’t that long ago we had to open up your whole chest for heart surgery. Now we’re pioneering a bypass that goes through a few tiny incisions. With this surgery, we can get you back on your feet in weeks instead of months.

So if anyone ever tells you there’s no other way—don’t listen.

PRESIDENT/CEO Jeff Mann EDITORIAL Editor Lauren D’Errico

ART Art Director Krystal Peguero

Editorial Consultant Debra Hazel

Associate Designer Ran Jing

BUSINESS Technology Consultant Joshua Fried Distribution Mitchell’s Delivery Service

Associate Editor Lauren Schuster

Cover Photography Courtesy of MagnaReady

California Distribution MD Service

Senior California Editor Daniella Platt California Editor Kimberly Goodnight Director of Communications and Marketing Penelope Herrera Social Media Manager Le’Trice Deshon Director of Newsletter Division Cheri Phillips Director of New Business Development Kelly Sen

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

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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West Coast Advisor Ilse Metchek DIGITAL MEDIA Lauren D’Errico Debra Hazel Penelope Herrera Ran Jing Krystal Peguero Lauren Schuster Web Developer CS Designworks

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

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.

* HERON BRACELET

Copy Editor Helen Ventura

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the current state of our world, and say that we are continuing to pray for peace and brighter days. Amidst this global uncertainty, it is more important than ever to keep our focus and move forward each day. At Mann Publications, we are continuing on in service of our goal to provide the best information and news that we can about the fashion world — and this issue is no different.

In the pages ahead, we have highlighted brands, companies and trade shows including our cover feature MagnaReady and its founder Maura Horton, TrusTrace, Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Atlanta Apparel, Las Vegas Apparel, Simon Ardem and Shapellx. We have also expanded our social media efforts with the addition of Le’Trice Deshon, our new social media manager, to the Mann Publications team. Our Twitter and Instagram pages are growing even more quickly, sharing the ins and outs of our industry in real time.

Fashion Mannuscript is constantly growing, most recently with the expansion of our trade shows, financial and technology sections. These industries are swiftly adapting to meet the needs of today’s world, and we strive to present these developments to you in the most exciting form for you to understand as we are all inundated with new information and creations. On behalf of all of us at Mann Publications, I thank you for being a part of our audience and we can’t wait to share all of what’s coming up next!

“A story should have a beginning, a middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order.” — Jean-Luc Godard

ONE MANN’S OPINION

We made it! In New York City, it seems like the snow and the cold is really behind us in favor of flowers and longer days — and, of course, spring fashion. I’ve been so excited to see color everywhere I go, and this season, I’ve found myself gravitating toward green — in all hues, from lime to kelly, pastel and neon— and orange shades that are reminiscent of epic sunsets or bowls of sherbet. As a person who usually sticks with neutrals save for a statement accessory or two, I’m thrilled to take some inspiration from the warm weather and blooming flowers to branch out from my usual style.

The issue ahead, as always, is filled with exciting news and updates that cover the fashion industry from the perspectives of designers, financial experts, lawyers, collegiate fashion students and more. I’m especially thrilled to share our cover feature, Maura Horton and her company MagnaReady, which is releasing its newest women’s collection, Yarrow. Horton’s work to make clothes that are accessible for the disabled community (as well as stylish and affordable) is such an important step forward for the fashion industry on its journey toward equity for all those who love clothes.

This month’s issue also features the varied ways that artificial intelligence is impacting fashion and e-commerce; Shapellx, a brand that is taking shapewear from occasionto everyday-wear; an artistic collaboration between Reebok and Eames Office and a look at how Atlanta Apparel is championing sustainability.

I hope that you enjoy reading this issue as much as I did putting it together. Enjoy!

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APRIL 2022

FASHION FAVORITES

COVER FEATURE

46 ON THE COVER MAURA HORTON: THE CREATIVE FORCE BEHIND MAGNAREADY AND THE ACCESSIBLE CLOTHING LINE YARROW

14 RVNG Couture’s Jordan Stewart Launches Revolution Collection

16 Rosenthal & Rosenthal Hosts Cocktail Party at Magic

18 Burberry Launches Rodeo Drive Takeover

20 Winners of Tommy Hilfiger’s Fashion Frontier Challenge Honored for Driving Innovation & Inclusivity in the Fashion Industry

22 PacSun & Emma Chamberlain Host Spring 2022 Preview at DTLA Flagship

24 Vans Uplifts Voices Around Cause and Community Through Artist-first Campaign

FASHION FABULOUS 7 One Mann’s Opinion

8 Editor’s Letter

26 Fashion 411

14

22

16

Challenges = Opportunities

At Anchin, we are more than accountants. Our specialists in the fashion industry advise on a broad range of business and ¿ QDQFLDO PDWWHUV 2XU FUHDWLYLW\ LQWHJULW\ DQG FDUH KHOS \RX IRFXV on driving your business forward. We help you turn challenges into opportunities through innovative and insightful thinking as your Expert Partner.

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1/7/2021 6:44:54 PM

THE DEPART MENTS 36 Fashion at Home

63 TechWear

80 The Columns

101 Trade Show Update

114 Look Books

116 Horoscopes

119

FASHION FORWARD 40 Meet Steel & Barnett: The Leather Jewelry Brand Handcrafted in Belgium

By The Numbers

44

120

Shapellx: Size Inclusive Shapewear That Fits Who You Are, Naturally

Social Soiree

By Lauren Gonzalez

124 A Closer Look

126 Last Look: Habits 365

52 Simon Ardem Introduces Venetian-inspired Bridal Collection

54 The Poppy Caravan Kicks Off 2022 Pop-up Event Series

By Joseph Pastrana

58 Lefty Productions Co. Expands to Texas with New Acquisition

By Daniella Platt

60 TrusTrace Strengthens Traceability Solution for Certified Material Compliance for Fashion & Apparel

Photo courtesy of Shapellx

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Photos courtesy of Chris Cheung

RVNG COUTURE’S JORDAN STEWART LAUNCHES REVOLUTION COLLECTION

FASHION FAVORITES

During New York Fashion Week, Jordan Stewart of RVNG Couture presented the Revolution Collection in a live presentation that was also shown virtually through an artificial intelligence (AI) experience.

The luxury fashion label is headed by Stewart, a Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA)-nominated fashion designer who originates from Canada.

RVNG Couture creates collections that empower women with clothing that delivers continuous craftsmanship, glamour and reverie. Each and every garment that makes up the company’s collections is the result of a rigorous artisanal process that creates the ultimate experience in elegance, RVNG Couture said — from concept to creation, RVNG Couture garments capture a unique essence for the wearer.

RVNG Couture is a New York Fashion Week runway brand and showcases biannually with NYFW and CFDA Runway360. Since its launch in 2018, RVNG Couture has quickly become a top tier fashion brand, making appearances at red carpet events including the Golden Globes, Oscars, Junos and CAFA Awards.

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April 2022

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FASHION FAVORITES

Carolyn Raphael (Friedman LLP), Nancy Cipriani, Michael Cipriani (Rosenthal & Rosenthal), Che Lai Chang (East West Bank), Grace Mak (Friedman LLP)

Henry Swergold (Platzer, Swergold, Goldberg, Katz & Jaslow LLP), Jeffrey Resnick (Friedman LLP), Joseph Ferrone (Friedman LLP), Michael Cipriani (Rosenthal & Rosenthal)

FASHION FAVORITES

ROSENTHAL & ROSENTHAL HOSTS COCKTAIL PARTY AT MAGIC Photography by Riccardo Risaliti

Michael Sacco (Friedman LLP), Javier Carreras (J.P. Morgan Chase), Britt O'Rourke

Denise Hahn, Robyn Jaslow, Esther Bressler, Nancy Cipriani

Sydnee Breuer (Rosenthal & Rosenthal), Ralph Mascia (BHI), Domenica Mascia

Carolyn Raphael (Friedman LLP), Scott Levine (Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP), Andrew Barone (Rosenthal & Rosenthal), Thomas Miranda (Friedman LLP)

osenthal & Rosenthal Inc., the largest privately held factor and finance company in the United States, hosted its biannual cocktail party during February’s Magic trade show at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. A return to the event after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the party had a beautiful turnout which included bankers, accountants, brokers and other leading professionals in the apparel industry. Rosenthal & Rosenthal showed its appreciation for all of its friends and supporters through the years, and a great time was had by all.

R

The company thanks everyone for attending the event and looks forward to seeing everyone at its next cocktail party, which will take place at the August Magic show and hopefully will be an even bigger and better affair.

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Neil Bressler (Skwiersky, Alpert & Bressler LLP), Howard Jaslow (Platzer, Swergold, Goldberg, Katz & Jaslow, LLP)

April 2022

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FASHION FAVORITES

Burberry Launches Rodeo Drive Takeover

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Burberry unveiled an immersive Spring/Summer 2022 experience at its flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. A celebration of the freedom of imagination, the transformational takeover created a journey through spaces that were unique and unexpected in their sounds, textures and experiences.

The takeover was based on Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci’s “Animal Instinct” presentation, which was inspired by the idea of shifting between infinite possibilities of fantasies and realities. The exterior facade of the building was enveloped by a kaleidoscopic abstract print, evoking forms of camouflage in bubble gum pink, black and white — a reference to the vivid, curved prints that feature in the womenswear and menswear collections, said Burberry. A sculptural topography glistened through the window displays as a backdrop to runway looks, evoked fantasy.

The story continued inside, from sculptural topography to stacks of mirrored speakers climbing through the interior staircase. The penthouse featured an intimate viewing room where the presentation film played on a floor-to-ceiling screen with surround sound audio pivoting between music, wind and nature, illustrating Tisci’s vision for the collection.

The “Animal Instinct” womenswear collection introduces Tisci’s latest iterations of the iconic Burberry trench coat, deconstructed and rebuilt in silhouettes that experiment with volume. Styles in a blend of classic Burberry gabardine and textural linen cotton are cropped at the back, while signature outerwear in soft fawn and dark biscuit shades are transformed through daring details, said the brand.

Geometric and experimental abstract prints feature on dresses and shirts, while the freedom of movement is explored through flowing gowns and mini dresses adorned with sweeping fringing, frills and straps.

The menswear collection continues Tisci’s experimentation with classics and exploration of individuality, sensuality and fluidity, Burberry said. Outerwear staples appear in non-conforming silhouettes, including trench coats re-cut with raglan or cap sleeves and sleeveless silhouettes. An ode to the escapism of the outdoors weaves through the collection, including on abstract printed T-shirts and cotton shirts echoing the layered colors of camouflage.

Within the accessories category, new bag silhouettes are introduced: the Rhombi, an ellipse-shaped shoulder bag inspired by the abstract curved prints in the collection; an evolution of the Olympia bag featuring a crescent curve and new soft shape with a circular strap; a new men’s quilted check leather bag in backpack and crossbody iterations embellished with the Thomas Burberry monogram.

Photos courtesy of Burberry

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FASHION FAVORITES

WINNERS OF TOMMY HILFIGER’S FASHION FRONTIER CHALLENGE HONORED FOR DRIVING INNOVATION & INCLUSIVITY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY Photos courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

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ommy Hilfiger has announced Lalaland and Uzuri K&Y as winners of the third Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge, a global program designed to fi nd and support ideas that lead to a more inclusive fashion landscape. The program’s fi nal virtual event took place on January 12 and January 13, where the six fi nalists pitched their concepts to a prestigious jury panel. The winners will share a prize fund of €200,000 and receive a year-long mentorship with internal experts from Tommy Hilfiger and from INSEAD, a global graduate business school.

“Creating technology that drives a more inclusive and diverse e-commerce platform is at the heart of our vision at Lalaland,” said Michael Musandu, co-founder and CEO of Lalaland. “Being part of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge brought incredible insights and will elevate our A.I. solution to reach more people than we could have imagined. Through donning this achievement, our team cannot wait to empower a welcoming online shopping experience, so no consumer feels under-represented.”

“We are honored to be named a winner of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge,” said Kevine Kagirimpundu, co-founder and CEO of Uzuri K&Y. “This opportunity has provided mentorship and strategic guidance and has given us a platform to share our dream of bringing sustainable footwear options from Africa to the global market. We are dedicated to drive real impact and inspire the youth of today to craft a cleaner future.”

Clothes to Good, a South Africa-based social enterprise that creates micro-business opportunities and jobs for people with disabilities through textile recycling, was also awarded €15,000.

The jurors who oversaw the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge fi nal event included Hilfiger, Martijn Hagman, Yara Shahidi, Esther Verburg, Adrian Johnson, Katrin Ley and Yvonne Bajela.

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Tommy Hilfiger

FASHION FAVORITES

Co-founders of Lalaland, Tommy Hilfiger

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Co-founders of Uzuri K&Y, Tommy Hilfiger

April 2022

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FASHION FAVORITES

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FASHION FAVORITES

PACSUN & EMMA CHAMBERLAIN

HOST SPRING 2022 PREVIEW AT DTLA FLAGSHIP Photos courtesy of Pacsun

Gen Z style icon and entrepreneur Emma Chamberlain celebrated the release of Pacsun’s Spring/Summer 2022 campaign at the Pacsun Downtown Los Angeles flagship store. During the preview event, the official campaign video was screened for the first time, featuring Chamberlain in augmented and virtual reality “I love working with Pacsun for so many reasons.

Not only is the experience light-hearted and friendly, but I feel nostalgia every time we work together. I grew up shopping at Pacsun, and the brand has always been special to me, so getting to participate in two campaigns with it has been such a pleasure,” said Chamberlain. “This campaign was especially unique because we shot in Bora Bora and created a virtual avatar of me.”

Chamberlain continued, “Bora Bora is a place that I have always dreamt of visiting, and creating a virtual version of myself was equally as exciting as it was fascinating. The combination of the beautiful setting, innovative ideas and awesome people created such an exciting campaign. I’m excited for everyone to see it!”

To amplify the campaign, Pacsun created a movie theater-like setup in the alleyway outside the store to stream the virtual reality experience video on loop. Guests enjoyed entertainment from a DJ, bites from Monty’s Burger at its food truck and beverages by Kin Euphorics. A video gaming truck was also on-site with a variety of games to play, including Pacsun The Game, Pacsun’s first-ever video game.

Inside the flagship store, guests had premium access to new products, played claw machines for prizes and received custom airbrushing.

Pacsun housed its whitespace with a 360-photo booth for attendees to further capture the unforgettable night.

Pacsun Co-CEO Alfred Chang and President Brieane Olson, as well as Calli Perez, creative director, and Emily Arnold, vice president of women’s merchandising were in attendance. In addition to excited consumers, many influencers and content creators were also at the launch party, including @CharlotteDalessio.

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FASHION FAVORITES

VANS UPLIFTS VOICES AROUND CAUSE AND COMMUNITY THROUGH ARTIST-FIRST CAMPAIGN Vans has enabled a family of artists, creators and originators to share their unique perspectives, creative processes and passions for the cause in this year’s artist-first brand campaign titled “These Projects Are Ads for Creativity.” Instead of employing a traditional ad campaign, Vans commissioned artists to go out into the world and bring their projects to life — from music videos and access to skateboarding to sculptures, paintings and more.

In 2021, “These Projects Are Ads for Creativity” empowered over 60 global artists to present their projects to the world in honor of the vast forms of art and the role it plays in our daily lives. This year, the campaign celebrates the diversity of creativity itself and honors the talented individuals behind the work. Featured ambassadors and projects show how creativity is used to celebrate purpose and uplift communities. Vans fans will take a deeper dive into artist inspiration, intention and how creative expression can be used to shape reality.

Photos courtesy of Vans

“Since our inception, Vans has always been driven forward by creative culture. We found our place listening to skateboarders, musicians and artists to let them show us what creativity looks like from their vantage points,” said Carly Gomez, vice president of marketing, Vans Americas.

“We believe creativity allows you to build what comes next. It’s a vehicle to channel your ideas into tangible forms of expression, experimentation and meaningful moments.”

Vans has launched the first two installments of the campaign to uplift Black voices and communities. Firstly, Brooklyn-based nonprofit Stoked is on a mission to help bridge education and opportunity gaps for underserved youth. The nonprofit works with schools, organization and mentors to host after-school activities centered around sports culture, confidence building and community bonding. Stoked hosted a workshop to paint and assemble skateboards for the local community for this project.

Next up was RadKey, a groundbreaking American punk rock band from St. Joseph, Missouri, formed by three brothers: Isaiah, Solomon and Dee Radke. The band has worked alongside artists like Jack White and The Offspring and has toured a multitude of shows and festivals across the globe. For this project, the brothers created a music video for their song P.A.W. where they look to challenge racial and social discrimination, shift perspectives and spark a conversation.

FASHION 411 CARHARTT RE-ENGINEERS FORCE T-SHIRT TO BEAT THE HEAT Photo courtesy of Carhartt

W

ith the global temperature forecast suggesting that 2022 will be one of the earth’s hottest years to date, according to Met Office, Carhartt continues to innovate its iconic styles to be fit for the next frontier — building workwear for hotter days and harder work, said the brand. Re-engineered to

work when air conditioning isn’t an option, Carhartt is helping workers stay cool on and off the job with the launch of its new Force Relaxed Fit Pocket T-shirt.

Designed to help keep wearers cool when temperatures climb, Carhartt’s new Force T-shirt now offers zoned mesh panels to keep air flowing, enhanced stretch to allow for increased movement, improved seam design for a more comfortable and distraction-free fit, sun protection (minimum 25 UPF), droptail hem for increased coverag and, pen stall for added functionality. The shirt is available in multiple color options, with men’s and women’s sizes ranging from XS to XXL. In addition to the latest technological enhancements, the Force T-shirt still offers many of the same great features, including a relaxed fit, FastDry technology for all day comfort and

Stain Breaker technology to release stains.

“We know long, hot summer days can be tough for hardworking people, so we revamped our iconic Force work shirt to withstand whatever the day may bring,” said Alex Guerrero, senior vice president and general manager of global product for Carhartt. “When the temperatures break record highs, our Carhartt Force T-shirt barely breaks a sweat, keeping folks who work in extreme temps cool, dry and comfortable.”

To ensure the new Force Relaxed Fit Pocket T-shirt was tough enough to handle rising temperatures, Carhartt turned to its friends at veteran-led disaster response organization, Team Rubicon, who’ve spent the last several months testing the shirt in the heat of real-world emergencies around the world.

As the official Grey Shirt of Team Rubicon, more than 30,000 Force Relaxed Fit Pocket T-shirts have been sent to its veteran, first responder and civilian volunteers who work to provide immediate relief to those impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises.

WALMART PARTNERS WITH SPACE NK TO LAUNCH BEAUTYSPACENK

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Space NK has curated a collection of prestige products specifically for the Walmart customer, spanning a variety of price points across skincare, makeup, haircare and bath and body.

Available on walmart.com, BeautySpaceNK features over 600 products from 15 brands, both new and established, some of which are only available at Walmart, with more to come throughout the year.

“We are delighted to partner with Walmart to bring prestige beauty to customers across the United States, delivered through our unique model that makes it easy to connect brands with shoppers,” said Andy Lightfoot, chief executive officer, Space NK. “We have created a proposition for Walmart that we believe will be market-leading called BeautySpaceNK,

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Photo courtesy of Walmart

almart and British retailer Space NK have partnered to bring prestige beauty products to walmart.com and nearly 250 Walmart stores this summer.

The collaboration, called BeautySpaceNK, leverages Walmart’s scale with the British personal care and beauty company’s assortment of high-quality beauty brands and products.

utilizing our years of expertise in this area. We have curated the very best of beauty for its customers, allowing them to shop prestige beauty when, where and how they choose.”

Combining Walmart’s knowledge of the U.S. customer and Space NK’s established track record of discovering and curating the best in beauty, BeautySpaceNK is sorted under four pillars — skincare, makeup, haircare and bath

and body — spanning luxe, indie, award-winning, plant-powered and more.

Walmart is moving faster than ever to make beauty more accessible to everyone, said the company. Space NK joins a growing list of collaborations and brand launches to bring new and trendy beauty products to Walmart’s customers at the affordable prices that they come to expect.

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FASHION 411 LEE CELEBRATES SMILEY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GLOBAL COLLABORATION

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o celebrate the 50th anniversary of Smiley, Lee has joined with the globally renowned brand on a new lifestyle collection. Bringing to life the original Smiley campaign, “Take the Time to Smile,” the curated capsule blends Lee silhouettes and Smiley cheer for a feelgood vibe for Spring 2022.

Featuring combinations of the classic yellow Smiley with fresh iterations applied to pastel and tie-dye hues, painted reminders to “Take the Time to Smile” and Lee’s heritage denim, each piece is designed to project positivity.

Even the smallest details received a refresh with Lee x Smiley hardware, an exclusively designed Smiley Lee patch and the Smiley embroidered on the jeans’ iconic spade back pockets.

“Lee is thrilled to partner again with Smiley and celebrate its landmark anniversary with this exclusive collection. Our shared values of optimism and originality make this collaboration a natural fit, and it’s exciting to see how this capsule blends iconic elements of both brands,”

said Joe Broyles, vice-president of global collaborations, Lee.

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

“Over the last five decades, Smiley has collaborated with brands across all categories imaginable — from fashion to music, to design, accessories, travel and more — with the iconic smiley influencing culture every step of the way,” said Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company. “This collaboration with Lee showcases our commitment together to continue to spread positivity and smiles.”

The collection includes men’s and women’s tees, jeans, shirts, jackets and overalls with prices ranging from $45 to $230. The collection is available on Lee’s websites in the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, Lee has created two collector edition pieces that are available exclusively as part of Smiley retail takeovers in Galeries Lafayette stores globally and online at galerieslafayette.com, as well as in the U.S. at Nordstrom at select Pop-In@Nordstrom locations and online at nordstrom.com/pop.

MONCLER ANNOUNCES SECOND “MONCLER BORN TO PROTECT” COLLECTION, COMMITS TO GOING FUR FREE

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oncler has launched its second “Moncler Born To Protect” collection, reflecting the company’s dedication to protecting the planet and creating a better future for all, said the brand.

Made of a variety of lower impact materials, this year, the collection extends beyond jackets to incorporate a full range of readyto-wear garments and accessories for men, women and children. Materials used for fabrics and other components include recycled nylon and polyester, organic cotton and other materials, such as wool and down, sourced according to specific sustainability standards.

The use of lower impact materials is also extended to all Moncler’s product packaging: shopping bags and gift boxes are made of a mix of recycled paper and paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, while handles are made of organic cotton. Garment

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covers are made from recycled plastic bottles.

The Moncler Born To Protect insignia embellishes the exterior of every piece, and inside of the jackets are a comic strip featuring the Monduck, who has been featured in the inner lining of Moncler jackets since the 1960s. The Monduck character tells the story of Moncler Born To Protect’s approach to lower impact materials, said the brand.

Moncler further announced that it will phase out the use of fur in all its collections. The company will stop sourcing fur this year, and the last collection to feature fur will be Fall/ Winter 2023. This decision is consistent with Moncler’s ongoing commitment to responsible business practices and builds on the brand’s constructive and long-term engagement with the Italian animal rights organization LAV as a representative of the Fur Free Alliance, the brand said.

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FASHION 411

EXECUTIVE CHANGES

BEAUTYCOUNTER APPOINTS TROUSDALE AS CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER

“As a long-time customer and admirer of the business, I am thrilled to join Beautycounter as chief commercial officer,” said Trousdale. “It’s an exciting time to work in beauty. Consumers are demanding safer products and greater transparency, and Beautycounter is leading on both fronts.

I’m honored to have the opportunity to help grow this mission-driven business that puts the health of its consumers and the planet first.”

With the executive leadership team, Trousdale will focus on scaling the retail, e-commerce, field and partnerships channels to further Beautycounter’s mission to get safer products into the hands of everyone while leading and defining the future of the beauty industry.

Photo courtesy of Beautycounter

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eautycounter announced the appointment of Kara Trousdale as the company’s chief commercial officer to accelerate the next phase of the company’s growth by making clean beauty accessible.

Trousdale joins Beautycounter following a nearly eight-year tenure at Amazon, where she most recently served as chief marketing officer for Amazon Fashion. In this role, she was responsible for elevating and activating consumer engagement around Amazon’s fashion brands, as well as building and scaling emerging businesses and retail customer experiences.

Karla Trousdale

GAP INC. ESTABLISHES COLLECTIVE COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARD

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company. While each pillar is mighty on its own, Gap Inc. will work together with the Council as an interlocking solution to create meaningful change, said the company.

Aurora James

The Council’s strategy is aligned to three pillars: Community, Customer and Employee. Through this framework, each member will focus on a business component that leverages their specialized areas of expertise and amplifies a core focus area of diversity and inclusion for the

Photo courtesy of Gap Inc.

ap Inc. has assembled a group of change-makers and revolutionaries who champion inclusion and create with audacity to help drive and influence positive change across the fashion industry and the world at large. The advisory board will partner with Gap Inc. to create access, drive awareness and advocate for historically marginalized and vulnerable communities, building upon its efforts Amber Cabral to drive systemic change and achieve its 2025 commitments to Create For All, With All.

The members of the Council are: Aurora James, founder of Fifteen Percent Pledge and founder and creative director of Brother Vellies, who was part of the company’s initial vision for the Leonardo Lawson Council and will support the Community pillar as the council’s economic inclusion advisor; Leonardo Lawson, internationally renowned in luxury and fashion brand building, management consulting and executive search who will support the Customer pillar as the creative impact advisor and Amber Cabral, an inclusion strategist, certified coach, speaker and author who joins the council as the employee experience advisor.

CASSIE ROSENTHAL NAMED CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT ROSENTHAL

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osenthal & Rosenthal, Inc., the factoring, asset-based lending, purchase order financing, D2C and e-commerce inventory financing firm, announced that Cassie Rosenthal has been named chief marketing officer.

In this role, Rosenthal will manage business development strategy and marketing efforts for the company. Since joining her family’s business in 2012, she has elevated the firm’s branding by transforming their website, content, messaging, advertising, social media and PR. Rosenthal has also worked to diversify the firm’s target client-base, and was instrumental in launching Pipeline, the firm’s newest division focused on e-commerce and direct-to-consumer companies.

“We could not be prouder of Cassie’s accomplishments and of her immeasurable contributions to our firm these past 10 years,” said Rosenthal Co-Presidents Peter Rosenthal and Ken Kleiner. “We are so fortunate to have Cassie representing our family and positioning our brand as it continues to grow and evolve into the future.”

“I’m thrilled to be named chief marketing officer and honored to be the first woman C-suite executive at Rosenthal in our 84-year history,” said Rosenthal. “I love what I do, I care deeply about our business and our industry and I’m energized about the many opportunities on the horizon to continue to grow our family business in creative new ways.”

Photo courtesy of Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc.

Cassie Rosenthal

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FOOTWEAR

FASHION 411

LULULEMON REVEALS FIRST-EVER FOOTWEAR COLLECTION MADE FOR WOMEN FIRST

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

uniquely move, is the foundation for its approach to footwear and its vision for the category.

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ululemon Athletica Inc. announced its official entrance into the footwear category, allowing the brand to now offer a head-to-toe solution for guests.

“Footwear is the natural next step for us to expand and apply our long history of innovation in fit, feel and performance, and it represents an exciting moment for our brand,” said Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald. “We are entering the

footwear category the same way we built our apparel business — with products designed to solve unmet needs, made for women first.”

Guided by its innovation lens, the Science of Feel, Lululemon shifted the focus from being solely on the shoes to the people wearing them when developing its footwear collection, said the company. The brand’s history, along with its research and understanding of how women

The four styles launching in 2022 are Lululemon Blissfeel, a running shoe engineered with an upper that supports movement and an energy-filled underfoot foam cushioning technology; Lululemon Chargefeel, a cross-training shoe for gym training and short runs with a dual density midsole for energy dampening and return and an upper that provides midfoot lock down; Lululemon Restfeel, an elevated slide for post-workout that leverages the same design philosophy that drives Lululemon’s performance shoes and delivers unparalleled feel and aesthetic for the guest who wants something easy to slide on and Lululemon Strongfeel, a training shoe designed for multi-directional movement that features a low profile, supportive midsole with a multi-directional outsole and an upper that locks the foot in place.

The brand’s men’s footwear collection will roll out in 2023, along with special edition and seasonal collections as the brand continues to grow the category with new offerings in the future.

SKECHERS NAMED OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR OF U.S. OPEN PICKLEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

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“Pickleball adds another pillar to our established running, golf and performance walking business.

This sport is easy to learn and great for families, so footwear featuring our advanced comfort technologies will be a perfect fit for casual and competitive athletes alike,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “Launching our new pickleball shoe at a marquee event like the U.S. Open is sure to make an impression on the court. We’re dedicated to this sport and believe its popularity will continue to expand.”

“Bringing on board one of the largest footwear brands on the planet is key to our strategic plans of elevating the sport and the U.S. Open to the next level,” said Terri Graham, co-founder of the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. “As our official footwear sponsor, we know that Skechers will help introduce fans to its comfortable and innovative styles to the fun, exciting and competitive

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Photo courtesy of Business Wire

kechers is going all-in on one of the fastest growing sports in North America as the official footwear sponsor of the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.

world of pickleball.”

Skechers will provide footwear to all volunteer captains at the event during the multi-year partnership. The brand will be onsite at the tournament with an expo booth, so fans and athletes can experience and purchase Skechers pickleball footwear as well as off-court styles.

The first pickleball footwear shoe from Skechers brings the brand’s signature comfort and in-

novation to the court. The Viper Court provides responsive performance in a breathable, lightweight design. The enhanced grip and stability of the Goodyear rubber outsole paired with a shock-absorbing Arch Fit insole deliver comfort and support, match after match.

Skechers pickleball footwear will be available at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, and starting in May, at select Skechers retail stores and online, select retail partners and specialty shops.

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BEAUTY

FASHION 411

FITGLOW BEAUTY LAUNCHES NEW CERAMIDE TONER AND PARTNERS WITH SAVE THE MANATEE FOUNDATION

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ndie beauty brand Fitglow Beauty expands its eco-conscious beauty mission of “effortless beauty built for a sustainable future” with its new Sea Ceramide Toning Mist. Founded in 2015, Fitglow Beauty is a leading force in the natural skincare and makeup sector with science-backed and dermatologist-tested formulas that feed skin gentle and compatible ingredients to restore skin’s youth functions and help it thrive.

Photo courtesy of Fitglow Beauty

Fitglow Beauty’s original Sea Toning Mist sold out in Spring 2021 and amassed a waitlist of 5,000-plus customers awaiting its return. The fan-favorite toner has acquired both a formula and packaging update.

The herb-dense skin mist features extra calming ceramides and hyaluronic

acid to replenish, rehydrate and restore skin. The new formula includes seaweed infusion, a calming moisture protective blend that balances, hydrates and tones; ceramide and lipid complex, a multi-molecular-sized complex formula to release, restore and replenish moisture; green carrot stem cells, a highly available beta carotene that reduces stress, calms and minimizes the look of redness and hyaluronic acid, which helps to retain moisture and reduces visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

In partnership with the Save The Manatee non-profit organization, Fitglow Beauty will donate $1 per every Sea Ceramide Toning Mist sold to help protect manatees and their aquatic habitats for future generations.

The new Sea Ceramide Toning Mist is available at fitglowbeauty.com and across the brand’s key retailers in North America and Australia.

SIGMA BEAUTY INTRODUCES SPECTRUM COLOR-CORRECTING DUOS & BEAMING GLOW ILLUMINATING POWDER

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igma Beauty makes a splash in the complexion game as the brand introduces its new Spectrum Color-Correcting Duos and Beaming Glow Illuminating Powder. These high-quality, complexion-perfecting cosmetics neutralize discoloration, blur imperfections and brighten up your complexion for flawless finish, said the brand.

The Spectrum Color-Correcting Duos provide a more unique, customizable color-correcting experience than existing products on the market, said Sigma Beauty. Each long-wearing duo comes with two blendable creams users can mix together to create the perfect shade for their skin tones. This allows the product to cover a spectrum of complexions and to color correct different areas of the face with unique coverage needs. Ideal for seamlessly layering under concealer, the Spectrum Color-Correcting Duos allow users to add more or less coverage, lighten or darken specific areas, mask dark circles, neutralize redness and cover acne scars.

The Beaming Glow Illuminating Powder brightens up wearers’ complexions with its weight-

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less, universally flattering and pearlescent formula, the company said.

Designed to minimize the appearance of pores and blur imperfections and undereye bags, the semi translucent and light-reflecting powder is a quick fix for lackluster skin and tired eyes. Both products are part of Sigma’s Clean Beauty program, meaning they are made with clean, safe ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals.

“The Spectrum Color Correcting Duos allow you to customize your color corrector based on your specific needs, including under eyes, scars, breakouts and discolorations,” shared Simone Xavier, co-founder and chief creative officer of Sigma Beauty.

Xavier continued, “The results are so natural that

Photo courtesy of Sigma Beauty

the Spectrum Color-Correcting Duos can even be used on their own for a quick ‘no makeup’ look. The Beaming Glow Illuminating Powder brings a healthy glow to dull areas, such as under the eyes, but it can also be used all over the face as a glistening finishing powder.”

The Spectrum Color-Correcting Duos are available now at sigmabeauty.com.

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COLLECTIONS

FASHION 411 H&M’S LATEST EDITION BY COLLECTION CELEBRATES THE POWER OF PERSONAL EXPRESSION

The collection combines elements of workwear, gorpcore and streetwear, focusing on utilitarian designs that bring value both through aesthetics and functionality. The color palette is defined by the use of innovative plant dyes, a technique where fabrics are treated with plant extracts, natural clay, bio-resins and natural enzymes to create organic colors without the use of chemicals.

The majority of the collection features mono-material compositions that can easily be recycled into new garments at the end of their life spans.

Photo courtesy of H&M

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&M announced its latest Edition by Collection, celebrating brave and authentic men of style. Continuing a commitment to forward-thinking design and sourcing, the new drop features utilitarian pieces made with organic and recycled materials as well as plant dyes.

For its third iteration, the Edition by Concept invites everyone to partake in defining the future of menswear, the brand said. Featuring a street cast shot by photographer Matt Jones in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, the campaign is a

celebration of progressive individuality and the power of personal expression.

“The starting point for each Edition collection is to challenge and innovate within our sustainability work,” said Ross Lydon, head of menswear design at H&M. “One of the keys this season was to include natural- and plant-based dyeing techniques. Classic menswear pieces, the great outdoors and utility references are combined to create a modern look that we are very proud of.”

A standout piece in the collection is the cagoule jacket, which is made of 100% recycled nylon and comes in bright orange with large cargo pockets that blur the line between city and outdoor wear. Present in the shapes of a jacket, jeans and a boiler suit, the denim in this collection is reimagined for the future using a sustainable mix of organic and recycled cotton. With their oversized fits, soft indigo-dyed shades and natural plated silver button hardware, these traditional workwear garments are updated with contemporary lightness. Overshirts and jerseys complete the look with effortlessly loose fits, also entirely made of organic and recycled cotton in plant-dyed colors.

The collection of 23 garments and three accessories are available for purchase at hm.com and in selected stores.

MODAVO GROUP LAUNCHES CALVIN KLEIN SPRING-SUMMER 2022 WATCH AND JEWELRY COLLECTION

“We are excited to launch our first Calvin Klein collection worldwide. It’s an honor to work with and make beautiful accessories for one of the most successful and iconic global lifestyle brands,” stated Allison Robbins, president, license brands, Movado Group. “The Calvin Klein brand has tremendous global awareness, with a significant online presence and a footprint that spans the world. It’s been a great experience collaborating with the Calvin Klein team, and we look forward to continuing demannpublications.com

signing, marketing and manufacturing beautiful iconic Calvin Klein watches and jewelry.”

“This collaboration with Movado presents an exciting opportunity for Calvin Klein to bring its distinctive design language to our consumers in a new way through a dynamic collection of accessories tailored for the next generation,” said Karina Spar, EVP, licensing, PVH Americas and Calvin Klein Global.

“Movado’s excellent craftsmanship, fine attention to detail and ability to imbue each piece with the timeless elegance that has defined our brand for over 50 years made it the ideal partner to bring this collection to life.”

The new collection of the brand’s high quality watches and jewelry was created with the modern customer in mind, featuring a

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

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ovado Group Inc. announced the worldwide launch of its Spring/Summer 2022 collection of watches and jewelry in collaboration with renowned global fashion lifestyle brand Calvin Klein Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp., marking the brand’s first license under Movado Group. The collection is available globally at retail locations and online, including Calvin Klein stores and calvinklein.com.

minimalist design that highlights Calvin Klein’s world-recognized aesthetic and draws on the brand’s renowned sensual and edgy DNA. April 2022

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FEATURES

Photos courtesy of Reebok

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REBOOK AND EAMES RELEASE CLUB C “COMPOSITION & DOT PATTERN” HONORING RAY EAMES’ HISTORIC WORKS

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eebok and legendary design house Eames Office have announced the next installment of their prestigious footwear collaboration: The Reebok x Eames – Club C “Dot Pattern & Composition Pack” which honors the designs of Charles and Ray Eames with a celebration of the historic artistry of Ray Eames. Released on March 17 and exclusively available on eamesoffice.com before receiving a wider release on March 18 on rebook.com and in select retailers, the Reebok x Eames partnership continues to bring together the worlds of fine art, interior architecture and streetwear.

In Summer 2021, the Reebok x Eames Club C “Monotone Pack” became the first-ever footwear range developed in partnership with and authorized by the Eames Office — the firm that began with Charles and Ray’s marriage and move to California in 1941 and continues today, run by the third generation of the Eames family. Following the award-winning release, the 2022 Reebok x Eames – Club C “Dot Pattern & Composition Pack,” which is the second and final iteration on Reebok’s historic Club C, offers a tribute to the Eames’ mastery of form and color, featuring a pair of shoe designs inspired by one of its most beloved textile prints and one of Ray’s most iconic paintings.

Reebok x Eames – Club C “Composition” ($120) is based on Ray’s “Composition” painting of 1939, the year before she met Charles at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan.

Exhibiting the eye for abstraction that Ray honed under the tutelage of German émigré master Hans Hoffman, the subtle tones of “Composition” envelop an upper that floats atop a white midsole on the sneaker. Ray’s handwritten signature enhances her personal connection to this collectible sneaker.

Reebok x Eames – Club C “Dot Pattern” ($120) features the “Dot Pattern” textile print that was considered but not submitted by the Eames Office to MoMA’s 1947 Competition for Printed Fabrics. A field of dots are joined by tiny

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sinews that bring order to a field seemingly scattered at random. “Dot Pattern” expresses the interconnectedness of Eames design.

Though all work done by the Eames couple in their staggeringly productive lifetimes was their joint achievement and vision, the image of Ray holding the final drawing still dazzles, said Reebok. The iconic print is deftly softened by a natural upper that rests on an unassuming raw rubber sole on the sneaker.

Reebok has embraced two seemingly contradictory Eames edicts of ceaseless improvement and innovation as a last resort by reengineering the Club C to make it as faithful to the original 1985 release as possible while including improvements in materials and process, the footwear brand said. Heritage accents such as original size tongue tags, squared-off window boxes, die-cut tooling and original Eames and Reebok logos celebrate the Club C tradition and honor Charles and Ray’s belief that details make the design. Reebok has also restored the Club C’s original internal arch bandage to further enhance fit and comfort.

The shoebox is modeled after the Eames House — “Case Study House No. 8” — in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. An example of egalitarian post war suburban architecture, the house embraces industrial innovation while retaining the warmth and human scale of a loving family home. Charles and Ray lived together in the Eames House until they passed, and today, it is a tribute to the couple’s design ethos and an exemplar of sustainable building.

Embraced from generation to generation, the longevity of Eames design is proof of its genius, said the brand. Similarly, Reebok crafts timeless footwear that always feels right. Like the evergreen Eames Chairs, the heritage silhouettes of the Club C feel as fresh and relevant as ever today. The Reebok x Eames Club C collection highlights the rebellious spirit and optimism of the Reebok Club C while complementing the Eames’ vision of accessible design.

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Weʼre back! Please join us for exciting and informative program as we Weʼrethe back!

Please joinretail us forindustry. excitingOur andexpert informative program as we discuss future of the speaker will share future of the retail industry. willlooks share hisdiscuss years ofthe experience with trade showsOur andexpert whatspeaker the future like his years of experience with trade shows and what the future looks like for the retail industry. Come network with retailers, manufacturers and service for thespecializing retail industry.

Come network with retailers,electronics, manufacturers service providers in consumer products including: toys, and accessories, providers specializing in consumer products including: electronics, toys, accessories, food & beverage, apparel, e-commerce and more! food & beverage, apparel, e-commerce and more!

MAY 19, 2022 MAY 19, 2022

@ E-Central Downtown @ E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel Los Angeles Hotel

4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets: $50/ticket $50/ticket

Keynote Speaker Keynote Speaker Tom Nastos Tom NastosBluEnsign LLC Co-Founder, Co-Founder, BluEnsign LLC

Tom Nastos is a Co-Founder of BluEnsign, a strategic advisory firm serving consumer brands and event planning organizations the entire global chain.

He drives Tom Nastos is a Co-Founder of BluEnsign, across a strategic advisory firmvalue serving consumer business development and execution of client mandates focused onvalue digital transformations, brands and event planning organizations across the entire global chain.

He drives commercialization, partnerships and alliances, new market entry,on product innovation, business development and execution of client mandates focused digital transformations, and financial forecasting.

Previously Commercial Officer of the Fashion Group at commercialization, partnerships andChief alliances, new market entry, product innovation, Informa, a multinational intelligence, andof exhibitions group with and financial forecasting.publishing, Previously business Chief Commercial Officer the Fashion Group at $4B in annual revenues, Tom boosted annual intelligence, revenues with technology innovation.

Informa, a multinational publishing, business and exhibitionsand group with $4B in annual revenues, Tom boosted annual revenues with technology and innovation.

MEDIA SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSOR

To register visit: www.marcumevents.com/retail-symposium To register visit: www.marcumevents.com/retail-symposium

FEATURES

MEET STEEL & BARNETT: THE LEATHER JEWELRY BRAND HANDCRAFTED IN BELGIUM Photos courtesy of Steel & Barnett

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FEATURES

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ince 2015, Steel & Barnett has focused on creating wrist outfits with different raw materials, focusing on items that are not only inspired by natural elements but also timeless, classic designs.

Originally started as a personal project by two young entrepreneurs, husband and wife duo Yoshi and Steffie Verbrugge, Steel & Barnett has grown into a global brand that provides signature, exceptional leather wrist bracelets for discerning customers aligned with timeless styles.

From Humble Beginnings to Success Steel & Barnett began in a small home office in 2015, where Yoshi and Steffie created beaded bracelets for their family and friends. The couple were both still working full-time, and initially saw Steel & Barnett as an opportunity to create an additional income stream that could potentially evolve into something more.

Yoshi and Steffie threaded their first 50,000 pearls, but the story of the brand didn’t end there: what began as a “side hustle” transformed into a full-fledged business, and today, Steel & Barnett has 600-plus retailers worldwide. During the beginning phase of the business’s rapid growth, the brand partnered with a tailor-made company as

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a part of its expansion plans. Yoshi and Steffie saw a further opportunity for more job creation with their brand, and since the end of 2018, detainees in Bruges Prison have been working for Steel & Barnett.

the art manufacturing facility that is equipped with sophisticated machinery and a pool of talented manpower, said the brand. This combination produces high-quality genuine leather that is durable and perfectly suited for everyday wear.

A Passion for Design Steel & Barnett’s success story is rooted in the creation of simplistic designs with an elegant touch. The brand believes that it is more difficult to be elegant than to be bold, and that elegance can only be achieved through knowledge and experience — which is the result of the special focus that one puts into their wardrobe and accessory choices.

Another area of the company’s expertise is its knowledge and use of semi-precious stones.

Steel & Barnett only uses A-grade polished, frosted and matte beads for the production of its stone bracelets, and all metals used for all categories of bracelets are 316L stainless steel, which is safe for wear throughout the day.

Proudly Handmade in Belgium From the selection of raw materials to its finished product, Steel & Barnett takes a detailed approach with each of its designs — which, after all, is the kind of approach that is expected of every handcrafted product in Belgium, the brand said. Proudly locally-made with a global mindset, the brand takes exceptional care with all of the elements it sources in creating its leather bracelets and gemstone creations.

Steel & Barnett’s raw materials are sourced from countries all over the world, from South Africa to Denmark. The company also has a state of

Supporting the Community Since its inception, Steel & Barnett has worked with social projects that offer opportunities to individuals who do not currently have access to the regular labor market.

“We pride ourselves on inspiring others with our creativity and allowing them to showcase their own, too,” Yoshi and Steffie said.

When it comes to social responsibility, Steel & Barnett knows that ethical production methods and sustainable practices go hand in hand with the creation of handmade, bespoke jewelry pieces. This includes ethically sourced leather and gemstones, as well as additional materials used

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for crafting trendy bracelets and ensuring that the production thereof does not negatively impact the environment or any global communities. The brand takes exceptional care during the production of its products to ensure that not only does it craft great designs, but it also uses materials that are designed for longevity and won’t easily wear and tear. The leather that makes up the bracelets comes from trusted sources, and when there are dyes used on these materials, they are non-irritating materials and will not easily rub off on the skin.

The natural gemstones used for the basic stone bracelets are also procured through sustainable means, and the brand ensures that the complete products are just as sturdy and flexible as the leather bracelets.

“We appreciate the origins of all our natural stones [and] take extra care when cleaning and polishing every piece to truly make it stand out,” said the couple. “It is this durability in the materials that we use that ensures that our bracelets have long lifespans and will last beyond just a season. We truly make designs that last and have a classic, timeless feel!”

Additionally, the brand uses only recycled materials and yarns for product tags, as these details have a tendency to contribute to waste.

This ensures that from start to finish, Steel &

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Barnett’s production cycle adheres to the brand’s eco-friendly ethos of creating its stylish items in the best and most environmentally responsible way possible.

Made by Traditional Standards of Quality Steel & Barnett combines traditional quality with modern-day style. So if a customer prefers hand-crafted jewelry to flashy bling, they can certainly find something to love in the brand’s range of wrist jewelry.

“The Steel and Barnett name is synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. We set out to create a range of fine quality rugged jewelry pieces that we would be proud to wear in all situations,” said Yoshi and Steffie.

The result of this high-quality commitment is a range of designer wrist jewelry that combines highly polished stones with elemental material such as leather and natural fibers. Each piece is hand-made in Belgium to exacting standards of traditional craftsmanship and bears the distinctive Steel & Barnett logo.

Creating Your Own Unique Style with Steel & Barnett Because it is versatile enough to be worn every day and everywhere, Steel & Barnett's jewelry can easily become part of one's recurring style — and

can add an extra element of cool sophistication to business wear as well.

“Like us, our customers come from all [different] walks of life. So if, like us, you believe that quality, style and sophistication does not have to be overstated, you are already sharing our brand's ethos,” said the Verbrugges. “Instead, we let our jewelry pieces speak for themselves. This means that if you are equally at home at the beach as you are in the boardroom, and equally as comfortable in front of the camera as you are behind it, Steel & Barnett is your perfect accessory for all occasions.”

“Our wrist jewelry perfectly matches and complements all styles so you always look effortlessly stylish without having to think too much about it,” they added.

A Perfect Fit for Men and Women The Verbrugges say that their ambition for Steel & Barnett was to create jewelry in a style that is timeless and classic for the modern age — for both male and female shoppers.

“Whether you favor a mix and match approach or want a talisman to wear always and for all occasions, you can always rely on Steel and Barnett,” Yoshi and Steffie said. “Our unique brand of wrist jewelry will always make you feel and look good — whatever life throws at you.”

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FEATURES

SHAPELLX Size-Inclusive Shapewear That Fits Who You Are, Naturally

Photos courtesy of Shapellx

BY LAUREN GONZALEZ

FEATURES

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an a single piece of shapewear change the world? The Shapellx founders were determined to find out, and their bold new designs became the answer for thousands of women worldwide.

oped in collaboration with fashion designers who understand the unique anatomy of the female figure, and are created so that wearers can feel confidently in control and give their wardrobes a whole new look with a beautiful silhouette.

Shapellx offers customers shapewear that is so supportive that it makes you fall in love with your entire wardrobe — and yourself — all over again. It is so comfortable that it can be worn underneath any outfit on any occasion, and so technologically advanced that it upgrades workouts and empowers a healthier physique.

The brand’s shapewear is so well-crafted that it gives wearers an instantly flawless, smooth look that lasts.

Shapellx’s four best-selling collections are PowerConceal, AirSlim, NeoSweat and CoreSculpt. The PowerConceal collection of bodysuits, shorts and high waist brief panties offers an ultra-soft, comfortable feel that creates a seamless look without lines. This collection also features a daily-use design with specialized anti-rolling silicone that leaves no skin imprints. The AirSlim collection — which includes posture-correcting shapewear, lifting shorts and long-length bodysuits with removable straps — is made for everyday wear with an anti-bacterial blend of lightweight layered nylon and spandex, plus breathable mesh for subtle stretch.

Too good to be true? Not according to the growing number of women who offered these exact sentiments about the Shapellx’s offerings.

Changing the Shapewear Conversation Traditionally, shapewear has been sold as a way to hide imperfections, mask flaws and squeeze women’s bodies into a predetermined mold. But Shapellx isn’t in the market to tell women what beauty looks like. Instead, the brand’s powerhouse design team seeks to boldly reshape the entire shapewear conversation, supporting women with premium quality pieces tailored to embrace and enhance the body that they already have. Shapellx’s team believes that its customers already are beautiful, and they have what it takes to conquer the world. Launched in 2019 and growing to $35M in less than two years, fans are quickly catching onto the Shapellx movement toward body positivity and newfound self-confidence.

Every Shapellx piece empowers ladies to feel more secure and comfortable in their own skin, so they can feel their best in any outfit for any occasion — even working out. The Shapellx collection is made using fabric technology that improved physical performance and powers the body during sustained exercise, household chores, outdoor walks and more. This ultra-reliable, undetectable shapewear has earned Shapellx a cult following, as it was created in response to listening to what real women really want from their shapewear: a product that can support everyday living.

Designed for Real Women With a focus on the highest-quality fabrics and fits down to the finest detail, each piece of Shapellx shapewear is fitted to real women with real, unique bodies. Each shapewear collection is devel-

The athletic NeoSweat collection which, in addition to shapewear, includes sport vests and arm sculptors, uses shaping activewear to maximize physical performance. The collection’s high-elastic fabrics provide targeted, body-sculpting compression that moves with the weather, helping to improve circulation for increased energy, lower lactic acid buildup and decreased next-day soreness. The CoreSculpt line includes bras and underwear that feature wide straps for elevated comfort and light, softstretch and moisture-wicking fabric — with no hardware and no lines, the collection offers a relaxed fit for all-day wear.

Pieces That Fit Who You Are, Naturally Change your shapewear to change your life. Every thoughtfully crafted Shapellx piece is made not to reshape your body, but to reshape the way you see and experience your body. The brand says its customers have been delighted to discover that they don’t need a piece of shapewear to attain “perfection.” Instead, they can find the “perfect” piece of shapewear that feels made specifically for them.

Shapellx’s collection of bras, underwear and specially designed undergarments are built for the new age of beauty, to show the world what “beautiful” really looks like and to allow women to feel unstoppable doing so.

Tested for comfort and designed for functionality, only the top styles voted by real-world women make it into Shapellx’s size-inclusive and supportive collections. The brand shares that its main focus is always its customers’ confidence and body: creating products for wearers to step into life feeling confident, sexy and gorgeous regardless of dress size or the number on the scale. With Shapellx, customers can feel vibrant, comfortable and supported every day in pieces that fit who they are, naturally. Working or playing, post-workout or postpartum, Shapellx holds steady so you won’t be held back.

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MAURA HORTON The Creative Force Behind MagnaReady and the Accessible Clothing Line Yarrow PHOTOS COURTESY OF YARROW

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ccording to the CDC, there are over 50 million adults in the United States with a disability or health condition that limits their mobility in some way. Aging can make it difficult to perform tasks that were once easy and mindless. Surgery and medical conditions can prevent certain movements. Amputees, wheelchair users and people with physical differences that are not considered the norm — all of these people can struggle to find clothing that is easy to put on that looks fashionable, is trendy and fits. This is not a new challenge for the fashion industry; it is an issue that has historically impacted many people, from petite to plus size and tall customers. Finding apparel that is not mainstream is not easy, and for people who need adaptive apparel the search is usually in vain.

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Maura Horton, the CEO of MagnaReady, created patented magnetic closures for clothing after her husband Don, who was a college football coach, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 48 and started to struggle with the buttons on his dress shirts. One day after a game, Don was dressing the locker room with the team and found he simply could not move his fingers to grip the button and push it through the buttonhole. NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who was still in college at the time, came to Don’s aid. But upon hearing this story, Maura never wanted Don to experience feeling helpless again. Because his job required him to travel with the team, Maura could not always be there to help Don, so she searched online for solutions.

“I started looking for clothing that was designed for people with limited mobility, but I quickly became frustrated. Most of the products I was finding seemed like they had been designed for elderly people, not a middle-age professional man,” said Horton. “I ordered a few dress shirts with hook and loop fasteners, but when they arrived, the fabric seemed low quality and I knew they couldn’t be a long-term option.”

“I decided to start experimenting with the dress shirts Don normally wore to find a way to adapt them, so they were easier to put on inde-

pendently,” Horton added.

Rather than buttons, Horton arrived at magnets as the solution, which would essentially be able to button Don’s shirt for him. Horton says that her initial idea was inspired by the magnetic closure on an iPad case.

It took some time to research and find the right type of magnets and perfect the design — while a variety of magnets were strong enough to reliably hold a shirt front closed, they could not survive in the washer and dryer, which was a feature that Horton deemed critical for success and ease of use for wearers.

Eventually, Horton was able to create a dress shirt that looked no different to the unknowing eye, but that could restore independence to someone with upper body mobility challenges.

From the original MagnaReady dress shirt that was initially available only in white or blue has grown an apparel line that is revolutionizing the fashion industry. Now, the patented MagnaReady magnetic closure technology is used in pants, polos, short sleeve camp shirts, sleepwear and athletic apparel — and, most recently, in Yarrow by MagnaReady, the first magnetic apparel line for women.

Designed in collaboration with women who have disabilities, Yarrow focuses on pieces that are wardrobe staples with adaptations to make them easier to put on and fitted for the needs of the wearer. For example, Horton worked with the design team to think about and create fashionable solutions for people with prosthetic limbs, keeping in mind how the garment would slide on and off over the limb so it wouldn’t get caught. Other considerations included where to place seams and pockets to avoid having the clothing rub and cause pressure wounds.

The design team also considered people with medical conditions that can cause swelling and temperature fluctuation throughout the day. All of this behind-the-scenes engineering is what is critical to the success of an adaptive clothing line — and the real magic of the collection is making the adaptations nearly invisible.

The Yarrow collection includes jeans and pants in both standing and

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seated designs. There are also cardigans, long sleeve blouses, tunic tees, collared sleeveless blouses, all occasion dresses, magnetic full zip jackets, sleepwear and athletic wear. There is even a shirt designed specifically with caregivers in mind to simplify the process of dressing another person while maintaining their dignity.

“Having personally experienced being a primary caregiver I knew that I wanted to focus on designing clothing that was stylish and had features that made dressing easier for both the caregiver and the care recipient,” she said. “If someone is unable to stand or make the movements required to pull a top over the head, or pants on up and over the legs, dressing can become quite complicated and time consuming.”

“By changing the openings of clothing and adding closures in non-traditional places, we can make classic styles more approachable and tailored to the needs of caregivers and people with limited mobility,” Horton added.

Each piece in the Yarrow collection was rigorously tested to ensure that the design had multiple access points, the right cut and was easy to put on and take off. For example, the seated pants are designed with a higher rise in the back to accommodate wheelchair preferences.

The seams were also given special consideration so they would not become irritating for someone sitting all day. The pants were constructed using flat seams, loops were added at the waist for better grip when pulling them on, and vents were also designed in toward the bottom of the legs to make it easier to get into and out of the pants with limited mobility.

The Yarrow by MagnaReady collection is just the beginning. MagnaReady and Yarrow by MagnaReady were recently purchased by the David Peyser Sportswear Company after Global Brands Group, which was selling MagnaReady and Yarrow on the Juniper Unlimited marketplace filed for bankruptcy last year. Moving forward, Horton and the David Peyser Sportswear team intend to take the lessons learned from designing MagnaReady and Yarrow by MagnaReady clothing, as well as the patented MagnaReady technology, and make it available to other brands and retailers.

For Horton, the goal is to make it possible for any consumer who needs adaptive clothing to be able to go to a retail store online or in person, pick up a catalog and find and adaptive version of the season’s latest styles available to them, just like there are options for petite, tall and plus sized customers.

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Horton was able to create a dress shirt that looked no different to the unknowing eye, but that could restore independence to someone with upper mobility challenges. mannpublications.com

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SIMON ARDEM INTRODUCES VENETIAN-INSPIRED BRIDAL COLLECTION Photos courtesy of Shotti (@shottinyc)

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hroughout history, tokens of love have been gifted to symbolize commitment and commemorate unions. The presentation of an engagement ring and wedding band embodies this promise and tradition as wearable art, an everyday emblem as enduring as the foundation it represents and a covenant of a couple’s dedication to one another.

In celebration of new beginnings, world-renowned bridal atelier Simon Ardem has launched the Stella Bridal capsule collection of classic engagement and wedding ring styles. The collection infuses the warmth of rose gold layering and pink accents, alongside traditional, all-platinum and diamond designs. Inspired by the romance of Venice, Italy, where Simon Ardem co-founders Ardem and Cynthia Aslanian married 19 years ago, the collection celebrates the beauty the city emanates.

Simon Ardem is a boutique jewelry house specializing in white and colored diamond jewelry. Its unique collection is the result of the talents of its

New York-based team of designers and artisans.

With over three generations of experience, Simon Ardem’s focus is on achieving the finest jewelry through excellence in design and craftsmanship.

“Venice stands out as one of the most unique places in Italy, not just for the canals it’s famous for but for its rich history in the arts,” said Ardem Alsatian, who is also president of the Armenian Jewelers Association. “The craftsmanship of its city and architecture has stood the test of time. Our inspiration for the Stella Bridal collection pays homage to this beautiful Italian city.”

Featuring a mix of cuts from emerald to princess, the collection encourages one to choose a dream ring amongst a plethora of refined designs, said the brand. The Bovolo ring, a square Asscher cut platinum engagement ring, displays the exceptional craftsmanship of the New York City atelier. It is inspired by the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a palazzo in Venice famed for its multi-arch spiral staircase, beauty and intricacy. The Bovolo ring is an

architectural jewel translated into a wedding jewel, Simon Ardem said.

An elegant twist on the classic engagement ring is the magical Contarini ring, an Asscher cut set in an 18K rose gold band. The shank of the ring is set three-fourths of the way around with rare Argyle pink diamonds which exudes next-level luxury. The ring is named for the Contarini family, one of the founding families of Venice which is known for its Italian nobility lineage. The brilliance of the pink diamonds, complementing the rose gold in the setting, adds a breathtaking elegance to this one-of-akind piece, perfect for the bride who is looking for something equally stunning and rare.

The Stella Bridal capsule collection’s Dandolo ring is also composed of elegant 18K rose gold and pink diamonds that are set with a sparkling round brilliant diamond. It is an homage to its namesake, Enrico Dandolo, a Venetian doge — this translates to duke which was the highest official of the republic of Venice for more than 1,000 years, as well as a

FEATURES

symbol of sovereignty of the Venetian state. Both the Contarini and Dandolo rings are extraordinary, handmade with acute attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship, said Simon Ardem. Each is wholly unique and rare, as the bond it represents and the wearer who relishes it.

The fourth engagement ring in the Stella Bridal capsule collection is the Loredan ring, which is named after the House of Loredan, a political dynasty that shaped both the Republic of Venice and the Mediterranean. Its elegant oval cut diamond is beautifully prong-set with four platinum prongs within an 18K rose gold band. Streamlined and modern, it offers a sophisticated and bridal look.

To complement the engagement rings in the collection, Simon Ardem also offers a variety of wedding bands which can be mixed and matched with the four signature styles. A 14K rose gold and round diamond eternity band, oval diamond eternity band in platinum and an East-West emerald cut baguette platinum eternity band each offers a timeless design that pairs beautifully with the Stella Bridal capsule collection engagement rings.

“The warm pink tone of rose gold is a perfect complement to pure platinum, adding a unique twist to this timeless collection,” said Cynthia Aslanian.

For those looking to embrace the romance, history and beauty of Venice, Simon Ardem’s Stella Bridal capsule collection offers picture-perfect designs that reflect the vision and beauty of the wedding day — as well as the couple’s future together — while maintaining timeless style for the bride-to-be.

FEATURES

THE POPPY CARAVAN KICKS OFF 2022 POP-UP EVENT SERIES

BY JOSEPH PASTRANA

Photo courtesy of Wolford

he Poppy Caravan debuts its 2022 series of highly anticipated fashion popup events on April 4 and April 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Starlight Ballroom & Foyer of the Mr. C Hotel Miami in Coconut Grove, Florida. The event will feature a mix of upscale and emerging fashion labels along with accessories and home décor products.

Participating brands include Emily & Ashley, Las Sureñas, Mignonne Gavigan, Byrdie Golf Social Wear, Marysia, Buggy, Ala Von Auersperg, Peraline, Cappello Hats, Wolford, Buru, Elysian, Sue Sartor, Camilla Webster and Nitika Moran.

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Conceived by founders Stephanie Landess and Paula Edwards during the pandemic lockdown and launched shortly following the gradual lifting of quarantine, the event was met with both uncertainty by the organizers and anticipation by the public as everyone struggled with how to effec-

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tively navigate health precautions and federal and state mandates regarding outdoor activities. But The Poppy Caravan was an immediate hit among its featured brands as well as attendees for offering an elevated shopping experience that’s more like a garden party as opposed to the formalized set-up of the traditional trunk show.

This initial positive reception allowed Landess and Edwards to confidently move ahead with their booked dates in Charleston, South Carolina, followed by stops at Sun Valley, Idaho; Nantucket, Massachusetts in the summer and the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach in the winter.

Key to the appeal of The Poppy Caravan is how each event is a direct reflection of Landess and Edwards’ shared interests and extensive experience in travel, managing and hosting events, as well as their innate talent for recognizing poten-

tial in unique brands. Five years ago, the two met in New York, where Landess is based and Edwards has a second home. Landess has worked with countless high-profile organizations — including The School of American Ballet and The Nature Conservancy — with a specialization in development and marketing strategy for special projects and events, and Edwards has been an event planner and worked with major hotel chains. In 2018, Edwards was thinking of proposing a pop-up event for a PGA Tour at her local Kiawah Island Club and ran the idea by Landess, who had set up a pop-up in Manhattan in the past.

When the lockdown was announced, Landess temporarily relocated to South Carolina and ended up living on the same street as Edwards. The two became fast friends and constantly discussed their professional goals. While Edwards’ original plan didn’t transpire, the two kept exchanging

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FEATURES ideas until they eventually decided to team up and create The Poppy Caravan.

The concept grew out of Landess and Edwards’ desire to build a community of women, mothers and sisters in select cities where they could bring in a carefully curated mix of brands that celebrates all things style, home and family. Together they scoured Instagram for inspiration — not just for their favorite labels, but also for rare fashion and home brands without a brick-and-mortar store looking to be showcased in a prestigious platform. While they try to abide by certain rules — like no brands in direct competition with each other, and prioritizing lines that are largely unfamiliar to the locals of a host city in order to provide something fresh and exciting — they do allow for certain exceptions, such as accepting local vendors who might provide something seasonally relevant.

“We work hard to create a chemistry, not competition among participating brands,” Landess said.

The first part of The Poppy Caravan’s formula is dependent on this meticulous balance of recognized and new, unusual yet relevant brands that Landess and Edwards bring to each host city with attention to the local demographic interests. While those standards are factored into each event, Landess and Edwards trust their instincts that there is a universality to what shoppers and the public at large want.

“We love gathering people together to have fun and it’s been a joy seeing multi-generations of women — married, partnered, single, divorced, widowed or empty-nester — and their friends and families come together at our festive events,” Edwards said.

Photos courtesy of Mignonne Gavigan

The success is a strong confirmation of Landess and Edwards’ belief that there is a sizable market for their unique format. Last year’s crowds were just as eager to discover The Poppy Caravan's treasures — from small objets d’art to big ticket purchases — as they were to do so in more congenial and gracious surroundings.

And because both Landess and Edwards are regularly involved with charity organizations, they decided to add this component to the events. To give back to the community, The Poppy Caravan donates 10% of the sales to a local nonprofit in the location of the event. For the Miami-based event, the recipient is the Healthy Bellas Foundation, a prominent nonprofit organization with deep roots in the Miami Latina population and dedicated to creating opportunities and programs for young adults with special needs.

“We wanted to bring women together in unity and we hope this is just the beginning of working together with this worthy cause,” Landess and Edwards said.

In order to keep providing new and exciting offerings at each event, Landess and Edwards are also actively seeking new brands to showcase even as they continue to travel from city to city. After Miami, The Poppy Caravan is scheduled to continue to its key destinations in the United States, and plans are already underway to either expand the scope of the merchandise or add more city stops. But Landess and Edwards promise that no matter what, they intend to maintain the same personal touch that makes The Poppy Caravan events such gracious, friendly and one-of-a-kind gatherings.

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FEATURES

LEFTY PRODUCTIONS CO. EXPANDS TO TEXAS WITH NEW ACQUISITION FASHION INDUSTRY STRATEGIST DANIELLA PLATT CAUGHT UP WITH MILLER TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EXPANSION

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os Angeles-based manufacturer Lefty Productions Co. acquired Stitch Texas, a fashion development firm headquartered in Austin. Lefty Co-founder and CEO Marta Miller said the purchase represents a significant step in the company’s mission to make “Made in the U.S.A.” an achievable reality for American brands.

The agreement will give family-owned Stitch Texas, which currently focuses on product development and sampling, a seamless production outlet for its 75 clients based across the southern United States, Miller said. Clients’ apparel projects can be sewn at Lefty’s factory in Los Angeles in the near term while Miller lays the groundwork to build out a production arm in Texas in the coming years. The first step will be figuring out how to help current Stitch Texas clients, many of whom source offshore, “bring their production home,” she said.

As the industry navigates one of the most turbulent supply chain crises in recent history, Miller said companies are beginning to recognize the importance of proximity to their partners as well as their end consumers. Brands manufacturing solely overseas might have missed out on holiday sales this fall due to delays, she said.

“It’s a wake-up call — maybe you don’t have to have all of your production here,” Miller added, “but you have to have some part of the supply chain that you can touch and feel like you’re in control.”

A native Texan, Miller moved back to her home state during the pandemic after 15 years of building out Lefty Production Co. in Downtown Los Angeles. She describes the company as a “one-stop shop” for entrepreneurs and influencers looking to start their own social media-driven lines, as it guides industry newbies through the product development process. Lefty, Miller added, has also solidified its status as a partner for a growing number of American womenswear brands and department stores that see the value of manufacturing stateside.

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FEATURES “There’s such a tactile part to this industry,” Miller said. “Localizing development and production really does help them to better understand their own brands.”

When Stitch Texas owner Jan García told Miller — an occasional production partner — about his intention to retire, she felt compelled to find a way to keep the operation alive.

The partnership will allow the companies to share resources and relationships, with several fabric mills based in the Los Angeles area.

"After nine years, we have come full circle, and it is time for someone else to carry on," García told Sourcing Journal. "Marta's expertise and access to manufacturing facilities, while offering the sought-after development services, is the perfect solution for our valued clients."

Through the transition, Stitch Texas will retain its name and its four full-time employees — and some of Lefty's sewers are already expressing interest in moving to Austin to join the team.

With a lower cost of living than California and skilled sewers in short supply, Miller said workers have told her they would appreciate the opportunity to help build out a new Texas factory.

"We are seeing a large amount of interest and that might end up propelling our plans quicker than we anticipated," Miller also shared.

In the near term, Miller is bullish about integrating cutting-edge retail technology into the Stitch Texas business. Calling Austin a "baby Silicon Valley," Miller noted the city has become a hub for tech companies, and she believes there's a valuable partnership to be forged between incoming startups and fashion players.

"There's a celebration of technology going on here, and there's a huge talent pool," she said. She hopes Stitch Texas can help pioneer a true industry presence in the region, influenced by the city's future-focused entrepreneurs.

Lefty currently utilizes Tukatech's 3D and CAD design programs and is a part of the company's international community of factories, dubbed TukaCenters, which are connected via cloud-based software. By joining the network, the firm will synergize the two operations and foster collaboration with brands, supply chain partners and even individual sewers.

Miller believes that a strong focus on connection is what will spur brands to engage with domestic manufacturing. Being able to visit a factory and see goods on the production line or meet with a product development team located in the same time zone is becoming increasingly important to brands frustrated with offshore challenges, she said.

Meanwhile, cutting-edge technology gives brands greater visibility into the product development process, filling in any gaps.

The value of the “Made in the U.S.A.” label is also on the upswing in Miller's opinion. "The American consumer, no matter how they're politically aligned, appreciates something made here ethically," she said.

Comparing the growth of the farm-to-table movement in the food sector to the burgeoning interest in U.S. fashion manufacturing, Miller said consumers are becoming deeply invested in the origins of their apparel.

Miller added, “Why wouldn't you want to understand whose hands made it and take pride in that?”

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Photos courtesy of Lefty Production Co.

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FEATURES - FINANCE

TRUSTRACE STRENGTHENS TRACEABILITY FOR CERTIFIED MATERIAL COMPLIANCE FOR FASHION & APPAREL

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rusTrace, a global software as a service (SaaS) company with a market-leading platform for product traceability and supply chain transparency within fashion and retail, has announced the launch of TrusTrace Certified Material Compliance, a one-stop solution that enables near, real-time traceability at the material level.

Founded in 2016, TrusTrace offers a platform for supply chain traceability at scale within fashion and retail, which has quickly become the foundation for some of the most ambitious sustainability programs in the world. It is built on artificial intelligence, blockchain, software bots and IoT technologies in an open architecture that integrates seamlessly with manufacturers', retailers' and suppliers' existing systems, as well as those of third-party certification agencies and other sustainability solution providers. The company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with offices in India.

How TrusTrace Works The solution covers the broad spectrum of requirements for material compliance, including documenting the percentage of certified versus non-certified material content, supporting different chain of custody models and covering single component products to multi-component products, thus serving as a single source of truth that bolsters brand confidence in their compliance journeies and supports their own commitments to move to more sustainable portfolios.

TrusTrace Certified Material Compliance gives brands granular visibility into product sustainability metrics, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations and enabling streamlined decision-making and tighter integration with suppliers worldwide. The solution directly addresses emerging industry methodologies and pending government regulations that will require brands to base sustainability claims on verifiable and precise data.

“In the midst of global greenwashing and challenges with unsubstantiated claims, brands and regulators are moving quickly to instill confidence among consumers that products are, indeed, as sustainable as they claim to be,” said Shameek Glosh, CEO of TrusTrace. “Brands that want to establish near, real-time traceability at the lot level by mapping the movement of raw materials to finished goods — and automatically calculate the sustainability metrics of those goods — now have a proven solution in TrusTrace Certified Material Compliance.”

Glosh continued, “By linking all purchase orders to production steps, certificates, supplier declarations and quality reports on the TrusTrace platform, TrusTrace Certified Material Compliance helps brands manage risk and compliance and allows them to prove sustainability claims with confidence.”

Near, real-time traceability allows brands to capture data from supply chain transactions as products and materials move through the value chain, meaning that finished goods have traceability information already associated with them when they arrive at market, allowing brands to easily tell the story of their products’ origins and material integrity to consumers, retailers and regulators.

The solution can also help identify material waste in the supply chain by intelligently calculating discrepancies between inputs and outputs, thereby, supporting greater efficiencies in production while keeping waste out of landfills or otherwise harming sustainability efforts.

Traceability is Pivotal for the Fashion Industry to Comply with Current and Upcoming Regulations For the European market, the European Union is considering regulatory initiatives such as requiring claims to be backed by common measurement methodologies, and France and Denmark have already crafted legislation on documentation requirements for environmental, social and governance (ESG) claims.

FEATURES FEATURES - FINANCE Amsterdam-based Fashion for Good, a platform for sustainable fashion innovation, focused on bringing the fashion ecosystem together through its innovation platform and acting as a convener for change, is among many advocates of creating more standardization in the industry.

“Real-time, fiber-forward traceability facilitates industry-wide standardization of supply chain data, laying the foundation for accurate impact tracking, trustworthy certification and waste stream analytics for fibers, materials and products,” said Katrin Ley, managing director, Fashion for Good. “All of these factors play a major role in authenticating sustainability claims, enabling the accurate measuring and ultimately empowering improvements of ESG metrics within the supply chain alongside facilitating the credible flow of impact data to meet legislative requirements at a product level.”

“For brands, supply chain due diligence and sustainability strategies need material traceability provided by reliable, digital platforms such as TrusTrace, to build data-informed visibility of supply chain journeys to truly transition to more sustainable practices,” Ley added.

Adidas as Early Adopter of TrusTrace Certified Material Compliance Global sports brand Adidas is one of the first large companies to adopt TrusTrace Certified Material Compliance after providing early input on its development, focusing on a scalable, digital solution integrating seamlessly with enterprise systems like project lifecycle management (PLM), purchase order system and supplier management systems to minimize the need for manual intervention. Being able to track materials in a standardized, digital and scalable way helps Adidas to create more transparency on its sustainability goals, including moving to 100% recycled polyester by 2024 and having nine out of 10 of its articles featuring a sustainable technology, material, design or manufacturing method by 2025.

“As part of its commitment to sustainability, Adidas has worked with TrusTrace to gain more visibility into our complete supply chain down to the materials level,” said Katja Schreiber, senior vice president, sustainability at Adidas. “The information gleaned from TrusTrace Certified Material Compliance will help us to create even more transparency of our sustainability efforts."

Photo courtesy of TrusTrace

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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TECH FEATURES

PICKLE BRINGS SOCIAL SHOPPING TO THE DIGITAL WORLD

BY LAUREN D’ERRICO Photo courtesy of Julia O’Mara

TECH FEATURES

hopping alone can be a great experience, but shopping with a friend can be what really elevates a trip to the store from a mundane errand to a meaningful encounter that facilitates fun and connection. Through the pandemic, I’ve deeply missed the ease of making my way through a well-dressed clothing store and stopping at each rack and shelf — what’s so great about this scenario is that I get to explore new styles and trends with someone I trust, and I get to source that friend’s opinions on how my potential purchases make me look and feel.

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Now, imagine being able to have that experience at your fingertips when you shop online — not just sending a link to a friend for an item that you just can’t commit to moving to your digital shopping cart, but the in-the-moment feedback that was once only available during in-person shopping trips.

This is where Pickle comes in, the social commerce platform that is changing the way that customers can shop online.

Founded by Brian McMahon, CEO, and Julia O’Mara, head of growth, the New York Citybased app utilizes a social network to recreate the digital shopping experience as a social one. Pickle connects users with similar styles — such as streetwear and athleisure trends and viral, internet-inspired looks — and allows them to share their fashionable finds and shop one another’s styles.

In the Pickle app, users join “Circles” where they can not only discover new products and trends alongside influencers but also share their own purchases — and, users can shop with their friends, sharing their in-progress shopping carts, offering personalized style tips and casting and voting in polls to create community opinions on items.

Below, McMahon shares an inside look at what makes Pickle such an industry-changing app, as well as what led him from studying business to the retail technology industry and mobile development, how Pickle users are utilizing the app and what the future of retail looks like in the digital age.

How did you enter into the technology and retail industries?

I went to the University of Maryland where I majored in business with a minor in business analytics. I always had a lot of interest in how

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technology and data could be used to drive business decisions. In all of my roles prior to Pickle, I worked along the intersection of technology, data and business. I actually did not have any experience with mobile development until I started working on Pickle.

As for retail, I am actually pretty new to the space. One of the main reasons for creating Pickle is that I don’t have a great way to keep up with the latest trends, and I have trouble deciding what to buy — I think that a lot of people fall into this same boat. Pickle helps all shoppers — even the casual ones — to easily identify the trends and get feedback on potential purchases from the people of influence around them.

Where does the name “Pickle” come from?

The name Pickle is a combination of our goal to help users “pick” the best products and our polling functionality, where if you are posting a poll, you might be “in a pickle” trying to figure out what to buy or wear.

Walk me through the user experience of Pickle. What can users see and do when they open the app?

When users open the app, they will be able to see their Pickle Jars — which are essentially universal shopping carts that can be shared with friends — and all of the Circles they belong to. Circles are communities of users that have similar style preferences and look for inspiration and feedback from one another. These features give users easy access to see and discuss the latest items their friends have saved to their Pickle Jars or the ability to click into their favorite Circles to see the latest trends.

When creating a new post, users have two options: post an outfit or a poll. Posting an outfit and tagging the products they are wearing allows users to show off their styles and gives others the ability to shop others’ styles as well.

With a poll, users can source feedback from their friends and Circles about what to buy or even what to wear. Any post can become highlighted within a Circle based on high engagement. Similar to the way that anyone on TikTok can be a star, anyone on Pickle can be a fashion icon.

What do you feel makes Pickle such a unique shopping platform?

What makes Pickle unique is our communities, which we call Circles. These Circles can be social-based — a friend group, Greek life, college campus, entire cities and more — or more style-based groupings, focused on street-

wear, casual looks or athleisure, for example.

Within these Circles, users can show off their outfits for inspiration and post polls to get some feedback. The purpose is to allow users to shop each other's looks within their Circles. If you like someone's outfit, you can either save it to one of your Pickle Jars to revisit later, or you can just directly buy the item.

We are heavily influenced by the people around us. We have all been in the situation where we have passed someone on campus or a city street and thought “I really like that outfit… I wonder where they got it.” Pickle now allows you to shop the looks of the people around you.

Tell me about the style communities within the app. What kinds of experiences does having this network offer to shoppers?

Shoppers are able to see the styles and trends in a more intimate way through their Circles.

We are heavily inspired by the people around us, so these influential Circles improve our discovery. Shoppers also would like to know how a product would be received by the people around them before actually making the purchase. Through polls and other feedback mechanisms, Circles provide us with that insight.

What is the most surprising or interesting thing you’ve learned about shoppers’ current habits through Pickle?

Everyone has a slightly different shopping process and values a different level of influence.

Some people care mainly about what their close friends and family think [of their styles] and therefore take advantage of shared Pickle Jars to save and discuss items in a private setting. Other users really value seeking inspiration and feedback at a larger scale from the people in their Circles. And lastly, some users look to discover trends primarily through popular influencers on our Discover page.

Regardless of a shopper’s preferred approach, our goal is to help them to discover the best products for them and make confident purchasing decisions.

What does the future of retail looks like?

The future of retail is social. Shopping is inherently a social experience, yet as solutions move more digital, they cut out the social aspects that influence our purchases in such an impactful way. Our goal is to create an all-encompassing social shopping experience where users can discover, decide and purchase items with the help of the people of influence in their Circles, including close friends and family as well as online influencers.

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TECH FEATURES

GAME-CHANGING AI TECH SUPPORTS FASHION E-RETAIL SHOPPING SECURITY

BY ALLISON LEE, CEO AND FOUNDER OF HEMSTER

Photos courtesy of Hemster

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TECH FEATURES

lobally, the fashion industry is responsible for over 92 million tons of waste each year, with 17 million tons stemming from the United States alone.

As sustainability becomes a growing concern for many, consumers are turning to see how brands are responding to this problem and what actionable steps they are taking toward it — especially within the fashion industry.

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As Earth Day approaches and spring cleaning is on the forefront of many people's minds, it's crucial that sustainable options are being offered to help reduce a surplus of waste from hitting landfills and contributing to this larger problem.

Damage prevention and managing returns is a reality for all brands that sell goods, and can be a major contributor to fashion waste. Years ago, when trying to order a pair of skinny jeans, I struggled to determine the best sizing; sizes and measurements seemed to be contradicting each other. I wondered if there was a way where I could just save the fit of my favorite pair of jeans and make it a pattern for all future jeans I would purchase. This system would not only help me consistently achieve my desired fit, but decrease the amount of returned items retailers would accumulate.

That’s when I saw the unique opportunity to create a tech-powered platform that could help: Hemster. My idea was to be able to leverage

technology to ensure that tailoring and repairs for brand items were happening efficiently, providing both an opportunity for brands to be sustainable while preventing waste and also increasing the opportunity for profit. Hemster’s technology is able to capture accurate fit data, down to the quarter inch and is unique for each customer. We then are able to save this clean fit data so that customers can easily make repeat purchases in the future using their existing measurements. Not only does this system benefit customers by providing them with garments that are custom to their body type, but it also benefits retailers by drastically reducing the rate of returns — which is both a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.

Another major component of Hemster’s services includes garment refurbishment at scale.

When a garment is returned to a store because of minor damages, like missing buttons or broken zippers, it often ends up sitting in a warehouse for an extended period of time and eventually makes its way to a landfill. We work with future-focused brands like Faherty, Hill House, Aday and Outdoor Voices to bring dead stock inventory back to life so it is able to be sold again at full price. By partnering with retailers, we are able to help fuel their sustainability goals and monetize this pool of inventory, as the majority of these damaged garments can actually be resold again at full price with just a simple repair.

For example, we recently partnered with Faherty to revive slightly damaged new stock critical to

their key partner in under 10 days. Not only was the service timely — which was extremely important, as the items were seasonal — but these repair services allowed the merchandise to be sold at full price so the company could make profit where it otherwise would not have been able to.

In addition to offering repair services to retailers, Hemster customers can also work with the company to repair pieces in their own closets as well.

In a recent survey conducted by Hemster, only 20% of women and eight percent of men between the ages of 35 and 54 said they currently had no damaged garments in their closets and 50% of women and 42% within the same age group find themselves having to purchase new clothes monthly. However, by utilizing Hemster’s repair services, customers can easily restore their damaged garments, which will prevent fashion waste in landfills while also minimizing the need to constantly purchase new. When asked if they would be open to sending their damaged garments to Hemster for repairs, 75% of men in the 35 to 54 year age category said yes.

Preventing fashion waste is something that both retailers and consumers can contribute to — they just may not be sure of the best ways to help. While options like donation and resale are top of mind for many, being able to restore the overall lifetime value of garments and keep these items within your closet is ultimately the most sustainable option, ensuring that excess clothing is not ending up in our landfills.

TECH FEATURES

ESW PARTNERS WITH ASENDIA FOR EXPEDITED, SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING OPTIONS Photo courtesy of ESW

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SW (formerly eShopWorld), a global direct-to-consumer e-commerce company, announced a partnership with Asendia USA to provide expedited three-to-five-day shipping options to ESW’s brand partners expanding globally. From compliance, data security, fraud protection, taxes and tariffs to checkout, delivery, returns, customer service and demand generation, ESW’s powerful combination of technology and human ingenuity covers the entire shopper journey across 200 markets, said the company.

Asendia USA is the United States portion of Asendia, an international e-commerce and mail company, specializing in the preparation and distribution of parcels and documents to more than 220 destinations across the globe. Asendia brings together logistics excellence and smart technologies to support e-commerce businesses to grow internationally. Strategically located in 17 countries worldwide, Asendia offers e-PAQ, a specialist range of international packet and parcel services designed for online retailers. As part of Le Groupe La Poste, Asendia and DPD Group have come together to build a premium service level, e-PAQ Elite, powered in Europe by DPD, designed for United States-based

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retailers who are expanding into Europe.

Accessible to U.S. retailers working with ESW, the suite of e-PAQ solutions offers retailers a choice of trusted delivery options at checkout, boosting conversions and customer satisfaction. In Europe, e-PAQ Elite is Europe's largest parcel delivery network through which Asendia provides retailers a high-quality, sustainable delivery service based on a fast and fully tracked solution.

This new, flexible and user-friendly service will enable ESW’s e-commerce retailers to offer its customers industry-first digital functionalities, Predict and myDPD, designed to enhance the consumer experience by empowering both retailers and consumers to track and schedule deliveries. The partnership strengthens ESW’s ability to deliver an exceptional international e-commerce experience that feels familiar and local to consumers, and that drives conversion for brands, the company said.

“We know that shipping remains the number one concern for consumers when considering whether to shop from international, cross-border e-commerce brands,” said Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne,

president, ESW North America. “Conversion rates dramatically increase when international direct-to-consumer retailers offer transparent, trackable shipping options.”

Bosquet-Chavanne continued, “Our relationship with Asendia USA provides us with direct access to its e-PAQ solutions which alleviate all of those questions, both for the retailers and consumers, by empowering ESW clients with the most technologically advanced sustainable shipping, tracking and delivery options in the industry today.”

Predict and myDPD offer an unmatched level of transparency and reliability to retailers and consumers alike, ESW said. Predict offers shoppers the benefits of advanced notifications, one-hour window, live-tracking, delivery rescheduling and sustainability. The myDPD platform is a portal that consists of a website and an app and offers retailers and shoppers a unique digital experience. With myDPD, shoppers can track parcels live, manage their deliveries on any device, keep up to date on every important step of deliveries, receive customized messages, find assistance easily and even rate their delivery experiences.

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TECH FEATURES

MACY’S INTRODUCES BRAND PLATFORM,

“OWN YOUR STYLE” Photo courtesy of Business Wire

M

acy’s has announced the launch of its brand platform, Own Your Style, which empowers customers to celebrate their individuality and personal style through Macy’s curated assortment of the best brands and latest trends. Built on the brand’s rich history as a driving force in American fashion, Own Your Style is grounded in the customer insight that style comes from within, and Macy’s role is to help bring it out, said the company.

With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers a convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Additionally, Macy’s gives customers more ways to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated and smaller store format, Market by Macy’s.

With Own Your Style, the brand will help customers discover and express their unique personal style by connecting them with products, advice, inspiration and great value. With the customer at the center of the company’s communication, the new brand platform will celebrate how customers feel when they own their style, help them overcome style challenges and inspire them with the latest products and trends, Macy’s said. Powered by a digitally led omnichannel experience, Own Your Style has been fully integrated across all customer touch points including macys.com, the Macy’s app, social media and stores.

“Style is unique to the individual. We will help our customers express their personal style through personalized data-driven recommendations and expert advice that will differentiate us in a cluttered marketplace,” said Rich Lennox, chief brand officer of Macy’s. “This brand transformation will enhance our customer’s shopping experience with more personal touch points and offer them true value and style that they can own.”

The new platform is a key step within the company’s Polaris strategy to win with fashion and style and will come to life across the customer journey

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through digital and social-first experiences, branded content, sequenced storytelling, in-person expert advice and personalized data-driven recommendations.

With the platform, the company will introduce a refreshed brand identity that will embody the spirit of discovery and playfulness featuring more tips, inspiration, howtos and hacks that make deciding what to buy easier and shopping more fun. Individuality will also be at the heart of the company’s casting, celebrating customers of every ethnicity, size, gender identity and ability. Macy’s colleagues will bring Own Your Style to life in stores with a reimagined dress code that celebrates self-expression to inspire customers to discover their own style.

Macy’s Style Crew Macy’s is reintroducing Macy’s Style Crew, a diverse community of passion-filled, style-loving colleagues. These in-house experts will move their social media followers and customers to make informed purchasing decisions through tips, live demos, product tutorials and recommendations. Style crew members share their passion for fashion, beauty and lifestyle by posting unique shoppable video and photo content to their own social and digital channels for customers to discover new product in an informational, fun and engaging way. Style Crew members give customers the inspiration they need to turn their closet from “I don’t know” to “I totally own this,” said Macy’s. Customers can click through the Style Crew members’ posts and land on macys.com to complete their shopping journey.

Digital Experience Customers will enjoy an elevated digital experience featuring simplified global navigation, a refreshed, modern search bar and a personalized

customer dashboard. The online experience will be centered around the Own Your Style hub, a curated destination for style inspiration. Elevated digital shopping experiences will feature product carousels highlighting different categories, plus new product photos grids that showcase items in a new and engaging layout with product videos.

Store Experience Stores will feature monthly Own Your Style and Now Trending pavilions curated with must-have products and key items. Customers will receive style guidance from digital screens throughout the store featuring style inspiration plus visual product displays including shoes and bags cross merchandised with outfits to provide style advice directly on the floor.

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TECH FEATURES

GAME-CHANGING AI TECH SUPPORTS FASHION E-RETAIL SHOPPING SECURITY

BY MERILEE A. KERN, MBA

I

t is projected that by 2025 there will be a total of 291.2 million digital buyers in the United States, according to Statista. It is further reported by E-Marketer that, also by 2025, fashion online resale platform sales will reach $30.63 billion, growing at an estimated 24% CAGR and representing 10% of all e-commerce apparel and accessories sales.

With this exponential digital retail growth comes a litany of problems. Of course, there are pitfalls aplenty on the infrastructure and supply chain side, but it is delivery security that has one inventor frothed up. Ron Carter — a visionary tech savant who holds the patent for the Ring smart video doorbell technology as well as many other video doorbell companies — has again created and patented revolutionary entry management technology intended to safeguard the burgeoning e-commerce economy.

Carter’s timing couldn't be better, or the need for this technology more clear. For fashion e-commerce purveyors, the significance of new developments in the home delivery package protection space cannot be overstated, especially as one considers findings shared by Safewise, which reveal that “around 210 million packages disappeared from porches across America” over the prior 12-month period. As disconcerting, this study also exposed that “package theft happens even when you have security measures in place,” citing that “58% of recent package theft victims reported using a security camera or video doorbell camera.”

It’s clear that “porch-pirating” is escalating to a level that’s become a bona fide challenge for e-commerce sales. This is a problem that Carter and his 100% minority-owned company 1Ahead Technologies is hell-bent on rectifying courtesy of Glo, a first-generation artificial intelligence (AI) entry management technology recently introduced at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Knowing Carter is responsible for much of the current video surveillance doorbell industry — with some of his previous patents licensed by household-name companies including CPI Security, Alarm Force, HeathCo/Zenith, Chamberlain, Live Watch Security and Zmodo — I caught up with him to discuss the nuances of his newest innovation and enterprise as well as the implications at large for the e-commerce mail order delivery space.

In a nutshell, how would you describe Glo and its usefulness?

In addition to capturing video, the Glo AI device

has also created a new category referred to as “entry management” as opposed to security. The system utilizes a sophisticated AI-driven device that may be integrated with smart mailboxes, smart locks, e-commerce logistic and endless other smart devices. Glo AI can recognize delivery personnel, record their actions, allow them to leave packages in a smart box or monitored area, open the door and enable access via a smart lock, record messages, provide logistics to the delivery person, read images that act as keys, aggregate data and more.

The new Glo AI entry management device is supported by “VALT” technology. Can you elaborate on that?

VALT is an acronym for “Virtual Access and Logistics Technology,” and is our patented platform that enables Glo to offer such unparalleled capabilities. It’s a first-generation AI technology designed to provide e-commerce security, access control and management, e-commerce logistics support and a security response that surpasses the current marketplace offerings of ineffective video notifications and alarms. VALT represents a very secure and effective way to address access and logistics at the fraction of the cost of personnel, physical keys and related expenses. Mobile devices are inherently secure because of the associated IP address and biometric access feature on locked devices.

The core features of VALT make everyday transactions more manageable in support of streamlined communications and access options for merchants, customers and property owners. This technology offers commanding potential to solve logistics-related issues in the e-commerce industry and beyond. In fact, VALT technology impacts other vertical markets beyond residential/ consumer benefits such as corporate/commercial facility access, real estate, property management and property exchanges like Airbnb. We’ve filed continuation applications to further expand VALT's capabilities across industries and sectors.

Is the Glo solution founded on VALT a subscription-based platform?

Yes, the VALT application is membership-based and functional within a network of individual and business subscribers, facilitating two-way communication and oversight for end users experiencing transactions. Glo technology will likely retire many current video doorbells, although the solution will be priced comparable to current video doorbell devices.

In your estimation, how pervasive is the porch pirating problem?

At best, it is frustrating for consumers and costly for merchants. We stand today at a critical mo-

ment for online commerce, where innovative solutions are urgently needed to provide security, logistics support and access in assisting merchants and end-users to mitigate loss.

What’s the origin story for your new company? What in your career led you here?

I am the inventor of patent #7,193,644, which involves wireless video doorbell surveillance tech.

After assigning the patents to the prior company, I lost control of the company in 2017. The original patent was conceived to offer convenience to homeowners, providing the ability of seeing someone at a door via a mobile device. The patent offered some security benefits, but the technology was primarily designed to offer convenience.

Today, the video doorbell industry markets video doorbells for security purposes — but as a security product, video doorbells offer very little in the way of threat mitigation.

I saw an opportunity to shift the notion of “security” to one of “entry management.” I was able to add a robust upgrade through the addition of AI, which offers unlimited capabilities. Our technology employs computer learning and logic, which enables the ability to provide event-specific logistics. Our company was also recently awarded additional patents with more advanced features that we look forward to announcing in the near future.

This elevated iteration of our Glo product featuring VALT technology will offer consumers an even better response and enhanced capabilities.

Our solutions will supersede static video doorbells with a far more advanced and responsive technology to address today’s breed of challenges and those ever-evolving.

A critical moment in time for online commerce is upon us, and innovative machine learning solutions can resolve the urgent need to maximize security, logistics support and access capabilities for end users amid the modern in-demand marketplace. For the e-commerce industry and end consumers alike, it seems Carter’s industry disruptor Glo just might just be the ingenious AI way to go.

Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, 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 exemplary experiences at all price points. theluxelist.com

TECH FEATURES

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FASHION 411

TECHNOLOGY NEIMAN MARCUS GROUP PARTNERS WITH NFT PROJECT “BOSS BEAUTIES” AND RUNWAY OF DREAMS

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus Group

across different communities through the month.

I

n honor of Women’s History Month, Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) announced new activations and initiatives to support the next generation of women leaders through partnerships with Runway of Dreams and Boss Beauties in March. NMG also announced in-store and online activations to highlight and celebrate female leaders, designers and entrepreneurs

Chris Demuth, senior vice president, people services, ESG, Belonging and Corporate Philanthropy, Neiman Marcus Group, said, “NMG has a long history of empowering, supporting and celebrating women as seen through our assortment of female designers and brands, our many philanthropic partnerships and our majority-female workforce. This Women’s History Month and beyond, the company is proud to have a women-majority workforce, from the sales floor to the boardroom, and we will continue to highlight and support women-led brands, creators and visionaries.”

In its continued support of female innovators,

NMG partnered with Boss Beauties, a women-led global initiative and NFT project, to unveil its new “Role Models” NFT collection, designed to share the story of women who have shattered the glass ceiling throughout history and inspire the next generation of women and girls. This new assortment featuring 25 one-ofa-kinds NFTs launched on OpenSea and included an NFT of Neiman Marcus co-founder Carrie Marcus Neiman alongside Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Katherine Johnson and Frida Kahlo.

In honor of International Women’s Day, NMG supported the work of Mindy Scheier and Runway of Dreams by sponsoring “A Fashion Revolution,” an adaptive fashion show to support and empower people with disabilities. The show was held at NeueHouse Hollywood and included models of varying disabilities, ages and backgrounds, dressed in major global brands and, for the first time, small, up-andcoming businesses.

Throughout March, stores engaged customers and associates with panels for women leaders across communities. The panel guests ranged from CEOs, designers, philanthropists and other influential leaders in their communities.

EDDIE BAUER LAUNCHES NEW CONTENT PLATFORM, “EDDIE BAUER STORIES”

I

n support of content that is created to inspire, enable and empower people to have meaningful outdoor experiences, Eddie Bauer — the iconic outdoor brand offering performance outerwear, apparel, footwear, accessories and gear — is proud to announce the launch of its new content platform, Eddie Bauer Stories.

Just in time for the introduction of the new platform, Eddie Bauer Productions will release episodes from season two of the brand’s “Outdoor Curious” series. This series taps into the experts who make up the Eddie Bauer Guide Team, providing customers with access to advice and education about the outdoors. A range of topics from adaptive skiing to fly fishing are highlighted in the 12-episode season

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Photo courtesy of Eddie Bauer

The Eddie Bauer Stories platform will live on eddiebauer.com and serve as the hub for all content developed by the Eddie Bauer creator community. The Eddie Bauer Stories site page provides a new way to watch, read and consume archival content, new brand content and user-generated content. being released throughout the spring.

“Through Eddie Bauer Stories, we will offer our community a range of content to engage with and explore,” Eddie Bauer CEO Damien Huang said. “From the incredible work Eddie Bauer Productions has created to the immense contributions from our community of creators,

Eddie Bauer Stories is an authentic content hub for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Following on the 2021 launch of the brand’s video content studio, Eddie Bauer Productions, Eddie Bauer Stories is the platform to expand the brand’s storytelling efforts through the lens of a wide array of creators.

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FASHION 411

TECHNOLOGY TOMMY HILFIGER ANNOUNCES TEAM TOMMY INITIATIVE TO CHAMPION GAMING COMMUNITY

T

ommy Hilfiger introduced Team Tommy, a new community-led initiative designed to recognize the gaming world. Rooted in Tommy Hilfiger’s historical legacy of fostering new and emerging talent, Team Tommy seeks to empower makers and champion creatives in the gaming space for their unique talents.

“We’ve never done anything like this before,” said Hilfiger. “Not only is this an exciting step for us as we enter the metaverse, but we’re connecting with and building relationships with a whole new group of fans and consumers. I’m excited to learn from these creative individuals and explore more of their intricate gaming world.”

Team Tommy aims to amplify up-and-coming gamers and streamers through the physical and digital worlds. With the ongoing support of Tommy Hilfiger, Team Tommy motivates gamers to push forward, grow and create new content.

Team Tommy is a first-of-its-kind community,

creating long-lasting synergy between members and speaking directly to Tommy Hilfiger’s values and strategic vision, the brand said.

Team Tommy is made up of eight hand-picked gamers from across the U.S., Europe and APAC to represent the diverse gaming community.

Through the select gamers range and gaming platforms, Team Tommy reaches over 5.26 million fans globally and over 1.25 million users on Twitch, an interactive livestreaming gaming and entertainment platform. As part of Team Tommy, the gamers will take part in weekly streams across various social platforms including Twitch and YouTube Live, monthly regionally streamed “get togethers”, in-person appearances

Photo courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

throughout the year and in-store activations in its local markets.

The eight Team Tommy members are Luminum (Australia), Sunsup (France), HoneyPuu (Germany), Nana (Korea), OwengeJuiceTV (U.K.), Blaustoise (U.S.), dish (U.S.) and Dom2k (U.S.).

YOOX LAUNCHES SPRING/SUMMER 2022 COLLECTION, “8 BY YOOX,” CREATED WITH AI

T

he new Spring/Summer 2022 collection by 8 By Yoox, Yoox’s private label, is an explosive mix of contemporary glamour, said the company.

This collection, created with artificial intelligence (AI) support and big data analysis, is made up of a number of inspirations: a comfy atmosphere that changes the athleisure feeling with tie-dye prints, geometric textures and natural fabrics, Yoox said. The collection also features tailoring inspiration softened by fluorescent colors and sparkling tones, floral patterns, jacquard motifs and bright details on everyday-wear contemporary clothes.

Multicolor prints with natural references and tex-

mannpublications.com

Photo courtesy of Yoox Net-A-Porter Group

tured materials such as linen create a new contemporary globetrotter spirit in a world scenario ready to reopen without borders, said Yoox. The company shared that the Spring/Summer 2022 collection, with its kaleidoscopic patterns, is an

homage to being together: essential like friendship and fun and lively like the rediscovered lightheartedness of the world.

8 By Yoox follows the Infinity Product Guide, a tool created

by Yoox Net-A-Porter Group to help private label products join the “Design for Circular” project of the Infinity strategy and ensure that all the label’s products are created according to the principles of sustainability and circularity by 2025. One hundred percent of the company’s activewear and swimwear categories, 96% of the denim and over 80% of the jersey of the Spring Summer 2022 collection currently adhere to these sustainable guidelines.

April 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 GSQTERMIW 3ZIV XMQI XLI Ƽ VQ LEW HIZIPSTIH E 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 ORS[PIHKI MRXS MRHYWXV] WTIGMƼ G FYWMRIWW WSPYXMSRW that help clients accomplish business goals and remain competitive in the market.

COLUMNS

CAN UKRAINE’S APPAREL & ACCESSORY MANUFACTURING REBOUND FROM THE LATEST CRISIS?

By Howard D. Bader

F

or decades, Ukraine has been highly regarded for its apparel and accessory manufacturing and particularly for its skilled sewists. While political instability has hampered progress, textile exports reached a record-high $50 billion in 2020. Unfortunately, the recent Russian invasion is threatening the industry once again. While Russia and Ukraine are not large production hubs for United States-based apparel and accessory companies, the conflict is still having an impact.

“Ukraine, despite not being a major supplier to the U.S. market, it is important to some U.S. companies,” said Julia Huges, president, United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA). “During 2021, the U.S. imported more than [$20 million USD] apparel from Ukraine.”

Given how interconnected the world has become, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is also causing ripples outside of Eastern Europe, with brands and consumers alike facing economic uncertainty and rising prices.

Ukrainian Apparel Manufacturing When it was a member of the Soviet Union, Ukraine served as the USSR’s hub for garment and textile manufacturing. Due to its highly skilled workforce, modern factories and low order quantities, the country has gained prominence in Eastern Europe.

Adidas, Zara, New Look and Marks & Spence are among several well-known brands that had moved to Ukraine in recent years. Ukraine is also home to world famous fashion designers, including Julie Paskal and Ruslan Baginskiy.

Manufacturers in Ukraine can produce high-quality garments for much less than many European countries. In 2017, Ukraine signed a free trade agreement with the European Union, making it easier to export to E.U. countries. According to a World Bank report, clothing and textile exports from Ukraine to the E.U. totaled approximately $823 million in 2018.

Eastern Europe has also benefited from the supply chain issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As shipping from Asia became more challenging and costly, E.U. brands turned to more local alternatives. Located between Western Europe and Asia, Ukraine’s location is particularly attractive.

Richemont have also followed suit.

Impact of Russian Invasion The Russian invasion of Ukraine represents a devastating setback for Ukraine apparel and accessory manufacturers. Many export routes are blocked or are getting costlier. The state of local factories in cities like Kiev is uncertain in the wake of Russian bombing. The crisis is resulting in cancelled orders, with Italian lingerie label Cosabella announcing that it has paused its production orders in Ukraine.

How Brands Can Manage Uncertainty From COVID-19 to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, world events continue to highlight the importance of diversification. From suppliers to manufacturers to retail locations, spreading your operations across more than one region is essential given the current geopolitical landscape. Agility is also important when seeking to manage risk. Being able to shift primary production from Asia to Europe was imperative to managing the supply chain crisis caused by COVID-19. Now, companies with manufacturing in Eastern Europe must have the flexibility to divert their production to facilities outside the region.

Some have predicted that Ukraine could follow in the footsteps of Myanmar, which was experiencing rapid manufacturing growth until its government collapsed in February of 2021. While the country’s garment manufacturing had grown from $1 billion in 2011 to $6 billion, a military coup halted progress. Companies like H&M and Primark moved their production out of Myanmar, and many factories ultimately closed.

Unlike the situation in Myanmar, the impact of the Russian invasion is being felt far outside of Russia and Ukraine. For fashion brands in the United States and throughout the world, economic sanctions, supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs are among the many issues resulting in uncertainty.

Many brands are also pulling out of Russia as a means to show their support for Ukraine and/ or voice their opposition to the invasion. Under Armour announced that it has halted all shipments to Russia.

“We are proud to stand with Ukraine against Russia’s attack on its democracy and will do what we can as a global company where standing for equality matters,” Under Armour said in a statement.

TJX Companies announced that it is divesting ownership in Familia, a Russian-based, off-price apparel and home decor retailer, “in support of the people of Ukraine.”

H&M Group has temporarily paused all sales in Russia and shuttered its Ukraine stores. Luxury retailers like Hermès, Chanel and Cartier owner

“Given our increasing concerns about the current situation, the growing uncertainty and the complexity to operate, Chanel decided to temporarily pause its business in Russia,” the company announced.

For fashion companies that have not been impacted by the Russian-Ukraine conflict, there are still important lessons to be learned. How would your operations be impacted by a crisis in Asia, Eastern Europe or the Americas? Do you have a plan in place to quickly pivot to another region?

While protracted military conflict is hopefully a rare occurrence, operations can also be impacted by natural disasters, economic instability, power disruptions and, of course, pandemics. Whatever the source of the disruption, businesses that have continuity plans in place are best equipped to recover quickly and protect their brands.

Howard D. Bader 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 and 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 www.sh-law.com

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COLUMNS

| College Voices LOOK TO BEHNO FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

By Morgan Fracasse, LIM College fashion scholar senior (fashion merchandising major, sustainability minor)

global health, global poverty and women’s health.

In grad school, he wrote his thesis on women’s health in India, focused on many of the women who participated in the textile industry.

C

reativity has always been a driving force in my life. This is largely due to my upbringing, as I come from a family of artists. My dad is a musician, my mom is a hairdresser and my sister is a special effects makeup artist, and the art forms that I have always been drawn to are film and fashion.

Growing up, my grandma showed me many of the classic movies, often telling me that I’d love the costuming before we began the films. Watching these movies in her bedroom allowed me to step outside of myself and live hundred of lives. After each film ended — after I’d lived another life — I was transported back to my grandma’s bedroom with her sitting next to me, the grandfather clock chiming in the next room and the afternoon sun peeking through the blinds. I’ve found that the best films, the best fashion shows and the best works of art possess the ability to change their viewers. This kind of art inspires and alters, leaving its audiences feeling differently than they were found.

I too was left feeling differently after speaking with Shivam Punjya, the founder and creative director of the sustainable and ethical handbag company Behno. Contrary to what his stylish round-framed glasses may suggest, fashion was not always at the forefront of Punjya’s mind, he said. Before starting Behno, he was academically focused on

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Shortly after conducting his research, in 2013, the Rana Plaza garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed. According to Grow Ensemble, this tragedy took the lives of over 1,100 people and injured over 2,500. Punjya saw the impacts of this on garment workers after watching “The True Cost,” a 2015 documentary about the social and environmental implications of the fashion industry, which included the Rana Plaza factory collapse.

In a way, this documentary changed Punjya, just as films have changed me many times before.

The people harmed in the collapse were similar to those Punjya had worked with in India, the victims predominately being female garment workers.

Punjya was deeply disturbed by the way in which factories were run and found his career path altered. He said that he felt the need to find a better way to work with garment workers and artisans.

This personal connection to garment workers is at the forefront of Punjya’s brand, which was created with a focus on the artisans who are responsible for creating Behno’s product.

With documentaries like “The True Cost” and factory collapse tragedies, the fashion industry’s impact on the world and its people is no secret, and Punjya notes that these issues are intersectional. The fashion industry uses the planet’s finite resources and spits out pollution in the form of textile waste, greenhouse gases and more. Just as it exploits the environment, the industry also exploits garment workers. These workers are underpaid and overworked, with their safety disregarded in

the name of profit, he said.

I’ve grappled with this reality. How could the art form I love so much wreak such havoc on the planet and its people? Through Behno, Punjya proves that it does not have to. For example, Punjya has directly responded to the issues that the fashion industry poses to the environment by creating the Behno standard. The areas of focus are health, garment worker mobility, family planning, women’s rights, worker benefits and eco-consciousness. Amongst the meaningful social initiatives within this standard, the pledge to ensure safe infrastructure stands out. This speaks directly to Punjya’s experience learning about the Rana Plaza collapse and illustrates the genuine action he is taking to prevent a similar tragedy.

The Behno standard also addresses environmental concerns. Notably, the brand has partnered with Canopy to ensure that it does not source any materials from ancient or endangered forests.

Using the Behno standard, the brand is able to make beautiful, handcrafted bags that are created by skilled artisans. Like movies, Behno’s bags are works of art.

“The True Cost” changed Punjya, as all impactful works of art do. He took this change and created a global change for each garment worker and artisan at factories that employ the Behno standard.

Punjya has made a change for myself as well, as I now know that the art form I love so much does not have to wreak such havoc on the earth and its people. I feel a connection between my family of artists and Behno’s family of artists. By centering the brand around garment workers and the planet, Behno proves that fashion does not have to be a detriment to the world or the people who live in it.

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COLUMNS

| CALIFORNIA

THE MARCUM RETAIL SYMPOSIUM IS BACK!

By Ron Friedman, partner, Marcum LLP

enlighten us regarding what lies ahead.

H

ello again! I cannot tell you how good it is to be back writing for all of you. Two years ago, everything changed. Marcum had to cancel our Retail Symposium due to the pandemic because people were not leaving their homes, and businesses shut down for months. The good news is that we are coming back with our next Retail Symposium scheduled for May 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Over two years ago, I wrote an article titled “Will Magic Survive?” and I gave my opinions on what concerns I had for the future of trade shows. Tom Nastos, who then worked for Informa and ran the Magic show for over 40 years, told me that he kept my article on his desk as a constant reminder.

Nastos has since left Informa and started a new venture as a co-founder of BluEnsign, a strategic advisory firm serving consumer brands and event planning organizations across the global value chain. He drives business development as well as the execution of client mandates focused on digital transformations, commercialization, partnerships and alliances, new market entry, product innovation and financial forecasting.

Nastos, while still at Informa, was going to be our keynote speaker at our 2020 Retail Symposium before the pandemic. Since so much has changed over the last two years, Nastos will now be addressing trade shows past, present and future. We are already seeing some trade shows coming back, but the attendance appears to be a fraction of past shows — and I believe change is necessary. Nastos will explore this topic and

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I wrote the following paragraph two years ago and I think it is even more relevant today: “But the more essential question is about the show’s relevance. Why are fewer of our clients attending?

One reason is the shows are costly, from booth cost to all the related travel cost. The second major reason is our clients don’t need to attend in order to write business; they are finding other methods of securing orders. Clients now have the ability to communicate with buyers via the internet, and more of our clients are seeing their customers at other times of the year and do not need to see them in Las Vegas. Pre-internet, the once-a-year opportunity for face time was mission critical; this is no longer the case. It is my opinion that there are too many vendors at these shows, and I do not believe many of them write enough business to justify the cost of being there. Time will tell if the show can survive; we will just have to wait and see.”

I look forward to seeing you all in May at the Marcum Retail Symposium.

Business Update The last two years have been a challenge for many of our clients with government-forced closures and only those businesses considered essential able to stay open. Many of our apparel clients were able to transition to producing medical garments and masks — which proved to be quite successful, not to mention helpful. Our clients in the food and beverage industry had mixed results depending on where and how products were sold. For companies selling products for consumers to use at home, business was excellent as everyone stayed home and cooked, whereas restaurant owners were really challenged to pivot and survive. The building and materials industries saw tremendous growth with those staying at home spending their money on household improvements.

The passage of the CARES Act by Congress

provided the necessary resources to allow our impacted clients to receive funds through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). The first of these funds were delivered to our clients in April and May of 2020. The PPP was extended, and our clients were able to receive a second round of funding in early 2021 if they met certain requirements. As of this article, our clients have received forgiveness of their first PPP funds and are in the process of getting the second round of PPP funds forgiven. Marcum has diligently worked with our clients to assist them with meeting the requirements for forgiveness and helping file the appropriate forgiveness forms.

The second benefit the government approved was the passage of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), which provided the ability to claim this credit even if a business received PPP funding. Originally, you could not receive both PPP and ERTC. The credit for 2020 was limited to 50% of wages paid to an employee and capped at $5,000 per employee for the year. In 2021, the law changed to allow a credit of 70% of wages paid in a quarter and capped at $7,000 per quarter. This credit was good for the first three quarters of 2021 if you met certain criteria. Marcum worked closely with our clients to maximize the amount of ERTC available as a business cannot use PPP money for payroll and use the same payroll for ERTC. The important thing is that our clients have survived a rough couple of years, and generally business has been good. As the cost of oil has increased, we are now facing a new hurdle: high inflation rates that are reminding me of the 1970s. The cost of everything is going up and, ultimately, the consumer will pay for this increase. In my opinion, this inflation is a direct result of this country not being oil independent, which is unfortunate since fuel is required to move consumer products throughout the country. Let’s hope we can get this under control.

Until next time, remember what I always say: if you are not having fun, then do something else!

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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.

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| CALIFORNIA

FASHION NOW AND HOW

By Leslie Gallin, former president of footwear, Informa Markets, Magic & Coterie

in my lifetime.

I

’ve never been a procrastinator — but when I began writing this article, I found myself needing to pause. Just as the fashion community was about to enjoy its much-anticipated return to live fashion shows and trade events worldwide for the first time in almost two years, the world watched in horror as Russia launched a war against Ukraine and its people.

A dear friend of mine has spent the last two years working with Ukrainian fashion brands with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) — with its goal being to increase fashion exports from Ukraine into the U.S. She amassed a group of incredibly talented designers and Ukrainian family brands with long creative histories in design and manufacturing, readying themselves to be introduced to United States retailers. Just as its second foray into the U.S. market was beginning in New York, all of the sewing stopped.

The leaders of these brands — 91 Lab, Kachorovska Chereshnivska, Frolov, Paskal, Elena Burenina, Valery Kovalska and Aviatsiya Halychyny — held their collective breath, each one with their many employees and their factories. Without missing a beat, these brands pivoted to create items needed to help their country prepare to sustain and support their fellow Ukrainians during a time of war. For most of us, this is an unthinkable occurrence in a civilized nation during this day and age.

Those Ukrainian fashion brands who were in New York immediately took to sharing with U.S. media in real time what was happening in Ukraine. They provided a window into the sights and sounds of war that I never could have imagined experiencing

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At the onset of the pandemic, an organized humanitarian effort was started in New York by Elyse Kroll called Fashion For Love, with the mission to provide aid for nurses on our front lines. I worked with Kroll and her team and created From Fashion with Love in Los Angeles, where we supported not only the nurses, but also held an event benefiting the Los Angeles Fire Department and the brave firefighters who worked during the fires here in Los Angeles last year. We’ve just recently once again activated From Fashion with Love for a humanitarian effort directed to help Ukraine refugees. For more information, please visit fromfashionwithlove.org.

Turning from foreign affairs and humanitarian efforts, we have recently seen non-gender styling and menswear mixing with womenswear sailing down the runways and all over every fashion blog and publication — which leaves one to consider how and what we will be wearing. Think what you will, but perhaps this trend is truly a moment of conceptual art, which blurs all lines and depicts everyone as equal. Or, just my rose-colored glasses’ view.

On a more serious note, I wait with anticipation to see how those looks become translated into broader marketable/commercial fashion for the upcoming season, as both sides of this aisle (manufacturers and retailers) need to turn a profit.

Thankfully, social events and parties will soon resume and people will need and want fresh new frocks, shoes, accessories and suits for these events.

And let’s not forget that California started the “casual chic” trend. I’ve loved when the East Coast buyers flocked to Los Angeles to find the next new trend — it’s now our time to shine. We have tremendous talent and resources here in California.

One group taking notice is Fashion Trust — a non-profit initiative dedicated to mentoring young design talent — which is now launching Fashion Trust USA after successfully launching Fashion Trust UK and Arabia. Tania Fares is the founder and co-chair of Fashion Trust, and I applaud her dedication to support rising design talent.

There are many market segments to target, as being the best within a niche will always drive acceptance and revenue. All too often, we see brands trying to be all things to all segments — quite a lofty goal. Perhaps what we have learned from the past two years is to be focused on creating value and meaning for one’s brand, while at the same time being more clever in your customer service and relationships. People like to do business with those they like and trust.

Here in California, we know all too well about preserving our natural resources — please also consider people in this category of natural resources. People with historical knowledge about business and perhaps your brand provide the irreplaceable ability to train, lead and streamline cost savings. Now more than ever, we have the ability to drive jobs as we lead the world in setting fashion and lifestyle trends.

Cheers to seeing color on the runways. Spring is upon us, and I for one cannot wait to break out my beautiful bright colored ensembles, shoes and handbags. Color represents life and optimism, and in our world today, we certainly can use a spoonful of it now.

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 From Fashion with Love.org, among others, and has held positions at World Shoe Association, Geoffrey Benne, Escada, Louis Feraud and Pauline Trigère . She has been featured in Footwear Plus, Footwear News, O The Oprah Magazine, Vegas, Fox’s Good Day LA, Extra TV and more. missfashion@cs.com

Leslie Gallin LKG Consulting missfashion@cs.com

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Darell Handler, EVP 646.597.6171 dhandler@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: A SHOWER OF GROWTH

By Debra Hazel, president of Debra Hazel Communications

Westchester in White Plains, New York; The Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas and at 395 Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, California.

R

etail and entertainment are expanding all over the city and country. And the focus on self-care continues this spring!

All About Apparel Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie store will open its first location in New York City at 183 Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn, close to Barclays Center. Baby Dior is expanding its presence, planning pop-up shops inside Saks’ Manhattan flagship in June, while its 109 Greene St. store remains open through the end of the year.

Deep Discounts Five Below will join Target at EWalk, the retail/ entertainment complex in Times Square. The retailer will take 5,000 square feet at the 240,000-squarefoot building, which also is home to a newly renovated Regal Cinemas.

To Your Health Wellness technology company Therabody announced the upcoming openings of five Reset full-service locations and six new standalone retail locations. Therabody expects to have 22 physical locations opened by July 2022 and has several additional Reset and retail locations currently in the planning stages, aiming to open later this year. Following the operation of a pilot location in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, Therabody’s expansion will bring Reset to key markets across the United States. Locations coming soon are 11677 San Vicente Blvd. in Los Angeles; 3360 Sepulveda Blvd. in Manhattan Beach, California; 435 West 31st St. in New York City; Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, Illinois and the Houston Galleria. In January, three standalone retail locations opened in The

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Wining and Dining Beefbar, an international street food and meat restaurant from Paris, has signed for Nobu’s former location at 105 Hudson St. as its first U.S. outpost. Din Tai Fung has signed a 15-year lease covering approximately 26,400 square feet for its Michelin Star-rated restaurant at 1633 Broadway, Paramount Group’s 48-story, 2.5 million-squarefoot, trophy office tower located between 50th and 51st Street in Midtown. It will be the restaurant’s first New York City location. The restaurant, currently being designed by David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, is slated to open in 2023.

Todd English is doing, well, something at 15 Park Row, best remembered as the home of J&R Music (later Computer) World. The celebrity chef, who opened a food hall at the Plaza Hotel some years back, has signed for 20,000 square feet, reported the New York Post. We’ll see.

The Jersey Shore’s Playa Bowls will open its latest New York City location, Playa Bowls FIT, in partnership with local entrepreneurs Chef Joe Calderone and Milton Kazi, at 299 Seventh Ave. The new location will be Playa Bowls’ 142nd store nationwide and the 15th location in the state of New York.

Where the Heart Is Design Within Reach is relocating its Soho store from 110 Greene St. to a space half that size at 150 Greene.

It’s Really Called Football Soccer team Paris Saint-Germain has opened a flagship store on 587 Fifth Ave. as part of a longterm partnership with Fanatics. Lids is operating the shop, which features apparel, unique Paris SaintGerman X NY products and customizable gear.

California Dreaming COVID-19 testing has gone upscale. Gather Labs,

the first luxury, high-complexity clinical laboratory improvement amendment (CLIA) lab in Los Angeles County, has opened a boutique clinic with a fullservice lab on site at 218 S. Robertson Blvd. in Beverly Hills. Tests are processed completely onsite by a science team after patients are greeted by an upbeat, knowledgeable team with fun music and a coconut water.

Lisson Gallery has signed a lease for the approximately 5,000-square-foot building at 1037 North Sycamore Ave. in Los Angeles, its first gallery location in the city. Established in 1967, Lisson Gallery is one of the most influential and longestrunning international contemporary art galleries in the world, with locations currently in London, New York and Shanghai.

Florida Fun The Cheesecake Factory has signed a lease for a prominent corner space at 600 Lincoln Rd. in Miami Beach. The national brand, which will invest in a custom buildout of the approximately 7,000-square-foot space in the district, plans to open its doors this fall in the space previously occupied by Sushi Samba. Rebag, which trades, buys and sells luxury accessories including handbags, fine jewelry, watches and small leather goods, has opened a second brick-and-mortar store in metro Miami at 701 S. Miami Ave. in Brickell City Centre, which joins a store at Dadeland Mall.

Area15, the award-winning immersive and experiential art, entertainment, dining and retail district, will debut its second location in Orlando in 2024. Located off Interstate 4 in the Orlando tourism corridor, Area15 Orlando will occupy an approximately 300,000-square-foot structure situated on 17 acres, with more than 150,000 square feet of leasable retail space available.

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

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COLUMNS

LEADERS — REGAIN AND MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE

By Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC to where you want to arrive. Why Change Proficiencies? The decisions you make will determine if and when you arrive. The proficiencies will help you implement decisions aligned with your desired results.

I

can recall times when I attended workshops, remained fully present and took copious notes — and yet, despite my best efforts, I had only incorporated a few valuable takeaways. Does this sound familiar? Back then, I wondered where did I go wrong? Even efforts to be more courageous and tame the fear of failure did not alleviate the problem. Too often, I exited a workshop like a highspeed train, overjoyed as if I had found the missing pearl of wisdom, only to come to a shrieking stop within a relatively short period.

Why did this keep happening? And more importantly, what could I do to change the script so my business could reap the benefits of invested money and time? After taking in new concepts, how much you know about the topic has changed, but you have not. How you can change to incorporate change is a step you may not have realized was missing.

Leaders, part of your success hinges on learning and practicing the strategies you need to become a change expert. I have introduced the Nine Stages of Change and several Change Proficiencies through my Leaders and Change series. Like a GPS, the stages identify where you are in processing a change. The Change Proficiencies provide the strategies and tools to create movement from one stage to another. The next couple of articles will pair a stage of change with two Change Proficiencies.

Why discuss the stages of change? If you do not know where you are, you cannot plot a course

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Remember, to move beyond the paralysis that often accompanies new circumstances, you must stand up to your change. Two proficiencies that play pivotal roles, allowing us to break free and rebuild our confidence, are “Honor What Is” and “Hold onto Self.”

First Stage of Change: “Stand Up To” Whether you choose to pursue a business opportunity, leadership position or major client or have to face adjustments in responsibilities, management or team, this can be an intense time.

You may feel excited, scared, anxious, confused, frustrated or disappointed. To process the change, focus your thoughts on the reality of what is happening, not what you think could happen.

Remember, acknowledging what happened does not imply that you accept all the ways it could impact you. Pursue what you can influence and take steps to guide the impact.

You may be saying, “Tell me something I don’t already know!” Still, it can be hard to get started when your thoughts are spinning like the inside of a washer. Precisely how do you focus your thoughts and calm your emotions to regain footing and take the needed actions? That is where the Change Proficiencies come into play.

Change Proficiency #1 — “Honor What Is” Change frequently requires us to let go of something or someone and move forward to accept or embrace something different. The new circumstances can impact us in different ways, and we may be confronted with uncertainty about how we will handle potential consequences. To make better choices, we must refocus.

“Honor What Is” means acknowledging your

thoughts and feelings about a situation. As mentioned, there may be a storm of emotions we face when we first encounter a change. When your feelings intertwine with the facts, it is difficult to move ahead. Focus on “just the facts” to gain access to vital information to make better decisions and create a pathway forward.

Change Proficiency #2 — “Hold Onto Self” To “Hold Onto Self” is to mentally and physically prepare for challenges we may encounter before we face them. Whether we choose the change, or it was chosen for us, we will eventually face some difficult circumstances as we reach beyond our comfort zone.

To prevent doubts or setbacks from discouraging you, cut off toxic attitudes that undermine your efforts and replace them with evidence-based thoughts that prove you will achieve success. When challenged, search your mental database for a similar experience in which you were victorious.

Gather your evidence from previous victories and extract the lessons. This strategy can initiate a protective barrier that shields your mindset, productivity and energy from being corrupted.

While there are more Change Proficiencies to be shared, accelerate your journey as a change expert by applying your knowledge to real situations as they pop up at work and when you communicate with colleagues, team members or customers.

It is all about you and your ability to change to incorporate new knowledge or situations better.

The next doubleheader will present the second stage of change, “Accept,” which will be paired with the Change Proficiencies “Be Present” and “Possibility Focused.”

Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC DJ Consulting Services, Inc. East Fishkill, New York 12533 djohnson@djcsfirm.com (845)447-1037

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PASSOVER: THE HOLIDAY OF FREEDOM

By Rabbi David Laine, director, Friends of Chabad Vocational Schools

bread that is eaten on Passover.

3. Wine: Four cups of wine are drunk at certain points of the Seder ceremony by each adult diner.

Each cup symbolizes freedom from our four exiles (the Egyptian, the Babylonian, the Greek and the current exile, which we hope to be rid of with the coming of Moshiach). his year, the Jewish community celebrates the first two nights of Passover on April 15 and April 16 with the Passover Seder, a joyous family event. This year, Passover lasts from the eve of April 15 to sunset on April 23.

4. Maror: The bitter herbs that are eaten at the Passover Seder, which is a reminder of the bitter enslavement of the Jews. This is a reference to the biblical commandment, “With bitter herbs they shall eat it.” (Exodus 12:8)

The History of Passover During Passover, we relive the experiences of our ancestors as they left the famine-stricken land of Canaan and entered Egypt, the most powerful nation on Earth.

True Freedom When G-d commanded Moses to bring the Jewish people out of Egypt, He proclaimed his ultimate purpose: “…That they shall serve G-d upon this mountain (Mount Sinai).”

The Jews were exiled and enslaved in Egypt and then liberated by G-d more than 3,300 years ago. At first, the newcomers were treated well and began to prosper — but soon they were forced into slavery by the Egyptians. For the next four generations, the increasingly barbaric conditions created by the Egyptians beat the Jews into psychological submission, and not even a decree that all Jewish sons be killed pushed them to revolt.

Our liberation was not truly complete until we received the Torah on Mount Sinai. G-d’s Torah and commandments are the key to achieving true freedom — not just from physical enslavement, but from all of our limiting beliefs and behaviors as well. The Torah shows us how to avoid the pitfalls that life presents to us, and teaches us how to make this world a place of peace, harmony and happiness for all humankind.

However, one boy, Moses, survived the slaughter to become a man who, at G-d’s command, led the Jews to freedom. During this holiday, we recount the miracles of the Exodus and pray that the future redemption comes very soon.

Matzah and Chametz Passover, also known as Pesach, is known as “The Festival of Matzos.” We are commanded to eat matzah on the first night of Pesach and rid ourselves of all chametz (or, chomtez) — which are bread and leavened food products — for the entire eight days of the holiday. This important commandment offers us great insight into the true nature of liberation.

T

Passover Observances The Passover Seder includes four components: Haggadah, matzah, wine and maror.

1. Haggadah: This refers to the story of the Jews’ enslavement and Exodus from Egypt.

2. Matzah: The specially prepared, unleavened

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The difference between leavened bread and matzah is obvious: whereas bread rises, the Pesach matzos are not permitted to rise at all. Our Rabbis explain that the “puffed up” nature of chametz

symbolizes the character traits of arrogance and conceit. The flat, unleavened matzah, on the other hand, represents utter humility.

Humility is the beginning of liberation and the foundation of all spiritual growth. Only a person who can acknowledge his own shortcomings and submit to a higher wisdom can free himself from his own limitations. On Pesach, we are forbidden to consume even the most minute amount of chametz, as we should rid ourselves from the arrogance and self-centeredness that is within our hearts.

By eating Pesach matzos, we internalize the qualities of humanity and self-transcendence, both of which are essential to having faith.

The Final Reception The eighth day of Pesach, which falls this year on April 23, is traditionally associated with our fervent hope for the coming of Moshiach, or the Messiah. The Haftorah (prophetic reading) for this day contains Isaiah’s famous prophecies about the Messianic era: Maimonides (the Ramban) cites the belief in Moshiach as one of the 13 essential principles of our faith. He explains in his codification of Jewish Law that the Moshiach is a Torah sage who will lead the multitudes of Jewish people to the faithful observance of the Torah and its way of life. Eventually, he will rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, gather in the exiles to the land of Israel and usher in an age in which there is no hunger, war, jealousy or strife.

May we come very soon to a time of true peace and security in Israel and around the world.

Wishing you and yours a happy Passover!

For more information on Passover or anything else Jewish-related, visit chabad.org.

Friends of Chabad Vocational Schools (718)909-2169

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MEN’S FASHION CONTINUES TO CHANGE

By Benjamin S. Seigel, Esq.

first of which is Spring 2022, appearing here.

Off-White, as Abloh put it half a year ago, is ‘adjacent to streetwear,’ but it’s not hemmed in by it. He was a restless spirit, prone to rebel against labels and the constraints of time.”

I

n previous articles that appeared in Fashion Mannuscript, we discussed how men’s fashion may change, and I thought that future, largescale changes would be a long time coming.

However, I was wrong. Now it seems that every day in Vogue or other fashion magazines, there are new trends in menswear. Womenswear features outfits that are inspired by traditionally menswear styles, and menswear articles show outfits that are taking cues from women’s apparel. For men who want to dress to the current trends, the well-seasoned suit over a white or blue shirt with a tie is not being seen as much these days as it once was.

We can see these changes outlined in such publications including MR Magazine, Vogue and even the New York Times.

An article published in Vogue Runway highlighted Virgil Abloh of Off-White, who presented the Fall 2021 collection at a runway show in Paris in July 2021. The article said this about the show: “At the time the show, read as a statement of confidence and ambition … With the designer’s sudden passing in November, that show now acts as a sort of template for subsequent collections, the

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The article continued, “The world has changed profoundly for the Off-White design studio and the New Guards Group that produces the OW collections. Going forward, their job will be striking a balance between homage and honoring Abloh’s drive for constant forward movement. Designed before his passing, this collection makes good on the ‘more adult’ Off-White while also celebrating childhood and youthful games. The collection’s name is Sticks & Stones. If it were anybody else, that might sound like a post-mortem tweak of former detractors, but that’s not Abloh’s style. A brand rep described it as a ‘playful endorsement of doing your own thing.’”

An article from the New York Times focused on the return of the traditional suit shape for the post-pandemic fashion world and commented on men’s dressing. The article said: “So much for comfort dressing. All those predictions about elastic waists and leggings and flats and the way the pandemic had changed dressing forever turned out to have been not so true after all. When both Alessandro Michele of Gucci and Donatella Versace (not to mention Dolce & Gabbana and Ambush) open their shows with a suit — dark, tailored, slightly oversize — something clearly is going on.”

The article went on to make this observation: “And it’s not the pivot to party mayhem that was once predicted. But then, the world is not such a comforting place at the moment.”

These comments about the suit are of interest to consider these developing menswear trends in both men’s fashion and women’s apparel. The article continued: “The suit, with its associations with power, status, gender conformity and nonconformity, armor and protection (not to mention adulthood), that makes you feel immediately girded for the day, may be the garment best — well, suited, for the times.

“It began its runway emergence in New York last week and now appears to be reaching critical mass. It was the single most dominant garment at Gucci, a brand returning to the Milan catwalk after two years away with a show held against a set lined in fun house mirrors and lit by the flashing of strobes. Out of the dissonance came double-breasted suits in navy, sky-blue and chocolate brown. Suits with tuxedo lapels and cowhide trim.

Suits covered in bristling spikes. Suits with skinny ties and big bags and kooky accessorizing. A suit for every personality!”

What changes in menswear styling can we expect tomorrow? Perhaps a return to what used to be considered more normal or typical stylings of the suit. However, there still is a “normal” when we consider what men are wearing to traditional business meetings, appearing in court rooms and attending formal dinner parties. It seems that tuxedos continue to remain in style for weddings and other formal occasions.

Benjamin S, Seigel is of counsel to the firm of G & B Law LLP. He specializes in matters related to the textile and apparel industries. He can be reached at bseigel@gblawllp.com.

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LUXURY BRANDS AND ETHICS: THE EXPECTATIONS AND REALITY

By Michael Serwetz

This is the fourth in a series of articles about the luxury market. One clear point that has emerged from the previous three articles is that luxury customers demand a certain level of social responsibility and ethics from their brands.

Watch this space for my next piece. would nullify any business relationship between Kering and its houses and a business partner. In particular, we expect that our business partners do not retain workers’ identity documents, do not withhold wages, prohibit recruitment fees paid by workers themselves and do not impose restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement.”

I

n the Forbes article titled “Luxury Turns from Conspicuous to Conscientious in 2021: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead,” Pamela Danziger explored the role ethics play in customer loyalty. Regarding expectations, she said: “Once luxury consumers emerge, they will dig deeper into the meaning and purpose of brands that they choose to connect with, looking for brand values that match their own. It means more than just brands taking a stand on the environment, sustainability and socially responsible business practices, along with support of cultural values like gender, race, sexual orientation and income equality.”

That said, luxury brands start from behind in terms of customer expectations regarding social responsibility and ethics. “As good as these ideals sound and as important as they are, there is an inherent disconnect for an industry that, at its roots, is made for the ‘haves’ to suddenly be concerned about the ‘have nots,’” Danziger stated.

The Journal of Cleaner Production went deeper, conducting a 2019 study of luxury customers based on hypotheses that sing the same tune.

The study stated that luxury brands are perceived to be less ethical than “sincere” brands and carry a “sophistication liability.” However, it found that “companies invest more in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to improve consumers’ perception regarding brand ethicality and attain their support.” But, if consumers suspect this, they dislike this practice and will not reward the brands with their purchases or loyalty.

Are luxury brands being treated unfairly, and what is the truth about their CSR activities? Let’s look at what these companies might say. Kering’s 2021 Human Rights Policy says, “Forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage and other forms of slavery are strongly prohibited in our supply chain and are considered breaches for which we have zero tolerance. The unlawful practice of forced or compulsory labor constitutes an element that

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While this report claims to advise follow-up on the status of these policies, it puts the responsibility on the supplier by repeated use of phrases like “we expect.” Does it carefully investigate and monitor these issues before and during doing business? Or is it too easy to excuse bad behavior by saying “we told you what we expected?” Instead, how about saying “we will thoroughly vet our supply chain and not do business with resource who engages in or probably engages in these practices?”

It seems that luxury brands don’t follow up on their words or prioritize vetting/monitoring their supply chains. The 2021 Apparel and Footwear Report by KnowTheChain establishes two indices of apparel companies’ human rights efforts in the workplace.

The first is a “benchmark score” on a scale of zero to 100, which documents known efforts by the company to remedy key issues; the second are “worker-centric” scores which “focus on due diligence processes based on worker participation and on concrete outcomes for workers.”

The results of KnowTheChain’s work are particularly disturbing, but it points out that luxury brands as a group are not at the top of the list; in fact, they may be at the bottom. This index states: “Luxury apparel companies score particularly low, at 31/100. … Also among the bottom five companies in the benchmark is U.S.-based Tapestry (16/100), the owner of Coach and Kate Spade. No luxury company disclosed a process for responding to allegations and only two disclosed outcomes of remedy for workers in their supply chains, including reimbursement of recruitment fees.”

Combining the two indices, the report lists the total scores of the companies it studied. The top of the heap is populated by brands that are not luxury brands by any stretch. The top four are Lululemon at 89, Adidas at 86, PVH at 74 and the Gap at 70. The best showing for a luxury brand is Burberry at 53, followed by Hugo Boss at 49. Going down

the list, Kering is 41, Hermès is 24, LVMH is 19 and Prada is at five. Luxury brands average 31 against 43 for footwear and 47 for apparel retail.

Where will luxury customers turn to satisfy their aspirations and prosocial goals? My view is that the winners in the future will turn to a different breed of luxury brands, startups and those whose social goals are part of their DNAs. A January 2021 report entitled “The 26 Most Sustainable and Ethical Luxury Brands” shared companies that were founded to market artisanal, environmentally friendly luxury products, and that is the core of their business models. Granted, these kinds of brands are infinitesimal compared the LVMHs of the world. So, what good does their presence serve to solve the huge problem that is not being addressed by the giants? As these brands grow, their DNAs will not pivot to where the others are, and the more of these ants that start to prosper, the more the big brands will have to take note.

Nothing will get the attention of the big luxury brands except the realization that their customers are going elsewhere, and what will push that timeline along is if global brands start to make efforts to get the attention of their competitors. The Ecocult report praises Gucci: “The brand is committed to environmental benchmarks and guarantees that it will make 95% of its raw material traceable. Gucci is also committed to the sustainability objectives set out by the parent company Kering, which states several sustainability strategies including reducing its environmental footprint and choosing responsible and well-managed supply sources.”

There is an incredible amount of work to be done before anyone can claim that luxury brands as a group are ethical. But meanwhile, Danziger offered one piece of advice that is a critical marketing point: We started this journey with the realization that consumers have a negative attitude toward ethics in the luxury world. So, if your logo on display in a garment, handbag or shoes screams greed and irresponsibility, why not tone it down?

She said, “True luxury whispers. It doesn’t scream.”

That is really good advice. Let’s see who follows it.

www.isourcerer.com

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| College Voices THE GOLDEN RULE

By Georgia Whitworth, LIM College senior (fashion merchandising major, sustainability minor)

W

hen I was growing up, my dad preached two things: to treat others how you’d like to be treated and that life is unfair. While I recognized the value in both of these sayings, I didn’t understand how it could be applied in every aspect of my life.

As a senior in college about to graduate, I appreciate why my dad instilled those ideas in my sister and me, and what they mean in relation to business, the climate and fashion. I’ve always loved fashion and everything it had to offer, from the glitz and glamor to the lure of luxury that fashion offers. I always wanted to buy new clothes, and was able to convince my parents (most of the time) because the shirt I wanted was “only” $10.

After I took my first sustainability class in college, I realized the true cost of that $10 shirt — on the environment and the workers among the global supply chain. While I’m wearing my $10 shirt, a garment worker is being paid a salary with which they could never afford the $10 shirt that they made. While my dad always told me life was unfair, the working conditions that garment workers experience along the global fashion supply chain is more than unfair — it’s unethical and immoral.

Companies such as WRAP, the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production, give me hope as I venture out into the world of sustainability and fashion, as they understand the importance of

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creating a more than fair life for garment workers.

WRAP is an independent, credible organization dedicated to the importance of treating others how you’d like to be treated, ensuring that garment workers along fashion’s global supply chain are treated ethically and paid fair wages in facilities with safe working conditions. WRAP checks for this standard through its comprehensive, third party auditing process of factories, providing a certification that is recognized worldwide as evidence of a facility’s commitment to uphold social and ethical standards.

I had the chance to interview Avedis Seferian, the CEO of WRAP, and learn more about how crucial it is to maintain ethical working conditions in the fashion industry. I was interested to learn what the WRAP certification means to him and why he finds his work to be so important. Seferain discussed the depth of the fashion industry’s reach — he shared that since everyone wears clothes, he feels that everyone has a stake in the industry, and that no one should be harmed in the making of clothes. To Seferian, certifications like WRAP’s mean that there is independent and credible validation of working conditions in which he would feel okay knowing that he or his children were inside.

After all, how can we rely on brands to ensure the ethical treatment of their garment workers if the state of those conditions is conveyed through their word alone? Without a third-party certification focused on the best interest of garment workers, how do we know the people making our clothes are toiling under conditions that you or I would be willing to work in?

So, how do these unethical working conditions that WRAP is trying to change tie directly back to the climate and fashion? Climate change impacts every aspect of life as we know it — from the

land we stand on to the air we breath, the water we drink, the oceans we swim in and even the clothes we wear and the people who make them.

Fashion can never be a sustainable industry if the workers along the global supply chain aren’t being provided with fair wages and equitable lives. As 80% of 70 million garment workers globally are women and 80% of people displaced by climate change are women according to research by the United Nations, this environmental and social crisis disproportionately impacts women of color.

Women’s rights, equity and environmental justice are interconnected, and where they cross paths is within the work that WRAP is doing; WRAP provides the transparency and morality where brands have been failing for too long.

As we move forward, we must change the narrative and create a world where life is fair — where the fashion industry more deeply considers the environment and takes into account those among the global supply chain and where all apparel and shoe companies employ ethical and fair labor practices that live up to WRAP standards to build a sustainable future for both people and the planet. We must create a world where the woman who made a $10 shirt can afford to purchase it.

We must use business as an innovative tool to start down a new path that is the opposite of the patterns of historical inequity and inequality in the fashion industry. We must look at climate change and industries such as fashion with a holistic approach to move forward under a more empathetic lens.

I want to use the few simple words that my dad taught me to live by — to treat others how you’d like to be treated and that life is unfair — as my inspiration so that, like Seferian and WRAP, I can work toward a world where all people are treated equally and ethically in the fashion business, creating a fair life for everyone.

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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.

450+ Exhibitors

7500+ Attendees

VITAMIN A

Miami Beach T. 305.596.7889

July 16-18, 2022 info@swimshow.com

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TRADE SHOWS

ATLANTA APPAREL RECOGNIZES ECO-FRIENDLY, EXHIBIT-READY BRANDS THIS APRIL

O

ver time, the idea of sustainability has evolved from the renowned slogan, “reduce, reuse, recycle,” to one that encompasses economic, environmental and social imperatives, especially for companies in the apparel industry.

Though it’s not a new issue, sustainability is increasingly becoming important as consumers consider the values behind the items they’re purchasing. The brands, in turn, are looking inward and considering the values they want their products to embody.

A 2021 study conducted by clothing resale website ThredUp states that “45% of millennials and Gen Z say they refuse to buy from non-sustainable brands and retailers,” which, according to Atlanta Apparel’s Caron Stover, International Market Centers senior vice president, apparel, is the largest target demographic for retailers shopping Atlanta Apparel’s largest categories. Another one in three consumers now cares more about wearing sustainable apparel than before the pandemic, according to ThredUp, and this April at Atlanta Apparel, sustainability is a major theme. Many brands are launching or expanding sustainable lines, and more buyers are looking for eco-friendly products and education.

To educate market-goers on the ins and outs of shopping sustainably, Atlanta Apparel will have a Sustainability Panel presented by environmentally-conscious exhibitors, Able, Ella Stein, Lebel Group and Toms, on April 11 at 10:30 a.m., along with a corresponding sustainability category lounge and vignette highlighting eco-friendly pieces available from Atlanta Apparel’s robust exhibitor lineup.

“As the destination for brands and buyers to connect, Atlanta Apparel recognizes its responsibility to relay important brand values to our attendees. In doing so, we not only share information on our fantastic, environmentally conscious brands, but also spread the word about sustainability in the fashion industry,” said Stover.

Exhibitors across several key categories — apparel, accessories and shoes — are ready to present sustainable products. Highlights include: Able (ethically sourced and sustainably made clothing, shoes, jewelry and leather accessories), Binky + Lulu (slow fashion heirloom-quality jewelry collections), Blue Planet Eyewear (ecofriendly and socially responsible eyewear made from natural materials), Cari Capri LLC (ethical and fashionable active, lounge and lifestyle apparel made from recycled, natural and vegan products), Daze Denim (eco-friendly, vintage-inspired denim made using sustainable fabrics and washing practices), Ella Stein (accessories made from recycled sterling silver and sustainable Photo courtesy of M. Rena) diamonds), Faherty (men’s, women’s and children’s apparel made

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TRADE SHOWS

from eco-friendly fabrics), Johnny Fly (eyewear and leather goods made from sustainable compressed cotton and chemical-free leather), Lotus & Luna (accessories and clothing created by Thai artisans with upcycled fabric), Marque Luxury (a luxury handbag, clothing and accessory resale brand), M. Rena (apparel made in small batches to reduce waste), Mono B. (recycled lounge apparel made from recycled polyester), Moxlox Eyewear (eyewear created from wood, seashells, titanium and acetate) and Strings For Hope (jewelry and made from repurposed instrument strings).

Binky + Lulu: “Slow Fashion” Binky + Lulu’s hand carved, hand-dyed and hand-painted earrings are made in the Philippines by a small group of local artisans. The earrings are carved out of mango wood — from mango trees — after the fruit is harvested. The jewelry is dyed with all-natural coloring and produced in small batches to avoid overproduction. All items from Binky + Lulu, including packaging, are plastic-free.

“Slow fashion has always been the focus of the line,” said Stephanie Haidet, sales director for Awake Collective, representing Binky + Lulu. “Sustainable fashion is not only important to help create less waste and to lessen harmful emissions, but to be mindful of sourcing to create a healthy, safe and fair working environment for a brand and all of the people involved from start to finish.”

M. Rena: Apparel in 3D To help cut-down on the amount of fabric waste that comes from traditional textile production, M. Rena has turned to 3D fabric knitting to produce one whole finished product with a single thread.

Utilizing this technology, the brand creates small-batch, bettermade clothing with items made to last and stay out of landfills.

Photo courtesy of Binky + Lulu

“Sustainability can seem like a foreign concept because we’ve been living the way we have been with fast fashion for generations, but the awareness and the shift toward being sustainable and environmentally conscious is absolutely necessary for every brand and every consumer to adopt,” said Esther Park, M. Rena trade show director. “We have to think about the future and what the world will look like for our children and that’s why M. Rena is showcasing a new way of making clothing.”

Able: Scrapping Fashion Waste Able has taken strides to become a more sustainable brand by using scrap leather to create bags and wallets and recycled silver to craft sterling silver accessories, as well as donating all of its denim scraps to be used as housing insulation. Environmental responsibility is a pillar of Able’s company philosophy.

“Sustainability is so important. It’s a way we can care for ourselves, our neighbors and future generations,” said Mallory See, Able wholesale sales director. “The growth of sustainability comes from consumer demand, and I encourage all consumers to make this a priority for themselves. Naturally, it will then become a priority for brands of all sizes for all products.”

Atlanta Apparel runs April 11 – 15 at AmericasMart Atlanta Building 3. For more information on exhibitors, market resources and registration, visit atlanta-apparel.com.

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Photo courtesy of Able

April 2022

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TRADE SHOWS

ATLANTA APPAREL’S CHILDREN’S FALL/ WINTER 2022 LOOKBOOK IS RELEASED

he Atlanta Apparel in-house fashion office has released its Fall/Winter 2022 Children’s Lookbook, previewing some of the top themes, prints, key items and colors for next season.

T

“Children’s apparel trends reflect an emphasis on the great outdoors, cottage, craft, comfort and sustainability,” said Morgan Ramage, Atlanta Apparel fashion director. “The impact of the pandemic shifted the focus to nature and the trending prints and colors that reflect those motifs.”

The key colors coming up in children’s apparel for Fall/Winter are beetroot – shades of purple and soft pinks which represent the cottage and comfort themes — and algae green, jade green and rich brown to reflect the emphasis on nature and sustainability. Following this same color story, patterns for Fall/Winter in children’s apparel will help to visually

express the major themes, especially the great outdoors: outer space and animal motifs, hiking, camping and mountain prints and food and fruit patterns.

Children’s must-have apparel items coming for next season emphasize warmth and comfort, with soft basics: t-shirts and pants, quilted jackets, knitwear, smocked craft dresses, ribbed leggings, overalls, hair accessories, puffer suits and Mary Jane shoes.

Growing in the fashion industry as a whole, “Mommy & Me” styles also are a focus of the next season and are pictured throughout the lookbook in various styles.

The matching outfits for mothers and their children have picked up momentum at Atlanta Apparel’s February edition and are projected to make a booming return at Atlanta Apparel’s upcoming children’s markets. April will close the Fall/Winter 2022/2023, and Spring/Summer 2023

will launch in August on the floor with both permanent showrooms and temporaries featuring the new season.

“The Fall/Winter 2022 Lookbook provides a preview of these trends in a way that makes it easy for buyers and brands to understand,” added Ramage. “The lookbook, which was first published as an at-market tool in February, is available digitally on the website for reference between markets as well as leading into next season.”

Children’s apparel showrooms at AmericasMart Atlanta are open during four of the five yearly Atlanta Apparel markets, with children’s temporary exhibits presented semi-annually in February and August. Children’s showrooms will be open during the July Atlanta Market, giving buyers the opportunity to shop an expanded collection of children’s apparel and accessories.

TRADE SHOWS

LAS VEGAS APPAREL POSTS RECORD GAINS FOR SEMI-ANNUAL EDITION

as Vegas Apparel (LVA) more than doubled both exhibitor and buyer numbers at its second semi-annual edition at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas in February, surpassing expectations and continuing the upward trajectory of International Market Centers (IMC’s) western-based apparel buying event.

L

coming from the West and Midwest. The market’s international attendance also grew considerably with visitors from nine countries. The trade show offered more than 85 brands, nearly tripling in size from August 2021. Exhibitors and buyers reported opportunities to further establish business relationships as well as larger order sizes.

“We were thrilled to welcome so many new buyers and exhibitors to the market to continue spring sourcing,” said Caron Stover, IMC senior vice president, apparel.

“The growth of Las Vegas Apparel is not slowing down, and we’ll continue to add more to Las Vegas Fashion Week again in August.”

First-time exhibitor Kenzie Brewer, owner of Lauren Kenzie Jewelry in Huntsville, Alabama, said, “At Las Vegas Apparel, we only got large quality orders, which was amazing. We feel confident in the buying power of the retailers we wrote with and look forward to building those relationships and fulfilling reorders. We have been in business just shy of five years and wrote our largest order to date at this Las Vegas Apparel market. It’s been a great show, and we will be back.”

Attendance for Las Vegas Apparel more than quadrupled in size since the market debuted in August 2021. IMC reported attendees from 45 states and Puerto Rico, with retailers hailing high percentages

Las Vegas Apparel’s growth is expected to

continue for the upcoming August market, with particular expansion in women’s apparel, accessories, shoes and curated cash and carry. Las Vegas Apparel’s staging at the Expo at World Market Center allows for additional overlap with gift and accessory showrooms in World Market Center, offering an opportunity for buyers to shop a wider variety of categories outside of apparel.

Las Vegas Apparel featured well-received buyer events such as the at-capacity Las Vegas Apparel party for the “Big Game” and the Jonesy Wood Permanent Jewelry Station, along with daily happy hours, complimentary breakfast and lunch.

The next Las Vegas Apparel is scheduled to take place on August 7 through August 9 at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. For updates on market events and exhibitors as well as August registration, visit lasvegas-apparel.com.

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The Joy of Movement

By Mohamed El Khatib (April 5) Founded in 1952 by two visionary tailors in Haute-Savoie, France, the iconic skiwear brand Fusalp marries creativity with state-of-the-art technique for wearers on the slopes and in the streets. With archival materials and firsthand accounts, this book explores the trend-making work of this ambitious brand.

Africa: The Fashion Continent

By Emmanuelle Courrèges (April 5) From the runways in Lagos to music festivals in Casablanca and Nairobi, Courrèges celebrates the creative and effervescent generation of artists that are ushering in a new chapter in Africa’s fashion history by breaking all the rules.

London Couture and the Making of a Fashion Centre

By Michelle Jones (April 12) During the 1930s and 1940s, English fashion houses put London on the map as a major fashion city shaped by its design practice and professional identity.

In this book, Jones explores some iconic English fashion moments, including the emergence of an English version of haute couture and the creation of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers.

The Color of Fashion: The Story of Ralph Lauren’s Clothes in 10 Colors Polo Shirt

By Caroline Young (April 19)

By Ralph Lauren, David Lauren Colors are inextricably intertwined with and Ken Burns (April 26) human emotions, but what meaning does color take on when it comes to our clothes? Iconic and effortlessly stylish, the Ralph Through fascinating tales from across history, Lauren Polo shirt is the epitome of Young dives into the changing significance of color American fashion — and this book choices in clothing as they relate to styling and celebrates the garment's 50-plus year meaning. history in all of its classic glory.

THE ORIGINS OF FASHION: FROM LOCATION TO EMOTION, TRENDS MAKE A TIMELESS IMPACT 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 ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟ ǀĞ͕ ĐĂůů ϴϲϲͲϰϰϰͲϭϰϭϭ͕ or email contactnpd@npd.com.

Source: The NPD Group/Consumer Survey, May 2021

in the aries

taurus This month’s changing weather — from brittle cold to the warmth of spring — is a mirror to what is to come for Taureans.

You will go through a watershed moment in your life, and this change will set the precedent for the summer. Accept that challenges are coming your way and you can overcome them — you are equipped to handle whatever you face.

In April, you will experience some minor issues with your finances. Aside from these money mishaps, this month will be a season of growth. You will be acknowledged by your peers for your talents and skills in many different areas. Whatever you’ve been working on, you are getting better at it — so keep moving forward!

gemini

cancer

Make sure that you are taking care to live your life to the fullest during this time, whatever that might mean to you. In April, Geminis will face some backlash for their actions — so make sure that you stay true to what you believe in. The end of this month will feel easier, as you will be less affected by the impact of negative opinions.

This month will be full of positivity for those who have heavy Cancer placements in their charts. Your manifestations are beginning to come to light, so remember to show gratitude and keep your upbeat mindset. An unexpected opportunity will soon come your way, and it is advised to not let this chance pass.

leo virgo

This month, the new friends that you make will have a positive, long-term impact on your life. Set some time aside to make meaningful connections with your family, especially those relatives that you haven’t spoken to in a while, as this will do you both good. Whether you are hashing out old wounds with family or checking in for updates, this connection is beneficial for your peace of mind in April.

April is a great time to travel for Virgos.

Take a break from your usual analytical routine to carve out some time to really relax.

Though your self care is easy to overlook, try to make this time a priority. Most Virgos will experience a positive outlook on life this month. Take advantage of your great mood and enjoy your life!

Aries Tarot Card Aries is known as the Emperor card in Tarot. A natural-born leader, fiercely independent, brave and decisive, the Emperor is a masterful representation of the Zodiac sign Aries.

Aries Lokai $18; slokai.com

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stars... libra

HOROSCOPE

Lately, it seems that many Libras haven’t been the kindest to their partners. In April, take intentional time to connect and be patient with romantic partners. Your tendency to push people away might continue to manifest this month, which will leave you lonely. Take extra care to keep those who are important to you close to your heart this month.

scorpio For Scorpios, April will be a relatively positive month, filled with some new romantic prospects. You will experience some stress at the workplace — but once you practice patience, the bumpy hill will smooth itself into a clear path. Money seems to gravitate toward you this month, but be careful with how you spend it.

capricorn

sagittarius

Determine what it is that you want in your love life and go for it. Just thinking about what you want won’t get you far when it comes to relationships, so put your pride aside and make those personal connections.

This effort will help you to establish relationships that feel positive and grounded. This month, loved ones will need more of your support and guidance than usual.

This month, the people around you will support you in all that you do. You are headed in the right direction, and your loved ones can see your progress — so try to have the same faith in your decisions and beliefs. It is crucial to listen to your body this month.

Pay attention to your health and act accordingly to heal any aches or pains.

aquarius

pisces

This month, you will experience good prospects when it comes to your health. Do not lose focus on your goals and what you’ve been trying to manifest — it seems hard to keep moving forward right now, but there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Sooner than later, you will see your hard work pay off in all aspects of your life.

Love is in the air! This month, you will find yourself connecting with friends and love interests on a deeper level. Because you’re feeling the love, everything else in your life feels like it is falling into place. This energy is magnetic, so you should expect good things to come to you in regard to your career and finances, too.

Taurus Tarot Card Loyal, determined Taurus is represented by the Hierophant card in Tarot. The Hierophant embodies the act of learning from one’s knowledgeable teachers and elders in order to search for higher truths through exploring well trodden traditions.

Taurus Lokai $18; slokai.com

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April 2022

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ANNUAL AWARDS GALA 2022 Wednesday, April 13

Debra Martin Chase

Brandice Daniel

Aerin Lauder

Serena Williams

Television and Film Producer, CEO Martin Chase Productions

CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row

Founder & Creative Director, AERIN; Style & Image Director,

23-time Grand Slam Champion and Entrepreneur

Estée Lauder

Hosts Nina Garcia, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE, FIT Alumna

Michael Kors, Chief Creative Officer of the Michael Kors Brand, FIT Alumnus

For tickets and more information fitnyc.edu/gala

Illustration by FIT alumna Ebony Bolt, Entrepreneurship ’14, Illustration ’11

Honoring

BY THE NUMBERS

WHO WEARS WHAT: THE MENSWEAR INDUSTRY AS OF 2022 ZU\L

X`U\L

Expected annual growth of the men’s apparel segment from 2022 to 2026.

(Statista)

Percentage of fashion designers who are men. (Zippia)

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]_L

Percentage of the athletic apparel market that is made up of male customers.

(LinchpinSeo)

Percentage of men who shop online in Europe.

(Eurostat, BelVG)

ZWXSWWW

][YL In 2021, athletic apparel arrivals described as “recycled” were up by this percentage for male shoppers. (LinchpinSeo)

YU\[L

The number of searches for BoohooMan and Jacamo, the menswear brands with the most monthly searches in the U.K. (Statistic)

Estimated growth of the global men’s apparel industry in 2022. (Statista)

Percentage of men who are a different clothing size than they were in 2019, as of 2021. (NPD)

Z\L

When it comes to menswear trends such as technology-centered, multifaceted activewear and the shifting popularity of formalwear styles like the suit jacket and tie, the men’s fashion industry is in a state of change like any other segment. With the increased availability of emerging brands and e-commerce apparel businesses specializing in luxury clothing, accessories and footwear as well as a deepening awareness of sustainability in both companies and consumers, men are shopping more than ever.

Here is a look at the current state of the menswear industry — including the brands and styles men are shopping and how the industry might grow in years to come — by the numbers.

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April 2022

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SOCIAL SOIREE

ON THE

RED CARPET

BY R. COURI HAY

Frederick Anderson & Anna Wintour @ Blue Jacket Fashion Show (© Jamie McCarthy)

Models @ New York Men’s Day Fashion Show (© Patrick McMullan)

New York Men’s Day Perry Ellis’ New York Men’s Day (NYMD) presented 10 emerging designers and the relaunch of Perry Ellis America. The show also included three genderless collections by A. Potts, Stan and William Frederick. Stealing the limelight was Teddy Vonranson’s collection, dubbed “North Beach,” which spotlighted the irreverent approach that surfers, skiers and snowboarders take to fashion. Vonranson said, “I wanted to explore literal and metaphorical winter beaches: the die-hard surfers in the chilly winter waters of California and the ice-capped breakers of northeastern beaches, the slopes of Lake Placid to Aspen to Mammoth where moguls and half popes emulate the waves.” Other stand out shows included Clara Son, Atelier Cillian, Nicholas Raefski and The Academy New York. newyorkmensday.com Blue Jacket Fashion Show Anna Wintour led the perfumed pack to the sixth annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show which honored the memory of the late Vogue editor André Leon Talley, who had been scheduled to host the event before his passing. The event’s co-founder Frederick Anderdson said, “For a Black man getting into fashion, André Leon Talley was an icon and inspiration. He showed me who I was and what could be possible.”

Hitting the runway in blue ensembles were Al Roker, Mario Cantone, Don Lemon, Wilson Cruz, Dale Moss, Marcus Samuelsson, Omar Hernandez and others of that ilk and stripe. The night benefited the nonprofit advocacy group Zero — The End of Prostate Cancer. The show’s sponsor Janssen Oncology matched donations up to $10,000.

Among those leading the applause were Blue Jacket co-founder Laura Miller, Deborah Roberts, Fern Mallis, Miss Universe Harnaaz Sadhu, J. Alexander and Orfeh. zerocancer.org New York Botanical Garden: Wonderland Ball Young philanthropists flocked to the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Wonderland Ball, the city’s most fashion-forward benefit, where the men make the same effort to dress up as the women. The ball’s leadership included Gillian Hearst, Ariana Rockefeller, Georgina Bloomberg, Lili Buffett, Larry Milstein, Charlotte Diamond, Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl. The evening kicked off with flutes of Veuve Clicquot and a walk-about the garden’s Train Show, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary. The trains zipped through an extraordinary collection of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks. DJ Mei Kwok drew Ivy Getty, Timo Weiland, Serena Marron, Kerry Joyce, Kit Keenan, Jessica Wang, Eric Rutherford and Alexandra Lebenthal to the dance floor before Lebenthal tripped on the pink train of her dress and broke her wrist. Poor dear — she was rushed to the hospital in her dress. Thankfully, she’s recovered! De Beers created a festive cookie cart for the departing attendees. The night was co-sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue and raised funds for the Garden’s children’s programs. nybg.org

Marcus Samuelsson, Al Roker & Don Lemon @ Blue Jacket Fashion Show (© Jamie McCarthy)

Jean Shafiroff, Georgina Bloomberg & Ariana Rockefeller @ New York Botanical Garden Wonderland Ball (© BFA)

SOCIAL SOIREE

Carole Crist, Andy Sabin, Jill Zarin & Kara Ross @ Museum of Natural History Andy Sabin’s 75th Birthday (© Patrick McMullan)

Tom Donohoe & Allison Sells @ Cuisine Solutions/ International Sous Vide Day (© Patrick McMullan)

Susan & David Rockefeller @ Museum of Natural History Andy Sabin’s 75th Birthday (© Patrick McMullan)

Gerard Bertholon & Daniel Boulud @ Cuisine Solutions: International Sous Vide Day (© Patrick McMullan)

Museum of Natural History: Andy Sabin’s 75th Birthday Susan and David Rockefeller, Kara Ross and her daughter Drew McCann, Jill Zarin and Carole Crist, the former first lady of Florida, were among the guests at Andy Sabin’s 75th birthday at the American Museum of Natural History. Sabin is the founder of the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) in Bridgehampton, New York. The black-tie dinner dance for 270 friends was held under the museum’s iconic blue whale. The program featured video tributes from Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Senator Rob Portman. Among those spotted on the dance floor were Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Nobel Prize winner Jim Allison, Dick Grasso, Trammell Crow, Greg Manocherian, Arnie and Paola Rosenshein, Greg and Kim Lippmann, Jonathan and Susie Sabin, Kiera and Ava Sabin, and SOFO’s Diana Aceti. Livingston Taylor sang “Happy Birthday” to Sabin, who is also known as the Salamander Commander for his work to protect the species. sofo.org Cuisine Solutions: International Sous Vide Day Chef Daniel Boulud welcomed Cuisine Solutions (CS) to his namesake restaurant to celebrate International Sous Vide Day. Erik Bottcher, Third District City Council Member, issued an NYC proclamation to Cuisine Solutions, the leading manufacturer and distributor of sous vide foods, and its chief scientist Dr. Bruno Goussault for their contributions to the culinary arts and their donations of meals to City Harvest. The night also marked the 80th birthday of Dr. Goussault.

The company’s CMO Thomas Donohoe greeted guests including Grand Marnier Ambassador Xavier Herit, who created a series of specialty cocktails for the reception. Among those sipping and nibbling on Daniel’s Sous Vide Day dishes were Chef John Karangis, Kevin and Elaine Levett, Gottfried Menge, Peter Bjorkefall-Davis and A.J. Schaller, executive chef for the Culinary Research and Education Academy (CREA), the research and education arm of CS. For the event’s grand finale, Chef Boulud presented a Bourbon Flambé Beef Shank with winter root and Einkorn croquettes in a Kentucky Michter emulsion. Yummy! cuisinesolutions.com

Janna & Eugenia Bullock @ Cuisine Solutions: International Sous Vide Day (© Patrick McMullan)

Ivy Getty & Timo Weiland @ New York Botanical Garden Wonderland Ball (© BFA)

April 2022

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National Jewish Health

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njhealth.org/NYgolf All funds raised will help support groundbreaking medical research and treatment for patients with lung, heart, immune and related conditions, including asthma and COVID-19.

BENEFITING

SOCIAL SOIREE

Continental Luncheon After a blitzed-out burlesque inauguration party at the old Chelsea Hotel, the literary publication “Continental” was honored at a luncheon hosted by Sylvia Hemingway in her Fifth Avenue apartment. The magazine — which looks more like a smallish book — publishes top level fiction and nonfiction from Hungary and other middle European nations with a mission to act as a bridge between the two cultures and promote intercontinental understanding. For a glimpse of the literary luminaries in attendance, take a look below.

Photos courtesy of Jill Nelson/Annie Watt Agency

Marton Szegedi, Peter Nagy

BY MICHELE GERBER KLEIN Jesse Kornbluth, Steven Aronson

Sándor Jászberényi, Michael Cervai

Michele Gerber Klein, Simon Van Booy

Jonathan Marder, Sylvia Hemingway, Peter Zwack

A Closer Look

men’s must-haves It is only right to dedicate this month’s Closer Look to the latest styles in menswear.

Streetwear athletic styles, light neutrals, bold accessories and chunky sneakers are all closet must-haves for men this spring. Let’s take a closer look at what’s trending! latter & Paint Sp Track Pants ed Distress oir.com anieredev $92; us.m

MMW Black Cotton T-sh ir t $630; ssense.co m

Paint Splatter & Distressed Hoodie $92; us.manieredevoir.com

1017 ALYX 9SM Tank Buckle-fastening Backpack $750; farfetch.com

MMW Logo Popover Hoody $1,029; endclothing.com 1017 ALYX 9SM Chunky Leather Chelsea Boots $602; farfetch.com

A Closer Look Heron Preston Logo Patch Cotton T-shirt $235; farfetch.com

Heron Preston Graphic Logoprint Sweatshirt $520; farfetch.com

Heron Preston Silver & Orange Multichain Bracelet $135; farfetch.com

Jersey & Technical Pocket T-shirt $45; us.manieredevior.com

Greg Lauren Coco Basic Sweat Pant $1,250; kith.com Jersey & Technical Shorts $50; us.manieredevior.com John Elliott Anti-Expo Tee $98; kith.com

Nike Air Trainer 1 SP Coriander $140; kith.com

Balenciaga Track-panelled Trainers $1,069; matchesfashion.com

LAST LOOK

MEET ELI AND SPENCER ZIED

LAST LOOK

F

rom viral trends to a focus on slower, sustainable fashion and a resurgence of vintage brands and secondhand shopping, it’s no secret that the bold, creative teens and young adults of Gen Z are shaping the fashion industry.

With Habits 365, Gen Z brothers Eli and Spencer Zied are taking their influence to the next level.

Founded in 2017 — when Eli and Spencer were just 15 and 18 years old, respectively — the casual, sportswear-inspired brand includes T-shirts, crew neck sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers and beanies in stylish colorways and prints including color blocking, tie dye and vintage-inspired lettering for motivational phrases. Featured multiple times in Forbes, the brand’s offerings have caught the attention of trendsetting celebrities in the film, music and sports fields and have been worn by Jamie Foxx, Trae Young, Ja Morant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, DaBaby, James Harden and Lil Baby.

With their brand, the Zied brothers strive to share their core mission of the importance of good habits, and the way that this kind of positive thinking and work ethic can influence personal success. Not only do Eli and Spencer embody their brand’s ethos through clothing, but they also have launched The Loop, a blog that features behindthe-scenes peeks at the inner workings of Habits 365 as well as offering a platform for the brand’s community to discuss mental health, social justice and wellness. Eli and Spencer’s reach also includes a podcast called Conscious Minds, hosted

by Chris Hulbert, where he and Eli and Spencer discuss the various ways that listeners can find success in their lives.

I spoke with Eli and Spencer about the origins of Habits 365, and they shared what they find the

most rewarding about being a part of the fashion industry, advice for other young entrepreneurs who are interested in starting their own brands and how the Habits 365 community is changing the fashion industry and the world.

Have you always known that you wanted to be a part of the fashion industry? Have you always loved fashion, and what do you love about it?

We have always been into sneakers and fashion since we were young. However, fashion jumped out to us more, because of what it can represent: the fashion and the clothing individuals wear serve as a statement [for the wearer].

How did the name Habits 365 come about?

What do you feel are the most important habits that you can form in life?

We wanted to create a brand that can relate to everyone. Therefore, we thought of habits. Everybody has habits, but not all of these habits are good, so my brand encourages positivity and good habits year-round.

Tell me about your experiences dressing celebrities. How did these collections come about, and what is it like to have your designs seen by these celebrities’ followings?

Getting celebrities to wear our brand has been a catalyst for our growth. We have seen many sales of the products they [have been photographed] wearing and overall positive attention [toward those products].

What trends in menswear are most exciting to you right now?

Graphic designs making a comeback is certainly something we are going to explore as we plan to drop some new graphic tees and hoodies this spring! The bright colors, inspired by Miami Vice,

are also some trends that we have followed, as they seem to still be going strong.

What is it like to start a business with and work so closely with your brother?

It definitely makes the process a lot easier. It is necessary for us to have the same goals in mind, as it allows our conversations and strategies to be in alignment.

What do you think is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from starting your brand together?

We believe the most valuable lesson we’ve encountered is learning the importance of patience.

Things take time — Rome was not built in a day.

You need to stay strong even through the ups and the downs [of running a business].

Tell me about your experiences working with brand ambassadors, your blog and podcast platforms. Why do you feel it is important to create this extended Habits 365 community?

Because there are so many clothing brands, we have to find a way to separate ourselves from the pack. Our community allows people to find like-minded individuals so that they can become part of something bigger than themself. This has always been a unique aspect of our brand, as we have customers from all different walks of life who can have one thing in common: wanting to improve their habits and succeed in the world.

What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses?

Starting is the hardest part. You just have to take one step at a time. Talk is cheap and everyone has an opinion. None of that matters if you are driven and dedicated to building something. The first step and the most important step is taking action.

THE GEN Z BROTHERS BEHIND HABITS 365

BY LAUREN D’ERRICO

Photos courtesy of @augustusallenmedia

EVER WONDER WHERE THE PEOPLE WITH ALL THE ANSWERS, GET ALL THE ANSWERS?

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