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OCTOBER 17, 2022 Join Jeffrey Mann and the Mann Charitable Foundation at the beautiful Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, New York for a great day of golf, food, and networking. The Mann Charitable Foundation was founded 20 years ago in memory of Marion and Irving Mann. Its mission is to fund research for geriatric diseases, and to ultimately find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, the Mann Charitable Foundation expanded its initiatives to include Crohn’s and colitis, breast cancer, and liver diseases. This year we are expanding our donations to lymphoma and macular degeneration. Ticke GOLF $850 per person $3,400 per foursome DINNER & COCKTAILS ONLY $300 per person HONOREES Marc Heller President CIT Commercial Services ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Harriet Greenberg CPA, PFS, Co-Managing Partner Friedman LLP Kelly Sen at 212-840-6266 x ksen@themanncharitablefoundation.com319 Itinerary 8:30 AM Arrival and Registration 9:00 AM Breakfast/Brunch 11:00 AM Call to Carts 11:15 AM (SHARP) Shotgun Start 5:00-6:00 PM Hors D’oeuvres and Cocktails 6:00-7:00 PM Dinner and Presentation of Golf Winners and Honorees For more information, please contact I would be remiss if I didn’t say something from my heart: yes, it is our 20th anniversary, and I cannot tell you what it means to me to have my two dearest friends and two of the greatest success stories in the history of the financial industry in the fashion capital of the world, New York City, as my honorees: Marc Heller and Harriet Greenberg. With love and deep appreciation,Jeff
$10,000 l STEPANDREPEAT SPONSOR Sponsor's name /logo all over the banner. Reservation for one golf foursome. $10,000 l GLOVE SPONSOR Sponsor’s name/logo on golf gloves. Reservation for one golf foursome. $20,000 l SPONSOR OF THE DAY: SPONSOR WILL BE FEATURED AS “YOUR COMPANY NAME” PRESENTS THE MANN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
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.
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We’ve done hard things before, we do them all the time.
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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.
So if anyone ever tells you there’s no other way—don’t listen.
marcumllp. com EVER GETWITHWHEREWONDERTHEPEOPLEALLTHEANSWERSALLTHEANSWERS? Ask MARCUM Marcum’s National Consumer Products Group Leaders: Michael Sacco michael.sacco@marcumllp.com Ronald Friedman ron.friedman@marcumllp.com
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As for our plans for the fall, the Mann Publications team will be attending all of the major shows taking place during New York Fashion Week. We’ve been invited to so many shows, and we’re thrilled to attend as many of them as we can. Our team and myself are excitedly planning the Mann Charitable Foundation’s 20th Year Anniversary Annual Golf Outing, scheduled for October 17. This event has not taken place in two years due to the pandemic, but is coming back bigger and better than ever this year. The Outing is honoring Marc Heller, president of CIT Commercial Services, and Harriet Greenberg, co-managing partner, Friedman LLP, and donating the profits to fund research for macular degeneration and lymphoma.
I have been more than excited to see the great reactions on our Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter pages that have been covering all of the exciting events we have been a part of this summer. For example, one thing that really caught my eye was a video we posted on Instagram of an unboxing of a product sent to us by Franki Ray, a brand which was featured in the June/July issue of FM. Unboxing videos — which are short, fun videos of opening and giving a close-up look at products, which in this case was a leather suitcase bag — are an extremely popular type of video, and our audience loved it, commenting, liking and sharing the post a huge number of times. We’re excited to post even more in the future — social media is so unpredictable, which makes the challenge all the more exciting. We’re always going to keep trying new things.
OPINIONMANN’SONE
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” — Coco Chanel
As summer comes to a close and we enter into September, I have to say that this past August was probably the month that I played in the most charity golf tournaments that I ever have. These tournaments took place all over the country — from New York to Palm Springs, Los Angeles and San Fransisco — and all were in support of all of the numbered sectors of the fashion world. I was fortunate enough to meet a lot of new people at these tournaments, and many of them shared great ideas for our team for directions that we can go, including in the fields of technology, retail, fashion events and a myriad of other opportunities. Additionally, I am proud to say that at each one of these events, Fashion Mannuscript was in each gift bag.
On our cover this month is White Oak Commercial Finance, the global financial products and services company that has been serving the fashion and retail space for years, helping the most innovative and stylish brands in the industry to find success. This issue also highlights the newest collections by popular brands including Wool Project, Flor De Maria and Royal Albartross; the technologically-focused sustainability initiative, WearMe30Times, created by Genuine Way and Maakola and some of the most exciting fashion events and award ceremonies that rounded out the summer.
Whether you’re holding onto the last few weeks of summer or you’ve already switched out your shorts and tank tops for argyle and scarves, I hope that you can take a moment (or a few moments) during this changing of the seasons to relax, reflect and have fun!
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September is here! For the fashion industry at large, that means the whirlwind of New York Fashion Week, fall fashion trends and thinking ahead to the holidays. And for me, September has meant actualizing the vision of myself that I’ve been clinging to all summer — it’s me with a huge (hot) coffee, wearing one of my favorite chunky sweaters and walking down some tree-lined city block as the leaves are changing and the first real chill hits the air. Needless to say, I really love fall, and I’m excited to share all of the most exciting happenings in the fashion industry with you during my favorite time of year in this issue of Fashion Mannuscript.
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SEPTEMBER 2022 14 The Underfasion Club Hosts 2022 FEMMY Awards 16 The Loupe Hosts Cocktail Event at the Reform Club 18 Fleurs de Villes Femmes Makes Australian Debut at the Royal Botanica Garden Sydney 20 The Gambino Medical & Science Foundation Hosts 27th Annual Golf ByBenefitLauren D’Errico 22 Allbirds Debuts Pop-up Shop at Nordstrom NYC Center Stage FABULOUSFASHIONFAVORITESFASHION 7 One Mann’s Opinion 8 Editor’s Letter 26 Fashion 411 COVER FEATURE 46 ON THE COVER CALIFORNIA STYLE: FINANCING THE WEST COAST’S APPAREL INDUSTRY BY GINO CLARK 18 FASHION FAVORITES Photo courtesy of Portobello PR PTY LTD/Fleurs de Villes Femmes
We provide a wide range of financial reporting, tax and advisory services to make your business and finances stronger. Best Companies to ork for NEW YORK Best Companies work fo NEW YORK LEARNHEREMORE Marc Federbush, CPA, CGMA Partner and Fashion Industry Group Leader marc.federbush@anchin.com As advisors to the fashion industry, we have experienced the global and local issues that affect the way you do business and are well-positioned to help you deal with changing conditions. We help you turn challenges into opportunities through innovative and insightful thinking. Cash flow planning, gross profit by product line, chargeback analysis, assistance with access to capital, and operational improvements are just a few ways we help fashion companies gain an edge. MANHATTAN | LONG ISLAND | BOCA RATON @AnchinCPA | 212-840-3456 | anchin.com FashionMann_2022_8.125x10.875_BLEED.indd 1 5/31/2022 6:03:09 PM
FORWARDFASHION MENTSDEPARTTHE © Ashley E. Fischer 42 Royal Albartross HighlightsStyleCraftsmanship,&Comfort By Karen Moraghan 44 Skyway Luggage Takes Flight with Rainer Eco-travel Collection By Joseph Pastrana 52 Reaching the Shopper of the Future with a Bit of the Past By Debra Hazel 56 TV Sports News Anchor Ditches 12 Year Career to Design Women’s Shoes By Omar Cunningham 58 Wool Project SustainabilityCollectionKnitwearMakesEssential By Joseph Pastrana 62 The PCA Group Invest in Distribution Locations to Help Fuel an Effective & Intergrated Global Omnichannel Approach By Piyush Golia 36 Fashion at Home 65 TechWear 82 The Columns 101 Trade Show Update 111 Crossword Puzzle 114 Look Books 116 Horoscopes 119 By The Numbers 120 Social Soiree 124 A Closer Look Last126 Look: Plum ByDiamondsLaurenD’Errico
AN ABS DEAL MEANS EVERYONE WINS WE BUILD PARTNERSHIPS THAT LAST 29 West 38th Street Ben 212-400-9515Waller 7 Full Floors, Adjacent to Amazon, New Hotels + Restaurants 270 Madison Avenue John 212-400-2348Cinosky Penthouse Build to Suit w/ Terrace Brand New 3 Story Lobby 145 East 57th Street Robert212-400-2352Neborak Fully Furnished, Full Floor Light on 4 Sides 20 West 22nd Street Robert212-400-9525Finkelstein Small Units Flexible Leases 9 East 37th Street William 212-400-6078Carr Build to Suit Move-In Ready 210 11th Avenue Audrey212-400-6091Novoa Divided Floors Hudson River Views Entire Tower Floor, Fully Prebuilt Move in Condition 1001 Ave of The Americas John 212-400-2348Cinosky LX57 / 695 Lexington Avenue John 212-400-9521Brod Fully Furnished, Move in Condition Private Full Floor Prebuilds 915 Broadway James212-400-6075Caseley Top Fl.w/ Rooftop, Views of Union Sq, Mad. Sq Park + Hud. River 200 Park Avenue South Charles212-400-6088Conwell Best Location on Union Sq Park Full & Partial Floors For Leasing Information on Our Properties or to Learn More About Our Services, Contact: 212.400.6060 - www.absre.com Office & Retail Leasing • Investments • Advisory • Capital Markets • Property Management All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors or omissions of any magnitude, withdrawal from market, or changes in terms, all without notice. Brokers employment and payment only by written agreement.
THE UNDERFASHION CLUB HOSTS 2022 FEMMY AWARDS
Photo courtesy of Andrei Jackamets Cami Tellez
2022 Student Design Contest Winners Christiane Pendarvis & Natalie Guzman David Komar & Charlie Komar
2022 marks the 64th anniversary of The Underfashion Club, which is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and was established to provide intimate apparel leaders with a forum to exchange information and ideas, as well as to support the intimate apparel market as a vital aspect of the fashion industry.
The 2022 FEMMY Awards, presented by The Underfashion Club, Inc., the intimate apparel industry charitable organization that is dedicated to education, was held on August 2 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
Tina M. Wilson, President, UFC David HeathMarshal Cohen
collective humanity: inclusivity, family, acts of kindness, esteem for science and the creative positivity that moves us forward,” said Tina M. Wilson, president of The Underfashion Club and vice president and creative director for HUE Brands.
Honorees included Savage X Fenty, which received the Brand Disruptor Award; The Komar Family, which received the Generations Award; Bombas, which received the Humanitarian Award; The NPD Group, which received the Industry Science Award and Parade, which received the Rising Star Award.
“This year, we want to acknowledge and pay tribute to companies and their leaders that embody what is important for our industry and
The FEMMY Awards is recognized as the premier event in the intimate apparel industry and is the fundraising vehicle that enables The Underfashion Club to support its extensive Scholarship, Awards, Internship and Grants (SAIG) programs, the organization said. The FEMMY Awards traditionally honors individuals and companies that have significantly contributed to the intimate apparel industry and its growth.
Photos courtesy of Loupe
THE LOUPE HOSTS COCKTAIL EVENT AT THE REFORM CLUB
The
FASHION FAVORITES
NYC-based Kiki McMillan partnered with Los Angeles-based Dee Hewitt to combine and leverage their experience in the fashion and fine jewelry industries to form The Loupe. Together with their love for designer jewelry brands, they bring the edge and energy from their respective coasts to the brand. The collections are deliriously elegant, sometimes avant-garde, unexpected and always refined, The Loupe said.
The Loupe, fine jewelry curators of a “more artful you,” hosted a special evening event in August at the Reform Club in the Hamptons. The Loupe showcase celebrated designers, along with rare and unique pieces, and provided fine foods and specialty cocktails from Aristocrat — all set in the luxe environment of The Reform Club.
FASHION FAVORITES
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As well as those featured at The Calyx at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, floral tributes to three more inspirational women were exhibited around Sydney; FEMMES celebrated Greek Goddess Persephone at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and Delta Goodrem and Miranda Kerr at Myer, Sydney.
Fleurs de Villes FEMMES featured 17 remarkable women of cultural significance and historical impact, which included Malala Yousafzai, Frida Kahlo, Kylie Minogue, Ash Barty, Dr. Evelyn Scott, Dame Nellie Melba, Jenny Kee, Olivia Newton-John, Nancy Bird Walton, Miles Franklin, Carla Zampatti, Edith Cowan, Margaret Flockton, Ada Lovelace, Nicole Kidman, Dr. Barbara Briggs and the greek goddess Demeter.
mannpublications.com
Fleurs de Villes Femmes MAKES AUSTRALIA DEBUT AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY
Fleurs de Villes is supported by local partners Genesis Motors Australia, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Myer, Australian Women’s Weekly and smoothfm.
Photos courtesy of Portobello PR PTY LTD/Fleurs de Villes Femmes
Part of the proceeds from ticket sales went to support the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens, a not-for-profit organization devoted to supporting, protecting and enhancing the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney as well as their scientific research and conservation projects.
he bespoke floral show, Fleurs de Villes, launched its very fi rst public showing in Sydney, the FEMMES Exhibition, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW. In August at The Calyx, the FEMMES Exhibition brought people together to celebrate remarkable women and spread joy through the beauty of fresh floral works of art. FEMMES showcased a series of floral mannequins created by local floral talent, each based on a photograph or painting of 17 inspirational women. Visitors were able to learn more about the subjects by scanning QR codes on the floral sculptures that linked to their incredible stories.
Participating florists included Persephone, Blue Flowers, Don De L’Amour, Flowerun Flower Studio, Butchers Daughter, Sydney Events Stylist, My Floral Designer, Art of Bloom, Beks Bloomz, Buds & Bowers, Florada, Hayfever Flowers, Max & Co Floral Design, Moss & Bloom, SLAK Flowers, Styled with Ellie, Flowers by Julia G, Claire Howard Bryan and Petal Bang.
Over 240 golfers played in the Golf Benefit on the sunny summer day. The golf outing consisted of two programs — one “AM” and one “PM,” both consisting of about 120 players — on the Sands Point Course at the naturally-recognized Sands Point Golf Club. The day’s festivities also included prizes and trophies, delicious food and refreshments, entertainment and music — and a show of the important relationships amongst the friends of the fashion industry who gathered together to connect and network with one another.
Photos courtesy of Howard Wechsler FAVORITES Uncle Tony, Ronnie, Cuzzie Anthony, The KID BY LAUREN D’ERRICO Charley Romano, Leif Artzen Marty Pitiger, Brian Wallach, Welcoming Team
It was a beautiful day, and all who attended had an excellent time. The Gambino family was thrilled with the success of the Benefit, and was extremely gracious for all those present and for the generosity shown to the Foundation.
THE MEDICAL & SCIENCE FOUNDATION HOSTS 27TH ANNUAL GOLF BENEFIT
GAMBINO
In July, the Gambino Medical & Science Foundation (GMSF) hosted its 27th Annual Golf Benefit at the Sands Point Golf Club in New York in support of programs at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York.
Since it was formed in 1990 by Thomas and Frances Gambino, the Gambino Medical & Science Foundation, a charitable organization focused on providing assistance to children in need, has funded vital medical programs. The Foundation supports a number of medical programs at the Cohen’s Children Medical Center, including the GMSF Level 1 Pediatric Trauma and Imaging Center, the GMSF Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Center, the Research Center for Alternative Therapy for Children with ADHD, the Pediatric Emergency Department and the Frances and Thomas Gambino Professorship of Hematology and Oncology, as well as epilepsy treatment and child life services programs. In 2021 alone, the Gambino Medical & Science Foundation raised $500,000 for these worthy causes.
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FASHION
Steve Leiberman
mannpublications.com SEPTEMBER 2022 FM | 21 FASHION FAVORITES San Filipo Family, Jeff MannBrian Wallach, Thomas Gambino Jr.
Jeff Filoneos, Richie CarFax, Sergio Garcia DK Den, Marty Pitiger Liza Diamond, Thomas Gambino Jr.
Tony Ardito, Thomas Gambino Sr., Bobby Mann Carl Gambino, Nassau County Exectuive Bruce Blakeman, Thomas Gambino Jr.
ALLBIRDS DEBUTS POP-UP SHOP AT NORDSTROM NYC CENTER STAGE
Photos courtesy of Nordstrom
NYC customers have the opportunity to shop and discover how Allbirds has embraced natural materials as part of their commitment to reverse climate change, at the new Allbirds Center Stage from August 1 until September 6, 2022. Nordstrom is Allbirds’ exclusive lifestyle retail partner in the United States. Since inception, Allbirds has been focused on combating the proliferation of petroleum-based materials in apparel and footwear.
Allbirds’s story began with superfine New Zealand merino wool, and has since evolved to include a eucalyptus tree fiber knit fabric and a sugarcane-based EVA foam (SweetFoam). In 2019, Allbirds became 100% carbon neutral through a self-imposed carbon tax, and in 2020, the brand began labeling all products with a carbon footprint. Allbirds firmly believes that business can accelerate a shift away from highpolluting practices and help protect the planet for future generations.
Both Nordstrom and Allbirds operate with a shared value of sustainability, Nordstrom said. All products made by Allbirds qualify for Nordstrom’s Sustainable Style category, which makes it easy for customers to shop products that are made with sustainably-sourced materials and ingredients, are responsibly manufactured or packaged and give back, the company added. By 2025, Nordstrom aims to ensure 15% of its product assortment qualifies for Sustainable Style.
As a company, Nordstrom understands that impact extends well beyond the walls of the stores, and continues to prioritize responsible business practices and partners that work towards a more sustainable future.
The Allbirds Center Stage at the Nordstrom NYC Flagship curates curiosity by way of a super natural garden path that tells the Allbirds story, Nordstrom said. The space features wool-covered pillars, a nod to the ZQ Merino wool used in iconic silhouettes such as the Wool Runner, alongside storytelling pods inspired by the eucalyptus tree fiber used in their most popular shoes, including the new Tree Flyer running shoe.
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In addition to the NYC Flagship and Nordstrom.com, Nordstrom customers can now shop men’s and women’s Allbirds styles, including the popular Wool Runner, Tree Runner, Tree Lounger, Tree Breezer, Tree Flyer and Tree Dasher, in 25 select stores. Smallbirds, the brand’s children’s collection, will also be available at the NYC Flagship pop-up and nordstrom.com.
“The partnership between Allbirds and Nordstrom is an amazing platform to elevate conversations on sustainability, conscientious carbon consumption and waste in the fashion industry.” said Kate Ridley, chief brand officer at Allbirds. “This is a conversation we’re excited to lead, and share with Nordstrom customers at Center Stage, who will see first-hand there is no need to compromise on style, comfort or sustainability.”
To celebrate the in-store pop-up, a launch party was held at the Nordstrom NYC Flagship on August 9, where customers were invited to enjoy passed sips and bites, a DJ’s performance and shopping.
BY FASHION FAVORITES SEPTEMBER 2022
Nordstrom
Similar to Rebag’s existing catego ries, clients can sell shoes and select apparel within Rebag’s accepted de signers list online or in-person at any physical Rebag location across the country. Customers will receive up front pricing and fast payment upon completion of the vetting process.
AERIE INTRODUCES NEW, MODERN TAKE ON INTIMATES FOR FALL 2022
Photo courtesy of Aerie
Aerie also announced its partnership with Liberare, with the collection of adaptable lingerie now available on aerie.com. The collection features functional and fashionable lingerie designed with disabilities in mind.
The announcement follows the news of Rebag’s re cent partnership with Moda Operandi, featuring a one-of-a-kind digital trunkshow; Rebag Rewards, a multi-tiered loyalty program offering various in centives at different levels and Trade, a feature that allows consumers to buy and sell items in a single transaction. An extension of Clair, the company’s pricing tool, Rebag’s Trade offering allows consum ers to sell and shop seamlessly.
The introduction of shoes and select apparel will bring a diversified selection of the most coveted luxury styles on the resale market to rebag.com and Rebag stores, the company said. The expansion allows Rebag to begin collecting further insights on the luxury resale indus try as it pertains to these new categories, while simul taneously growing its technological capabilities as Rebag advances its product knowledge.
The “We Are Real” campaign, which launched in August, highlighted uned ited content from bold, brave and influential individuals who use their voices to inspire change, Aerie shared. The campaign featured Alexandra Dadd ario, Aly Raisman, Brenna Huckaby, Bridget Malcolm, Charithra Chandran, Danielle Brooks, Hunter McGrady, Kelsea Ballerini, Lauren Scruggs, Sani yya Sidney, Selita Ebanks and Selma Blair.
“After our successful integration of watches and fine jewelry in 2020, shoes and apparel are the natu ral next step for us,” said Charles Gorra, CEO and founder of Rebag. “Rebag is the expert and ultimate destination for the most coveted luxury items. We are excited to expand our horizons and offer our cus tomers new categories to invest in. This has always been a request from both our buyers and sellers and will help us address a larger share of their resale needs.”
Rebag will buy and sell shoes — including sandals, sneakers, heels, boots and loafers — as well as se lect apparel, including outerwear, jackets, vests, sweaters and sweatshirts from existing labels like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Fendi while accepting a host of new luxury designers for the first time including Adidas, Balmain, Common Projects, Maison Margiela, Manolo Blahnik, Jordan, Yeezy, Rick Owens, Vetements and more.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AE) announced that the Aerie brand will launch new initiatives for Fall 2022, which will continue to ele vate the #AerieREAL movement.
FASHION 411
“We are incredibly excited to introduce a much-needed update to shape wear with Smoothez by Aerie to set women free with first-layer, second-skin intimates. Aerie makes products that support our real mission and we be lieve no one should ever hide or contain who they are,” said Jennifer Foyle, president, executive creative director, AE & Aerie. “Aerie’s vision for the intimate apparel industry is a community where women accept their truth, love their real selves and wear clothes that make them feel good. Every day, we are inspired by our customers and associates who remind the world that there is nothing more powerful than living un-retouched and being real.”
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Smoothez By Aerie, a new intimate collection of first layers for total comfort, debuted in July. The assortments are made to mix, match and layer. The new super-soft, barely there, light-as-air fabrics that don’t squeeze or hold wear ers back are available in more than 130 choice counts on aerie.com and in all Aerie stores, including 44 new locations, the brand said.
REBAG LAUNCHES TWO NEW CATEGORIES, EXPANDING OFFERINGS TO SHOES AND SELECT APPAREL
As an industry leader, Aerie was one of the first brands to show unretouched bodies and faces in its advertising, which led to a movement where every one feels seen, heard and empowered, Aerie said, and the brand’s com mitment to community continues to evolve as Aerie shares real inspiration, authentic stories and celebrates beauty in all forms.
Rebag, a company focused in trading, buying and selling luxury goods, an nounced its expansion into two new categories — shoes and select apparel — which expands its offering to include all lux ury accessories for both men and women.
INVESTMENT LED BY GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT & PARTNERS WITH CAPITAL PARTNERS
“At Anthropologie, we are committed to creating a more sustainable future and being mindful of our environmental impact on the planet across our business operations,” said Elizabeth Preis, Anthropologie’s chief marketing officer. “We are continually ideating new and inventive ways to enforce sus tainability efforts across all facets of our brand’s ecosystem by repurposing reclaimed objects into imaginative displays in our stores, utilizing upcycled materials in our one-of-a-kind windows and transforming everyday materials into unique and surprising packaging.”
STORY3
Recover, a materials science company and producer of sustainable, recycled cotton fiber and cotton fiber blends, has closed a new $100 million minori ty equity capital investment led by the Sustainable Investing business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs). Goldman Sachs is invest ing alongside majority shareholder STORY3 Capital Partners. Recover will use the investment to accelerate its global expansion and production capacity, allowing more rapid adoption of sustainability initiatives by leading brands and retailers. Recover’s proprietary recycled cotton fiber reduces the carbon and water intensity of the apparel supply chain, addressing the apparel sector’s contribution to one of the world’s largest sources of environmental degradation. Recover estimates that the new investment places Recover on a path to increase its production to over 350,000 metric tons of recycled cotton fiber per year by 2026, saving up to 5 tril lion liters of water annually — equivalent to the drinking water consumed by over 4.5 billion people each year — and allowing for significant reductions of carbon emissions, energy and land use relative to conventional cotton fiber, based on an LCA study verified by AITEX, Universitat de València and UNESCO.
Recover
Photo courtesy of
“We are thrilled to be working with Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green program to extend the lifecycle of jeans by collecting unwanted denim from our devot ed community which will be recycled to create something new,” Preis added.
In support of their A Greater Good platform, Anthropologie aims to launch its denim circularity initiative, support its waste-reduction initiatives and reduce their environmental impact. Aiming to divert denim waste from landfills and turn old denim into something new, the brand will bring together their loyal community and engaged social network to amplify this nationwide sustain ability effort, shared Anthropologie.
ANTHROPOLOGIE COLLABORATES WITH COTTON INCORPORATED’S BLUE JEANS GO GREEN PROGRAM
“Today, Recover offers a solution grounded in proprietary IP that provides cost-competitive, maximum-performance recycled cotton fiber for both rotor and ring-spinning applications,” Ferre added.
Photo courtesy of Anthropologie
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FASHION 411
Earlier this year, Anthropologie announced its A Greater Good platform, which details its journey to becoming more environmentally sustainable and socially conscious. Through conservation initiatives, partnering with a diverse array of non-profit partners, and working to ensure the products they sell are ethically sourced, the brand hopes to incite meaningful change, Anthropol ogie said.
“As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are thrilled to have Anthropologie participate in the Blue Jeans Go Green program as they in troduce denim recycling to their customers,” said Andrea Samber, director of consumer marketing, brand partnerships for Cotton Incorporated. “While denim, made from cotton, is natural, sustainable and durable, we know con sumers change preference in style, size or it can just get worn to the point that it’s time to move out of the closet. By reimagining what their old denim can do, their customers can reduce textile waste and close the loop on cotton sustainability, ensuring Anthropologie’s continued mindfulness about their environmental impact.”
Operating in the $50 billion cotton market, Recover is a leading innovator and category-defining business that has experienced rapid growth. The company has opened new manufacturing hubs in Pakistan and Bangladesh, with additional hubs in Bangladesh and Vietnam due to open in the near term.
“Recover is helping create a sustainable future by solving a colossal environmen tal issue and we are overjoyed to partner with Goldman Sachs to accelerate our growth,” said Alfredo Ferre, fourth-generation family steward and CEO of Re cover. Ben Malka, Operating Partner at STORY3 Capital Partners and Executive Chairman of Recover, stated, “Recover has perfected the art and science of scaled production of sustainable recycled cotton fiber over more than 70 years across multiple generations of the Ferre family in Spain.”
RECOVER ACCELERATES GROWTH WITH $100 MILLION MINORITY EQUITY
Anthropologie has announced its collaboration with Cotton Incorpo rated’s Blue Jeans Go Green Program, an initiative at the forefront of denim recycling. Anthropologie customers are invited to bring in their pre-loved denim to any of the brand’s 200-plus U.S. retail locations to be recycled into insulation materials used in various applications through Cotton Incorporated’s consumer sustainability program.
In her new role, Anders will lead all marketing efforts on behalf of the company, including brand programs, digital marketing, creative strategy and corporate affairs. Anders has been with the company for 22 years, most recently serving as vice president of marketing.
“I am very honored to join Benetton,” said Incontri. “It is a company, a brand, a creative and product philosophy whose story has great meaning both to my personal and professional training and to the history of Italy as a whole, and not just in the fields of industry and fashion. I take great pride in accepting this appointment because it al lows me to participate in a project of values that involves not only clothing, but a wide range of cultural issues con cerning the variable aspects of modern humanism.”
Photo courtesy of United Colors of Benetton Andrea Incontri
Barjesteh joins Nordstrom from Dick’s Sporting Goods, where she served as senior vice president of product development and design, leading the strategy, management and execution of the company’s product development organization. Prior, she served as chief merchant of Rue 21 and spent 20 years at Target Corpo ration in roles including vice president general merchandise man ager women’s apparel, vice president merchandise manager kids and vice president apparel and accessories branding.
Schmidt was named president in December 2020 and assumed responsibility for consumer and brand strategy for the entire Caleres portfolio. Prior, Schmidt held the position of division president, Caleres Brand Portfolio.
Deniz Anders Nina Barjesteh
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In August, a new advertising campaign under Incontri’s artistic direction launched to present United Colors of Benetton’s Fall Winter 2022-23 collection. The Summer 2023 collection, the first to be designed by Incontri, will be presented in September during Milan Fashion Week.
Caleres announced that Diane Sullivan, who has served as chief executive officer for more than a decade, will retire as CEO of Caleres and will assume the role of executive chairman. Jay Schmidt, president of Caleres, will succeed Sullivan as CEO. As executive chairman, Sullivan will continue to lead the Caleres Board of Di rectors as well as partner with Schmidt and the rest of the Caleres leadership team on key strategic initiatives.
Nordstrom, Inc. announced the appointment of two new senior executive leaders: Deniz An ders was promoted to senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and Nina Barjesteh joins the company as president, Nordstrom Product Group.
“We take great pride in the fact that Andrea Incontri is joining the large Benetton ‘family’ because in him we have recognized the will, enthusiasm and research that will enable exceeding the goals that characterized the birth and history of our brand,” said Massimo Renon, CEO of Benetton Group. “Benetton is an industrial and creative enterprise that has contributed to increasing sen sitivity toward fashion and raising awareness about many of the social issues facing Italy over the last 50 years.”
FASHION 411
CALERES ANNOUNCES TIMELINE FOR PLANNED EXECUTIVE SUCCESSION
Before joining the company in 2009, Schmidt spent 25plus years developing his merchandising, portfolio man agement and brand marketing experience. He spent 10 years with Nine West Group in several capacities and held positions of increasing responsibility with Lord & Taylor, May Merchandising Corporation and Macy’s. Sullivan joined Caleres as president in 2004 and took on the additional responsibilities of COO in 2006; was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007; was named president and CEO in 2011 and chairman of the board in 2014. Sullivan built and fostered a consumer-fo cused approach that led to an expansion in customer acquisition and market share growth in key consumer segments, orchestrated the transformation of the Caleres portfolio into the highly-successful collection of brands it is today, spearheaded strategic investments to enhance the organization’s digital and supply-chain related ca pabilities and led with a people-first management style that transformed the Caleres culture into the engine of the company’s long-term success, the company said.
NORDSTROM NAMES TWO NEW EXECUTIVE LEADERS
Jay Schmidt, Diane Sullivan
Anders steps into the role previously held by Scott Meden, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
INCONTRI NAMED NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON Benetton, an Italian textiles company, announced the ap pointment of Andrea Incontri as creative director of the brand’s women’s, men’s and children’s collections.
EXECUTIVE CHANGES WireBusinessofcourtesyPhoto
Through his architecture studies and creative experi ence — expressed both through his own brand, where he provided a cross-cutting view of fashion creativity and through Tod’s, where he established a dialogue between creativity and the market — Incontri encompasses the role of designer and design engineer.
“Deniz is a proven leader with the ability to drive integrated marketing strategies and plans to grow the business and connect with customers in meaningful ways across all channels and touch points” said Ken Worzel, chief customer officer. “Her deep mar keting experience, paired with her understanding of our business, will be of enormous value as we continue to build on our heritage of service to get closer to our customers.”
“Nina’s experience leading and transforming private label businesses will position us to take full advantage of this growth opportunity, and to continue building Nordstrom Made products that put our customers first through design, quality and value,” said Pete Nordstrom, president and chief brand officer, Nordstrom. “We’re excited to see how she will build on the 50-year legacy of Nordstrom’s private label brands with her own fresh perspective.”
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Puma continues to offer both unisex and women’s fits to provide the perfect fit for all types of foot shapes. The UL TRA Ultimate Women’s fit features all the same technol ogy as the Unisex fit, but with optimized measurements such as volume and instep height all engineered for the female foot.
PUMA LAUNCHES ALL-NEW ULTRA ULTIMATE
The Skechers Tokidoki collection is available at select Skechers retail stores and at skechers.com in the United States and Canada, as well as other key fashion markets around the world.
“We are excited to unveil the newest iteration of the ULTRA, featuring Ultraweave and PWRPRINT technol ogies to push the limits of speed,” said Peter Stappen, Puma lead product line manager, Teamsport Footwear.
BusinessofcourtesyPhotoWire FOOTWEAR
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Another first for the brand is the 5-D PWRPRINT tech nology, placed in key strategic areas of the boot. The cross-divisional technology provides micro-level re inforcement for optimal lockdown and support, while maintaining the boot’s lightweight properties.
In the spirit of the universal mantra that something unexpected and special can happen on any day, Tokidoki and Skechers have partnered for a global footwear collaboration. The Skechers Tokidoki line features a cast of characters from the Tokidoki universe and its heart and crossbones logo across a range of women’s Skechers fashion sneakers, in cluding Skechers Uno.
Following years of testing, Puma’s special Ultraweave brand technology has been optimized and integrated into football boots for the first time. The material has also been enhanced with a TPU skin to provide durability at minimum weight. The technology has already been uti lized in Puma’s apparel range and is the next step in the evolution of speed at Puma.
Sports company Puma revealed the all-new next generation Ultra Ultimate. Speed is in Puma’s DNA, and with the latest update to the super-light ULTRA, Puma is pushing the limits of speed even further by applying their exclusive Ultraweave technology to football boots for the first time ever, the company shared.
“The new upper is made of Puma’s lightest ever perfor mance material and features at least 20% recycled con tent as we continue to strive for a more sustainable future with our football boots. Every aspect of the new ULTRA screams fast and for the first time on the Ultra we have added the iconic Formstrip, but with a modern interpre tation that honors our speed history.”
The result is a more explosive plate and a more reac tive toe box that provides added propulsion and energy transfer when going from “zero to fast,” Puma said.
The ULTRA also features an all-new soleplate constructed from a dual-density Speedplate outsole for next-level traction.
“It’s always been my mission to expand the reach of our vision to the greatest audience possible and what better way than on the canvas of Skechers,” said Simone Legno, co-founder and chief creative officer, Tokidoki. “Seeing the realized collection with Skech ers come to life, it feels like we’ve always been meant for each other, and I can’t wait to see this new expression of Tokidoki helping to spread joy and happiness around the world.”
The all-new ULTRA Ultimate is available in unisex and women’s sizing now at puma.com, Puma stores and at leading football retailers worldwide.
The next generation ULTRA turns seconds into records by fusing the new ultra-lightweight woven upper with a redesigned soleplate tooling for an explosive turn of speed, said the company. The brand’s Ultraweave tech nology is Puma’s lightest and most durable material and has been reinforced with the all-new PWRPRINT tech nology to provide ultimate stability and support, keeping the foot locked in for explosive straight-line speed.
“It’s exciting to debut this new collection that leverages the power of the Toki doki brand and our devoted fanbase along with the reach of Skechers to fash ionable consumers in key style markets,” said Pooneh Mohajer, co-founder and CEO of Tokidoki. “Skechers has been a truly amazing partner and this collaboration merging Tokidoki’s art and Skechers’ footwear designs has re sulted in styles that we know will resonate with Tokidoki fans of all ages.”
Skechers Tokidoki launched with an initial drop of four styles. The Sunny Street lace-up fashion joggers feature Tokidoki Unicorno characters and a col or-blocked design with black suede accents, and the Skechers Uno sneakers feature color-pops of Tokidoki’s signature heart and crossbones logo printed on each pair in bright blue, pink and yellow. The Skechers Uno 2 fashion sneakers feature an all-over print of Tokidoki’s characters on one of Skechers’ most popular silhouettes, and Upbeats are the perfect white sneaker for the summer, with colorful piping and Tokidoki character designs on the outsole.
“The playfully inspired designs and iconography of Tokidoki is a perfect match for our fashion sneaker collections,” commented Michael Greenberg, presi dent of Skechers. “We work with creative and artistic brands like Tokidoki to generate excitement among fashion-forward shoppers who seek out oppor tunities to express themselves in unique ways. These collaborations open the door to new consumers experiencing the unmatched style and comfort that is distinctly Skechers.”
The ULTRA has been designed to be “Too Fast for Them,” engineered to change the game with explosive speed, giving wearers the edge that can be the difference be tween winning or losing, Puma said. The shoe is to be worn by global players, including Kingsley Coman, Christian Pulisic, Antoine Griezmann and Nikita Parris.
SKECHERS COLLABORATES WITH TOKIDOKI ON LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTION OF WOMEN’S SNEAKERS
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The af94 starting lineup features 12 made-to-play products, ranging from velvety eyeshadow cray ons, creamy matte lipsticks, multi-use cheek and lip tints, biodegradable makeup remover wipes, colorful face and body stickers and more.
Photo courtesy of Edgewell
On July 24th — Lopez’s birthday — the superstar gave new meaning to the “birthday suit” by baring it all to mark the launch of JLo Body as part of an omnichannel marketing campaign, the brand said, which included bi-costal billboards, print ads, email, SMS, exclusive social content, “live moments” with Lopez, influencer campaigns, activations with exclusive retailer Sephora and partnerships with select fans.
“After listening to feedback received from fans and friends, I wanted to create another self-ex pressive line that was lower-priced with a wide reach,” said Halsey, “which is why we are so excited to be launching this new collection with Walmart. I hope wearing this makeup, however that looks for you, inspires you to break beauty rules and color outside of the lines.”
BEAUTYFASHION 411
JLo Beauty, a line of skincare founded by world-renowned entertainer Jennifer Lopez, has announced its first category expansion with the launch of body care: JLo Body, a clinical ly backed line of high-performance skincare for the body that delivers visible results and limitless confidence, the company said.
32 | FM SEPTEMBER 2022 mannpublications.com HALSEY ANNOUNCES SECOND BEAUTY BRAND, AF94, LAUNCHING EXCLUSIVELY AT WALMART
JLo Beauty Firm + Flaunt Targeted Booty Balm ($65) is available now on jlobeauty.com.
Jennifer Lopez launched JLo Beauty in January 2021 to bring her iconic “JLo Glow” to her community, the brand said, and expanded to include lifestyle products in 2022. Rooted in “seriously sexy science,” JLo Beauty & Lifestyle continues to strive to make self-care simpler with potent, high performance, bio-active products that deliver transformative results for an inner and outer glow at any age, said JLo Beauty.
“Walmart is committed to making beauty accessi ble for all of our customers and we are thrilled to be adding af94 to our growing lineup of afford able, inclusive and quality beauty products,” said Creighton Kiper, merchandising vice president for beauty, Walmart U.S. “Our assortment reflects shoppers’ evolving interests and we are proud to collaborate with Halsey, someone who has built a platform on inclusivity, to develop a brand that will resonate strongly with our customers.”
All af94 products are 100% vegan and cru elty-free, and are also cleanly-formulated.
The brand’s Firm + Flaunt Targeted Booty Balm is the first clinically tested formula to launch under the JLo Body franchise as requested by JLo Beauty’s consumers who were looking to upgrade their body care with new textures and active ingredients that deliver powerful results.
Photo courtesy of JLo Beauty up for everyone, the brand focus is on afford ability, without compromising product, color and efficacy, af94 said, and was developed for the Gen Z consumer and beauty novices alike. The 67 user-friendly products are aimed to inspire discovery, exploration and fun, the brand added.
Long-lasting performance benefits and key skin care ingredients are also infused throughout the entire collection, and the shade range was spe cifically developed to complement all skin tones, the brand shared.
Inspired by the most iconic booty, JLo Beauty Firm + Flaunt Targeted Booty Balm is proven to firm skin’s appearance, help improve skin elasticity and fade the appearance of stretch marks in targeted areas like the booty, hips and thighs with a blend of powerful active ingredients like invigorating Guarana Seed Extract and Pink Pepperslim, the brand said.
“For me, it’s all about feeling confident in your skin, no matter what,” said Lopez, “We give all this care and attention to the skin on our face, but we sometimes neglect the body. It was important to me to create a skincare routine for the body to address its specific and unique needs. It’s all the power and science behind JLo Beauty … now for body.”
Built with the ethos of formulating versatile make JENNIFER LOPEZ ANNOUNCES
EXPANSION INTO BODY CARE CATEGORY
Ashley Frangipane, professionally known as Halsey, announced the release of their second beauty brand, af94, launching exclusively at Walmart. The launch showcased a full-color collection packed with innovation sparked by Halsey’s imagination in categories of eye, lip, cheek and body. Halsey’s passion and talent in both makeup artistry and creation of beauty products is symptomatic of their multifac eted nature, always bringing her from one project to the next, and eventually giving way to the birth of their next beauty line, af94, the brand said. af94 also features unique cosmetic accessories, such as custom-designed face and body stick ers. The artist-formulated products are all vivid in color, strong in performance and priced for ac cessibility at $10 and under. af94 will be sold in approximately 2,900 Walmart stores across the country, on walmart.com and af94.com.
mannpublications.com SEPTEMBER 2022 FM | 33 COLLECTIONS FASHION 411 ATHLETA DEBUTS LIMITED-EDITION SIMONE BILES BACK-TO-SCHOOL COLLECTION
Athleta, a Gap Inc. brand, launched its limit ed-edition Athleta Girl back-to-school collec tion designed in partnership with Simone Biles. The line features 15 items designed to help girls ages six through 12 feel inspired and confident wherever the new school year takes them, the brand said.
Athleta Girl x Simone Biles product collaborations have built on the brand’s category momentum. Biles’ first co-created product, a limited-edition “In Your El ement Hoodie,” debuted last fall as the most-viewed item on athleta.com within hours of its release, the company shared.
Murray continued, “The addition of Levi’s SilverTab is another example of how we are modernizing our portfolio with premium and style-led offerings as part of our strategy to become the retailer of choice for the active and casual lifestyle.”
The new back-to-school collection marks another milestone in Athleta’s landmark partnership with Biles, which was announced in 2021 with a shared mission of inspiring the next generation of girls. Biles’ new sig nature collection features an assortment of versatile activewear styles with branded trims, matte and soft sheen finishes and on-garment affirmations like “Use Your Voice,” “Courage is Your Superpower” and “Be cause I BuildingCan.”onthe success of its Spring 2022 Roblox activation, Athleta Girl is expanding its partnership with SuperAwesome to bring the Athleta Girl x Sim one Biles back-to-school experience to life through Livetopia, a top-10 game on Roblox. The interactive and immersive game integration will include a Simone Biles avatar, branded in-game billboard signage, a storefront featuring clothing products from the Athleta Girl x Simone Biles collection, an exclusive obstacle course with 27 variations of play and a pep rally led by Biles at the Livetopia school. “As part of our long-term growth strategy, we’re in vesting in new access points to reach new customers and expand our community of empowered women and girls,” said Lindsay Ferstandig, head of strategy for Athleta. “Athleta Girl has clear points of differen tiation from our competition, offering our customers a one-of-a-kind product assortment that’s thoughtfully designed to not only empower girls’ active lifestyles, but also support them through life milestones like pu berty and adolescence.”
Since 2019, the brand’s Girls business has nearly dou bled its sales and achieved 125% customer growth, the company said, and shared that Athleta Girl prod uct also ranks among the top entry points for new customer acquisition for the brand and serves as a high-value driver for existing customers.
Kohl’s announced it has part nered with Levi’s to reintroduce the style, fits and attitude of the 1990s Levi’s SilverTab collec tion. Available exclusively at Kohl’s, kohls.com and levi.com, Levi’s Sil verTab offers a collection of relaxed and baggy denim and apparel for women, men and kids that embodies the trends of the 90s, refreshed for a new generation. The new capsule collection further solidifies Kohl’s, a top retailer of Levi’s, as a denim destination for the entire family, the company said. “Over the years, Kohl’s and Levi’s have built an incredible partnership that has brought the brand’s most popular styles and collections to mil lions of Kohl’s customers across the country,” said Ron Murray, Kohl’s interim chief marketing officer. “The relaunch of the iconic SilverTab col lection is an exciting next chapter in our history together, bringing back the denim styles and fits that were worn and loved by a generation, now again more popular than ever.”
The elevated in-store experience will highlight SilverTab’s nostalgic 90s vibes with retro-inspired imagery and mannequin displays.
Athleta is one of the only performance lifestyle brands to establish a celebrity partnership specifically in the Girls category, underscoring its commitment to the unique product category and brand differentiation, the company said. Since its launch in 2016, Athleta Girl has become a powerful growth driver and key contributor to Athleta’s long-term growth strategy, Athlete added.
Photo courtesy of Business Wire Khol’sofcourtesyPhoto
“Our Athleta Girl assortment is a powerful growth driver for our brand, and our unique Girls assortment is strategically designed to seamlessly transition with girls as they reach their teen years,” said Ferstandig. “If you walk into one of our stores today, about 40% of the product you’ll see in our Girls category has a corresponding style in our Women’s collection, allow ing Athleta Girls to continue to shop their tried-andtrue favorites as they transition out of Girls sizing.”
The Levi’s SilverTab line originally launched in the late 80s and gained popularity in the 90s with its focus on loose and baggy fits. Inspired by streetwear and hip-hop, the collec tion was a fixture of the 90s era.
The Levi’s SilverTab collection debuts just in time for back-to-school season and will be positioned prominently in Kohl’s stores adjacent to Sepho ra at Kohl’s in an area designed to showcase new and seasonally rele vant brands.
KOHL’S BECOMES THE EXCLUSIVE RETAILER OF LEVI’S SILVERTAB, A PART OF THE LEVI’S 90S ERA COLLECTION
Now, SilverTab is coming back ex clusively at Kohl’s with the iconic re laxed silhouettes that made SilverTab the go-to brand of the decade, the company said. The capsule collec tion features popular 90s denim styles including loose and mom-style jeans, overall pants and shorts and oversized denim jackets, as well as graphic tees, crewneck and fleece hoodies, flannel shirts, bucket hats and leather belts. Offered in styles and fits for adults and kids, SilverTab will be available now through Janu ary 2023 in 600 Kohl’s stores with an extended assortment available on kohls.com and levi.com.
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MACY’S & AWKAABA INNS LAUNCH LIMITED-EDITION HOME DESIGNS FOR THE HOTEL COLLECTION Photos courtesy of Business Wire
Akwaaba Inns for Hotel Collection is about sim ple self-indulgence that will inspire customers to celebrate their individuality and personal style through Greenwood’s curated pieces, said Ma cy’s. From tea sets for one to the chic personal bedside carafe for late-night hydration that make the plastic water bottle obsolete, the bold design ideas in the collection are matched by geometric patterns and textures in bedding featuring natu ral fabrics and earthy hues, all conspiring to cre ate an organic “global meets modern luxe” vibe.
Greenwood is personally driven to help people live their best lives —“No putting joy on layaway or waiting for guests to come or for a special occasion to pull out the good stuff,” she said.
Macy’s has announced the launch of Akwaaba Inns for Hotel Collection, a limited-edi tion assortment of functional and fashionable home and décor pieces curated by Monique Greenwood, founder and CEO of Akwaaba Inns, created ex clusively for Macy’s.
“I’m overjoyed to offer style-conscious consum ers everywhere the kind of sumptuous bed and bath items and elegant tabletop pieces that lead to unforgettable experiences, which is what we’re all about at Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns,” said Greenwood. “This collaboration with Macy’s is the manifestation of a vision-board goal I’ve had for nearly eight years.”
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“We are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Akwaaba Inns and Monique who brings her unique style to this beautiful home decor edition of the Hotel Collection,” said Stephanie Muehlhausen, senior fashion director, home, Macy’s. “As part of our social purpose platform, Mission Every One, we are committed to part nering with diverse designers and using Macy’s platform to showcase their talents. This latest collaboration will provide our customers with more modern choices to express their personal style at home.”
The Akwaaba Inns for Hotel Collection designs feature an expansive range of bedding, pillows, throws, duvets, bath towels, robes, slippers and tabletop items, including glassware and serving trays. The items allow customers to own their style by showcasing their self-expression while treating themselves like guests in their own homes. Prices range from $22.99 to $259.99, and the line is now on macys.com, Macy’s mo bile app and at select Macy’s stores nationwide.
Founded by Monique Greenwood in Brooklyn, New York, the award-winning hospitality col lection Akwaaba Inns has had locations in New Orleans, Cape May, the Pocono Mountains, Phil adelphia and Washington, DC, in addition to its Brooklyn headquarters inn. Historic, architec turally-rich mansions become the backdrop for luxury lodging and unforgettable events, where guests can see beauty reflected in stylish, safe spaces and find comfort in favorite, familiar foods and affirming, inspired affairs.
With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and its mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seam less shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more, the company said. Macy’s offers customers op tions to shop and own their style through an offprice assortment at Macy’s Backstage and its cu rated and smaller store format, Market by Macy’s.
From curating the pages of magazines to launch ing an empire of boutique inns around the coun try, Greenwood has an eye for distinctive design.
To Benefit RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE® NEW YORK Title Sponsor CENTURY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Platinum Sponsor HERCULES CORPORATION At Westchester Country Club For more information contact David Lipson dlipson@centuryny.com
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ROYAL HIGHLIGHTSALBARTROSSCRAFTSMANSHIP,STYLE&COMFORT
BY KAREN MORAGHAN Photos courtesy of Royal Albartross
The Strider Lite is a lightweight hybrid that features a proprietary, custom-designed outsole and a compression-molded Phylon midsole, maximizing control and stability without compromising on comfort or style. This style is available in jet black and white/navy. The updated Pontiac V2 comes with padded ankle collars, tongue and ultra-soft leather linings to make for a great feel with a supportive fit. The Pontiac V2 is available in admiral blue, white or slate gray. Bartholomew emphasized the importance that Royal Albartross products enhance the enjoyment of the game through thoughtful details, great style and incredible comfort. That is especially true, she noted, of the 2022 collection for women that features an intriguing blend of sneakers, belts, and gloves.
The Mia’s Miracles Limited-edition shoe was created in partnership with the Mia’s Miracles Foundation, which was launched by Camilo Villegas, PGA Tour professional, and his wife Maria Ochoa after their 22-month daughter succumbed to brain and spinal cancer. Ten percent of the proceeds from each sale are donated to help families facing medical challenges. The rainbow-inspired shoe features luxurious Italian leather uppers accented with Mia’s Miracles pastel colors, as well as a multi-colored, leather-covered footbed and eyelets in orange, pink, pale blue, yellow and green.
The Foxtrot Collection of women’s luxury belts was designed to coordinate with the footwear lines. The faux-leopard belt with contrasting red belt loop will enhance any golf outfit but is particularly fashion-forward when paired with the Fieldfox Leopard golf sneakers. The belts are available in a range of styles and colors, from Dalmatian print to hot pink. Belt materials are elasticized to improve fit and comfort, and are finished with a leather end tab and classic plated brass buckles.
The Portobello belt collection is available in three color combinations (red/white, navy/blue, black/white), all fashioned with a durable woven construction, finished with a leather end tab and stylish Bartholomew shared that she is excited about the introduction of the new Strider Luxe, which is inspired by the success of the men’s shoe collection. The Luxe is a women’s hybrid golf shoe that delivers style and performance with a lightweight sneaker high-fashion look. The bold styling of the Strider Luxe, includes a nude snake pink patterned design and the polka-dotted, jet-black options. The collection is finished with a selection of complementing gloves in nine vibrant colors – from azalea pink to ocean blue. These luxury cabreta range of premium accessories cludes handbags, make-up kits Bartholomew teased her company’s 2023 collection by saying that Royal Albartross will be launching new accessories that “will fit seamlessly into our customers’ golf lifestyle.” As for this year’s offerings, she said her company’s goal continues to be to produce collections that will travel well for golfers all over the world.
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“Whoever you are on the golf course, my hope is that our 2022 collection gives you the confidence to present yourself to the world exactly as you wish to be seen and allows you to play with style, quality and comfort,” Bartholomew concluded. “We have always taken our lead from current fashion trends and bring those to the golf course.” The the variety oval brass Bartholomewbuckle.shared women’s from ta leather gloves sit alongside that inand jewelry Bartholomewcases.teased
oyal Albartross — the British premium golf and lifestyle brand of shoes and accessories — combines artisan craftsmanship with sneaker styling to create original looks for both men and women. The brand’s styles, originally designed to take golf footwear to a new level, now transition from the office to the golf course and to cocktails — and are fashionable, functional and fun to wear. This transition has been the mission of Alex Bartholomew, Royal Albartross’ founder and creative director, since launching the company 10 years ago in a quest to create the world’s finest golf shoe.
The fresh twist on the men’s line begins with the Richmond, a revamp to Royal Albartross’s best-selling hybrid golf shoe. The Richmond adds comfortable style to a shoe equally at home on city streets as well as fairways. Constructed in luxurious Italian leather, the Richmond is available in mocha, white/mocha and white/navy colorways. The Kingsman places a classic brogue wing-tip design on a sneaker-like sole. This style’s marriage of understated British assurance with sportiness and European artistry is available in white/carbon and white/cobalt.
“The versatility of golf shoes is more important than ever, as life with a round between working-from-home becomes our daily escape,” Bartholomew noted. “One thing is certain, it’s now fair game to wear these styles with just about anything. The 2022 line reaffirms our stance to create golf shoe designs that look and feel appropriate from the course and beyond.”
“The Fieldfox proves that fun and function can co-exist in a golf shoe,” Bartholomew said.
“What’s most exciting is that women will find products in a range of colorways, patterns and themes to coordinate and accent any look for the links and beyond,” Bartholomew also shared. In the popular Fieldfox line of golf sneakers, a variety of vibrant colors and luxurious faux animal prints have been added to the collection. Most notable is the all-new Dalmatian, which features a white and black heel print set on a luxurious Italian leather upper, as well as vibrant and contrasting accents that catch the eye. Additional Fieldfox patterns and colors include leopard, silver, pink, aqua and the limited-edition Mia’s Miracles collaboration, ensuring options for every golf outfit.
Royal Albartross’ new offerings for men — all handmade by master craftsmen in small, family-run factories in Italy and Portugal — come in a range of colorways, patterns and themes to coordinate and accent any look for the links and beyond, which include the Richmond, the Kingsman, the Strider Lite and the Pontiac V2.
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The five casual backpacks and travel bags in the collection feature sleek and contemporary silhou ettes in dimensions that conform to travel regula tions in gender-neutral colors and details.
The Compact Duffel Backpack is a versatile com panion for rugged trips or a quick overnight adven ture. It has both a comfortable carry handle and a convenient loop webbing handle at the top, and its capacity can hold a pair of shoes and a change of clothes. The bullet-shaped bag includes pad ded tuck-away shoulder straps and features a side zipper pocket with a card holder, a hidden zipper pocket for a cell phone and a large capacity main compartment with a zippered mesh pocket.
“The Skyway Rainier collection was designed for today’s travelers with active and adventurous life styles,” said Timm Fenton, VP of design and devel opment. “Developing and perfecting the process of making the kind of bags we can be proud of was a challenge but it was definitely worth it.”
Finally, there’s the Simple Everyday Backpack, a no-fuss essential built with a padded pocket that can accommodate laptops. Its double front pocket allows for additional storage capacity and its ad justable, padded shoulder straps are easy on any one’s back. Additional features include tuck-away straps and a bag strap that slides over a wheeled case, two front zippered pockets and a padded lap top pocket in the main compartment. Contoured/ padded tuck-away, adjustable shoulder straps make the bag easy to handle and wear.
The seasoned traveler’s reliable compan ion and an industry leader since 1910, Skyway Luggage was founded by A.J. Kotkins as the Seattle Suitcase Trunk & Bag Manufacturing Company, operating out of Pioneer Square in Seattle, Washington. Embrac ing the then nascent mode of air travel, Kotkins’ son, Henry Louis Kotkins, introduced the Sky way luggage line after he joined the business in 1936. Close to 100 years later, Skyway Luggage, now owned by Ricardo Beverly Hills, is ready for the new age of travel with the launch of its first eco-friendly Rainier collection of bags.
Photos courtesy of Skyway Luggage
SKYWAY LUGGAGE TAKES FLIGHT WITH RAINER
The Rainier Collection showcases five items, each manufactured from recycled PET plastics convert ed into soft yet durable bags. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the chemical name for the ther moplastic polymer resin used as fibers for various things including plastic water bottles. Depending on the size of the bag in the collection, from six to about 26 recycled bottles are utilized to produce these high-quality bags — bottles which would have otherwise ended up in landfills.
The Deluxe Backpack gives remote workers the ease of mind that they didn’t leave anything be hind. Specifically designed to securely hold a laptop, its multiple carry handle options make it portable for work travel, dashing off to meetings in another city or just a jaunt to an overnight escape.
Interior details on all styles include padded lap top sleeves and multiple interior pockets con structed in a combination of solid and camo print PET fabrics. The five-piece collection is available in the versatile colors: Zion Gray, Tahoe Blue, Moab Red and Kohala Black. Prices range from $140 for the everyday backpack to $200 for the weekender. BY JOSEPH PASTRANA
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The large Weekender Backpack is ideal for funfilled weekend trips with a generous-sized main compartment, large-sized zipped pockets and multi-attachment options that provide flexibility in the kind of items you need to pack. Its padded back pocket is designed to fit even the largest laptop in the market, and it also features contoured, padded and tuck-away shoulder straps, a removable waist stabilizer strap and two side zipper pockets. From workouts to workdays, the Roll Top Com muter Backpack keeps belongings in place with its smart roll-top design, metal slide buckle and magnetic closure. The bag offers contoured pad ded shoulder straps for comfort with a webbing grab handle. It also features a hidden back panel zipper pocket for a cell phone, two side pockets and a mesh zipper storage pocket inside the main com partment, which can hold a 15” laptop.
Features include side access to a fully padded, zip pered laptop compartment which can be accessed while wearing one strap, comfortable bail carry handles, side-mounted quick-grab handle and contoured/padded tuck-away shoulder straps. It also has a magnetic closure cell phone pocket, side pocket, front pocket with key leash and cardholder.
Fenton continued, “The introduction of this new line is our way of declaring our commitment to sustainability and to use recycled material when ever possible while maintaining the highest stan dard of durability that our customers have come to expect. We want to do our small part in saving our environment from another plastic container being tossed aside as waste.”
ECO-TRAVEL COLLECTION
The apparel industry has long turned to fac toring and asset-based debt solutions for fast, flexible financing, whether it is for maintaining ongoing operations, meeting short-term debt payments, purchasing supplies, restocking in ventory or investing in future growth. At White Oak, our creative financing structures help support companies in a variety of stages, from start-up to fast growth or in turnaround.
Our full-service Los Angeles office includes staff devoted to underwriting, origination and account management and support, with local decision-makers that can move quickly and effi ciently to serve our West Coast clients. With de cades of experience in the apparel and textile industry, our team is able to help clients lever age collateral, such as inventory or accounts receivable, to unlock working capital to guide them through uncertain economic conditions.
Photo courtesy of White Oak Commercial Finance
There are a variety of factors contributing to this trend — which we began seeing in Q1 — but the biggest one is that shopper priorities have changed. People have tightened their purse strings and reduced discretionary spend ing on items like clothing and leisure as they spend more on essentials such as groceries, housing and gas. We believe this shift in spend ing is temporary and that consumers will once again gravitate back to purchasing apparel — whether out of need, just for fun or simply to keep up with the latest styles.
CALIFORNIASTYLEFINANCINGTHEWESTCOAST’SAPPARELINDUSTRY
Our team has a deep understanding of dif ferent industry business models, including direct-to-consumer, and can deliver creative financing to accommodate these structures. We understand the importance of supply chain management and have the knowledge and in sights needed to help our clients navigate vari ous challenges. We also have the resources and expertise needed to help support companies BY GINO CLARK, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, WHITE OAK COMMERCIAL FINANCE, LOS ANGELES REGION
Looking back, 2021 was a solid year for many apparel companies, but a faster than expected drop in consumer demand caught some retail ers off guard. Excess retail inventory has result ed in increased markdowns and allowances in certain categories, as well as a pullback on new orders, as retailers work to rebalance their in ventory levels. We expect this pattern to contin ue for the next six to nine months, although we are beginning to hear of buying activity picking back up again. These fluctuations are nothing new for a sec tor heavily dependent on ever-changing style trends and discretionary spending habits — which is why a strong financing strategy is key for businesses. Maintaining a well-capitalized company and ensuring ready access to lines of credit will help smooth out the inevitable rise and fall in consumer demand, so companies are able to avoid liquidity problems and take advantage of growth opportunities
Over the years, we have worked with a diverse range of small- to medium-sized enterprises throughout the region, from first-generation and immigrant-owned manufacturers to re cycled/sustainable fashion innovators to the knitwear designs prevalent among surf, skate and other apparel brands synonymous with West Coast style. With core values of respect, teamwork and empathy, we work in close col laboration with clients to deliver stability in an uncertain world. Here and around the country, troubling head lines have apparel companies wondering about their bottom lines. In addition to concerns over inflation, rising interest rates and continued supply chain disruptions, we are also now see ing a shift in consumer demand for some types of apparel, leading to reports of retailers stuck with too much of the wrong inventory.
COVER FEATURE
White Oak Commercial Finance (White Oak) has been serving the Southern California ap parel industry from our Los Angeles office for more than three decades. I personally have been with the company for 18 years, beginning with our predecessor, Capital Business Credit, and now serve as managing director of the region. Our on-the-ground presence and deep roots in this market allow us to serve clients more efficiently and to provide innovative fi nancing solutions that fit most business models or industry niches.
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Los Angeles is responsible for a ma jor portion of garment production in the United States, with apparel representing the city’s largest man ufacturing sector. As a gateway to the Pacific Rim and Latin America, it is also a major import, export and distribution hub, with two of the largest ports in North America (Los Angeles and Long Beach). The California Fash ion Association estimates that the city’s fash ion industry ships out an estimated $15 billion worth of product each year and employs more people than New York. In a town known for celebrities, influencers and a casual, laid back style, fashion is big business, fueling the economy at every level — from small local start-ups to mega international re tail brands and everything in between.
with challenges such as cross-border manu facturing and trade. Our Southern California presence and diverse team are well positioned to serve clients conducting business in Mexico and Central America as well as throughout the Pacific Rim. As we look ahead to the remainder of 2022 and beyond, we have a few recommendations for apparel clients to help weather the current market conditions. Work with your lender to make sure you have access to capital and lines of credit to accommodate the extended conver sion cycles that are now typical. Stay on top of your accounts receivable to make sure you get paid as promptly as possible. Monitor inventory levels and develop strategies that balance sell ing goods for the highest possible price while minimizing carrying costs. Finally, keep an eye on each deduction to ensure that it is consis tent with the agreed upon markdown figures. Following these steps can help ensure more stable cash flows and keep you on solid footing in the months ahead.
Gino Clark is executive vice president and man aging director of the Los Angeles region for White Oak Commercial Finance, an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors.
COVER FEATURE WITH CORE VALUES OF RESPECT, TEAMWORK AND EMPATHY, WE WORK IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH CLIENTS TO DELIVER STABILITY IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD — Gino Clark SEPTEMBER 2022
KEEP SOCIALUSWITHUPONMEDIA@fashion_mannuscript@mannpublicationsmannpublications.com
Asset Based Revolvers Factoring and Invoice Discounting Inventory Purchase Facilities Structured Sale of Receivables Creative Financing Solutions to Keep Your Apparel Business Moving whiteoaksf.com/commercialfinance info@whiteoakcf.com Don’t let supply chain disruptions slow you down. Accelerate your access to reliable working capital with our fast decisions and customized solutions.
Reaching the Shopper of the Future with a Bit of the Past
As it turns out, by combin ing new technologies and some tried-and-true communications methods, said speakers at The Lead Innovation Summit, held in Brooklyn, New York in July. More than 1,900 registrants (65% of whom were repre sentatives of brands or retailers) attended, said Noah Gellman, CEO of The Lead.
How do brands and retailers reach the new consumer post-pandem ic?
Photo courtesy of Debra Hazel BY DEBRA HAZEL
Generation Z, which she dubbed “High earn er, not wealthy yet” (HENWY), likes traveling and experiences, which will be very important
Post-pandemic, shoppers went on a buying binge, with the result that retailers pulled back on promotions and prices went up. The result ing inflation is basic economics, but a deeper analysis is needed, especially regarding re plenishment. That can mean that a temporary slowdown in sales simply could be because of the fact that a consumer doesn’t need a prod uct right now — but could in six months.
“We need a recalibration. We’re not in a reces sion now, so focus on your brand health.”
And brands are expanding, finding new part ners to do so and new ways of communicating with a changing group of consumers, especial ly on the higher end of the spectrum.
“The consumer has changed dramatically over the last few years,” said Katie Goldblatt, exec utive director of Rapport London, a maker of luxury watch accessories and jewelry boxes.
“Are consumers spending or not spending because they can or can’t, or because they bought a lot of candles and don’t need more,” said Simeon Siegel, managing director and senior analyst at BMO Capital Markets. The result, he said, could be deflation in two years.
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“When you used to sign a mall deal, many of the largest retailers had exclusivity rights. With Bloomingdale’s, we found the opposite — they encourage you to have stores nearby,” she said.
The line has begun advertising in Vogue again. Traditional retail remains strong, noted Ken Pilot of Ken Pilot Ventures (and a former president of Gap Brand and American Eagle) in a session entitled “Retail Reborn.” Matthew Mueller, co-founder of Knot Stan dard, a customer menswear maker, discussed his company’s journey from its founding in 2012 as a tech-oriented provider of bespoke clothing using AI-based fitting services to its partnership with Nordstrom. Until the pan demic, Knot Standard could open a stand alone store in 90 days — now it can take six to nine months, given the vagaries of material deliveries, personnel availability and costs. “Nordstrom came to us,” he related. “They wanted our technology, and they’d fired their menswear department. We said we’d be more than happy to give you our technology as long as it’s selling our product.” British apparel chain Reiss is continuing to ex pand in the U.S., but “the biggest challenge is scaling British retailers to the American market,” Emma Taylor, vice president of North America stores. Plans right now call for instore boutiques of 500 square feet to 1,000 square feet, largely because they can be con structed in two to four weeks. Even so, the company is opening its own bou tiques, with the blessing of its department store partners. This is a tremendous departure from previous years, she continued.
“We developed a brand, ‘Emerge,’ to help new brands open stores.”
“Since opening the standalone in South Coast Plaza [in Costa Mesa, California], we’ve seen triple the sales at Bloomingdale’s.” Landlords, in fact, are helping new brands ex pand. Taubman Vice President of New Busi ness Development Amy Higgins discussed how landlords themselves can bring about the retailers of tomorrow. “We realized the pool of national retailers is really shrinking,” she said.
The program provides support throughout all stages of the pop-up process, including store planning, construction and design, operations and marketing. The pandemic helped the landlord, providing what Higgins called “phe nomenal” vacancies that they could offer to new Givenretailers.Taubman’s portfolio, which includes some of the best-performing projects in the country including Beverly Center in Los Ange les and The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey, Emerge with Taubman has attracted some serious brands, including Gucci and Michael Aram, to test product and presentations.
“We have top-of-the-line shopping centers. We have on-site services,” Higgins said. “Of those brands, 10 have gone permanent and they’re continuing to grow.”
mannpublications.com SEPTEMBER 2022 FM | 53 FEATURES going forward. Yet some are pursuing more traditional meth ods of “Therecommunication.arenontraditional ways of connecting with consumers that we’d forgotten about,” said Robert Rizzolo, chief merchandising offi cer of Marc Jacobs.
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Photos courtesy of Flor De Maria
BY OMAR CUNNINGHAM
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Today, Rivera’s shoes have been seen on the feet of some of Hollywood’s most iconic “it girls,” including Kylie Jenner (who was the first celebrity to walk in her shoes), Jada Pinkett Smith, Megan Fox, Carrie Underwood, Brandy, Halle Bailey, Paris Hilton, Mickey Guyton, Thalia, Niecy Nash, Jenna Dewan, Ari Lennox and Saweetie.
“I’ve always had a love affair with fashion since I was a little girl,” said Rivera. “Both of my parents have always been very stylish and into fashion.
My dad used to take me to the tailor since I can remember, and seeing how my dad’s ideas for his suits came to life made me fall more in love with Riverafashion.”continued to reflect on her childhood. “I also designed a pair of pink corduroys when I was seven years old and they were my favorite pair of pants,” she shared. “As far as shoes go, I used to walk around in my mom’s heels since I was three years old. I was obsessed with my mom’s five-inch heels and platforms — they were toys to me!” Upon her arrival in New York City, Rivera found herself in a typically tiny city apartment — but with her 500-plus pairs of shoes in tow. She attended Stamford University to study entrepreneurship, and eventually went on to study shoe design in Italy, where she attended one of the country’s top design schools, Arsutoria. As a result of her tenacity and ability to keep her eyes on the prize, Rivera finally launched her own brand in October 2019. After a few years in the Big Apple, Rivera decided to head back home to California and set up shop — and the rest is history. With an ever-growing collection of styles, Flor De Maria shoes evolve each season. Offering sexy, strappy stilettos in eye-catching colors that include bright yellows, dusty pinks, neon greens, cherry reds, turquoise and Tiffany blue, silver and gold metallics and newly-added nudes, the brand’s styles are designed with ankle lace-ups, dual straps, vamps with crisscrossing strap effects, feathers, rhinestones, animal prints and more. Keeping with her mission to empower women, Rivera christened each shoe with a woman’s name, including the “Stephanie,” the “Franchesca,” the multicolored “Christian,” “Elva,” “Alexandria” and more. Retailing between $295 and $50, Flor De Maria shoes are perfectly on trend while also utilizing classic shapes and silhouettes. The shoes will no doubt stand the test of time, as many pairs include interchangeable ankle straps that offer wearers the ability to create varying silhouettes with just one shoe. These styles aren’t just “cab to curb” heels — they are truly built for comfort with their padded leather insoles. And as winter approaches, have no fear! The line also includes sexy thigh-high boots and a winter shearling style, all in soft and supple leather and retailing in the $499 to $595 range. In keeping with how she’s done business since day one, Rivera releases new styles as “drops” every few months, which her followers love. This strategy allows Rivera the ability to keep her collection fresh and new through communication with her target audience in real time. Better known as her “queens,” Rivera is constantly connected with her loyal fans on and offline. She recently held pop-up shops in Miami, Florida and in her hometown in the South Bay Area of northern California, where fans could shop and meet her face to face. “As a small business owner, a pop-up is a great way to create a whole experience for my clients that goes beyond our shoes,” Rivera said. “From the moment they walk in, I want them to have the royal treatment and feel like ‘queens.’”
Rivera worked her way up in the sports broadcasting space and became one of the first women — not to mention a leading Latina woman — to serve as an on-air sports reporter in the male-dominated industry. Confronted with many obstacles, she became one of the best in her field and the future was looking bright. Then, she quit her job. Rivera booked a flight to New York City and began her new life and career in the world of foot fashion.
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Rivera’s designs have also graced the pages of national and international magazines like Harper’s Bazaar (Vietnam and Thailand), Flaunt, Marie Claire Mexico, Grazia, Schon and Glamour, as well as on television morning news programs such as “Today.”
“God willing, we will continue to grow and we’ll FM see more celebrities strutting like queens in their Flor De Marias,” Rivera said. “We will continue fully we will be expanding into other accessory categories, which we’ve been working on!”
FEATURES SEPTEMBER 2022
Having migrated to the United States from her native Peru when she was a small child, Rivera learned the details of her parents’ journey to this country — which instilled in her the outlook to “never be afraid to take a chance.” She went on to attend the University of San Diego and dove into media. Upon graduating, she became a sports anchor, reporter, producer, commentator and writer for multiple media outlets including Univision, Telemundo and more.
Rivera went on to share that these pop-up shops offer her the opportunity to get to know her customers, hear their feedback and listen to what they want. “It’s also a good way to spread the word about the brand and tap into new markets,” she said. “I think that when people see the shoes in person and try them on, it’s a different experience for them and that makes them fall in love with the brand even more!”
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As many will tell you, the shoe is the key feature of any ensemble. For a night on the town, traveling abroad or attending a board meeting, your shoes are the most important part of your look. Outfit? Check. Cute clutch or mini shoulder bag? Check. Pedicure? Check. Shoe game? Double check, with chic and stylish heels by Flor De Maria! Had Flor De Maria Rivera not quit her job as a sports new anchor, many women would still be searching for their perfect shoe. Hailing from the Bay Area of California — Los Gatos to be exact — designer Rivera runs her business on her own and has seen exponential growth since she sold her first pair.
Wool Project Knitwear Collection Makes Sustainability
Photos courtesy of Wool Project BY JOSEPH PASTRANA
Essential FEATURES
Wool Project’s yarns are approved by European and United States consumer regulation agencies under the Project Safety Improvement Act and the stringent Japanese regulations of non-use of harmful substances for textile and clothing production, as issued by the Japan Textile Foundation.
While the apparel industry anticipates nextgeneration alternatives in materials and recycling methods or production capabilities using green energy and other means of drastically lowering its carbon footprint, these technologies are in their infancy and are likely to be costly to develop. In the meantime, Shibakura intends to continue to do her part in working toward sustainability in evey garment that she creates.
The fashion industry’s struggle with sustainability continues. Even as more companies and consumers realize the importance of shifting to a new paradigm, for most, the road to an environmentally responsible business model remains long and difficult.
As a child, she would watch her father work tirelessly dyeing kimonos — and she was so deeply inspired by the precision, techniques and beauty that went into his craft that she began designing clothes at 10 years old. Her career has included work with an array of brands including Habitual Jean, Blue Life, Jonathan Simkhai, Reese Cooper and more.
Limited-edition Garments Wool Project only produces limited-edition items, which are locally manufactured in Los Angeles so that there is no excess inventory.
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The statistics from independent studies are sobering. According to research published by Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company, as much as 12% of fibers are discarded on factory floors, 25% of fast fashion garments remain unsold and less than 1% of products are recycled into new garments. Additionally, according to Greenpeace, synthetic fibers account for 30% of the microplastics that pollute the oceans, while fashion manufacturing produces 10% of CO2 emissions, said the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. By 2030, emissions are projected to increase by 49%, Scientific American estimated.
in the Wool Project line highlights premium quality cashmere material from new and regenerated fibers, some of which are gathered by manually combing and clipping the softest and wooliest layer of the goat’s undercoat.
The entire Wool Project collection retails at $495 to 693 for the tops, $583 for body suits, $462 to $517 for bottoms and dresses at $594.
FEATURES
The collection showcases fine gauge knits for exquisite draping as well as an original openwork stitch design of a relaxed tension knit, which is presented in lightweight and breathable cardigans, ponchos and turtlenecks. The sweaters are constructed to move and settle with the body regardless of size or shape, and some items such as the leggings and bodysuits use Lycra for support and retention as Everythingwell.
Shibakura’s Fashion Background Shibakura shared that Wool Project is the culmination of her 25 years spent working and learning in the fashion industry as a highly skilled pattern-maker and technical designer.
The sustainable label recently unveiled its first collection of casual yet sophisticated knit essentials that provide fit that feels specifically tailored for the wearer.
Featuring a range of tops, shorts, leggings, lounge pants and dresses in neutral and muted tones for easy and versatile mixing with casual or dressy ensembles, the adaptability of the pieces also motivates consumers to limit their purchases since each item has multiple uses. Wool Project’s colors and cuts are also designed to defy trends so that they can outlast seasonal limits.
Key to her collection is its lushly soft yarn blends of natural, organic and recycled materials sourced from an Italian mill dedicated to socially responsible sustainability in its production protocols. The mill produces its unique blends of Egyptian Giza, organic cottons and fine cashmere with a circular production model that minimizes waste and environmental impact and is certified by the Global Recycled Standard. Shibakura chose to source her materials from this mill because it supports sustainable agriculture methodologies and techniques which increase productivity and benefits farm communities in Egypt, while maintaining transparency in its cotton supply chain as well.
The yarn’s base color can be reused as a recycled material by combining printed, fun-colored yarns to make a completely new look.
Today, she infuses Wool Project’s debut line with thousands of years of tradition and elegance passed down from her father and her own modern sense of style and comfort; her heritage also plays a part in her awareness of humanity working in tandem with nature to coexist harmoniously with the planet.
Responsible & Sustainable Materials To address this problem, the team behind new luxury brand Wool Project says that true sustainability begins with transparency. Wool Project founder Kazumi Shibakura said, “Only 17% of brands are transparent about their annual carbon footprint at raw material level.”
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Capital One® Commercial Banking offers you the financial services your business needs to succeed. You get customized solutions designed by a dedicated team of Consumer Products bankers with a combined track record of more than 75 years in the apparel, footwear, accessories and beauty sectors—and they’re backed by the full-services capabilities of a top 10 U.S. bank.* Let us create a solution that matches your vision. capital.one/commercial *Note: Rank excludes banks with high non-loan asset concentrations: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BONY, State Street, Charles Schwab. Ranks as of 9/30/2019. Based upon total gross loans and total aggregated domestic deposits for bank holding company. Sources: SNL, FDIC, company reports. Products and services are offered by Capital One, N.A., NMLS ID 453156, Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. © 2020 Capital One. Expertly designed financing
The booming e-commerce business, congestion in the supply chain, worker shortages and an ongoing global pandemic are causing sig nificant disruptions to how we pur chase and receive goods. Behind the scenes, The PCA Group has been investing to mitigate the impact and provide an omnichannel solu tion to its robust roster of beauty clients. The PCA Group, the cross-channel partner for brands to achieve global business growth via marketing, distribution, licensing and e-com merce strategies, made investments in two new distribution facilities this year. Located in Colo rado and Indiana, these distribution centers, as well as a second headquarter office in New York City, will expand its global presence, fueling the effective and integrated omnichannel approach the firm takes. The new centers deepen The PCA Group’s footprint in the United States and its ability to provide customers two-day ground shipping to nearly all parts of the country.
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FEATURES
The investments in global distribution centers and a new headquarters comes as The PCA Group expands its marketing, licensing, logis tics, scale and vertical integration services, po sitioning the company to support its clients with
The company has invested about $850,000 in equipment and training for each of the 89,000-square-feet facilities. In addition, the new office space will provide a central hub for team collaboration for marketing and sales staff, vendors, brand partners and clients.
“We’re kicking off 2022 by investing heavily in developing a department-agnostic project man agement practice to enable efficient, consistent execution of key projects, particularly those that enable cross-department collaboration,” said Pi yush Golia, president of The PCA Group. “Add ing these new investments to The PCA Group’s roster positions the company well as we build out our tailored strategy by region with holistic offerings, including logistics, retail, licensing, manufacturing and e-commerce strategies”.
mannpublications.com SEPTEMBER 2022 FM | 63 FEATURES THE PCA GROUP INVESTS IN NEW DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS TO HELP FUEL AN EFFECTIVE AND INTEGRATED GLOBAL OMNICHANNEL APPROACH
Photo courtesy of The PCA Group BY PIYUSH GOLIA, PRESIDENT, THE PCA GROUP worldwide expansion, saving in shipping cost and fulfilling commitments to providing twoday shipping. A major factor that promoted this expansion was the current state of the supply chain. The past year has been the year of the supply chain, whether it was companies strug gling to meet consumer demands because of the strain put on distribution or innovative compa nies aiming to revolutionize traditional models. Increasingly, more companies are looking for innovative solutions that combine and collabo rate with multiple offerings, such as digital mar keting, e-commerce and distribution, layered on top of superior logistics support is what the modern retail, beauty and e-commerce brand needs to compete in the competitive landscape. Despite the global supply chain issues that many have experienced, The PCA Group’s licensing clients are the least impacted by these issues, because both are sourced and managed by the company. Currently, licensing accounts for 5% of The PCA Group’s business, but increas ing interest from brands have led to estimates that licensing will rise to more than 7.5% of its business this year. The PCA Group has signed five new distribution deals over the last year, for global markets including Europe, Central Amer ica, South America and China. Moving forward, expansion is not slowing down for The PCA Group. The company has success fully helped brands enter the global marketplace and break through to the highly competitive e-commerce market in China, as well as the rest of the APAC region. It’s imperative for compa nies to have a relationship with a local retailer or platform to help with cultural and lingual dif ferences in the logistics of a brand launch, and if all six can be accomplished at the right time, a successful launch in China’s intricate market place is within reach for any brand. In addition to distribution centers within the United States, assisting brands break into markets and have strong distribution capabilities globally is top priority for the company.
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! A TASTE OF THE SOUTH Register Today: Atlanta-Apparel.com #atlapparel | @atlantaapparel APRIL APPARELATLANTA April 11 – 15, 2022 VOW BRIDAL & FORMAL ATLANTA April 12 – 14, 2022 JUNE APPARELATLANTA June 8 – 11, 2022 AUGUST APPARELATLANTA August 2 – 6, 2022 VOW BRIDAL & FORMAL ATLANTA August 1 – 6, 2022 OCTOBER ATLANTA APPAREL October 11 – 15, 2022
Bringing you the latest breakthroughs in software, I.T. and fashion technology. From creative solutions to insights from experts, we are the source for all things fashion tech. PRESENTS:MANNUSCRIPTFASHIONTHE TECHWEAR
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Who Buys Fakes — and Why is Counterfeit ing a Problem?
Generally, consumers who buy counterfeit products fall into two categories: those who buy counterfeit products without knowing that the product is counterfeit, and those who buy fakes knowingly. One of the biggest problems here is that people who buy fakes consciously don’t know why doing so is a bad thing, and they often don’t understand the impact. They see a huge brand selling expensive goods and making enormous profits — but what they don’t see are the jobs and the people involved in making the goods, the crafts handed down for generations, the laws in place to make sure that this process is preserved and the company’s obligation to reduce its environmental impact. It is the lux ury industry’s role to educate consumers about these Althoughfactors.buying counterfeit fashion may seem inconsequential, the production of fakes — which, as a practice, is in itself illegal — oper ates outside of laws and legislations protecting human rights and manufacturing’s impact on the environment, linking it to job losses, child labour, human trafficking, organized crime and environmental harm as investigated by the OECD’s Dangerous Fakes report. From a financial perspective, counterfeiting is a huge source of competition on a global scale. Brands are left worrying about competitors tak ing up market share and the counterfeit market actors who destroy consumer-brand trust. Go ing beyond taking income away from a compa ny, its employees and suppliers, counterfeiting also greatly affects customers’ ability to trust the traceability of their goods within an open marketplace. Without proper security and track ing measures, consumers anxiously lose trust in brands to protect their customers from theft.
The Weight of the Counterfeit Industry
The aim of luxury fashion houses has always been to be desired and sought after, creating beautifully designed and crafted clothes and accessories that change perception and build a following. As a result, these pieces are beyond many people’s reach — and where there is de mand there will always be someone looking for an opportunity to profit from it. According to an OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) study, the trade of counterfeit and pirated goods amounted to 2.5% of world trade in 2019. In 2021, customs and border pa trol of the United States seized over $30 million worth of counterfeit luxury handbags.
THE HUMAN IMPACT OF FASHION FAKES — AND HOW BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY CAN BEAT THE COUNTERFEIT INDUSTRY BY DAVID GEISSER, CO-FOUNDER & CEO, COLLECTID
According to the Incopro Consumer Research Report, one in two U.S. consumers (52%) have lost trust in a brand after unintentionally pur chasing counterfeit products online. Brands have started to pick up on the staggering num ber of their hopeful customers affected by the counterfeit market and are looking for solutions.
Every year, almost $3 trillion worth of goods are counterfeited. From sneakers to designer handbags and wine, consumers are constantly facing the risk of buying fake products instead of the real thing. This unfortunate reality leads to a tension in the consumer-brand relationship, causing customers to lose confidence in brands and making it nearly impossible for them to sell their items on the secondary market.
Companies are rapidly investing and implement ing innovative, tech-driven solutions to combat this problem and maintain trust with consum ers, whilst government authorities are dedicating missions to work against the counterfeit market.
One technology adoption that looks to weaken the counterfeit industry are NFTs (non-fungible tokens) linked to NFC (near-field communica tion) tags, anchored in the blockchain. The last two years has seen a huge tidal wave of interest around NFTs, information or images that are incorruptibly linked and therefore authenticated by the blockchain. Up until now, fashion houses have mainly been interested in investment in this technology as a marketing tool to increase brand engagement and loyalty as well as create a buzz.
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However, brands are now starting to realize the real potential of linking physical objects to the blockchain through NFT technology, as a “phy gital” object. This ensures authenticity in a way that is easy to check and impossible to replicate or corrupt. Creating a unique NFT, which corre sponds to an item like a bag or sneaker, would give each physical item unique metadata, which informs its exact traceability and validates its authenticity. It is something that we at collectID have been developing since 2018, but awareness and investment of the potential of this physical/ digital bridge is growing throughout the industry.
Over the last year, there have been new collabo rations announced with innovators such as the Bored Ape Yacht Club and using NFT artists as a way to launch a collection with limited editions, virtual or real.
For example, LVMH, in partnership with Prada and Cartier, formed the Aura Blockchain Consor tium in April 2021, the world’s first global luxury blockchain; this is a sign that brands are turning toward the immutability of the blockchain to re move the possible incentives of selling counter feit Blockchainproducts.technology allows for easier and safer reselling on the second market. The technology encourages sustainable practices within fashion and contributes to the circular economy and edu cates consumers of the products they buy, where they come from, if they are sustainable and more. Traceability in fashion also gives an em powered sense of consumer responsibility as well as, hopefully, an opportunity for a step away from fast fashion. In brief, blockchain is the new black! David Geisser founded collectID in 2018 with Sergio Muster. Geisser reached out to Sergio because he is the "sneaker guy" in Europe, and Muster was so fascinated by the technology that he joined collectID immediately. Previous to this, Geisser had gained valuable business and inno vation experience at Boydak Strategy Consulting, where he focused on business model innovation and rapid prototyping. During this time, Geisser led several projects and developed various MVPs for different clients. He graduated from the Uni versity of St. Gallen with a high MA in business innovation, which included a one year program in design thinking in collaboration with Stanford University. As part of the program, he developed an MVP for a Swiss-based retail bank. For more information, visit collectid.io
How Can Fashion Houses Use Technology to Combat the Counterfeit Industry? Both private businesses and governments are working together to stop the counterfeit industry.
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The collaborators have worked together to com bine knowledge and expertise, developing this go-to manual that will help brands understand the basics of achieving supply chain traceability, from the key players operating within the vast supply chain network, to the digital trends and legislation driving traceability forward.
The Playbook is written by sustainable fashion journalist Megan Doyle, who worked with collab orators to combine knowledge and develop this go-to manual that will help brands understand the basics of achieving supply chain traceabili ty, from the key players operating within the vast supply chain network to the technology and legislation that is currently driving forward in creased traceability in the fashion industry.
Providing both up-to-date insights and concrete examples of good practice, the playbook includes case studies from innovative companies such as Balenciaga, Gucci, Adidas and more, as well as insights from thought leaders across the indus try including Amina Razvi from the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Paul Foulkes-Arellano from Circuthon and Baptiste Carriere-Pradal from Pol icy Hub — each providing in-depth insight into their specialist topics. Ultimately, the guide aims to support brands in understanding the business case for traceability whilst offering a step-by-step roadmap to achieve it. “The Rana Plaza tragedy inspired the creation of Fashion Revolution and the #WhoMadeMy Clothes campaign, understanding that a lack of transparency costs lives and in order to achieve accountability, greater visibility is needed to drive industry transformation,” said Liv Simpliciano, policy & research manager, Fashion Revolution. “As part of this work, we are pleased to highlight practical case studies of brands’ disclosure on how they are addressing some of the industry’s greatest challenges across overconsumption, overproduction, decent work, circularity and car bon emissions. Transparency is the starting point, not the end in itself. The Traceability Playbook is a resource democratizing access to knowledge from leaders in the industry and importantly, ex poses where greater traceability and transparen cy are needed to catalyze change.”
Finally, TrusTrace explains the different levels of traceability, the benefits and limitations of each type and how brands can leverage them to track and improve their ESG performance and compli ance. To learn more, interested brands can then take the traceability test to identify how to best get started or progress their traceability journey.
The Traceability Playbook, the comprehensive, open-source guide, offers an in-depth analysis of the evolving market dynamics and incoming leg islation moving traceability from a nice-to-have to a must-have and includes practical advice on how to leverage traceability to achieve their goals. The initiative was driven by a collective commitment to accelerating sustainable transformation in the fashion industry, through cross-industry collabo ration and knowledge sharing.
“Together, with some of the most knowledgeable, best-informed minds in the industry, we’ve cre ated a resource for the fashion industry that will significantly support sustainable transformation.”
Available to download from the TrusTrace web site, the guide covers key topics such as the busi ness case for traceability and transparency, the need for standardization and decentralization of data and the key traceability trends driving the market. The guide also includes a “material school” chapter, offering guidance on the impact of different materials. One chapter explores key trends within digital supply chain traceability solutions, along with the importance of suppli er education and technology innovation to drive more sustainable production practices. The guide also addresses the business drivers of traceability, including laws and regulations, communicating product-specific impact data and claims.
The start of 2022 has seen TrusTrace experi ence a 350% YoY increase in brand requests for traceability guidance and support, inspiring the traceability platform to join forces with advocacy organization Fashion Revolution and the global innovation platform Fashion for Good, to develop the Traceability Playbook.
TrusTrace, the platform for supply chain transparency and product traceability within the fashion and retail industries, in collaboration with Fashion Revolution and Fash ion for Good, announced the launch of The Traceability Playbook. Fashion Revolution is a global movement cam paigning for a fashion industry that values people and planet over profit, through research, educa tion, collaboration, mobilization and advocacy.
“We’re at an inflection point as an industry, where sustainability is evolving from a ‘nice-tohave’ to a ‘must-have’ business imperative; a point at which one’s greenline is becoming every bit as important as one’s bottom line. However, with this evolution comes the need for knowledge – on how to most effectively manage this sustainable transformation – which is why we’ve teamed up with Fashion Revolution and Fashion for Good to develop this Traceability Playbook,” said Sha meek Ghosh, CEO and co-founder, TrusTrace.
TRUSTRACE, FASHION REVOLUTION & FASHION FOR GOOD ACCELERATE THE SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY
The Traceability Playbook is also a key education tool for the United Nations Economic Commis sion for Europe (UNECE) Sustainability Pledge that TrusTrace has submitted, aimed at acceler ating sustainable transformation through supply
Founded in 2014 by Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro, Fashion Revolution aims to increase transparency in the industry, standing in solidari ty with the people who make the world’s clothes.
Katrin Ley, managing director at Fashion for Good, said, “Improved traceability and data in tegrity are the bedrock of a circular supply chain enabling and incentivizing sustainable enhance ments. With the growing importance of an im pact-driven supply chain, Fashion for Good is excited to contribute to an open-source playbook for the industry that promotes a collaborative approach of knowledge sharing, implementation and driving the change that is needed to trans form the industry for the better.”
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At its core, Fashion for Good’s global platform is the Global and Asia Innovation Programme that supports disruptive innovators on their journey to scale, providing hands-on project management, access to funding and expertise and collabora tions with brands and manufacturers to acceler ate supply chain implementation.
Photo courtesy of TrusTrace
“Digital traceability is a critical enabler for the circle economy, and we believe it has an import ant role in achieving a just transition and dis tributing value fairly across all actors,” said Holly Syrett, director of impact programs and sustain ability, Global Fashion Agenda. “We encourage fashion leaders to work in pre-competitive and cross-sectoral collaborations to achieve this goal.”
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“It is a starting point to give a face and a voice to vulnerable actors in this industry, and a right move towards responsible choices and circular business models that will drive wrong patterns ‘out of fashion,’” Pisani continnued. “We are de lighted to welcome TrusTrace in our UNECE Sustainability Pledge community, as this is an other step forward to accelerate transformation at scale, for the sustainable clothing industry of the future.”
Maria Teresa Pisani, economic affairs officer and project lead at UNECE, said, “Behind the clothes we wear, there are women and men that need to be respected, and deserts, forests and oceans that need to be protected. Traceability and trans parency are key to ensure that social, human rights and environmental risks are properly iden tified and addressed along global and complex value chains.”
The pledge commits to three key actions: educat ing the fashion industry on how to best leverage technology in the form of supply chain trace ability to deliver on SDG and ESG goals; scal ing traceability in the industry by expanding the number of brands they support in building a data foundation, which will enable the industry to make informed decisions to improve ESG perfor mance and accelerating positive results through collaboration and integration with other sustain ability solution providers.
“The Traceability Playbook is a helpful public re source to support us all in taking action towards a net positive industry,” Syrett added.
The Traceability Playbook launched during a side event of Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition, the leading international forum for sus tainability in fashion.
The experience of blockchain, NFT and holograms embedded in handbags is an innovative approach that connects consumer, suppliers and luxury in the digital sphere, and provides detailed traceability of all of the brand’s raw material suppliers, both upstream and downstream. Each Muldooneys series Proof of Work is locked into smart contracts on the public Ethereum blockchain network, known for its high integrity for transparency and open access to the public, the “The ever-changing world of luxury consumers demands that we weave safety, truth, rarity, beauty and connection. We at Muldooneys, are raising the bar and doing away with age-old conventions,” said Marlène P. Naicker, founder, Muldooneys. “Our customer is at the heart and soul of our avant-garde supply chain and we are responsibly bridging the gap, by giving her real-time private access during every step of the French craftsmanship design she buys. This is our way of telling her: we value you, and we cherish our association. By gifting her with an investable NFT, we share our success story. Our gain is her gain.”
uldooneys Paris has returned to the fashion and digital space after nearly 10 years by relaunching its luxury leather handbags with new blockchain elements in its supply chain. As a first in the world of luxury fashion, the company introduced a 100% unique hologram key that is embedded within the physical handbag. The key is activated when it is paired with an non-fungible token (NFT) twin, minted for the 600 limited-editions designs, creating a one-of-a-kind product that retains its value long-term, the brand said.
MULDOONEYS PARIS RELAUNCHES LUXURY HANDBAGS POWERED BY THE BLOCKCHAIN WITH NFT COLLECTIBLES
TECHFEATURES
The brand’s relaunch encompasses eight limited series every four to six months, each with pop-cultural themes, fantastical and avant-garde designs, which forms the foundation for different worlds within the Muldooneys metaverse. Each of the covetable main products are limited to 600 units of the design, made and sold to pre-order for one time only; these are then followed with new product lines. The next edition from Muldooneys to enter the metaverse is MuldooneysAfrican-inspired.Parisshared that it is proud of the sustainability of its new limited edition product line. With a limited number of made-to-order products, there is no unnecessary over-consumption of raw reducing the chances of needless strain on the supply chain, the company shared. The company also chooses to work exclusively with French suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint and stimulate the local economy.
The handbags are made to order with every series designed and inspired by history and legend, the brand said. For the current relaunch, the product story was inspired by the cosmic love story of Meenakshi, the warrior goddess from the ancient land of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, South India. Muldooneys was founded in 2005 by Naicker, serial fashion entrepreneur, and is synonymous with taking an indifferent approach to luxury, the brand shared. Following a decade of hiatus, Muldooneys is marrying technology and French savoir-faire with its relaunch — now, every Muldooneys’ design is high-tech and has a unique digital footprint.
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Photo courtesy of Gary He
Photos courtesy of Muldooneys token company shared. are inspired designs, materials,
The company authenticates each owner of a handbag by pairing it with a unique hologram key, connecting the physical product to a blockchain twin. The goal behind this approach is to allow customers to trace the provenance of French savoir-fare and create exclusive value for every design that is impossible to imitate.
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Citrin Cooperman is a leading accounting and advisory providers for manufacturing and distribution companies. Over time, the firm has developed a focus on fashion and apparel companies, providing assurance, tax, and advisory to both start-ups and well-established brands. Citrin Cooperman has a keen understanding of the industry and remains upto-date on market trends and changes that impact fashion and apparel companies, and translates this knowledge into industry-specific business solutions that help clients accomplish business goals and remain competitive in the market. MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: John P. Giordano, CPA, & Practice 631.930.5000jgiordano@citrincooperman.comCo-Leaderx6351
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Based in Lugano, Switzerland and Milan, Italy and co-founded by Walfredo della Gherardesca (who is also the company’s CEO), Amelia Bassini and Luca Nardelli, Genuine Way is focused on the conscious consumption movement through the use of blockchain technology — specifically, GEN Blockchain Platform, which enables fashion brands and manufacturers to register and source corporate documentation and the environmental impact of their supply chain with the technology. GEN Blockchain Platform creates QR (quick response) codes to be connected to products, containing that product’s sustainability story and the company’s ethical values in a visually interesting, easy to understand format that is backed by Genuine Way’s due diligence analysis.
Founded by Aurora Chiste, Maakola is a sustainable luxury fashion brand with the core mission is to “create digital and physical clothing that don’t harm [and] instead offer the opportunity to increase social and environmental capital through an idea of beauty that stands for the empowerment and safety of people and planet,” according to the brand’s e-commerce website. With operations in Ghana, Italy and the United States, the brand offers nature-inspired collections (with names like Gaia, Circle of Life and Flora) that include coordinating blazers and pencil pants, skirts, wrap tops, high-low and maxi dresses and jackets in a variety of vibrant, bold patterns and prints that make each piece feel unique and special. Maakola is driven by “conscious beauty,” a way of thought at the heart of the brand which allows each garment to represent timeless style and embody positivity for its customers, and the use of data and the metaverse to engage with the future of the fashion world.
Currently, 40-plus European brands and manufacturers use GEN Blockchain Platform’s technology and tools, creating an ever-growing ecosystem of sustainable and environmentally-minded companies in the fashion, cosmetic and food space.
As the fashion industry continues to grow, shoppers’ focus on transparency and environmental mindfulness has increased as well, and companies are responding in a variety of ways. One company that is on the cutting edge of sustainability technology is Genuine Way — and its newest collaborative initiative is instilling an awareness of sustainable fashion in brands and customers alike.
BY LAUREN D’ERRICO
WEARME30TIMES
The WearMe30Times initiative combines the values of Genuine Way and Maakola to support fashion’s conscious consumption movement through the use of gamified technology to engage with like-minded shoppers directly.
Genuine Way & Maakola Support the Conscious Consumption Movement with Blockchain Technology
Clothing items from participating brands are assigned a unique QR code so that users can keep track of how often a garment is worn, with the goal of wearing said garment at least 30 times. This specific number of wears is inspired by Livia Firth, a climate activist, and her 2016 #30Wears campaign, which intended to encourage awareness to the ever-growing problem of waste in and the environmental impact of the fashion industry on the earth. Since then,
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Photo courtesy of Genuine Way
According to Quantis, an environmental sustainability consultancy company, the fashion industry is projected to grow 49% between 2016 and 2030. With this increase comes a plethora of new brands, clothes and styles — but also comes worrisome ramifications on the environment and its future. The same study posited that if fashion industry-related greenhouse gas emissions were to grow at the same rate over the same amount of time, 5,945 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) gases will be produced in 2030.
Genuine Way, a blockchain company with a goal of fostering environmental sustainability, has partnered with the sustainable fashion brand Maakola to create WearMe30Times (WM30T), an environmentally conscious slow fashion initiative that encourages shoppers to adjust their fashion-related behaviors to reduce their eco-footprints by getting more use out of their clothing — the goal of which being, as the name outlines, to put at least a month’s worth of wears into their fashion pieces rather than buying new.
Can you walk me through the mobile experience of WearMe30Times? What kinds of responses have you gotten from app users? WM30T allows any consumer to register one of the fashion items of the many brands that are affiliated to the initiative. After registering the item, the app will enable the users to count how many times they use each fashion item, with the goal of reaching the 30 wears. The app works through social media: the first and 30th wear needs to be posted on Facebook or Instagram to spread awareness about the campaign. When 30 wears is reached, the specific brand will send you a gift or surprise! The results have been amazing, with over 50 brands organically applying to participate in the initiative and thousands of users of the app in the first year. We are excited to think that we did push many of these consumers to hold on to their fashion items a little longer than before!
While WM30T is a non-profit initiative, our core tool is called GEN Platform, which is being used by dozens of companies across Europe to become more accountable with regards to their ESG topics. Blockchain is a decentralized ledger that assures immutability and accountability of data through time: by connecting with our platform and notarizing documentation such as certificates, lab tests, patents, shipping receipts and contracts, these business are moving from the space of marketing and communication to the new dimension of auto-certification where they actually show what is happening — instead of just saying it.
mannpublications.com SEPTEMBER 2022 FM | 77 TECHFEATURES the initiative has embraced the prevalence of technology in the fashion industry to reach an even wider audience. Below, Gherardesca shares the recent technological advancements that have further modernized the WearMe30Times initiative, how customers can combat overconsumption with their shopping habits and how the fashion industry can improve its sustainability efforts as a whole. Tell me about your company’s place in the environmental sustainability industry. How did you know that you wanted to contribute to change in the fashion industry? As the CEO of Genuine Way, my effort — and our effort every day — is to envision technology that can accelerate the ecological transition. We have been very active in the fashion industry from the start, as it is one of the most polluting industries in the world. How did you connect with Maakola to collaborate on WearMe30Times? Maakola is a social-impact fashion brand led by a brilliant founder, Aurora Chiste. She initially was a client and friend of ours, but our relationship evolved into conversations on how we could support the ecosystem and drive it toward conscious consumption. That’s how WearMe30Times was born. How did the WearMe30Times initiative come to fruition? In 2016, the climate activist Livia Firth launched a campaign called “30 Wears Challenge.” Together with her team, Livia had calculated that the average number of times that a fashion item should be worn to be sustainable is 30 wears. Unfortunately, the studies also revealed that, on average, consumers throw their fashion items away after far less than 10 uses; in the case of many types of women’s clothing, items were noted to be thrown out after 2.5 wears. At the time, this was just a social media campaign, picked up by many celebrities to spread awareness, and a challenge that anyone could pick up and post about. In 2020, while discussing about an effective way to improve the sustainability of consumption in fashion, Aurora remembered the 30 Wears Challenge and I suggested that we could add a layer of technology and a gamification to ing and more effective. We created a web app called “WearMe30Times.”
What are Genuine Way’s goals when it comes to contributing to sustainability?
Your mother’s vintage bag or dress is beautiful, and it may be a unique piece that cannot be found on the market currently. Use it! Be proud of slow fashion. Don’t conform to the status quo. Create a wardrobe made of a small amount of pieces that are of really high quality — this will cost you the same amount as burning through hundreds of cheap items that fall apart the second time you put them in the washing machine. It’s the same cost, but totally different results! revamp it, while making it both more engag-
Genuine Way is the first in Europe to utilize blockchain to fight for sustainability. What led you to the decision to incorporate blockchain in your tools? How does this technology enable customers to be more aware of green-washing and conscious consumption in the fashion industry?
What improvements have you seen in the fashion industry regarding sustainability since 2016? What is the biggest change, and where do you feel the industry can improve? When Livia Firth started it all, it was still an early time for sustainable fashion. Since then, the industry has made leaps forward and we are seeing the end of “fast fashion” and the birth of new models of production and consumption. Awareness is now definitely here, but a lot still needs to change. While sourcing new sustainable materials and lowering the energy consumption in the transformation of the product is one of the major problems [in the industry], I personally believe that the biggest issue has to do with consumption and how the brands continue to push their customers toward unsustainable consumerisms. As Giorgio Armani brilliantly stated, the time for launching two collections a year has ended; we need to consider more versatile fashion items and fashion brands need to strongly limit the size of their catalog. Furthermore, in the spirit of the WM30T initiative, consumers need to buy durable items that they can love and hold on to for many years, as opposed to running after the next sensation. What advice would you give to those just beginning the initiative, and who are wanting to incorporate more sustainability into their relationships with fashion?
Our company is a blockchain provider from Switzerland specializing on ESG (environmental, social and governance) topics. We offer a platform that is used by over 50 companies around Europe to register their sustainability data on a public blockchain and bring them to their consumers. This does not only include the brand’s KPIs (key performance indicators) but its whole supply-chain and providers’ ecosystem as well. The goal [of our company] is quite simply to create more transparency and more accountability so that ethical consumers are put in the position to choose their products in an informed way.
“The Imbox business model is a win/win strategy for the retailer and Imbox,” said Oliver Hede, North American manager, Imbox Protection Inc. “Retailers that implement Imbox units can ex pect a completely new revenue stream while also selling more accessories and classic shoe care products than they did before. On average, our customers sell Imbox treatments to 40% of the shoes purchased, while the best performing stores have a conversion rate of 80%.”
“Since experiencing such success with our retail partners in Eu rope and most recently in Japan, our vision is to establish a new niche category for ambitious shoe retailers in the U.S.,” said Jan Deding, president and CEO of Imbox Protection, North America.
Photo courtesy of eBay Inc.
waiting period post-treatment, customers can slip on and walk out of the store with their newly treated shoes. The latest Imbox model, now available in the U.S., features four nozzles to effec tively spray footwear in an enclosed environment, a scanner that ensures precise coating for all shoe-types and a large screen with an intuitive interface, displaying the treatment process, providing the retailer with data on shoe types and tracking fluid levels.
TECHNOLOGY WireBusinessofcourtesyPhoto FASHION 411
Launched in 2011 in Denmark as a more sustainable and con venient alternative to protecting shoes, Imbox now has more than 6,500 units in retail stores across Europe and Japan, selling more than 27 million treatments a year with partners like Deich mann and The Athlete’s Foot, among others. Imbox’s technology helps brick-and-mortar retailers increase their bottom line by en hancing customer loyalty and in-store visits, offering customers a safe and efficient method to protect and increase the longevity of their footwear, whether it be dress, sneakers, sports, hiking, party or leisure shoes, the company shared.
“Through Imbox, our retail partners can expand their sales for accessories by more than 50% and increase return visits by up to 12%. We are thrilled for the opportunity to immolate similar success in the U.S.”
eBay announced the expansion of its Authenticity Guarantee to fine jewelry. In collaboration with GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, eligible new and pre-owned fine jewelry sold for $500-plus will be available for the service. The offering will include designer brands like Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Yurman, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. This marks the expansion of eBay’s authentication service to its fifth category, which includes sneakers, watches, handbags and trading cards.
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EBAY LAUNCHES AUTHENTICATION FOR FINE JEWELRY
IMBOX PROTECTION EXPANDS TO U.S. & OFFERS RETAILERS PATENTED IN-STORE FOOTWEAR PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY
eBay has authenticated more than two million items across authenticated categories since introducing Authenticity Guarantee in 2020, and in the next two years, the pro gram is expected to surpass five million items. The addition of fine jewelry to eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service builds upon the existing luxury goods available on the marketplace backed by the authentication service. By the end of 2022, jewelry authentication will roll out to all eligible listings and identified brands on the platform, making it easier to browse and buy fine jewelry on the marketplace.
eBay’s collaboration with GIA — preeminent experts in gems and jewelry — will power the marketplace’s authentication in this category, which has grown significantly over the past year: sales of Bvlgari, David Yurman and Van Cleef & Arpels were all up double-digits month-over-month in May of this year, while eight pieces of fine jewelry were bought every minute on eBay in 2021, the company said. With 90 years of expertise, GIA’s category knowledge will help ensure that buyers can shop and sellers can sell with total confidence, said eBay. As part of the collaboration, GIA experts, including gemologists, will perform a multi-point inspection, verifying metal type, purity and gemstone quality to confirm the authenticity of every eligible item.
“Jewelry has always been a popular category on the marketplace, and its growth shows how consumer demand is only increasing,” said Tirath Kamdar, general man ager of luxury, eBay. “As we continue to listen to our community of luxury enthusiasts in order to foster an even more trusted shopping and selling environment, expanding Authenticity Guarantee to jewelry was a crucial next step for our luxury business.”
I mbox Protection Inc., the in-store footwear protection technol ogy service, announced its expansion to the U.S. retail market. The company’s U.S. launch features the availability of its new est Imbox unit, displaying a more sleek and modern design than the original model and offering a 100% organic, water-based footwear protection treatment for a safe and environmental ly-friendly solution, the company said.
The Imbox is an enclosed unit that effectively treats all types of footwear with its unique, organic and water-based treatment, providing shoes with professional, all-season protection against water damage, dirt, stains and color fade caused by UV rays.
Throughout the 60-second process, customers can view the treat ment process through the Imbox’s 24-inch screen and, without a
A recent survey conducted with Saks Off 5th customers revealed that more than 70% of respondents previous ly purchased pre-owned clothing, shoes or accesso ries. Eighty percent of those customers indicated that they want the opportunity to purchase pre-owned fashion directly from Saks Off 5th. To cater to its cus tomers, saksoff5th.com will now feature a dedicated “pre-owned” section that will highlight Rent the Run way’s extensive inventory assortment so shoppers can find items with ease, shared the company.
“Saks Off 5th is known for offering incredible design er goods at great prices, which is a fantastic launch pad to educate more consumers, and help to extend the life of these garments,” Hyman added.
Rent the Runway customers can rent à la carte, sub scribe to fashion or shop resale. This partnership with Saks Off 5th is an extension of Rent the Runway’s existing resale offering, which broadens RTR’s funnel of potential customers, offering them another way to experience its inventory, the company said.
All items have been deemed to be “excellent con dition” by Rent the Runway and will be identified on saksoff5th.com by a Rent the Runway-specific badge. Rent the Runway’s garment science team uses data to optimize cleaning programs and methods to increase garment longevity.
THE LYCRA COMPANY ACCELERATES DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH BROWZWEAR
The LYCRA Company, a company developing innovative and sustainable fi ber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced a partnership with Browzwear that will provide designers using VStitcher and Lotta, platforms for 3D fashion design, the ability to develop prod ucts incorporating fabrics containing LYCRA, LYCRA T400 and Coolmax fibers.
“At The LYCRA Company, innovation is in our DNA, and we constantly look at new ways to create value for our mill customers, brands and retail partners,” said Julien Born, CEO, The LYCRA Company. “Digital transformation and sustainability offer opportunities, but also stretch our approach to innovation as fast and mean ingful advances in those areas cannot be achieved alone. By teaming up with Browzwear, we are taking an important step in that direction, with the goal of ul timately changing the way the apparel industry will engage and interact digitally to optimize the sourcing of high-quality fabrics that extend garment wear life and reduce the need for samples.”
Saks Off 5th, the luxury off-price destination, has partnered with Rent the Runway, the shared de signer closet company, to provide Saks Off 5th customers access to pre-owned designer fashion di rectly from Rent the Runway. A curated collection of pre-owned merchandise from Rent the Runway is now available on saksoff5th.com, spanning hundreds of styles from more than 60 designer brands. Customers can browse items for work, vacation, date night and more all at up to 85% off the original manufacturer’s suggested retail price for garments in new condition.
“At Saks Off 5th, we’re focused on providing access to designer fashion at an incredible value and we continue to look for innovative ways to expand our of fering and deliver on that promise for our customers,” said Paige Thomas, president and CEO, Saks Off 5th. “Through this unique relationship with Rent the Runway, we’re introducing new brands, providing exceptional deals and offering pre-owned apparel from a trusted partner that resonates with our customers.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with The LYCRA Company and enable our users to leverage its well-known performance fibers to better incorporate them into de signs, faster, easier and more sustainably. Our Fabric Analyzer ensures the 3D versions of fabrics made with fibers from the LYCRA Brand Materials Library re sult in true-to-life simulations of the garments, with physics and movement that reflect the durability and unique functionality of these fibers,” said Avihay Feld, Browzwear co-founder and CEO. “We believe this partnership will drive positive impact throughout the industry by helping brands and retailers to operate a more sustainable, efficient development process.”
The expansion of The LYCRA Company’s digital infrastructure is enabling new forms of engagement with its global customer base, and online platforms like Browzwear demonstrate the differentiation and sources of innovation that The LYCRA Compa ny is helping bring to its customers across the apparel value chain, the company shared. With the true-to-life visualizations made possible with Browzwear’s in novative software, designers can digitally create activewear, denim, swimwear, ready-to-wear and intimate apparel fashions using fabrics showcased in the LYCRA Brand Materials Library. The Browzwear platform enables designers to visualize how garments made with Lycra fiber offer a comfortable and lasting fit.
said Jennifer Hyman, CEO and co-founder, Rent the Runway. “Whether renting or shopping resale, the secondhand economy is a critical part of creating a more sustainable future for our industry.
TECHNOLOGY SAKS OFF 5TH PARTNERS WITH RENT THE RUNWAY TO OFFER PRE-OWNED FASHION FASHION 411 LYCRAofcourtesyPhoto
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All the materials with digital versions in the LYCRA Brand Materials Library can be sourced directly from one of 15 global mills initially featured on Browzwear. These materials have been tested and certified by The LYCRA Company, ensuring they contain the company’s authentic fibers that are designed to meet consumer needs for comfort, fit and ease of movement. In addition, The LYCRA Company will continue to work with Browzwear to add new resources to the materials library as they become available, further enhancing the digital design capabilities.
“This partnership with Saks Off 5th bolsters and re inforces Rent the Runway’s mission to introduce an even wider audience to the immense value — both environmental and financial — of pre-loved fashion,”
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The USPTO recently advised Nike to revise its trademark applications. The brand made headlines when it filed applications for its name, Swoosh logo, “Just Do It” slogan and “Air Jordan” marks for use on “downloadable virtual goods” (in Class 9), “retail store services featuring virtual goods” (Class 35) and “entertainment services, namely, providing on-line, non-downloadable virtual footwear, clothing, headwear, eyewear, bags, sports bags, backpacks, sports equipment, art, toys and accessories for use in virtual environments” (Class However,41). a USPTO trademark examiner found that Nike’s descriptions were “indefinite” and “unclear,” advising the company to add clarifying language expressly stating that the specified goods are for use online “in online virtual worlds.” With regard to Class 41, the trademark examiner suggested that Nike specify that the entertainment services are for use in virtual environments “created for entertainment purposes.”
Because the metaverse allows users to create, buy and sell goods, businesses are increasingly looking to the digital world as a source of new opportunities. For the fashion industry, the metaverse offers new ways to connect with potential customers and increase brand awareness, particularly among younger, tech-savvy users. Of course, the metaverse is not without risks. At this point, it is still unclear how much consumer demand there will be and which digital platforms will actually take off. There are also significant legal uncertainties regarding intellectual property rights. While well-known marks generally enjoy protection beyond the products and services covered by a trademark registration, this is not necessarily the case for lesser-known marks. So, even if your company holds a trademark for use of your logo or brand name on clothing, it is yet to be determined if that protection extends to virtual clothing.
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The EUIPO issued similar guidance to applicants, and confirmed that “virtual goods are proper to Class 9 because they are treated as digital content or images.” It further advised that “the term ‘virtual goods’ on its own lacks clarity and precision so must be further specified by stating the content to which the virtual goods relate (e.g., ‘downloadable virtual goods, namely, virtual clothing’).” The EUIPO also noted that services relating to virtual goods will be classified in line with the established principles of classification for services. While the guidance is helpful, it is important to recognize that the legal framework for the metaverse is also still evolving.
Today, the metaverse generally refers to a 3D virtual world where peoples’ avatars can interact with virtual/augmented reality headsets and other technology. Current examples include online gaming and virtual reality platforms like Second Life, Roblox and Fortnite. Most predict that this is just the beginning of the metaverse, with future technology creating a more expansive digital world that allows users to seamlessly move between multiple experiences offered by different platforms.
In response to the influx of trademark applications, agencies like the USPTO and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) are beginning to offer guidance on how they plan to treat applications involving virtual goods and services.
It is difficult to clearly define the “metaverse” because it is still evolving. Author Neal Stephenson first coined the term in his 1992 novel “Snow Crash,” in which characters immerse themselves in the online world to escape a dystopian reality.
Howard D. Bader is a NYC attorney who serves as general counsel for clients in a wide range of industries on an international scale. With over three decades’ worth of legal experience, he has represented clients in numerous legal matters, including commercial litigation, intellectual property, bankruptcy, creditor’s rights and mergers and acquisitions, as well as numerous corporate transactions and business law matters.
What is the Metaverse?
Howard D. (212)784-6926hbader@sh-law.comBadersh-law.com
As with most novel technology, the law is currently playing “catch up,” with agencies such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) just beginning to address the intellectual property (IP) issues that arise in the all-digital world. Because many questions still remain, it is important to be proactive in protecting your rights, even if your company is not yet embracing the metaverse.
While some expect the metaverse to replace our current mobile experience, the evolution is not expected to happen overnight. Mark Zuckerberg, who rebranded his company Facebook to Meta, predicted that it may take 10 to 15 years for metaverse products to be “fully realized.”
How Do You Protect Your Brand in the Metaverse?
Have Trademark Authorities Issued Guidance?
Much like in the real world, unauthorized use of well-known brands can not only lead to consumer confusion, but also harm the trademark owner’s reputation. Given the potential risks, brands ranging from Louis Vuitton to Abercrombie to Adidas have filed proactive trademark applications covering new classes for virtual products and services.
hile a fully-functioning “metaverse” is still likely years away, some of the world’s leading fashion brands — including Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce and Gabbana — have become early adopters of the technology. The companies are testing the waters of the new digital world in various ways, such as creating online games, launching non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and selling virtual collections.
In most cases, companies have filed trademark applications that indicate use or intended use in either Class 9 for “downloadable virtual goods including NFTs,” Class 35 for “retail stores for virtual goods” or Class 41 for “entertainment services in virtual environments.”
As with other new technology, it will take time to develop a robust and reliable body of law.
IS IT TIME TO PROTECT YOUR BRAND IN THE METAVERSE?
By Howard D. Bader
Key Takeaway The metaverse creates untapped markets and new ways to interact with customers; however, it is not without significant risks. Whether or not fashion companies are ready to enter the metaverse just yet, it is still advisable to develop brand protection strategies that address the new digital world and consider whether it may be prudent to take advantage of the intent-to-use trademark option.
263 WEST 38TH STREET Between 7th & 8th 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. Richard Farley, SVP 646.597.6179rfarley@handler-re.com Alex Bush, Senior Director abush@handler-re.com646.517.8782 Kyle Galin, Director 646.998.6012kgalin@handler-re.com Darell Handler, COO 212.398.1888dhandler@handler-re.com646.597.6171|Handler-re.com BEAUTIFUL NEW PRE-BUILT UNITS: APPROX 5K AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY • Commission Paid on Signing • High-end Finishes & Large Pantries • Floor-To-Ceiling Glass Front Offices • Polished Concrete Floors • Newly Built & Move-In Ready • 3 Sides of Windows & Excellent Light • Virtually Column Free with High Ceilings • New Elevators • Attended Lobby with 24/7 Access • Easy Access to: A, C, E, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, PABT, Penn Station & PATH
• In the event of a shooting, record any physical property damage to broken windows and doors or bullet holes in walls or floors and take pictures.
As high-profile acts of targeted mass violence continue to occur in workplaces across the nation, many employers are wondering how best to protect their people, property and profitability.
Having a crisis management plan that you practice periodically is crucial. Unfortunately, senseless acts of violence are often unavoidable even with the best practices in place. Workplace violence prevention program development can often be a challenging process for the business leaders, safety and security managers and human resource professionals tasked with building a program — however, they are imperative. Work with your insurance broker and their dedicated risk management team to ensure that you’re prepared and protected.
Increasing Brick-and-mortar Storefronts Perhaps we need to ask ourselves, “Is this a natu ral course in the evolution of retail selling?” First, we had the general store, which gave way to de partment stores, and now we find ourselves with the advent of a new shopping emporium: the in ternet. The silver lining is coming, as was outlined in a recent front-page headline of the Wall Street Journal, in an article titled “E-commerce Needs Real Store Locations Now More Than Ever.” The article said that for the first time since 2017, we are seeing a shift in shop openings that will exceed closures. Brick-and-mortar stores are becoming integral to fulfilling e-commerce orders and are serving as hubs for pick-ups and online returns.
By Leslie Gallin, former president, footwear, Informa Markets
Recognizing the warning signs of workplace violence and taking appropriate action is essential. It’s important that the focus is not just on individual illegal behaviors, but more broadly, the toxic workplace cultures that create unproductive, disheartened workforces. When unaddressed, toxic cultures and workplace behaviors like bullying, harassment and discrimination can escalate toward violence.
• Institute policies and procedures that indicate a zero-tolerance of workplace violence and provide direction for reporting and handling incidents.
As a fashion and apparel business, it is your responsibility to ensure a safe environment for your employees and visitors.
• Establish an internal threat assessment team to manage any threats of violence or concerning behaviors that you may become aware of. Threats toward a business can come from a variety of sources. If you become aware of a threat targeted at a location or a person, it is critical that your team can assess and manage the matter before it escalates.
Although it is crucial to take steps to protect from hostile intruders, it is also important to remember that many incidents of workplace violence occur from within. When hostile workplace behavior goes unchecked, it can have a wideranging impact. The consequences can be severe, including lost productivity, employee turnover, reputational damage, lawsuits and even workplace violence/loss of life.
• Establish procedures for obtaining medical care and psychological support after a violent incident.
Frank DeLucia currently serves as senior vice president of Hub International Northeast, a leading full-service global insurance brokerage. He can be reached by phone at (212)3382395 or at frank.delucia@hubinternational. com. For more information on Hub, please visit hubinternational.com.
OBSERVATIONS FOR 2022
ith over 300 mass shootings so far already across the United States in 2022, according to the Gun Violence Archive, these tragic incidents have brought to light the reality that all businesses need to protect their employees from acts of violence.
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• Provide training in defusing or de-escalating potentially violent situations and inform employees of the risks of workplace violence.
• Create a crisis response plan that describes procedures to follow in the event of an emergency, which should include evacuation routes and exits or building lockdown procedures. Post the plan for all staff and patrons to access.
As we head into 2022, we are still finding that COVID-19 is a constant headline. Upon writ ing, we learn that we may be facing a new and perhaps more virulent strain of the virus, newly-named Omicron. The health precautions implemented almost two years ago — masking, social distancing and, most importantly, getting vaccinated — are not only still with us but will seemingly be here to stay for some time to come. Protecting ourselves, our families, our society and our businesses has become an even more import ant component to our way of life. Our retail businesses find themselves specifically in the dead center of the bullseye of disruption on so many fronts. Supply chain bottlenecks, in creased consumer demand and renewed con cerns about inflationary trends — the likes of which we last saw in the late 1970s and early 1980s — are rearing their ugly heads.
The cost of acquiring customers online has sky rocketed, and physical stores are seeming like a how they want to shop and what they want at a speed like never before. Consumers want to be immersed in a brand’s authentic story and wish to fully understand a company’s values, ethics and sustainability, alongside its artistic roots and craftsmanship. It is no longer enough to produce products that are quality-driven or value engi neered — companies now need to tell the stories of their brands.
According to OSHA and leading industry associations, the short answer is employers should develop and implement a workplace violence prevention program to identify concerning employee behaviors early and provide a structured approach to prevent and respond to violence and threats.
• Consider the risk of assault when directing workers to take out garbage, store items in external areas, transport money, etc.
The best time to develop a workplace violence prevention program is before you need one. Therefore, if you don’t currently have one in place, now is the time to be prepared. Workplace violence consistently ranks in the top three causes of worker fatalities, and OSHA reports that over 2 million people are affected by workplace violence annually.
As president of footwear for Informa Markets, Leslie Gallin developed the FN Platform, the foot wear shows at Magic. Gallin scouts the world’s best new designers and trends, providing unpar alleled business insights and access into the world of footwear and beyond. Gallin is a board mem ber of Footwear Distributors/Representatives of America; American Apparel and Footwear Associ ate; Two Ten-Footwear Charity and From Fashion with Love.org, among others, and has held posi tions at World Shoe Association, Geoffrey Benne, Escada, Louis Feraud and Pauline Tigere. She has been featured in Footwear Plus, Footwear News,
For the latest information, guidance and resources on how to help you protect what matters most, please visit Hub’s dedicated Workplace Violence & Active Shooter Resource Center.
How do we cultivate and drive the next generation to our products? Video game advertising (which is a simplistic way of saying “intrinsic advertising plat form”) is just one way. I won’t bore you with sta tistics, and rather just say, what child do you know today that doesn’t play video games? Let’s con sider printed magazines. Having online portals for engaging new readers is key, but how do you get the young reader to your platform? Today, there are companies who can support your efforts with game producers to interweave your products into their video games! Customer Service in the Digital Age A DoorDash driver makes a food delivery to an apartment building and decides to relieve them self in the lobby — which is caught on camera. The building manager writes and calls DoorDash to share the incident and ask that DoorDash be responsible for the cost of the cleanup. DoorDash responds by saying that the company would be more than happy to remove the charge for the delivery and offer a coupon for a future order. After many attempts to reach a senior executive at DoorDash to no avail, the manager (who is a the building manager becomes the lead story on all news channels. And, as a result, many local restaurants drop DoorDash as a delivery option. What can we learn from this story? Your custom er service team is your front-line contact with the consumer! We all know the general public is not easy to navigate — and today, businesses also need to investigate not only what the complaint is but also who the complainant is. By using the elec tronic tools at our disposal, we can quickly see the consumer reaching out to us has an influential internet presence. The very last thing a company needs is for a consumer to go viral by defaming your brand. I will leave you with hope. I recently had the op portunity to pitch a business idea to graduate students at the University of Southern California Graduate School of Business (USC) in a creative marketing class. During the initial pitch, the class was engaged but said very little. What they did say was that this pitch was the first time they were be ing asked to solve real-world issues and not just learning theory. A few weeks later, I returned to the class to hear and see their presentations, and I was in awe. The thing that got me most was the students’ ability to explain their reasoning for the creative approach they each took to solve the question at hand. Those of us with historic knowl edge can be of real value to companies with our ability to guide new teams forward based upon strong foundation. Happy and healthy holidays to all, and here’s to brand-new year!
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE & ACTIVE SHOOTER PREPARDNESS FOR APPAREL BUSINESSES
• Establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with trained counselors who can address workplace stress and violence issues. As a confidential service to employees, the EAP provider will assess whether a situation needs to be brought to management and can intervene in employee conflicts.
By Frank DeLucia, senior vice president, Hub International Northeast
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Attracting New Generations of Consumers
Evaluate your workplace and identify both physical and administrative adjustments that you can make proactively:
To achieve this fully-immersed experience, re tailers must utilize marketing via all channels. For several years, the word “curation” buzzed around how and why retailers brought products to store shelves. Curation works when one has a true point of view and can authentically explain it, which is why more consumers are looking to purchase items from company-owned, mono-brand stores. They can see the full product range and be ser viced by employees who have been trained in the brand’s history. It could and should be a wonder ful time for independent retailers to shine, and the ability to offer services, such as alterations, proper fitting and customer service, will rule the day.
orrect me if I’m mistaken, but never before can I remember seeing so many businesses focusing their top priorities on all things related to the next generation.
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Marketing & Technology Marketers use the term “next generation” when they promote durable goods and appliances, with the intended result that consumers clamor for the latest models and are anxious to find out what upgrades and changes have been made to the products that they already use and love.
NEXT GENERATION CHANGE AGENTS
Roberto Ramos, founder and CEO of “The Ideatelier,” identified a current consumer POV called “hyperflux.” According to Women’s Wear Daily, hyperflux is “defined by flexibility, adaptiveness and deep personalization,” a blending between soft/hard, art/science or what Ramos calls “a shapeshifting balance of extremes.” As fashion, it’s journey-wear, which has all the comforts of athleisure but all the panache of high fashion. Ramos added that “those who embrace the necessary cultural transformations boldly, intentionally, will lead in the post-pandemic world,” so realizing consumers’ position of looking for protection, inclusion, dataprivacy, adaptiveness, emotional intelligence and personalization is key for success. Is the next generation actually prepared for that?
There are various tech companies out there offering cloud-based, AI, SMS and SaaS enhancements to integrate with businesses’ current CRM platforms. These companies are worth investigating — just don’t fall down the rabbit hole of research.
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 Tigere. She has been featured in Footwear Plus, Footwear News, O The Oprah Magazine, Vegas, Fox’s Good Day LA, Extra TV and more.
Well folks, hold onto your hats — the newest “go to” sources for any and all information today are Youtube and TikTok. Today, the culture wants visuals and actual examples to provide a more robust context and content experience in developing one’s knowledge base on any topic.
Interacting with the Next Generation I recently set out to chat with some of the folks that are considered “next generation.” For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised with the conversations. This new generation may not be learning in traditional ways, but it is certainly far more aware and knowledgeable than the generations that have come before. What was lacking in our conversations, however, was the empathy to understand the value of historical knowledge in making decisions. Most of these next generation folks had no clue about certain historical events, costs or ramifications and how this knowledge should fit into their decisionmaking processes. Pitfall, for sure.
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The situation reminded me of a child who wanted their parent to buy a toy and was upset when they wouldn’t — we excuse the child, as they have not yet formed an understanding of what is involved in earning money and whether purchasing a toy is the best use of that money. In the case of the pilot initiative, those at the head of the project seemed to be missing the correlation between aspirational initiatives and actually bringing it to fruition.
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Many of us used to look around and think, “When will these people retire?” — because this was how we saw our opportunities for career advancements. Yes, merit and accolades were all-important in moving up the ladder, but if there were no open positions, then we had to to wait it out or move on to another job. We certainly weren’t yet looked upon as intelligent, youthful saviors with innovative ideas. Today, there is a strong emphasis on youth culture, focusing on segmented buying power and how it can influence businesses. Even Elon Musk is taking input from a younger man who made his money playing poker!
Once computers were in home offices all over the world, encyclopedias were no longer the “must have” resource tool for information; we all embraced Google and other internet search engines for an instant response to our inquiries.
By Leslie Gallin
Advancements in Available Technology
In reality, next generation technology is all about artificial intelligence (AI) and interactions with consumers in real time. Being able to identify customer satisfaction before a negative post is great — but isn’t it also important to find out what customers prefer, and for customers to authentically communicate how they use and care for their products? Such information would offer businesses the ability to reap better, more meaningful data to market a product or brand, along with gleaning ideas from research and development. The most important goal of a company is to plug into the culture of the consumer and listen!
Not long ago, I found myself interacting with a test pilot restrictive zoning ordinance initiative, which was being considered by the City of Los Angeles and would severely affect many homeowners. A group of millennials spearheaded the pilot initiative, many with alphabet credentials who passionately pitched their reasons for proposing this program. The one glaring and very important point they all avoided was the question of who would actually be paying for and/or be affected by the program, given the fact that the city or state would have no financial stake in the program.
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. Darell Handler, COO 646.597.6171 dhandler@handler-re.com Alex Bush, Senior Director 646.517.8782 abush@handler-re.com Kyle Galin, Director 646.998.6012 kgalin@handler-re.com Richard Farley, SVP 646.597.6179 rfarley@handler-re.com212.398.1888 | Handler-re.com • BUILT SPACE IN GREAT CONDITION • Available Immediately • Concrete floors, raised ceilings + glass front offices • Access to all transit WORKING FROM HEREWFH Entire 16th floor: 6,500 RSF CREATIVE + EFFICIENT FLOOR PLATE 263 West 38th Street Between 7th & 8th
Wining and Dining French restaurant Maison Close announced its grand opening at 15 Watts St. in SoHo. Vegan eatery Stand-Up Burgers will make its New York City debut at 1004 Second Ave. Pastrami Queen, a New York City staple since 1956, has taken its third spot in the city in a 500-square-foot lease at Moynihan Food Hall. Hidden Leaf, the newest restaurant concept from Brooklyn restaurateur Josh Cohen (Chez Ma Tante, Lilia, Saint Vitus), opened its doors at 75 Manhattan West Plaza. Chick-Fil-A has signed a 20-year, 6,000-squarefoot ground lease at 1573 Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn, for its first ground-up, standalone location in the city. McDonalds, which shuttered its massive Times Square location on 42nd Street in 2020, will return to the area at 661 Eighth Ave.
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Debra Hazel Debra Hazel Communications North Las Vegas, NV (201)618-5247
Ryco’s is expected to open in early 2023.
Beautiful Dreamer Glossier’s been busy. The brand has committed to open in select Sephora stores, and shared with WWD that it will reopen its SoHo flagship in 2023, as well as a Williamsburg location on North Sixth Street.
Tech Talk Solana Spaces has debuted the world’s first permanent physical retail, educational and community space dedicated to Web3 at The Shops at Hudson Yards on Level 2, in Manhattan. Visitors will find tutorials on programming and experiences for new entrants into the cryptotechnology industry, often offering unique rewards
Court 16, a contemporary tennis company, has taken its third tennis club in the City at 28 Liberty in Lower Manhattan, to open at year-end.
DEB’S RETAIL DISH AND DEALS: SHOW ME
That’s Entertainment Samanea New York in Westbury has signed a lease with Ryco’s Escape Room & Lounge, an entertainment destination offering an immersive experience with four escape rooms and a bar/ lounge area. The 4,297-square-foot space will be located on the property’s second level. Co-owners and Long Islanders Ryan Clifford and Dakota (Cody) Oher are escape room enthusiasts who have collectively completed over 250 escape rooms across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
All About Apparel and Accessories Isabel Marant unveiled her two-level flagship at 677 Madison Ave., replacing her location on East 67th Street. At press time, a grand opening event was scheduled for early this month. Aritzia will open a two-level flagship at 115 Fifth Ave., taking spaces once occupied by Victoria’s Secret and current home to Madewell. Swedish fashion label Toteme has come to 49 Mercer St. Undefeated, which sells sneakers, will make its east coast debut at 75 Kenmare St. Food, Glorious Food Value grocer Lidl has signed leases at Queens Place Mall in Elmhurst, Queens and at 120 Fifth Ave. in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Both stores are expected to open in 2024.
xperiential retail is coming back strong, with escape rooms, tennis clubs and even in-store tech repair/coffee shops being announced. But fashionistas should take heart, with announcements of flagships opening or coming soon.
I Don’t Wanna Grow Up Macy’s is expanding its partnership with WHP Global to bring Toys R Us to every Macy’s store in America this holiday season. The rollout, which began in July and continues through October 15, will range from 1,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet in flagship locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco. The in-store displays will feature playful colored fixtures as well as hands-on demonstration tables for customers to interact with various toy assortments. The shops will also feature a life-size “Geoffrey on a Bench” photo opportunity for families. To celebrate the openings, all Macy’s stores will host nine days of in-store events, beginning October 15 through October 23, which will include family-friendly activities and daily giveaways from brands like Barbie, Lego and more.
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for Experiencesparticipation.right now include: user onboarding with Phantom Wallet, Solana’s largest self-custody wallet app; digital tutorials in partnership with Orca, Stepn, Solana Pay, Metaplex and Magic Eden; Solana Saga, Solana’s flagship Web3 mobile phone, for customers to preview in person; an interactive art installation that features a data visualization of the Solana Blockchain in real time; Solana 101, an educational presentation on Solana’s technology; an NFT Gallery and limitededition merchandise featuring new collections every month and a full retail store with exclusive merchandise and NFT collection drops.
Tech repair can now come with a caffeine boost at selected Walmarts, as Techy’s has launched Techy Cafes in store. Inside Walmart, customers can visit the care for a cup of coffee, espresso, snacks and more while they inquire about electronic repair services. The Techy franchise has Techy as well as Techy Cafe inside Walmart throughout the country.
By Debra Hazel, president of Debra Hazel Communications
Manage: Fourth Stage of Change
Change Proficiency #1: “Reassess Mindset” There are so many moving pieces on the “Man age” stage that getting lost in the noise can be easy. When you “Reassess Mindset,” you minimize the impact of circumstances that could compromise your thinking, reasoning and decision-making ca pabilities. A famous quote by Henry Ford says, “Whether you think you can or can’t either way, you are right.” Recognize the power of the thoughts you transmit to yourself — whether these beliefs are expressed silently or verbally, your mind treats that information as directives. Then, it becomes fully en gaged in identifying information and activities that support your instructions.
Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC DJ Consulting Services, Inc. East Fishkill, New York djohnson@djcsfirm.com12533(845)447-1037
LEADERS — HARNESS MINDSET AND PURPOSE TO PROCEED POWERFULLY
For continual and sustainable progress, strive to monitor and strengthen the connection between your dreams and each activity connected to them.
By Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC
Of course, we must first be able to articulate our vi sion clearly. What does it look and feel like? Why must you achieve it? Determine whether your future vision is still what you desire or is obtainable, as new or different circumstances can alter previous dreams. For example, based on the change you experienced, how you envisioned being the com pany’s leader may no longer be possible, but that does not mean you will not one day be a leader in a similar capacity.
Unlike the third stage of change, “Rise Above,” in which you start to regain mental fortitude, in this stage, your renewed physical strength empowers you to engage in more actions to increase your impact on your new circumstances. Despite a barrage of unanswered questions, your focus has shifted from what you cannot control to what you can influence. You have successfully weathered the storm, feel a greater sense of security and are less discouraged by minor setbacks. Resist the urge to focus on what is no longer avail able, where you think you should be or how oth ers might have impacted your professional goals. Remember, your thoughts will continue to play an essential role in developing the deep roots required to withstand the strong forces you will face as you take on more complex challenges. While it feels good to finally be strong enough to take the actions that lead to your desired results, avoid the trap of trying to make up for lost time. Monitor your energy and resist the temptation to juggle too many balls — which could lead to phys ical exhaustion.
Infuse your higher purpose into everything you do; your higher purpose should be intertwined into your daily tasks like technology is intertwined in our lives. Filtering your activities through your higher purpose creates a connection between your heart and mind, unleashing powerful motivation and en ergy. It will help you to “see” your work through the lens of your higher purpose. Also, the closer your projects are connected with your “why,” the easier it will be to channel your passion into more complicated tasks and overcome procrastination.
As a result of your change, you likely emerged, to some degree, mentally or emotionally bruised. Neutralize non-productive or outdated assumptions concerning your capabilities or competence so that they do not erode your confidence. When coun terproductive thoughts emerge, dismiss them imme diately to minimize their effect. Embrace new or emerging truths that align with recent evidence of your strength, perseverance and commitment. Up graded beliefs about yourself and what is possible will expand your ability to create the foundation you need to rebound quicker. Although not intentional, our expectations some times can set us up for failure. It is more advan tageous to design professional “experiments” to elevate awareness instead of success or failure outcomes. An experimental mindset creates learn ing opportunities for continual growth by providing additional insight to illuminate our pathway. During coaching sessions, many of my clients outline the experiment they will engage in for the upcoming week after selecting a situation in which they want to expand their understanding. When we recon nect, they often share that they were able to gain and apply insight because they approached the problem in an open-minded, playful and experi mental way. Avoid unrealistic experiments which can leave you unmotivated or encourage you to bite off more than you can chew.
Change Proficiency #2: “Purposeful Intentions” While “Reassess Mindset” minimizes obstacles that could interfere with making the best decision, “Pur poseful Intentions” helps form and nurture a contin ual connection between our higher purpose and the work necessary to accomplish our objective.
Still reeling from the after-effects of the pandem ic compounded by turbulent economic times, when someone asks how things are going, my response has sometimes been, “It is becoming manageable,” or, “I am managing.” Shrouded in the uncertainty about how long I can juggle multiple projects while looming deadlines follow me like a shadow, I occasionally become disheartened. Af ter being struck by a change, do you wonder how to find the sweet spot where a lot is happening simultaneously, but you aren’t dropping any balls? Re-examining our priorities will help ensure well-meaning intentions align with our purpose to minimize faulty decision-making or procrastination, especially in unpredictable situations. In this article, I will pair the fourth stage of change, “Manage,” with the Change Proficiencies ”Reassess Mindset” and “Purposeful Intentions.” These tools will help you rebound without sacrificing performance and heighten the connection between your aspirations and activities.
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No matter how much we enjoy pursuing our goal, there will be specific activities we do not look for ward to completing, even though those same tasks may be essential to achieving our dreams. This tool helps to create and sustain a powerful bridge between your end goal and the assignments that make that vision a reality.
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Leaders, we will not achieve the best professional outcomes if rapidly changing circumstances con tinually compromise our thinking. The “Reassess Mindset” strategy helps you reclaim your focus and react quickly to obtain the best results. To regain ground or continually pursue your ultimate vision, the tool “Purposeful Intentions” creates an energetic connection to bridge the gap between tasks we might find challenging and our higher purpose.
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Yom Kippur Yom Kippur, a day of fasting and prayer, is the one day each year when G-d reveals most clearly that our essence and His essence are one. On the soul level, the Jewish people are all truly equal and indivisible. On this day, the entire Jewish nation unites, raising their hearts and thoughts to their Whencreator.G-dset aside a special day for forgiveness, it was a manifestation of His love for us. What is required of us is to return to G-d and to do His will, which He transmitted to us in the Torah. The more we demonstrate our essential unity by acting with love and friendship toward others, the more G-d’s love will be revealed to us.
This year, Rosh Hashanah takes place on Monday, September 26 and Tuesday September 27; Yom Kippur takes place on Wednesday, October 5; Sukkot takes place on Monday, October 10 and Tuesday, October 11 and Simchat Torah takes places on Monday October 17 and Tuesday October 18. The holidays begin with candlelighting ceremonies the evening before — check your local synagogue or search chabad.org for the correct lighting times in your area.
Sukkot Sukkot commemorates the clouds of glory with which G-d surrounded the Jewish people to protect them and to provide them with all their needs during their 40 years of wandering through the desert on the way to the Promised Land.
Rosh Hashana
For more information on the Holidays, to find your closest synagogue or candle lighting times or anything Jewish including the 7 Noahide laws, please visit chabad.org. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous year!
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Rabbi David Laine Director of Friends of Chabad Vocational Schools (718)773-5875cvsisrael@aol.com YEAR: DAYS OF AWE, DAYS OF JOY
But this is also the day that we proclaim G-d King of the Universe. The Kabbalists teach that the continued existence of the universe is dependent upon the renewal of the divine desire for a world when we accept G-d’s kingship each year on Rosh Hashanah. The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn, which represents the trumpet blast of a people’s coronation of their king as well as a call to repentance. Another significance of the shofar is to recall the Binding of Isaac which also occurred on Rosh Hashanah, in which a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to G-d; we evoke Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son, and plead that the merit of his deed should stand by us as we pray for a year of life, health and prosperity. Altogether, we listen to one hundred shofar blasts over the course of the Rosh Hashanah services.
JEWISH NEW
Another special Mitzvah of Sukkot is the shaking together of the “four species:” the etrog (citron), lulav (palm branch), haddasim (myrtle branches) and aravot (willow branches). One explanation among many is that each of these four species represents a different type of Jew. The fact that the Mitzvah requires all four kinds symbolizes our oneness as a people. All the four species are waved in all four directions and up and down signifying that G-d is everywhere.
Shemini Atzeret Translated as the eighth day of the holiday, the Yizkor prayer is recited on this day, honoring deceased relatives with a special prayer.
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By Rabbi David Laine
On Simchat Torah, the final portion of the Torah is read. This completes the cycle of Bible readings throughout the year. We immediately begin reading the Torah from the beginning as well, to symbolize the continuity of the Torah and Jewish Tradition. To celebrate, we dance with the holy Torah scrolls — scholar, novice and child alike — and rejoice in our gift from G-d.
Additional Rosh Hashanah observances include eating a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize our desire for a sweet year and other special foods symbolic of the new year’s blessings; blessing one another by saying, “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year” and saying the Tashlich, a special prayer uttered near a body of water in evocation of the verse, “And You shall cast their sins into the depths of the sea.” As with every major Jewish holiday, after candle lighting and prayers we recite kiddush and make a blessing on the challah.
The Mitzvah of dwelling, eating and spending time in the Sukkah is unique in that one’s entire person is involved in a Mitzvah (commandment). The Mitzvah of Sukkah encompasses every part of the body — every limb and cell of the person is completely submerged, surrounded and encompassed by the Sukkah. When Jews rejoice, they think of others as well. Thus, when the holy Temple in Jerusalem still existed, special Sukkot offerings were brought for all mankind, accompanied by prayerful wishes of peace and harmony for the entire world.
The Season of Festivals
The festival of Rosh Hashanah — the name means “Head of the Year”— is observed for two days beginning on 1 Tishrei, the first day of the Jewish year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and their first actions toward the realization of mankind’s role in G-d’s world. Rosh Hashanah thus emphasizes the special relationship between G-d and humanity: our dependence upon G-d as our creator and sustainer, and G-d’s dependence upon us as the ones who make His presence known and felt in His world. Each year on Rosh Hashanah, “all inhabitants of the world pass before G-d like a flock of sheep,” and it is decreed in the heavenly court “who shall live, and who shall die … who shall be impoverished, and who shall be enriched; who shall fall and who shall rise.”
Simechat Torah Simchat Torah, the holiday of rejoicing with the Torah, is the culmination of a month filled with uplifting experiences. We have stood in awe before the G-d on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and been forgiven and inscribed for a good year. We have experienced true joy by uniting with G-d through following His commandments. Now, we rejoice with the Torah.
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For those doing business in Europe, new Euro pean Union regulations are scheduled to come out in January 2023. These regulations will also apply to any American company doing business in Europe. Under these regulations, brands will be prohibited from making an environmental claim re lated to future environmental performance without clear commitments and targets.
3) Look at the whole sourcing out in the market — not only the leadership like Eileen Fisher, but also those who have been brought to task, i.e. those companies that have been sued.
Proposed New European Union Regu lations
The Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides are designed to help marketers avoid making en vironmental claims that mislead consumers. The guidance they provide includes 1) general prin ciples that apply to all environmental marketing claims; 2) how consumers are likely to interpret particular claims and how marketers can substanti ate these claims and 3) how marketers can qualify their claims to avoid deceiving consumers.
2) Be very clear about the relationship between your brand DNA and your marketing material. Stay true to your brand identity. If you deal in ar chetypes and if you can identify the very essence of your neurological identity as a brand, do so and extract the values of that identity and use those as guideposts in your marketing messaging and advertising communications.
Here in the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) view is that, in order to make a claim of environmental benefit, marketers must have ana lyzed trade-offs resulting from that benefit. The FTC takes the position that “before a general claim of environmental benefit is made, the marketer must be ready to prove that there is no negative en vironmental impact created during the product’s life cycle.”
Monitoring Sustainability Claims
ustainability is confusing. There is no com mon authority, focus, language, standard or measurement that is agreed on, making it difficult for companies to create strategies. Retail ers and brands, unclear on these new marketing standards, run the risk of making mistakes and alienating customers with false advertising claims, called “greenwashing.” A recent Retail Marketing Society webinar, Bill D’Arienzo, founder and chief brand officer of WDA Brand Marketing Strategies, guided at tendees through the principles and pitfalls that surround this issue. He offered this warning: when images and copy are utilized to claim sustainable achievements and metrics that turn out to be mis leading, deceptive or excessive, the offending brand or retailer finds that, once exposed, the un happy result is to further alienate customers.
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1) Set up an internal watchdog committee made up of marketing, sales and supply systems that re views from the perspective of their functionalities the possibilities of exposure.
GREENWASHING: CAUTIONS FOR BRANDS & RETAILERS
By Anne Marie Soto, Retail Marketing Society
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“An outcome of greenwashing is that consumers get confused,” D’Arienzo explained to the webi nar’s audience. “Once they are confused, you get cognitive dissonance. When you get cognitive dissonance in consumption, you get a backing away; you get disengagement.”
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So how are sustainability claims monitored? D’Ar ienzo pointed out that, currently, monitoring is a major problem. Changing Markets Foundation has found that fashion certification schemes are “acting as a smokescreen” for the industry’s envi ronmental impact. The report found that several of the biggest certification schemes – including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF), WRAP and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index –actually enabled greenwashing.
D’Arienzo offered this advice for companies to steer clear of reputational risk:
Greenwashing typically occurs when companies, people or governments overstate or misrepresent their climate credentials. The term has morphed in the past year to also include issues when organi zations overhype their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) commitments. This misrepresentation could be the result of intent to misrepresent, failing to keep up with local mar ket law and regulations or excessive promises that cannot readily be substantiated.
For global brands, the adoption of these rules will bind both members and non-members doing business in the EU. January 2023 is targeted as the adoption date. Importantly, once adopted and transposed into the Member States’ national legislation, consumers will be entitled to remedies in the event of breaches, in particular through the collective redress procedure under the Represen tative Actions Directive. D’Arienzo predicts that the FTC and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are going to be looking for guidance from what the EU does.
Retail Marketing retailmarketingsoci@retailmarketingsociety.orgretailmarketingsociety.org(201)692-8087Society
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Sustainable materials are the first choice in the creation of any product. The textile world has come a long way in creating fabrics such as Econyl, which is regenerated nylon collected from landfills and oceans and a focus on zero fabric waste where scrap fabrics are used to create new designs.
S = Sustainability Once thought to be just another trend, sustainability is number one on all fashion leaders’ list. Modern consumers demand sustainability. But the word sustainability can be confusing due to its many parts. The University of Fashion defined it most succinctly as “ethical business practices, fair trade, supply chain transparency, minimal impact policies, give-back programs, upcycling, recycling, downcycling, circularity and … sustainable materials that make up an ethical collection.”
M = Management of All Things
Only haute couture (which, by the way, only represents less than 1% of the population) can get away with this type of design. These designs may be the definition of fashion, but not the definition of apparel. While not as glamorous as fashion, keeping up with current trends substantially affects the bottom line. Companies are constantly balancing the cost of production and net profit margin. Fashion students need to be taught to create designs that will sell.
Whew! There’s a lot to think about and be ready to take on. Let’s briefly look at each part.
Only recently have companies been called on to track sustainable materials from their origin to the final product. This is a huge responsibility that includes supply chain transparency as well as the trust of trading partners in sharing data to create a frictionless process from origin to store.
These two eminent organizations and many designers agreed that clothes should hit the stores closer to need. This practice would prevent excess inventory and lost profit margin due to sales and markdowns.
Circularity’s motto is “waste not, want not.” It is a simple concept whereby once the product has reached its end-of-life, it goes back into the supply chain rather than a landfill.
Supplyprices.chain
There’s a lot of consumer news these days about minimalism, capsule wardrobes and owning less. The main idea behind the “less is more” mentality is that it allows more time to enjoy life, more money saved and more happiness. This sentiment was expressed two years ago by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of American) and the BFC (British Fashion Council) in an article that urged “brands, designers and retailers, who are used to fashion’s fast, unforgiving pace, to slow down.”
While this acronym really encompasses all of “SMART,” in essence it has to do with the responsibility for everything a company does.
THE NEXT
T = Technology
T hinking about what knowledge and skills the next generation of designers, manufacturers, marketers and retailers will need for the future is more than a little challenging. It will be all-encompassing: a process of accepting responsibility for everything they do as well as taking untested risks. Let’s look at how these future fashion leaders need to prepare.
Ethical business practices pertain to social issues such as low wages, health and safety of working conditions, child labor and animal cruelty, among other issues. Fair trade deals with some of these same social issues by creating arrangements with producers in growing countries to achieve fair transparency deals with the lines of communication between all the players in the supply chain. Companies need to communicate not only their role in the chain but also receive information from the other companies operating in that Minimalchain.impact policies are aligned with environmental concerns. The strategy is to create minimum harm to the environment through the operation of the business. This includes “greenwashing,” which is disseminating misleading environmental claims by fashion brands thereby leading the consumer to believe that the company’s products are environmentally friendly. This misleading practice is currently under intense scrutiny. Give-back programs, like that of Eileen Fisher, allow customers to return clothing at the end of the use cycle and receive credit to be used on future Upcycling,purchases.recycling and downcycling have similar purposes. They involve taking what has once been and making it new again. This year, California Apparel News reported the demand for dead stock (products that didn’t sell) has gone up 117% this year.
We’ve seen the wildly creative fashion designs that grace the runways of fashion schools. The missing element in these designs is marketability.
A = Artistic Creativity
It’s not as simple as CAD (computer-aided design) or CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) anymore. The IoT encompasses it all. Artificial and augmented reality’s integration into fashion creation is just the beginning. The metaverse has created a new set of opportunities to expand fashion businesses — and the beauty of it is that designing for the metaverse doesn’t require the use of fabrics, doesn’t create tangible waste and production costs are next to zero. All it takes is the technology to be virtually creative without the constraints of sustainability. It’s the next frontier!
Demands on the youth pursuing fashion careers are immense. The success of designers and brands will depend on these new minds that can embrace change without resistance and may already have some of the necessary skills to meet the fashion market needs tomorrow. GENERATION MUST BE “SMART”
R = Realistic at Retail
By Linda Tucker, EdD
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McKinsey & Company went a step further calling for “in-season retail [and] seasonless design” in a recent report. The report suggested a buy-now-wear-now mentality and designs that would transcend seasons with styles occasionally added to coordinate with previous collections.
In a word, they must be “SMART.”
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Leave it to the Experts... insights from the industry’s leading experts and executives Fashion Mannuscript’s newest section covers the ins and outs of the world. banking and factors to supply chain issues, advancements in e-commerce technologies and insights on apparel and consumer products, Fashion Mannuscript now o ers an exclusive, insider view on how brands can best do business today.
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Creating Even t-Driven Platforms Connecting and Inspiring the Global Fashion Community as it Evolves. TRADESHOWS : © Jenna Bascom
ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2023 APPAREL & ACCESSORIES MARKETS
For apparel and accessories buyers and exhibitors, the move will mean access to activity and resources during the adjacent Total Home & Gift Market and KidsWorld. For other lifestyle exhibitors and buyers such as gift, gourmet and holiday, the new dates will ensure access to activity and resources at the Apparel & Accessories Market.
Dallas Market Center, the businessto-business marketplace for global apparel and accessories brands, announced dates for its 2023 Apparel & Accessories Markets. The 2023 dates include a new location for the June 2023 edition of Apparel & Accessories Market, which will take place June 27 through June 30, adjacent to the Total Home & Gift Market, which will take place June 21 through June 27. The June show move was prompted by buyer feedback and requests to access the best selection of products at an efficient schedule of trade events, the company said. The schedule of June events now creates a series of shows over 10 days, beginning with Total Home & Gift Market and KidsWorld, followed directly by Apparel & Accessories Market.
DALLAS MARKET CENTER
“We also look forward to the addition of Brand Assembly, which delivers thoughtful, stylish products to help retailers stand out. We are extremely grateful for the customer support which will carry us into 2023 with confidence.”
The Dallas marketplace hosts five major Apparel & Accessories Markets per year featuring the styles from East Coast and West Coast companies and designers. Retailers from across North America and Latin America visit Dallas Market Center to discover new products and trends, build relationships and order for the upcoming selling season. Dallas Market Center also presents a collection of products across multiple categories including gift, home décor, lighting, holiday and floral, housewares, gourmet and artisan products.
The market center has also announced a partnership with the business platform, community and trade event company Brand Assembly to create a pop-up marketplace during the June 2023 Apparel & Accessories Market. Brand Assembly will curate a selection of fashion and lifestyle brands on the 10th floor of the World Trade “TheseCenter.advantageous market dates help add to the Dallas momentum and energy, powered by the best brands and buyers,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center.
Added Hillary France, CEO and co-founder of Brand Assembly, “We look forward to creating a compelling brand experience in Dallas that will appeal to buyers seeking fresh and unique products. Dallas is a marketplace that has tremendous buzz and a wide reach of buyers. In addition to our June event we will soon announce new initiatives with DMC.”
The 2023 dates for Apparel & Accessories markets are: January 4 through January 10, Dallas Total Home & Gift Market; January 10 through January 13, Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld; January 12 through January 15, WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market and AETA International Trade Show; March 21 through March 24, June 21 through June 27, Dallas Total Home & Gift Market and KidsWorld; June 27 through June 30, Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market; August 22 through August 25, Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld; August 24 through August 27, WESA’s International Western/ English Apparel & Equipment Market and AETA International Trade Show and October 24 through October 27, Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market and RecentKidsWorld.apparel and accessories trade events in Dallas have featured a higher number of in-demand brands and a historic number of new buyers, the company said. The fashion marketplace in Dallas spans one million square feet and includes leading brands showing in permanent showrooms and temporary booths. A full range of apparel and accessories categories is included, with adjacent neighborhoods featuring western and equestrian brands as well as gifts, home décor and holiday.
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All Bulletin employees will join Emerald as part of the acquisition, including co-founders Alana Branston and Ali Kriegsman. The co-founders will remain committed to and lead the future growth and success of both Bulletin and NY NOW, with Branston moving into an expanded role of group vice president, gift & home and Kriegsman moving into the role of vice president, strategy, gift & home, the company said.
The Bulletin marketplace supports independent brands and powers wholesale discovery and order management for innovative online-only retailers, as well as a diverse pool of brick-andmortar stores.
In addition, this union reconfirms our unwavering commitment to NY NOW, especially as our 100th anniversary of being the preeminent resource for
“NY NOW is experiencing a period of transformation and revival,” said Karalynn Sprouse, EVP, Emerald. “The combination of Bulletin and NY NOW not only provides us with a dynamic platform that delivers year-round discovery and engagement, but Alana, Ali and the Bulletin team’s thought leadership, forwardlooking perspectives and extensive network of makers, designers, influencers and media will serve as new pathways of expression and creativity.
The acquisition of Bulletin will elevate the experience for wholesale buyers to discover a broader array of innovative brands and makers via a fusion of in-person and e-commerce offerings, creating a 24/7 platform for brands and retailers to connect and transact with each other. The merger will infuse the NY NOW Gift and Home Show with Bulletin’s entrepreneurial spirit, industry expertise and extensive customer base of brands and retailers. The union of these two platforms will provide small businesses access to a solution that allows them to fuel innovation and design and provide buyers with year-round inspiration and discovery.
EMERALD ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF BULLETIN INC. AND NY NOW’S TRANSFORMATION
the Gift and Home industry grows near.”
“We see a massive opportunity to combine the efficiencies of our leading digital platform with the pure magic of an iconic in-person event,” said Branston. “During the pandemic, our industry lost a lot of its humanity despite the explosion of wholesale e-commerce and became very transaction-driven and impersonal. Because of this, it’s grown harder for brands and buyers to broker real, enduring relationships. So, we’re excited to rethink and revamp NY NOW’s format, programming and positioning to guarantee an in-person show that puts those relationships front-and-center, underpinned by transactions and commerce at the event and year-round. It’s exactly what our customers have been asking for.”
Emerald Holding, Inc., the owner and organizer of NY NOW, the wholesale market for retail where brands, buyers and designers gather to connect, announced the acquisition of Bulletin Inc, a wholesale marketplace connecting over 3,000 independent brands with over 26,000 retailers.
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Las Vegas Market announced plans to establish a new design-driven gift and lifestyle collection anchored by a new 30,000 square foot showroom for celebrated Los Angeles-based sales agency Stephen Young on World Market Center Las Vegas’ Floor C11. The showroom is set to open for the Winter 2023 Las Vegas Market, which will take place January 29 through February 2.
“The Las Vegas Market is an incredible venue for companies to shine, and we are so looking forward to opening our showrooms there in January 2023,” said Stephen Young, principal of the eponymous sales agency.
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“We like to build showrooms and produce great visuals,” added Young. “We’re going to make some magic.”
The Las Vegas Stephen Young showroom will be an immersive experience, Las Vegas Market said. The showroom will spill into the atrium area, greeting buyers with branding at arrival to the floor. Fully curated “rooms” will allow buyers to step into the world of each brand’s products with visual displays intended to inspire retailers.
Retailers are responding enthusiastically to the opportunity to work with Young and his team at Las Vegas Market. Barbara Mooney, of Daisy’s Mercantile, said, “The Stephen Young showroom at the Las Vegas World Market Center elevates a great market to a can’t miss spot. It is no industry secret that the Stephen Young showroom is the most beautiful showroom out there.”
Hospitality also is a key element of the space with an 80-foot bar designed for serving meals and entertaining buyers.
“As we launch a reimagined C11, we are honored to welcome Stephen Young as an anchor tenant,” said Bob Maricich, International Market Centers (IMC) CEO. “His engaging showroom design, featuring some of the best gift, décor, publishing and lifestyle brands in the industry, brings an exciting new collection of inspired merchandise to the Las Vegas Market.”
“I am thrilled about Stephen Young’s plans to come to the Las Vegas Market,” said Brian Miller, president of Gepetto’s. “One of my favorite showrooms [will be] in my favorite gift market.”
“I can’t express how excited I am to hear [about the new showroom]. The Stephen Young showroom isn’t just a place to write orders, it’s inspiration for design and merchandising, and the best customer service and care in the industry. The showroom is an experience. I will be so happy to have Las Vegas Market become a one-stop shop,” said Nichelle Cohan Ortego of Parkside Pharmacy.
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WEST COAST SALES AGENCY STEPHEN YOUNG TO OPEN LAS VEGAS MARKET
Kristie Alber, of Found by Domestic Bliss, shared, “I am excited about Stephen Young’s opening at Las Vegas Market! Stephen Young shows some of our favorite lines and is always full of merchandising inspiration. We can’t wait to be able to source regularly in a beautifully curated showroom.”
Young plans to show around 60 brands in the new showroom, including a strong concentration of personal care brands including Agraria, Antica Farmacista, Caswell-Massey, Cie Luxe Brands, European Scents (Cereria Molla and Roger & Gallet), Hillhouse Naturals, Himalayan Trading, Jack Black, Margot Elena, Mistral Soaps, Musee Bath, Panier des Sens, Tocca, Voluspa, YUZU Soap and more. The children’s collection includes Elegant Baby, Milkbarn and more. The majority of the Stephen Young brands are new to Las Vegas Market, including Paperblanks, Penguin Random House, Phaidon, Rifle Paper Co., Taschen and more. Additionally, gift and holiday brands GlitterVille and One Hundred 80 Degrees, which are represented by Stephen Young, will have a significant presence on the floor in their first-ever Las Vegas Market showroom.
LOCATION IN WINTER 2023
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TEXWORLD NEW YORK CITY, APPAREL SOURCING NEW YORK CITY & HOME TEXTILES SOURCING RETURNED FOR SUMMER 2022 EDITION
The Texworld Trend Showcase returned with exciting art direction from the New York-based agency, Doneger | TOBE. Creative Director Kai Chow offered insights during his one-day seminar on what’s to come for Fall/Winter 2023-24, as well as leading an Explore the Floor tour of the showcase where he discussed each of the unique themes encompassing his vision of “Beyond: Color Therapy, Future Craft, Hyper Nature and Spirit Quest.” The trend book is available to view online on the Texworld’s websites.
Texworld New York City, Apparel Sourcing New York City and Home Textiles Sourcing celebrated a successful summer 2022 edition back in-person at the Javits Center in New York City, the Messe Frankfurt Group said. Held July 19 through July 21, the sourcing event featured thousands of fabrics and garments from hundreds of global textile manufacturers and suppliers in both the traditional and hybrid format. Over the three day event, thousands of attendees excitedly returned to the floor for networking and sourcing.
Global Footwear Sourcing, a new feature area in partnership with Material Exchange and Footwear Distributors & Retailers Association, made its debut in July. The showcase featured a range of footwear material components including leather, synthetic, laces, insole, outsole, webbing and ribbon, thread and yarn and hardware. Within Global Footwear Sourcing, visitors attended additional educational seminars hosted by FDRA covering niche topics from sustainable footwear sourcing to material selection as well as a demonstration by Material Exchange on how to build and digitize materials library.
This edition hosted a record number of country pavilions including Korea, Uzbekistan, India, Taiwan and Bangladesh, the company said.
Exhibitors still facing travel restrictions, including many from China, were represented inside the hybrid section of the floor, the Sourcing Showroom. Other key features returned live on the show floor including the attendee favorite Textile Talks, Lenzing Seminar Series and Explore the Floor tours. The sessions featured a range of expert speakers and panelists leading open discussions that provided the audience with insight and knowledge on topics including the latest in economic and supply chain challenges, sustainability strategies, legislations, accelerating circularity and more.
“This new partnership was a natural fit as it furthers Texworld NYC’s strategy to expand the offerings available to buyers, meeting market demands in an innovative way,” commented Jennifer Bacon, vice president, Fashion and Apparel Shows, Messe Frankfurt. “We look forward to continuing and growing this new feature area and partnership.”
The winter 2023 edition of Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City will be held at the Javits Center with new dates: January 31 through February 2. In addition, Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City will once again join LA Textile, the west coast’s premier destination for textile, design and production resources, scheduled for September 28 through September 30, 2022, to bring world-class textile, apparel and accessories manufacturers from around the globe together, Messe Frankfurt shared.
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Photo courtesy of Debra Hazel
BY DEBRA HAZEL
ANDMETAVERSE,BRANDINGTHELAW
“As always, law follows an idea,” said Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association (CFA). Fashion companies must define their goal, be it publicity, building customer engage ment or testing product lines without the cost of creating samples, she noted. Com panies must determine whether their shop pers are even interested in exploring the metaverse. In some ways, the metaverse is in the same place that the Internet was a decade or so ago. But problems can arise when the virtual uni verse meets the physical one. The metaverse began with gaming, Metchek related, and fashion entered the fray when gaming groups realized they could make money by putting brand labels on avatars. Fortnite has partnered with Ferrari and Naomi Osaka, and Balenciaga has created a metaverse division. Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger have created metaverse games that allow users to rent or purchase items. “You also have strange partnerships, such as North Face and Gucci for Pokémon,” Metchek continued. “This whole metaverse thing is making strange bedfellows.” Other designers — including Ralph Lau ren, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy — have presented virtual fashion shows that have helped them to test products. If enough peo ple show interest in the virtual space, then a garment can be made. New designers also can get a start. In May 2021, social metaverse platform IMVU host ed a virtual runway that featured 50 million items from 200,000 designers located all over the world. But who actually created the designs? And who owns them? The potential for fraud and forgery of intellectual property is huge, Metchek warned. Websites have protections that the metaverse does not. “You have no idea if that designer really is the original creator. Anyone can put any thing up there and anyone can steal what you’re doing,” she said.
“It’s important to remember that a dress de sign or garment design is not copyrightable in the U.S., though European law is differ ent,” said Oliver S. Bajracharya, a partner at the law firm Lewis Roca. “Fabric design is considered a work of art. A garment is con sidered functional.”
Another new frontier is taxation, though Metchek appeared confident that govern ments would figure that out soon. And laws will eventually be written; after all, no one will sue a business unless it’s profitable.
“If you are a brand or a property, you will be in the metaverse,” Metchek said. “Ten years ago, you didn’t have a website. Now you have a website. At some point you’ll have [an avatar].”
According to the USPTO, copyright protects artistic, literary or intellectually created works that are original and exist in a “tangi ble medium, such as paper, canvas, film or digital format.” Trademarks protect a word, phrase, design or combination that identifies goods or services and distinguishes them from others. Brands have been copyrighting or trademarking physical products for de cades — don’t even think about replicating the Coca-Cola bottle, Crocs or Tiffany’s sig nature blue color, or referring to a garment as a “Chanel type.” In the apparel industry, there’s a difference between a dress design and the design of fabric, which can be copyrighted. Unautho rized use — the production of a metaverse item in the physical world — can open up the possibility of damages.
The first metaverse trademark infringement lawsuit was filed earlier this year. Artist Ma son Rothschild created faux-fur digital inter pretations of Hermès’ Birkin bags and sold non-fungible tokens of the bags, called Me taBirkins. Hermès promptly filed suit. Roth schild maintains that the images are “art” and protected by the First Amendment.
“This issue is that this is not law yet,” Metchek said. “Whatever is in the metaverse is questionable because it’s not made yet, no monies have been exchanged yet.”
The metaverse may be the new buzzword in fashion and retail — but to some degree, it’s still the Wild West, with laws and regula tions still to be created, warned speakers at a session at MAGIC in Las Vegas in August.
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Hermès contends that because “MetaBir kins” was used to identify the source, it could mislead the public into believing the company had authorized the tokens. Open Sea, the original marketplace, removed the MetaBirkins from its site, but Rothschild continues to market them on other exchang es. The suit is ongoing.
The metaverse will be as inevitable as the Internet was. It will just take some time and regulation getting there.
SLIPS & SUCH Across 1. Company that is creating better 4.bodysuits.Oneof the themes for H&M’s one-of-a-kind looks created for the Met’s Costume Institute Benefit 9. Wall, for one, abbr. 11. 12.Managed______ Shows: Award-winning fashion event held during New York Fashion Week 13. Elegant of stylish 14. “…for what __ worth” 16. Artist’s support 18. Relaxing 20. Armani and Versace, for ex 23.22.ampleFollowerCoreofa company’s mission, 24.abbr.List of planned activities 26. Deep vivid blue shade 28. At The Venue’s new storefront 30.spaceWeapon of love? 32. Suit go-with 33. Dress to kill, with “up” 34. Changemaker as regards to the new bodysuit trend, Toby _____ Down 1. Slips and such 2. Glossy fabric 3. Blonde tint 5. French sculptor, Jean 6. Welcoming rug 7. Beatle wife 8. Lock of hair that hangs in a corkscrew-shaped cut 10. Mai _____ 13. Put into service 15. One of the largest networks accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technolo gy (two words) 17. Hawaiian wreath of plumerias 19. CEO and founder of At The Venue (two words) 21. Diamond patterns 22. Brazilian fashion and lifestyle brand partnering with Nordstrom on shoe collection (two words) 25. Dapper 27. Cozy 29. Artificial intelligence, abbr. 31. Tanning agent PUZZLE BY MYLES MELLORFOR ANSWERS, PLEASE MANNPUBLICATIONS.COM/FASHIONMANNUSCRIPT/VISITCROSSWORD-ANSWERS-SEPTEMBER-ISSUE-2022/
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Experience an expansive collection in Atlanta for women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. Then, head west to Las Vegas for another great opportunity to shop young contemporary, accessories, shoes, and more. Each market hosts top brands, plenty of parties, complimentary food and drinks, and trend presentations and photo ops to keep you inspired. full market dates and registration, visit Atlanta-Apparel.com and LasVegas-Apparel.com
#atlapparel #shoplva | @apparelmarkets
Ready, Set, Dressed.
FUTURE MARKET DATES October Atlanta Apparel October 11-October 15, 2022 January Atlanta Apparel January 31 – February 4, 2023 February Las Vegas Apparel February 12 - February 15, 2023 March Atlanta Apparel March 28 – April 1 For
Considered by many to be the high fashion capital of the world, Paris is the epicenter of elegant couture, unique street style and iconic fashion houses. In this illustrated book, Aloïs Guinut explores the city’s pivotal fashion moments and noteworthy style stars.
FashionQuake: e Most Disruptive Moments in Fashion By Caroline(SeptemberYoung6)
e Little Book of Paris Style
From Chile to Paris, Ghana & London
mannpublications.com
By Kate Moss and Jorge Yarur(SeptemberBascuñán13)
By Phaidon Editors (September 21)
Bascuñán global
e Fashion Book: Revised and Updated Edition
Caroline Young pro les 50 of the most industry-shaking moments in fashion history — from protest T-shirts to sculptural couture — to answer the Covers courtesy of Amazon Books question of how we have arrived at this current moment in style.
A Visible Man: A Memoir
Spanning almost 200 years of style, this now-updated global bestseller explores the in uential designers, stylists, retailers and photographers that have shaped the fashion industry.
GROUNDBREAKING
By Aloïs Guinut (September 6)
STYLE
By Edward Enninful (September 6)
Edward Enninful — the rst Black editor-inchief of British Vogue, a champion for designers and a photographers of color and a legendary gure in fashion — candidly and poignantly shares his journey through the fashion industry and through life.
Fashion icon Kate Moss and the South American fashion museum Museo de la Moda present this curated collection of 100 of the most legendary and in uential pieces from the museum’s archives, celebrating fashion moments throughout history.
A HISTORY GROUNDBREAKINGOF
Musings on Fashion and Style: Museo de la Moda
TRAVEL!ARECONSUMERSREADYTO More than half of U.S. consumers surveyed expect to return to their pre-pandemic leisure travel behavior within 6 Findmonths.outwhat they’re buying and where, online and in-store, to meet their pent-up demand. LEARN MORE Contact your NPD account representative, call 866-444-1411, or email contactnpd@npd.com. Source: The NPD Group/Consumer Survey, May 2021
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leo You had a wild ride in August, Leo, and this month you can benefit from laying low and recharging. Your personal values seem to have changed in some way, as well. Mercury is in retrograde in your finance sector between September 23 and October 2, which will cause you to take a hard look at your finances, spending and expenses. Be smart with your money, as you have been splurging during the summer months.
gemini
Virgo season offers you a moment to spend quality time with the ones you love, as well as make repairs with those you’ve had troubles with in the past. This retrograde brings up intense situations that you need to deal with head on — perhaps an ex from your past will attempt to reach out, or unknown truths will be revealed to you by your peers.
The sun’s placement in Virgo activates your need to talk, write and socialize while you are most receptive to the feedback that will help your self-growth journey. The planets are inspiring you to reinvent yourself! virgo Cheers to Virgo season, and happy birthday! The sun is in your house, so you’re feeling more confi dent and outgoing. September’s retrograde causes you to refl ect on the parts of your life that no longer serve you. You’re ready to put your foot down and take what you want in life — and leave behind what is no longer for you.
Virgo Tarot Card The Hermit, Virgo’s Tarot Card, represents one of the most important parts of one’s inner journey. This card is a potent force of the deeply important spiritual insights and knowledge that come from within.aries In September, Mercury begins to retrograde in the sign of Libra. This month, the major theme for Aries is relationships. Issues seem to be tense, but this is a transitional time period as well, due to the sun’s movement into Virgo. This is a time to solve problems with loved ones or choose to walk away from situations that no longer serve you … for good.
Zodiac Astrology Vintage Style Digital Poster (Virgo) by SarahDipityArtCo. etsy.com
September will be a relaxed month for you, Taurus, and offer a break from an eventful August. Take advantage of the down time! Enjoy the calmness of the energy around you, as your work and social life will begin to pick up again in the second half of September. You will experience a new, exciting venture during this month, so don’t let the opportunity pass you by! cancer Communication is everything this month, Cancer, and your ability to be clear and direct plays a main role in your September.
taurus
aquarius
The scales are the symbol of the Justice Card and their astrological counterpart, Libra. Everyone is equal in the eye of this cardinal sign, and Libras always do their best to find a harmonious balance in the name of what is fair and just.
sagittarius
libra Mercury retrograde begins in Libra, which will ask you to seek change in the way you interact with the world around you. The positive ways you have been living your life — and, in turn, the kind of person you are becoming — reveal themselves in the fi rst weeks of September. During this transitional period, you can expect to encounter karma — both good and bad.
September’s full moon brings about a moment of climax — expect surprises and the completion of a deep transformation.
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Libra Tarot Card
During this month, you will fi nd yourself working on projects and job-related responsibilites consistently — and at a pace that feels more intense than usual. The retrograde will help you to rethink your career and your connections with those who can help you to succeed. Be prepared for revelations this month — new goals, new people, situational shifts and big changes are ahead! scorpio Mercury retrograde has you yearning for rest, Scorpio — it feels like too much is happening at once, and major change seems to be the theme for this month. Make sure to prioritize a healthy balance between rest and activity. You don’t want to isolate yourself or overthink yourself into oblivion! capricorn Heavy Capricorn placements should consider a vacation (or, at the very least, a staycation) if time allows in September. You are naturally inclined to keep hustling, as you fear that if you step away then things will start to crumble — but you deserve a reset during this retrograde! You will set serious intentions during the new moon, and see these goals through after you give your mind and body a rest. pisces Your focus will be firmly set on your relationships this month. Whether those relationships are platonic, romantic or familial, you will endeavor to nurture these bonds and heal that which may need fi xing.
Zodiac Astrology Vintage Style Digital Poster (Libra) by SarahDipityArtCo. etsy.com
Both of your ruling planets, Saturn and Uranus, are in retrograde, which brings a slower pace of life for the next few months — and a sense of relief knowing that this month will be calmer than the last. Venus effects your love life in September — singles can expect to make a connection with someone of interest, and couples will bond even closer.
stars...
ALF CHARITY THURSDAY,CLASSICGOLFSEPT.22,2022 24th Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic benefiting cancer research Maidstone Club, East Hampton, NY 10:30 am: Registration & Brunch 1 pm: Shotgun Start 5:30 pm: Cocktails followed by Awards Dinner & Live Auction Foursome cost: $8,800 Cost per person: $2,200 includes brunch, golf, cocktails, awards dinner , premier goodie bag & opportunities to bid on prestigious golf & travel opportunities Business Honoree Dan contactJaneGlobalPontecorvoDirectorofRealEstate&EngineeringStreetCapitalToreserveyourfoursomepleaseJeanSkidgel@jlskidgel@gmail.comFORMOREINFORMATIONONTHEANNLIGUORIFOUNDATIONVISIT:https://annliguori.com/philanthropy/
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In order to look ahead toward the next generation of fashion, it is impossible to ignore the youngest generation of shoppers: Gen Z. Born between 1997 and 2012 and currently ages 10 through 25, Gen Z shoppers are conscious of how their spending impacts the environment, are interested in secondhand buying and selling, are the inventors of viral fashion micro trends and are avid users of technology — and they are the reason for many of the significant shifts that have been seen within the fashion world. Here’s a look at how Gen Z shoppers have shaped the fashion industry in recent years and how those changes will continue to ripple through the industry for years to come — by the numbers.
Depop, a clothing resale platform that is pop ular with Gen Z shoppers, reported 30 million active users across 150 countries. (Depop) 30
MILLION44%
It is predicted that by the end of 2022, almost half of Gen Z digital buyers will have used buy now, pay later services. (E-Marketer/Insider Intelligence)
BILLION$143
According to Vogue Business, Gen Z consumers are 27% more likely to shop secondhand than the generations before them. (Vogue Business) 27% In 2021, 60% of Gen Z shoppers said that the pandemic has made them more conscious about the clothing and fashion items that they purchase. (Vogue Business) 60% According to YPulse, more than half of consumers between the ages of 13 and 39 (which covers Gen Z and millen nials) shop at big box stores. (YPulse)45%61%
GEN Z’S IMPACT ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY BY THE NUMBERS
73% In 2020, 73% of Gen Z consumers were willing to pay more for sustainable products. (First Insight) Gen Z shoppers made up 40% of all global consumers in 2020. (McKinsey) 40%
THE NEXT GENERATION
In 2021, Gen Z was reported to have $143 billion in direct buying(AdAge)power.
ThredUp found that 45% of Gen Z and millennial shoppers are more likely to pur chase from a brand that offers secondhand options alongside new items. (ThredUp)
God’s Love We Deliver: Midsummer Night Drinks Party Aerin Lauder, the glamorous designer, philanthropist and God’s Love We Deliver board member, opened her elegant, far- ung Hamptons estate to host the charity’s iconic Midsummer Night Drinks party with her husband, Eric Zinterhofer. Co-chairs included Michael Kors and Lance LePere, Kelly Klein, Jenny Landey and Margaret Russell. Over 300 guests strolled the elaborate gardens and admired the dazzling oral displays surrounding the white house festooned with Doric columns that belonged to her grandmother, Estée Lauder. “Estée loved columns,” said Lauder, “and she loved to feed people, so she always had chocolates in her refrigerator in her sitting room for guests. I know she’d be proud and supportive of the work God’s Love does every day.” e organization brings high-quality meals to those with life-altering illnesses such as HIV, AIDS and cancer; God’s Love served its 30 millionth meal this year. In the mix at the event were Neil Bender, Janna Bullock, Becca Ho man, Jean Sha ro and myself. Lauder was the rst to raise her hand to donate $75,000 to put her name on a delivery van, and guests shared their love for her concept-store in Southampton. Supporters included Dan Klores, Paul Wilmot, Canard Inc. and Blue Lion Events. Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern created a delicious menu and Bridgehampton Florist designed the festive ower arrangements. glwd.com STAND: e Watermill Center Robert Wilson’s Happening STAND: e Watermill Center’s Annual Summer Bene t celebrated the work of international artists with an engaging and dynamic evening. e Center’s gala, which was held in an enchanted forest, united the worlds of art, theater, design and fashion to raise funds to support their year-round programming. e invited artists from around the world lled the property with installations for us to explore while sipping a cocktail on a hot night. e artists took inspiration from the English writer H.G Well’s assertion for renewal: “if you fell down yesterday, stand up today.” e Watermill Center acknowledged the international need for solidarity and the unprecedented challenges that many are confronting nationally and globally. e gala’s co-chairs included H.R.H. e Princess of Hanover, Marina Abramovic, Calvin Klein, Pedro Almodóvar, Laurie Anderson, Francesco & Alba Clemente, Willem Dafoe, Sharon Stone, Philip Glass, Annie Leibovitz, Audrey & Martin Gruss, Jenny Holzer, Anjelica Huston, Emilia and Ilya Kabakov, Rufus Wainwright and the divine Inga Maren Otto. STAND was curated by Noah Khoshbin and presented by Van Cleef & Arpels. watermillcenter.org ONWARD: LongHouse Reserve East Hampton’s LongHouse Reserve celebrated its community of artists at its annual Summer Bene t. e event was titled ONWARD, a favorite expression of its late and legendary founder, Jack Lenor Larsen. Banished was the old-style sitdown dinner under a tent. Instead, LongHouse spread couches, canopied beds, rugs and chairs throughout the garden under the stars, with ve bu ets boasting everything from poké bowls to a raw bar. e art auction proved a centerpiece, while multiple bands kept 300 revelers dancing into the wee hours. Among the artists in the mix were Cheng Tsung Feng, who traveled with his team from Taiwan, inviting guests to enter his bamboo pavilion, Fish Trap VI; Steven Ladd, who stood inside his piece, Right Here, Right Now; Moko Fukuyama, who engaged us with her Hell Gate Keepers and Fitzhugh Karol, who shared Friendship, his immense totems honoring the spirit of trees. Other work on the property for the rst time included Bjorn Amelan’s sumi ink paintings and Alexander Polzin’s Parthenope alongside permanent installations by Yoko Ono, Buckminster Fuller and Willem de Kooning. Guests included Nathan Lane, Edwina von Gal, Alice Aycock, Anna Kulinova, Fern Mallis, Stewart Lane, Robert Wilson, Jean Sha ro , stylish sister duo Tanya and Temidra Willock and Victoria Wyman, as well as LongHouse poohbahs Carrie R. Barratt and Dianne Benson.
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Andrea Stark, Campion Platt and Jean Sha ro co-chaired Iris Dankners Holiday House Hamptons annual tabletop event bene ting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Ellen Hermanson Foundation at Chef Jean Georges’ Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. e organization’s second annual “Coming Together” event showcased the work of leading designers including Ashley Stark, Abundant Habitat, Amal Kapen, Elsa Soyars, Evan Mason, Hidden Gem NY, Kathy Kuo, Katie White Sage & Madison, Sarah Lederman, Sea Green Designs, e Lewis Design Group and ABC Carpet. Each designer presented unique and cutting-edge table-scapes. Among those sipping Whispering Angel wine and cocktails by Tito’s Vodka were e Paddle Diva, Sid and Louise Banon, Aleksandra and Dr. Kenneth Mark, Debra Halpert, Felicia Persaud, Gina Bradley, Helen Gi ord, Will Jarosak and dermatologist Dr. Marie Hayag. e host committee included Julie Ratner, Elisa DiStefano, Maureen McDermott, Lynn Scotti, Darcy Miller, Alison Stager, Sasha Biko , Steve Roeder, omas Davis and Timothy Davis. e event was sponsored by Stark Carpet, Unlimited Earth Care by Frederico Azevedo, Adam Miller Group, CLEAN by Meurice, FJ Hakimian, Hamptons Real Estate Showcase, Nash Stone Group, Palm Beach Design Masters and Modwell. Holiday House has raised nearly $2 million for breast cancer projects. holidayhousehamptons.com BY R. COURI HAY
“You could feel the love and support in the air” said co-president Nina Gillman. N’est ce pas? e evening raised over half a million dollars. longhouse.org
5K Race of Hope: Hope for Depression Research Foundation
Holiday House Hamptons: Breast Cancer Research Foundation
On RedTheCarpet
“Sex and the City” author Candance Bushnell and Arthur Dunnam served as the grand marshalls of Audrey Gruss’ Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Seventh Annual 5K Race of Hope. Four hundred men, women, children, dogs and babies in strollers helped raise over $300,000 for depression research. Bushnell hyped up the crowd, saying, “ is organization is so important to me, because I too, have su ered from depression. And I can tell you that it really does rob people of a portion of their lives. I’ve also had friends who have had mental illnesses and the outcome hasn’t always been good for them. So, for me, this is a very personal cause, and I’m thrilled to be here, and I’m so excited about the work that Audrey is doing in nding new treatments, which is so important. Being here actually gives me a great deal of hope.” raceofhopeseries.com
SOIREE
Jean Shafiroff, Campion Platt, Andrea Stark and Iris Dankner (© Kristin Gray)
Dr. Marie Hayag (© Patrick McMullan) Eric Zinterhofer and Aerin Lauder (© Patrick McMullan)
Silver Roostik and Jean Shafiroff (© Patrick McMullan) Aleksandra Mark and Dr Kenneth Mark (© Patrick McMullan) Sergio Nicolosi (© Rob Rich) Stacy Engman (© Rob Rich)
Anna Bullock and R. Couri Hay (© Patrick McMullan)
Candace Bushnell, Arthur Dunnam, Audrey Gruss (© Patrick McMullan)
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MTV’s annual Video Music Awards (VMAs) featured iconic moments, wild out ts, and surprises on the red carpet. e rst surprise was Fergie’s appearance in Jack Harlow’s First Class single followed by Taylor Swift announcing an upcoming album release in October. In regards to fashion and memorable stunts, Johnny Depp made an appearance from the ceiling in a moon man out t and Snoop Dogg performed alongside Eminem in none other than a fur coat—in true Snoop Dogg fashion. e popular show awarded Latinx artists like Anitta, who won the Best Latin Star Award, and Bad Bunny winning Artist of the Year. As for Nicki Minaj’s speech on being honored with the Video Vanguard Award and all the moments in between, the out ts were worth discussing. Take a closer look at our best-dressed celebrities at the VMA’s.
A Closer Look
Becky Murad la
G in Zuhair
Renta
Dixie D’Amelio in Alexandre Vauthier Anitta in Schiaparelli Lili Reinhart in Fendi Becky G in Zuhair Murad Kane Brown in Prada J Balvin in Louis Vuitton Taylor Swift in Oscar de
Photo courtesy of Ashley E. FischerBY LAUREN D’ERRICO
PLUM DIAMONDS BRINGS PERSONALIZED JEWELRY SHOPPING TO THE DIGITAL MARKET
mannpublications.com SEPTEMBER 2022 FM | As sustainability grows more prevalent in the clothing industry, the availability of ethical, environmentally-conscious jewelry options is increasing as well. When purchasing items that have the potential to someday be heirlooms, shoppers are looking to lab-grown diamonds — diamonds which are alike to their mined counterparts in chemical, physical and optical properties, and are just as sparkling and aesthetically pleasing as well — as the solution to the jewelry industry’s once-standardized, troubled mining practices.
What sets Plum Diamonds apart from other jewelry brands?
Plum Diamonds, the direct-to-consumer, lab grown diamond jewelry company, puts quality and sustainability at the forefront of its mission — with an emphasis on the personal touch that is born of shopping for a piece of jewelry that will last for a lifetime. The company offers customers a variety of styles including round, oval, emerald and radiant cuts and yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum two-tone yellow and twotone rose bands. The company’s customization service, which is all online, is optimized for simplicity and clarity as customers decide what works for them — and so they know for sure, Plum Diamonds offers a “Find Your Diamond” kit, so that customers can use display rings and samples to see styles on their finger for real.
How does Plum Diamonds prioritize ethics and sustainability? We’re really here for the couple, and we want to cater to what they want. Ethics and sustainability are baked into [our brand], but at the end of the day, we really don’t think that’s the number one reason people are making purchase decisions. But, it’s something that customers want. Labgrown diamonds are something that I felt really passionately about, and we all feel really passionately about at Plum Diamonds, because it’s the thing that customers are so excited about. There was never a question of going into mined diamonds because we don’t see that that’s what our customers are demanding. We’re looking to do more to make sure that not just our manufacturing side [is ethical and sustainable], but also everything that goes into the e-commerce brand. Can you tell me about the brand’s Shopping Gives initiatives? A lot of jewelry brands give back to organizations that are overseas and directly impacted by diamond mining, which is wonderful. Going back to really getting behind what our customers want, we’ve always wanted to be in a position where they’re driving and we’re in the passenger seat. We really value our customers’ unique, individual values and the things they care about, and that includes local causes. Shopping Gives is perfect for us because we’ve got a few default organizations that we give to if shoppers forget to or don’t notice that they can choose whatever charity they want. We know for sure that we’re giving back even if the customers aren’t making their own choice, but we would love for customers to choose what’s important to them, and the [donation] comes from us. What’s your favorite ring style? Rounds are my favorites, and seeing them set in new as well as classic ways is very fun for me. Most people say rounds are the sparkliest, which is because of how they’re cut. A wellcut round is really fiery and blinding when it catches the light, and it is really magical. It can also hide some imperfections because it’s so dazzling. They also tend to look bigger, so that’s a plus as well. What we’re seeing now is rounds being set kind of high off of the finger so that you can set a wedding band next to it. What advice would you give women who are interested in entering into the jewelry industry? Go for it! One of the things I did in the beginning that is so important is really getting [my] hands dirty — learn how [jewelry] is made, take some basic metal smithing courses and understand the basics of fabrication and production. If you’re thinking about a larger scale than being a maker, that’s an opportunity to create more jobs, especially for women, so it’s a win-win. [The jewelry industry] is definitely an old boys’ club, especially on the diamond side. Be confident that you’re bringing something special to the industry, something a more traditional player wouldn’t be able to; you have a perspective that the old boys’ club does not. Don’t be afraid of it, but do expect some bumps in the road. Just keep going!
Kristy Cullinane, Plum Diamonds’ co-founder, shared her life-long love of jewelry that led her to create the brand, and offered her insights on today’s retro-inspired jewelry trends, how lab grown diamonds can offer shoppers more for their money and how the brand allows their customers take a leading role. Have you always known that you wanted to be in the jewelry industry as your career path? I think I have, but it’s been a winding path. When I was really young, I was interested in jewelry as a craft. After college, I had some down time between a corporate job and a relocation. I thought to myself, “If I could do anything and money wasn’t an object — and it didn’t matter because it was just for fun and a little while — what would it be?” I ended up working as an apprentice for a jeweler, took some classes and learned the production side. I was also in a relationship with a physicist who was growing diamonds for scientific use at the Naval Research Lab. We moved to London together, and I worked for another jeweler at a larger company in a bigger capacity. After that, my path deviated. I wanted to do more than just make jewelry with my hands and learn the business side of the industry. I became interested in marketing and commerce, and eventually came back to the jewelry industry full circle. Now I’m working with lab-grown diamonds at Plum Diamonds.
trends, including emerald cuts from the Art Deco period. They’re very clean and classic looking. They’re perfect for lab diamonds, too, because you can get a generously sized emerald cut lab diamond. Some fun ones are 80s and 90s trends — the pear shape is back. Some diamonds persist in terms of being in style and some aren’t quite as evergreen, and the pear is one that kind of went away for a while. I love the updates [to the style] — they’re in very different settings than they were in the 90s and 80s. Now, the settings are more delicate, a lot of them have hidden halos and are made more modernly, but it’s still just a classic, great cut that I love. Three stones are never out of style, and are on trend now as well. Radiant cuts are relatively new and it’s fun to see more of those set in very timeless, classic settings. In terms of wedding band trends, we do see a lot of the very classic, dainty diamond bands. We offer a cool one that’s a little bit wider with some flush sets in different sizes. There are some variations on the classic wedding band, but anything that’s going to sit right up next to your engagement ring and have a little bit of nice contrast is something that’s going to look great and is really popular. Can you walk me through the process of use for the brand’s “Find Your Diamond” kit? Going back to our design philosophy, a lot of people are looking for that classic diamond ring that’s all about the center diamond ... but it can be really hard [to decide] on the shape and karat weight. When someone comes in the store, we’ll take loose diamonds and put them on their hand so they can see it on their own individual hands. The idea [behind the kit] was really about helping people figure out karat weight and shape. There’s a big difference between a three karat round diamond and a one karat round diamond, so we’ll send you a one karat, two karat and three karat sample so you can see where you’d like your diamond to fall in that range. Isn’t [how the ring looks] the most important piece if you’re shopping for a ring that’s going to have a real wow factor?
There are a lot of vintage-inspired
Our customer is a contemporary, modern customer who is interested in a timeless symbol of their relationship and story. They’re probably thinking of something they might want to pass down, so they value heirloom quality and longevity and want something that is going to last that they’ll treasure forever. What makes them a little bit different from another customer is they’re kind of grossed out by what’s happening in the mined diamond industry right now — our customer is really, really turned off by that, but what turns them on to a lab diamond is that they learn how much more they can get for a much smaller investment. Generally, they get a bigger, brighter and better real diamond without any of the baggage — it’s still a diamond that is graded individually, so it’s unique. To sum it up, I think our customer has this idea that they want something timeless and special, but they’re not buying lab-grown to save money — they’re buying because they see all of the benefits that they get over mined diamonds. What ring style trends are most popular right now?
The way we’ve set up our ring customization services is inspired by instore jewelry businesses and the conversations that we’ve had with people in real life over the years. We find that a lot of couples are interested in the center diamond — unless they want something very specific, a lot of the piece customers are looking for have very simple modifications that help that center diamond to be center stage. We try to set it up to be simple for people, and help them to get into intuitive customization as quickly [and painlessly] as possible.
LAST LOOK
Who would you say is the Plum Diamonds customer?
We are in a really unique place because we own our manufacturing facilities, so we control all that goes into each ring setting. We’re certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), which is [a status] that is very difficult to get and maintain. Working with us, you can be confident that you’re getting goods and services that meet the highest compliances. Because we’ve been making jewelry in our own manufacturing facilities for decades, we’re set up to make heirloom-quality, custom jewelry at scale. Every piece is made to order and it isn’t mass-produced, so our jewelry is much better quality than some of our competitors; it’s made to last.
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