Fashion Mannuscript Magazine November/December 2022 Issue

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

PLUS Alexis Bittar

Honors breast Cancer Awareness Month via New Campaign

INSIDE

SUSAN LENART Curating Jewels for the Soul

LAVANYA COODLY

Bringing Urban Charm to the Runway

NYA GATBEL

Supermodel and Mental Health Advocate Reducing the Runway’s Stigmas

Financial expertise is always in style.

We’re now a subsidiary of First Citizens Bank, bringing even more expertise to help support your business goals. Our commercial services team has the financial savvy to turn your invoices into working capital, manage customer credit, make collection calls on your behalf and more.

cit.com/commercial-services Not all applicants may qualify for factoring services or finance programs. All applications are subject to final review and approval by CIT, and all fees and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Supporting financial documentation may be required for any transaction with CIT. © 2022 First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. All rights reserved. CIT and the CIT logo are registered trademarks of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. CIT Commercial Services primarily conducts business through The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. MM#11699

FROM CLICK

TO SHIP

©Copyright 2018 Dynamic Worldwide. All Rights Reserved.

FASTER DROP-SHIP: DIRECT TO CONSUMER Dynamic’s Drop-Ship Services help retail companies move product around the world faster. Dynamic provides an array of direct-to-consumer shipment services including: order fulfillment, pick, check, scan, pack, gift-wrap, packaging, parcel delivery, inventory tracking, and delivery at the click of a button.

E-COMMERCE—DELIVERED. Smarter. Faster. Cheaper.

www.dynamiconline.com 973.344.6300 x314 | sales@dynamicworldwide.com NY | NJ | NC | FL | CA | HONG KONG | SHENZHEN | SHANGHAI QINGDAO | GUANGZHOU | VIETNAM | INDIA | BANGLADESH | SRI LANKA | PAKISTAN

| CAMBODIA

Mann International Fashion Club

The leading networking society for emerging and experienced professionals in the fashion industry $995 Yearly Membership Includes the inside scoop in the apparel industry from a business point-of-view, monthly events, and so much more

Members in the Apparel Industry include: •

Designers

•

Manufacturers

•

Factors

•

Bankers

•

Patent and Corporate Lawyers

•

Accountants

•

Logistics (Dynamic Worldwide)

•

Real Estate

•

Marketing & PR

Contact Penelope Herrera for more information pherrera@mannpublications.com

They said it couldn’t be done.

We didn’t listen.

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

For most cancer patients, the usual options are surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. So we’re working on ways to get the immune system to deploy billions of cancer-killing cells and help more patients survive.

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

It wasn’t that long ago we had to open up your whole chest for heart surgery.

Now we’re pioneering a bypass that goes through a few tiny incisions. With this surgery, we can get you back on your feet in weeks instead of months.

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

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

Ask MARCUM Marcum’s National Consumer Products Group Leaders: Michael Sacco michael.sacco@marcumllp.com Ronald Friedman ron.friedman@marcumllp.com

marcumllp.com

PRESIDENT/CEO Jeff Mann EDITORIAL Editor Aida M. Toro

ART Art Director Krystal Peguero

Editorial Consultant Debra Hazel

Associate Designer Ran Jing

BUSINESS Technology Consultant Joshua Fried Distribution Mitchell’s Delivery Service

Associate Editor Lauren Schuster

COVER Roza Wiktoria Tyborowska

California Distribution MD Service

Copy Editor Laurie Melchionne Senior California Editor Daniella Platt California Editor Kimberly Goodnight Director of Communications and Marketing Penelope Herrera Social Media Manager Le’Trice DeShon

CONTRIBUTORS Howard Bader Frank DeLucia Claire Grisolano Frances Harder Penelope Herrera Madalene Hartl R. Couri Hay Debra Hazel Donna Johnson-Klonsky Laurie Melchionne Krystal Peguero Ashanty Rivera

West Coast Advisor Ilse Metchek DIGITAL MEDIA Aida M. Toro Le’Trice DeShon Debra Hazel Penelope Herrera Ran Jing Krystal Peguero Lauren Schuster Web Developer CS Designworks

Director of Newsletter Division Cheri Phillips

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

mannpublications.com

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

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

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s been a busy month for our charities. The Mann Charitable Foundation Golf Outing was a huge success and shined a light on curing diseases and the special work that goes into the medical field. The event raised money for lymphoma, macular degeneration, and Chron’s and Colitis.

As you know, in the past we’ve raised a lot of money for Alzheimer’s, liver diseases and honored special people in the fashion and real estate industries. Award recipients for the Mann Charitable Foundation are listed as follows: Mark Heller, president of CIT Communications, Man of the Year Award; Harriet Greenberg of Marcum LLC, Woman of the Year Award; Thomas Gambino Sr., Lifetime Humanitarian Award.

Our concentration in the Mann Charitable Foundation surrounds research on geriatric diseases, as I stated above. However, with the National Realty Club Foundation, our newest entity that deals with the real estate industry, our goal is to make New York a better place and is why we’re donating to non-profit charities such as the Bronx Historical Society and the Jewish Children’s Museum, as well as more to follow. These charities follow my mission statement in anything I contribute to, which is to always give back to the city we all hold so close to our hearts.

The National Realty Club brings together real estate industry professionals throughout the year, and we always pick a cutting-edge speaker at events to deliver new perspectives as we emerge from this three-year pandemic era. This year, our speaker at our upcoming breakfast on November 16 is Brownette Cooke, founder and CEO at Evans Electrical Services Inc. Due to the successes with our publications, the National Realty Club and the Mann Foundation, we continue to forge forward and are now in the early planning stages of a Mann International Fashion Club, which is a club dealing with the apparel and consumer products space. This club will be the go-to organization for aspiring young designers and manufacturers, as well as for all other service-providers throughout the industry to help the new generation of professionals get started in business.

The Mann Charitable Foundation is also in the planning stages of honoring five special women in New York City (who I won’t announce right now) from all different sectors who are not only business leaders but role models for aspiring industry women. The women receiving these awards are a very interesting group of people who have made significant impacts on their field and while I can’t share details yet, I can promise this will be a fulfilling experience for ambitious young women, the honorees, and the fashion industry itself.

As we enter the holiday season, lots of new and exciting things are in the works. I can’t wait to share all the work we continue to achieve for our charitable endeavors as the Fashion Manuscript continues to grow and deliver the most exciting news featuring trending newcomers, business tips and the latest happenings in the fashion world.

This is in addition to our ongoing newsletter division and our ever-growing social media presence.

Our mantra at Mann Publications is that no matter what the world throws at us, the show must go on. As you can see from the quality of the product we produce, there is nothing like it in the country.

“It’s the biggest compliment for your product is to have an afterlife” - Stella McCartney

ONE MANN’S OPINION

I am extremely thrilled to be dropping Fashion Mannuscript Magazine’s last issue of the year, titled: The Industry Outlook. Having this be the second issue I worked on for the job is really special.

With that said, we’ve incorporated a variety of special event recaps in this issue, such as The Mann Charitable Foundation’s annual golf outing. The golf outing was a grand success, as 100+ golfers attended along with dinner guests. I also had the pleasure to interview model Nya Gatbel, who you’ll spot on our cover for this month. Nya, who immigrated to Canada from Ethiopia at only a year old, has graced the runway for a plethora of prominent fashion designers and is also a major mental health advocate. .

We’ve also included briefs on talented jewelry designer Alexis Bittar and his most recent campaign which celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness and so much more. In addition, our featured designer for our Closer Look column is Lavanya Coodly, who went from performing biomedical research to fashion design. We’ve also welcomed a new columnist into our roster, Claire Grisolano, who is the founder of Early Riser Marketing, along with Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM) College students Ashanty Rivera and Madalene Hartl, who are contributors for our College Voices column. Another last spoiler regarding the issue, is a holiday roundup I’ve curated. The roundup includes a couple of my favorite products that can be gifted this holiday season.

In conclusion, dropping the last issue of Fashion Mannucript Magazine is the cherry on top of a successful year for me.

The phenomenal team of women I work with and myself are really looking forward to delivering great content your way for 2023. In the meantime, enjoy our Industry Outlook issue and the holidays with your families and friends.

-Aida M. Toro Photo Credit: Jana Schuessler

VISIT US ON mannpublications.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @fashion_mannuscript

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

46 ON THE COVER

MODEL & MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE NYA GATBEL

BY AIDA M. TORO

FASHION FAVORITES 14

French Heritage Society Kicks Off 40th Anniversary Gala

16

SAY WOW! Partners with YOOX Secret Room

18

Casita Maria Honors Fiesta! 2022 Honors Tony Bechara, Cesar Conde, & Gaby Pacheco

20

FGI Honors Prominent Artists and Icons at its 38th Annual Night of Stars Gala”

22

COVER FEATURE

The Mann Charitable Foundation Hosts Annual Golf Outing

FASHION FABULOUS 7

One Mann’s Opinion

8

Editor’s Letter

26

Fashion 411

21 FASHION FAVORITES © Getty Images

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

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

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

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

Best

Companies to work for

NEW YORK

LEARN MORE HERE

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

THE DEPART MENTS 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: A Festive Gift Guide by: Aida M. Toro

126 Last Look: Lavanya Coodly

By Aida M. Toro

FASHION FORWARD 42

Helen Owen Launches Swimwear Line

By Daniella Platt

44

Lilysilk Wins Muse Design Awards

52

Accessories Designer Alexis Bittar Spreads Awareness on Breast Cancer

56

Susan Lenart Crafts Jewels With Intention

By Penelope Herrera

58

BHLDN Announces Carlie Cushnie Launch

62

Aerie Continues to Promote Women’s Confidence & Inclusivity

By Aida M. Toro

Photo Courtesy of BHLDN

WE BUILD PARTNERSHIPS THAT LAST AN ABS DEAL MEANS EVERYONE WINS Build to Suit Move-In Ready

Penthouse Build to Suit w/ Terrace Brand New 3 Story Lobby

Small Units Flexible Leases

7 Full Floors, Adjacent to Amazon, New Hotels + Restaurants

Divided Floors Hudson River Views

9 East 37th Street William Carr 212-400-6078

270 Madison Avenue John Cinosky 212-400-2348

20 West 22nd Street Robert Finkelstein 212-400-9525

29 West 38th Street Ben Waller 212-400-9515

210 11th Avenue Audrey Novoa 212-400-6091

Fully Furnished, Move in Condition Private Full Floor Prebuilds

Fully Furnished, Full Floor Light on 4 Sides

Best Location on Union Sq Park Full & Partial Floors

Entire Tower Floor, Fully Prebuilt Move in Condition

Top Fl.w/ Rooftop, Views of Union Sq, Mad. Sq Park + Hud. River

LX57 / 695 Lexington Avenue John Brod 212-400-9521

145 East 57th Street Robert Neborak 212-400-2352

200 Park Avenue South Charles Conwell 212-400-6088

1001 Ave of The Americas John Cinosky 212-400-2348

915 Broadway James Caseley 212-400-6075

Office & Retail Leasing • Investments • Advisory • Capital Markets • Property Management For Leasing Information on Our Properties or to Learn More About Our Services, Contact: 212.400.6060 - www.absre.com 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.

FRENCH HERITAGE SOCIETY KICKS OFF 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON IN STYLE Photography courtesy of Sergio V. Photography

Guest enjoying themselves

14 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

FASHION FAVORITES Celebrating its 40th Anniversary throughout 2022, the French Heritage Society (FHS) marked its milestone year on both sides of the Atlantic this fall with a 40th Anniversary Gala at the Petit Palais in Paris on October 15 and the Gilded Age Gala at a private club in Manhattan on November 17. FHS kicked off its busy fall gala season with festive cocktails on two consecutive Thursday evenings in September, one graciously hosted by FHS Board Member and Gilded Age Gala honoree Jean Shafiroff and the other by Young Patrons Circle Co-Chair Blake Funston.

On September 15, French Heritage Society’s Young Patrons Circle enjoyed an “End-of-Summer Swing” at the lovely home of YPC Co-Chair Blake Funston and Rufus Funston. With perfect fall weather and live jazz provided by Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra, the atmosphere was warm and festive as guests streamed into the garden. Champagne was provided by G.H. Mumm, and provençal rosé and chardonnay was provided by Maison Lorgeril.

Esteemed guests included: FHS Events Chair CeCe Black, FHS Board Member Rosann Gutman and YPC Co-Chair Johnsonie Casimyr. Also attending: Elena Ayot, Charles Burdick, Jonathan Doucette, Allison Ecung, Sophie Evekink, Valentin Goux, Valerie Lettan, Erin Malone, Lansing Moore, Christina Bott Murphy, Alexandra Nicklas, Andres Perea-Garzon, Tara Tunney, William Rutledge, among others.

On Thursday, September 22, FHS continued the cocktail festivities at Jean and Martin Shafiroff’s exquisite home. Remarks were given by the hostess, as well as FHS Chairman Elizabeth Stribling and FHS Events Chair CeCe Black. Guests were further delighted to witness Mrs. Shafiroff receive an official proclamation as “First Lady of Philanthropy” from New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright in recognition of her immense impact as a philanthropist.

Esteemed guests included: FHS Board Members Judy McLaren, Kazie Metzger Harvey and Ann Van Ness. The following also attended: Afsaneh Akhtari, Paola Bacchini Rosenshein, Susan and Gerald Baker, John Barman, Rosalie Brinton, Candace Bushnell, Liliana Cavendish, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Terry Corbett, Maria Fishel, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Susan Gutfreund, Rolf Heitmeyer, Sylvia Hemingway, David Hochberg, Margo Langenberg, George Ledes, Jonathan LeWinter, Jonn Nubian, Liane Pei, Barbara Schumacher, Hunt Slonem, Guy Robinson, Patricia Silverstein, Victor de Souza, Barbara Tober, Carole Bellidora Westfall, Pamela Wright, among others.

Sophie Evekink, Blake Funston, Erin Malone

mannpublications.com

Christian Keesee and Erin Wolf

Jean Shafiroff, Valerie Lettan, CeCe Black, Rosann Gutman

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 15

FASHION FAVORITES

THE U.S. SAMPLE SALE MODEL IS BROKEN – THIS ITALIAN BRAND IS COMING TO FIX IT Photos courtesy of Say WOW!

Say WOW! partnered with YOOX Secret Room to bring its elevated, one-of-a-kind private sale experience stateside.

After amassing a dedicated audience in Europe hosting sales for brands like Marni, Bottega Veneta, Moose Knuckles and many more, YOOX Secret Room in partnership with Say WOW! AMERICAS is shaking up the short-term retail model to fix the broken U.S. sample sale mold. Leveraging seamless technology and top-ofthe-line service, Say WOW! U.S. customers will now enjoy impressive sales offerings met with a high-end shopping experience that’s in keeping with the featured designers’ ethos.

A far cry from the traditionally long lines, damaged products, disorganized set up and chaotic check out area, SAY WOW!’s upcoming sales event will feature: · Reserved shopping appointments · Pre-allocated products to ensure each appointment time has a robust offering throughout the duration of the sale · Seasoned and polite staff members · Easy and quick check outs and of course, discounts up to 90% off After only a few short years since its founding, Say WOW! has already experienced incredible success, growth and rave reviews. Not only are shoppers more satisfied with the purchasing process, but so are the brands!

16 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

FASHION FAVORITES

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 17

FASHION FAVORITES

CASITA MARIA FIESTA! 2022 HONORS TONY BECHARA, CESAR CONDE, & GABY PACHECO Photos courtesy of BFA

“It is a dream come true to be back here after these last few years”, said Jackie Weld Drake, Casita Maria Board Chair and benefit Co-Chair with HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, as they welcomed over 300 guests to the Casita Maria Fiesta 2022. The celebration returned to New York City at The Plaza Hotel for the first time since 2019, prior to the covid pandemic, in honor of Latino pioneers Tony Bechara, Cesar Conde, and Gaby Pacheco with the Gold Medal of Honor.

Jackie continued, “We dedicate tonight to the memory of Anne Eisenhower who was on our board for 25 years, many of which she chaired Fiesta with me. We always wanted this to be the best party in New York!”

Daniel Brodsky presented the Casita Maria Gold Medal of Honor to his great friend, Tony Bechara, and shared, “Born in San Juan, Tony is a successful, prolific, abstract artist who has been living and working in New York City for more than 40 years. Tony has had exhibitions in New York, Washington, Miami, San Juan, Lima, Mexico, and Munich. He has always devoted his time making available and encouraging art for all, especially Latin Americans and Latino artists.”

George Corton bestowed Cesar Conde with his Medal of Honor and said, “Cesar serves as Chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, overseeing NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC. He is the first Hispanic to lead a major Englishlanguage broadcast news organization! As

18 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

a leading voice towards representation and diversity in the newsroom, Cesar launched the 50% challenge initiative, which inspires newsrooms to be 50% women and 50% people of color!”

Cesar accepted the honor and shared “As we all know, we are living during a very unique time in our history. During these challenging times, I’m a believer that character is defined and revealed. My parents always taught my brothers and I that the only thing in life that no one can ever take away from you is your education. The work that Casita Maria is doing in educating and empowering our youth is the work that is in crisis. To do it during such challenging times speaks to the character of this organization and to the character of everyone that collaborates with it.”

Jorge Plasencia introduced honoree Gaby Pacheco who’s known for her work with Dreamers, children who were brought to the United States and grew up without legal documentation.

In an emotional speech, Gaby said, “I shouldn’t be here. The laws tell me that even though this is the country that I love and this is my home, I shouldn’t be here. When I was a little girl and I came to the United States, I didn’t speak English, I didn’t have friends, and I was scared.

Today I stand before you knowing that I have power, that my story matters and that every single Latino child deserves the right to fulfill their dreams and their lives.”

Casita Maria is located in the South Bronx - the country’s poorest Congressional District – and is the oldest charity to offer after school enrichment activities for Latino children. For decades, the annual Fiesta benefit has combined a fabulous party with social good, raising over 5 million dollars in the last ten years. These unrestricted funds have enabled Casita Maria to continue its programming year after year, including during the pandemic. Casita Maria offers high-quality, innovative arts after-school programming to over 1,000 students a year; as well as reaching an additional 40,000 community members through our Creative Arts programs of professional exhibitions and performances.

Guests included Dinner Chairs Adriana Echavarria, and Sissi Isabel Fleitas-Refaie, Committee Members Geoffrey Bradfield, Michele Gerber Klein, Ann Nitze, and Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas, Pachanga Chairs Victor Roquette and Sabrina Wirth, Pachanga Committee Members Cathy Aragon, Carlos Barraza, and Omar Hernandez, as well as Afsaneh Akhtari, Steven M.L. Aronson, Tina Beriro, Martha Bograd, Geoffrey Bradfield, Estrellita and Daniel Brodsky, Sharon Bush Murray, Carlos Campos, Mark and Maxine Dalio, Jennifer Fischer, Kathryn Gallagher, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Karol Gradsuel, William Haseltine and Maria Eugenia Maury, Will Hochman, BB Jean, Ben Lebowitz, William Ivey Long, Tony Marion, Elizabeth Meigher, Carlos Picon, Martin and Jean Shafiroff, Stephanie Stokes, Desiree von la Valette, Lynne Wheat, Charlie Ward, Chris Wolf, among others.

mannpublications.com

Chus Bures, Yolanda Santos, Sergio Orozco

Carlos Picon, Afsaneh Akhtari, Andrew Kepler

Gabriela Pacheco

Joachim Bader, Mary Snow, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Omar Hernandez, Guillermo Giammona Sergio Orozco, Alejandra Cicognani, Chus Bures

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 19

FASHION FAVORITES

FGI CELEBRATES ARTISTS AND ICONS MICHAEL KORS, CHRISTIAN SIRIANO, PRABAL GURUNG, DIONNE WARWICK AND MORE AT 38TH ANNUAL NIGHT OF STARS GALA IN NEW YORK Photography courtesy of Getty Images

A glittering crowd turned out for the 38th annual Fashion Group International (FGI) Night of Stars gala and awards ceremony on October 13, at Casa Cipriani at Cipriani South Street in Manhattan.

•

The event kicked off with one of the most stylish red carpets of the New York social season, followed by a cocktail party hosted by designer Frederick Anderson (recent winner of the FGI Rising Star Award for Womenswear), with music by The Misshapes.

•

Notable attendees included legendary fashion designers, models, industry insiders and influencers: Adut Akech, Jason Wu, Coco Rocha, Rebecca Moses, Stan Herman, Jessica Wang, Linda Fargo, Andrew Hilfiger, Daphne Velghe, Leckie Roberts, Carlos Campos, Miss America Emma Broyles, Alexander Hankin, Gary and Cole Wassner, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, The Dragon Sisters and Lisa Simonsen.

•

A seated dinner and awards ceremony followed, as FGI, friends and well-known presenters honored this year’s slate of “Artists and Icons” in a range of categories spanning the fashion, entertainment and business worlds, from style and retail to beauty, sustainability and humanitarianism:

20 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

•

•

• • •

Supermodel and CEO of Iman Cosmetics IMAN presented the Superstar Award to designer Michael Kors.

Actress Mariska Hargitay presented the Fashion Star Award to designer Christian Siriano.

Author Candace Bushnell presented the Retail Award to LoveShackFancy, accepted on behalf of the company by Founder Rebecca Hessel Cohen.

Makeup artist Sir John presented the Beauty Award to Sharon Chuter, founder of UOMA Beauty.

Author Deepak Chopra presented the Sustainability Award to Firmenich, accepted on behalf of the company by Firmenich President Global Perfumery Ilaria Resta.

Politician Huma Abedin presented the Humanitarian Award to designer Prabal Gurung.

Actress Linda Marshall presented the Trailblazer Award to Grammy awardwinning singer Dionne Warwick.

Andy Hilfiger, creative director of Andrew Charles, presented the Fashion Oracle Award posthumously to Elvis Presley, accepted on behalf of the musician by Matt Abruzzo, senior director, brand management at Authentic Brands Group.

•

Maryanne Grisz, FGI president and CEO: “FGI Night of Stars is a celebration of extraordinary individuals in entertainment, fashion, beauty and culture. We are grateful to all who, by attending our most important fundraiser of the year, help Fashion Group International’s mission to connect, provide resources, support new talent and celebrate the fashion industry at every level.”

Past FGI Night of Stars Superstar Awards honorees have included Tommy Hilfiger, Rick Owens, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Riccardo Tisci, Giorgio Armani and Valentino, as well as presenters and honorees, Anna Sui, Iman, Laverne Cox, Martha Stewart, Olivier Rousteing, Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian and more.

FGI Night of Stars ticket proceeds support the organization’s mission to connect, support and empower members across the fashion, beauty, lifestyle and retail sectors around the globe through a range of educational and mentorship programs, signature events, networking opportunities, business resources and philanthropic partnerships.

mannpublications.com

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 21

FASHION FAVORITES

Harriet Greenberg, Marcum LLP; Jeff Mann, Mann Publications

Jeff Mann, Mann Publications; Marc Heller CIT

THE MANN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL GOLF OUTING The Mann Charitable Foundation hosted a delightful afternoon at the charming Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, New York. The event consisted of golf, delcious food, impeccable views, and networking. Marcum Partner, Harriet Greenberg was honored alongside Marc

Heller, President of CIT, at the Mann Charitable Foundation Annual Golf Outing and 20th Year Anniversary Celebration.

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 fi nd 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.

Photos courtesy of Howard Wechsler

Thomas Miranda and Harriet Greenberg Marcum LLP; Michael Sacco, Marcum LLP; Andrew Rotondi, Dynamic Worldwide

22 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

FASHION FAVORITES Denney Teets and Thomas Mazzini, Metropolitan Bank

Thomas Gambino, Dynamic Worldwide and Jeffrey Mann, Mann Publications

Lou Barrone, IDB; Michael Cipriani, and Cassie Rosenthal, Rosenthal & Rosenthal

Andrew Rotondi, Thomas Gambino, and Charles Gambino, Dynamic Worldwide; Jeffrey Mann, Mann Publications

Tom Fingleton ,CIT; Michael Hudgens, CIT; Marc Federbush, Anchin

Scott Adler, Merchant Factors; Craig Miller, Merchant Factors; Lou Barrone, IDB; Richard Tripaldi

Joe Pollicino , Peter Mena, Kevin Gillespie, and Peter Pugliese, Wells Fargo

Tom Fingleton, Kevin Ritter, Eric Smiler,Dan Goll, CIT

Jeff Mann, Mann Publications; Michael Sacco, Marcum LLP

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 23

24 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 25

FASHION 411

ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE A 36B?

B

ravissimo, the leader in bras and bra-sized swimwear, announced the reopening of its flagship boutique in SoHo, New York City. Founded in 1995 in London, this shop marks Bravissimo’s only brick-and-mortar location in the United States.

This award-winning brand has been supporting women in the United Kingdom for more than 27 years with a unique, personalized bra fitting experience. Bravissimo, which sells more than 3,000 bras a day worldwide through its 25 shops and e-commerce site, has helped more than two million customers find their bra size.

Now, Bravissimo is bringing the feel-good fit revolution across the Atlantic, supporting women with a bra fit that is tailored to them. Bravissimo believes that finding a great fit is about how you feel and having a fun, uplifting experience, rather than using a tape measure and combining numbers and letters on a tag. After experiencing a fitting with Bravissimo, 93% of customers found they were a different size than they previously thought.

“To say we are excited to be reopening our doors in New York is an understatement,” said Leanne Cahill, CEO of Bravissimo. “As the cheerleader for bigger boobed women, we are so pleased to be able to bring our fitting experience and breadth of choice in lingerie and swimwear to the US.” Located at 433 West Broadway, NYC, the new Bravissimo store offers personalized bra fittings with experts who fit by eye, ditching the old-fashioned tape measure system.

Bravissimo also offers the best-in-choice when it comes to a truly extensive size range of bras and bra-sized swimwear, from 28-42 D-L (UK sizing), along with activewear, sleepwear and more.

Photo courtesy of Bravissimo

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN PRESENTS THE LOUBI SHOW II

C

hristian Louboutin presented The Loubi Show II in Paris, a concept with an original dance performance, illustrating the Spring/Summer 2023 collection. For the second season in a row, the Maison proposed a live show to present its creation following the success of the Loubi Show I presented in March 2022 at Espace Niemeyer.

“I’ve always been fascinated by dancers and people on stage,” said Christian Louboutin.

The show took place at the Gustave Eiffel Room located in the heart of the Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, which is a powerful and distinctive symbol of the city of Paris and beloved home to Monsieur Louboutin. Set on the first floor overlooking the Parisian skyline, the space exhibits a transparent made-to-measure glass bridge stage supported by a red metallic frame featuring Christian Louboutin’s signature heart. The bridge is placed in the center of the room providing a 360° view of the performance and the collection.

The floor is covered by the house’s iconic red carpet, evincing one of the Maison’s most important color codes throughout the room.

The show consisted of thirteen diverse dancers wearing the Spring/Summer 2023 collection including

a selection of fluorescent styles and the new LIPSTRASS HEEL, bringing the shoes to life. Interpreting a contemporary choreography, the performance gradually transfigured from a robotic movement into a humanized and emotional piece.

The sunset and final show featured a live performance by French Dream Pop singer Vendredi Sur Mer, whose songs accompanied the entire choreography. Amongst those, new singles from her latest album Metamorphose as well as one of her biggest hits ECOUTE CHERIE were peformed.

In addition to the shoes worn by the dancers during the performance, Christian Louboutin is also unveiling more Spring/Summer 2023 styles beautifully displayed on metallic sinuous plinths. Focusing on new silhouettes and exquisite colors, the selection includes soft pastel styles and the new LOUBILA chain shoulder bag.

To create a connection between the digital and physical universes of the House, Christian Louboutin also offers a unique Web3 experience. The House gifted a complimentary non fungible token (NFT) to viewers of the exclusive online streaming of the “Loubi Show II,” as well as to those lucky enough to have seen the show live at the Eiffel Tower.

Photo courtesy of Christian Louboutin

26 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

FASHION 411

JCA LONDON FASHION ACADEMY HOSTS DEBUT SHOW FEATURING NEW DESIGNERS

P

rofessor Jimmy Choo’s Mayfair based JCA | London Fashion Academy recently hosted its debut London Fashion Week City Wide MA show featuring five designer entrepreneurs, alongside JCA’s Designer in Residence, Patrick McDowell. JCA | London Fashion Academy is a fashion school and professional incubator, founded by Professor Jimmy Choo OBE and Stephen Smith.

Showing first, British fashion designer, Patrick McDowell unveiled his latest collection Marie Antoinette goes to Liverpool, merging the uncanny world of Marie Antoinette with his own Liverpudlian background. Opening the MA Show, Noon Khouri presented her nomadic, inclusive and up-cycled denim brand Angels Wear Nada, followed by Melissa-Kate, who showcased For the Love of Venus PT.III, the third capsule in a three-part, yearlong series which delves into the spirituality, symbolism and conspiracies behind the planet Venus. Afterwards, Annabelle Barton presented Size-A, a luxury womenswear brand born from the desire for creatively designed, luxury clothes that can fit a range of petite women, followed by Sophie Park showcasing the first collection of her eponymous plant-based gender-neutral footwear brand that fuses whimsical Wes Anderson-esque symmetry with the ambiguous silhouettes often seen in the work of Rei Kawakubo.

Patrick McDowell’s collection comprises 30 looks and draws from lighter pastel palettes that reflect Marie Antoinette’s preference for youth, femininity and strong bold shots of yellow and black. In ‘Marie Antoinette goes to Liverpool’, the designer experiments with varying proportions of waspy waistlines and bouffant skirts, blending these classic silhouettes with modern Liverpudlian twists. The prints from this collection have been created from family pictures of MacDowell, his mother and grandmother in their childhood years, drawing on the element of personal storytelling that is integral to his design practice.

“Our London Fashion Week show has been a momentous occasion for us all at the JCA. Since officially opening our doors only one year ago in September 2021, we have nurtured our first graduating MA cohort from our home on Hanover Square. Opening our doors to the public one year on has been the perfect moment to celebrate the successes of these hugely talented designer entrepreneurs as they launch their new brands: Size-A, Melissa-Kate, Angels Wear Nada, Maryam Orchid and Sophie Park,” said Stephen Smith, founder and CEO of the JCA.

Photo courtesy of Business Wire

PACSUN EXPANDS SOCIAL FOOTPRINT WITH NEW OPENING IN SAN DIEGO STORE

P

acsun announced its newest location and redesigned retail space at the coveted Fashion Valley in San Diego. The latest storefront in Pacsun’s home base in South California features a modernist look indicative of the new design formula and layout for the youth retailer.

Paying homage to its foundation around mall culture with a premier upgrade, Pacsun at Fashion Valley is the first location to showcase Pacsun’s new brick-andmortar vision. The 4,277 square foot space located on the upper level between Nike and Soleniverse warmly greets guests with an open-air façade and sizable windows displaying Pacsun’s current styles and collections. The interior includes new fixtures and décor that tie into Fashion Valley’s experience as an outdoor center, including updated colors and materials that refine the way Pacsun presents its products and enhance the overall store aesthetic.

“We are always looking for opportunities to improve our presence at prominent locations for consumers to be introduced and experience Pacsun firsthand through the best representation,” said Joel Quill, Vice President of Retail at Pacsun. “Considering its prestige in the area and closeness to our routes, we thought Fashion Valley was a fitting starting point for all new stores in the future.”

Within the redesign, additional in real life (IRL) details modishly fuse Pacsun’s physical and digital efforts with components that directly connect its social and digital channels, such as streaming video, showing seasonal campaigns and content from social channels. The store will also provide more convenient shopping options such as Buy Online, Pick up in Store and Same Day Delivery.

Photo courtesy of Pacsun

mannpublications.com

“Evolving over time and keeping in touch with our community of consumers, is what has contributed to Pacsun maintaining its reputation as being at the cutting edge of youth culture,” noted Brieane (Brie) Olson, President at Pacsun. “We are so grateful to be able to open more doors for our community, to provide a premium physical experience within spaces that encompass our brand ethos and be able to integrate our recognized digital efforts for a holistic Pacsun experience.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 27

EXECUTIVE CHANGES

FASHION 411

“Sperry has had an important place in the history of fashion for close to 90 years. I am excited to join this beloved heritage brand and apply my expertise to accelerate sales and elevate the brand perception with existing and new Sperry customers,” said Alalu in a statement.

SPERRY HIRED DANIELLE ALALU TO FILL ITS VP OF SALES ROLE Photo courtesy of Linkedin

Sperry has hired Danielle Alalu to fill its VP of sales role.

Most recently, Alalu, an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, was VP of global wholesale at fitness and lifestyle brand Sweaty Betty. Alalu will report to Sperry global brand president Katherine Cousins.

Danielle Alalu Dorothy Sadd

TOMS TAPPED DOROTHY SADD AS ITS NEW GLOBAL COO AND CFO

Toms has tapped Dorothy Sadd as its new global COO and CFO. Sadd most recently was the CFO/COO at omnichannel fashion brand Unique Vintage. She has also previously served as VP of Europe at VF Corp. and has held senior positions at Adidas, Vans, LVMH and The North Face. Sadd also spent more than a decade at Kurt Salmon, a management consulting firm that specializes in apparel, retail and consumer products.

Photos couresty of TOMS

“Appointing Dorothy as our new COO and CFO was an easy decision for us at Toms,” said Magnus Wedhammar, CEO at Toms in a statement. “She brings 25 years of experience in the footwear and retail industry from finance to logistics to management and is coming in at a pivotal time to continue to grow Toms as a mission driven brand. We are thrilled to have Dorothy join our team.”

Photo courtesy of Mehri Shadman

Under Armour has tapped Mehri Shadman as chief legal officer. The company’s current chief legal officer has decided to retire at the end of 2022 after 16 years of service. Shadman is currently the deputy general counsel, corporate and risk and assistant corporate secretary, who has spent nine years at Under Armour. Before Under Armour, Shadman began her career as an associate at global law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, in its capital markets practice.

UNDER ARMOUR HAS TAPPED MEHRI SHADMAN AS CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Clayton Smith

Mehri Shadman

Twisted X Global Brands has promoted Clayton Smith as senior director of sales. Smith previously served as director of marketing for the brand and held various marketing roles with Justin Brands, Inc prior to joining the Twisted X TWISTED X GLOBAL team. In his new position, Smith will now be responsible for managing Twisted X Global Brands’ western product BRANDS HAS including Twisted X and Black Star. The company said that PROMOTED CLAYTON this promotion is part of its “ongoing commitment to pushSMITH AS SENIOR DIREC- ing the boundaries of innovation” in the western footwear industry.

TOR OF SALES

Photos couresty of Twisted X Global Brands

28 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

“Twisted X has been a leader and innovator in the western category since the brand was founded 17 years ago to offer products for those that live the western lifestyle,” said Smith in a statement. “My goal is to ensure that western is kept at the core of our business to propel us into the next growth chapter.”

mannpublications.com

FASHION 411

FOOTWEAR

U.S BILLIONAIRE NFTS MARKS FIRST YEAR BY LAUNCHING CUSTOM SNEAKERS

U

.S.-based digital and physical marketplace Billionaire NFTs, which mainly offers digital artwork for sale, has introduced custom sneakers for men and women to celebrate its first anniversary (October 1). The company works with investors who want an opportunity to obtain passive income by selling shoes that are available in over 250 styles while showcasing brilliant artwork. The footwear sold on the company’s platform is completely eco-friendly as no animal by-products are used in the production process.

Billionaire NFTs founder, Arthur Palyan uses his skills to help those looking to make it big with their art by transforming artwork or videos into collectible digital and physical pieces.

The company has a considerable presence at OpenSea, the world’s first and largest NFT marketplace.

Investors can purchase the creator’s art to add to their collection or to even sell in the future to earn a profit.

In

In addition to the collectibles and wearables, the company has plans to engage in the ever-evolving world of virtual reality. Billionaire NFTs has projects connected to the metaverse while simultaneously introducing gears available for gaming, avatars and new digital art galleries for enthusiasts to tour and admire artwork.

Photo courtesy of Billionaire NFTs

COLE HAAN’S LATEST COLLAB WITH STREETWEAR PIONEER JEFF STAPLE REIMAGINES THE ØRIGINALGRAND WINGTIP OXFORD

C

ole Haan released the second installment of its Fall collaboration with streetwear phenom Jeff Staple and the next drop in the brand’s “Decade of Defying Convention” series. The new collaboration takes a fresh spin on two of the brand’s groundbreaking styles; the ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford made with patented FlowerFoam and ØriginalGrand Ultra Wingtip Oxford. Nearly ten years ago, Cole Haan pioneered the collision of traditional craftsmanship and performance running technology with the ØriginalGrand Oxford. The latest launch continues to emphasize Cole Haan’s commitment to the evolution of workwear by masterfully fusing elements of revered, well-crafted silhouettes with revolutionary updates that deliver on the needs of the modern world’s office attire.

“The ØriginalGrand Wingtip became one of the most influential shoes of its time,” said David Maddocks, brand president of Cole Haan. “It pioneered the category of hybrid dress footwear. Since then, there have been many followers—however there’s only one Original.”

Engineered for versatility and style, Cole Haan’s line of Grand Products are in a class of their own—with each breakthrough, the brand introduces a direct descendant of the ØriginalGrand. The ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford and the ØriginalGrand Ultra Wingtip Oxford are designed with next-level technology and are the latest products in the ØriginalGrand collection.

The ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford is crafted in a premium high nap suede and contains a remastered outsole, engineered with our patented FlowerFoam outsole compound which is made from a minimum of 25% natural dandelion rubber. It features forefoot and heel rubber pods for added traction and durability, as well as a molded sock liner for added comfort and cushioning.

mannpublications.com

Photo courtesy of Cole Haan

The ØriginalGrand Ultra Wingtip Oxford is also materialized in high nap suede and exhibits a proprietary debossed STAPLE camouflage pattern as well as a dual-density GRANDFØAM midsole to provide exceptional cushioning. An internal stretch knit bootie provides a perfect fit in a 360° sock-like construction for phenomenal comfort while a rubber bottom provides zonal traction and greater durability. Both models feature a STAPLE camouflage print sockliner and an external metallic pigeon branding on the heel, which are synonymous to the STAPLE brand.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 29

212-743-7000

BEAUTY

FASHION 411 NYC MANUFACTURING MOGUL LAUNCHES LUXURY SKINCARE LINE, BALANCÉ

S

ara Hymowitz, New York City fashion manufacturing mogul, launches luxury skincare line, Balancé, to cater to aging skin for those who want to look and feel their best for years to come.

There isn’t a lot that Hymowitz hasn’t done in her 46 years of fashion experience, albeit a luxury skincare line for aging skin being one of them.

She started in the fashion industry in 1977 after graduating from FIT at the age of 19. Several years later, she joined a company called Basic Outlook, and after five years, she brought the sales from $6 million to $30 million. She then moved on to several other companies - exponentially increasing their revenue. Most notably, she started at Great American Sweaters and grew the company to $240 million in revenue in 11 years.

Her upbringing and fearlessness have shaped the woman she is today. Her next venture, Balancé, will help women regain their confidence as they face the inevitability of aging skin.

“Balancé was created with special formulas and the combination of essential ingredients to keep your skin nourished and healthy. Used as an entire day and nighttime routine, the results will achieve the most essential elements in reducing fine lines to give you the ultimate glorious results. Your skin will feel like none before,” Hymowitz said.

Photo courtesy of

BALANCÉ

Balancé is made in the USA and is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free and completely clean.

SALLY BEAUTY HOLDINGS CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE NOW AND EVERY DAY

S

Photo courtesy of Sally Beauty

ally Beauty Holdings, the leader in professional hair color, has an ambitious corporate purpose: to inspire a more colorful, confident and welcoming world. The beauty retailer sells and distributes professional beauty supplies globally through its Sally Beauty and Cosmo Prof businesses. The retailer’s purpose lives in the products it carries, the education it provides, and most importantly, in honoring and supporting its diverse group of consumers and employees. Sally Beauty Holdings is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and supporting the Hispanic community year-round through a holistic approach for both consumers and employees.

Sally Beauty continues to expand its product assortment to reflect consumer needs and support the Hispanic community. The retailer currently carries 17 Hispanic owned or founded brands such as It’s a 10 Haircare, Honey Baby Naturals, Mini Mani Moo, Novex, and Suavecito.

It’s a 10 Haircare Founder Carolyn Aronson shared, “Cosmo Prof was my very first distributor. They believed in our Miracle Leave-In product and brought it to the market. They were the ones who invited It’s a 10 Haircare to the party, and we’ve been dancing with Sally Beauty ever since.”

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, consumers can navigate a landing page dedicated to Hispanic owned or founded products on Sally Beauty’s webpage. This year, the retailer revamped the page to highlight Sally Beauty Holdings associates across its omnichannel shopping experience.

“It’s extremely important to not only support our Hispanic consumer, from professionals to DIYers, but also to support our Hispanic associates, to make sure they feel seen, heard, and encouraged along their career path,” said Gabriel Trujillo, vice president, Consumer Marketing at Sally Beauty Holdings.

To further bring the retailer’s purpose and values to life for associates, Sally Beauty Holdings launched 4 Employee Resource Groups (ERG) in March 2022 (Hispanic, Black, Women, and LGBTQ+) with plans to add additional ERGs in the future. These groups provide

a safe and supportive environment for all associates to offer feedback and ideas, support customer strategies and assist Sally Beauty Holdings with identifying new, innovative approaches.

The Hispanic ERG chapter, Somos SBH, fosters an inclusive environment where Hispanic associates can reach their full potential personally and professionally. The group works with and inspires Hispanic customers and associates, sharing opportunities for success and raising cultural awareness. As of August 2022, 22% of Sally Beauty Holdings associates identify as Hispanic.

“Hispanic culture is a part of who we are. It makes us unique, influences how we behave, what we believe in, how we celebrate and how we live,” shared Trujillo.

Somos SBH secured the retailer’s first partnership with the Hispanic Federation, the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization with a mission to empower and advance the Hispanic community.

“Hispanic Federation (HF) thanks Sally Beauty Holdings for its contribution to CREAR Futuros, HF’s groundbreaking college success initiative which uses peer mentors to provide a community of care to first-generation Latino college students, setting them up for success,” said Brent Wilkes, Hispanic Federation senior vice president for Institutional Development. “It makes perfect sense to honor CREAR Futuros and establish this brand-new partnership as we together celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which highlights the contributions, culture and success of Hispanic/Latino Americans in the U.S. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Sally Beauty Holdings in 2023 and beyond as we together celebrate and empower Latino communities nationwide.”

Photo courtesy of JLo Beauty

32 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

COLLECTIONS

FASHION 411

ZARA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF COLLABORATION WITH GLOBAL MODEL KAIA GERBER

D

uring Paris Fashion Week, supermodel Kaia Gerber debuted her first collection for Zara. The campaign was styled by Karl Templer and shot by French image-maker Fabien Baron. The collection is available on Zara.com as well as at selected stores.

“My starting point for this collaboration with Zara was to ask if it is possible to do a collection that has everything you would ever need in your closet. If you were traveling and packed an entire collection, could it cover every possible need that you had? I think we’ve achieved that,” said Gerber.

Featuring more than 30 pieces, including garments, shoes and accessories, it is a wardrobe of ‘new “classics,”comprising timeless silhouettes and key pieces reworked, remodeled and reimagined to fit the customer of the now. Gerber, who recognized how her style aligns with Zara’s, insisted she wanted to be inclusive when designing this collection with the brand.

“I wasn’t just thinking about myself when designing. I was thinking about my mom, my friends and everyone I see around me. My style is pulled from a lot of different places and I didn’t want to design something that excludes anyone,” Gerber added.

Drawing inspiration from style codes of the 1990s, the collection emits the design confidence that decade was heralded for. Although a muted color palette of grey, navy, white, black and camel takes center stage, a flash of color from the double denim doffs its hat to Americana – with cowboy boots a love letter to the land where Gerber was born and bred.

Photo courtesy of Fabien Baron

The collection also updates the idea of “prettiness” for the 21st century, which is something Gerber was keen to explore. These are “new classics,” but step closer and you’ll see the collection is also a tale of united extremes, of not having to choose between comfort and revealing.

In this collection, sensuality is found in new and unexpected places. An oversized men’s white shirt opens completely at the back, exposing the body from the nape to the bottom of the back. A jet-black satin bralette and cloud-soft silk PJs play off one another. A hero-piece cream silk dress is slit to the top of the thigh, its back falls low and open and delicate straps sit subtly below the shoulders. Another molten offwhite, silk dress offers a long-sleeved and thigh-skimming alternative, with an unusual cut-out detail at the back of the neck. A pair of micro shorts are slashed open on the waistband, emphasizing the top of the hip.

The small of the back is seen through the low-hanging waistbelt of the waxed denim jacket – an updated twist on the era’s minimalist codes.

OPI X PRESS ON PROVIDES A SALON ON THE GO

O

PI, the #1 nail salon brand, introduced new artificial nail, OPI xPRESS/ON, offering professional quality shades, artistry and innovative effects available anytime, anywhere. With OPI xPRESS/ON, iconic color, trendsetting designs and a flawless gel-like salon manicure are right at consumers’ fingertips.

OPI xPRESS/ON launched exclusively at ULTA Beauty and includes 33 press-on gel-like salon manicure looks with 14-days of wear to instantly xPRESS. Fans can get all pressed up with 15 iconic OPI shades such as Alpine Snow, Cajun Shrimp and Big Apple Red; six innovative salon-inspired effects like holographic shimmers or glazed finish; and eight professional nail art designs including several French manicure styles. It’s like having a salon on the go!

OPI xPRESS/ON is vegan, with zero animal-derived ingredients, and the nails and packaging are made with 94% and 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. The nails are also reusable, and packaging is responsibly and sustainably sourced. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) carton is printed with soy ink and can be recycled.

Photo courtesy of OPI

“As the #1 nail salon brand globally, we have the professional quality, color and innovation that consumers know and trust,” shares OPI co-founder and brand ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “With the debut collection of press-on nails, fans can select among 33 looks with a flawless finish, instantly.

You can change your look to match the moment, even on the go, whether doing a presentation at work or going out for a night with friends.”

Each OPI xPRESS/ON set includes 30 professional quality nails, super hold glue, a cuticle tool and a file. To apply, use the quick and easy four-step process: fit, shape, prep and xPress.

OPI xPRESS/ON offers 14-days of gel-like manicure wear.

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 33

34 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

years of natori NATORI.COM mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 35

36 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com Photos courtesy of Collecto

COLLECTO LAUNCHES FASHION DESIGNER JOHANNA ORTIZ’S FIRST HOME COLLECTION BY ANDREA MOREINIS OF HAUTE RESIDENCE

An exclusive resource for curated tableware and home decor brand, Collecto is the destination for fashion designer Johanna Ortiz’s fi rst home collection. The edit includes plates, woven baskets and placemats, linens, and napkins marked with her signature motifs of palm trees and tassels.

The collection, named Entre Rios, encompasses the Latin American roots of the fashion-turned-tabletop designer and is all made in her hometown in Colombia. The details include hand-painted quartz plates, wooden birds, and blown glassware, which are all from different regions of the country.

Federika Longinotti Buiton, founder of Collecto, said, “I immediately fell in love with it – the feminine ruffles, the vibrant colors, the fabulous prints. It deeply embraced that Latin flair that I adore, and I am thrilled to bring her new table-

mannpublications.com

ware collection to Collecto.”

Known for her beautiful fashions that channel exotic elements into ethereal silhouettes, Ortiz puts the same bohemian influence into her debut collection of tableware, available through Collecto. Designed to seamlessly mix and match with her debut collection, the second tabletop by Colombia’s expert in barefoot glamour is once again woven with the beauty of her lush surroundings.

From squirrel monkeys and other playful motifs culled from the Amazon’s rainforest to Iraca palm placemats hand-spun by the local sisterhood “Las Juanas,” table linens embroidered with ikat and suzani archival prints, and the debut of the straw-like tetera palm,. Overall, the collection is a stunning ode to Latin America and its rich artisanal heritage.

Ortiz’s love of fashion arrived from her passion

for interiors, which is obvious in both her clothing creations—she is well known for her pattern choices and often sources fabrics from vintage textiles—and her Cartagena vacation home of 13 years. Born and based in Cali, Colombia, an hour-and-a-half fl ight away from Caratgena, she grew up around her mother’s reams of fabrics.

Her mother was a decorator herself. Even today, Ortiz always starts her collections by selecting materials like floral Italian silk prior to transforming them into her signature fl irty silhouettes.

The collection launched this summer and arrived just in time for holiday entertaining. It is also a unique and vibrant setting for wedding registries.

To keep up with Ortiz, follow her on Instagram at @johannaortizofficial.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 37

100 Sutton Studios Join us on Dec. 10th for an introduction to our venue, 20,000sf Event Space and Photo Studios with a 70 Seat Movie Theater, where luxury brands, high end photo shoots, and cutting edge art collide.

Communal Areas

Event Space

Cyclorama 3 Walls

Photo Studios

Movie Theater Please Contact us at info@100Suttonstudios.com

Cyclorama 2 Walls

Fashion and Art 100 Sutton St, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn 11222

Grand Opening / Holiday Party

Join us for our Holiday Gathering and introduction to our venue, 100

Sutton!

Our luxury venue, studios, and stages are available for your special events, photo & video productions, and showroom installations.

Conveniently located in historic Greenpoint , 100 Sutton is curated to a creative atmosphere that suits all your social gathering and production needs

The magic will start December 10th. We’re gathering renowned artists, celebrities, and professionals from the fashion and music industries to join us for the opening.

Doors open at 5 pm and just 5 minutes by car from NYC Midtown Tunnel, come see where multiple disciplines collide; luxury brands, highend photo shoots, and cutting-edge art.

100 Sutton St, Brooklyn, NY Contact us at info@100suttonstudios.com to request your invitation. We are waiting to welcome you with open arms!

We are looking forward to meeting you. www.100suttonstudios.com

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 41

DREAMING OF SUN DAYS, HELEN OWEN LAUNCHES A SWIMWEAR LINE

BY DANIELLA PLATT

Photos courtesy of Helen Owen

FEATURES

The splendor of travel has made a full return and Summer Solstice was the marker for longer days to glory in the sun. Perhaps a magical escape to soft sand beaches in Hawaii, crystal waters in the Caribbean, or strolling the coast of Italy coupled with your favorite swimsuits are in the cards this summer. The options are endless when shopping for alluring swimsuits and could be the perfect way to bring sunshine into your life.

Swimwear designer and confidence catalyst Cat Oshman’s quest for beach and poolside excellence led her to Helen Owen, a digital content creator, designer and fashion powerhouse who travels all over the globe to jaw-dropping destinations and a lifestyle we can all dream about.

making her profile top on every millennial’s list. Together with her boyfriend, Zack Kalter, famously known for his appearances in The Bachelorette and The Bachelor in Paradise, they have become content experts for travel advice, fashion, lifestyle, and photography. As they have expanded their audience, they have collaborated with some of the most recognizable companies in the world. As a result of Helen’s strong community, she has launched successful partnerships with brands such as Bloomingdale’s private label AQUA, PilyQ + Revolve, Sonya Dakar, and her most recent collection with the dinnerware line, Fable.

Helen has also partnered with FEAT on a custom tie-dye sweat set, which embodied her favorite design, and colors and engaged her audience throughout the process.

With her iconic beauty and girl-next-door image, she is the go-to girl for everything fashion, fitness, and travel. She is relatable, honest, and engaging, capturing the attention of consumers and brands. Helen’s content is shot in some of the most exotic locations,

In 2021 Helen launched her own clothing company called HEROWN, a play on her full name and celebration of finally owning her brand and will be dropping her second swim collection in the summer of 2022. If daring, hi-cut silhouettes are on your wish list

mannpublications.com

HEROWN has chic designs perfect for every photo op and attention-grabbing moment.

“For HEROWN 2.0 I wanted to lean into fun, expressive prints while keeping the classic HEROWN styles from the first collection that the community loved. We made a few tweaks to improve the designs on a few of the favorites from the first collection, we added an entirely new style, and then we had a LOT of fun with print designs,” said Helen Owen. “When we were designing prints, we found a fun way to give a nod to some of the iconic prints from the first drop in a unique patchwork pattern. The pattern encompasses prints from both the first collection and the current one, which is a beautiful way to tie everything together. I love that this collection is amplified with exciting prints on silhouettes that are simple and classic.”

You can find Owen on Instagram @helenowen and @itsherown. Swimwear is sold exclusively on www.thmbl.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 43

FEATURES

LILYSILK Wins Muse Design Awards for Crossover Collection with Japanese Artist Mika Ninagawa Photos courtesy of LILYSILK

L

ILYSILK, the world’s leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacular and sustainable lives, won the 2022 Muse Design Awards as Gold Winner in the Fashion Design category featuring recycle and sustainable fashion with its latest limited edition LILYSILK X MIKA NINAGAWA, a crossover collection launched in August 2022.

The Muse Design Awards is a world-renowned competition for designers whose craftsmanship shift paradigms. LILYSILK’s winning collection is a remarkable collaboration with famous Japanese artist Mika Ninagawa and has been most well received with its shirts and bedding that come with Lily prints. As a Recycle and Sustainable Fashion Gold Win-

44 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

ner, LILYSILK’s partnership with waste management company TerraCycle, offers a free and easy way to recycle non-donatable silk products and has received wide praise since launched.

Available in North America and Western Europe, the collection was half a year in the making. The new silk series include shirts, pajamas, bedding and accessories with fi ve unique prints, such as Dahlia Rose, Lisianthus Hydrangea and Plum Blossom.

The shirts of the new collection share the same model as LILYSILK’s well-received starstyle product — the SOS shirt. With its elegant design the shirt gives a unique and aesthetic touch to customers’ daily styling and is a great fit for all outdoor and indoor activities.

Ninagawa , a creative and expressive artist, has been dedicated to documenting fleeting beauty and converting it into a universal presence. Her fondness for flowers makes the collaboration a natural move. As a well-established fi lmmaker and photographer, Ninagawa has been capturing subtle moments of all things flowers, which shines through her work.

The lily was the connection between the artist and LILYSILK. “We’re honored to be recognized by the prestigious Muse Design Awards, and we’ll keep exploring more possibilities of how flowers can enrich our daily style through this new collaboration,” said David Wang, chief executive offi cer of LILYSILK. “We hope to bring in a sense of freshness and gracefulness with Mika’s aesthetics to our premium silk products.”

mannpublications.com

COVER FEATURE

Nya Gatbel

REDUCING THE RUNWAY’S STIGMAS

BY AIDA M. TORO Photography by David Oludele

“This is not an easy industry to be in, so I’ve had my fair share of challenges,” stated Nya Gatbel. “Starting so young, I was forced to mature incredibly fast, which was hard because I left my friends and family and experienced being alone overseas.”

Gatbel is a New York City-based model known as high fashion’s “it girl”, as she’s graced the runways and starred in campaigns for some of the world’s top designers and brands. She was born in Ethiopia, followed by migrating to Calgary, Cana-

46 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

da at the tender age of one. Gatbel was discovered by Antonija Klotz of Nobles Management at the age of 16 due to her older sister putting a word in for her regarding her interest in modeling. During this time, Gatbel was working at a local smoothie shop in Calgary to earn income to pay for college.

“It was all a fluke,” said Gatbel in regards to being scouted for modeling. “My older sister was originally scouted by Antonija at the mall, but she wasn’t interested in pursuing modeling.”

As Gatbel was already signed with Nobles Management and had Klotz as her agent, she packed her bags and fled to Europe. In Europe, she spent time modeling between Milan and Paris. In Paris, she had the pleasure to walk for designer Guy Laroche and prominent labels INGIE Paris and Comme des Garçons. While in Milan, Gatbel modeled for Italian Fashion house Giorgio Armani and walked in the Armani Prive runway show.

During the beginning of the global pandemic, she flew into the states and spent mannpublications.com

COVER FEATURE

mannpublications.com

LaQuan Show NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022SmithFM | 47

Christopher John Rogers

48 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

COVER FEATURE

“The constant rejection we face as models is also tough, however, I’ve learned over the years to not take things too serious or personal, to always focus and be appreciative of what I have rather than what I don’t have.”

— Nya Gatbel

time in New York, which she thought would be the perfect change in scenery in terms of her home base to commence a new chapter of her life.

“I vividly remember watching the movie “Home Alone 2” as a child and being mesmerized by how scenic New York was in the winter time,” expressed Gatbel about the Big Apple. “It was around that time that I had my heart set on living in New York one day…I didn’t know how or when I would make it happen, but I would.”

Currently, she is spotted as the face of Banana Republic’s “A Collector’s Dream’’ campaign, a campaign that took place in the South of Italy featuring elevated essentials such as printed silk dresses, cashmere knitwear, and cargo-style pants.

“All of the travelings I’ve done with Banana Republic have given me some amazing experiences, as I’ve been to Venice, Iceland, Puglia, Antigua, Morocco, and England to shoot the campaigns with the team,” said Gatbel.

In addition, Gatbel has walked in shows

mannpublications.com

for Laquan Smith, Christopher John Rogers, Balmain, and Christian Siriano, among others recently. Although Gatbel has experienced triumphs throughout her modeling career, she’s also overcome obstacles along the way. She mentioned modeling wasn’t an easy industry to work in, especially when starting at such a young age as she did. When she began her modeling career, Gatbel was forced to gain a sense of maturity rather quickly, left family and friends behind, and lived alone overseas.

“The constant rejection we face as models is also tough, however, I’ve learned over the years to not take things too serious or personal, to always focus and be appreciative of what I have rather than what I don’t have,” she expressed.

best self-confidence, so it affected me when I’d be told jokes about my skin color, height, weight, and more.”

The model realized that these comments which made her insecure were simply things she couldn’t change about herself. She figured if she didn’t learn to be comfortable in her skin, then she’d be miserable for life.

Gatbel believes the fashion industry could improve mental health practices in a variety of ways. She stated it all starts with the agencies, as they should take responsibility to offer support and encouragement to the people they represent. Gatbel also mentioned agencies should remind their talent that their selfworth is not based on what they do or the jobs they book.

Gatbel also mentioned that her passion for mental health stems from the battles she’s personally faced. With that said, she believes the stigma around mental illness and receiving mental help remains.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have such a supportive team around me,” she said. “In the future, I’d love to work with some of the charities that are working to put an end to the mental health stigma.”

“One of the toughest battles I’ve faced is bullying throughout my school days,” said Gatbel. “I already didn’t have the

To keep up with Gatbel and her latest projects, follow her on Instagram at @ ngatbel.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 49

VISION has become

Availabilities from 12,712 RSF - 30,289 RSF Bold New Entrances & Retail Storefronts New Turnstiles for Touchless Entry Newly Renovated Lobby with Sleek Modern Design State-of-the-Art Facial Recognition at Select Turnstiles New Grab & Go Coffee Shop & Lounge Area New Touchless Destination Dispatch Elevators to Maximize Service Experience the Transformation as it Unfolds Peter S. Duncan I 212.481.1137 I pduncan@gcomfort.com Matt Coudert I 212.542.2121 I mcoudert@gcomfort.com Andrew F. Conrad I 212.542.2101 I aconrad@gcomfort.com

Creative Financing Solutions to Keep Your Apparel Business Moving Don’t let supply chain disruptions slow you down. Accelerate your access to reliable working capital with our fast decisions and customized solutions.

Asset Based Revolvers

Inventory Purchase Facilities

Factoring and Invoice Discounting

Structured Sale of Receivables

whiteoaksf.com/commercialfinance info@whiteoakcf.com

52 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

FEATURES

ALEXIS BITTAR DONATES SALES & RAISES AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Photo courtesy of Alexis Bittar

Alexis Bittar is the leading accessories designer of our time. The designer’s signature avant-guard designs have garnered him many accolades, including CFDA Designer of The Year. For over 30 years, Bittar has been the ‘go to’ accessories designer for fearless trailblazers with the likes of Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Meghan Markle, Meghan Thee Stallion and Karlie Kloss, all choosing to repeatedly wear his pieces. Bittar has collaborated with some of the biggest Fashion Houses in the Industry such as Burberry, Michael Kors and Jeremy Scott. In 2015, Bittar stepped away from his namesake brand to focus on raising his twins and his philanthropic work.

However, he soon returned, buying his company back from Brooks Brothers in 2021. Bittar’s re-entrance to the fashion arena is marked by a commitment to inclusivity and celebrating the differences that make us all unique.

To jump-start the conversation, Bittar created this brave portrait campaign of seven extraordinary women to raise awareness. To raise lifesaving funds, the designer donated 50% of every dollar spent in each of his most recently opened boutiques and his website for 48 hours from October 19 to October 20.

At the age of ten, Bittar’s mother, then in her early 30s, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. He recalls how she physically dealt with this. As arthritis expanded throughout her body, she slowly became bedridden - and Bittar became acutely aware of how people responded to her disability.

“Ericka amazed me as a person and activist,” he said. “She’s super strong, powerful and the epitome of someone who owns her body and strength. It’s unapologetic, the strength of the recovery.”

Bittar witnessed his mother’s issues with being visible in society and the shame that centered around her disfigurement in public. This foundational upbringing shaped how he viewed beauty, femininity and the need to create a space for women to embrace their reality, void of shame and rejection of the current ‘Instagram perfectionism’.

“I have always been interested in creating space for women to have discussions on the reality and not projecting a perfect curated image of life. I always find it way more interesting and real,” said Bittar.

“In this project, I wanted to delve into the topic of breast cancer and recovery. Tackling the taboo and shame many women feel post procedures by showing a range of women who are dressed up in their taste as well as the revealing of their beautiful bodies.”

mannpublications.com

Last year, Bittar reacquired his namesake brand, buying it back from Brooks Brothers. He then went about relaunching the accessories empire he had originally established during the 1990s. He chose Ericka Hart, the activist, educator and professed “cancer warrior” to be one of the faces of his Fall 21’ relaunch. Hart was photographed

by Amber Pinkerton and was featured in a compelling yet striking relaunch campaign, wearing only an Alexis Bittar necklace, proudly showing her double mastectomy.

This October, addressing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bittar felt it pertinent to take his own formative experience as well as his encounter with Hart to further the important conversation. Knowing that breast cancer affects approximately 12.9% of women and having had first-hand experience with friends who have had breast cancer, Bittar felt it was important to further conversations that tackle not only the trauma but also remove the stigma and the challenges women face loving their bodies post-treatment.

“Showing the various women in a place of strength, creating and sharing that information is critical to societal growth” stated Bittar.

The seven women featured in this series of portraits bravely share their stories. Some are women Bittar knows personally and others he recently came to meet through LBBC a nationwide charity focused on supporting women and families affected by breast cancer.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 53

FEATURES

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 55

FEATURES

SCULPTURE FOR THE BODY; AMULETS FOR THE SOUL

BY PENELOPE HERRERA Photos courtesy of Susan Lenart

A

s humans, two of the most important things we feel, need and yearn for are connections and self expression. When connecting, it may be with people, however, it can also be with something specific we are drawn to. With self expression, we seek to make statements such as “this is me,” “this is what I align with,” “this is how I feel” or “this is how this makes me feel.” Objects are the unifying factor that allow you to feel both connections and self expression, which jewelry dating back to the B.C. era confirms. Jeweler Susan Lenart, has been able to craft pieces that align with these needs through her travels from Southeast Asia to Croatia.

the indicated purpose for their choices such as the value people would place on lucky or sacred keepsake items. Her passion arrived from the study of history and how people have used symbology, meaning to the shapes and figures and talisman which is what she still adores to this day about jewelry. Lenart desired to create her own jewelry inspired by objects she had seen throughout her travels.

Over the years, Lenart found a way to truly incorporate history, art, tradition and culture into her crafted pieces. She uses highly charged gemstones with particular techniques to create jewelry that summons the beauty of ancient ethnographic ornament from India, Africa and Asia. Her jewelry is exotically rich in color and texture, intricately worked and talismanic. The alchemy that results is unique to each individual who wears her jewelry. She has patented her work and has five words she works from to ensure that her expression seeps through her craft: Freedom, Inspirational, Beautiful, Spiritual and Nomadic.

After creating numerous pieces of jewelry, Lenart noticed that her work looked like industrial spiritualism. She stated that, “When people really build as a creative from the heart, we really can put our own symbology into our work.”

Lenart’s blood has always exuded expressionism. She was trained at the Art Institute of Chicago, and upon finishing school, with hopes to find her next move in life, her journey in the jewelry world began. She began traveling, falling in love with anthropology, staying in villages in her early twenties and realizing the strength of symbolism in cultures including Thailand, India, Guatemala, as well as her own. She began to notice and became interested in what people would love to wear and

Lenart explained how she had a company called Len Art Collections when she first started creating pieces. She sold to Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Henry Bendel and other similar stores.

56 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

“I don’t want to do cultural appropriation as an American,” said Lenert.

She then asked herself, “What would I build for my own pieces that would make me feel good or powerful?”

She believes her pieces to be amulets for the soul. Lenart stated that when she’s working on pieces, she does a lot of hard work to make sure that she’s herself and that she can build in this specific way.

“I like using my own shapes. For instance, I can feel myself moving into the arrow,” she said.

“It’s like everything I did had the sharpest point and I felt like it was really a reflection of the way my life was moving. Everything had these pointed shapes and I couldn’t make a circle shape to save my life. So I find what I’m work-

ing through are the shapes that come out of me for my work.”

Across cultures you can come across many things that consist of the same meaning.

Through her travels, Lenart discovered the core of everything either arrived from spirituality or religion with different cultures reinterpreting it to make it their own. With her pieces, particularly the talisman work, Lenart learned how all of these countries and cultures, whether it’s a different word, symbol or lucky charm, the evoked can all be put into a talisman.

She said, “It really is about qualities that you want to bring into your life, so it really is about embedding vibrations.”

Having received many accolades throughout the years for the pieces she’s created, one of the many things Lenart has been able to accomplish is having her work featured in museums. She mentioned she created pieces based on who will wear them when it comes to museum exhibits. She believes that she was trained as an artist who loves power and really hopes that the power of a piece comes through.

As far as the future goes, Lenart is planning to host workshops in Morocco and tour. When speaking of Morocco, she expressed the magic breathing in the country.

“You know, it’s not all over the internet. It’s not super techy right now, however, it’s just so natural and beautiful,” she said. “We will go all the way deep into the Sahara Desert building jewelry and you can’t be influenced by the rest of the world. It has to come from yourself.”

To keep up with Lenart, you can visit SUSANLENART.COM. To shop her latest collection, visit JEWELSOFTHENOMAD.COM

mannpublications.com

FEATURES

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 57

BHLDN ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION WITH CARLY CUSHNIE Photos courtesy of BHLDN

FEATURES

BHLDN, Anthropologie’s thoughtfully curated wedding brand, launched its exclusive collection with renowned designer Carly Cushnie.

The BHLDN x Carly Cushnie collaboration is an artful collection designed for the modern customer, exuding a mix of contemporary femininity that is both sensual and sophisticated.

Comprised of bridal gowns, reception dresses, and occasion looks, the designer infused her eclectic style into every look. Through Cushnie’s signature tailoring and flattering drapery, the pieces in this collection present the same luxury that she has continually offered her loyal fans.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Carly on this

mannpublications.com

collection and to unveil these remarkable new styles to our BHLDN brides,” says Lori Conley, BHLDN’s General Merchandising Manager. “At BHLDN, we are continually looking for new and innovative ways to surprise, delight, and inspire our customers, and through this collaboration, we are excited to offer fresh new silhouettes, incredible fabrics, and top-of-the-line quality.

Each piece combines BHLDN’s special touch with Carly’s distinctive style, and the result is an elevated, sleek, soft bridal collection.”

“I am ecstatic to partner with BHLDN to create this gorgeous collection for today’s modern bride,” said Cushnie. “I have always admired how BHLDN offers incredibly beautiful bridal

and occasion dresses that have that one-of-akind feel, but at approachable prices. They have such a great understanding of their customer and were incredibly supportive of my vision to create a collection of dresses to offer a variety of options for different types of weddings and events. I can’t wait to see all the Carly Cushnie x BHLDN brides.”

Styles in this exclusive collection include wedding gowns, occasion dresses, and a separate set, which will be sold exclusively at BHLDN boutiques nationwide and Anthropologie.com.

All pieces will be available in sizes 0 through 18 and priced from $398 to $1,400.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 59

Be the FIRST to Know

By Signing up for our exclusive newswires.

Email Penelope to sign-up: pherrera@mannpublications.com Fashion Mannuscript Our weekly behind-the-scenes recap of the fashion industry, featuring the most important fashion-related news emerging in the fashion scene.

Hospitality Breaking news updates on the most recent hotel industry news, restaurant openings and so much more.

Mann Report Start the week off right with our Mann Report newswires that feature the top summary of NYC’s commercial real estate headlines and deals.

Fashion Mannuscript - Footwear Stay ahead of the curve with weekly updates on the ever-evolving footwear industry.

Management Stay tuned every Tuesday for updates and informative briefs on NYC business headlines and news.

FM X Accessories Delivering the most updated stories on all things accessories.

Residential A weekly newswire that features the most updated coverage on the real estate industry and events.

Mann About Town Our weekly newsletter that merges the fashion, real estate and philantrhopy worlds to deliver cutting edge content beyond the New York state.

Agents of Tech Where real estate and technology intersect.

Our weekly updates on the cutting-edge, ever-growing technology.

Mann About Town - Travel & Leisure An extension from our Mann About Town Newswire that highlights exclusive content in travel and leisure.

Mann About Town - Wellness & Beauty Stay tuned with today’s trends in the health and beauty industry. Whether it is makeup or skincare, we got you covered.

Tech Tailor Stay plugged in to the top information and news regarding technology in the fashion industry.

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

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.

62 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

FEATURES

AEO INC. BUILDS ON AERIE’S LONG HISTORY OF PROMOTING WOMEN’S CONFIDENCE & INCLUSIVITY

BY AIDA M. TORO Photo courtesy of AEO

Building on Aerie’s strong history of supporting causes that are important to its customers and communities, and in celebration of International Day of the Girl, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc and Aerie announced the launch of the Aerie Real Foundation.

The foundation’s mission is to build confidence in women, foster an inclusive community and protect our planet to make the world a better place. By formalizing Aerie’s philanthropic efforts and expanding on the brand’s decades-long history of donating to national nonprofit organizations, the Aerie Real Foundation is investing in making the world a more positive place by providing grants for regional programs and offering educational opportunities to bring local communities together.

Grant, receiving $100,000 to fund its Campus Warriors program on more than 70 college campuses across the country during the 2022–2023 school year.

Support from the Aerie Real Foundation will assist the program in enhancing the Body Project Experience initiative by providing training for warriors to facilitate these life-changing workshops on their campuses.

“Aerie has been supporting causes and organizations that promote women’s confidence and encouraging all women to love their authentic selves for nearly a decade through the #AerieREAL movement,” said Jen Foyle, President, Executive Creative Director of AE & Aerie. “The Aerie Real Foundation expands upon our mission to support body confidence, foster an inclusive community and help protect the planet to make the world a better place.”

• To make a huge impact in local communities, the Aerie Real Foundation will soon begin issuing Aerie Real Change Community Grants of up to $10,000 each to grassroots programs whose missions align with the foundation’s pillars: confidence, inclusion and sustainability. Nonprofits can visit www.aerierealfoundation.org to apply for a grant.

Foyle continued by stating that the new foundation formalizes the company’s philanthropic efforts and helps with providing organizations whose missions align with theirs with the resources they need to make a lasting impact in their communities and make the world a more positive place for generations to come.

How the Aerie Real Foundation Is Giving Back to its Customers and Communities • The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a long-established partner of Aerie and will be the fi rst recipient of an Aerie Real Change Signature

mannpublications.com

• Two additional $100,000 grantees will be announced for holiday 2022 and spring 2023.

• Starting November 2 through November 13, Aerie will donate $2 for every transaction made using an Aerie credit card to the Aerie Real Foundation, up to $100,000.

• Aerie is also partnering with Wondermind, a new mental fitness platform, to build confidence and mental well-being among members of both the Aerie and Wondermind communities. Today, in celebration of International Day of the Girl, the two organizations are hosting a “REAL Talk” event at the Aerie Soho store in New York City, where Wondermind Co-Founder and Co-CEO Daniella Pierson will interview a panel of influential women. The Aerie x Wondermind partnership will also see the creation of a content series called “Mind, Body, REAL Talk” that will include newsletters, interviews with featured guests, such as gold medal gymnast and Aerie partner Aly Raisman, and mental health tools and resources.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 63

E V E RY S T E P I S A WO R K O F A R T

w w w. Lo ri Si l ve rm a n S h o e s .co m @ Lo ri Si l ve rm a n S h o e s

Bringing you the latest breakthroughs in software, I.T. and fashion technology. From creative solutions to insights from experts, we are the source for all things fashion tech.

THE FASHION MANNUSCRIPT PRESENTS:

TECHWEAR

TECHFEATURES

LIVERPOOL FC AND META COLLABORATE TO CREATE LFC DIGITAL APPAREL Photo courtesy of Liverpool FC

66 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

TECHFEATURES

LIVERPOOL FC HAS BECOME THE FIRST PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB TO LAUNCH ITS VERY OWN VIRTUAL MERCHANDISE ON THE META AVATARS STORE.

R

eds fans can now customize their own digital avatars in official club colors with this unique collection on Meta’s platforms, which include Facebook and Instagram.

Supporters have the options of digitally decking out their avatars in the bold, no-nonsense home kit or the iridescent, multi-colored away strip from the 2022-23 season, as well as LFC’s own-label lifestyle collection.

The Meta Avatars Store features digital outfits from global brands offering a unique way to create a digital version of yourself and express your personality online.

Drew Crisp, SVP for digital at Liverpool Football Club, said, “We’re incredibly excited to be the first Premier League club with our own Meta Avatars.

This is another fantastic opportunity for our global fanbase to digitally engage with Liverpool Football Club and create their own individual club-colored avatars.”

Crisp continued, “Having a digital connection to the club that our fans adore – whether they’re here, near or far – is so important and helps to bring our global family closer together when physical connections aren’t always possible.”

“We have more than 70 million global supporters following our Facebook and Instagram channels, and we’re really looking forward to seeing many of those avatars change and don our iconic kit or lifestyle apparel,” he continued.

The debut collection of LFC digital apparel can be purchased in the Meta Avatars Store on Facebook and Instagram in the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Thailand, as well as in Spain, Italy and the U.K, where Meta recently introduced its Meta Avatars Store.

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 67

68 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

READY FOR A CAREER IN NEW YORK REAL ESTATE ?

New York Real Estate Center is your home for salesperson and broker licensing courses.

LICENSING COURSES 75 HOUR NEW YORK SALESPERSON COURSE: $489.00 40 HOUR NEW YORK REAL ESTATE BROKER: $449.00 30 HOUR NEW YORK REAL ESTATE – REMEDIAL: $249.00

PACKAGES BROKER LICENSING – BROKER & REMEDIAL (75 HOURS): $599.00 SALESPERSON LICENSING – COMPLETE PACKAGE: $529.00 (COURSE & COMPUCRAM EXAM PREP)

www.nyrecenter.com

TECHFEATURES

70 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

TECHFEATURES

YOURFIT VIRTUAL FITTING ROOM LOWERS RETURN RATES BY 47% AIDA M. TORO & LAURIE MELCHIONNE Photo courtesy of 3DLOOK

3

DLOOK, the global leader in AI-first mobile body measuring and virtual try-on solutions, attained a 47% lower return rate for size-related reasons in a six-months case study in partnership with internet-famous swimwear brand TA3 SWIM. The brand, known for its best-selling sculpting swimsuits, rolled out 3DLOOK’s size recommendations to reduce a high number of size-related returns and offer a seamless online shopping experience. With fit issues contributing to 38% of all apparel returns, TA3 Swim’s need for a solution was further exacerbated by the use of compression fabrics that hug close in order to smooth and sculpt the body, making it crucial to get each customer in their best size.

“Having spent 30 years across the fashion, retail, manufacturing and technology sectors, I witnessed first-hand the rise of fast fashion and the resulting consequences: mass production, vast emissions and mountains of waste,” said Whitney Cathcart, co-founder and chief commercial officer at 3DLOOK when discussing the inspiration behind the service. “I always felt there must be a better way to provide customers with products that fit well and look good on their bodies and the emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence and 3D offered that solution.”

Following a 6-months case study, the brand has

mannpublications.com

seen a record-low return rate for size-related reasons of 9% when YourFit is used, which is 47% lower than the overall website and 76% lower than the market average. On average, 46% of customers using YourFit are converting to purchase, with 80% choosing to purchase the YourFit recommended size. Furthermore, when the recommended size is not selected initially, 45% of customers will make a return and request an exchange for YourFit’s originally recommended size. Likewise, with YourFit, the brand is experiencing only a 2% rate with bracketing-related returns, as providing size recommendations for shoppers eliminates the need to purchase multiple sizes and return the ones that don’t fit.

“What good is shapewear if it doesn’t fit right?

Sizing charts don’t work because most shoppers don’t know their measurements — and they shouldn’t be expected to do the legwork anyway,” said Leila Shams, founder and CEO of TA3 SWIM. “With YourFit, our customers can now snap two photos and receive a reliable recommendation instantly. Size-related and bracketing-related returns were our biggest struggle. However, offering support in all the right places, YourFit has worked wonders on TA3 SWIM’s return rate.”

“Apparel returns attributed to bracketing and size-related issues make up for half of all returns, and poor fit experience has more consequences than one might think,” continued Cathcart. “In

addition to eating into profit margins and damaging the planet with unnecessary emissions, poor fit experience is likely to put an end to your consumer relationship as an unhappy customer will not come back to buy more. The recent case study with TA3 SWIM shows that truly sustainable practices are achievable, benefitting the customer, the brands and the planet.”

Six years in the making, YourFit is also the culmination of the fashion industry’s growing relationship with the online market. Cathcart knew she had to cater to customers seeking tailored sizing in the digital sphere.

“The customer feedback was critical to us to iterate on our product and add complex features like real-time pose detection which allows our product to correct a pose in real-time ensuring that we create accurate 3D models and measurements that are the foundation for YourFit,” explained Cathcart.

To use YourFit and get instant size recommendations, customers can simply choose a style and click the “Find my Size” button. Voice-guided through a mobile-based scanning process, they snap two photos, and YourFit by 3DLOOK calculates the best size option based on their unique body measurements. Completed within 60 seconds, customer data is safe and secure to preserve the privacy of TA3 Swim’s.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 71

TECHFEATURES

NEW APP TO STEM FASHION SECTOR STRESS

BY MERILEE A. KERN, MBA Photos courtesy of Pulse by Fierce

Pulse workplace wellness app aims to stem staff stress, combat toxic culture and improve employee wellbeing while helping companies combat the billions lost annually.

TECHFEATURES Stress is undermining fashion workplace well-being.

Just one Google search of “fashion industry occupational stress” or “mental health within the fashion industry” and the pervasiveness of the issue becomes well apparent. Some reports assert that fashion industry employees suffer greater stress than those in other industries. As recently reported by the World Economic Forum amid Gallup’s annual State of the Global Workplace report, stress-compromised mental health is causing workers around the world to feel “stressed and disengaged,” also noting that “work-life balance is becoming blurred.” These and other such study findings further reinforce calls for fashion sector employers to rethink their approach to workers’ well-being.

Wall Street Journal best seller.

On the heels of its artificial intelligence (AI), Metaverse and interactive 3D virtual employee training and simulation deployments, global leadership development and training company Fierce, Inc. is again changing the way people communicate with each other and address workplace stress. This time via the visionary company’s new Pulse app poised to refine—and redefine—workplace culture, while also notably boosting bottom lines.

With the ability to demonstrate double-digit reductions in stress and anxiety, as well as improved resilience levels, Pulse is designed to address the stressors today’s pressure-laden business climate is causing on the industry’s collective staff psyche.

• • • •

The Problem “Beyond the increasingly tumultuous economics, politics, supply chain and other macro issues, companies and their employees are grappling with handheld technologies. Better equipped home, remote and on-site offices have made people more readily accessible—all resulting in greater demands for work participation and productivity,” notes Dr. Gabe De La Rosa, chief behavioral science officer for Fierce Inc. “Uptime or ‘on time’ expectations are contributing to higher stress levels as downtime—that is the time to relax, enjoy family and friends and explore hobbies that might help to moderate those stress levels—continues to shrink. The toll for that is being paid on multiple fronts—emotional, psychological, physical, operational and fiscal.”

It has been well-proven that workplace stress severely undermines productivity, efficiency and morale. Now, in the post-pandemic era, employees are struggling that much more. Companies in general struggle to adapt to and aptly address employees’ changing needs. In this vicious cycle, hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue is being lost—a situation that’s avoidable if duly addressed. One notable cost-of-illness study estimated that “the cost of work-related stress ranged from U.S. $221 million to upward of U.S. $187 billion...” A more inclusive analysis conducted by the American Institute of Stress found that after including factors such as absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, increased medical costs and increased legal costs, the total economic impact of stress to U.S. employers was estimated at $300 billion.

The Solution For 20 years, Fierce has been challenging companies and those who lead them to have the kind of dialogue that drives cultures of transparency—a philosophy that prompted Fierce founder Susan Scott’s first book, “Fierce Conversations,” to sell more than 800,000 copies while propelling her second book, “Fierce Leadership,” to become a New York Times, USA Today and

mannpublications.com

Today, Fierce, Inc. CEO Ed Beltran and Dr. De La Rosa have parlayed the idea that “the conversation is the culture” to develop the ground-breaking Pulse app—a technological solution affectionately coined “The Fitbit of Corporate America.” It’s in that spirit Pulse strives to build a mentally fit workforce and shore up financial fitness in kind.

Early data from the Pulse app, which is now available for early registration ahead of its official September launch, has demonstrated multiple staggering results, including: 14% decrease in anxiety 10% decrease in stress 8% decrease in burnout 11% increase in resilience

Pulse uses Stress and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to objectively measure stress. It categorizes stress and ties it to specific times and events, which allows the user to decipher and identify their true causes. Beltran underscores the value of this approach, noting, “The app pinpoints stressors and can help both the individual and the company identify if it was triggered due to something in the employee’s personal life, a temporary intense workplace assignment or more macro company issues like identifying signs of a toxic workplace culture.”

“The critical piece is going beyond just managing stress through meditation, exercise, diet and being aware of the root cause of your stress and tackling it head-on,” Beltran continued. “This is what Fierce has been teaching for over 20 years—how to engage your environment through conversations with the goal of enriching relationships and driving to your desired results. This is what Pulse does at your fingertips.”

The Features Specific Meditation to your stressors Biometric analysis to increase self-awareness Interactive AI Bot to guide you through your stressor • Optional coach support • Integration with today’s top wearable devices • Integration with calendar and GPS to pinpoint stress origin

• • •

The Benefits Users can pinpoint and eliminate stress through patented technology, breakthrough research and interactive content and linking self-awareness, identifying people’s toughest challenge and moving to action: • Quicker determination of issues and moves toward resolution • Eliminates open-ended coaching that is hard to tie to results • Determines organizational issues/themes for broader virtual or live L&D/wellness engagements • Connects users directly to wellness and employee assistance programs • Connects users to relevant and applicable OnDemand L&D content • Develops and increases resilience that drives economic impacts on the organization, supporting a thriving culture

• •

Supports EAS Compliance Delivers results in as little as two weeks and one coaching session

“A leader’s best friend is visibility, and Pulse is perhaps the biggest innovation in employee engagement in many years—one that helps leaders see and address what otherwise would be difficult to detect,” Beltran said.

One of Fierce’s more compelling findings from its own research is that a lack of self-awareness decreases effectiveness of traditional coaching, leading to longer engagements with lower impact. Studies have shown that, while 95% of people think they are selfaware, only 10-15% truly are. No matter how difficult the situation, demonstrating resilience is possible. The Pulse app fosters an increase in self-awareness and gives leaders valuable insights that help build a more positive culture—one that can make staff resiliency commonplace.

“Since the founding of Fierce 20 years ago, we’ve been on the cutting edge of communication training serving over half of the Fortune 500 companies,” Beltran added. “Now, we’re offering leading-edge technology solutions and unleashing Fierce as the ‘API of human-to-human connection’. Pulse is meant to help companies ensure they stop toxic culture and support a transparent and low stress culture that drives results.

Like a pilot, for leaders, visibility drives success.”

Dr. De La Rosa reinforces the importance of stress mitigation and the significance of the Pulse app’s development, having noted, “Companies should have a proactive communication strategy to help address and alleviate staff stress and anxiety and the tools to help facilitate those goals. Solutions like Pulse can help create cultures eliminating the gap between what people feel and what they say in workplace conversations, which is at the center of what drives a lack of mental and emotional health. Leaders that help their groups eliminate this gap produce higher performing company cultures. When employees feel safe to truly show up as they are, they can invest more of themselves into their work roles. While stress has always been a cause of operational unease, the ensuing pandemic has raised the stakes far higher. It has exacerbated concerns far beyond the health realm—a reality that can have grave consequences for individual businesses and industries at large.”

Dr. De La Rosa brings extreme expertise relating to organizational stress to the development of the Pulse app, a first-of-its-kind workplace wellness app. He has valuable experience measuring the impact of stress on individuals in one of the highest stakes workplace cultures: the U.S. Navy. There, he works as a contractor in the role of Industrial/Organizational Psychologist for the Naval Center for Combat and Operational Stress Control. He is responsible for understanding and enhancing organizational factors impacting performance among sailors and marines. His work has been published in peer reviewed empirical journals such as “Military Medicine Journal of Traumatic Stress, Journal of Addictive Behaviors and Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.”

He’s also edited books such as “The Handbook of Employee Engagement,” which is considered a valuable resource for organizational psychologists.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 73

WWW.ARTBODEGAMAGAZINE.COM | 19

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

jgiordano@citrincooperman.com 631.930.5000 x6351

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

REVOLUTIONIZING RETAIL: “HUMANIZED” LIVE ONLINE VIDEO SALES SPURRING SEISMIC ECOMM PARADIGM SHIFTS

BY MERILEE KERN, MBA Photo courtesy of Getbee

Even in a world where stunning technological advancements abound, seemingly daily, it’s not that often when such advancements have a genuine opportunity to revolutionize an entire industry—let alone one generating multi-trillion dollar annual revenues.

Though exceedingly difficult and rare, that circumstance is not impossible. This is exemplified by the profound impact that in-person online video is now poised to make on the global e-retail trade, which some estimations project will grow to 2022 a staggering 76 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

5.4 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022.

So extreme and significant are the anticipated impacts of live e-retail video and the financial, one player pioneering B2B software solutions in the space such as Getbee have realized a stratospheric start.

Already working with world-class brands clients like Dolce & Gabbana, Lancôme, Microsoft, Dermalogica and other global brands throughout the U.S., LATAM, Europe and MENA, Getbee’s proprietary live online

video technology connects brands to their online customers via live video consultations for a “humanized” online shopping experience.

This human-to-human capability is ushering in a new market standard, and is driving the overarching relational economy by combining the simplicity of a call and the power of e-Commerce. Sales experts are now empowered to engage directly with online consumers mannpublications.com the way they would in a physical store, sharing prod-

TECHFEATURES

uct recommendations, rendering opinions, answering direct questions and even completing a purchase— all via live video. This novel online retail approach is already showing unprecedented results, with some early metrics including upwards of a 50% conversion rate, +60% average basket value and a staggering 97% boost in customer loyalty.

Getbee’s software is also integrated with leading technology partners like Shopify, Magento, salesforce and BigCommerce. The award-winning startup has also been recognized by the likes of Microsoft GrowthX and Expo2020 (The World Expo).

Further illustrating high expectations and optimism for Getbee’s first-to-market solution, the company

recently announced that it raised $1.8 million in first round, pre-series A funding—a significantly oversubscribed round that boasted a distinctive mix of major technology investors such as Altitude Capital, B & Y Venture Partners, DAI and +VC as well as several strategic angels, including Magnus Olsson (who recently had an exit from Uber for $3.3 billion). And, as a woman-founded and operated entrepreneurial business, this funding round is yet more impressive considering that less than 2% of venture capital goes to female founders.

It’s the need, utility and demand for live e-retail video that is undeniable, for which Getbee’s software solution is aptly addressing. Today, there is a glaring disconnect as online shoppers do not enjoy the same

level of personal attention—and overall service—as they do when frequenting offline brick-and-mortar stores. This is especially true for segments that have a consultative sales process or offer high value items, such as luxury, furniture, mobility, wellness and much more for which the software is ideally suited. Getbee readily solves this problem.

“Throughout history, commerce has always been about people buying from people,” notes Getbee founder and CEO, Thea Myhrvold—a revered serial entrepreneur. “Our live video technology is ushering this personalized and attentive experience into the digital era in an easily deployable, highly accessible and entirely scalable way for online retailers. Our vision is to transform the way billions of people buy and

First-to-market live e-retail video SaaS establishes a new industry standard, ushering in the relational economy era by combining the simplicity of a call with the power of e-Commerce for superior online shopping interactions rivaling in-store experiences.

sell online, including minimizing web store and cart abandonment, bolstering transaction completions and generally heightening customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.”

The benefits of humanizing the online sales process with live, in-person video interactions akin to a physical store are endless. These retailer-branded experiences—all maintaining a company’s visual identity, look and feel—instantly connects consumers with star sales experts who become available with one simple click. With the simplicity of a call in combination with the power of e-Commerce, those team members can then seamlessly drive sales, create and manage shopping carts and complete purchases in-call. The retailer also enjoys access to real-time business insights and full data at scale relative to the

mannpublications.com

performance of its team, from usage to conversion, to increase revenue opportunities.

“Think about the last time you bought something online ... any purchase where the customer gets to talk to a real person on the front line is where value is created or amplified for brands,” added Izabella Naessa, head of sales. “It’s exciting to see how this creates value across segments and verticals.”

Relative the recent round of funding, Getbee will leverage that capital to accelerate its market adoption with leading retail brands.

“The trillion-dollar e-Commerce and retail industries need to find new ways to connect, engage, and convert their customers, while consumers are looking for

a different kind of shopping experience that is both virtual and more personalized,” said Gaith Yafi, founder and managing partner of B & Y Venture Partners.

“With Getbee, we are backing a high caliber team, led by an exceptional and passionate founder, which is ideally positioned to capitalize on these growing trends.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated growth of the online retail industry, and brands are veritably scrambling for ways to capture, keep and convert customer attention. Maximizing the potential for interpersonal human-to-human connections by “breaking through” the digital divide via live online video is a magnificent—and perhaps the maximum— means toward the relational economy end.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 77

TECHNOLOGY

FASHION 411

GERMANY’S HUGO & IMAGINARY ONES RELEASE EXCLUSIVE NFT COLLECTION Global fashion brand Hugo has partnered with Web 3.0 company Imaginary Ones to introduce its first-ever NFT collection.The exclusive Hugo x Imaginary Ones NFT collection of 1,001 3D animations, entitled “Embrace Your Emotions” (EYE), launched in early November.

Of the 1,001 NFTs, six characters will contain special attributes. Five characters represent one of our everyday emotions – joy, sadness, fear, anger and love.

The collection has a fun storyline, which benefited a charitable cause to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10. There is also a special sixth character bringing together all five emotions, which will be auctioned, with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM). This evidence-based mental health program invites young people aged 13 to 17 to learn about and explore the topic of mental health, which has been conducted on more than 85,000 teenagers across 16 countries.

An allowlist will provide access to the Hugo x Imaginary Ones EYE collection and enable purchase of the NFTs. Of 1,000 allowlist spots in total, 500 will be allocated to customers who purchase an exclusive phygital T-shirt. There are 500 limited-edition T-shirts for sale and each will contain a QR code where users

will be directed to a Snapchat Lens to create a special augmented reality effect.

The remaining 500 allowlist spots will be distributed to existing holders of the Imaginary Ones’ genesis NFT collection and through a myriad of activities on Imaginary Ones’ Twitter and Discord platforms from October 4 onwards.

“The metaverse is an exciting new space for fashion brands, one that is rich with potential for Hugo. We are excited to partner with Imaginary Ones to deliver an NFT collection of beautiful 3D assets that enables us not only to further explore this virtual world, but also to share a message of self-acceptance and being true to yourself, which is at the heart of what Hugo stands for,” said Miah Sullivan, senior vice president of global marketing and brand communications at Hugo Boss.

In addition to receiving a “golden ticket” for a 10 percent discount in the Hugo online store, all holders

Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Bryan Bedder

Photo courtesy of BWiliot

of a Hugo x Imaginary Ones NFT will have access to Imaginary Ones’ staking ecosystem, which grants the holder a separate set of special Hugo x Imaginery Ones merchandise, experiences, and content including digital Hugo wearables and Hugo-themed Imaginary Ones drops.

The aim of the collection is to encourage everyone to connect with their emotions, and to share a message that all feelings – positive and negative – are valid and should be embraced, as the freedom to feel and express can significantly improve mental health and overall well-being.

AMERICAN RETAILER MACY’S INTRODUCES CURATED DIGITAL MARKETPLACE American omnichannel retailer, Macy’s, has announced the launch of its digital marketplace on its official online platform, providing customers with a curated assortment of new brands, merchandise categories and products from third-party merchants and brand partners.

Macy’s marketplace aims to offer potential third-party vendors an integrated digital onboarding experience using its seller support and training, data and analytics and promotional participation.

“After a year of intense work creating an exceptional experience for customers and sellers, we are thrilled to launch a curated marketplace on macys.com, expanding our digital assortment to new categories, brands and products that our customers will love,” said Matt Baer, chief digital and customer officer at Macy’s, Inc. Macy’s new digital marketplace gives customers more ways to own their style, aligned to the experience and expectations they have of the brand. The marketplace on the retailer’s website will offer customers easy access to more than 20 product categories and 400 new brands that meet their diverse needs that

78 | FM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

will be seamlessly integrated into the product assortment of the e-commerce site this fall. Select marketplace categories and new brands include baby and children’s apparel (Bonsie Baby, Dabble & Dollop, Wabi Baby) and maternity wear (Everly Grey, Ingrid & Isabel).

Powered by Mirakl, a marketplace technology company, and customized by Macy’s digital, merchant and technology teams, the platform enables third-party sellers to integrate their products into Macy’s e-commerce architecture, with premier seller tools that help them monitor, drive and grow their businesses with Macy’s.

“Our marketplace complements our existing omnichannel strategy and is another platform we will use to find the most efficient distribution strategy for our partners,” said Josh Janos, Macy’s, Inc. vice president of marketplace.

The curated assortment will also serve as another avenue to highlight Macy’s commitments to sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion, made through its social purpose platform, Mission Every One.

mannpublications.com

TECHNOLOGY

FASHION 411

T.J.MAXX AND “FIND YOUR MAXX” PARTNER AND MENTOR YVONNE ORJI LAUNCH INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP SERIES FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE As part of its mission to provide women with essential tools that empower them to ditch the fear of failure and put themselves first, T.J.Maxx launched its Find Your Maxx workshop series in October. Find Your Maxx is part of The Maxx You Project, T.J.Maxx’s ongoing initiative to support women with tools and resources as they navigate the process of becoming their most authentic, unapologetic selves.

to self-prioritization and maintain a confident mindset.

Earlier this year, T.J.Maxx and Emmy-nominated actress, comedian and writer, Yvonne Orji partnered to launch Find Your Maxx, offering one lucky grand prize winner the mentorship of a lifetime and $50,000 in starter funds to help propel them toward their Maxx self. Orji kicked off an interactive virtual workshop series with the “Maxx Your Mindset’” session, co-hosted by seasoned life coach Sophia Casey, which took place on Instagram live on October 15.

The workshop series is designed to provide women with actionable tools to become their most authentic selves and includes themes like “Maxx Your Mentors’”and “Maxx Your Confidence.” T.J.Maxx will also collaborate with global non-profit organization Dress for Success – an ongoing partner – on the “Maxx Your Career” virtual workshop to support its mission of empowering women to transform their lives and re-envision their futures.

Following Orji’s workshop, five additional workshop installments will follow, each hosted by two influential women, held throughout October and November via Instagram Live and TikTok Live. The workshops will provide viewers with the support and resources they need to break down barriers

Photo courtesy of Erik Carter

“Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not always easy to Maxx Your Mindset – sometimes we just need a little help getting started! During my virtual workshop, I hosted a discussion on how I tap into my Maxx self and shared tools to help you become your best, most confident self,” said Orji.

“The Maxx You Project community has grown tremendously since it began in 2017 and we’re proud to provide women with tools and resources that empower them,” said Robyn Arvedon, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, T.J.Maxx.

US’ WALMART OFFERS PERSONALIZED VIRTUAL TRY-ON FEATURE FOR SHOPPERS

American multinational retail corporation Walmart has upgraded its virtual try-on feature for online shoppers by launching the Be Your Own Model feature, which will allow customers to use their own photo to better visualize how clothing will look on them. The retailer claims to be the first to offer a virtual try-on experience for apparel brands at scale.

“Walmart’s Be Your Own Model feature uses algorithms and intricate machine learning models — techniques originally utilized in developing highly accurate topographic maps — to show customers an ultra-realistic simulation with shadows, fabric draping, and where clothing falls on their figure in seconds,” said Executive Vice President, Apparel and Private Brands, Walmart U.S, Denise Incandela.

The feature is now available on more than 270,000 items across Walmart’s portfolio of exclusive, elevated brands and private brands, including Free Assembly,

mannpublications.com

earlier in 2022 with the Choose My Model feature, which was received positively by customers.

The retail chain had acquired the virtual clothing try-on start-up Zeekit in May 2021, which incorporated various artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as computer vision, real-time image processing and deep learning to enable shoppers to view how they would look like in an outfit. The technology renders a simulation that considers body dimensions, size, fit and even the fabric of the garment.

Scoop, Sofia Jeans and Sofia Active by Sofia Vergara, Love & Sports, ELOQUII Elements, Time & Tru, Athletic Works, Terra & Sky, No Boundaries, Avia and The Pioneer Woman. Select items from some of Walmart’s national brands like Champion, Levi’s, Hanes and even some items on the Walmart Marketplace are also part of the new experience.

Walmart had implemented virtual try-on technology

If a garment is available for virtual try-on, customers will be able to view the Try It On button on the item page and have the option to view clothing on themselves (Be Your Own Model) or another model (Choose My Model). For using the Be Your Own Model feature, the customer will be asked to photograph themselves using the Walmart iOS app. After an image is saved, the customer will be able to view themselves as the model each time they use the virtual try-on experience.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 79

COLUMNS

TRADE CREDIT INSURANCE: PROTECT YOUR FASHION & APPAREL BUSINESS IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY

By Frank DeLucia

Recent economic conditions have heightened concerns that the U.S could slip back into recession.

Trade receivables are often a business’ largest asset and if your customers are unable to pay what they owe, the potential credit losses can present a substantial threat to your business.

Upon recovering from the pandemic, economic conditions for many businesses are still uncertain.

Unpaid invoices are time consuming and serious issues that are felt across all sectors, which can be potentially fatal for your business. The clothing industry can be particularly fluctuant, therefore protecting your invoices is imperative to surviving any client bankruptcies or other financial hardships.

Fashion and apparel is a cash flow intensive sector. Managing your cash inflows and outflows effectively and carefully is integral to surviving, even if you have a high-potential business or one that’s already experienced rapid growth. If a large client experiences bankruptcy, then you will inevitably feel the ramifications.

The primary benefits of trade credit insurance are: • More accurate forecasts of bad debt costs and variability • Capping bad debts to avoid any significant one-time losses from a large customer default or deterioration of a specific foreign market or industry segment • Hedging against the adverse effects if economy slips back into recession • Eliminating the credit and political risk uncertainty of credit sales to higher risk foreign markets.

Other benefits of credit insurance Applying for credit insurance will not only provide feedback on the quality of your receivables, but will identify other benefits, including: Improved bank financing: Trade credit insurance can increase margins on receivables and in some cases reduce interest rates. Lenders remain conservative in providing funding - especially to smaller businesses. Credit insurance enhances the bank’s primary security and gives them the comfort to increase advance rates to as much as 90% of qualifying receivables. It also mitigates the lender’s concern with customer concentration risk. This is especially important for export receivables where banks often provide little or no margining of foreign receivables.

However, there is a solution. Your business can transfer credit risk through trade credit insurance.

Trade credit insurance not only provides coverage for businesses if customers, who owe money for products or services, do not pay their debts, or pay them later than the payment terms dictate but also provides many additional benefits:

Reduced bad debt allowance: Trade credit insurance brings bad debt allowances back into income so your business can allocate reserves more productively. Self-insurance is an inefficient means to prepare for potential bad debt losses compared to credit insurers who can better spread the credit risk over many clients. Few companies have sufficient reserves to deal with the default of one of their largest customers.

If you purchase credit insurance, the application process alone provides valuable feedback from third party professionals on your organization’s credit risk.

Increased revenue: Credit insurance can provide the confidence of getting paid in even the most difficult of markets. Letters of credit are an inefficient and expensive means of trading that tie up the

80 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

operating line of the foreign client. Offering open terms to foreign clients can be a competitive advantage that can contribute to increased revenues.

Leveraged expertise of the credit insurer: Trade credit insurance can lead to a higher quality customer portfolio and lower overall credit losses.

Most underwriters have on-the-ground credit risk underwriting in every major country in the world.

This includes the information, systems, people, and sophisticated risk management tools of the underwriter to manage and mitigate risk.

A simple process Credit protection usually takes only the completion of a two-page application, a copy of an electronic aged trial balance and a short discussion to clarify further where credit protection may support key business strategies. After this, your business would receive a management report: • Identifying and quantifying the major credit and political risks of the largest customers • Outlining the alternative approaches available to mitigate these risks • Quantifying the other strategic benefits of alternate credit protection solutions Credit insurers are watching the economic developments closely. Discussing your options with an experienced insurance broker that specializes in trade credit insurance can help you prepare for future changes.

Frank DeLucia currently serves as Senior Vice President of HUB International Northeast, a leading full-service global insurance brokerage. With over three decades of experience, Frank specializes in building insurance and risk management programs for the real estate and apparel industries and is a long time active member of the Fashion Service Network (FSN). Frank can be reached by phone at 212-338-2395 or at frank.delucia@ hubinternational.com. For more information on HUB, please visit www.hubinternational.com.

mannpublications.com

WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING

BUT YOUR CAR IS NOT FINE VEHICLE STORAGE

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Palm Beach Garage is now taking reservations for automotive storage. If you are traveling but your car is not, now is the time to book your reservation for our white glove storage service.

At Palm Beach Garage, we have professional technicians who are trained to diagnose, maintain and repair your automobile, whether it is a European, English, Vintage, or an American classic or muscle. Our factory-trained team has over 100 years of automotive repair experience.

Our state-of-the-art facility is available for secure long or short-term, air-conditioned, indoor vehicle storage for fine automobiles.

PALM BEACH JEEP RENTALS

Vehicles are always in good hands, and as part of our regular storage service, your car will be benefitting from:

Contact us today to reserve a brand new, 4-door, automatic transmission, 2021 Jeep Wrangler, featuring the Sky One-Touch Power Top

• Stored in a Climate-controlled Environment with 24/7 Security and Video Surveillance • Monthly Startup and Exercising • Tire Pressure Monitoring • Fluid Inspections • Battery Trickle Efficiency Testing

Daily, weekly, or monthly reservations are available! Don't delay, reserve today.

Call today and reserve your spot.

Palm Beach Jeep Rentals has a fleet of 40 brand new, 5-seater Jeep Wranglers that are perfect for the beach, a night on the town, or a mall crawl.

Call 561.668.4172 today!

PALM BEACH GARAGE REPAIR - RESTORATION - MAINTENANCE - STORAGE

3215 South Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33405

561.833.6622 i n f o @ p a l m b e a c h g a ra g e.c o m

COLUMNS

WHEN PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL WORLDS COLLIDE METABIRKIN SUIT SET TO SHAPE BRAND OWNERS’ CONTROL OVER NFTS

By Howard D. Bader

In 2021, Mason Rothschild created a series of digital images featuring faux fur-covered Hermès Birkin bags, which he called “MetaBirkins.”

The two-dimensional images are linked to corresponding NFTs, which Rothschild promoted online through websites and social media.

Hermès International’s ongoing lawsuit involving “MetaBirkins,” a non-fungible token (NFT) inspired by the fashion brand’s luxury handbags, is just the latest example of the novel legal questions raised by the blurred lines between the digital and physical world.

In its suit, Hermès alleges that artist Mason Rothschild’s MetaBurkin NFTs infringe on the design house’s trademark, charactering the NFTs as “digital knockoffs.” Meanwhile, Rothschild maintains that the digital bags are a non-infringing artistic expression. Accordingly, the court’s decision in Hermes International et al. v. Mason Rothschild is expected to establish much-needed precedent regarding how courts should balance trademark rights and First Amendment concerns in the growing NFT marketplace.

Hermès Allegations of Trademark Infringement and Dilution Creating digital versions of “real life” commodities is a growing industry. Several leading fashion companies, including Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana have taken the plunge by creating online games, launching NFTs and selling virtual clothing collections. Many fashion brands are also preemptively seeking trademark registrations for use of their marks in connection with virtual products and services.

The Hermès suit centers on NFTs, which are unique, non-fungible digital assets, such as PDFs, gifs or videos which recorded on a blockchain (a type of distributed ledger). NFTs have a wide range of uses, which include enabling owners to access specific digital content associated with the NFT. When NFTs are created (also known as “minted”), they are listed on an NFT marketplace where they can be sold or traded in accordance with “smart contracts” that govern the transfers.

82 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

“As of January 6, 2022, total volume of sales for the MetaBirkins NFTs surpassed $1.1 million, with a floor price of $15,200, and the highest sale at $45,100,” claim court documents.

Hermès subsequently filed a lawsuit for trademark infringement and dilution, alleging that Rothschild was exploiting the clout and popularity of its brand.

“Rothschild sought to capitalize on the goodwill associated with Hermès’s Birkin mark,” the luxury brand argues.

In further support of its suit, Hermès cites confusion among consumers, sophisticated commentators and even intellectual property attorneys who believed that the “MetaBurkins” NFTs were somewhat affiliated with, authorized or sponsored by the company.

First Amendment Protection for NFTs In defense of the suit, Rothschild contends that his MetaBirkins are artworks protected by the First Amendment. Under Rogers v. Grimaldi, 875 F.2d 994 (2d Cir. 1989), use of a trademark in a work of art does not constitute infringement provided that (i) the name is artistically relevant to the work and (ii) the use of the trademark does not explicitly mislead as to the source or content of the work.

In support of his argument that the NFTs are not simply reproductions of the famous Birkin bags, Rothschild cites an expert report by art critic Blake Gopnik, which compared Rothschild’s work to artists like Andy Warhol and Marcel Duchamp.

Citing Gopnik, Rothschild argues that the NFTs are “renderings of imaginary Birkin bags ... that ‘flags the absurdist, parodic intent of [the] project.’”

In its motion for summary judgment, Hermès argues that the test set forth in Rogers is inapplicable to Rothschild’s NFTs because he “had no discernible artistic intent or expression” in selling the MetaBirkin NFTs, but sought to capitalize on the goodwill associated with Hermès’s Birkin mark instead.

“Rothschild saw a financial opportunity when major fashion brands entered the metaverse and sold branded digital products for significant prices,” Hermès argued. “Rather than creating something original, Rothschild wanted to make money by replicating those fashion brands and created ‘the same kind of illusion that [the Birkin handbag] has in real life as a digital commodity.’”

Hermès added: “Rothschild’s goal in creating the MetaBirkins NFTs was to ‘double as an investment for holders like the real-world ‘holy grail’ handbag.’”

Based on the arguments raised by both sides, the case may likely come down to whether the NFTs are considered art or simply a digital commodity.

Even if the court does find that the NFTs qualify as an artistic expression, Hermès could still prevail if the court concludes that Rothschild’s use of the MetaBirkins mark was explicitly misleading to consumers.

Key Takeaways The court’s decision in Hermes International et al. v. Mason Rothschild will hopefully help clarify the extent to which brand owners will be able to enforce their trademark rights with respect to NFTs and virtual goods in the metaverse. However, given that this area of intellectual property law is currently plagued by uncertainty, it is key for fashion companies to consider how to properly revise their IP strategies to reflect the growing importance of the digital world.

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

Howard D. Bader hbader@sh-law.com (212)784-6926 sh-law.com

mannpublications.com

263 WEST 38 STREET TH

Between 7th & 8th

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

Commission Paid on Signing

•

High-end Finishes & Large Pantries

•

Floor-To-Ceiling Glass Front Offices

•

Polished Concrete Floors

•

Newly Built & Move-In Ready

•

3 Sides of Windows & Excellent Light

•

Virtually Column Free with High Ceilings

•

New Elevators

•

Attended Lobby with 24/7 Access

•

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

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

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

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

Richard Farley, SVP 646.597.6179 rfarley@handler-re.com

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

COLUMNS

| CALIFORNIA

COLUMNS

OBSERVATIONS FOR 2022 WANNA BE ON TOP?

By Leslie Gallin, former president, footwear, Informa Markets

By Claire Grisolano

A

Social media is creating new power dynamics in

industry thatwe an are exclusive group that has sthewefashion head into 2022, still finding long ruled. Platforms like Instagram have changed COVID-19 is a constant headline.

Upon writthe fashion cycle from a product’s inception to ing, we learn that we may be facing a new its eventual disposal. Is this democratization of and perhaps strain of the virus, marketing more a win virulent for the consumer, or should we newly-named Omicron.

The health precautions expect chaos? implemented almost two years ago — masking, the changemakers fashion recognized socialBefore distancing and, most of importantly, getting the role of influencers in their world, the fashion vaccinated — are not only still with us but will cycle traditionally followed clear steps. Designers seemingly be here to stay for some time to come. create presentations almost a year before Protecting ourselves, our families, ourwould society and consumers wear them, and editors attend our businesses becomeonanthe even the shows has to decide topmore picks importfor the season. Eventually, thoseofpieces ant component to our way life. hit the racks to purchase. With no intention of revolutionizing the pace or power of this system, Influencers and retail businesses find themselves specifically Gen-Z turned tradition on its head.

Our in the dead center of the bullseye of disruption on soInflmany fronts.

Supply bottlenecks, inuencers lacked thechain hierarchy of their predecessors could track conversion creased consumeranddemand and their renewed conto point to — theirthesignifi cerns independently about inflationary trends likescant of leverage. Though it took years before the fashion which we last saw in the late 1970s and early 1980s business recognized their force on consumer — arebehavior, rearing their ugly heads. influencers now dominate the coveted first row of runway shows. They share every detail

Increasing Brick-and-mortar Storefronts Perhaps we need to ask ourselves, “Is this a natural course in the evolution of retail selling?” First, we had the general store, which gave way to department stores, and now we find ourselves with the advent of a new shopping emporium: the internet. 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.

84 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 Attracting New Generations of Consumers The cost of acquiring customers online has sky-

how they want to shop and what they want at a the building manager becomes the lead stor on However, all news channels. as a result, speed never before. want tolast be year.* from theirlike experience, possiblyConsumers even their favorite the currentAnd, average age many loca look, before the stepsauthentic off the runway. of an inflrestaurants uencer is 30,drop moreDoorDash than twice as thea age delivery option. immersed in model a brand’s storyTheir and wish adoring audiences look to them to synthesize of the youngest members of Gen-Z. Currently, to fully understand a company’s values, ethics and establish trends instantly in lieu of waiting for millennials are the main influencers, and Gen-Z What can we learn from this story? Your custom andnext sustainability, alongside its artistic roots isand the issue of Vogue.

Consequently, fashion’s the largest generation consuming their content. service your front-line contact with th craftsmanship.

It is no longer enough to produce decision-making includes consumers, who by Yet in fiveeryears, the team oldest is members of Gen-Z will proxy, sit front row through their screens. know the products that are quality-driven or value engiturn 30, consumer! indicating thatWe theyallwill be the inflgeneral uencers public is no and consumers, easy tocontrolling navigatethe—most andconsiderable today, businesses also neered — companies now need to tell the stories As the chosen gatekeepers changed, so did avenue impacting consumer behavior. need to investigate not only what the complaint i of their brands. the pace of the industry. By streamlining the but also who the complainant is. By using the elec exposure process, consumers want to update Like many significant cultural shifts in our history, tronic tools the at our disposal, wewhile can quickly see To wardrobes achieve this experience, retheir morefully-immersed quickly. And while we all we cannot understand impact of this shift recognize the negative impact on our planet and reaching out to has an influentia tailers must utilize marketing via all channels. experiencing For the consumer it. Brands no longer have the us luxury the increasingly impossible production speed, it of optinginternet out of social media. The Whatvery theylast canthing do a compan presence. several years, the word “curation” buzzed around may have reversed trend selection into a trickleis establish valuesis that transcend any medium and by defamin needs for a consumer to go viral how and why retailers brought products to store up structure. Additionally, those trends no longer invest in social media experts that are dedicated your brand. shelves. onemagazine; has a true point need to fit Curation in a single works issue ofwhen a fashion to the balance of brand longevity and responding they have and multiplied the number of influencers of view can by authentically explain it, which is to the moment. As is true with all things, the and spaceconsumers in their endless Cue the with hope.

I recently whythemore arefeed. looking to rise purchase position Iofwill “inflleave uence”you is bound to evolve again, had the op of microtrends to complicate a dynamic system pitchseea the business items from company-owned, mono-brand stores. and onlyportunity then will weto clearly impact ofidea the to graduat further. this moment. at the University of Southern Californi They can see the full product range and be players ser- ofstudents Graduate School of Business (USC) in a creativ viced by have been trained Brands andemployees buyers havewho come to recognize the in the Source: *“How Different Generations Use power of infl uencers dedicating signifi cant parts brand’s history. It could and should be a wonder- marketing class. During the initial pitch, the clas of their budgets to “Instagramable” shows and Social Media ---- and What This Means for Your engaged little. What they did sa ful time for independent retailers to shine, andBusiness.” the was Sprout Social,but Julysaid 22, very 2022. collaborative promotions. With them, the industry ability to offer services, such as alterations, proper was that this pitch was the first time they were be is converting to digital spaces, emphasizing founder of Earlyissues Riser and not jus ing askedistothesolve real-world fitting and and customer service, will media. rule theThe day. Claire Grisolano eCommerce omnichannel social which theory. offers social media consulting generation consuming this new content on social Marketing, learning A few weeks later, I returned to for brands of all sizes looking to increase their media will we not cultivate surprise you, what the the class to hear and see their presentations, and How do andbut drive themight nextisgeneration audience, impact and conversion. As an expert age of the influencers they are following. in awe.

The thing that gotshemeismost was th to our products? Video game advertising (which is in socialI was media and brand messaging, students’ ability to explain theirofreasoning for th a simplistic way of saying “intrinsic advertising plattapped into the latest tools and insights the At 25% of our global population, Gen-Z is the that are approach notorious forthey constant eachchange took to solve th form”)generation is just one way. I won’t boretoyou with platforms sta- creative largest in history.

According recent and has question almost a decade experience surveys, 66%rather of Gen-Z at hand.ofThose of usworking with historic know tistics, and justconsumers say, what reported child do that you know social media is essential to their lives, and 65% in fashion and studying the relationship between today that doesn’t play video games? Let’s con- edge can be of real value to companies with ou fashion and technology. have increased their use of social media in the sider printed magazines. Having online portals for ability to guide new teams forward based upon engaging new readers is key, but how do you get strong foundation. the young reader to your platform? Today, there are companies who can support your efforts with Happy and healthy holidays to all, and here’s to game producers to interweave your products into brand-new year! their video games!

As president of footwear for Informa Markets Customer Service in the Digital Age Leslie Gallin developed the FN Platform, the foot A DoorDash driver makes a food delivery to an wear shows at Magic. Gallin scouts the world’ apartment building and decides to relieve them- best new designers and trends, providing unpar self in the lobby — which is caught on camera. alleled business insights and access into the world The building manager writes and calls DoorDash of footwear and beyond. Gallin is a board mem to share the incident and ask that DoorDash be ber of Footwear Distributors/Representatives o responsible for the cost of the cleanup. DoorDash America; American Apparel and Footwear Assoc responds by saying that the company would be ate; Two Ten-Footwear Charity and From Fashion more than happy to remove the charge for the with Love.org, among others, and has held pos mannpublications.com delivery and offer a coupon for a future order. tions at World Shoe Association, Geoffrey Benne After many attempts to reach a senior executive Escada, Louis Feraud and Pauline Tigere. She ha

COLUMNS

LEADERS, EVOLVE DESPITE DOUBTS AND UNCERTAINTY

By Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC

“Partner with Doubt” will assist in pinpointing and defusing the anxiety connected to those questions and so much more.

I remember how, after working hard for many years, my corporate dream was shot down, with no chance of recovery. I felt betrayed, angry and disappointed. Has something ever happened that you knew would change your life forever? Alter the very core of who you are. At first, we may feel forced to do things differently. Over time, however, you might notice that your thoughts, emotions and actions have shifted and realize that you are evolving into a different person.

Plagued with unanswered questions and conflicting feelings, anxiety and skepticism may surface. Take heart! Know that it is possible to break free and claim the person you are becoming with increased clarity and confidence.

In this article, I will pair the fifth stage of change, EVOLVE, with the Change Proficiencies, “Partner with Doubt” and “Get Certain with Uncertainty.”

These tools will help you avoid feeling stuck and assist you in remaining productive.

EVOLVE - Fifth Stage of Change EVOLVE specifically deals with how you begin transitioning from who you were before your change toward whom you are becoming. Like a caterpillar that has transformed into a butterfly, you know that you cannot revert backward any more than a butterfly can to its original form. Naturally, those close to you compliment how you have rebounded and the strides you continue to make.

While that is true and should be celebrated, you will need courage to engage in conversations with those who have an emotional and intellectual attachment to who you were before the change.

As you hesitantly yet excitedly walk towards the new version of you, questions arise. What will await me on the other side? Whom could I lose?

What could I lose? The Change Proficiency

86 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Change Proficiency - “Partner with Doubt” To “Partner with Doubt” is to clarify, analyze and neutralize doubts that could interfere with effectively stepping into who you are now or need to become. There are many reasons doubts can surface during the “EVOLVE” stage of change. Miriam, a VP in the financial industry, was startled when her manager, threatened by her potential, gave her a damaging evaluation, which eroded her confidence. Tina, who had accomplished her dream of becoming a lawyer, was suddenly plagued with insecurities around more experienced lawyers. Angela was let go without notice.

How do you defuse doubts? First, without justifying or defending your position, reflect on and write down which thoughts plague you the most. Then, spend some time examining, without judgment, what may be at the root of those doubts. Are they old or reoccurring ones that have resurfaced? Do they stem from a lack of clarity about your new direction? Are you concerned about your ability to succeed in new endeavors?

History repeats itself. Once you identify which experiences have fed your doubts, focus on the history that provides strong evidence of emerging as the victor from challenging situations. Surround yourself with those who have encouraged you to overcome obstacles and get back up after stumbling over a hurdle. You have more influence over thoughts and feelings that seek to undermine your efforts than you think. The following tool, “Get Certain with Uncertainty,” will help you determine when and how you can and should move forward.

What Does it Mean to “Get Certain with Uncertainty?”

To “Get Certain with Uncertainty” is to increase our awareness of how we respond to an unpredictable situation. Unforeseen circumstances, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, an economic reversal, loss of clients or our continual desire to expand our

professional footprint, can be a breeding ground for anxiety.

After receiving a serious diagnosis, Jane, a small business owner, followed her doctor’s treatment suggestions. As she gained a better understanding with her new reality, sometimes she would make suggestions to see if her doctor agreed. Then came the point where Jane began to take the lead, feeling more confident and fully vested in the realization that she alone would deal with the outcome. Unknowingly, Jane had become certain in an uncertain situation.

Your thoughts, emotions, actions and ability to exert influence over a situation will represent the three major roles of your journey through uncertainty. Those roles are Passenger, CoDriver and Driver. Each has value when you fully embrace it without judgment. In the Passenger role, Jane responded like an observer, allowing the doctor to make all the decisions. Then, she transitioned to the Co-Driver role, fluctuating between inactivity and action as she began to make suggestions. When Jane took the lead and exercised the most influence, she assumed the Driver role.

Reflect on where in current situations you embody the Passenger, Co-Driver or Driver role. Ask yourself, have I consciously chosen that role, or did I passively accept it? As you intentionally acknowledge your part, you become more empowered and experience a mental and emotional shift. During stressful and time-sensitive situations, I constantly analyze and monitor my mental, physical and emotional “temperature.”

Likewise, always be aware of your current mental, physical and emotional state to exercise the most significant influence and make the best decisions.

As you transition to the next stage of your journey, doubts and uncertainty will arise. When you “Partner with Doubt,” you strengthen your position and stifle doubts. Honor your current state of being by acknowledging, accepting and expanding the role you play to “Get Certain with Uncertainty.”

These tools will strengthen your ability to break free of inactivity, proceed with greater clarity and confidence and experience peace of mind.

mannpublications.com

WFH

WORKING FROM HERE

263 West 38th Street B e t we e n 7 th & 8 th

Entire 16th floor: 6,500 RSF • •

BUILT SPACE IN GREAT CONDITION • Available Immediately

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

CREATIVE + EFFICIENT FLOOR PLATE

Darell Handler, 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 212.398.1888 | Handler-re.com

Richard Farley, SVP 646.597.6179 rfarley@handler-re.com

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

COLUMNS

DEB’S RETAIL DISH AND DEALS: HOLIDAY APPAREL

By Debra Hazel, president of Debra Hazel Communications

The year ends with many new apparel retailers just in time for holiday shopping, including a number making their East Coast or U.S. debuts.

All About Apparel and Accessories Hermes has relocated its flagship around the block, to 706 Madison Ave., in a 20,250-square-foot space that fuses three existing buildings connected by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI. The store unfolds in a series of salons, each distinctive and boasting its own unique elements. GU, a sister of Uniqlo, opened its first store outside Asia at 579 Broadway. California activewear company Vuori has come cross-country, opening its first store on the East Coast at 106 Spring St. Contemporary apparel and accessories brand Staud has opened a New York flagship at 45 Greene St. in Soho, joining a Los Angeles shop at Melrose Place. Down the street, Alpha Industries’ pop-up will offer its military style jackets, apparel and accessories and other styles through January at 12-21 Greene St. Italian outerwear brand Save the Duck made its U.S. debut at 496 Broadway. Sustainable apparel retailer Reformation opened its sixth Los Angeles store at The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge at Studio City, California.

Remember Esprit, with its colorful apparel in the ’80s and ’90s? It’s making a comeback with a Los Angeles, California pop-up through the end of December, a London store by year-end and a New York branch in the first quarter of 2023.

88 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Look for 20-plus Forever 21 openings at major outlet centers through June 2023 at Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, Massachusetts; Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, Illinois; Florida Keys Premium Outlets in Florida City, Florida; Grove City Premium Outlets in Grove City, Pennsylvania; Las Vegas Premium Outlets North in Las Vegas, Nevada; Leesburg Premium Outlets in Leesburg, Virginia; Mayaguez Mall in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Norfolk Premium Outlets in Norfolk, Virginia; The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock, Georgia; The Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona, Iowa; The Outlets at Tejon in Tejon Ranch, California; Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Warwick Mall in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Just Gems Gorjana, the Southern California-based jewelry brand known for its laid-back style, is continuing its nationwide retail expansion with a new store at Domain Northside, Austin, Texas. Daniel’s Jewelers, a family-operated specialty jeweler with more than 100 stores across California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada and New Mexico, announced that it will expand into the Miami market in 2023.

Since its founding in 1948, Daniel’s Jewelers has developed special expertise in serving the unique cultural and financial preferences of Hispanic consumers.

To Your Health and Beauty Barry’s will offer its high-intensity fitness classes at 200 Montague St., its first location in Brooklyn.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers has opened Ulta Beauty at its Rehoboth Beach, Delaware center.

The 10,000-square-foot destination is the first Ulta Beauty store within Tanger’s portfolio. The Lotus Method, an exercise focused on pre- and post-natal clients, has taken space at 50 Hudson St., near other fitness specialists such as Orange Theory.

Home Sweet Home Artemest, a showcase for more than 1,400 Italian artisans, has opened Artemest Galleria (its first physical showroom) at 518 West 19th St. The

location will also serve as an events space, and an office where architects, interior designers and other clients can plan and source home decor, furniture and lighting. Blu Dot, the Minneapolis-based home furnishings brand, has opened its first store in Dallas, Texas, marking the company’s 11th store within the U.S. Wining and Dining Russ & Daughters will bring its appetizers, smoked salmon, rugelach and more to 502 West 34th St. at Hudson Yards in the spring, reports the New York Post.

Merging the Physical and Digital Pacsun has unveiled its newest location and redesigned retail space at Fashion Valley in San Diego. The latest storefront in Pacsun’s home base in South California features a modernist look C indicative of the new design formula and layout for M the youth retailer. Within the redesign, additional details fuse Pacsun’s physical and digital efforts Y with components that directly connect its social CM and digital channels, such as streaming video, MY showing seasonal campaigns and content from social channels. The store will also provide more CY convenient shopping options such as buy online CMY pick up in store (BOPIS) and same day delivery.

K

At the Airport Hudson, the ubiquitous travel experience retailer with more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, unveiled its combination Decanted and Hudson Nonstop concept at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The Hudson Nonstop, which adjoins Decanted, is powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology and Amazon One. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened a new franchise location at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The opening marks the brand’s second location within the airport as CPK continues to expand across U.S. markets.

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy holidays!!!!

mannpublications.com

COLUMNS

|

SELLING INTO THE U.S.A. MARKET IN 2022

By Frances Harder - Founder of Fashion for Profit Consulting

Having worked with many international organizations and businesses, I believe I have an ideal overview of the best ways to connect and work successfully with U.S. buyers. A few organizations that effectively support their country’s apparel and textile manufacturers are PomPeru, ProColombia, and Hong Trade Development. All of these companies take a booth at MAGIC twice a year to highlight their country’s offerings. They also assist with connecting buyers to manufacturers and often sponsor industry mixers at their own shows, inviting buyers and suppliers.

However, there are other countries who want to connect with U.S. buyers and often fail to build good business practices. Often, this is due to not following through with specifications surrounding the orders placed by any U.S. buyer. This lack of business commitment will often ruin future business offerings with U.S. companies.

It is also important to acknowledge that global consumer behavior has undoubtedly shifted over the past few years, as the virus has made people shelter in their homes, which caused heavy travel restrictions, as well as the global closure of stores and businesses. However, as digital consumption continues its dominance and growth in 2022, companies must develop more engaging and social experiences to encourage consumers to connect. At the same time, the industry will need to increasingly focus on ensuring that their digital channels add measurable value to their bottomline offerings.

Additionally, as shoppers become more conscious of worker welfare issues and the human impact of factory closures, company leaders must uphold the highest ethical business practices and overhaul business models that are exploitative of people and

90 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

the planet. With garment workers, sales assistants and other lower-paid workers operating at the sharp end of the crisis, consumers have become more aware of the plight of vulnerable employees in the fashion value chain. As momentum for change builds alongside campaigns to end exploitation, consumers will expect companies to offer more dignity, security, transparency and justice to workers throughout the global industry.

This demand includes all aspects of the fashion value chain, from the fields where textile fibers are grown, or where synthetic fibers are produced to the stores that stock final products. Two-thirds of consumers indicate they would stop or significantly reduce their spending with brands who mistreat their employees or suppliers. Customers want immediacy, transparency and authenticity.

In this disrupted environment, it will be critical for any business owner to re-evaluate their business offerings. They must develop novel strategies for their assortments or product mix, and focus on the profitability, value, simplicity, adaptability of products and downsized collections, rather than discounting in volumes. They also should create and implement an authentic omnichannel perspective. The pandemic will continue to put supply chains under pressure and executives should be prepared for further shocks in 2023 due to inflation. Brands are making the long-overdue shift to a demand-focused model to operate in this changing environment.

While there is little doubt that the year ahead will be an arduous one for many fashion industry players, it will also be a year of opportunity for more nimble manufacturers. On the brighter side, the future for companies that are already in the digital channels will bring continuing opportunities in both the value and luxury segments. In this highly competitive global market, it will be critical for survival to evaluate where their business is now and plan swiftly and carefully their next moves.

Smart fashion companies are already developing new ways to compete and adjust to the new demands, which may include implementing more sustainable options and adjusting to the market demand for smaller quantities and speed to market more often. There is also a demand for domestic production; new high-tech factories are being built in many U.S. states.

The pandemic has compounded the demand for all things digital, which in turn has enabled innovation, efficiency and new ways for businesses to scale up. Digital is seen by a third of executives as a silver lining that presents the biggest opportunity in 2022. The shift is permanent, and will continue to create opportunities to build slicker, smarter operating models and differentiated customer demand for more personalized clothing to each customer. Amazon has recently launched a body scanning system as a method to provide clearer sizing options and enable customers to see their body type in a particular style. This method has been used by manufacturers for a few years to create virtual samples for buyers to review and change per their needs prior to buying. These new product development tactics save time in developing new samples or producing too many samples that often end up as waste. Companies need to reduce complexity and find ways to increase full-price sell-through to reduce inventory levels by taking a demand-focused approach to their assortment strategy, while boosting flexible in-season reactivity for both new products and replenishment. As entirely new skills need to be developed for the overall survival of the industry, fashion companies will either develop in-house training or acquire them by recruiting new trained workers. Equally, the crisis has sped up the demand to move to more sustainable and responsible ways of working in all areas of the value chain. As the number of fashion players responding towards this need continues to grow, it will prove to be a long-term benefit to companies, workers, customers and the planet.

Making the long-overdue shift to a demandfocused model in this fluid changing environment is important. This will mean the U.S. sector will have to invest in technology and more updated infrastructure. More than three in five consumers stated environmental impact is an important factor in making purchasing decisions. There is also a realization for zero-inventory concepts as brands are trying hard to not hold stock that ages and ends up in landfill!

Bottom Line: For any international companies looking to sell to the U.S., there is one very simple bit of valuable advice. Americans overall are easy to work with (I am a Brit), if and only if you and/ or the manufacturers do precisely what has been agreed to deliver to the U.S. buyer.

mannpublications.com

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

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE FACTORING ASSET-BASED FINANCING ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGEMENT ACQUISITION FINANCING INVENTORY FINANCING IMPORT AND EXPORT FINANCING LETTERS OF CREDIT

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

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

Peter Pugliese Senior Vice President, Regional Sales Manager 212-703-3551 peter.pugliese@wellsfargo.com

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

COLUMNS

| | COLLEGE VOICES

THRIFTING IN THE ERA OF GENTRIFICATION - WILL IT EVER BE THE SAME?

By Ashanty Rivera - LIM College, BBA in Fashion Merchandising

families, has been idolized by higher-income families, which has an attempt to normalize their business practices, have decided to refer to themselves as “curators.” With this stated, this simple business model converted the thrifting world to something out of the ordinary for a variety of reasons.

Imagine yourself walking into your local thrift store at six years old and falling in love with the idea of shopping someone else’s closet and giving pieces a new life. This was an experience I savored when thrifting with my mother throughout my childhood. To this day, I still thrift with my mother. However, today’s thrift stores are a tad bit different since gentrification has taken over the secondhand shopping world. Stores and online thrift retailers like Saver’s, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Depop and ThredUp, have recently seen a rise in sales and consumers’ eagerness to discover the best yet budget-friendly items. Thrifting’s gentrification negatively impacts lower-income communities that rely on second-hand shopping for clothing and other essential living items such as furniture.

When it comes to thrifting, gentrification is defined by the ever-growing business of visiting thrift stores, purchasing valuable items and reselling to gain a profit. Taking the practice of secondhand shopping, known for being performed by low-income

92 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Growing up, I was never affluent or even financially stable most of the time. Therefore, my family needed to shop at thrift stores on occasion, especially when money got tighter. In today’s thrifting era, families like mine are struggling to afford thrifting because it has become a “trend.”

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are the primary reason that thrifting has become a problematic trend, causing second-hand stores to increase their prices and experience an increase in the number of shoppers. TikTok has been popular since 2019 and has formed a rather big dent in the fashion and thrifting industry. This social media platform is influencing viewers to shop second-hand just because it is trendy and to overbuy whatever they think might be worth reselling for more than the thrift store price.

Most recently, resellers sell their thrift store finds on Depop, among other platforms. These items can cost anywhere from under $10 and are selling for $50 or more. In addition, the benefits of purchasing secondhand are lowered by those who sell thrift store finds online, which also pitch in with shipping-related pollution and utilize unsustainable packing materials.

As reselling thrifty finds becomes a commonality, thrift stores across the whole country are aware that the increased demand for secondhand items permits them to increase their prices. Resellers will plan on continuing to participate in thrifting because of the extremely high-profit margins. Therefore, price increases aren’t ceasing them from continuing their business. Although this may be the case, low-income secondhand shoppers have experienced a hit due to the escalating acclamation of thrifting and reselling. These consumers have hung on to thrift stores for affordable clothing options as well as household items for years. Going back to the Great Depression, these consumers are tremendously affected by these price increases. Thrift stores were locales where clothes were affordable, usually less than $3 to $4. However, those specific thrift stores have items priced similarly to bargain retail stores such as Ross Dress For Less and TJ Maxx.

With all this information to consider, I question if thrifting will ever be the same. Of course, there are still millions of pieces you could find and style your way. However, is it worth spending the money that you would spend at any other generic fast fashion retailer like H&M or Zara? There are so many reasons why you should be thrifting, as it is much more sustainable than shopping fast-fashion and you receive the opportunity to go on an adventure while doing so. The prices are picking up, which have unfortunately changed thrifting for the long run ---- but hopefully not forever.

mannpublications.com

Kaufman Leasing Company consists of highly qualified professionals with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the New York City office, retail and specialty-use real estate sectors.

NOW LEASING 155 West 23rd Street 450 Seventh Avenue 100-104 Fifth Avenue 27-35 West 24th Street 13-15 West 27th Street 45-47 West 27th Street 19 West 24th Street 119-125 West 24th Street 111 West 19th Street

mannpublications.com

212 West 35th Street 132 West 36th Street 242 West 36th Street 237 West 35th Street 275 West 39th Street 462 Seventh Avenue 470 Seventh Avenue 519 Eighth Avenue 22 West 19th Street

www.kaufmanorganization.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 93

COLUMNS | COLLEGE VOICES

MICROTRENDS VS VINTAGE: THE AFFORDABLE FASHION SPECTRUM

By Madalene Hartl - LIM College Student

In today’s fashion sphere, there is a spectrum unfolding before our eyes. On one end, we have fast fashion and micro trends spiraling out of control, and on the other side, we see the vintage and resale market booming with growth potential.

Many ask what is the common thread?

The answer is TikTok. TikTok has adopted a faster pace for trend cycles.

Microtrends come and go within a matter of weeks, or even less. A famous example of a situation like this would be the House of Sunny Hockney dress, which was posted in 2021 by Kendall Jenner and almost immediately sold out. This green, figurehugging knit dress was beautiful and subsequently ripped off by every fast fashion seller at a fraction of its cost. Everyone and their sister bought this dress or the dupes. When scrolling on Instagram or other TikTok, there it was, in its green swirly glory.

As a result, overconsumption, influencer culture, virality and the speed of fast fashion manufacturers are to blame.

Another example of increased fast fashion and

94 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

micro trends occurred just a few weeks ago with the short platform Ugg. Bella Hadid was snapped by the paparazzi wearing a moto jacket, white boxer shorts and socks with the now sold-out and back-ordered short platform Ugg boots.

The following day, I came across an image of a girl with the entire outfit recreated, down to the scrunch in the sock. Compared to the long history of runways, catalogs and magazines dominating the trend cycle, this amount of speed is something the fashion industry is not used to. Nowadays, trends have a higher visibility factor. With that said, we can see something we like, order it and have it within a matter of hours. Of course, at the cost of our planet and fair labor conditions.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the great vintage surge and reselling market growing at an even faster rate than fast fashion and 11 times that of traditional retail. Like the legend of the tortoise and the hair, secondhand goods are projected to take up 13% of our closets by 2025, while fast fashion will only account for 9%. This is particularly appealing to younger generations for many factors: uniqueness, sustainability, affordability and quality. I fall on this side, as probably 90% of my wardrobe is made up of thrift and eBay finds. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the House of Sunny dress and its dupes at the thrift shops.

It’s a known fact that the quality of clothing was better way back then. Today, Americans wear pieces an average of five times, followed by discarding them, which is reflected in the quality.

The reason this has exploded is also due to TikTok and social media overall, as they make fashion history accessible. An example of this would be Y2K fashion’s recent blowup. You could either buy new imitations from fast fashion brands that will always be a little inaccurate and eventually disintegrate or go to the thrift store and obtain actual pieces from the 2000s for less money! The clothing has already stood the test of time. The rejection of microtrends defines an exploration of personal style, which symbolizes eclectic takes on previous decades combined into whatever suits the individual’s aesthetic. Vintage shoppers want one-of-a-kind pieces – or at least something you won’t see on every other person walking down the street. Upcycling falls into this category as well, since people have embraced their Covid crafts such as sewing and crochet, which they’ve used to customize their closets.

Fast fashion has tried to capitalize on the reselling market with companies such as Shein and Pacsun, introducing platforms to resell used clothing on their respective apps, including Kourtney Kardashian’s appointment as BooHoo’s “sustainability ambassador.”

The overflow of TikTok content means the consumer’s attention span is shorter than ever.

When it comes to affordable pieces, new items have an incredibly short lifecycle. The solution may be in future trends, in which resale is the new norm. This would benefit the planet, our wallets and our closets with some cool yet unique pieces.

mannpublications.com

We get down to banking, so you can get down to business.

Commerical Banking with TD Bank.

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

tdbank.com/commercialbanking TD Bank, N.A.

96 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

MOTORTREND’S SUV OF THE YEAR FOR 2022!

GENESIS GV70

GENESIS OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK STATE'S FASTEST GROWING GENESIS DEALER!

GENESIS G70

GENESIS G80

GENESIS G90

GENESIS GV80

ALL GENESIS MODELS IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY! GENESIS CONCIERGE A fresh approach to shopping for a luxury vehicle, genesis concierge leaves you with only the fun parts of the experience.

A complimentary personal shopping service, your concierge can gather information you need, arrange at-home test drives,* personally liaise with retailers for you and more. Whatever you need, from wherever you are, they’re here to help.

GENESIS OF BROOKLYN

9013 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Phone (888) 602-9745, Brooklyn-Genesis.com mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 97

GOLF CLASSIC

2020

BENEFITING NATIONAL JEWISH HEALTH MONDAY, MAY 4

EL CABALLERO COUNTRY CLUB Tarzana, California

LOS ANGELES REAL ESTATE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 COMMITTEE Anthony Behrstock

David Sonnenblick

Commonwealth Land and Title

Sonnenblick-Eichner Company

Co-Chair

Co-Chair

Zach Brandler

Charles Eberly

Fred Lionetti

Michael Rosenblum

Jonathan Canter

Ronald Friedman

Jeff Mann

Todd Sherman

Carrie Jenkins

Deborah Medway

Paul Stern

William Levinson

Eric Nelson

Douglas Elliman Real Estate JP Morgan Securities

Steven Cohen

Real Estate Investment and Operational Exec and Principal

The Eberly Company Marcum LLP

Triumph Business Capital Carlton Fields

Business Broker and Consultant Mann Publications Commonwealth Land Title

Rosenblum Law Office First Pacific Financial

Guggenheim Commercial Real Estate Finance, LLC

Rimrock Real Estate Ventures

Reserve your foursome or sponsorship today at labreathoflifegolfclassic.org or contact Steven Prawat at 818.905.1300 or PrawatS@njhealth.org.

Welcome to

The Entrepreneurial Bank Helping Our Clients Build and Sustain Wealth, One Client at a Time.

For more than 20 years, our bankers have worked alongside middle-market and small business owners during the good times as well as the not so good – tailoring our traditional and innovative banking products and services to meet the challenges and seize opportunities in front of our clients.

Laura Capra, Executive Vice President LCapra@MCBankNY.com, 212 659-0606 Manhattan | 99 Park Avenue • 212 365-6700 | 16 West 46th Street • 212 938-0770 | 1359 Broadway • 212 643-6981 | 1270 Lexington Avenue • 646 930-3386 Brooklyn 5101 13th Avenue • 718 851-2105 | Great Neck 111 Great Neck Road • 516 441-5232 © 2020 Metropolitan Commercial Bank Metropolitan Commercial Bank is a registered trademark of Metropolitan Commercial Bank.

Fashion Creative Collection (Limited Edition) Style: Salar Zu Sunglasses designed by Kevin Ching www.bighornhk.com @bighornrhino

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

© Jenna Bascom

TRADE SHOWS

TRADE SHOWS

OCTOBER ATLANTA APPAREL DELIVERS STRONG ORDER WRITING ACROSS CONTEMPORARY, RESORT, FOOTWEAR AND GIFT CATEGORIES Photo courtesy of Atlanta Apparel

The October Atlanta Apparel market provided the first opportunity for buyers to source Spring/ Summer 2023 fashions and place final orders for Winter and holiday immediates, October 11 – 15, at AmericasMart Atlanta.

“The October market was very strong. We had many last-minute shoppers coming in to get their holiday goods and start buying Spring,” said Perea. “This was our first time bringing our full Spring line to Atlanta, and it did well.”

“Atlanta Apparel exhibitors brought the Spring/ Summer heat to Atlanta this October, and popular lines across contemporary, footwear and resort categories were in high demand all week long,” said Caron Stover, International Market Centers (IMC) SVP, apparel. “Between the heavily attended fashion show and our successful first-time collaboration with The Atlanta Fabric Show, we closed out the year on a high note and look forward to another great year in 2023.”

Retailers Millie Giangrasso and Susan Stewart, co-founders of Nest Boutique in Asheville, NC, began sourcing for Spring with Atlanta Apparel showrooms this October and appreciated finding new lines.

Attendees traveled to Atlanta Apparel from 41 states and 3 U.S. territories, along with 6 international countries. More than 27% of the buyers were new to the market, and a high percentage of attendees hailed from the Southeast.

Spring/Summer ‘23 Sourcing This October, Atlanta Apparel presented 350+ permanent showrooms and 300+ temporary exhibits, and celebrated the first full year of its temporary exhibit expansion to five floors.

Buyers at the October edition of Atlanta Apparel focused their market efforts on stocking up for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2023 season, sprinkled in with a bit of holiday immediates and gift items.

Exhibitor Mackenzie Carter, wholesale account manager for Teleties, noted a busy market with many buyers discovering their brand in Atlanta and, “gearing up for the holidays and getting gift purchases in.”

Adolfo Perea, president of Shu Shop added that holiday immediates were popular this October.

mannpublications.com

“We found a few new brands in showrooms here that we haven’t had before in our stores and are excited to carry in the Spring,” added Giangrasso and Stewart. “The showrooms in Atlanta really create interpersonal relationships, they carry so many brands that we write with, and they take care of us very well.”

Locally-based retailer, Danean Macklin, founder of Sandra Quinn Boutique in Norcross, GA, noted that as a small business, Atlanta Apparel allows her to gain access to new and existing wholesalers without having to travel to other cities.

“The convenience of Atlanta Apparel along with all of the resources here saves my business money in travel, lodging and food costs. Additionally, Atlanta continues to add sustainable exhibitors, and that is one of my must-have product categories,” said Macklin.

Spring/Summer ’23 Fashion Show, Market Party and Trend Education Apparel buyers celebrated the final apparel buying event of the year at the highly-attended Atlanta Apparel Kickoff Party, with giveaways, interactive cocktail stations and lite bites, Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, buyers and brands lined John Portman Blvd. for the standing-room-only October Fashion Show, which previewed

upcoming Spring/Summer 2023 trends. The safari-themed show featured 74 different looks, styled by Atlanta Apparel’s in-house stylists and long-time collaborator Mireille Beckwith of @City.

Peach, along with complimentary jungle-themed cocktails and snacks.

Additionally, Atlanta Apparel provided buyers and brands with footwear and apparel trend educational seminars, presented by Footwear News and The Daily Front Row, Wednesday and Thursday of market, both of which were well attended.

The Atlanta Fabric Show A first-time collaboration with The Atlanta Fabric Show extended business opportunities and added production resources for both buyers and exhibitors attending Atlanta Apparel. The Atlanta Fabric Show ran concurrently with Atlanta Apparel for two days, October 12-13.

Susan Power, Show Producer of The Atlanta Fabric Show, reported a successful experience for many notable fabric brands and intends to partners with Atlanta Apparel again in the future.

“What a great market! Partnering with Atlanta Apparel, we were able to meet Southeastern buyers interested in private label, such as Universal Orlando Resort and the Atlanta Ballet, and provide an opportunity for apparel exhibitors to meet with fabric suppliers,” said Power. “We are extremely grateful to IMC’s team for making our first Atlanta Fabric Show such a great experience. Our exhibitors and buyers are looking forward to our 2023 show.”

International Market Center’s (IMC’s) five Atlanta Apparel markets feature the latest looks in contemporary, young contemporary, women’s modern, shoes, fashion accessories and more, plus specialty categories such as children’s and plus-size.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 103

TRADE SHOWS

104 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

TITAS TRADE SHOW IN TAIWAN HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATION IN TEXTILE Photo courtesy of TITAS

The 26th Taipei Innovative Textile Application show (TITAS), one of Asia’s leading trade shows, has begun and will continue until October 14, 2022. Around 367 exhibitors from across the globe are expected to participate in the show, which is the only textile innovation trade show in Taiwan.

Besides the exhibitors from the domestic textile and apparel industry, there is also a significant number of international exhibitors including COTTON USA, Microban, HeiQ, Ommi Srl and U.K.-based Alchemie Technology, according to a press release by TITAS. The U.S., Italy, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, the U.K., Switzerland and Sweden are among the nations with exhibiting companies at the trade show.

The Sustainable Fashion Show, hosted by Taiwan’s ministry of culture, will join TITAS 2022, connecting local textile manufacturers to fashion designers and others along the fashion value chain. The eagerly anticipated event has an overall focus on innovation, with efforts particularly concentrated across five key areas. These areas are sustainability in textiles, functional applications, personal protective equipment (PPE), intelligent manufacturing and smart textiles.

Among the exciting exhibitors at TITAS 2022 include many looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Far Eastern New Century focuses on sustainability and will present brand new materials and product solutions this year at TITAS. Combining the concepts of circular economy and the Metaverse, Formosa Plastics Group focuses on using technology to harness a wide variety of different renewable and recyclable natural materials. Zig Sheng says its sustainable yarn lowers manufacturers’ carbon footprint.

Eclat Textile Co will be exhibiting under its new value proposition, “Materials with Purpose”, as it

mannpublications.com

continues to grow into the activewear sector.

With net zero carbon emissions in mind, TITAS exhibitor Libolon has developed a green circulation concept through water circular economy, green recycling fiber products such as its RePET ecofriendly polyester recycled yarn and its ReEcoya recycled dye yarn.

Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corporation is another TITAS exhibitor working towards carbon neutrality, focusing on sustainable topics, including its yarn made from recycled garments.

Circularity is a theme that runs through many exhibitors at TITAS. New Wide Group says it is looking to create a carbon-neutral circular supply chain in the textile and apparel industry.

At TITAS, New Wide has organized four topic zones: Desert Explorer, Ocean Flow, Optimized Performance and Creative Community. These zones focus on high-performance fabrics including anti-bacterial, breathable and extraordinary wicking functionalities around eco-fashion.

Exhibitor Everest Textile Co will also showcase its carbon capture polyester yarn, bagasse biobased polyester yarn, E-2000 recycled polyester composite bio-based polyester eco yarn, recycled fishing net nylon yarn, recycled high tenacity nylon 6,6 (Cordura re/cor), Morphlon Waste Shoe material recycled yarn and pineapple fiber yarn.

The Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) will exhibit research and development projects in high-end textiles, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and smart textiles and training.

Oshima says it has developed “the first truly capable domestic fabric inspection machine,” which will be on show at TITAS 2022, added the release.

Tex-Ray Industrial Co will showcase their latest

innovations including their patented highresolution and environment-friendly printing technology HD ECOPRINT, revolutionary ecodyeing process Ecoloration technology, T-Fresh Antimicrobial Materials Series and so on.

To do its bit to protect the ocean, Singtex Industrial Co, a manufacturer of functional fabrics, will launch the 13th generation of S.Café at TITAS 2022. Also at the show, Light Textile is showcasing its LIGHTEMIS technology, which can be used in apparel and footwear, providing safety in the dark with high comfort.

TITAS has adopted various digital technologies to create a digital, interactive and intelligent exhibition format for its online visitors.

The TITAS VR Online exhibition hall aims to provide a reality experience of the show tour to those international professionals who are not able to attend TITAS. The TITAS Online Show is a 24/7 online platform, which serves as a marketplace for visitors to source the latest products from TITAS exhibitors — anytime and anywhere in the world. The TITAS Live Stream airs live interviews of selected exhibitors on their innovations together with a guided tour of their booth during the show on YouTube, Facebook and the TITAS website.

TITAS was selected as a demonstration field of the EXPO-TECH Pilot Project for Digital Exhibitions of the Bureau of Foreign Trade, introducing the following digital technologies to enhance the interactive experience of visitors.

The 3D Hologram Hybrid Booth adopts a unique holographic display of 3D textile models and interactive gesture recognition technology. The Intelligent Manufacturing Interactive Immersive Space is designed to display six intelligent manufacturing processes via VR technology.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 105

Invites you to attend THE 25TH ANNUAL COLLABORATING FOR A CURE

GALA THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH 2022 6:30 PM CIPRIANI, WALL STREET 55 WALL ST

waxmancancer.org/events/waxman-gala

Factoring with Republic Is Like Music To Your Ears OUR growth finance solutions support YOUR brands success.

• Non-Recourse Factoring • Factoring Line of Credit • Asset Based Lending • Seasonal Overadvances

PROUD TO BE HEADQUARTERED IN NEW ORLEANS, LA LOS ANGELES, CA

CHICAGO, IL

HOUSTON, TX

866.722.4987 • WWW.REPUBLICBC.COM • INFO@REPUBLICBC.COM

Carmen Steffens at Brickell City Center.

In collaboration with

Art Bodega Magazine

108 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

Photos by Malena Vazquez Art Direction by Art Bodega Magazine Address is: 701 S Miami Ave #322A, Miami FL 33130 Phone: 786-646-9431 mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 109

ECO FASHION CONSCIOUS Across

PUZZLE BY MYLES MELLOR

1. One of the components of sustainability 6. __ board 8. Company that launched its latest eco-conscious innovation: Veg Out (100% plant-based footwear) 9. Smarter 10. Sweater 12. Light brown 14. Bona fide 16. Bug, maybe 17. Ewe’s cry 18. Shirt accessory 21. Painting and sculpture 22. Hotheaded 23. Simplicity, utility, elegance and avoiding the unnecessary 27. Macy’s is bringing this children’s retail brand into every Macy’s store this holiday season, 3 words 28. Ostentatious jewelry

Down 1. ____ Hashanah, literally “Head of the Year” 2. Engage 3. Birthday items 4. They’re checked at clubs 5. Programs that allow a return of clothing at the end of use and receive credit for future purchases, 2 words 6. Key part of a supply chain 7. Deceptive practice that occurs when people overstate or misrepresent their climate credentials 11. Up to this point 13. Designer Jacobs 15. Shape of a right angle 16. Distillery items 17. Third Love or Aerie offering 19. Faculty of imagination 20. Zero 21. Often decorated tattoo spot 23. Yoga class need 24. French for sea 25. Under 26. Circle ratio

FOR ANSWERS, PLEASE VISIT

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

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

FM | 111

PERSONAL SERVICE. SECTOR EXPERTISE. TAILORED SOLUTIONS. BHI offers full commercial banking services that combine the personal attention of a prestigious boutique bank with the expertise and financial strength of Bank Hapoalim – the leading financial institution in Israel.

Contact our experts today to learn how we can help you grow your business.

Mitchell Barnett, EVP Head of Middle Market & Commodities Lending MBarnett@bhiusa.com (212) 782 2064 Ralph Mascia, EVP Head of Middle Market Lending RMascia@bhiusa.com (212) 782 2062 Alan Ackbarali, SVP Team Leader Middle Market Lending AAckbarali@bhiusa.com (212) 782 2348

www.bhiusa.com BHI is a registered service mark of Bank Hapoalim B.M. Member FDIC. Deposit accounts offered by the New York Branch are fully insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted by law. Deposit accounts offered by the Americas Tower Branch and Plaza Branch are not FDIC insured.

Ready, Set, Dressed.

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

FUTURE MARKET DATES October Atlanta Apparel October 11-October 15, 2022 January Atlanta Apparel January 31 – February 4, 2023 February Las Vegas Apparel February 12 - February 15, 2023 March Atlanta Apparel March 28 – April 1 For full market dates and registration, visit Atlanta-Apparel.com and LasVegas-Apparel.com

#atlapparel #shoplva | @apparelmarkets

Holiday Reads for Your Style Fix Photo Courtesy of Amazon Books

Not the Last Fashion Show by Giedrė Dukauskaitė November 15, 2022 Not the Last Fashion Show is a visual story of a top model’s life during fashion weeks in New York, Milan and Paris.

One of the most remarkable faces in the fashion world, Giedre Dukauskaite invites you to read her secret diary in which she recounts her emotion-filled personal story and relives the brief seconds of euphoria that can’t be compared to anything else.

The Colors of Sies Marjan by Sander Lak November 8, 2022 This colorful, comprehensive volume documents the short-lived but highly influential work of Sander Lak’s beloved and now cult fashion brand, Sies Marjan. Known for its evocative use of color, proportion and subversive fabrication, the New York–based fashion house Sies Marjan, founded in 2016 by Dutch creative director Sander Lak, had a brief but influential life. Although it shut its doors in 2020, Sies Marjan made a permanent mark on the fashion scene. Pieces were characterized by luxurious construction, the signature use of shining, jewel-toned hues and effortlessly cool appeal—the house’s pastel coats, thrown over T-shirts, are still regularly seen in downtown New York. Since its founding, Sies Marjan has garnered a devoted fan base and praise from notable critics, celebrities, and fans alike in a city known for its endless affection for a darker palette.

Karl Lagerfeld Unseen: The Chanel Years by Robert Fairer November 8, 2022 Casting a new light on one of the best-loved chapters in fashion history, Karl Lagerfeld Unseen: The Chanel Years illuminates key Chanel collections from behind the scenes. From discreet client fittings in rue Cambon’s immaculate black-and-beige salons to previously unseen backstage moments that show models, hairdressers, stylists, makeup artists, and even Karl Lagerfeld himself at work, photographer Robert Fairer’s stunning and high-energy photographs capture the elegance, glamour, and spirit that defined Lagerfeld’s shows for Chanel. A treasure trove of inspiration, this book is a must-have reference for dedicated Chanel fans, fashion and photography lovers throughout the world.

90’S by Thierry LeGouès December 13, 2022 Top nineties fashion photographer, Thierry Le Gouès created some of the nineties’ hottest fashion looks, shooting with the experimentation and innovation that made him a star of the European Condé Nast and Fairchild fashion bibles (Vogue, Mare Claire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar), in addition to breakthrough work in the U.S. editions and genre-bending shoots for the UK frontrunners (i.-D., The Face) and downtown chroniclers Detour and Flaunt. These pictorials defined a decade, one enjoying the bright lights of a nostalgic millennial flashback, and put the likes of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Stephanie Seymour, Carla Bruni, Amber Valletta, Eva Herzigova, Kristen McMenamy, Yasmeen Ghauri, Helena Christensen, Tatjana Patitz and Karen Mudler on the map.

Diana: A Life in Dresses by Claudia Joseph October 17, 2022 This chic and stylish book opens Diana’s wardrobe to the world. From the Regamus debutante’s dress Diana wore at a ball at Althorp, her family estate, to her infamous Christina Stambolian “Revenge” dress, which she wore on the night Prince Charles publicly admitted his adultery with Camilla Parker Bowles, each iconic moment is captured in these pages.

CONSUMERS ARE READY TO TRAVEL! More than half of U.S. consumers surveyed expect to return to their pre-pandemic leisure travel behavior within 6 months.

Find out what they’re buying and where, online and in-store, to meet their pent-up demand.

LEARN MORE

Contact your NPD account representative, call 866-444-1411, or email contactnpd@npd.com.

Source: The NPD Group/Consumer Survey, May 2021

IN THE STARS November/December 2022

aries

taurus

November will be weak at the beginning but fruitful afterwards for Taurus. You need to take care of your budget, as it might get rocky. Travelling might be an option if you budget properly. You will also need to put in the extra time and effort to reach your goals in December.

November is full of ups and downs. Your career and finances fluctuate. Be extra aware to avoid major losses in finances and career.

December serves alot of serene energy.

Health prospects are looking up. Finances seem to be at a steady rate.

gemini

cancer

November will be a favourable month for Geminis career-wise, but there will be ups and downs in other areas. Pay close attention to your health as it can be troublesome this month. December is a stagnant month.

Consider this month as a resting period. Fiances, however are doing very well.

Cancers will make good progress in their profession in the month of November. You might also make some new friends. You may become more interested in music and arts, however, you may incur heavy expenses during this time. December is about focusing on how much you amount to putting yourself down. It is time that you live your life with your head held high.

leo

virgo

Leos will see career advancements and abundance in their finances in November. You also feel spritual this month and want to celebrate with your inner emotions. December is a great time to travel. Set aside extra cash and explore..

Virgos may improve their finances this month. There will be love and harmony in family relationships. December horoscope encourages you to embrace transformation in your life because it might take some time to achieve independence. A resilient personality will help you withstand all the pressure as your life transforms.

Sagittarius Tarot Card The Temperance card is a reminder to find moderation and peace within. This is a reminder that building greatness, knowledge, and understanding the ways of the world takes time. Don’t rush the process.

116 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

libra

November will be a significant month for the Libras. You should expect to receive favourable outcomes throughout the month. December brings harmonious relationships, whether they are romantic or platonic. You are always looking for stability and are attentive to the well-being of those around you .Throughout the month, your good intentions will be rewarded.

sagittarius

Straight from the beginning, November will be a favorable month for Sagittarius. There will be an increase in your income possibly due to a promotion. Family life will also be blissful. Give extra attention to your health in December as you may feel your physical or mental health on the weak side.

aquarius

November will be a bit challenging, but not as drastic as you think. If you are looking for love, it’s best to make the first move. Career growth isn’t moving fast enough, however, remain resilent and consistent. The December horoscope encourages you to start changing the way you see things. Once you do so, everything will change inside and out.

mannpublications.com

scorpio

November will be full of ups and downs for Scorpios. The beginning of the month could be weak, but the half towards the end will be favourable in many aspects. You will have to pay attention to your health. In December, it’s encouraged that scorpios uplift those around them who need their support.

capricorn

This month expect to solve problems with family. In November, professional matters will move into the background. December is a bit challenging, but the support from your loved ones is helping you remain positive.

The new year will determine how you confront your issues during December.

pisces

Expect November to be a bit challenging.

You’ll find yourself stressing, which causes your health to decline a bit. It is advised to stick with family and focus on spiritual healing. This will improve your attitude and more. December brings new passions. Listen to your gut, as something great will rise out of your new interests.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 117

BY THE NUMBERS

FASHION APPAREL MARKET 2022 SHARE GROWING RAPIDLY WITH RECENT TRENDS, DEVELOPMENT, REVENUE, DEMAND AND FORECAST TO 2028 | NIKE, GAP, FAST RETAILING

Fashion Apparel Market Analysis 2022 (Pre and Post Covid is covered and Report Customization is available) | by Product Type (Woman, Man, Kids), Application Type (Online Sales, Offline Sales), Business scope, Outlook and major players.

the values, aspirations, interests, attitudes, or opinions of a group or a culture for marketing purposes. These brand have their own designers who have competitive insight to create the apparel to lead and express the brand theme and their own characters.

The report covers an in-depth analysis of the market composition along with a forecast of the various component and sub-segments of the Fashion Apparel Market. It offers a comprehensively examination of the factors influencing market growth, industry drivers, market size; historical and forecast revenue of market segments and sub-segments in relation to regional markets and their countries; strategic profiling of market key players Furthermore, the client wanted to understand the competitive landscape to succeed entry strategies. Some of the Major Companies covered in this Research are H&M, Inditex, Nike, Gap, Fast Retailing, Adidas, PVH, VF, Hanesbrands, Levi’s, Bestseller, L Brands, among others.

Report Overview Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine War Influence, the global market for Product Name estimated at USD million in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of USD million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of % during the forecast period 2022-2028.

At last, all parts of the Fashion Apparel Market are quantitatively also subjectively valued to think about the Global just as regional market equally.

This market study presents basic data and true figures about the market giving a deep analysis of this market based on market trends, market drivers, constraints and its future prospects. The report supplies the worldwide monetary challenge with the help of Porter’s Five Forces Analysis and SWOT Analysis.

In this report, Fashion Apparel refers to the brand apparel, which embody

mannpublications.com

The USA market for Fashion Apparel is estimated to increase from USD million in 2022 to reach USD million by 2028, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period of 2023 through 2028.

The China market for Fashion Apparel is estimated to increase from USD million in 2022 to reach USD million by 2028, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period of 2023 through 2028.

The Europe market for Fashion Apparel is estimated to increase from USD million in 2022 to reach USD million by 2028, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period of 2023 through 2028.

The global key manufacturers of Fashion Apparel include H&M, Inditex, Nike, Gap, Fast Retailing, Adidas, PVH, VF and Hanesbrands, etc.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 119

SOCIAL SOIREE

On The

Red Carpet

BY R. COURI HAY rafters Supper Ball provided the perfect fi nale to an extraordinary night on the town. The benefit raised $3.4 million. nycballet.com

Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy (by Patrick McMullan)

Sarah Jesscia Parker (SJP) was honored in absentia at The NYC Ballet’s 10th Fall Fashion Gala. Sadly, SJP couldn’t attend due to the passing of her stepfather; however, the show went on and…what a show it was! Once again, the event kicked off with a fun “see” and be seen’ reception around the fountain at Lincoln Center fueled by a personal favorite, Ruinart Champagne and proved to be the most fashionable and provocative night of the new season, from a male dancer in a bright green tutu and tux top to Kanye West’s ex paramour, Julia Fox, cocooned in a madcap silver confection

by Zac Posen. It was a night to remember with the audience giving the stage show some stiff competition. The star-studded host committee included Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy, Andy Cohen, Laverne Cox, Georgina Bloomberg, Jill Kargman, Diane Kruger, Deborah Roberts, Lizzie Tisch and the ever intriguingly dressed producer Jordan Roth. The night pairs fashion designers and choreographers to great effect, even if the clothes sometimes overwhelm the choreography...but who cares, it’s always interesting. The performances kicked off with Balanchine’s unbeatable “Symphony in C”, followed by a piece dubbed “Play Time” with music by Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles with sparkling costumes by Palomo Spain. Justin Peck’s new piece “Solo” stole the night with a custom by Raf Simons. The night ended with Kyle Abraham’s endless “Love Letter” that made me want a divorce halfway through it. Queen Latifah, Shaun White, Jean Shafi roff and Kristin Davis led the applause and a packed-to-the-

120 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

The Metropolitan Opera A dramatic rendition of Cherubini’s masterpiece “Medea” opened the 138th season of The Metropolitan Opera and the NYC social season. This tour de force, made famous by the legendary soprano Maria Callas, was given a stirring performance by Sondra Radvanovsky in the titular role. Among those leading the applause were Sigourney Weaver,Christine Baranski, Ellen Burstyn and others that are extremely wealthy and too private to mention.

This was Radvanosky’s fourth appearance in a new production at the Met by the dependable and daring director and set designer, David McVicar.

That said, I must confess I miss the over-the-top productions by Franco Zeffi relli, but I digress.

Celebrated conductor Carlo Rizzi led the orchestra and there were excellent performances

by Matthew Polenzani, Janai Brugger, Michele Pertusi, and Ekaterina Gubanova.The glamorous, black-tie audience was doubled by fans attending the Opening Night Simulcasts in Times Square and Marcus Garvey Park. This collaboration was made possible by multiple corporations including Bloomberg Philanthropies, SummerStage, NYC Parks and Bank of America. Bravo to free performances! The evening raised $3.3 million.

Metopera.org Carnegie Hall’s Opening Night: The Philadelphia Orchestra Sizzling Grammy Award winning pianist Daniil Trifonov and The Philadelphia Orchestra raised the proverbial roof at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Philadelphia’s esteemed music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Daniil plays with such

Cynthia Rowley (by David Benthal)

flair and drama that he literally levitated off his bench to make a musical point. The conductor, who wore a burgundy Tom Ford velvet jacket and no tie was also fun to watch and listen to. Although Mayor Eric Adams was not in the room, NY Governor Kathy Hochul was alongside the Gala’s Chairmen Mercedes Bass, Hope and Robert Smith. The committee included MarieJosee and Henry Kravis, Joan and Sanford Weill, Larry Gagosian, Beatrice Santo Domingo, Len and Emily Blavatnik, and Veronica Atkins.

The program’s pièce de résistance was Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.1. Other standouts included Ravel’s La valse and Dvo�ák’s Symphony No. 8. The concert was broadcasted live around the world and the sold out evening raised a staggering $5.5 million. The night concluded with a festive dinner at Cipriani and PwC was the Gala’s lead sponsor for the 19th consecutive season. Carnegiehall.org Dutch National Ballet & YAGP Chic philanthropist and investor Afsaneh Akhtari co-hosted a lunch with Larrisa Saveliev, the founder of Youth America Grand Prix, in honor of Dutch National Ballet principal dancers Olga Smirnova, Jacob Feyferlik and Constantine Allen ahead of their performances at City Center. Smirnova resigned from the Bolshoi Ballet earlier this year in protest of Ukraine’s invasion. Guests, including Liliana Cavendish, Susan Gutfreund, Judith Hoffman, Caroline Hyman, Linda Morse, Janna Bullock, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Kristina Kingston, Morgan Stanley’s Sergio Nicolosi, Jean Shafi roff, Jazmin Roper, Marcelo Zimmler, divorce attorneys Harriet Newman Cohen and Martha Cohen Stine, ABT’s Gabe Stone Shayer, Dutch Ballet’s Ted Brandsen and YAGP’s board chair Richrard Osterweil mingled in Akhtari’s glamorous, farflung apartment overlooking the East River.

YAGP is the world’s largest global network of dance competitions, supporting world-class dancers, ages 9 to 19, from all backgrounds with scholarships and educational opportunities.

YAGP’s Sergey Gordeev said, “We’re gathered today to celebrate the power of art to save lives.” yagp.org Wedding of the Year It was society’s wedding of the year. King

Christine Baranski (by Roy Rochlin)

mannpublications.com

SOCIAL SOIREE

Yannick Nezet-Seguin and Daniil Trifonov (by Chris Lee)

Randolph Hearst Harris, known as Randy, is the great-grandson of publishing baron William Randolph Hearst and the son of Anne Hearst.

Randy married Paula Porubcanova at a lavish three-day affair in the Hamptons. The guest list of one hundred and forty included Randy’s father, King Harris, and his stepfather, the author Jay McInerney. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Baroness Milly de Cabrol, Kimberly and Steven Rockefeller, Sharon Bush, Wilbur Ross and Hilary Geary Ross, Candace Bushnell and Eugenia and Janna Bullock were part of the mix. The chic event was held at Randy’s family’s estate, Ashgrove Farm. The bride wore a dazzling confection by Monique Lhuillier. The couple said their “I do’s” under a 16-foot-high white floral arch set against the property’s lily and koi pond; it’s the only way, really. Randy’s sister, Amanda Hearst, who just gave birth to her first child with Maleficent director Joachim Rønning, gave a toast via video while holding baby Hawk. The magician—that is, Alison Mazzola—planned the event. There was a 16-piece band, monogrammed napkins and a separate dessert tent all produced by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs. Guests were invited to pet the family’s miniature ponies, goats, lambs and an emu. The following night, guests, including Lorraine Bracco and Robert Zimmerman headed to the beach for a dinner where lobster, clams and corn were served. At dusk, a bonfire was lit by the dance floor for s’mores and a tribe of female performers did an elaborate fire dance that I thought looked like a fertility ceremony.

Who else would tell you these things?

Jazmin Roper (by Patrick McMullan)

Olga Smirnova and Afsaneh Akhtari (by Patrick McMullan)

NEW YORK CITY BALLET FALL FASHION GALA

NEW NEVER YORK STOPS

NEITHER SHOULD YOUR BANK

Better relationships. Better tools. Better banking.

At BankUnited, our talented banking professionals are committed to helping you get to where you want to go.

That’s better banking with your interest in mind. Contact us today to get started.

www.bankunited.com

Melville

57th & Lexington Ave.

50th & 5th Ave.

48th & Park Ave.

35th & 6th Ave.

Brooklyn

445 Broadhollow Rd. Melville, NY 11747 (631) 454-4700

299 Park Ave. New York, NY 10171 (212) 409-1300

136 E. 57th St. New York, NY 10022 (212) 705-8600

960 Ave. of the Americas New York, NY 10001 (212) 356-7600

623 Fifth Ave., 11th Fl New York, NY 10022 (212) 409-1200

1333 60th St. Brooklyn, NY 11219 (718) 522-8400

SOCIAL SOIREE

Weatherfield Gardens One glorious fall morning, while riding his horse through the beautiful hills of Dutchess County in upstate New York, Chauncy Devereux Stillman decided to buy and preserve two abandoned farms. The properties became the nucleus for the 1.000 breathtaking acres of nature and culture that are Wethersfield Gardens today. This year the Garden hosted its second annual lunch chaired by Karen Klopp, an expert on what to wear, where and how.

Marion de Vogel was honored for her energy and success as a conservator of natural beauty and supporter of the arts.

Guests included Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henkels, Sarah Saint Amand, Patricia and Alex Farmainian and Emma Sweeny. he

re

BY MICHELE GERBER KLEIN

At

m

Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan PMC

p os

David Thieringer, Barbara Tober, Willem de Vogel

Jennifer Oken, Marion de Vogel, Karen Klopp

mannpublications.com

Larry Graev, Lorna Graev

Lily Venezia, Andrea Venezia

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 123

A Closer Look

FASHION MANNUSCRIPT’S ULTIMATE HOLIDAY EDIT

BY AIDA M. TORO As the holidays are around the corner, holiday gift guides are trending like hot cakes. Shopping for the ideal gift during this season can be a hassle, especially nowadays, as the pandemic is long gone. With that said, we’ve cultivated a round up of some of the most stylish, hip, yet resourceful products that’ll make your loved ones’ holiday an unforgettable one.

124 | FM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

mannpublications.com

Lululemon Studio Mirror Although the holiday season is here, it doesn’t mean fitness regimens should start in January. Have your cake,casseroles, and cocktails too by getting your training in with Lululemon’s Studio Mirror. The Lululemon Studio consists of a membership costing $39 a month, which provides consumers with access to a plethora of streaming and in-person classes that are both from Mirror’s own existing library and prominent Lululemon Studio partners,such as: DOGPOUND, Pure Barre, AARMY, Rumble, Y7, YogaSix, AKT, and FORWARD_ Space. Workouts can be streamed through the Mirror or the Lululemon Studio app on your phone. Lastly, did I mention the Lululemon Studio Mirror is also a chic home accessory?

Oribe Limited Edition Dry Texturizing Spray The Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is one that’s been around for quite some time and makes wonders happen. This special limited-edition bottle celebrates legendary hair artist Oribe Canales, who developed the fi rst-of-its-kind texturizing spray. A worldwide favorite, this high-performing formula is the same texture spray that sparked the original obsession and provides you with full-on glamorous hair while building incredible volume and sultry texture, leaving you with styled hair for days.

Nudestix Nudies Blush Stick Give your natural glow a touch of color with a Nudies Blush Stick from Nudestix. This creamy blush stick brings out your skin’s complexion and beauty, providing you with a healthy and youthful look. The blush stick also provides you with a natural eyelid color and creamy lip in shades that will highlight your overall natural beauty.

Pattern Village Jumpsuit Although it may be cold, jumpsuits are always an essential for the holiday season, especially if you decide to pack your bags and fly out to paradise. If so, Pattern Village Jumpsuits are for you. These jumpsuits are specially crafted from the softest live-in fabric and curated to be multipurpose-chic, from the plane, to the beach resort, to your holiday brunch.

The jumpsuits feature hidden pockets, adjustable straps, and pant legs. Inside the pant leg, you’ll fi nd a hidden button made from coconut, permitting you to shorten the leg up to 7’’.

Koral Camo Lustrous Infinity High Rise Legging & Sweeper Infinity Sports Bra This athleisure set is one to have you looking in style this holiday season. Instead of being overdressed, look stylish in Koral’s Camo lustrous Infi nity High Rise Legging, which is crafted from the company’s signature infi nity fabric and utilizes stretch fi ber technology in a high rise style, flattering your waist and silhouette while elongating your legs.

With that said, you will still look fabulous after eating all the holiday goodies! As for the Sweeper Infi nity Bra, it offers lightweight, flattering support without sacrificing comfort.

Overall, layer this whole outfit with a white button down and leave a couple of buttons unbuttoned in order for the bra to show.

mannpublications.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 125

LAVANYA COODLY: GIFTING THE RUNWAY WITH URBAN GLAM

BY AIDA M. TORO Photography courtesy of Andrew T. White

LAST LOOK

N

owadays, fashion designers have different outlooks when it comes to the industry. Lavanya Coodly, a designer who worked full-time in biomedical research for 25 years before deciding to pursue fashion, is assisting to promote hand craftsmanship and the practice of weaving communities while managing to build her own business.

Where inspires your designs?

My inspiration is derived mostly from the world I live in. I love taking long walks or drives and soaking up as much natural beauty that I possibly can. I am equally inspired by urban life and the beauty created by people. Music has also played an important role, from which I draw inspiration. I see colors in music. So, it is a combination of all these that drives me to design.

With each collection, I have learned several new things and expanded my vision too. I’ve learned about technique, fabric manipulation, production efficiency and become better at time management. I have still got a lot of learning to do! I have also incorporated feedback from my customers and designed accordingly.

Some styles were created purely from personal interest, which will be revealed in the Spring.

She pursued fashion through a self-generated strategy while handling design and the financial budget on her own. Coodly utilized her business degree along with her sense of fashion to interact with entities such as The Republic Collective and AMCONNYC as well as with fashion markets to gain retailers.

Give me a rundown on your design process.

I begin with creating a mood board by putting together all the seasonal sources of inspiration. I look at projected color trends, review prints that we have created. Based on my seasonal inspiration, my team members and I begin sketching looks. After sketches are compiled and edited, a muslin or a prototype of each garment is made first. Creating a prototype also gives us an opportunity to further edit the smallest of details on the garment. If everything looks fine, we proceed to making the final piece. Not every final piece is photographed.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently planning the Autumn/Winter 2023 collection, scouting outdoor locations for photoshoots and doing Holiday shows and events.

Since discovering her label, Coodly has styled celebrities for red carpet events and has had her designs featured in a plethora of fashion-forward magazines in Europe and the U.S. With that said, I took the time to speak with the designer about her perspective on the fashion industry, her latest collection and more.

Lavanya, what inspired you to become a fashion designer?

Aida, it is such a pleasure to be interviewed by you.

I really believe my journey began when I was seven years old. My mother gave me a piece of blue lace and I designed a dress for myself with it. From that age onwards, I designed all my clothes, but this interest did not morph into a full-time job until much later.

mannpublications.com

Tell me about your latest collection.

My latest collection is designed to be worn in Spring and Summer of 2023. The collection was inspired by my time spent in Newport Rhode Island, Los Angeles, and France. The pieces are predominantly Resort wear and relaxed but also modern and stylish in fit. I have used blues and white predominantly, but there are other soothing colors too. I’ve also experimented with Indian-inspired embroidery on gossamer cotton.

How do you feel your collections have grown to give the industry a fresh outlook?

What do you look forward to with your current collections as well as your upcoming collections?

I look forward to the process of creating and learning something new each day. Although some days can be nerve-wracking, there is never a dull moment…I can assure you. I love matching my sketches to fabric and editing the collection, but most of all, I love the satisfaction of seeing my pieces come alive on my customers after working so hard on them.

What do you look forward to as a designer and what are your plans for the future?

I look forward to expanding my collection to include a bridal line, getting more sophisticated in design execution and finally, I would love to see my garments in multi-designer stores at home and abroad.

To keep up with Coodly and her upcoming collections, follow her on Instagram over @lavanyacoodly.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 FM | 127

Dynamic Worldwide’s Shanghai Free Trade Zone

A WO R L D O F

Facility will enhance your supply chain strategy

S AV I N G S

throughout the world. In addition to cost savings, benefit from repacking, relabeling, and quality control services offered through our bonded facility just 30 minutes from the Yangshan Sea Port.

S TA R T S I N

SHANGHAI

Free Trade Zone Facility benefits include: • Apply for VAT refund as soon as cargo is delivered.

• Export goods directly to buyer.

• Minimize the labor costs for re-handling at destination.

• Complete international transit trade, and export cargo to other countries.

• Directly fulfill requests of Chinese consumers.

THE RETAIL WORLD DELIVERED. Smarter. Faster. Cheaper.

dynamiconline.com | 973.344.6300 ext 304 NY | NJ | NC | FL | CA | HONG KONG | SHENZHEN | SHANGHAI | QINGDAO GUANGZHOU | VIETNAM | INDIA | BANGLADESH | SRI LANKA | PAKISTAN | CAMBODIA