ED ITOR’S NOTE
Name That Tune
Let It Be demic has taught people to live in the moment because it can all be snatched MY WIFE OF 25 years this September is my best away. “America is ready to get back to being fancy,” she says. friend. She’s also my copy editor. She’s the one (hint, On that high note, maybe it’s time to venture into stores again to touch hint) who pares down run-on sentences, catches typos and try on the merchandise. Extended isolation has taught many of us and declutters whatever words of wisdom (another that we need the human touch. Personally, I could use a break from the hint) I write in each issue. Recently, she admonished steady stream of boxes cluttering our apartment. Worse, I feel like I’m me for resorting to too many rock music references. working eight days a week breaking all the boxes down for recycling, Last month’s column, “Faith No More”—which connot to mention the added time suck of shipping back returns. Beyond cluded with lyrics from a U2 song—was the point of that, shopping with all my senses is liberating. There’s only so much a no return for her, I guess. computer screen can reveal, and most customer reviews are about as Well, guilty as charged. Or, you might say, I fought the copy editor and reliable as Axl Rose hitting the stage on time. the copy editor (finally) won. But then I thought, why not dial up the Speaking of shows, another sign that the rock references to 11 this month. Why not industry is getting back in the saddle again is go out with a bang? Or as Neil Young sings, the return of in-person events this August. Our “It’s better to burn out than fade away.” So trade shows preview (p. 14) reveals why our let’s get this party started and see how many industry has Georgia on its mind with regard songs strike a chord while I sing the praises to The Atlanta Shoe Market; FFANY reports of our latest issue. it’s time to get back in the New York groove; Signs of reemergence from the pandemic Magic says viva, Las Vegas as it unveils its new are growing louder by the week. The drum format; and organizers of Outdoor Retailer beat of strong first quarter sales reports are seek a Rocky Mountain high of another kind encouraging, suggesting that many retailers by gathering again in Denver. are headed in the right direction. Granted, The beat goes on. This month’s Q&A (p. 10) the figures are in comparison to last year’s with Charlie Liberge, co-managing partner lockdown numbers, but in many instances of Quoddy, tells the story of how a fateful they exceeded expectations, and some broke phone call led to a new partnership dripping records. Maybe that stimulus cash is burning with rock star potential. The Quoddy playlist holes in consumers’ pockets. Money changes includes U.S. manufacturing (i.e. Born in everything, after all. the U.S.A.), a rich brand heritage, premium Maybe those who’ve been sporting athcraftsmanship and strong margins, to cite leisurewear 24-7 for the past year are also a few. In his 30-plus years in the business, itching to diversify their wardrobes. For those involving numerous executive stints on returning to offices in the coming months, both the retail and wholesale sides of the dressing for success (you gotta look sharp) aisle, Liberge has seen his share of brands might be a refreshing change of pace, or a come and go. Now, as one of the lead singmandate from the boss. On that note, be sure Long live rock: a collage of references culled together over ers for Quoddy, he explains why this is no to check out our men’s dress feature (p. 24); the years and featured in our 25th anniversary issue. one-hit wonder. it shows an array of office-appropriate and I could go on making rock references when night-on-the-town styles for fall. writing about fashion because there is endless crossover between the two Or maybe women just want to put on that party dress and killer heels industries. They’ve been dance partners ever since Elvis told listeners not and dance the night away. We oblige with our disco-inspired fashion feato step on his blue suede shoes. In addition, the long and winding roads ture, beginning on p. 26. It felt good curating a selection of snazzy heels from garage startup to superstardom—complete with excessive highs and that are completely pandemic-inappropriate! Along those lines, I sense a devastating lows, breakups and reunions—often mirror each other. So does pent-up demand in the country to party like it’s 1999—and dress the part. the combination of talent, drive and ego that can burst just like a super The desire to look fabulous doesn’t even require a party at this point, says nova or quickly fade away. For a fan like me, that means there’s never a Leslie Bessent, co-founder of Agnes Bethel and the subject—along with her dull moment. I, for one, hope the song remains the same. husband, Stephen—of our Designer Chat (p. 38). Bessent believes the panGreg Dutter
Editorial Director
4 footwearplusmagazine.com • june 2021