8.04.2008

PROJECT NY TRADESHOW REVIEW


Since PROJECT NY touched down in 2003, Mr. MSR has flocked there, to witness trends setting to strike following seasons. Seeing new fresh and vibrant brands doesn’t hurt one bit. Each year the premium tradeshow expands, offering innovative perks and spoils buyers and attendees excite at. Case in point: Luxury shuttle buses stock with top shelf alcoholic beverages and delish snacks. My preferred perk is functional and tasteful: A trendy weekender bag doled at the greeting table.

Five years later, and grander in size (since bought buy MAGIC International), labels are still hoping to get a coveted booth space—even if it means sharing with another vendor. PROJECT tradeshows are bi-annual—showing in both NYC and Las Vegas.

Scores of fashion and industry leaders converged on the grounds for PROJECT NY two weeks ago to take-in Fall ‘08 offerings and get privy to Spring ’09 threads. With hundreds of designers showing off, “strategizing” was MR. MSR’s only success for conquering the massive convention center packed with contemporary brands. The strategy—visit brands whose garments were visibly creative and remarkable in construction. Many brands attempted, but fell short of having one of the aforementioned qualities.

The strongest brands I’m confident wrote many retail orders and boasted the two elements were: Hickey (the contemporary and younger version of Hickey Freeman), Five Four, SPIEWALK, Verum, FRYE Boots, and Gytha Mander (my favorite new brand!). Each particular brand highlighted quality crafted pieces possessing flair and style.

Stay tune for future posts highlighting these designers and the rich collection(s).

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