It's On To Vegas...The 2011 Fashion Trade Shows, MAGIC and More

A few words of wisdom to my fashion buyer:

The Las Vegas fashion trade shows are daunting to say the least.  There's MAGIC (no magicians,) POOL (no pool,) PROJECT (no construction workers,) ISAM (NOT "Sam I am,") CURVE (no windy road,) SLATE (no rock quarry) and I'm sure that I'm forgetting a few more spin-off shows. This is some serious sourcing.  Pack your gym shoes, bring practical clothes and don't forget your wallet...Las Vegas isn't a cheap town by any means. Seriously, a buyer should consider doing some long distance training before going, because honey, you're going to walk miles and miles and miles.  This is a marathon show!  Then there are marathon parties too...which I advise you to go early, leave early...you're going to need your strength and wits about you for that 9AM appointment.  For a fashion buyer, this is probably a group of the most important shows that you can attend, so be smart about it.  I only say this because I've seen good sourcers bite the dust many, MANY times in LV and it isn't pretty when they get back home, so be forewarned.
 
:::sigh:::

OK, I've made my point and now you know why I am not going this year.  I'm sending you, one of our savviest girls, to hunt for a few needed items for the catalog.  I know that you'll do great.  You can battle the crowds, swelter in the heat, and nurse the hangover.  You're only there for a day...in and out.  How much damage can be done? 

"Parties?"  NO 
"Gambling Expense Account?" NO 
"VIP Club?"  NO 
"A Headlining Show?"  NO
"Dinner at Le Cirque?" NO 
"Well, Can I have a new bikini for the trip?"  NO 
Just come back with some killer stuff and in one piece.

MAGIC is serious business.

~ C.

Melissa Odabash Swimwear 2010 - Class & Fun Rolled Into One

Melissa Odabash Swimwear is another one of those classic swimsuit lines that always looks timeless and tasteful, yet still has a touch of fun flirtiness about it. Miss Odabash started her own swimwear line after modeling swimsuits in Italy that were not exactly to her liking. She created her own bathing suits, took them to the shops of Milan and they immediately caught on. She later opened her own store in London where she sells a variety of her beachwear styles and accessories.

Her look is simple and refined and in a word, “refreshing.” The quality of an MO swimsuit is impeccable, employing only the best of fabrics and trims. All of her patterns and designs have comfort in mind. Melissa Odabash exclusively uses a special twisted elastic support that is sewn into her bra tops, Instead of the more traditional under-wires that most other manufacturers use.

This year the look for MO is cool and calm. The Luxor Bikini is a simple, black bandeau that is spiced up with a thick, chunky chain detail. The Sienna One Piece Swimsuit is polished and clean, with graceful lines and a design sense that will get you through more than one summer. Of course, that’s what Melissa Odabash Swimwear is all about…enduring elegance.



~ C.

Karla Colletto Swimwear - Timeless

Let's face it, not all of us are looking for the tiniest of bikinis.  One piece swimsuits are beautiful, comfortable to swim in, and yes, even sexy.  U.S. "East Coaster," Karla Colletto, along with her sister and business partner, Lisa, have been creating innovative and high styled swimsuits for several decades, never becoming stale or boring. 

Their use of new and modern textiles and creative manufacturing techniques keeps them ahead of the game and always fashion forward, while maintaining a high degree of quality and workmanship.  All of their swimsuits are made to order from their production line in Virginia, assuring that each bathing suit gets the proper attention that their customer deserves.

Ruching One Piece by Karla Colletto Swimwear 2010

Karla Colletto swimsuits are not just known for their workmanship, but also for their fit.  Karla uses a special, hidden, floating underwire in many of her bras and bodices that give the swimsuit support and structure, while creating a smooth, sleek silhouette.  Each year, Karla Colletto Swimwear comes up with timeless designs that will last for several seasons. 

This year the line took on a slightly edgy look with ruching, cut-outs and strappy details.  One of my personal favorites is the Metallic Piping One Piece Swimsuit and it has been our biggest seller this year.  So, if you're looking for a fabulous one piece, trust me, Karla Colletto won't let you down.

~ C.



Metallic Piping One Piece Swimsuit by KC 2010

Tyler Rose Swimwear

Ok...this stuff is too cute!  Tyler Rose Swimwear has a ton of attitude and designer, Nicole Carroll, brings it on strong with her Haute Indian Summer Spring 2010 collection.  These are 3 bikinis from the TRS line-up for 2010.

~ C.

Ramble On Bikini - TRS 2010

Squeeze My Lemon Bikini by Tyler Rose

You Shook Me Bikini by TRS

The 2010 season is about to come to a close.  So, what have been the hottest labels this year?  Some of the most sought after swimsuit designers this season have been Mara Hoffman, Zimmermann, Agua Bendita and a Jr./teen line called Maaji Swimwear.  Rosa Cha Swimwear has been making a big comeback after changing designers.  Amir Slama has left the post and was replaced by Alexandre Herchcovitch.  Salinas Swimwear is also coming back in a good way, since reorganizing their distribution in the US.  Lenny Swimwear continues to hold a strong position in the market place, as does everyone's favorite 1-piece swimsuit queen, Karla Colletto.  I'm curious as to what new labels will come to light in 2011.

~ C.