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.

Revving it Up at the Raleigh , Bass Museum & the W - Miami Swimwear Shows 2011

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off in Miami on Thursday evening with Trina Turk opening at the Cabana Grande.  On Friday, White Sands, Beach Bunny, Dolores Cortes, Swell Suits, Ed  Hardy and Crystal Jin hit the runways at the historic Raleigh hotel.  Tonight, we're anxious to see what Mara Hoffman brings to the show, as well as Poko Pano and Aqua de Lara.  Still to come, Red Carter, Marysia, Tyler Rose, Cia.Maritima and our Aussie friends from Kooey Swimwear.  Pix to come soon!

Trina Turk Swimwear 2011 - Girly and Gossimer ...lots of cheerful, summery prints and lighter than air, shimmery cover-ups...great show, fabulous collection!
~ C.

Sao Paulo Fashion Week SS 2011 - Rosa Cha, Cia.Maritima

Alexandre Herchcovitch unveiled his latest swimwear collection for Rosa Cha, 2011 at the Spring/Summer 2011 Sao Paulo Fashion Week show last night.  Theme of show was "Anima" meaning animated, or lively.  He stayed true to the progressive Rosa Cha style, carrying through with more of  his lingerie and black trimmed, primary prints, from his previous collection presented last January.   Black, cream, florals, straps, mesh, high waist, structured bras, corsets, skirts and the swim dress were the structure points of the evening.

Benny Rosset, designer for Cia.Maritima Swimwear 2011 also presented last night. This year there was a wide use of shiny satins and a strong emphasis on the back and bum details.  Knots, bands, and slim cuts adorned the back sides.  Mr. Rosset did also an asymmetrical bikini in mauve print that was innovative, yet still wearable.  I also loved the wavy stripe, graphic print bikini with metal, slide trims at hips and bra straps.  I'll be sure to post a pic as soon as it becomes available. 

~ C.

Sao Paulo Fashion Week SS 2011 - Swimwear

Sao Paulo Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2011, the premier event in Brazil and the swimwear world, will be taking place Tuesday, 06/08/01 through Monday, 06/14/10.  I'll b posting updates and reviews of some of the lines.

~ C.