Over the past several years, trade shows and expos have evolved to make them more accessible to people around the world. While less personal and a lot less fun than a trip to Paris or Milan, they offer many of the same benefits as traditional shows without the travel expenses. It may have taken a bit longer for the fashion world to catch on, but with so many travel budgets being cut, wholesale fashion clothing buyers are starting to like the idea of “virtual fashion shows.”
One successful venture, the Forward Global Trade Show, is an interactive web site that allows fashion designers to show their products to women’s and junior apparel buyers in a revolutionary new way. By hosting a two-day event on their site, Forward Global allows for unparalleled networking opportunities between designers and wholesale boutique clothing buyers, making it easier than ever for fashion houses to showcase new contemporary apparel trends to buyers around the world.
Thanks to virtual shows like these, consumers will no longer need to wait two seasons to see the clothing at runway shows begin appearing in stores. This meets the immediate needs of a changing market, and allows women’s fashion apparel buyers to stay on top of emerging trends and “buy them while they’re hot.”
Just like a normal trade show, Forward Global allows up to 300 vendors to exhibit their collections in an online virtual environment that mimics an actual fashion trade show. Wholesale fashion apparel buyers from around the globe can register to attend the show, where they can watch runway shows on video, network with other attendees, and place orders on vendors’ web-stands. Women’s and junior apparel buyers such as Fashion Spot LA are expecting this trend to continue in 2010 and change the way designers go to market with their collections.
Tags: Junior Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
As the holidays approach, retailers are stocking up on evening dresses in every style color and fabric. In fact, the biggest weekend for buying evening wear is quickly approaching. Many women use the same dress for their corporate Christmas party as they do for New Year’s Eve, but this year you will see even more women trying to get one dress that will suit both occasions.
Buyers of contemporary apparel are acutely aware of how the economic crisis may affect this season’s evening wear purchases, and many are looking at a more casual line-up than in past years. Part of the reason for this is that so many companies have cut back on the formality of their holiday events, and fewer people than ever are attending fancy-dress New Year’s Eve parties. For the wholesale boutique clothing buyer, it makes sense to offer a more laid-back holiday dress selection this year.
In most ready-to-wear lines, the fabrics of choice will still be silk, satin and polyester. Best selling colors in women’s holiday dresses tend to be wine red, gold, black and turquoise. Most dresses are designed to accent the bust, and include added support, especially the strapless and empire styles.
One of the reasons for the popularity of the empire-cut dress is that so many women want to hide their waistlines and upper legs. The most enduring styles are available with a matching shawl, and are fully lined in polyester with a back zipper. Most ready-to-wear dresses are retail priced at $100 and up, with designer gowns starting at over $1,000, but wholesale fashion clothing buyers like Fashion Spot LA, are getting more incentives this year, enabling them to offer lower prices to their customers.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
Now that the Paris shows have started, contemporary apparel buyers are making predictions about what will be the most enduring trend for 2010. Some of the lesser known designers often come up with the most compelling presentations at these shows, with an eye on attracting buyers to their wholesale fashion apparel sales after the show. It is also a time for junior apparel buyers to find some exciting new ideas to start showing in stores.
A few of the designers that caught my eye this year included Eyola Victorian-inspired dresses, the black and white sculptural presentation by Agonovich, Rochas by Marco Zanini’s French sportswear and the “White Collection” by Osman Yousefzada.
One of the undercurrents that seemed to run through almost every Milan and Paris showing is a simpler, less glitzy, more accessible approach to contemporary apparel. It is as if the economic crisis has forced designers to take a long hard look at their clients’ personal outlook, and started seeing their designs through the eyes of wholesale clothing apparel buyers too. The result is a relaxed and simple design sense with an emphasis on texture and layered fabrics.
In his crisp “White Collection”, Osman Yousefzada used simple structured silhouettes in a singular palette of white, with gold accents, drawing attention to textures of silk, cheesecloth and suede in various shades of white. In his classic minimalistic style, Yousefzada applied a more futuristic feel to his spring collection with kimono shapes and abstract dip-dyed edges.
Marco Zanini offered an unhurried, sportswear approach to his Rochas collection, featuring beautifully cut liquid silk dresses falling just below the knee with layered skirts and vivid florals. Colors like mulberry, lemongrass and pistachio turned up in tiny colorful blazers, paired with tap pants and classic accessories.
When it’s time to buy wholesale boutique clothing for spring 2010, look for these fanciful yet wearable silhouettes to start showing in wholesale boutique clothing store Fashion Spot LA.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Clothing Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
In addition to advising contemporary apparel buyers on the season’s hottest colors, the Pantone Fashion Color Report (compiled by the Pantone Color Institute) also provides wholesale fashion clothing buyers with another valuable resource. The “must-haves” list for spring gives buyers a birds-eye view of spring fashion trends that will become wardrobe essentials for next season. While some of these fashions may be modified for junior clothing apparel lines, or toned-down to meet more conservative tastes, Pantone’s report should give you a glimpse at which runway fashions will be in highest demand.
Here are a few of my favorite selections from this spring’s list of “must-haves” and which designer suggested each item:
* A “voluminous” mini skirt (Andy & Debb)
* Batik print lounge pants in blue and white, paired with a navy embellished tunic (Adrienne Vittadini)
* A hip blazer, or a denim vest, paired with shorts – expected to be a hot trendy junior fashion – paired with multi-strand necklaces and platform sandals (Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons)
* A deep purple jumpsuit (or any other color in the top five), paired with funky, ornamental jewels (Catherine Malandrino)
* A double-faced plaid chambray boyfriend shirt (Charlotte Ronson)
* A tie-front leather jacket, preferably in tan (Erin Fetherston)
* Long, micro-striped tube dresses in a mixture of bright sun-drenched colors and neutrals (Nanette Lapore)
* An impeccably tailored lightweight tweed coat with delicate floral embroidery, in shades of cream, pink and pale gold (Pamella Roland by Pamella DeVos)
* A mint-green sleeveless suede trench dress, with a waterfall cascade collar (Cythia Steffe)
The list goes on and on, and each suggestion can be interpreted for a variety of price ranges and sizes, but you get the picture. As I write this, I am imagining wholesale fashion apparel buyers including Fashion Spot LA are poring over this invaluable list to determine which items will translate into junior apparel, women’s contemporary apparel, or the next big trend. It should be a very interesting spring season.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Clothing Apparel, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
Can we remain as fashionable as ever, even during one of the worst economic downturns in US history? Well, Americans aren’t known for giving up easily – especially not on fashion. So as we continue to struggle with dismal retail forecasts and record unemployment this year, many wholesale fashion apparel dealers are taking action. Instead of worrying and wondering what the next few seasons will bring, they are taking their cues from their customers, and one thing they do know is that fashion buyers are looking at junior clothing apparel much differently today than they did a year ago.
While consumers try to make their deflated dollars stretch farther than ever, they are buying clothing very selectively, stretching daytime career clothing into evening, and some weekend wear pieces into “business casual”. Even junior apparel is looking a bit more conservative this fall, and this trend is expected to continue into spring.
The key for buyers and shoppers this year is versatility. As buyers become more selective, they think about their purchases more practically and look for wardrobe pieces that can be dressed up or down and worn on various occasions. Gone are the days of the three-sectioned closet: career clothes, evening wear and sportswear. Now you will find many crossover pieces, reversible jackets, and dressed up business attire doubling as date-night outfits.
As fashion designers, manufacturers and wholesale fashion clothing distributors catch on to these trends, they will start showing up in department stores, chains and boutiques. But don’t expect to find as many somber, dark colors as you might expect during an economic crisis. Runway models are showing dusty versions of sage, plum and eucalyptus for spring 2010, and color-rich palettes were seen at Fashion Week in almost every designer collection. Visit Fashion Spot LA to see the latest in contemporary apparel and trendy junior fashion.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Junior Apparel, Junior Clothing Apparel, Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
As Fashion Week takes New York City by storm, contemporary apparel buyers are lining up to get their first glimpse of which styles will dictate next year’s trends. This is the time of the year that shopping for wholesale fashion clothing can be fun. Viewing the latest collections from top designers and attending all the parties is a blast, but trying to plan out what to buy nine months in advance is often tricky.
Here are some tips to get a head start on buying before all the fashion magazines start showing these new looks. Planning future purchases is much easier when you use some of the “tricks of the trade”.
1. Keep an eye on lesser-known labels. Big-name designers often conform their ready-to-wear pieces to meet the demands of department store buyers. The true trendsetters, whose looks are copied by everyone else, usually begin with small labels because they can exercise more creative freedom. Choose a few of these designers and you will see them become next year’s trends in contemporary apparel.
2. Look for smaller, more toned-down versions of the “over the top” accessories shown on Fashion Week runways. While the enormous and flamboyant handbags, earrings and hair bows may not become the next trend, you will certainly see smaller versions of these as you shop for wholesale boutique clothing.
3. Stay away from lines that bear a celebrity name. Sure, athletes, actors and musicians carry a certain amount of cache at fashion shows, but they are rarely tuned into what type of contemporary apparel will really sell. That’s because they are entertainers, not designers.
4. Finally, remember that fashion trends don’t change as quickly as designers would like you to think. Some of the silhouettes from last year will still work next year, so hang on to some of the best-selling pieces you already have.
Fashion Week is one of the most highly-anticipated events in the fashion industry, and the runway fashions shown here will certainly influence many buyers and young designers. This is a time to pay close attention to what you see and spend some time imagining how these new looks will appeal to your customers. If you are unable to attend fashion week yourself, visit Fashion Spot LA, the leading off price apparel buyer.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Off Price Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
A new comedy by Sasha Baron Cohen called “Bruno” is causing a stir in the fashion industry. While many designers don’t appreciate the stereotypes offered up in movies like Bruno and The Devil Wears Prada, others find their exaggerated characters quite amusing.
Let’s face it, with the economy in a freefall and “haute couture” designers fighting for their lives, a movie like Bruno offers a welcome diversion. Even the wholesale fashion clothing industry may see a spike in their business from this flamboyant fashion-conscious comedy.
According to the Associated Press, Austrian fashion designer Lena Hoschek isn’t put off by the prospect of a movie like Bruno, even if it is a skewed interpretation of the fashion world.
She told AP “I think it’s gonna be a fun film.”
Michael Ostertag, a Munich-based designer, was a little less enthusiastic. While he looks forward to seeing the film, he expressed concern that Bruno would give people the wrong idea about the industry, and worries that people will take him seriously.
Peeking around the corners of New York’s 7th Avenue Fashion District, my opinion is this film can only help breathe some new life into the bedraggled wholesale boutique clothing stores, during a season when they need it the most.
Similar to Miranda Priestly, the doyen of Runway magazine in The Devil Wears Prada, Bruno’s main character is a study in extremes, but is loosely based on reality.
Even if you’re not a fashion maven, the movie may ignite your inner desire to check out the clothing at Fashion Spot LA, or at least browse the wholesale junior apparel racks.
Borat creator Sasha Baron Cohen offers up another stinging sociopolitical satire in his new comedy, where he assumes the persona of Bruno, a gay fashion-monger whose character highlights the absurdities of the fashion industry.
Tags: Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Clothing, Wholesale Junior Apparel
Looking for wholesale fashion apparel? Fashion-conscious bargain shoppers know that perusing the outlet stores, warehouse sales and “slightly damaged” sale bins can save a lot of money. But with a little extra effort you can beat even the retailers’ lowest prices. Some of the savviest shoppers I know have figured out how to buy wholesale clothing apparel, and I’m here to tell you their secrets.
* Check the Phone Book or Internet Business Directory: Look under the category of merchandise you are interested in buying, for example “wholesale fashion apparel”, and find out if the wholesaler offers hours where the general public can shop.
* Join a Buying Group: If you plan on ordering a specific item in bulk or if you use certain item a lot, then you may want to join a buying group. You can find groups who share your interest online by reading wholesale clothing apparel forums and joining email newsgroups. Buying groups join together to purchase specific items in bulk at wholesale prices.
* Get your Business License: If you are interested in wholesale fashion apparel, and plan to purchase a lot of items from the same wholesaler, you may consider applying for a reseller’s license from your city or state. Having such a license will allow wholesale clothing apparel stores to sell to you, but they still may require a minimum purchase to get the lowest prices. However, prepare to do research on the fees, legal requirements and taxes involved if you plan on reselling items you purchase from a wholesale fashion apparel store.
* Check for Buyers’ Markets and Sample Sales: If you live in or near a city that holds buyers’ markets for wholesale fashion apparel, check online and look for a calendar of events. Some of these markets have a few days where they are open to the general public. Check with manufacturer’s reps to see if there will be any sample sales. Sometimes you can purchase wholesale clothing apparel from a manufacturer before it is sent to a third-party reseller. A good place to start looking for wholesale fashion clothing is Fashion Spot LA. They can direct you on how to get the best prices on today’s trendy junior fashion.
Tags: Trendy Junior Fashion, Wholesale Clothing Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing
Contemporary apparel is constantly changing, so it takes some effort – and some cash - for a woman to be polished and stylish at all times. One challenge many women face is the need to purchase new clothing whenever their weight fluctuates. Whether approaching middle age or adapting to a new post-pregnancy shape, women can find it challenging to constantly maintain a closet full of contemporary apparel that fits.
One way women combat the high cost of changing sizes frequently is by shopping for wholesale boutique clothing. Whether shopping the wholesale outlets in New York, or perusing contemporary apparel on wholesale boutique clothing web sites, women can easily find stylish and inexpensive fashions to supplement their wardrobe.
Another tried and true wardrobe stretcher, that looks great no matter what size you’re wearing, are designer leather handbags and inexpensive high-fashion jewelry. Savvy women know that designer accessories can make or break a look. They can update a well-worn neutral suit, make wholesale boutique clothing ensembles look like they just stepped off of a runway, and totally invigorate a woman’s self-image.
To be sure you have your own signature look that isn’t already worn by thousands of others, seek out unusual and stylish jewelry and accessories at wholesale fashion clothing stores that specialize in newer high-end designers. Some of these young designers create very unusual, signature pieces. For daytime, a canvas hobo bag paired with a chunky, oversized bracelet may complement your contemporary apparel. In the evening, you can switch to a rich crocodile leather bag and replace the chunkier jewelry with delicate, faceted beads or semi-precious stones.
Even the most luxurious designer outfit can look less than polished when it’s not paired with the right handbag, shoes and fashion jewelry. Great dressers are well aware of this, and know that owning the right accessories can dramatically increase the number of looks they can achieve from owning just a few well made pieces of contemporary apparel.
If you are looking for some deals on high-end accessories, look no further than Fashion Spot LA, a wholesale fashion apparel store. Not only do they sell attractive and contemporary apparel, they can also help you match that clothing with the right handbags, shoes, belts and jewelry.
Tags: Contemporary Apparel, Wholesale Boutique Clothing, Wholesale Fashion Apparel, Wholesale Fashion Clothing