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FFANY Show

This past week my class and I visited the FSNYE show. This show is run by the organization FFANY. This market week show is a place where buyers and sellers can come and discover new brands, visit with industry partners and book appointments to discover the latest footwear trends. During market week, FFANY brings in independent store owners, boutique buyers, department store merchants, and industry press to the fashion capital, New York. This show is located on West 57th street in the Warwick Hotel.

Those who join as member of FFANY, are able to have a lot of opportunities within the footwear industry like, invites to all networking events along with digital advertisements on the FFANY website. FFANY is a very philanthropic organization. They have raised 55 million dollars over the last 26 years for breast cancer research. My personal experience at this event was very positive. It was very cool being able to look into a whole industry and how it operates on the buying and selling level. It was really interesting to see what the life of a buyer would be. Meeting with businesses and talking numbers and figures to figure out the best fit, is the life of a buyer, and it was cool to see. Another thing I learned during this experience is how duties and taxes are really affecting the industry in general.

So, the FFANY coordinator showed us the section of South African brands because they do not have to pay duties to ship to the U.S. The brands were truly amazing and their products were gorgeous. Overall this was a really cool experience and I am sure I will experience more things like this once I get more into my career. 

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Fifth Ave Women Visit

This past week my class and I visited Fifth Ave Women also known as Accents by Sophia. This company has been around a long time and has so much experience working with big retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and mass-market retailers like TJMaxx. They basically do private labels for these retailers to allow the buyers to create custom and unique designs for their customers. Sophia, who is the owner of the company was so lovely. She was not only very smart and very successful, but she was extremely passionate about business and fashion. They use a lot of beads, stones, and pearls in their designs, along with authentic jewels and gems.

 They create pieces anywhere from $5 bracelets to $10,000 necklaces. Sophia and her business is also very philanthropic.

 throughout all of her success, she still makes it a priority to give back. I really enjoyed my time at Fifth Ave Women and talking with Sophia. Check out their social media to learn more about their business. 

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Tusk Leather

This week my class and I visited Tusk. They craft updated bags and accessories that take a simple approach to fashion. Tusk is inspired by the founder's Indian roots. It was founded in 1993 by Hiten Manseta. Tusk is a business that is a continuation of generational family business from India. All the designs are subtly influenced by India and in fact, their factory in Mumbai is managed by Hiten’s sisters.

Because they are a family-based company, they hold their reputation high and seek honor through the handcrafted pieces. They have had 30 plus years of experience crafting leather goods. They use only the best, highest quality leather with full-grain. 

From a productivity standpoint, Tusk has mastered it. Because they own their own factory, and they staff on their own, they have the ability to keep the costs low by minimizing production delays, reduce errors and conduct quality control in real-time. Tusk prides itself on giving fair wages, sourcing ethically and being sustainable. 

The customer service of Tusk is phenomenal and one of a kind. They personally send a thank you note for the customer's purchase. Their bags are not only gorgeous but extremely practical for the everyday consumer. I would encourage you to explore Tusk’s website and see for yourself the well-crafted leather goods. 

All information and photos are from https://tusk.com 

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This week my class and I visited the Nordstrom office in New York City. 

We specifically talked with Jamie Seiden who was the assistant digital merchandiser at Hautelook which is a company owned by Nordstrom. She works mainly in the shoe division within digital merchandising as she takes the product that is bought by the buyers and assists in merchandising the collections and product for the digital site. She will take the product and format it on the website in a way that will allow the customer to shop for the product, in an easy and flawless way. A lot of her job includes doing analytics of the website to ensure that it is easy for the customer to search, and view a product. Digital merchandising is a fairly new position that Nordstrom and many other businesses have implemented in the last couple of years. With the rise of e-commerce, people are looking to shop online almost 100% of the time. Especially for Hautelook, digital merchandising is important because of the constant flash sales they have and the fact they are based only online. Nordstrom and all its counterparts, have offices in New York, Los Angles, and Seattle, (which is their main corporate location). The very interesting thing about living in New York, at the moment, is that Nordstrom just opened its flagship store here. This store is seven floors and is truly a one of a kind shopping experience. I would love to get the chance to work for Nordstrom in the future, as they seem like a good, levelheaded and successful company that has many opportunities for its employees.

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Centric Brands Visit

This week my class and I visited the company, Centric Brands. In the heart of Manhattan, located in the famous Empire State building stands Centric Brands Headquarters. Open floor plans and hallways and rooms filled with clothes, shoes, and accessories, this startup has made a name for themselves. Revenue of over 2.4 billion and partnering with some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment, they have integrated themselves into the industry and are thought highly of. 

They are comprised of more than 400 retail locations and more than 100 brand partners. We specifically talked to one of the recruiters and Human Resources representatives about Centric, and all it has to offer. Not only are they an amazing company, but they try to create a company culture that employees will feel comfortable in. They have meditation and yoga classes for the well being of body and mind along with classes like retail math, to further invest in their employee’s education. Their mission comprises of, brand, business, customer and people. Their main job is to, “Understand our customer's needs and meet them with unwavering results. Our mission is to deliver product solutions that build value.”  Brands like Herve Leger, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Buffalo Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Under Armour, to name a few, are some of their clients in which they help with design, marketing, and branding. I truly loved this experience, and I definitely would consider doing their amazing internship program. The culture of the workplace and the mentality and values behind the company is something that I can appreciate. I would encourage you to check out Centric Brands, to learn more about what they do.

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Stoll Knitting Industry

Stoll Knitting is a leader in knitting production and manufacturing. They are most known for their flat-knitting machine technology. The services they provide are innovative and the latest and greatest of all knitting techniques. 

Stoll Knitting was founded over 145 years ago and its reputation remains true throughout the fashion industry. They are not only known for innovation but for providing highly sophisticated knitting solutions. 

They provide services for the thinker, innovative developer, and independent creator. Stoll is family run, which sets them apart from other knitting companies. They stand for quality and flexibility in the world on knitting manufacturing. The flat knitting machines is what changed the game for Stoll Knitting. 

This allows a link for customers to have the highest level of knitting technology combined with immensely talented developers in the section of fashion and technology with technical textiles that Stoll provides. They have strict quality controls that ensures the customer receives the best product and participates in market activities and trade shows. 

The machines themselves are extremely versatile. They produce from cut goods on fully fashioned to complete articles. Also, Stoll machines can economically be used for Fully Fashion due to the knit and wear. In New York, there is a foundation of the fashion and technology center. 

They have a showroom in the New York foundation that strives to show their successes by working with specialists to develop new shapes and patterns that matches directly with the market and major retail companies. 

Stoll is a viable and qualified runner in the market and should be taken seriously. It is a very important business that is innovative and creative.

all photos are from stoll.com

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Natori

this week my class and I went to visit the company Natori. Natori is a multi dimensional brand that involves many different components. They are known for their lingerie and sleepwear along with their loungewear, but they recently just released a ready to wear apparel line that features practical and wearable pieces along with statement fashion pieces. Josie Natori, the founder of Natori had a dream in 1977 to venture into something new. After creating a eastern inspired blouse that was a huge success, it turned into creating a lingerie collection that has appeals of both the East and the West. Natori is made up of four different brands, Natori, Josie Natori, Josie and N.

All these brands have their influences in common, but each is a little bit different within their styles and price points. When visiting the headquarters, we talked to some of the designers involved in creating Josie Natori. They were extremely passionate about their work and loved their jobs. We also met a colorist, that took the prints that wanted to be used and matched them up with a Pantone color, to communicate accurately to the manufacturers.  We also talked with one of the head pattern makers. She too was passionate and was very good at her job, as she has a lot of experience in bringing designs to life. We also talked to someone who runs the social media of Natori and helps with marketing as well. She spoke to the level of importance of influencers on Instagram and other social media, as they add to brand awareness. Overall this was a really cool experience. I absolutely loved the company and the culture within it. You can tell the immense creativity and passion the employees have. 

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100 Years of Fashion

This week we visited the Fashion Institute of Art and Technology Museum. We had the pleasure of having a sit down with one of the curators in the FIT museum that involved showing us fashion through the decades. It was called, “100 Years of Fashion” and we were able to see one of a kind pieces from some of the most iconic designers. In the beginning of the presentation, we started out with the early 1900-1910s. This was when the lace-up corset was still around and the traditional day-to-day ensemble was a skirt to the floor and a petty coat. The silhouette was the, “S” shape and women would change multiple times a day. In the 1920s it was post World War I, and the times were changing. The curator explained to us that societal, cultural and historical factors played into what was happening in fashion. The silhouette during the 1920s were boyish, loose fitting and to the knee. Women had shorter haircuts and darker makeup. This was the time of flappers, speak-easies and prohibition, and it sure did effect the fashion. In the 1930s, it was a time of stress and hardship because of the Great Depression. People were not able to buy as many clothing items, and the economy was not doing well. This started forcing designers to start using inexpensive fabrics, which lead to the creation of rayon. The 1940s was during the time of World War II. This era was defined by the rationing of material. Silk was not used in clothing, as it was used for solider’s parachutes. This era was also defined by Christian Dior’s, “New Look”. This brought back the nipped in waist and full skirt, that was previously the silhouette in the early 1900s. 

The 1950s was an era of history in where people were redefining themselves. People had more money and it was a time of prosperity. The hourglass shape was the the silhouette of the decade, and the hoop skirt was all the rage. 

In the 1960s the hemlines grew shorter and the colors became brighter. This was an era defined by different cultural influences like the First Lady, Jackie Kennedy and societal groups like the Mods. The Civil Rights movement also influenced this decade as well. 

The 1970s is a decade that involves a lot of different types of styles. The rise of disco was underway and the hippie culture was greatly impacting fashion. Palazzo pants came to light and patterns and bright colors were used constantly. Feminism was at its peak and protesters were on the streets. 

The 1980s was known for the huge shoulder pads along with synthetic fibers. This era was also known as the rise of the super model and was greatly influenced by music, like almost every other era. 

The 1990s, is usually known for grunge and punk rock. It was also very influenced by pop culture. Designers like Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs started their houses and they defined this era. This was an overall really cool experience. I loved seeing garments from the past 100 years and I enjoyed learning more about the history of fashion. I would encourage everyone to look more into the history of fashion, as it greatly influences the fashion that is happening now. It is also a great way to be connected to history in a different way.

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Seeing A Taping of a Show

This week I attended a taping of a television show. The Mel Robbins show, is brand new and airing five days a week on CBS. She is well know as an author and motivational speaker. She is using this television platform to address issues that are happening in relationships, friendships, parenting, finances, and life in general. A lot of these topics do not pertain to me at the moment, but the whole point of the experience was to learn a little about what goes on behind the scenes of filming a television show.

 It was interesting to learn that the audience very much influences the overall show. The way the the audience reacts and the energy it gives, affects the people on stage. It was also very interesting just to see the employees work. I have always been so curious about how things work  behind the scenes so I was extremely interested in this process. 

When we first entered the stage, There was a hype coach that got everyone in the audience excited for the show. The stage manager then went over some guidelines about what will go on, like how the audience should react in certain situations and the logistics of the taping. It was really cool to see the cameraman work as well. They were doing a bunch a test shots before the show and during the show they were really amazing at communicating and work together. 

The producers of the show were also great at communicating, as they were talking with each other and communicating with the guests on the show. I would however be interested in knowing how much planning and organizing it takes for each episode. It was an overall very cool experience and I hope to learn more about television production in the future.

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Hudson Yards-Neiman Marcus

This week I visited the Neiman Marcus in the Hudson Yards. Neiman Marcus is one of the few examples of collective luxury shopping, on the department store level. Retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman all offer brands and designers that are to say the least, luxurious. 

Launched on September 10th,1904 in Dallas Texas, Neiman Marcus’ goal was to clothe the community with good quality and style. Now, it is one of the most well known, exclusive, and fashion forward department stores in the United States. Neiman Marcus in particular creates a retail experience that is visually appealing but still very practical. 

With amazing shoes, handbags, accessories, makeup and apparel, one can use Neiman Marcus as a one-stop-shop. One could also use Neiman Marcus as a guide to trend forecast.

Because they offer exclusive and fashion forward apparel, a lot of people, including fashion directors themselves, can gain so much knowledge from either the visual merchandising of the store or the assortment the buyers chose. One can learn so much about what trends are starting, and what trends are happening at that moment. 

Hudson Yards offers a variety of different stores, from H&M to Forty Five Ten, there is an ability to shop at any price level. Within Neiman Marcus, there is almost every big designer or brand you can think of, you name it, its being sold there. They also offer exclusive personal styling and shopping for those who may want a little help with their wardrobe. 

My experience at Hudson Yards was amazing, it is great spot to shop and explore, with amazing restaurants and cafes, and the gorgeous Vessel structure right outside the shopping center. Right by the river, along with a farmers market, it is great place to visit. For me, I know I will be taking my family there, and visiting again, and you should too!

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M&S Schmalberg Flower Company

This week I visited M&S Schmalberg Flower Company. This was an amazing experience and very informative from a business point of view. This is a company that has existed for more than 100 years and still remains to do business for the clients anywhere from recreating a wedding bouquet to creating flowers that contribute to a Marc Jacobs runway dress. 

Throughout this tour and experience at M&S, it reminded me how special and important small and family businesses are. In my perspective, I have always supported local and family business because I come from a smaller town, so oddly enough in the hustle and bustle of New York City, hearing the owners talk, made me feel at home. The workers and creators of these flowers put a lot of effort and detail into each piece. It was so interesting to look at the process of how these flowers are made. What M&S will do when they receive an order and begin to create the piece, is take the fabric given by the client and coat it was a solution that will allow the fabric to become a little more hard and easier to work with when making the flower. M&S can usually make a flower out of any fabric. They have actually done a flower display for Ralph Lauren and his underwear line, with the underwear fabric. They will then use metal cut outs to cut out each petal to the flower and then use a pairing mold to compress the flower petal by using pressure to make it 3D.

They will then take the petals use glue and create the flower. It’s a super interesting and simple process that creates beautiful and detailed flowers.

In today’s society and market, businesses are looking for a much more inexpensive way to purchase materials. China is M&S’s main competition as they are losing a lot of business to them. However, they still hold true to theme selves and their values and morals. They still have accounts with large businesses and still remain to be a viable and trustworthy company that gets the work done in a timely and beautiful manner.

I encourage everyone to shop at local and family businesses as it not only helps the economy but it helps a family and its worker’s. When shopping local, you are able to have unique and one of a kind products that you can not get anywhere else. With M&S, they offer amazing services that are wonderfully handcrafted, so you know that you are getting quality products.

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CAMP

Last week I visited Camp: Notes on Fashion exhibit at the MET. It truly was an incredible experience and my fashion senses were heightened throughout the gallery. This exhibit displayed over 250 pieces from the seventeenth-century to the present, displaying what camp was during specific eras. They featured the Costume Institute's spring 2019 collection which explores the origins of camp and its iconic style.

 Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp'" is what the exhibition is based on. It displays all the aspects of what camp is, and all the theatrical, ironic, humorous and aesthetic components. The garments were both glamorous and tacky and were beautiful and ugly at the same time. Another really cool aspect of the exhibit was the explanation of what camp actually is. Some people struggle to understand,  "Is camp gay?" "Is camp political?" but the exhibit uses the exhibitions to explain what it is and ultimately its fluidity. 

The first section of the exhibition describes camp as a verb. This meaning comes from the french word se camper which means "to flaunt" or "to posture". The first known usage of se camper appears in Molière's 1671 play, The Impostures of Scapin. Camp used as an adjective was widely used in homosexual connotations during the nineteenth century. It actually was sort of a coded language among gay men during this time. As a noun, camp was first seen in 1909 in the pages of a dictionary: J. Redding Ware's Passing English of the Victorian Era: A Dictionary of Heterodox English, Slang, and Phrase. It was described as, "Actions and gestures of exaggerated emphasis. Probably from the French. Used chiefly by persons of exceptional want of character." 

(note** all information above is based off the inormation given in both the exhibit and on the website www.metmuseum.org)

(note** 3 photos above are from www.metmuseum.org)

After this part of the exhibit came, what is called, Camp Eye. Using light or the absence thereof along with color, this exhibit puts some of the craziest, iconic and gorgeous looks on display. Along the walls were two stories of the major looks curated specifically for this exhibition. Names like Gucci, Vivienne Westwood, Jeremy Scott, Moschino, Céline, Chanel and many more. These pictures really speak more than my words.

Camp is not just a word, it is a lifestyle, a culture, something that so many people value and can relate to. After this exhibit, I have a newfound respect for fashion in a different form. I can see fashion on all its levels and this one is more than just a trend. I hope this post and these photos inspire all of us to take on a little of what camp can offer.

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Cotton Incorporated Trip

Cotton is one of the most widely used and beloved fibers in the world. It can offer several variations of fabrics and can create beautiful pieces of clothing. When visiting Cotton Incorporated this past week, I was truly inspired by the mission and values of the company. 

Founded in 1970, Cotton Incorporated's main mission was to combat the loss to farmers, textile workers, and everyone involved in the cotton chain, as synthetic fibers were selling at an all-time high. There was a huge threat to cotton and its inevitable extinction. They strove to encourage and remind the mills about cotton and its desirable qualities like the ease of care, comfort, breathability and quality.  

When visiting Cotton Incorporated in New York City, we met Aubrey Howard who is in trend forecasting and fashion marketing. She told us about the company and her experience. Her job includes traveling to Asia, Europe and South America to search for cotton-rich items and sometimes yardage, to then bring back for the product developers to analyze. They then put it in swatch packets to give to clients. The three main categories that these forecasters search for is active, denim and general cotton-rich apparel. 

She has to deal with exchange rates and budgeting, so this job not only takes a lot of creativity and an eye for fashion but a lot of thought and work. One main aspect of Cotton Incorporated is that it's not-for-profit. They are there to inspire their clients and give them amazing ideas for their next collections. Once they have gathered all the information from the cotton-rich garments and fabrics, along with outside research, they will create presentations and trend reports for their clients. Their presentations will include three main points: macro trends, colors, and fabric and silhouette. 

This visitation and small interaction with Cotton Incorporated, has truly inspired my career goals, and I am very interested in exploring more about Cotton Incorporated. I would encourage everyone (including myself) to pay attention to the clothing we buy and purchase cotton-rich garments. Cotton Incorporated is doing a lot for the industry and is an amazing resource for companies.