MENSWEAR DEBUT-ENK/IMG SHOWS
Text, All Photos by J. Ecochard
Except Jack Black
Freezing temps and a cool economic landscape greeted the Collective/Blue menswear trade shows that took over NY’s Piers this past week (January 20-22).
Nevertheless, several enticing guy friendly trends are sure to get American consumers in a buying mood in an iffy retail environment:
Artesian, Technical, Upscale and ‘Sustainable’ Innovations in Fabrics…taking cues from athletic performance wear
Brands repositioned as “luxury” to counter a rising Euro/weakening US $
“Eco” Driven mind-set including limiting carbon imprints via environmental-friendly manufacturing/delivery processes
Creative, Slimmer silhouettes interspersed with thick exotic wools/cashmere knits
Masculine Accessories and Grooming Products geared towards the travel set
Highlights from the hundreds of hopeful sellers -which confirmed our belief that guys’ threads are better made than the female equivalent- include:
The dress for success, impossibly luxe Italian sock brand Bresciani. This 40 year old, family owned company… is the exclusive manufacturer for Bergdorf Goodman (by Bresciani) and Brioni lines, as well their own. Bresciani’s ultra chic socks woven from 100% vicuña fiber clock in at a staggering (to us) 2500 Euros ($3724) and are cleverly packaged in a hand-crafted briarwood box. Less expensive yarn blends of sumptuous wool, silk and vicuña, and solid cashmere are available in 48 sock colors, including the ‘hot’ Fall tones of burnt earth, orange, and natural shades. Divine!
Famous in France, Le Coq Sportif is re-gearing its American drive, focusing on hip sneakers and stylish “uniquely French” street wear inspired by their athletic offerings that dominate the European rugby, soccer, and race car worlds. When we chatted with the staff, several buyers from trendy urban footwear stores literally stopped in their tracks at the display of the 80’s old school “Dynatec” and “Retro”styles (with a sock-like fit) and the sparkling metallic leather Olympic line (in iconic Olympic rings’ colors-black, red, green, blue, white… with a 50th anniversary patch)… all produced in limited editions.
Clothing wise, best sellers from overseas being sold in the states include the artistic “Magneto” hooded sweat shirts in a classic silhouette, blouson cut “Marsala” satin nylon track jackets (women’s) and “Mars” (men’s)… and a the old school track jacket “Mariol.” Comfy washed cotton fabric outfit well-finished tees and striped polos-and round out the collection. All garb features the enduring Rooster” logo. Very modern
Morgan Grays team wins the hearts of burly rugged types as well as elegant refined effete with there durable hand-crafted, high-end buffalo leather (from media mogul/conservationist Ted Turner’s Buffalo ranch) vintage styled hooded backpacks, overnighters, and power gym bags neatly stacked in front of an humongous bright red All-American GMC Truck.
Other handsome offerings include plush leather cushions...and the lightweight with padded shoulder straps topped “Milford” line of masculine messenger bags cut from waterproof (via earth-friendly beeswax, not chemical goo) 100% organic canvas that are lined in suede, and handsomely trimmed in vegetable dyed black bison leather. The affable designer Stewart Grays and co-founder Morgan M. Molthop point out that their line is inspired “by historical events, famous people, masculine colors…and are made to last, woven from one thirty-two bonded yarn.” Completely made in the USA… weekender satchels retail from $900 while handsome racing stripe imprinted wallets, campaign trays, travel kits and leather cigar holder’s starting at $65. It’s no surprise to us that chic outlets like Stanley Korshak, Fred Segal, Neiman’s and Harvey Nichols stock the brand.
Golfers are probably familiar with Jack Black sunscreens but this men’s grooming line is expanding its distribution to other points where dudes congregate. Smart.
With no added fragrances, the multi-functional, easy to use products are perfect for the man on the go. Bestsellers “All-over Wash,” the conditioning “Beard Lube” and soothing “Industrial Strength Hand Healer” plus an airline security friendly portable “Jet Set Traveler” kit (with cleanser, facial scrub, shaving lather, and SPF20+moisturizer) will probably do extremely well in a retail environment where tight-fisted consumers continue to splurge on grooming/beauty goods.
Text, All Photos by J. Ecochard
Except Jack Black
Freezing temps and a cool economic landscape greeted the Collective/Blue menswear trade shows that took over NY’s Piers this past week (January 20-22).
Nevertheless, several enticing guy friendly trends are sure to get American consumers in a buying mood in an iffy retail environment:
Artesian, Technical, Upscale and ‘Sustainable’ Innovations in Fabrics…taking cues from athletic performance wear
Brands repositioned as “luxury” to counter a rising Euro/weakening US $
“Eco” Driven mind-set including limiting carbon imprints via environmental-friendly manufacturing/delivery processes
Creative, Slimmer silhouettes interspersed with thick exotic wools/cashmere knits
Masculine Accessories and Grooming Products geared towards the travel set
Highlights from the hundreds of hopeful sellers -which confirmed our belief that guys’ threads are better made than the female equivalent- include:
The dress for success, impossibly luxe Italian sock brand Bresciani. This 40 year old, family owned company… is the exclusive manufacturer for Bergdorf Goodman (by Bresciani) and Brioni lines, as well their own. Bresciani’s ultra chic socks woven from 100% vicuña fiber clock in at a staggering (to us) 2500 Euros ($3724) and are cleverly packaged in a hand-crafted briarwood box. Less expensive yarn blends of sumptuous wool, silk and vicuña, and solid cashmere are available in 48 sock colors, including the ‘hot’ Fall tones of burnt earth, orange, and natural shades. Divine!
Famous in France, Le Coq Sportif is re-gearing its American drive, focusing on hip sneakers and stylish “uniquely French” street wear inspired by their athletic offerings that dominate the European rugby, soccer, and race car worlds. When we chatted with the staff, several buyers from trendy urban footwear stores literally stopped in their tracks at the display of the 80’s old school “Dynatec” and “Retro”styles (with a sock-like fit) and the sparkling metallic leather Olympic line (in iconic Olympic rings’ colors-black, red, green, blue, white… with a 50th anniversary patch)… all produced in limited editions.
Clothing wise, best sellers from overseas being sold in the states include the artistic “Magneto” hooded sweat shirts in a classic silhouette, blouson cut “Marsala” satin nylon track jackets (women’s) and “Mars” (men’s)… and a the old school track jacket “Mariol.” Comfy washed cotton fabric outfit well-finished tees and striped polos-and round out the collection. All garb features the enduring Rooster” logo. Very modern
Morgan Grays team wins the hearts of burly rugged types as well as elegant refined effete with there durable hand-crafted, high-end buffalo leather (from media mogul/conservationist Ted Turner’s Buffalo ranch) vintage styled hooded backpacks, overnighters, and power gym bags neatly stacked in front of an humongous bright red All-American GMC Truck.
Other handsome offerings include plush leather cushions...and the lightweight with padded shoulder straps topped “Milford” line of masculine messenger bags cut from waterproof (via earth-friendly beeswax, not chemical goo) 100% organic canvas that are lined in suede, and handsomely trimmed in vegetable dyed black bison leather. The affable designer Stewart Grays and co-founder Morgan M. Molthop point out that their line is inspired “by historical events, famous people, masculine colors…and are made to last, woven from one thirty-two bonded yarn.” Completely made in the USA… weekender satchels retail from $900 while handsome racing stripe imprinted wallets, campaign trays, travel kits and leather cigar holder’s starting at $65. It’s no surprise to us that chic outlets like Stanley Korshak, Fred Segal, Neiman’s and Harvey Nichols stock the brand.
Golfers are probably familiar with Jack Black sunscreens but this men’s grooming line is expanding its distribution to other points where dudes congregate. Smart.
With no added fragrances, the multi-functional, easy to use products are perfect for the man on the go. Bestsellers “All-over Wash,” the conditioning “Beard Lube” and soothing “Industrial Strength Hand Healer” plus an airline security friendly portable “Jet Set Traveler” kit (with cleanser, facial scrub, shaving lather, and SPF20+moisturizer) will probably do extremely well in a retail environment where tight-fisted consumers continue to splurge on grooming/beauty goods.