WEAR-NOW LOOKS TOP BOUTIQUE SHOW
Byline: Melanie Kletter
NEW YORK — Warm-weather looks and wear-now merchandise were in top demand at the recent edition of the International Fashion Boutique Show.
Among the most sought-after items were open-back halters, colored T-shirts, spring dresses and accessories ranging from wool caps to glow-in-the-dark jewelry. Animal prints continue to see momentum, and are popping up on everything from shoes to jewelry.
The Boutique Show, which was held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center here, ended its four-day run Feb. 29.
Many vendors found traffic somewhat sluggish, primarily because the show was held one month earlier than last year’s and therefore was too close to other trade shows.
The show is now under new management, having been bought last year by Advanstar Communications.
Many of the buyers hailed from the New York metropolitan area and the East Coast. Albert Habert, president of Donna Dora, a four-store junior and contemporary chain based in Manhattan, said he came to the show to pick up new designers and add some fill-in items for spring.
“We are looking for newness and novelty,” Habert said, as he shopped the One Clothing booth. “We are concentrating on T-shirts, cotton with Lycra, denim and beading. Also, color and floral prints are very important right now. We are filling the store with brights.”
Habert said his business had been strong lately, and in May the company will open a new, three-floor unit on Madison Avenue between 40th and 41st Streets. The unit will include a larger selection of contemporary apparel, an expanded shoe department and a large intimate apparel section, Habert said.
Tal Kashi, owner of Fusion, a two-store chain based in Long Island City, was on the hunt for skins, leather and denim.
“We sell a lot of fun stuff and denim, and this is a good show for that,” Kashi said, although he noted many vendors that had displayed in the past were not at the show.
Kashi said he had placed four orders and was still shopping for more.
Marci Nixon, co-owner of Anthologie, a specialty store based in St. James, N.Y., said she was somewhat disappointed with the offerings at the show, but was interested in the accessories.
“Accessories are doing really well for us,” she noted.
Among exhibitors, Steven Zellman of B. Lucid/Ophelia & Lulu, a new junior outerwear and sportswear firm, said bookings were strong for anything in skins, as well as knit tops and sets. Zellman said he was pleased with orders from new customers, and added he had opened 38 accounts by the third day of the show.
“We are getting an early start on fall and we have seen a good response,” he said.
Ronie Shepard, a sales rep for Zsa Zsa, a new knit tops company now in its second season, was less pleased with the buying.
“There has been very little traffic and those that are here are not ready to buy,” Shepard said.
She noted that her company, which concentrates on novelty sweaters, had seen strength in anything with embellishments, including beads.
“Basic and boring are not selling,” Shepard said.
Among accessories firms, Brotherhood of Light, a new company, was receiving a lot of interest in its battery-powered radiating bracelet called Flixx. The bracelets, which retail for about $20, have a watch battery, but are powered by motion. Flixx comes in three styles: stars, butterflies and hearts; custom designs are also available.
Steve Madden saw a steady stream of orders for some new styles, including an animal-print version of its popular slinky slide shoe, a platform slide and a thong with a wood bottom, according to Sam Schwarz, an account executive.
Madden also had good response to its new kids’ line called Stevie’s, which targets girls ages six to 12, Schwarz said.