Barbara Hairston is all wrapped up in the newest item at her Southwest-inspired sportswear company: the pareo.
It was launched with four styles at April market as a test, with about 400 sold.
For June, the offerings will be expanded with fringed velvet, silk, wool and fleece silhouettes, as well as a denim wrap with two fake sleeves.
Colors include red, black, brown and dark blue, some cast in prints such as batiks, woodcuts, paisleys and microchecks.
The pareos fall to 19 inches and will wholesale from $23 for a polyester georgette look to an undetermined price for the silk silhouette.
“It’s all about practicality,” said Hairston. “Jeans don’t fit me as well as they used to. And I got tired of spending nearly two hours trying to fashion a scarf into a pareo to wear over leggings. Pareos are fun and look great with blazers, too.”
Citing the item’s newness, Hairston wouldn’t speculate on potential sales. Total company business this year is projected at $5 million, even with 1993.