My favorite event was the Live Style seminar presented by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo from Visual Therapy. The hour long event featured live models, a look at historical trends, different style types, upcoming trends and how to take looks from day to night.

Jesse & Joe, Visual Therapy

Lovely models all dolled up!

Behind the scenes with Visual Therapy’s Lisa Marie. We got a secret look into the suitcase of a stylist- she is beyond prepared for a fashion emergency!

The whole team after a wonderful event

To learn more about Visual Therapy click here and check out their website and blog. For more images from the event please visit Atlanta Apparel on Facebook.

(Tasty soba noodles from an earlier party)

(sushi!)

Tonight- we are excited for two Atlanta Apparel evening parties. At 5:30 p.m. join the floor 11 exhibitors for Trends & Tapas. This special event will be complete with a live DJ, complimentary drinks and food, plus…a secret pop-up giveaway! (you heard it here first!)

Then, stay late for Slide In and Shop Late on floor 8, this is best time to get your accessory buying done with the added bonus of scrumptious snacks and complimentary drinks.

Enjoy your night

-Amanda Macy Cheek

The creative and talented Fredrick from Fab’rik unloaded amazing information to our retailers this morning to kick off the Market!

Let’s get straight to the information…

When setting your tabletop displays have the mindset of enticing your customer, selling a story and setting a scene. Pick your theme and go with it- all pieces should correlate back to the original “look” and be cohesive. Fredrick knows his customer well and develops his themes based on upcoming trends and what he knows his client is looking for.

Frederick stressed three main steps to setting the perfect style setting…

1. Balance the table: start with a blank canvas then pick a focal point (typically the most expensive item on the table) next play with scale, shades of similar colors and texture. At this point your table should be flat, but full of fashion.
2. Add Depth: roll up sleeves, cuff pant legs, hang belts from pants, etc. Layer different colored tanks with tops and always tuck a top under an outerwear piece. Tip- by showing the items together in unexpected and trendy ways; your customer is more likely to gravitate towards purchasing the entire look rather than just a singular piece. Jeans + Belt = Increased Sale!
3. Add height: this is your chance to show off your hot accessories. A great pair of heels stacked together, sexy flats staged on a display block, bring the eye up with a handbag that makes a statement and back down by layering bangles and necklaces in groups of three. For summer- a lovely sun hat and sexy “sunnies” will be items that move fast when well displayed.

Remember that table displays are your silent seller and should be changed out twice a week- or more. Integrate easy buys with higher priced item; your goal is to sell a look!

For to-the-minute fashions follow us on Twitter at @atlantaapparel & check back here as I blog LIVE from the Atlanta Apparel floors!

See you tomorrow!

-Amanda Macy Cheek

Here is a quick preview of Thursday’s fashion focused special events:

Increase the Impulse: Live Merchandising Demo

10-11 a.m. Floor 2, Center Stage

We are thrilled to have snagged the Visual Merchandising guru from Fab’rik  {Atlanta-based fashion boutique franchise…that is amazing!} to kick off our Merchandising Demonstration series. Grab some free breakfast and watch Frederick Morelli style accessories to increase impulse SALES! Bonus…I got an insider look at the featured accessories, and they are sure to be top Spring/Summer sellers!

Buyers- if you start your shopping on Thursday, make sure you hit up one of our tote bag giveaway events. Be one of the first to snag the hottest freebie at Market that will definitely look hot on your shoulder! {Check out registration signage and your Apparel Guide for details}

A Stylish Soiree

5:30-6:30 p.m. Floor 9

By this time you will probably be ready for a cocktail, specialty snacks and more shopping! Floor 9 is the place to be for a lavish complimentary cocktail party. The floor will be ready to party with free drinks, delectable foods, a live DJ and…a photo booth! Enjoy the fun- and tweet your pictures to us at @atlantaapparel

We know that our Atlanta Apparel customers aren’t quite ready to stop the party at 6:30 p.m…So, we will all be heading down the street to Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint to continue the party and start this market off right! Juke Joint is about 2 blocks away and well worth the walk. Their food is southern-ly scrumptious and I have been eyeing their drink list all week. Pimms + Lemonade classic potable or the Fresh Watermelon Aya Tini martini? Decisions….decisions…

+ It wouldn’t be an Apparel Market without fashion shows! Catch the catwalk events at Noon and 4 p.m. daily on the floor 2 center stage.

For to-the-minute fashions follow us on Twitter at @atlantaapparel & check back here as I blog LIVE from the Atlanta Apparel floors!

See you tomorrow!

-Amanda Macy Cheek

For the next five days I will blogging LIVE from our February Atlanta Apparel Market! As a part of our AmericasMart Marketing team, I am excited to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at the new trends and fashions. Plus, I will be attending all of our exciting events and seminars…and of course, reporting back to you with all the good information!

Get a head start and check out americasmart.com/apparel for line listings, showroom/booth locations and event schedules!

See you at Market tomorrow!

Amanda Macy Cheek

Come see what the bloggers are saying about Atlanta Apparel! Or just stop in for some refreshments, a place to sit down and relax or log in to catch up on what’s going on back home while you’re at market.

The blogger’s lounge is sponsored by Yepser, a Social Media/Internet Strategy Company that can help you build and market your brand through digital media. Find the lounge in Building 3, Floor 9, Southwest Quadrant, Showroom 354

To discover the latest in contemporary and designer fashions, don’t miss the evolving Temporary collections on Floors 2, 3 and 4. With 50 percent more exhibitors than February 2011, the Temps offer boundless opportunities to expand into new lines.

Check out hot fashions from labels including Robins Jeans, Brian Lichtenberg, Matt and Nat, Beija-Flor Jeans, Minnie Rose, Cambio, Repeat Cashmere, Magaschoni, Mavi, Elaine Turner, Dolce Vita, Old Gringo, Renee C, Ark and Co, Via Spiga, Free Endearment, Calvin Klein Performance, Fresh Produce, ZAD, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Minuet, Miilla, Marrakech Clothing, Go Silk, Grace Hats, By Phillipe Illia, Darling and MUCH MORE.

Temporaries are open February 2-4 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and February 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Full Market information is always available online.

“Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy” - Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

Whether you’re looking for a quick infusion of color into a traditional pattern or a jolting pop for a new paint color, this hue can work across channels – home, gift and apparel. Look for it to be used as a component in the more vibrant interior design options slowly emerging in the home category as well as an immediate infusion into fashion, from staple pieces to accessories.

AmericasMart exhibitors already had myriad options available at the January 2012 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® to ensure retailers can be at the forefront of what’s “new” for their customers. From full groups in soft goods to accent case goods to lighting to decorative accessories, showrooms showed off brilliant displays, sometimes complete orange-toned settings and sometimes a burst of bold color in a traditional product.

Whatever’s happening in design – it’s at AmericasMart, from color to style.

The NEW AmericasMart.com features:

• NEW Buyer’s Resource Center, with premium content designed to help you get the most out of your market experience
• NEW MyMarket! Plan, a personalized, easy-to-use tool to make the most of your time at Market
• NEW Retail News & Trends Information, filling you in on the latest trends and industry news
• NEW Expanded Social Media Network, with easy home page access to keep you up to date with the latest AmericasMart news

SEE IT NOW

Atlanta Apparel is thrilled to be partnering with the

The October Market will showcase top lines manufactured in Montréal exclusively offered here at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. Our featured guest designer will be Ms. Iris Setlakwe of the renowned Iris Collection featuring 30 fabulous outfits from her new Spring 2012 Collection along with 15 other designers’ lines from Quebec. 

Montréal is home to the largest Fashion Mart in Canada and headquarters for several major North American apparel companies. It is also host to several high-profile fashion events, including the Montréal Fashion Week, the Fashion and Design Festival and the North American Fur and Fashion Exhibition (NAFFEM).

Over time, Montréal has gained a reputation as a design capital, attracting designers from multiple disciplines. In 2007, UNESCO awarded a special honor to Montréal by labeling it a UNESCO City of Design! 

Please join us on October 14 to see what Montréal has to offer.

For more information: Virginia Rand-Hill, Trade Attaché, Quebec Government Office Atlanta, Virginia.rand-hill@mri.gouv.qc.ca or 404-584-2995 x 59913

Taking center stage are four featured sponsors. Platinum Sponsors Mac Duggal and House of Wu along with Gold Sponsor Karishma Creations and Silver Sponsor Morrell Maxie, will highlight collections of prom, bridal, pageantry, homecoming, Quinceañera and social occasion and accessory designs opening the show with their newest collections. Plus, there will be dozens of more names to see throughout the evening

The style spectacular doesn’t stop there! The Style Runway Fashion Show featuring Holiday and Resort takes over the catwalk on Friday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. Buyers are invited to join us for complimentary cocktails, flatbread pizzas and free giveaways prior to the fashion show beginning at 5:45 p.m.

Can’t make these shows? Check out the Daily Strut fashion shows taking place in the Atrium Lounge at noon & 3 p.m.

For more details on the events throughout August Market please click here.
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Whose looks will be strutting down the Haute for Prom runway?

• Decode 1.8
• Fashion 1001 Nights by Nina Canacci
• Helen’s Heart
• House of Wu
• Issue
• Jasz Couture
• Jim’s Formalwear
• Joli Prom
• Josh and Jazz
• Jolene by Josh and Jazz
• Karishma Creations
• Kathy Ireland Weddings by 2Be
• Kiss Kiss Formals by PC Mary’s
• Lil’ Allie Girl Designs by Becky
• Liz Fields/Starlet
• Love 16 by Enzoani
• Mac Duggal
• Macis Design
• Milano Formals
• Morgeez Prom & Pageant
• Morrell Maxie
• Mystique Prom by Bonny Bridal
• Nicole Bakti
• Night Moves by Allure
• Evenings by Allure
• Nika
• Rina di Montella
• Riva Designs
• Shimmer by Bari Jay
• Bari Jay Bridesmaids
• Sweetie Pie Collection
• Tip Top Kids
• Tuxedo Central
• Zcreationz