Even though we are seeing the apparel industry coming back, accessories never went away, and Atlanta Apparel is no different. We have fabulous hand-crafted, original, and statement accessories at our April show. Here are just a few of our new, up-and-coming lines who show true originality.

Wm. coleman mills is debuting their scarf collection at Atlanta Apparel. He is an established artist who has projected his paintings onto these beautiful cotton voile and silk chiffon scarves.

Deepa Gurnani is an accessory line out of New York who creates the most amazing beaded headbands, bags, and jewelry.

Inge Christopher is handbag line also out of New York. They stand apart because of their use of many different, unique fabrics and materials.

In our shoe category, Rockwell Tharp is debuting their collection of embroidered accessories at our April show. Their unique embroidery has a pattern for everyone and would brighten up any boutique.

You can find all of these collections, and much more, on our Premiere, floor 2, at the Atlanta Apparel show this weekend.

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

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.

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

There are additional ways in which designers and manufacturers can approach the eco-fashion trend including: designing with eco-friendly materials, creating zero-waste manufacturing methods (or patterns), analyzing alternative power sources for manufacturing process and identifying local distribution options for lowering the carbon footprint of fashion products. A few accessory companies, such as Fibre Arts Design,  Palo Alto, CA have adopted many of these eco-friendly practices for their handbag line. For instance, they design and cut zero or low wasted patterns for manufacturing to lower or eliminate the waste in the manufacturing process. Many items are actually constructed using fabrics rewoven from cutting room waste. In addition, all the power for Fibre Arts Design is purchased from Wind and Solar power sources. Many communities have begun to offer these “green” or alternative power options to businesses. It may cost more to purchase green power, but the result is a lower carbon footprint product. In addition, Fibre Arts is in discussion with some Atlanta folks to explore setting up an eco-friendly manufacturing plant on the east coast to offer even lower carbon footprint shipping options to retail partners in the Eastern US.

Find out more about Wo and Fibre Arts Design studio here: http://www.fibreartsdesign.com/

Plus, be sure to visit Fibre Arts Designs at their booth in Premier on the 2nd Floor, booth #2-114.

(I was inspired to do this article after visiting my daughter’s store, RUBY,  where I noticed how many little items she had tied together with ribbon as a “set.”  There were several bracelets together, panty packs of two, three or five, a package of three tees, etc.  The pricing was even numbered like $10, $20, etc. and as a shopper I could realize how quick and easy this choice could be. It seemed especially effective for the Valentine shopping season in progress.  The more I thought about it, the more I felt the need to share “bundling up” for better profits with each of you!)

All of us enjoy a sweet deal, by just like icing on the cake, it can be overdone.  Bundling is a delicate blend of ingredients that:

*Sweetens the deal for your customers
* Increases your average sale
* Boosts your employees’ productivity
*Reduces your risks

If you are considering bundling, ask yourself these questions:

1) What are some of the challenges shoppers face in buying clothing
Some folks are color blind or have no fashion sense. They are in a hurry and forget to buy the related purchases they need. They long for help in making    decisions.  A bundle is already combined and ready – no choice.

2) What can I bundle together to make life easier for my customers?
Shoes and Handbags
Assorted Accessories that mix/match
Hosiery for the outfit
Socks for the shoes
Tees with Jeans
Tops w/suits
Slippers with robes
Panties with bras
7 panties (one for each day)
Basic tees set (red, black, white)
Lip gloss and mirror
Gloves & scarf
Anything that makes sense together or fills a need!

3) What benefits would buyers gain from bundles?
Customers would save time, whether shopping for themselves or a gift, they would find things easier. A bundle usually adds more versatility and functionality to a wardrobe by mixing and matching. Shoppers usually think a bundle is a better deal and they feel good about saving.

4) What benefit would the retailer gain from this?
Total sales should increase. Multiples units would be sold. Customers would appreciate the creativity and novelty of the combination.
Employee’s productivity should go up because they will generate more sales dollars per customer.

Look around, what goes together as the perfect bundle in your store?

Learn even more and be further inspired at TJ’s seminar at the Apparel Market on Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. She’ll get you excited about driving traffic through promotions and contests. More information on her seminar and full lineup of events can be found here.

More on bundling can be found in “Pricing for Profit” by Dale Furtwengler, available from www.amaconbooks.org.

As this year’s hottest category, accessories have gained the spotlight at Atlanta Apparel. These products that sell—and fast—will dominate Market. Supporting this trend is an educational seminar with forward-thinking speakers tapped to address how and when to add accessories and shoes to your business.  Accessories are crucial for a successful product mix, and this Market, Atlanta Apparel raises the stakes in variety of product offerings with hundreds of lines in jewelry, handbags, watches, belts and more–in styles fit for every buyer.

Plus, don’t miss the Daily Strut Fashion Shows, taking place every day at noon and 3 p.m. These mini-runway events highlight the premier trends of Market and support Friday night’s Style Runway Fashion Show, taking place at 6:30 p.m. on Floor 2.

Atlanta Apparel is your destination for trends, events, education and fun for the upcoming retail season. Prepare to be immersed in the fashion forward excitement tomorrow, Feb. 3 beginning at 11 a.m. with a Light-Up Lip Gloss Giveaway!

To read the entire Market release, click here.

Find Market details here.