Alternative leather Handbags in vegan leather, industrial felt, waxed cotton and faux fur have walked the Atlanta runway. Howver, finding non-leather US-manufactured handbags is difficult. Many designers claim to use “GREEN” materials but leather tanning involves multiple toxins and is NOT an eco-friendly material. Previously, alternative materials were even worse. New handbag materials include: Industrial felt, waxed cotton, vegan leather (Non-PVC bio-degradable urethane) and organic fabrics. When seeking the real deal, ask to see material certifications when you talk with exhibitors – true Eco-Fashion designers certify materials for all of their products. All organics should be GOTS certified to insure they meet Global standards.
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.
HIGH DESIGN always showcases the latest and most design-driven luxury products, and this July is no exception. Discover unique, fashion-forward gift and home product throughout this Market Temporary category, staged on Floor 1 in Building 2 WestWing. As a juried collection, HIGH DESIGN has only the crème-de-la-crème of merchandise for gift home and specialty buyers as well as interior designs. Several exhibitors will debut new product including bla bla kids—set to launch its new collection of paper goods in HIGH DESIGN this week. This latest line includes a range of sweet cards, invitations, birthday cards, notebooks, stickers and gift notes. Additionally, this product features bla bla’s dolls in lively, graphic illustrations. You’ll find bla bla’s new collection July 15-21 while the Temporaries are open in Building 2 WestWing, booth 1-814 in HIGH DESIGN.
AmericasMart exhibitors are all over the television this holiday season! Check out the list of exhibitors below who have been featured on syndicated television programs. 
Peach and Love
The Atlanta Fall Immediate Delivery Show
JP Original is growing. They just expanded which means… more shoes! Awesome styles! Super chic and affordable. Check them out on the 8th floor.
hit the floors. While many were looking to fill in sparse inventories prior to the holiday rush, a group from VerdeGo – a design and garden center in Bunnell, Fla. – was in Atlanta to buy for a new store as they expand to a second location.
industry experts’ advice about how to grow business in a tough economy. Crafty buyers learned to creatively construct gift baskets that will thrill customers while garnering strong profit margins. And one of the most popular spots of 
the morning was a social media seminar explaining why smart retailers should make the most ofopportunities to speak to customers through Web sites, Facebook, Twitter and every other possible medium. Foodies learned from one of Atlanta’s top chefs, Shaun Doty in the state-of-the-art Gourmet Kitchen in Building 2 WestWing. And in the afternoon, the much anticipated Best of Atlanta winning gourmet products were revealed.
University class; ample opportunities to source exceptional product from both permanent and temporary exhibitors and get ready for a promising holiday buying season.
There’s something to do almost everywhere you look during the August Market. Atlanta Apparel is hosting parties, events, giveaways and seminars all Market. PLUS, the exhibitors are joining in on the fun and hosting parties, events, promotions and giveaways. Know who’s doing what. Find out 
