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.
In conjunction with Atlanta International Fine Linen & Home Textiles Market, which took place March 20-22, AmericasMart hosted the second annual Beautiful Bedding competition—featuring the most luxurious linens for 2010.
January Apparel Market is just around the corner, and we are excited to announce our accessory, shoe and impulse buyer lineup! This is the first Apparel market of 2010, and we will officially launch spring & summer product. We have made some big changes for January including combining accessories, shoes, and ready to wear on Floor 3. We have great new lines along with our senior exhibitors all on one easy to access floor! Check out the listing on our site.
With its successful eight-day Market run—the first Market of 2010—AmericasMart is looking forward to what this year is to bring. Market started last Wednesday with retailers from around the world entering to thousands of new introductions and product debuts. Traffic continued to pick up through the weekend and the buying continued to be strong. Now, with Market coming to a close, buyers and exhibitors are ending their Atlanta Market with a positive outlook for 2010. Read 
With the continuing evolution of Home, ignited by the debut of the redesigned 14th Floor in Building 1, key Home Accents and Fine Linens exhibitors have united to further enhance the product center, including:
