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.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a great product and a great fiber, no chemicals on one of the most chemically intensive crops in the world, what a great story. Before you purchase make sure your supplier can certify the source of the fiber and their certifications. Bottom line: make sure your organic cotton has integrity. Companies such as MantraMeds a U.S. manufacturer of fashion medical apparel, takes the approach of purchasing Texas Organic Cotton  and following the flow of the fiber. Like many other companies their comfort level is in knowing the farmer, seeing the Department of Agriculture certifications, and working closely with the spinner.

Recycled Cotton

The concept of recycled cotton is to take good fibers out of waste and in turn reduce the need to actually grow more cotton. In a lot of ways recycled cotton is much better than organic cotton; it reduces the acreage of cotton grown. It’s important to remember however that the process of reclaiming fibers is difficult on the integrity of the fiber itself. You simply cannot make a fine count yarn out of short fibers, but you can make beautiful blends and coarse counts. Patrick Yarns (www.patrickyarns.com) is a domestic leader in placing recycled cotton in the correct market

Bamboo

Bamboo is the source of cellulose in rayon; it’s not the fiber. Rayon can be phenomenally harsh in manufacturing with the cellulose put in a slurry of acid and then extruded into fiber. Rayon was originally made in the U.S. out of wood pulp, but economics and environmental issues stopped domestic production. One item of note is that it is against FTC regulations to label a product as just “bamboo,” it must be labeled as “cellulose” or “rayon.”

Modal and Tencel are cellulosic fibers but made by Lenzing in a close loop system. If you like cellulosic fibers such as bamboo, it’s imperative to ask your supplier about Modal and Tencel. These fibers have the attributes of rayon, including the great “hand,” plus more, and all are done in an environmentally friendly way.

Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester (rpet) is a fiber that is making great strides for all the right reasons. RPET saves energy, reduces our dependence on oil, and can save millions of plastic bottles from our landfills. Much like organic cotton it’s imperative you trust your source. One leader in the industry is Unifi with their U-Trust third party verification on their Repreve brand of recycled poly. One of the most attractive aspects of RPET is that the fibers have all the attributes of virgin polyester, but with a great environmental story.

Earthspun Apparel  has just launched an intriguing new RPET that is the color of the feed stock. Brown recycled plastic bottles make brown fiber, green/green, blue/blue, etc. The color of the garments are derived without the water and energy consumption of the conventional dying process.

There are many other fibers on the market with some very unique features. Fibers today are being made from unique products like coconut shells and corn sugars,  each new fiber has its own set of attributes and each has a great story. The best way to understand the products you purchase is to ask the simple questions, and to build a relationship with your vendor.

Jack Miller is a partner with SustainTex LLC, and he would be delighted to discuss sustainable fabrics and practices in more detail during Atlanta Apparel Market.

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.

Offering up the best of the best in glittering jewelry, fresh colors and exclusive styles, exhibitors are glowing as they buyers shop in their unique showroom and temporary booth environments.

Plus, the events started today! The Daily Strut jumpstarted Market with its trendy hightlights, and the Light-Up Lip Gloss Giveaway generated thousands of smiles that illuminated Building 3.

There’s more to come tomorrow! Don’t miss The Style Runway Fashion Show tomorrow evening–preceding the cocktail party at 5:45 on Floor 2. You don’t want to miss this exclusive showcase of next season’s hottest trends, headlined by Judith March.

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.

As the headlining sponsor of Style Runway, Judith March will take center stage and open the show with its new lines by designer and creator Stephanie Nichols. A returning sponsor, Judith March will debut its spring 2011 collection of breezy new pieces with unmistakable patterns and fresh styles.

It all happens on Friday starting at 6 p.m. in the atrium. Don’t miss it!

To read the entire release, click here.

For more information about the upcoming Market, click here.

Visit www.judithmarch.com for more details on this hot designer and new lines.

The energy at Market was high on day one with exciting events and the opening day of the new swim and resort category called SPLASH on floor 3.

The Daily Strut, which takes place everyday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., has highlighted the styles retailers can find right now during Market.

Plus, the Friday night hit, the Style Runway fashion show, drew crowds from every floor of the building. Everyone gathered in the atrium on floor 2 to watch the show featuring Montreal Collections. And, Montreal Collections featured one of their hottest designers, Samuel Dong. Samuel Dong presented 30 outfits from his Spring 2011 collection, followed by other Montreal lines. For the show’s grand finale, other Atlanta Apparel exhibitors and designers showed their lines and collections after the debut of Montreal Collections.

And, there’s still more to come. It’s only day two of Market! Be sure to experience all at the last Market of the year!

Atlanta Apparel

Samuel Dong will present 30 outfits from his spring 2011 collection. This Montréal designer, originally from China, is famous for his creative and artistic designs, whose inspirations come from nature. His magnificent masterpieces featuring elaborate fabrics, embroidery combinations and big ruffles will take center stage at the show.

Montreal Collections Style Runway is set to take place on Friday, October 15 at the October Market. The party begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, proceeded by the debut of Samuel Dong’s collection, along with 20 other Montreal designers, at 6:30 p.m. It all takes place in the atrium.

Plus, there will be a cocktail reception after the show in Samuel Dong’s showroom: Diane and Alan – 11-N-106.

Be sure to not only make it to the fashion show, but also the pre- and post-parties!

For more information on the fabulous designer, visit. www.samueldong.com.

To read the entire release and get more details on all the designers, click here.