Fanshion Sense

8/2/2019 Fanshion Sense

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FASHIONSENSEHot apparel, style how-tos and need-to-know trends

By AlissA TAllmAn

Inside the Section

Acid-Washed Tees ............ 16The Dapper Look ......... 17Blue .................................. 18Chunky Jewelry ................ 20Celebrity Style ................. 21Mens Bubble Jacket ........ 22

Retail Ripoff...................... 23Trade Show Calendar ....... 24

wearablesmag.com WEARABLES FEBRUARY 2012 15

Fashion Sense.indd 15 1/16/12 2:57 P


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16 FEBRUARY 2012 WEARABLES wearablesmag.com

FASHIONSENSE

For distributors specializing in casual apparel, acid-washed teesare leading the way. Ultra-stylish and super-comfortable, thesetees are a favorite of the apparel

industry as well as their clients and end-users due to their retro appeal and trendyworn-in look. Originally adopted by theretail market, acid-washed tees are a per-fect match for the promotional products

industry, which is steadily investing inupdated apparel styles and colors.

There are so many advantages tothese tees, says Dany Ochoa, presidentof RELIK Apparel. One stellar asset, hepoints out, is the fact that each garment iscolor-treated individually. Garment-dye-ing is a process done by hand, Ochoa says,emphasizing how its the process itself thatproduces the softness and comfort ofthese tees, qualities cherished by their dedicated wearers. A secondattribute acid-washed tees have going for them is that theyre a cinch

to add logos and embroidery to. Since the wash itself produces abackground, any embroidery or even a small image will stand out

without the need for convoluted prints,Ochoa says.

Finally, these tees present a refreshingalternative to what Ochoa calls plain oldsolids, encouraging clients to considerrevamping their corporate image and hence

cash in on more fashion-conscious choices.Screen printers are very excited about thiskind of tee, as many sell them to all kindsof markets, he says. Ochoa views this phe-nomenon as a sign of true demand: Peopleget excited about these tees once they seethem, even if they had not previously beenaware of them.

Ochoa mentions private record labelsand musical artists as some of his companys

primary clients; schools are also getting in on the acid-wash act byfeaturing the trend in uniforms.

trend spy

Acid-Washed Tees

Hod

This comfy acid-washed menshoodie (5497AW) is made of

combed cotton and can be found

at American Apparel (asi/35297;circle 106 on Free Info Card).

Bnk Te

Eye-Dye (asi/53448; circle 107 onFree Info Card) carries these blank

acid-washed tees in several stunning

and vivid colors.

Mirl Wash Te

These new vintage wash tees (1300) fromColortone (circle 108 on Free Info Card)

come in eight brilliant hues, such as min-

eral purple, baby blue, lime and more.

V-Nk Te

RELIK Apparel (circle 109 on Free InfoCard) carries a number of acid-washedtee designs, including this V-neck done

in a crinkle wash (W100-4). Theyreavailable in green, blue and gray.

Fashion TipOffset the semi-distressed look of thisT-shirt style with a more formal andtraditional piece. For example, weara military jacket over the tee or pair itwith dress pants.

Ultra-stylishand super-

comfortable,these tees area favorite

of the apparelindustry



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Fashion TipCall it the Annie Hall look. Ties are

an ingenious way for women to tapinto the dapper trend putting forth aclassic look while creatively upending

traditional notions of formalwear.

style tips

The Dapper LookT

he dapper look for women is getting majorkudos this season by high-fashion trendset-ters. Exhibited by Sonia Rykiel, Chanel and

Louis Vuitton in their fall/winter 2012 lineup(the fashion industry sometimes calls it theandrogynous look), this subtle integrationof mens dress jacket and trouser styles into

womens corporate wear offers a refreshing

take on the usual blouse and skirt or trouserscombo traditionally accepted as the generalstandard for female employees.

Taraynn Lloyd, director of marketing forEdwards Garment Co (asi/51752), highly recom-mends this updated version of womens workwear.The dapper look is hot right now, she says. Lay-ering a dress pant, cropped pant or skirt with a blouse,

vest and jacket combines a flattering fit with style and comfort.Lloyd also explains that open-collar garment styles create long lines

that accentuate womens curves, while cardigan jacketslengthen a womans figure.

The dapper trend is a continuation of the uni-form, conservative look that dominated mens andwomens fashion throughout 2010 and 2011. Like

military-inspired apparel and the proliferationof tailored jackets, trousers and dress shirts, thislook also incorporates pieces that lean to the

traditional side but with a masculine twist, suchas form-fitted blazers with square shoulders andruffled blouses adorned with a mens tie.Lloyd suggests several industries that have

implemented this trend with great success, suchas the hospitality, entertainment and service indus-

tries, particularly employees who interact with custom-ers directly and are the first company representative to greet

them, making a lasting impression. She lists concierge servicepeople,museum guides, bank employees and real-estate agents as examples.

Mens TiAssertive Creativity LLC (asi/37166; circle103 on Free Info Card) carries this slim

and sporty polyester tie (LLC T12-34PB).

Vt ad Carigan CoatYou can find this elegant satin/polyester vest(4495) and polyester/wool cardigan suit coat(6480) at Edwards Garment Co. (asi/51752;

circle 94 on Free Info Card).

BlzerA graphic tee or untucked blouse would lookgreat underneath this merino wool blazer

from Hardwick Clothes (asi/59693; circle 112

on Free Info Card).

Fashion TipSubtlety is key when

incorporating these itemsinto any ensemble; a little goes

a long way. Make sure not tointroduce more than one ortwo dapper pieces at a

time to keep your out-fit in balance.



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FASHIONSENSE

Fringd Blue ScafAn asset to either a casualor formal outfit, this

festive teal scarf (WJ21-8)from Assertive Creativity(asi/37166; circle 103 on

Free Info Card) presents aperfect way to accessorize

with blue.

hot hue

BlueW

hether its cyan, teal or turquoise,blue remains one of the top-sellingcolors of the promotional prod-

ucts industry. Possessing numerous positiveattributes and often associated with tranquil-ity, good health and faith, blue of all shadeseffectively lends itself to promotional wear byencouraging the end-user to connect such posi-tive qualities with companies utilizing this hue.

When you enter a place of business andyou see all of the employees in customizedblue shirts, hats and pants, you get the messagethat the company takes its services seriously,says Bayo Simmonds, president of AssertiveCreativity LLC (asi/37166), labeling blue a

very corporate-friendly branding color dueto its longstanding association with reliability.

Although blue is in vogue year-round, Sim-monds stresses the importance of introducingit with apparel for spring, when blue increasesin popularity. Blue is an excellent way tointroduce new spring products, he notes,particularly those in the light-blue family.

Valentina Huang, vice president of mar-

keting and sales at Pro-Celebrity (asi/90743),suggests that navy can act as an effectiveneutral. Many companies use navy as a sub-stitute for black, provided the navy is a rich,dark hue, she states, adding that the darkerthe navy, the more versatility you have.Navy is often paired with bright yel-low, gold, white or red when used ina logo design. These colors offseteach other well because theyreprimary colors, from which allother hues are made.

While blue is applicableacross industry lines, Simmondsemphasizes the hotel, transpor-

tation and travel industries asnotable ones to target. Also con-sider companies associated with

water, such as spas, swimming poolretailers and utility companies.

Fashion TipUltra-bright and dark blues

are excellent for accessorizingwith any neutral. For example,

a neon-blue scarf or cobalt-

beaded necklace would be aperfect match with white,

black, grey or khaki.



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C

ircle26onFreeInfoCardorvisitwww.wear

ablesmag.com/freeinfo

Knit HatThis soft, powder-blue knit hat (MZ-1) is available

from Assertive Creativity LLC (asi/37166; circle 103on Free Info Card).

Log-Slevd BlousSanMar (asi/84863; circle 93 on Free Info

Card) distributes this satiny long-sleevenavy blouse (L500LS) crafted with a polyester/

cotton piqu blend.

Trck JcThis retro-style ripstop warm-up jacket (KTJ833)

is available from Pro-Celebrity (asi/90743; circle105 on Free Info Card). Its water-resistant and

features a mesh lining and hidden hood.



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FASHIONSENSE

Both retail and wholesale jewelry items are trending toward theintricate and ornamental. That means large and flashy pieces,

whether theyre adorning necks or wrists or dangling from ear-lobes. Think lots of big beads several layers thick, like those recentlyfeatured by Kate Spade. Think bangle bracelets two to three inches

wide, like those sold by Marni. Whichever type is preferred, just besure to make it big.

Chunky jewelry is hot, says Diane Katzman, owner of DianeKatzman Design (asi/63988). She assures this trend is an ideal onefor clients investing in promotional products to take advantage of.If the promotional products industry intends to hit the mark with itscustomers, its important to mirror todays fashion trends, she says.

According to Katzman, clients most invested in this accessory trendinclude businesses with women at the helm and companies that caterto women. She explains the allure: Chunky jewelry is feminine andstrong; women wearing it are basically saying, We are bold and proudand we mean business!

Natalie De Picciotto, owner of Steel Threads Inc (asi/89475), saysthat industries from entertainment to business corporate would do

well to consider chunky jewelry. This style is very hip and edgy rightnow, she says. One way she suggests corporations can implement thetrend is by considering a fashionable jewelry item with an inspira-tional word or message on it along with a company logo somethingDe Picciotto herself accomplished for one very satisfied client via a

logoed ID bracelet.As De Picciotto suggests, chunky jewelry can be applied across a

wide spectrum. Companies can consider implementing it into cor-porate awards programs; imprintable items such as ID bracelets andnecklaces are excellent for small businesses or organizations lookingto promote their brands. Julie Webber, vice president of sales forBlack Forest LTD (asi/40620), lists hospitals and clinics, oil compa-nies, supermarkets and trucking companies among her top clients.Katzman suggests retail, real estate and health care, as well as anyonelooking to make women happy!

accessories

Chunky Jewelry

Wrap BrclLook to Steel Threads Inc. (asi/89475; circle

113 on Free Info Card) for this artful leatherwrap bracelet (N53-Custom).

Bd NeklcThese gorgeous beaded necklaces

(PROPP17, B0072-G) are available fromDiane Katzman Design (asi/63988; circle 114

on Free Info Card).

Mns RigBlack Forest LTD (asi/40620; circle 115 on

Free Info Card) carries this stunning mensaward ring (1330M). Choose between

gold and silver bands.

Bigo BrclPremium (asi/79370; circle 116 on Free

Info Card) carries this playful Bingo charmbracelet (240 BINGO).

Fashion TipView each piece of chunky jewelry as if

its an apparel item in itself. This will helpyou avoid overdominant pieces that canburden an outfit rather than enhance it.



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FASHIONSENSE

Eait Idusy RpPair the jeans and jacket with this striped shirt (01520cq)

from Alternative Apparel (asi/34850; circle 120 on Free InfoCard) and these splendid combat boots (5705)

from Rothco (asi/83708; circle 121 on Free Info Card).Oozing with casual cool, this outfit puts a companys

spokespeople in the spotlight with style. Striped shirts are

a hot trend for men this season, and combat boots are theperfect jeans embellishment.

looks we love

Mens Bubble Jacket

This snazzy, quilted mens bubble jacket (JB-02) hails from All Creative(asi/59723; circle 103 on Free Info Card). Available in black, blue andorange and made of a satiny polyester/nylon blend, this fashion-for-

ward piece is lightweight yet insulated, perfect for late winter and early springoutdoor activities. Featuring a waterproof surface and a form-fitted look, this

jacket is ideal to wear over hoodies and sweaters and gives outfits an extra dashof style. The shiny surface guarantees high visibility of any logo or embroi-dery added, making it an excellent choice for numerous industries, especiallythose investing in outerwear.

Ouo Evt RpTake this half-zip raglan pullover (334) from Bishop The Gar-

ment Co. (asi/40585; circle 117 on Free Info Card) underneaththe jacket and pair it with these flattering slim-straight

jeans (B307) from Broberry Mfg Inc. (asi/42057; circle 118 onFree Info Card). Finally, add this khaki wool cap (5029) fromMega Cap Inc. (asi/70434; circle 119 on Free Info Card). This

ensemble will keep team members warm and stylish as wellas comfortably dressed while promoting their organization in

an outdoorsy setting, which could involve anything from dona-tion collecting to fundraising marathon walks.

Crae Wi GahrigWear this sensational-looking hoodie (TNF_AUPQ)

from Corporate Image Outfitters LLC (asi/46741; circle111 on Free Info Card) underneath the jacket and add

these pleated wool/polyester-blend pants (2650) fromEdwards Garment Co. (asi/51752; circle 94 on Free InfoCard). This outfit effectively combines both casual and

corporate wear, allowing clients to be less restricted bya dress code for festivities but retain an approachably

authoritative appearance.

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