Former Edge Exec Launches Distribution Company
Los Angeles-based Mark Encinias, former account executive for MAGIC International’s the edge and Outer Limits shows, has launched his own distribution company, Monta Mundo Worldwide, to bring collections from Spain to the United States.
Two of the Monta Mundo clothing lines, Nomad and Motor, are denim-based collections for men and women, with a variety of washes.
The third line, Divinas Palabras, is a T-shirt line with tongue-in-cheek sayings such as ’shopping makes me feel dirty.’
The final collection, Pichiglas, is an accessories line of belts and wristbands made from polypropylene, with buckle snaps and magnetic snaps as closures.
All of the clothing lines as well as the accessories are distributed to such stores as Monkie, Villain’s, Canal Jeans, Billy Martin’s and Planet Blue, according to Encinias, who said all the collections have a similar feel and are similarly priced.
“It’s got that European vibe and it’s not for everybody, but everything is working together and going into the same stores,” he said. “Not everybody can pay $40 for a bracelet, but those who do, love it.”
Encinias has two partners in Monta Mundo [Spanish for “ride the world”]: Doug Dresser, a freelance film location manager who seeks product placement for their clients, and Chad Weidmer, who is based in Spain and secures client relationships. According to Encinias, the company is currently making plans to expand to New York and Florida and is investigating licensing opportunities.
Encinias said that he left MAGIC because he believed the trade show giant was not in a position to fully capture the market it was targeting with the edge.
“Unfortunately, young designers cannot afford to pay the amount it takes to do a show of that nature,” Encinias said. “Many of these small, cool, cutting-edge companies can barely afford to make their samples.”
Encinias said he may return to the trade show arena in the future, noting that he is currently in discussions with two European trade shows that are interested in coming to Los Angeles.
The Monta Mundo lines will be available during Los Angeles market in New Mart showroom #904.
For more information, call (323) 344-8418. —Darryl James
