Bravo New York: Uncomplicated Cashmere
After over 15 years of transforming other designers’ sketches into garments at his production company in Arcadia, Calif., Steven Bian is sketching his own designs to weave into sweaters for his line, Bravo New York.
When it comes to design vocabulary, “cashmere” is the only word that matters to Bian. The inner-Mongolia factory he works with specializes in everything relating to cashmere sweaters, from the latest yarn developments to new stitches and patterns using advanced machine technology.
Most of Bian’s production- company business is generated from private-label clients. The line’s name, Bravo New York, stems from when Bian lived in New York and first conceived the idea for the line.
For the Holiday 2006 launch, he introduced a small group of simple, contemporary- styled sweaters, such as a thick-striped sweater tunic dress with long matching scarf and a striped hoodie.
The head buyer of Madison in Los Angeles, Belen Hormaeche, said Bravo New York is one of the store’s best-selling cashmere lines. “Within a week we had sold out of its best styles,” said Hormaeche, who added that some fitted knitwear dresses often accentuate lumps and bumps, but Bravo’s on-trend sweater dresses had a nice, flattering fit.
“This really encouraged me to completely turn this label on to this direction,” said Bian.
For Fall 2007, Bian streamlined the design to start with the right fit and adds trendy details such as puff sleeves, peasant sleeves and puff shoulders. Wholesale prices range from $89 to $189.
“I want to be simple, easy-to-wear, fits the body, feels soft and feminine-looking,” said Bian.
The line has also been sold to stores such as Hillary Rush in Los Angeles, Fred Segal Flair in Santa Monica, Calif., and Searle in New York.
For more information, call (626) 359-9600 or contact the Pamela Carone Showroom in The New Mart, suite 1009, at (213) 617-7511. —Rhea Cortado
