California Apparel News

NEW YORK—There was a buzz in the aisles at Blue, ENK International’s 2-year-old premium-denim trade show, thanks to a new slate of runway shows and fashion installations held at the upscale show’s Jan. 20–22 run at the Show Piers in New York.

This season, ENK partnered withMercedes-Benz Fashion Week producer IMG to promote New York’s first Men’s Fashion Week.

Runway shows from Buckler by Andrew Buckler, Conference of Birds, Distilled and Yoko Devereaux and a fashion installation from Le Coq Sportif were held in Pier 92 after the trade show closed for the day, helping to attract media and buyer attention to the biannual event.

“Collaborating with ENK and IMG simultaneously creates excitement and provides designers the ability to create as many visual moments as possible,” said Kelly Cutrone, founder of the People’s Revolution showroom and public-relations agency, which represented several brands and handled the consulting for the shows. “Now there are two great ways for designers to emerge in art and commerce together.”

Designer Andrew Buckler capitalized on the event by creating the Blue-venue T-shirts and staging a high-drama show that, the designer said, “focused on surrealism.”Buckler featured more than 40 looks that emphasized tailored suiting with an edge. True to form, the Buckler by Andrew Buckler line showcased futuristic denim with high doses of playfulness and creativity, including asymmetrical necklines and patent-leather jackets. A fashion-underground feeling permeated the crowd and struck a chord with buyers.

“I think people are looking for something a little different; they want something special,” said Marina Lelchuk, vice president of sales and merchandising for Buckler. “We are thrilled to be headlining this groundbreaking event, and the reaction from buyers has been strong. I think it is the combination of the shirts, the fashion show and our clothes because we are writing a lot of business.”

Stylist and designer Andrew Holden chose to debut his new brand, Conference of Birds, at Blue. Stepping away from the world of styling, Holden showed his Fall 2008 collection, which emphasized traditional American fashion with exquisite British tailoring. His booth stayed busy as buyers lined up to see the fashion show, which was held throughout the day.

Don Zuidema, buyer for Los Angeles men’s boutique LASC, said he was looking for men’s sportswear and modern casual clothing. The new trends and emerging designers of Blue help define the marketplace, he said.

This was the fourth Blue show for Los Angeles–based Hudson. Showing at Blue allows Hudson to connect with existing accounts and introduce the line to upscale buyers, said Sarah Garonzik, senior account manager for the denim label.

Going forward, Hudson is experimenting with new details for its premium-denim styles. “We want to improve upon what we have already done well and move beyond our triangle back pocket,” Garonzik said. “This look will always be important, but we want to cross-promote new styles and washes.”

First-time exhibitor Adam Lippes took a luxurious approach to market with his Fall 2008 Adam by Adam Lippes menswear line, which included fur-lined leather jackets, cotton blazers and lightweight cardigans. “We really like Blue because the show attracts top-tier stores,” said Yossi Capland, men’s account executive for the brand. “This is our first time here, and this show clearly understands the needs of our upscale customer base.” For the most part, reps in the Adam by Adam Lippes booth met with buyers who had booked appointments, and they confirmed that retailers were writing a good amount of business. “I think having the fashion shows is a positive step,” Capland said. “It’s drawing in more buyers, so everyone here is seeing the benefits of the efforts put forth by ENK.”