Doneger's Blain Starts New Contemporary Lines
After five years at trend forecaster The Doneger Group, Janine Blain has left as the company’s vice president/general merchandise manager to start two contemporary women’s lines.
Blain, who left The Doneger Group on Aug. 12, was replaced by Shelda Hall.
“After being a consultant to everyone else, I wanted to see if I could apply my advice to my own lines,” Blain said. “It’s a dream I had, and I went for it.”
Blain partnered with Mandy Jhzhu, a manufacturer with a factory in China, to form Mandy and Janine, which oversees the two contemporary lines that debut in October for Spring 2011. Blain is the company’s creative director, and Jhzhu is in charge of production.
The first line is JBlain, which will focus on unique prints in silk or silk variations for fashion tops, dresses and tunics. There will be some maxi skirts and soft bottoms, too.
“Some of the styles will have the back in one print and the front in another print,” Blain explained. “In this economy, things have to be special.”
JBlain’s retail price points will range from $68 to $158.
The second line, Blush, will have lower retail price points, ranging from $38 to $58. The line will be print-driven with tops that appeal to most every woman who wants to purchase something without breaking the bank.
“I felt the market was a little stagnant,” Blain said. “The stores are looking for great, fresh product even more now than ever.”—Deborah Belgum
