California Apparel News

Many exhibiting and wandering through the Capsule show, an edited collection of everything hip in the world of apparel and accessories, enjoyed the airy feeling of the event, held Aug. 18–20 at The Venetian ballroom along with the other five shows that make up the relatively new Modern Assembly group.

The show’s hipness factor was reflected in the fact that there were probably more men’s beards per square foot than at any other fashion venue in Las Vegas.

This year, Capsule had 255 booths versus 235 one year ago, show organizers said. Retailers visiting the show included Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Bloomingdale’s, American Rag, Ron Herman, Isetan and Galleries Lafayette.

You could find everything from old upholstery fabric reworked into messenger bags to men’s grooming products. One side was dedicated to men’s apparel while the other side reserved space for women’s clothing. Most of the exhibitors represented independent designers who manufacture in the United States.

Case in point was Gitman Vintage, a 6-year-old line whose bright prints were developed using the archives of shirt manufacturer Gitman Bros. in Ashland, Penn.

The company’s sale reps have been exhibiting at Capsule for five years now. “This show is always successful. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here,” said Chris Olberding, who developed the line known for its chalk buttons, intricate stitching and bold prints. The shirts wholesale for between $65 and $86.

Not far away, True Collaborative Fashion, an independent showroom based in Portland, Ore., took up a large space to fit in several of its labels designed and made in the United States. In the past, the brands have been scattered around at other shows such as Liberty, ENKVegas and Agenda.

For the showroom, the traffic was even but not too busy. “We had appointments booked and got some new business as well. It has not been crazy busy, but we have been satisfied,” said Erin Glanz, the showroom’s national agent, who represents such brands as Nau, Prairie Underground, Bridge & Burn and Curator. “It’s nice when it is a manageable pace.”

Glanz also liked the fact that her labels were hanging next to other independently designed clothing not mass produced in a large overseas factory. Wholesale prices for the labels ranged from $25 to $130.

She said buyers wandering Capsule definitely were looking for new and fresh designs. “Our lines are all made to order, and they are not in department stores,” she explained.

Another company showing for the first time at Capsule was Lisa B., a line of cashmere/wool/nylon and cotton/nylon socks designed by Lisa Meszler, who was at the compact booth with her husband, Rembert Meszler.

For years, their socks, which wholesale for $8.50 to $16, have been made in Honesdale, Penn. “We are an East Coast–based company that wants to grow our business. I felt that this show was a good fit for our company and for what we stand for,” Lisa Meszler said. “The pace of the show is different. It’s nice.”

The first day of the show was slow, she observed, but the second day business picked up. “We are seeing a lot of new people,” the designer said.