Olah to Debut Style Library
After many seasons collecting interesting, unique and authentically worn vintage denim (and complementary sportswear and accessories) to use to help clients develop denim, patterns, washes and prints, New York–based Olah Inc. found that it had amassed an impressive archive.
The company, an agent that represents textile and manufacturing companies and produces the premium-denim sourcing trade show Kingpins, took inventory and found an exhaustive collection of shirting, T-shirts, denim pieces, jackets, belts, luggage, twills and accessories.
“We have well over 1,500 well-curated pieces—and counting,” said Emily Olah, director of production.
In March, Olah will debut its Style Library—a design-inspiration archive for designers—and launch a website to make the archive available to denim and sportswear designers. “We’re going to rent the pieces out for inspiration. It makes sense—a lot of designers have had cutbacks on their travel and buying [pieces] for inspiration, and then figuring out where to store them can be expensive and a hassle,” she said.
The archive, which will include a photo-heavy website where designers can peruse the available pieces, will be available to designers all over the country. Rates for weekly rentals of the pieces will vary based on the item. And a brand or designer hooked on a garment may be able to purchase it out of the archive, Olah said. “We’re excited to offer this new service.”
The company, which hosted its Los Angeles edition of Kingpins in January, brought more than 100 pieces from the Style Library to the show to introduce the concept to buyers. The reaction was positive, Olah said. Garnering the most interest were vintage Levi’s pieces and denim pieces that had interesting details, including patch jobs in contrasting fabrics, selvedge trim at the waist and cool cinch tabs at the waist.
For pricing information and more information about Olah’s Style Library, visit www.olahinc.com or call (212) 260-9266.—Erin Barajas
