Fashion Blog from the Fashion Blogger

The Holiday/Resort 2012 Los Angeles Fashion Market took place August 13-16, 2012 at the California Market Center (CMC). Steady traffic and new accounts were the predominant reports from many of the CMC’s showrooms and exhibitors of the Market’s featured tradeshows, including SELECT Contemporary Tradeshow and TRANSIT LA Shoe Show. The Market featured thousands of lines and daily special events, including a complimentary color trend seminar, Opening Night Reception, hospitality among multiple floors, plus much more.

“We had a great show this Market and opened a lot of new accounts,” said Joyce Snyder, National Sales Manager of Stop Staring! in Suite A296. “We are so excited about our new, permanent showroom, and the success of this Market proved we made a great decision. By establishing ourselves at the CMC, we feel confident this was the first step in generating a larger national and international presence, taking our brand to the next level.”

Key stores shopping this Market included Fred Segal, Kitson, LF Stores, Marshall Retail Group, JW Marriott, Pan American Sportswear, USC, Coronado Yacht Club, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Just Basics, London Boots, Pro Sports Club, Apricot Lane, KSL Resorts, Polkadots and Moonbeams, Echo Boutique, Weekends, Peachy Bambini, Ambiance, Pink Lagoon, Madam Butterfly, The Red Balloon, SOHO, Fantazi Fashions, Studio Barre, KC Diamonds & Jewelry, Modern Mommy Boutique, PCH Pilates, Style Lab, The Ritz, Helping Hand Gift Shop, Kaitlyn Clothing Inc., Divaz Boutique, and Pacific Trading Company, plus many more. There was also a strong international retailer presence seen at this Market from stores such as ASAP Spa from Milano, Creamy Velvet from Melbourne, Garguz Studio from London, Buffalo from Montreal, The Shop and Le Papillion Couture from Taipei, Liberty Group Inc Korea from Seoul, Baby Berry from Sao Paulo, Sofia Bella Fashions from N. Vancouver, Uber Shop Corp from Panama City, Tania Ramirez Quijada from Mexico City, Canal Jean Co Shops from Osaka City, and Joint Works Co from Tokyo, to name a few.

In the Fashion Theater of the CMC’s Main Lobby, SELECT Contemporary Tradeshow exhibitors also reported having a steady show. “I have been to SELECT before and thought it would be the perfect place to take part in my first tradeshow,” said Jolie Altman, designer. “It has been a real pleasure to be here, and I definitely plan to return for the next edition, this October.”

SELECT was held Monday-Wednesday of Market, and presented a tightly curated selection of Contemporary apparel, accessories and footwear exhibitors that included ADA Collection, Azaara, Beagle House NY, Deepa Gurnani, Enzo Angiolini, Gillian Julius, Hyde Collection, Marcia Moran, Minnie Rose, Papillio, Pour La Victoire, Boutique 9, Casting, Jolie Altman, Adina Reyter, Ally Rose Toppers, and Streets Ahead, and many more.

“We felt this edition was a can’t-miss because we always meet new accounts and touch base with existing customers here,” said Dale Pike, National Sales Representative for Deepa Gurnani. “Every SELECT we always open a bunch of new accounts and they always re-order between shows.”

In the Penthouse, 13th floor, TRANSIT exhibitors also reported seeing returning and new buyers. “We chose to show at TRANSIT for the first time because we thought this show would be the best way to introduce our brand to the Western United States, and we are thrilled to be here,” said Monti Gutierrez, owner of Mint & Rose.

TRANSIT Shoe Show was also held Monday-Wednesday. As the renowned footwear show running in conjunction with LA Fashion Market, the showcase was geared toward the fashion boutique buyers at Market, as well as footwear retailers of all sizes. Notable labels included BCBG MaxAzria, Betsey Johnson, Report Signature, Vince Camuto, Steve Madden, Splendid, Matiko, Irregular Choice, DV by Dolce Vita, Frye Boot Company, Ella Moss, Jessica Simpson, Aerosoles, Chinese Laundry, CL by Laundry, Coconuts, Envy Footwear, MIA, NYLA Shoes, Rocket Dog, Lucky Brand Footwear, Blowfish Malibu, Nomad Footwear, Collection B, Dirty Laundry, Bait, Bearpaw, Encanto, Gentle Souls, Mad Love, Madden Girl, Mtng, Sbicca, Shelly London, Yellow Box Corp, Poetic License, Penny Sue, Y-R-U, and many more.

“We had a good show and opened a handful of new accounts,” said Cindy Pellechio of Matiko Shoes. “We love returning to TRANSIT to continually strengthen our relationships with locals, and gaining brand exposure through opening new accounts.”

Contributing to the positive energy at Market was a variety of special events and perks for attendees of Market. Monday evening, industry guests were invited to the LA Fashion Market Opening Night Reception, which featured complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Trader Vic’s LA Live, DAMA Tequila cocktails, and live beats by DJ Mahli. Other sponsors included Dry Soda, and IZZE. Additionally, SELECT hosted breakfast each morning, sponsored by Market Restaurant, as well as offered a snack station courtesy of LUNA Bar. Upstairs, TRANSIT shoppers and exhibitors were treated to complimentary IZZE beverages and bags of Pop Chips. Furthermore, a complimentary retail seminar was offered by Design Options, and discussed color trends and stories for 2013 on Monday, August 13.

Dates for the Spring 2013 LA Fashion Market are Monday – Thursday, October 15-18, 2012. The Market is also open to buyers on October 14, 2012, for preview.

Learn more about the LA Fashion Market at the LA fashion website.