School Assignment #2: Apparel Industry 2011

{ Locate three articles } 
that characterize the direction of the apparel industry

- supply thoughts for each (brief description)
- add links or site the reference (hard copy)
- add Imagery (always a plus!)


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1st Article: Fabric Firms Eye Slow Rebound
by Vicki M. Young and Marc Karimzadeh
posted Tuesday January 25, 2011
from WWD ISSUE 01/25/2011

Who: Designers, Buyers, and Exhibitors in the textile sector

Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, New York

When: January 11th & 12th

What: textile shows/ Texworld USA

"Showcased resources for findings, trims, lace and embroidery, and a large group

of Indian exhibitors of embroidery, and silk and wool fabrics."

The article discussed that there is still much uncertainty if business is picking up

 among the industry. Many had reason to believe that the economy is starting to lift

and the rebound will soon begin to positively impact business. 

Exchange rates and the global economy are some of the current

challenges that the industry faces. Raw materials, like cotton, have doubled in price

causing concern among spinners, designers, and retailers

 on how to pass the higher costs on to the consumer and whether the consumer

will pay the prices. [plus side] cotton blends have been on the rise

 to alleviate the costs of yarn. There is hope that costs will settle

 in the next two years. 

2nd Article: Imprinted Sportswear Show Makes Its Mark

by Deborah Belgum, Senior Editor

posted January 28, 2011

from California Apparel News

Who: 350 companies from within the decorated-apparel industry/ T-shirts

Where: Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California

When: January 21st-23rd

What: Imprinted Sportswear Show,

"one of the largest West Coast events for the decorated-apparel industry."

This article gave some interesting insight on "triblend" T-shirts that

made "an aggressive appearance on the show floor." They credit this to the current

rise in cotton prices. American Apparel showed a triblend V-neck that is 

50% polyster, 25% cotton, and 12.5% viscose.

Others took an all-natural route to triblend with bamboo, cotton 

and soybean fiber.

3rd Article: Erin Fetherston: The New Contemporary Girl

by Venessa Lau

posted Wednesday January 26, 2011

from WWD ISSUE 01/26/2011

Who: Erin Fetherston

Where: originally from California, based in New York now

When: Debut during New York Fashion Week 

What: Introducing a new contemporary line 

"everyday wear, with ample ladyfied sportswear"

I choose this article due to the fact that Erin Fetherston addresses the impact

that the economy has had on the everyday-fashionista. 

Erin has come to realize due to her more recent partnerships with Juicy Couture

and Target, that a lower-price line is the way to go. "I became more aware

of a large Erin Fetherston fan base that hasn't necessarily been able to

buy into the designer price point.. I don't want to leave that girl out anymore."- EF

Erin's new line will range from $73 to $250 at wholesale, and you can expect

T-shirts that are embellished with beadwork and chiffon accents, 

a winter parka done in icy metallic lame and skinny black pants with

a "swath" of silk trailing in the back, like a cape.

"I still want to create unique things"- EF

Day dresses, simple tanks and blouses and a tuxedo jacket with sheer

bishop sleeves round out the collection. Can't Wait!

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Other cool articles: Pantone's Hand-Held Device

& Hartwell-Hale Promoted at Directives West

both by California Apparel News

(( well, my class might find cool ))