Saks Scouts for New Lines
Taking a cue from New York specialty retailer Henri Bendel, competitor Saks Fifth Avenue is scouting for emerging designers.
The merchant for the first time has begun holding a bicoastal open see program in five cities. Saks market directors will touch down in the Los Angeles area at the Beverly Hills store Aug. 10. They already hit New York on July 31, and they will also visit San Francisco, Miami and Atlanta in the month of August.
“We’re more heavily going after new talent,” said Colleen Sherin, Saks’ fashion market director.
Saks has scheduled private sessions with new designers in New York in the past, but they didn’t attract the Los Angeles crowd. The chain does carry some contemporary Los Angeles designers, including Trina Turk, Joomi Joolz, Three Dots and Earl Jean.
(Todd Oldham, Anna Sui and Susan Lazar are examples of past success stories at Bendel’s open see.)
This year’s event is relegated to women’s merchandise, and based on the response there could be future events, including ones for menswear, Sherin said.
Of the 60 designers of clothing, accessories, jewelry and swimwear who attended the New York showcase, a handful should make the cut and will be contacted by a buyer within a couple of weeks, according to Sherin. “We’re basically seeking newness and an ability to manufacture merchandise,” she said.
Those who plan to attend should call in advance for an appointment and bring along samples, a linesheet and, if possible, photographs of the items worn on models. Appointments will range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the response, Sherin said. In Beverly Hills, the event will be held at the men’s store at 9634 Wilshire Blvd. on the second floor. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (212) 940- 4255. —Nola Sarkisian-Miller
