Complex Magazine to Honor ASR Exhibitors

Complex magazine, a national men’s publication for 18- to 35-year-olds who dig action sports and hip-hop, will launch the Complex Design Awards at the Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo in September in San Diego.

Representing the first such program for the magazine, which annually scouts the show for cool brands and fashion trends, the awards are meant to recognize brands offering unique product that shapes streetwear style.

The ASR demographic is key to Complex. “We do a lot of articles that cover surf and skate, including fashion stories and interviews with surfers and skateboarders,” said Publisher Rich Antoniello.

The awards are divided into seven categories: Original Line Concept, Technology Incorporation, Best Collaboration, Best Accessory Project, Best Use of Materials, Best Footwear Project and Best Denim Project. ASR exhibitors may submit Spring 2007 product to Complex by Aug. 21. Winners will be notified on Sept. 8 at the show, and can look forward to prizes and coverage in the magazine.

The magazine’s editors and a panel of judges will choose the winners.Miami’s Launch Pad

Domestic and international manufacturers used the Swimwear Association of Florida’s SwimShow 2007, held July 15–19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, as a platform to launch, re-launch or reposition their swim lines.

The makers of Leg Avenue hosiery debuted Skinny Dip Swimwear, a line of well-priced juniors separates based in City of Industry, Calif. Retro polka dots, gingham and sweet eyelet bikinis wholesale for $8–$28.

Tustin, Calif.–based Raj Manufacturing repositioned its Next by Athena brand to be more appealing to young moms on the move. Cute and comfortable, the line is designed to stay on while moms chase after their kids on the beach.

Los Angeles swimwear designer Kerry Cushman announced plans to add a ready-to-wear line to Kushcush, her retro and girly swimwear. It will include ’70s-inspired long dresses, which the designer modeled at the show.

Surf photographer Aaron Chang re-launched his Aaron Chang brand of swimwear for girls and women at the show after bringing his licenses back in-house. “I felt that the direction wasn’t progressing. I wanted to be deeply involved in the use of the imagery and the exploration of some new ideas,” Chang said.

The line remains heavy on his tropical photography. Being part of the design process is new for the photographer, but he says it is changing the way he shoots images. “My eye has changed a bit,” he said. “Now, I’m shooting for pattern and color, as well as content.”

Chang is putting his men’s offerings on hold to focus on launching his women’s apparel and swimwear. Fluid Soul, a line of yoga-inspired activewear for women will launch later this year.

Los Angeles–based former accessories designer Haverhill Leach bowed her new line of feminine swimwear, Haverhill. Avoiding traditional sporty cuts and bright colors associated with swimwear, Leach’s new line is sophisticated and demure. Vintage-inspired original prints and saturated solids are fashioned into classic shapes with modern touches. Haverhill includes nine bikini tops, six bottoms and one one-piece suit.

Australian swim staple Seafolly made a major play for American business at the show. The line of women’s and girls’ swimwear, which has had modest success in the States, launched its sales and distribution efforts at the show. The company said it would import its swimwear directly from Australia rather than attempt to manufacture here.

Tommy Bahama showed its new Relaxed collection of women’s swimwear, matching coverups and sportswear. The line is heavy on printed bikinis and lighter on inner construction than Tommy Bahama’s traditional swimwear.

Malibu Dream Girl added Gossip Collection to its roster. The updated older sister to its Gossip juniors line features more sophisticated fabrics and styling while retaining juniors-cut bodies.

San Diego–based Vix debuted Vix Bambino, a new line of girls’ swimwear for infants 6 to 24 months old and for girls 2 to 10 years old. It is inspired by the line’s adult swimwear and includes bikinis, one-pieces, hats and skirts. The line wholesales for an average of $26.

Brazilian swim brand Sauipe’s Los Angeles–based national distributor, Marcia Hacker, brought the line to the show for the first time. “I made a lot of contacts—we’ve been in the U.S. for only 10 months,” she said. The response was so encouraging that next time she’s getting a bigger booth, Hacker said. —Erin Barajas