California Apparel News

Buyers attending the Aug. 5–6 run of The Exclusive menswear show, held at the Embassy Suites in Los Angeles, received a slight case of sticker shock as they prepared for their Spring ’08 purchases.

Some higher prices were realized from the predominantly European resources exhibiting at the show as a result of the rise of the euro, which lately has been hovering around an all-time high of about $1.38 against the United States dollar. Economists have blamed the increases as countermeasures taken against an improving U.S. economy.

Most exhibitors at The Exclusive, which included a heavy contingent of European brands that specialize in high-end apparel and accessories, said they have tried to keep any increases to a minimum.

“The prices have gone up a little bit, but we’ve tried to maintain them the best we could,” said Steven Matus of German brand Haupt.

Most of the price increases have been in the single-digit percentages, said reps. As a result it didn’t appear to disrupt business at the show as most reported strong order writing.

“The show is growing. We had a waiting list to get in this time,” said Larry Hymes, the show’s co-producer and a rep for Jams World, Reporter, Poggianti 1958 and Cassera Italy.

Buyers appeared more concerned about fashion than pricing.

Robert Wilson of Savvy Row Custom Clothiers in Fontana, Calif., said menswear trends are strong.

“Menswear is getting exciting. If you look around here, you’re seeing more color, interesting fabrics and treatments,” he said.

Wilson scouted the show to get an idea of what the new patterns are for shirts as well as look for novelty socks and neckwear.

The show continued to see an increase of more casualwear and resortwear.

“The men’s woven-shirts business has become a bit oversaturated. Bottoms now are a very important part of the market,” indicated Hymes, adding that denim is still strong but is showing signs of a shakeout.

The stronger brands aren’t feeling the effects as much.

European denim resource Alberto, repped on the West Coast by Matus, is still experiencing strong growth.

“Alberto has revitalized the men’s pant business with its stretch fabrics,” he said. Five-pocket and flat-front styles priced to wholesale from $75 to $85 as well as the company’s Ceramica series of pants were strong sellers, said Matus. Ceramica is a technical fabric designed to stay 5 percent cooler in summer and 5 percent warmer in winter.

Another denim resource, International Laundry, is holding its own by providing value. Its jeans are wholesale priced from $43, said rep Michel Himy.

“People are getting a little tired of $120 jeans,” he said, adding that the company’s dark-dyed denim and washes were hot.

Vendors were also drawing interest with in-stock merchandise.

“We see the economy struggling right now, but our retailers are doing well. We have an in-stock program that allows them to draw stock as they need it. They are buying closer to season now, and we have to adapt to that,” said Matus.

“Lots of stores don’t have the floor space, so an in-stock program is great for them,” added Rich Laspesa of Cutter & Buck.

As for shirting, buyers can expect to see lots of linen, fabric treatments and cleaner looks compared with past seasons.

Saltaire’s Spring line included linen and viscose blends with stretch. Antique botanical prints and hand-painted designs were part of the brand’s short-sleeve Resort shirts.

Haupt and International Laundry also highlighted stretch fabrics and linen. Top sellers from Haupt included shirts with textured stripes in muted pastel shades.

Cutter & Buck focused on classic plaids in bright colors for a new madras-cotton program. For polos, it is continuing with its new C-Buk urban-inspired golf shirts as well as its “Dri-Tek” shirts, featuring moisture-wicking technology.

Mirto of Spain debuted a new polo collection featuring rugbystyle silhouettes, denim collars and unique color combinations.

“We’re doing some different types of treatments that you usually don’t see with polos,” said rep Bob Feinstein. Mirto’s venture into polos is just another example of more-established and dressier lines expanding their casualwear.

“It’s almost too casual now,” Feinstein lamented. “I think there are too many men trying to dress like their kids.”

Sales representatives said they were happy with the business at the show and expect good business in Las Vegas later this month.

“I met people I haven’t met before, and new business came this way, so it’s been productive,” said Cutter & Buck rep Laspesa. Jill Nakashima, a rep with Saltaire, also had a productive show.

“You get to work with buyers at this show,” she said.

Next up is The Exclusive Las Vegas, which will be held Aug. 26–28 at a new location, the Palazzo Ballroom at The Venetian.

Peace Bagz Debuts at Exclusive Show

Peace Bagz, a new line of totes designed by Kelli Freeman of The Exclusive show and fashioncollege instructor Jane Mountey Jones, is now available for sale at www.peacebagz.com.

Freeman’s totes carry a message of unity with religious symbols such as the Tao, the Star of David, the Christian cross, the Muslim star and crescent moon, as well as the peace sign, surrounding a globe.

Jones’ “This Ain’t Plastic” bag promotes environmentalism. Both are intended for use as grocery bags to replace plastic polyethylene bags, which clog up landfills. They can also be used to tote books and other items.

“I was tired of hearing about all the car bombs and wanted to take some type of action,” said Freeman.

A percentage of proceeds from sales benefits The Alliance for Climate Protection (www.allianceforclimateprotection.org) and The Museum of Tolerance. For more information e-mail kelli@peacebagz.com.