Capsule Debuts at Hard Rock
Capsule, BPMW’s buzz-heavy boutique menswear show, made its Las Vegas debut Feb. 18–19 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Smaller than its New York editions, Capsule in Las Vegas featured approximately 40 brands and attracted nearly 1,000 attendees. Brands such as Lova, Endovanera, B. Son, Chronicles of Never, Corpus, General Idea, Kicking Mule Workshop, J. Lindeberg and Kr3w packed a ballroom at the Hard Rock. Organizers reported that approximately half of the buyers walking the show hailed from domestic stores, with 30 percent of the remaining buyers coming from Japan and European retailers.
“This was a good entreacute;e into the Vegas market for us,” said Edina Sultanik, a co-founder of New York–based public-relations company BPMW. The buyer here is more conservative than our buyer in New York or Paris—so our mix was accordingly different—but we are still on the cutting edge.”
On the show floor, even the most directional brands offered classics, including fitted blazers, plaid shirts, military-inspired jackets, workwear-style denim and classic woven shirts. “For Fall there are two looks: the all-American look or a more sleek, forward look,” said Micah Cohen, designer for Los Angeles–based menswear line Shades of Greige.
Shades of Greige added a price-conscious suit to its Fall collection. Sold in twill, tweed, moleskin and other fabrications, the slim suit features narrow lapels, crisp tailoring and a $300 retail price tag. For buyers looking for something less traditional, the brand offered drop-crotch pants in traditional suiting fabrics.
Creep, a Canadian menswear line, focused on keeping its retail prices under $300, said sales rep Josh Kuyt. “Buyers are being very cautious, so we have to have our price points in order and offer some safe, easy pieces along with the more fashion pieces.”—Erin Barajas
