TRADE SHOWS
Immediates Goods and Orders Placed at Coast Contemporary Show in Miami
MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—This season, the Coast contemporary trade show shifted the timing of its show to coincide with Miami Swim Week. The trade show stuck to its typical two-day format during its July 18–19 run at the New World Center for the Performing Arts where 130 ready-to-wear, activewear and accessories brands exhibited their latest collections. The lineup featured a slew of domestic and international designers, including We Are Kindred, Lime & Soda, Bedhead Pajamas and Acid NYC.
While Coast focuses mainly on ready-to-wear and accessories brands, founder Karen Bennett said buyers appreciated the opportunity to attend her show during Miami Swim Week.
“There are a lot of buyers coming from South and Central America for swim, but they also want to see what’s happening in contemporary men’s and womenswear and buy product they don’t typically get to buy,” she said.
This year, preregistration numbers were up by nearly 30 percent, according to Bennett. Choosing to work with brands that offer medium to higher-end price points, the show was attended mostly by local boutique owners and international specialty stores.
Though some Coast shows have been previously held in larger warehouse spaces and hotels, Bennett opted for a Miami Beach location for easy access between swim shows. Held for the first time in the lower-floor galleries of the New World Symphony’s iconic, Frank Gehry–designed building, the exhibition space was substantially condensed this year. Guests were treated to passed hors d’oeuvres and treats by Chef Thierry Isambert. The show’s dense, rack-style format allowed buyers to move easily from booth to booth, though some brands were concerned this lack of structure provided for little opportunities to stand out.
Others, however, said they attend Coast precisely because the show offers a more intimate setting. Swim and ready-to-wear designer Bianca Coletti said she likes “doing a smaller show because we can guarantee our buyers will come and make appointments.” Coletti was showing styles from her Bianca Coletti collection for immediate shipping and Resort 2017, reporting plenty of inquiries “but no paper yet.”
Many brands at the show brought Immediates, which seemed to set Coast show apart from the trade shows at Miami Swim Week. Paris-based brand Paul & Joe Sister brought Immediates and previews of a Spring 2017 collaboration with Looney Tunes. Los Angeles–based Stella & Jamie also showcased Immediate styles from Fall and Holiday while debuting its 2017 Resort collection. April Mun, creative director of the brand, was pleased with the show’s result.
“We booked a lot early on, mostly from local high-end boutiques,” Mun said. Unlike trade shows where buyers scout product and follow up with orders later, Coast buyers tended to leave paper.
New at the Coast show this year was celebrity stylist brand Rachel Zoe, which showcased its Resort 2017 collection, decked with fringe details, metallic lamé fabrics and sheer panels for a boho-glam look. Another new addition, Miami-based Style Mafia, proposed frayed, flared jeans, balloon-sleeved tops and gingham prints.
Up next, Bennett is gearing up for the November Coast Show in Nashville, which will be held at the Music City Center for the first time this year.
“I’ve been doing a lot of research, talking to retailers from Nashville to New Orleans,” she said. “Everyone is really excited.”
