Pooltradeshow Gets Sophisticated
An increasingly sophisticated and contemporary lineup of brands greeted buyers at the Aug. 25–27 run of Pooltradeshow at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Suiting from Gytha Mander, upscale leather pieces from Skingraft Designs and contemporary fashions from brands such as Sjobeck, Anzevino and Florence, Velvet Leaf, Meadow, Mary Meyer, Dear Creatures, Rojas and Frecuencia Modulada elevated the show from its T-shirt–heavy roots.
“Our concept is to re-brand the show as an art and design–driven show,” said Stephanie Seeley, Pool’s show director. Several seasons ago the show stumbled, seeing a drop in attendance and an exodus of exhibitors to shows such as the Project Global Trade Show and the now-defunct United trade show. Now, the show organizers have reclaimed lost ground and have their sites set on loftier goals.
“No offense to T-shirt lines, but we don’t just want to be a T-shirt show,” Seeley said. “We have the potential and momentum to do so much more.”Product assortment, she added, is the most important thing to rebuild confidence with attendees. “We’re being pickier and growing the show in a very slow and methodical way.” A premium was also put on the merchandising of the show, which featured cool signage and a design-room aesthetic peppered with inspiration boards submitted by Pool’s eight featured designers. “The end result is an environment that is conducive to doing business, is attainable to walk around and a resource for new things,” she said.
Smoke and Mirrors, the Los Angeles–based line of classics with a twist, brought a reworked Spring 2009 collection to the show. “The same vibe is here, but we slashed our price point by half,” said co-designer Michelle Chaplin. Dresses and tops in silk and satin were replaced with breezy frocks in heavy cotton, slim cropped blazers, fitted hoodies and printed leggings. —Erin Barajas
