Neman Brothers Opens House for Private Textile Show
Los Angeles converter Neman Brothers recently opened its doors for a private multi-day textile show to showcase the company’s latest designs.
The company extended the mini-show, originally scheduled for a four-day run, an additional week to accommodate designers’ and piece-goods buyers’ schedules, which were stretched thin between the Las Vegas trade shows in late August and New York Market Week in mid-September.
“It’s our first time, and it’s been such a success,” said Neman Brothers co-owner John Neman. “All the customers came back from the shows [in Las Vegas] and asked us to keep it up for another week.”
With the help of Sales/Design Representative Joy Stevens and Design Director Alex Alfaro, Neman Brothers’ Spring/ Summer 2009 “Trend Showcase” featured the company’s latest collection organized in trend groups.
“We make it easier for designers to put their line together in one visit. The customers are calling it one-stop shopping,” Neman said.
On Sept. 5, Stevens, who designed under her own label for many years, circulated the room, greeting customers and making introductions.
While the trend showcase was new in Los Angeles, the company held a similar event last month for its customers in Mexico City.
Alfaro—a former designer for XOXO, Baby Phat, Candie’s, Yank and Sele—said her design background helps her understand the needs and the deadlines of her customers.
“Coming from a design background, I know the sense of urgency they have,” she said. “We think like them. I work hand in hand with [my customers] like an extension of the design department.”
Neman Brothers converts its fabrics “anywhere in the world,” Neman said, listing Los Angeles, China, India, Korea and Japan among the places where its fabrics are made, printed or dyed. “And we can deliver anywhere in the world—Guatemala, Bangladesh, Korea, Mexico,” he said. The company carried more than 10 million yards of fabric in inventory, Neman said, adding, “We can deliver the same goods from China for a lower price or make it here for a faster delivery.”
Customers include Rampage, Wrapper, Candy Kiss, Hot Kiss, Kellwood, S.W.A.T./Fame, Byer and Shane-Hunter Inc.
“Any company in the garment business, one way or another, we’ve done business with them for the last 28 years,” said Neman, who founded the company with his brothers, Yoel and Leon.
Neman Brothers plans to expand its trend showcase for the next run, scheduled for November.
For more information, contact Stevens at (213) 765-0100, Ext. 303, or Alfaro at (213) 765-0100, Ext. 601. —Alison A. Nieder
