California Apparel News

It’s Cruise season, when swimwear designers and manufacturers rock the beach and resort markets with inspired new lines, styles, silhouettes, colors, prints, and themes. Here are sneak peeks at what’s new in the 2011 collections from emerging labels and established brands, textile and component suppliers, and trade events of the season.

Agua Bendita Swimwear satisfies the needs of modern women who want to be noticed wherever water is present. The brand combines the best quality and most colorful fabrics to be found in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, with handmade elements provided by experienced artisans. Technological processes create unique, vanguardist, and exclusive pieces. In just four short years, women in many countries in four continents now enjoy Agua Bendita products. The awesome vibe, the high quality of the materials, and the uniqueness of the designs have created a reputation that has made the brand grow very fast. Agua Bendita Swimwear will exhibit at Miami SwimShow and Project in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.aguabendita.com.

ALTER S.A.I.C., manufacturers of quality tricot stretch fabrics, announces the opening of a sales office in Atlanta, Georgia. ALTER S.A.I.C. is an Argentine company with over 50 years of experience in manufacturing and servicing the South American swim, intimate, and sportswear markets. Davide Monti of D & N Sales, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia, has been appointed to promote the sales of the high-quality stretch tricot fabrics for swimwear and intimate apparel. The company will maintain a local inventory of its more popular styles and colors. For more information, call (678) 482-8891.

Join us in San Diego for the ultimate West Coast swimwear buying opportunity—ASR Marketplace. Serving as the ultimate swim shopping platform, the co-location of ASR and CLASS@ASR offers a diverse selection of traditional swim brands in addition to potential new line introductions from both emerging design houses and well-known action-sports manufacturers. La Plage at ASR offers an authentic swim buying experience as chic as The Girl From Ipanema. This dedicated swim shopping environment makes previewing current lines and scouting out new ones easy and efficient. Located adjacent to the founding brands of the surf lifestyle, buyers can navigate from appointment to appointment with ease while keeping tabs on the trends taking shape in the surf fashion marketplace. For more information, visit www.asrbiz.com.

Beach Rays continues to expand its men’s, women’s, juniors, and children’s swimwear offerings with the addition of subdivision Vast for young men and Ray for contemporary women for 2011. Vast is a performance-driven line featuring four-way stretch fabrics and athletic details. Ray provides a comprehensive offering of structured bikinis, mono-kinis, tankinis, and shorties in all the top trends of the season: Americana, scuba, hippie chic, and neon pastels. Beach Rays men’s continues its eco-friendly agenda with a capsule of boardshorts using recycled plastic fabric. The company stays true to its reputation for price-consciousness for a well-made product. Beach Rays sells its branded line to department stores and swim chain stores as well as running a successful private-label business for better-priced specialty department stores and chain stores. For more information, visit www.beachrays.com.

Caribbean Joe is the standard of casual living, island life, and a relaxed attitude. The 2011 color palette ranges from Caribbean-inspired hues of ocean blues to the lushness of a tropical island. Fresh floral prints and bold graphics such as geometrics, abstracts, and mixed-media prints bring excitement to the collection. Styling details include meshing, ruching, and draping. Caribbean Joe Swim is dedicated to providing freedom and ease. The collection is designed to offer the most flattering tankini tops in the market with soft cups for added support and comfort. The trademark tapered and styled tankini provides flattering torso lines, enhanced further with beautifully designed bras. Bottoms range from the basic brief to a fashion skirted swim pant to a fashionable side-tie brief. For more information, call (212) 221-5805 or e-mail Lgander@swimusa.com.

The distinctive Moroccan culture and its combination of earthy tones, eye-catching jewels, and rich taste were the inspiration for Cia.Mariacute;tima’s Summer 2010/11 collection. This boho chic vintage style, which defines the essence of the collection, is a mix of classic meets contemporary. Cia.Mariacute;tima is a Brazilian beachwear company that was founded in 1990. Being a company from Grupo Rosset, the largest producer of fabrics with Lycrareg; in the South American continent, the brand uses its expertise to underpin the textile development of its products. Fabrics and trims are of the highest technology, as are its exclusive prints. For more information, visit www.CiaMaritimaUS.com.

Class is a premium trade show experience mixing sophistication and innovation while matching leading fashion brands with key retail buyers both nationally and internationally. Class features the best design talent in clothing, accessories, footwear, gifts and beauty. Uniting a curated group of designers and tastemakers, artists and musicians, Class sets the stage for this new guard to interact and revitalize the face of fashion. The September 2010 show will expand its offering with the introduction of the SunRoom, a sanctuary for swimwear designers to meet with the country’s leading premium department stores and boutiques. Visit www.classtradeshow.com.

The Colombian Trade Office Proexport facilitates business opportunities for Colombian vendors with complementary matchmaking services, reliable information, and personalized support. The Colombian Textile and Apparel Industry also offers several advantages to U.S. companies, such as one-stop shopping for sourcing, full package and private label; a vertical industry with over 100 years of experience, including no duty and no quota for the United States; flexible quantities; and new and innovative designs for high-quality products.Swim lines include Agua Bendita, Caffe, Calixta, Doppia, Estivo, La Isla, Maaji, Onda de Mar, Paradizia, Phax, Saha, Touche, Vicky Moreinis. For more information, call Proexport USA at (305) 374-3144 or e-mail rforero@proexport.com.co.

The 2011 Diva collection is a combination of harmony and rhythm. The groups are named after dances that represent the authentic music of the globe. The prints and shapes of each group impart the feel and culture of various countries and continents with their colors, beats, and dances. There’s Mambo for Africa; Cabaret and CanCan for France; the Paso Doble, Salsa, Tango, and Cha Cha for South America and Spain; Rock n’ Roll, Twist, and Boogie for America.

Maintaining the tattoo edge that Ed Hardy is famous for, designer Christian Audigier incorporates a feminine flare by mixing bright, bold colors and saturated neons. New embellishments for Spring 2011 include zipper accents, Lurex straps, chain link details, custom hardware, and textures. Tie-dye combinations of lime paired with gold, shades of mango, vivid blues and aquas add a tropical twist. In addition, the men’s boardshorts vary in bold nautical prints, plaids, and military-inspired details with custom hardware and metallic embroideries.

iSwimx International Swim Exchange brings together the finest swim factories from across the globe, offering customers a direct, full-range swim program. iSwimX designs and delivers to the best pricing for the best-selling swim styles in the industry. Private-label programs are available, as are many brands, including Playboy Swim, Plunge, Your Best Look, Marilyn Monroe, and INGEAR—home of the $5 swimsuits. For more information, visit www.iswimx.com.

Since 1988, Jamaican Style has been bringing the public the freshest and hottest styles in men’s and juniors swimwear. Our solids are easily merchandised with our color block and print groups. For the trendsetters, Kali Girlz juniors separates is the line to look at.Caribbean Sand Missy separates has the body styles, colors and fashion that the Missy customer wants. Visit www.jamaicanstyleinc.com.

JesAla Couture Swimwear is rolling out its 2011 Swimwear line with the addition of plus-sizing and private-label options. JesAla Couture Swimwear has garnered a reputation for producing a high-end line of contemporary swimwear that focuses on women who want a modest yet trendy approach to quality swimwear. It has increased its modest juniors styles, added plus sizing, and begun offering private-label services. JesAla Couture Swimwear exhibits yearly at ISAM, Surf Expo, and during Miami’s Swimwear Fashion Week. The company also employs a team of sales reps across the country, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.JesAlaCouture.com.

Women of all ages from around the globe love Kariza Designs, which uses exotic colors, unique patterns, and luxurious fabrics in its garments. These remarkably versatile pieces of wearable art can be worn for a variety of occasions, allowing a woman to achieve any number of looks—from simple to flirtatious to conservatively elegant. Featured as one of the hottest specialty retail products in North America and around the world, Kariza Designs is also proud to announce its launch of Kariza Swim for the 2011 season. For more information, visit www.karizadesigns.com.

KORAL, the new swimwear brand from founder and head designer Ilana Kugel, stamps the line with inspiration from her native Brazilian roots. Currently headquartered in Los Angeles, Ilana’s love for the ocean and its natural surroundings has provided a spiritual platform from where she chooses her colors and palettes. Ilana turns to the fashionable jet-setting coastlines of Rio, Malibu, and Miami for the look that offers sun worshippers the style, elegance, and meticulous craftsmanship in a sexy one-of-a-kind bikini. Brazil is a celebration of love, life, and beauty. Ilana transcends her natural high-end style and love of Brazil into each of her designs. This is sure to make every woman who wears Koral swimwear feel like a goddess from Ipanema. Contact (424) 248-0723 or www.koralswimwear.com.

La Lame, long known for its ability to forecast trends, has fresh new fabrics for this swim season. Its “Rolls Royce” stretch and rigid laces from their Premier Vision line from France have been met with great acceptance. For the more price-conscious manufacturer, La Lame offers laces from Asia that have a similar feel. As sequins are in demand, La Lame provides a large assortment of sequin fabrics and sequins with embroidery and prints. La Lame’s 2011 line is not only suitable for swim but also for dresses and sportswear. Performance fabrics in the La Lame line provide wicking moisture management and anti-bacterial finishes. Call Glen Schneer or Joel Goldfarb at (212) 921-9770.

Lotus by Vicky Moreinis is a “boutique-only” line for the young woman who is looking for trendy swimwear. The 2011 collection features eight groups, with each group containing color-blocking solids that combine and complement the prints. Since each piece is sold as a separate, customers are encouraged to mix and match. All bottoms are offered in both Caribbean and American fit. Crochet skirts, macrameacute; detail, and glitzy beading are important parts of this year’s collection.n n n

Magicsuitreg; by Miraclesuitreg; embraces the adage “that all women have figure problems, real or imagined” and are seeking swimwear that offers control and up-to-the-moment fashion. The Magicsuitreg; by Miraclesuitreg; collection is both flattering and functional. Using a patented “comfortable control” fabric, women now can have fashion with control. Magicsuitreg; by Miraclesuitreg; uniquely shapes, smoothes, and adds support women want but are unable to find in other swimsuits. Excellent fit and exceptional quality is the mantra for Magicsuitreg; by Miraclesuitreg;. The “magic” actually happens when the customer tries a Magicsuitreg; by Miraclesuitreg; on and not only feels the difference but sees it as well. For more information, call (212) 997-5030 or e-mail Pmorse@swimusa.com.

In the last 60 years, Maxine of Hollywood has grown into one of the most respected brands in the traditional misses marketplace and is known for its precise fit and traditional bodies. Maxine of Hollywood is now owned by Manhattan Beachwear, LLC, a leading manufacturer of women’s swimwear. Manhattan Beachwear is based in Cypress, California, and designs, manufactures and markets The Bikini Lab (junior contemporary) and 24th & Ocean (young misses), as well as private-label merchandise. In addition, it holds the licenses for Kenneth Cole NY, Kenneth Cole Reaction, Nanette Lepore Swim, Hermanny by ViX, Sofia by Vix, and Hobie swimwear.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will take place in Miami Beach, Florida, at The Raleigh July 15–19. Designers presenting their 2011 collections include White Sands Australia; Beach Bunny Swimwear; Dolores Cortes; Swell Suits Miami featuring Naila, Park & Ronen and Olasul; Ed Hardy Swimwear; Crystal Jin; Swimwear Anywhere; Mara Hoffman Swim; Poko Pano; True Religion Swimwear; Aqua di Lara; Qiss Qiss; A.Z Araujo; Red Carter; Cia.Mariacute;tima; Luli Fama; Caffeacute; Swimwear; Nicolita; Marysia Swim; Lisa Maree; Kooey Swimwear Australia; Aquarella Swimwear; Lisa Blue; and Tyler Rose. For more information, visit www.mbfashionweek.com/Miami.

The Miraclesuitreg; heritage of fit, form, and function continues to be the basis of the collection. Miraclesuitreg; has expanded its separates collection and introduced new silhouettes and print directions with an emphasis on strong print development, new bodies utilizing innovative construction, and design details. A collection of coordinating coverups completes a woman’s beach wardrobe. Miraclesuitreg; swimsuits begin with the unique and innovative fabric Miratexreg;, which contours, shapes, slims, and firms the body. shy;The Miraclesuitreg; collection is designed to appeal to women of all ages and all sizes—there is something for everyone and every body. For more information, call (212) 997-5030 or e-mail jbeckford@swimusa.com.

Miss Me dives into swimwear this year with the launch of their new contemporary rock-inspired line.The 2011 line captures the edgy, bold and sexy side of the Miss Me woman with custom prints, fun solids, and chic accessories.Fun and flirty rhinestones adorn several pieces in the line to create a nightlife inspired design that will rock any beach from Miami to Malibu. Miss Me swimwear is debuting this year at the Miami Swim Show and will continue to rock n’ roll its way to ASR, and then on to Magic and CurveNV.

For 2011, Nautica Women’s Swim continues to deliver crisp, clean silhouettes with a sophisticated fit in a variety of colors.Combining classic and innovative designs with new textures, Nautica gives consumers the styles they love. The 2011 Nautica Swim collection draws inspiration from a sea of blues coupled with hues of warm sunsets. The collection has a mixture of sophisticated color trims and updated textures, while maintaining the classic nautical look. The 2011 NAUTICA Beach collection includes both active and casual lifestyle coverups that bring to life the vibrant influences of water.Mix and match a Nautica swimsuit with a stylish beach coverup, and a woman can go from a day at the beach to a casual dinner at sea. For more information, call (212) 730-9555 or e-mail Hminoff@swimusa.com.

Philips-Boyne Corp.reg; provides high-quality shirtings and fabric, serving everyone from at-home sewers and custom shirtmakers to couture designers and branded corporations. The majority of the line consists of long staple Egyptian cotton that is woven and finished in Japan. Exclusive broadcloth qualities include Ultimoreg;, Coronareg;, and Superbareg;. New patterns are added regularly from woven, end-on-end, yarn-dyed plaids; flannels; large hounds-tooth; yarn-dyed stripes; and checks. For more information, visit www.philipsboyne.com.

Reebok is the ultimate swimsuit manufacturer for fashion and competitive swimmers. As a mega-brand, Reebok epitomizes status in the swimwear industry. The collection captures fashion, form, and fitness for the consumer. Innovations can be found throughout the line. Available only in better stores, Reebok has become the go-to brand for the fitness fashion customer. For more information, call (818) 422-5525 or e-mail NYC2LA@prodigy.net.

Salon Allure is the first and only boutique trade show to house swimwear, resort, fabric, and fiber under one roof during Miami’s famed Swim Week. Taking place July 17–20 at the W South Beach, the show features the most relevant brands from around the world in a modern, oceanfront setting. A departure from the conventional trade show, Salon Allure will hold daily innovative programs and events. For more information, visit www.salonallure-online.com.

An industry provider of great solid basics for the past 13 years, Smoothies by Gossip offers exciting new changes for the 2011 season. Expanding from its initial offering of reversible styles last year, Smoothies by Gossip adds new prints and more reversible options to the collection. The line has been infused with new colors that tie back to sister brand Gossip for even more mix-and-match combinations, while adding new silhouettes, prints, and cute details such as flower trims that double as removable ponytail ties. For the junior who is looking for more options and added value, Smoothies by Gossip gives new meaning to the phrase “basic solid.” For more information, visit www.malibuswim.com.

Stretchtex is a world-leading manufacturer of chlorine-resistant and sun-protective swimwear and sportswear fabrics. Stretchtex offers a wide range of superior-quality performance fabrics, designed and created to meet the most demanding specifications for performance criteria. Stretchtex’s swimwear fabrics are world class, featuring maximum chlorine resistance, maximum UV protection, maximum durability, excellent shape retention, excellent color fastness, super-soft hand feel, and a weight range of160–210 gsm. Stretchtex is a supplier to major international swimwear brands and to Beijing Olympic medal winners in water polo and triathalon. Stretchtex is also the home of premier swimwear fabric brand Chlorobanreg;. For more information, e-mail Nathan@stretchtex.com.au or call (416) 856-6119 for a sample.

Surf Expo, which takes place twice a year in Orlando, Florida, offers more than 4,000 lines in the resort, swim, boutique, and surf and skate markets. Surf Expo gives buyers the opportunity to compare lines side-by-side and meet face-to-face with decision makers, both with the established lines and the new-to-market brands. Surf Expo’s next show will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, Sept. 10–12, 2010. For more information, visit www.surfexpo.com.

SwimShow 2011, the largest and most comprehensive swimwear exhibition in the world, is set to invigorate the industry with what promises to be its most successful show yet. Some 350 exhibitors representing more than 2,000 lines will gather in the Miami Beach Convention Center in the heart of South Beach for four action-packed days—July 17–20, 2010. Recognized as the premier resource for buyers from all swimwear categories and catering to designer boutiques, resort shops, specialty stores, surf shops, department stores, mass merchants, and more, this year’s show promises to be the finest presentation of swimwear ever, featuring top brands from around the world. For more information, visit www.swimshow.com.

True Religion Swimwear’s Spring 2011 Collection continues to offer vintage Americana hippie swimwear in a wide variety of colors and prints. Western fabrics and rock ’n’ roll metal accents dominate the line, with eyelet, washed, vintage denim, and plaid fabrics. Animal prints— from leopard print on suede to jeweled animal print bikinis—are presented as well. Men’s swim trunks feature sublimated denim boardshorts with denim construction and embossing, boardshorts in vintage colors, and ’60s prints inspired by Southern California’s surfers.

Trunkettes is making quite a splash this season. Founder and CEO Hilary Genga says the signature female swim trunks matched with cute and sexy mix-match tops are changing the way women view swimwear. This year, Trunkettes has expanded into many new styles, and chief executive designer Kristen Evenson has designed a line with her own, one-of-a-kind original prints. Trunkettes was recently featured on “Entertainment Tonight,” as many celebrities are wearing the brand. Stephenie LaGrossa from CBS’s “Survivor” loves Trunkettes and wants to spread the word; she will serve as Trunkettes’ celebrity spokesmodel at the SAF Swim Show in Miami. For more information, call (877) 700-0500 or visit www.trunkettes.com.

Verao Agora is a family-owned company, established in July 2006 and incorporated in February 2007, and integrating over 80 years of business experience. From Brazil, Verao Agora imports and markets an exclusive range of women’s designer swimwear. The name Verao Agora translates as “Summer Now” in English and expresses the company’s vibrant fabrics and embellishments. One of its suits—adorned with Swarovski crystals—appeared in “Sports Illustrated”’s famous swimwear issue.

White Sands is an edgy new contemporary swimwear and resort-wear line by designer Leah Madden. White Sands is the epitome of glamour and the carefree style that is quintessentially Australian. These uber-chic swimsuits are made to look fabulous both in and out of the water. Each piece in the White Sands line is constructed with a commitment to excellent quality and a flawless fit. White Sands is stocked in high-end fashion boutiques, specialty swim and resort stores in Australia, NZ, USA and the UK.

As shapely silhouettes define the season, swimwear with Xtra Life LYCRAreg; fiber ensures a sensual, caress-every-curve, comfortable fit for some of the hottest looks of the season. This revolutionary fiber has been adopted by some of the leading brands in swimwear and has brought a higher standard for fit to consumers around the world. Xtra Life LYCRAreg; fiber provides a longer-lasting fit that resists bagging and sagging and keeps swimwear fitting like new longer. Exposure to suntan lotion, body oils, and chlorine can compromise fabric stretch and recovery, quickly degrading the fit of a suit. With Xtra Life LYCRAreg; fiber, the fit the customer loves is the fit she’ll keep long into the swim season. Selections from favorite brands will be shown in the Xtra Life LYCRAreg; fiber suite at Salon Allure. For more information, please contact Andrea Matousek at Andrea.l.Matousek@INVISTA.com or call (212) 512-9235.

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