The addition of runway shows during LA Fashion Gift and Home Market proved to be a step in the right direction by attracting a 15% increase of new retailers and a 5% increase of overall attendance.
Stores such as Dillards, Intuition, Kitson, Macy’s, Metropark, Nordstrom, Ron Herman and Urban Outfitters all shopped the Market, many of which also attended the runway events. “From fashion shows to increased attendance, we have accomplished a lot this year and look forward to even more growth in 2008,” said Joanne Lee, VP of CMC Services.
Directives West "Time to Shine" kicked of the Market on Friday, October 26 with a runway show at 9 a.m., which premiered Patricia Field’s new Barbie Luxe line. "The Directives West fashion show "Time to Shine" was terrific and everyone loved it.
Barbie Luxe by Patricia Field was a great opening and generated a lot of excitement. The event was held at a perfect venue on CMC’s courtyard and overall we were very happy with the show," said Sandy Richman, Owner Directives West.
Later that evening Bianca Nero debuted its new Spring collection. "As soon as the lights came up on the Bianca Nero fashion show, I had customers grabbing my arm telling me to expect them in the showroom the following day and asking for exclusives in their area. The retail, fashion, and press impact the CMC’s fashion shows are beginning to generate cannot be underestimated," explained Liza Stewart of her self-titled showroom.
The CMC welcomed featured designer Yana K on Saturday, October 27 in the main lobby for "Retro Ready" with a live performance by Kelis. "The Spring/Summer ‘08 show was absolutely incredible! I could not have asked for a more beautiful venue. The best part of having an event at the CMC during Market week is having all of our buyers attend the show and really view the line," said Yana Khromova of Yana K.
Plastic Island wrapped up the fashion shows on Monday, October 29 with the debut of their Spring collection. "We're very pleased with the way the show turned out. Jun Choi, CEO and owner of Plastic Island was very happy as well. This is our best season yet in so many ways, and we're just proud to be showcasing all our hard work.
It could not have been possible without all our wonderful staff, sponsors and CMC most of all. They did a fantastic job and we feel honored to have been asked to be part of this wonderful event," said Kyutae Kim, Plastic Island.
On CMC’s contemporary Floor 5, business was bustling throughout the Market. "This Market exceeded my expectations. Buyers were very eager to see what was in store for Spring. The trends felt like a breath of fresh air with lighter fabrics and brighter colors and it really gave buyers a reason to buy a new delivery," said Stacey Keyes, Stacy Keyes Showroom.
Charles Pegram, VP of International Alliances for ABS agreed. "We saw a steady flow of buyers throughout the Market. Internationally, we had a really strong market and a large percentage of business came from overseas. We saw accounts from Ireland, Germany, Japan, Canada, Panama and Singapore.
Since we opened our showroom in the CMC, it was the highest volume of business we have done… Trends that were big this Market were tribal and safari print, as well as khaki, camel, white and red colors. Full long skirts that give the “Out of Africa” feel were also very strong. Trends with staying power for Spring are bubbled bottoms and the color yellow.”
California Market Center
