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The presentation, each designer having his or
her work displayed in a deep, open light-box square, was equally
as evocative and decidedly classy yet simple. It was truly a fitting
tribute to a market sector that is becoming increasingly important
to the financial welfare of the overall fashion industry.
Based on interviews conducted after fashion week
has concluded, the natural conclusion one would reach is that it
was a success on all fronts as evidenced by Ms Alpert-Goldman, who
felt that it was 'very important for my company to be a part of
fashion week. Fashion Week dictates what the world will wear and
I could not think of a better place (except for our own runway)
for World According to Jess accessories and bags to be exhibited.'
Ms Wek, whose three-year-old handbag and accessories'
line is just now beginning to gain major recognition, concurred
and remarked that 'participating in this event was extremely important
to the Wek 1933 line because it gave us the unique opportunity to
share the company's brand with the press, buyers and and potential
clients.' John Truex of the fabulously talented Lambertson Truex
design team saw it as a 'great [opportunity] to promote accessory
awareness during Fashion Week' and as a 'natural [fit] that all
fashion unite at one time.'
In terms of feedback from the press regarding
their participation, here too, success is measure in degrees. While
Ms Alpert-Goldman felt the feedback—specific to her—was
'nothing special' because press is something her company constantly
works on generating throughout the year, it was 'great to have the
bags represented in the tents when meeting editors' at the over
30 shows she attended throughout the week. This was the first season
in two years she did not have a runway show of her own, and that
made her realize, of course, 'how much I need to have another show.
I love the excitement of Fashion Week!'
For Mr Truex, it was the presence that was important.
While we didn't talk sales, he acknowledged that the increased visibility
that came from the company's participation mattered more than anything
else.
Ms Wek believes that because the whole event received
such great press, the exposure introduced the line to individuals
who were not that familiar with the Wek 1993 line and carrying forth,
'it has helped me see where I want this company to go in the future.'
When asked if they would if they would participate
in an event of this nature in the future, everyone agreed that,
given their experience at the spring New York shows, it is not outside
the realm of possibility that they wouldn't be open to future exhibits
or shows of this nature. Mr Truex sees these exhibits as opportunities
'to entertain diversity and encourage togetherness'; while Ms Alpert-Goldman
replied that she's 'open to anything fun and works for [her] brand.'
•
Phillip D. Johnson is features’ editor
of Lucire.
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Designer contact information
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This was the first
season in two years Jessica Alpert-Goldman did not have a runway
show, and that made her realize, ‘how much I need to have another
show. I love the excitement of Fashion Week!’
       
ABOVE FROM TOP:
Andrea Barna. BCBG Max Azria. Darby Scott. Double Happiness Jewelry.
Lambertson Truex. Moo Roo. Oscar de la Renta. World According to
Jess.
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All prices in US dollars.
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