Fashionably Tied

16 July, 2010

How to have a successful trunk show

Recently i've been asked by many designers how to have a successful trunk show with major retailers. Since i've worked with such majors as Bloomingdales and Henri Bendel i have some first hand experience on what to expect. Here are some tips i'd like to share with you:

How to approach a major retailer for a trunk show opportunity:

1. Pin point your retailer.

2. Find out how they select their trunk show vendors: some have open designer call or buyers who set it up.

3. Next step is to present your product either via website link, email or appointment.

4. It may take a while for them to respond back so don't get discouraged right away and follow up every few weeks.

5. Keep in mind that some retailers have trunk shows all year around and some don't have any during January and July.

Once you got over the initial excitement of getting a green light for your trunk show begin your preparation process that can take up to 6 weeks depending on a retailer:

6. Every retailer has their own set of rules and procedures that you must follow, so get ready for something no designer likes- paperwork!

7. Fill out all provided by your retailer forms to get your vendor number assignment, product upc codes and if required,

ticketing information.

8. Make sure that all key people are CC'ed on all emails to keep everybody in the loop.

9. Find out about about the dress code that you have to follow.

10. Once everything is approved and the date is set start working on your promotion and getting your product ready.

Trunk show promotion:

11. Good news is that retailers usually have trunk show information on their website and some advertise through the store.

12. Use your promotional tools as well: your mailing list, Twitter, Facebook, word of mouth and everything else that works for your brand.

Day of the trunk show:

13. Wear very comfortable footwear since you have to be up on your feet all day.

14. Retailers have a specific selling floor space allocated to you along with marketing materials, so get there about an hour earlier to set up your product to go with the store's specific "look".

15. Make friends with sales associates in your department since you all have the same goal - make sales!

16. If allowed, you can ask sales associates to wear your product and recommend it to the customers.

17. You're encouraged to approach potential customers in a nice way, introduce yourself and talk about your product. Majority of people are receptive and like to support new talents. Don't take it personally if somebody doesn't respond in a positive way.

18. If allowed, it's a good idea to start a mailing list.

19. Very important: make sure you keep all your double receipts to keep track of the sales for invoicing later.

20. Smile and keep your energy up.

After you're done with your trunk show:

21. Some retailers require you to invoice them. Try to do it right away because it takes a while to get paid.

22. Follow up with your contact person and thank them for the opportunity.

23. Inquire about future possibilities. Some retailers might take you on as a full time vendor and some might want to continue trunk show opportunity only.

I learned all of the above from my first-hand experience. Hopefully, this will help you!

You're welcome to share your experience and ask any questions.

Great links:
Video: My Nolcha's Fashion Entrepreneur Report
Pictures from my Bloomingdales SoHo trunks show
Bloomingdales trunk show press
Pictures from Henri Bendel trunk show

12 July, 2010

New social experience at the Pierre

Recently i had attended a social media event at the Two E Bar/Lounge at The Pierre hotel on Central Park. While making new friends, business connections and sipping my delicious Apple Black cocktail I re-discovered this NYC iconic hotel and its 100 million dollar renovated beauty.

The Pierre's grand owning and ornate exterior moldings

While walking around The Pierre and taking pictures I fantasized about: getting into the white glove staffed elevator, sneaking inside a luxurious suite, lounging around in the hotel’s signature plush robe and enjoying my favorite music on the in-room Bose Home Theater system. Then would come a good work out after indulging in around the clock room service at the 24-hour fitness center, which is more impressive then a lot of gyms out there. Where else but The Pierre would you find hand-painted murals and Italian marble next to an Elliptical machine. My decadent Pierre stay fantasy would include many of its personalized services ranging from unpacking and packing to a complimentary car services to a Broadway play.

The Pierre's ground floor

Personally, I can’t wait to explore The Pierre’s new dining experiences. A delicious pre-fixe lunch at the Two E Bar/Lounge. Then two selections of the Afternoon Tea’s offerings followed by an updated version of comfort food for dinner at the adjacent Le Caprice, the new Upper East Side “it” restaurant with soon-to-be outdoor seating. And if it happens to be an “every other” Thursday of the month then it’s back to Two E for some dancing and enjoying the Summer Solstice cocktail celebration.

Two E Bar/Lounge ambiance

Beautiful entrance doors with world-know "P" logo

This wall mural makes you feel like you're looking at a beautiful garden

5 new facts about the Pierre:

1. Two E Bar/Lounge is named for its location at 2 East 61st Street and designed by Alexandra Champalimaud.

2. Jaguar and Land Rover owners receive complimentary valet parking

3. Le Caprice, the hotel’s new brasserie-style restaurant, is the U.S. location for this popular U.K. favorite and designed by Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki.

4. It has 18,000 square feet of banquet space, six distinctive public rooms and 3 business meeting rooms

5. On October 1, 2010, The Pierre will be celebrating an 80 year legacy of unsurpassed hospitality, sophistication and impeccable service

The Ballroom's decor makes any event look like a royal soiree

Rotunda space with exquisite fixtures and trompe l'oeil sky ceiling

Luxuriously detailed wall murals and staircase art

Whether you choose to have fun, rest, work, dine or dance I’m sure you’ll enjoy all the luxury and white glove service that will be waiting for you at The Pierre.

The Pierre’s website: http://www.tajhotels.com/pierre/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePierreHotel?v=wall&ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ThePierreNY

23 June, 2010

Fashion thanks Ruth Finley for the Fashion Calendar

In the mid 1940's fashion industry was changed forever by a full time working single mother, Ruth Finley. She combined her time of being deeply involved in all aspects of her children's lives and organizing a date book of non-stop fashion events. That schedule became known as "The Fashion Calendar". This contribution to the fashion industry has been used on daily basis for the past 65 years by designers and press alike all over the world. "The Fashion Calendar" prevents overlaps in designer's shows time slots and lets press know who/what/where is showing. It became a successful marriage of the fashion world and the press that's being celebrated from season to season.

Fashion Calendar's 65th birthday was celebrated by the Accessories Council's Hall of Fame Tribute to Ruth Finley. The momentous event took place at Marchon Eyewear showroom right across the Bryant Park, now a former home of the New York Fashion Week. Industry insiders, designers, press, friends and family were there to show their gratitude to Ruth Finley for doing the impossible - keeping this crazy fast fashion world organized.

Left: Richard Renda of Totally Cool ®; center Ruth Finley

Fabulous cake for a fabulous occasion

Event guests

Ruth Finely looking stylish in a Chado Ralph Rucci suit

Karen Giberson, President of Accessories Council presenting Ruth Finley with her achievement award

Ruth Finley and her sons

Karen Giberson and Deborah Miliotto of Accessories Council

The event was sponsored by: ENK International, Jones Apparel Group, Tadashi Shoji, Michael Rapport. Gift bag provided by DVW

50% of the net proceeds from this event will be donated to the High School of Fashion Industries, the only high school that's occupational curriculum devotes itself entirely to the world of fashion, from styling and design through business and marketing. Founded in 1926, HSFI is the country's premier high school for fashion design.