Substance + Style: Reflections on New York Fashion Week and the Impact on International Trade

As I reflect on the close of New York Fashion Week, one word comes to mind in particular: SUBSTANCE.

Not only did LAUNCH NYC have a week of "Made in New York" fashion, but Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week likewise had B Michael America which shared the parallel manufacture-in-America focus as LAUNCH NYC.

LAUNCH NYC further showcased emerging brands focused on Zero Waste, such as that of Tabii Just and Simply Natural Clothing.

With so much textile waste generated in clothing manufacturing, it's refreshing to see the industry, albeit on an uber-small scale, is finally paying attention to something so obvious (yet ignored by) those familiar with apparel manufacturing.

So what does all this mean for international trade?

Will we see a decrease in imports? Doubtful. At least not anytime soon as Americans remain consummately unconscious about their addiction to consumption.


Exports however, of American apparel should steadily increase as the popularity of "Brand America" in foreign markets strengthens and more Made in USA products can be supplied.

What are your thoughts?

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at Clark.Deanna@gmail.com

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Hooray for Spanish Designers Toni Francesc and Jose Miro!

It is rare to find an intersection between my professional and personal interests, and my favorite country (aside from the U.S. of course!). Last week I had the opportunity to attend an event that brought it all together – the law, fashion, and Spain!

The NY Chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade collaborated with the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce and the organization, Catalonia Trade & Investment, for a panel discussion on breaking into the U.S. market, which was hosted at SUNY’s Fashion Institute of Technology, the fourth collaborator of this event.

With the fashion momentum sweeping over the Big Apple thanks to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, during the panel I had the pleasure of joining two world renowned designers from Spain to view the Spring/Summer 2011 collection of Toni Francesc and the Fall 2010 collection of Jose Miro as presented at Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week.

Toni’s collection “Urban Forest” was breathtaking. It was predicated on the earth elements, with wood being the primary symbol of the collection. There were actually multiple designs where the wood was incorporated into the dress itself making for some very innovative fashions. Toni sought to express the different moods that we as people have, likening them to elements, and used different fabrics and cuts to suggest for example, the flow and energy of water.

Belts as shoulder straps or as a non-functioning decorative accessory, soothing colors, flowing fabrics and beautiful textures, some of which reminded me of stones, were all a part of this dynamic collection.

Jose Miro’s equally gorgeous and impressive Spring/Summer 2010 collection was likewise very feminine, with beautiful combinations of sheer and gathered fabric, many of which evoked an image of a flower or a large bow, accessorized with color coordinated shoes and butterfly hairclips. I loved it!

Jose described his company’s development of a line of high end shoes – a business move that would complement his thriving apparel line – as well as further expanding the manufacturing of his merchandise using organic materials, with a focus on preserving the environment.

He also talked about e-commerce and the benefits of having an online store so that new designs can be ordered and made in real time, in addition to the ability to circumvent the use of a middleman as it is a transaction directly between the buyer and seller.

Not only is that good for business, but it is also good in terms of dealing with US Customs and avoiding “first sale” and middlemen issues.

As for breaking in to the U.S. market, both designers believed that entry into the NYC market was the entry point into expansion across the country. Hence their participation in the events of NYC’s 2010 Fashion Week!

Questions/comments? Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com