Las Vegas, NV - February 14-16, 2011: ENKVegas once again brought a juried selection of premium merchandise for discerning buyers. Always an intimate experience, ENKVegas is without a doubt the best Las Vegas has to offer in luxury fashion trade shows. Here, buyers browse among choice brands such as Botiker, Red Engine and Laila Jayde. Only to turn around and fall in love with ecoSkin sweaters, Rich and Skinny jeans and Rory Beca dresses.
Embodying the sexy-meets-comfortable moment fashion is currently experiencing, modal is looking to be the breakout star of fabrics with its use by numerous designers for both spring and fall. Hodges Collection used modal extensively in their tops and dresses. Tie-dye maxi dresses (in blue and black) were the line's bestselling items at this show with a strong showing for their slouchy, off-the-shoulder sweaters. Fall brought buyers to Hodges Collection interested in three-quarter length, three-button overcoats in earthy, forest colors. To complete the contemporary bohemian look buyers are trying to recreate in their stores, California-based Jenny B Clothing, received heavy orders for their thin, cotton-blend scarves in colorful animal prints.
San Francisco specialty knitwear company, Margaret O'Leary, was well prepared for the demand buyers showed for cashmere sweaters and cotton knits. Done in chunky stripes or asymmetric, cowl necklines, these knits wowed in popular colors such as paprika, mustard, chestnut, butterscotch, blue and dark green. Equally sumptuous were the easy, everyday knits created by Fresh Laundry; with a slouchy/sexy aura the designs were spot on with details like ribbing with slits along the bottom and cuffed sleeves. Showing a slightly different palette, Fresh Laundry indicated they did well with iceberg gray, mocha and charcoal.
MINKPINK, a line much-loved by the Kardashian sisters, injected some pizzazz into the showroom with their bestselling maxi skirts in folksy prints and 1970s-inspired florals. Animal prints, particularly leopard, did very well as did chunky, cable knit sweaters with a vintage vibe. MINKPINK capitalized on the hippy, peasant top trend with saffron orange weaving its way throughout the collection. Most of their updated snoods sold strongly and without hesitation skirts and dresses outsold shorts and pants as reported by the brand.
Luxury handbag designer Botiker introduced what are bound to be some of the most coveted leather bags of the fall season. Unlike other brands, color-blocking styles sold well for Botiker, as did ladylike structures, two-toned saddle bags and oversized clutches. While jewel tones dominated the line, jets of cranberry, pewter and orange popped up, as did embossed snakeskin. Sienna Ray & Co., a Vancouver based line, brought buyers flocking with a line of convertible handbags. Not only could most be worn over the shoulder or across the body, but they also became satchels and fold over clutches when certain straps were added or removed. Their signature washed and wrinkled leather came in spring colors of teal, turquoise, beige and maple with eggplant, caramel and cocoa for fall.
As unlikely as Austin, TX is to be a place where one-of-a-kind, vintage-inspired jewelry is created, it's where Ax + Apple Jewelry calls home. The collection is based around gold plaited and sterling silver necklaces embellished with old coins, pocket knives and glass beading among other pieces. A distinct Native American vibe winds through their collection, very much of the moment. Another accessories line with vintage flair, NYC-based Erica Weiner, made heads turn with necklaces adorned with porcupine quills, ginkgo leaves and miniature harmonicas (that actually work!). A charm-based collection, necklaces sold the best, followed by her bent feather bracelets and stud earrings. Buyers take note; consumers are increasingly keen on supporting eco-conscious brands, Erica Weiner being one of the trailblazers of this movement in accessories.
