New York Trade Show 2023
It’s trade show season baby!
Every six months, the retail industry has trade shows across the country. Big ones in Chicago, LA, Dallas, and NY, as well as smaller ones scattered about.
In the city of New York, there are actually several shows happening simultaneously. Retailers can travel in and attend the show that best suits their needs. There are shows dedicated to accessories and ready to wear; years ago I used to attend a large show at the Javits Center. But now! We attend the CTDA (Custom Tailor & Designer Association). They host a 3 day show at the Conrad Hotel, where manufacturers, fabric houses, and suppliers can showcase their seasonal offerings.
As a solopreneur in the fashion industry… it gets lonely. This is a common issue in the community. I see my clients when they need me, I order fabric and submit orders online, but other than that there is very little face to face. This show is a great time to meet and talk to others in the industry. I talked to one store owner down in Baltimore, recognized them from Instagram and we just hit it off. They sell a completely different product and experience, yet here we are, chatting it up and learning from each other.
There was a great panel discussion about the craft, and how to listen. The panel was made up of bench made tailors, manufacturers, and store owners. The fascinating stories these gentlemen shared must have resonated with everyone a little differently. One true bespoke tailor on the panel was getting fired up because everyone is getting into the industry to sell the end result, yet no one wants to learn the craft, no one wants to sit and learn pattern making or sewing. There is always something to learn from everyone, and I walked away from that discussion with a desire to learn the craft even more and expand my storytelling skills.
(left to right) Luke Mayes, Dormeuil. Peter Roberti, Adrian Jules. Joseph Genaurdi, Genaurdi Master Tailor. Brian Lipstein, Henry A. Davidson. Leonard Logsdail, Leonard Logsdail Tailors. Manuel Martinez, Martinez Custom Clothiers. Kingford Bavender, Bespoken USA.
Then there are just the friends I’ve made along the way. We went out to dinner, we danced on the boat cruise, we got each other coffee during the day, it was just a powerful reminder of the strength of community.
There was a 25 minute movie shown by one of the stores. I want to share it here because it really shows all that goes into making a garment at this level. Check it out here —> The Power of Image