Walking PROJECT trade show can be overwhelming if you’ve never been to a trade show. After exhibiting at trade shows for years and then walking them to cover the best new products for MISS, I get into the swing of things and I easily able to navigate the show. After walking the show for about an hour I start seeing patterns and concepts that are echoed by many brands – “trends” for lack of a better word. Here are some of the patterns I saw at the show:
NEON (and Brights) for Spring
Neons and brights are still going strong through summer on everything from footwear, denim and accessories…
Neon denim shorts from Big Star
Brights at Civic Duty
Bright pops of color at Tatty Devine at Pool Tradeshow
CC Skye neon purses
Betsey Johnson spring 2012 accessories
Bensimon Spring 2012
The TRIO for Fall – Purpley-Fuchsia, Blue & Yellow
I can’t tell you how many times I saw this trio of colors everywhere – if you’re getting anything in color for fall – make it one of these three…
Melissa Shoes
Dr Martens Fall 2012
Native American Prints
Still going strong, Native American prints were on everything from blankets, apparel, accessories and footwear.
Keep Sneakers Fall 2012
Dr Martens x Pendleton fall 2012
Pendleton Woolen Mills Fall 2012
Tiny Toms Fall 2012
“Evolution”
And by this I mean brand evolution – many of the brands I spoke to talked about growing and evolving with their customer. As the customers get older, the designers create clothing that fits with their maturing client’s (and their own) lifestyle.
Belle of the Brawl evolved from Hellz
Black Standard evolved from Blood Is The New Black
National Identity
I saw a lot of sneaker companies that are well known in their home countries introducing their brands to the U.S. Market. Some have been here for several years, while others are debuting this year.
Superga - big in Italy
Volley - the sole of Australia
Responsibility and Ecology
Many brands are taking a humanitarian approach and giving back to communities, while others are looking at their carbon footprint and trying to make a difference by using re-purposed or unique materials in new ways.
Melissa Shoes are recyclable
Toms Eyewear - One for One
Civic Duty tyvek sneakers
Shwood Wooden Glasses
Recover Wooden iPhone and iPad covers
The Boomcase repurposed Suicases
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- Eyes To The Sky: Trend Spotting. Trade Show Round-Up.
- Blogger PROJECT: Native Shoes
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