DALLAS — Buyers sought an array of seasonal merchandise, from spring-summer immediates to early fall and holiday styles at the Fashion Industry Gallery market, and vendors delivered a variety of trends.
The main thrust was fall, with key trends including bubble and tent dresses, skinny denim jeans, capri and palazzo pants, Asian, Fifties and military prints and styles, and punk rock influences such as handbags trimmed with safety pins and grommets. The color story focused on lush jewel tones such as amethyst and jade, and a rich nature palette of walnut, kelp, peach, rust and turquoise.
Elyse Wasserman, director at FIG, said the four-day market that ended April 2 saw strong traffic and sales, with buyers coming from as far away as Florida and the Midwest.
Martha Farquharson, owner of Urban Allye, a contemporary store in McKinney, Tex., that opened in November, bought fall textured-denim boot-cut jeans from Jet Lag and Hudson, pink polka-dot jersey dresses from Betsey Johnson, capri and palazzo pants from XCVI Wearables and charcoal, gray and turquoise sportswear and dresses from Trina Turk.
Missy Altus, co-owner of Nono’s in El Paso, ordered fall and holiday fashions, including Poleci’s sleek sportswear trimmed with clear acrylic balls, Tibi’s Fifties- and Asian-inspired organza and chiffon bubble and strapless tent dresses with zebra and leaf patterns and matching coats, Anna Paul’s black-and-ivory lace cocktail dresses, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent’s knit jersey sportswear and Vivienne Tam’s lace and paillette party dresses.
“I really liked all the Asian and retro influences and touches of embellishment that weren’t overwhelming at this market,” said Altus, whose budget was flat. “It’s the next step beyond all the overt embellishment that’s been so strong. This is a more sophisticated take on bling.”
Vicki Shankle, owner of Riley Blue, a women’s better and contemporary specialty store in Amarillo, Tex., bought fall looks such as Isda’s sportswear, including vests, camisoles and jackets in chile red with metal detailing; Bernadette Conte’s ski-inspired stretch T-shirts and hoodies in peach, rust and brick, and Dismero’s short, fitted jackets, long vests and skinny pants in neutral tones and chocolate. She also picked up summer accessories, including Betsey Johnson belts, Grass Roots long fitted T-shirts and Maribou’s tie-dyed tops in orchid, coral, pink and turquoise.
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“My customers prefer the subtle approach with just a touch of fun, and I really liked the mix of elegant colors and slightly wild details,” said Shankle, whose budget was up by less than 10 percent. “It’s just the right balance for Amarillo.”