NEW YORK — Clear is becoming more lucid in its approach.
The boutique accessories trade show moved to a new location with a new neighbor, which exhibitors said improved the overall success of the event on Sept. 19 to 21. Clear, which had its first show in February at Gotham Hall here in conjunction with New York Fashion Week, opted this time for a tent adjoining the Fashion Coterie trade show on Manhattan’s Pier 94.
“It was a last-minute decision [the staging of the trade show] that worked out,” said Elyse Kroll, executive director of ENK International, which produces Clear and Coterie. “I don’t think the exhibitors will want to be separated from the Coterie in the future because the change was a blessing.”
Dov Benitah, founder of Elia Stone, a fashion jewelry firm based in Paris, which presented for the second time at the event, said there was more traffic at this edition because people visiting Coterie were coming to Clear, as well.
“But there is still a feeling of exclusivity because we are separated out,” he added. “We don’t have a showroom in the U.S., so it’s good to come here because we get a chance to see everyone.”
Benitah said retailers were responding most favorably to Elia Stone’s bold chain necklaces in tarnished silver or goldplate that were accented with coins inspired by Roman antiquity and other vintage-like charms, as well as rings finished with a rosette. The company’s wholesale prices range from $15 to $200.
“I’m finding the traffic to be a little slow, but it’s still good traffic,” said Jessica Johnson, co-founder with Alessandra Meyer-Wolden of Lovechild, a nine-month-old, New York jewelry company. “It’s really good exposure for us as a new company.”
Johnson said she picked up the most orders for the firm’s silver and gold dog-tag pendants accented with hearts and politically inspired symbols. Lovechild’s wholesale prices open at $25 for silver items and $55 for gold designs.
“We got orders even from France and Germany,” Johnson said.
Thais França, a Brazilian jewelry designer who has been in business for two years, said she decided to try the trade show to meet buyers from smaller U.S. boutiques. França’s pieces feature silver frames that hold intricate lacework that she develops with the Ilha Grande Lacemakers Association in the state of Piauí.
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“It’s a poor community that supports itself through its craftsmanship,” said França, whose designs range from $19 to $2,500 at wholesale. “But as each piece is handmade, it can be very time-intensive.”
Stephanie Tappas, owner of the Eva boutique on Mott Street here, said she visited Clear to find fresh designs. She added, however, that she didn’t find resources that fit her mix.
“I was hoping to find more fashion-forward resources,” said Tappas, who sells such lines as Vivienne Westwood, Made Her Think and Axis Cherry.
Sandra Wilson, accessories fashion director for Neiman Marcus, said she liked the edited selection of 16 vendors, but she added: “I would have liked to have seen even more resources participating.”