A New Face of Convenience

The sharing economy seems to be a hot topic as of late especially with all the controversial buzz over companies like Uber and Airbnb. Right now, we are seeing a major cultural shift towards lending, borrowing, and working together within the community to tap into underused resources. New business models and entrepreneurial causes are working to change how we live, work, and play, by keeping things personalized, sustainable, transparent, and making the economy work in our favor.

video via Share Better

Fashion Interconnected - A Summit on Wearables & Retail Innovation

The best of fashion and tech are coming together for DecodedFashion’s upcoming Summit taking place in our very own NYC. As you know, MBF is a huge fan of anything that combines fashion and technology, so naturally we are really excited to blog about this upcoming event.

Photo via Decoded Fashion

The Very Best of Instagram

Whether you're an avid fashion follower, looking for some inspiration, or just appreciate a nice use of filters, here are our top picks for the coolest Instagrams you need to be following right now!

photo via Cara Delevingne

CAT Pop-Up shop

Last week, the MBF team had the opportunity to visit CAT footwear’s first ever pop up shop in the US.  CAT, a Timberland meets Doc Martens footwear company based out of Illinois, has come a long way from their original business plan of making earthmoving equipment, machinery and engines.

Their latest SS15 collection shown on the corner of Lexington and 47^th displayed durable but stylish footwear that seems to be in key with trends seen all over the runways. CAT’s combat boots, sneakers and work boots for both men and women hit the androgynous trend perfectly.

Photo via MBF Trend Consulting

In the shop one could see the full-blown Fall/Winter14 collection while we got a sneak preview of SS15. CAT presented their collection in a series of 4 segments.  8 models stood on pedestals dressed in clothing from various vendors including Top Shop, Levi’s, and NastyGal for each of the 4 presentations.  The styling was a fantastic reflecting of where CAT fits in the market, talking very much to the millenniums. The models as a whole carried a very laid-back vibe, sporting relaxed clothing, sunglasses and even dancing to the music while joking with the crowd. Because of the relaxed presentation, we could walk up closely to see evey detail of the shows – which was great!

Menswear is Conquering the Fashion Industry

In the past, menswear has been known for playing it safe in terms of fashion, keeping to the same basic trends as it has been showing for years and years. The best runway shows were saved for womenswear while menswear shows displayed little change from season to season – but this has all changed for the better, in our opinion. Here’s an update about what’s happening in the menswear market, and we love it!

Men’s clothing is now way more creative with more design. Nowadays, men are much more willing to experiment with fashion and try new things. Men love it, and it is reflecting in sales.  Total sales in menswear grew by 5% while womenswear only grew 4% this past year, according to NDP Group. Dolce and Gabanna, Jimmy Choo, and Holt Renfrew Co. Ltd. are just a few retailers taking notice of this trend by opening up spaces specifically designed for men only. Dolce & Gabanna recently opened its flagship Men’s boutique in London (seen below) with the presentation of its newest Men’s Tailoring Collection.

Dolce & Gabanna London Flagship store

It's Game Time on MBF TrendTalk!

We were challenged by Fanatics to create an outfit for a game day using their beautiful NFL Jerseys. We are really flattered and we accepted the challenge!

We start explaining our shirt choice. As good New Yorkers, we couldn't choose nothing less than a NY Giants shirt, and this specific one because of the color scheme. We chose this from the men's section, to get that boyfriend's shirt kinda feeling.

photo via MBF Trend Consulting

MBF Profiles: Amanda Parkes

A few weeks ago, we attended Manufacture New York's 2nd Anniversary Party and had the pleasure of speaking to the Chief of Technology and Research, Amanda Parkes. With over 10 years of experience in wearable technology as a Fashion Technologist and Biomedia Designer, Amanda and her team at Manufacture New York are making revolutionary breakthroughs for emerging designers in the fashion industry.

photo via Peter Roessler