Trend Talk

The Australian Five

2012-02-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

About two weeks ago, we attended the Australian Five event that featured five extremely talented designers from down under. Designers Christopher Esber, Fernando Frisoni, Kym Ellery, Magdalena Velveska and Michael Lo Sordo all brought their unique and stylish aesthetics to the stage with three looks from their Fall/Winter collections that all incorporated merino wool fibre. In partnership with the Woolwark Company and the Australians in New York Fashion Foundation, the annual G'Day USA initiative was hosted to promote Australian business here in the U.S to buyers, editors, stylists, and the like.

The Australian Five Designers

The event was held at the super hip Crosby Street Hotel in a very intimate setting and was bustling with industry personnel. Here is a little taste of some of the hottest, talented designers Australia has to offer. All photos are courtesy of the Australian Five event.

Christopher Esber's Collection

Fernando Frisoni's Collection

Kym Ellery's Collection

Magdalena Velveska's Collection

Overall, we feel the evening was a success and in the future, we hope to see more Aussie design sense integrated into the U.S. marketplace. This will not only bring newness, but variety to the American fashion scene. We look forward to seeing future fashion from these designers and what they have in store for upcoming seasons!

Fashion Flashback from "Down Under"

2012-02-07T16:27:00.000-05:00

From New York to Berlin, this week, we’re taking you to the land down under. From Missoni, Pucci, Courreges, Krizia, among others, these fashion treasures are a part of Mary Lipshut’s savored vintage collection. Credited as Australia’s ‘Grand Dame of Vintage’, the 86-year old Mary Lipshut has sparked a fashion flashback by relaunching her exclusive assortment of high-end designer goodies form the 60's, 70's and 80's via an online platform. Together with the aid of her grandson, Mark, the online shop, mlvintage.com puts these carefully preserved possessions up for sale internationally.

With an extensive background in buying, a celebrity filled client book, and a fashion obsessed lifestyle dating back to 1962, her life is one giant lookbook. So here is a glance at a few pages:

photo via mlvintage.com

MBF: How did you get into fashion?
ML: This is a long story. I had nothing to do with Fashion at all, until the mid 60’s when I accompanied my husband on a trip to Japan. We stopped off in Hong Kong and I saw for the first time in my life beaded and embroidered sweaters. I bought 5 pieces for myself and decided to make contacts in Hong Kong with a view to taking orders. I said to my husband these fateful words “It might be nice to have a little hobby.” I then started importing under the label Meredith and even started designing knitwear for Meredith. I started importing European labels in 1970 because a director of Myers department store asked me to purchase a knitwear collection from every country in the world that I was about to visit on another trip with my husband. It was during the Fashion Shows in Florence then Milan and in Paris, that I discovered all the labels. I was able to obtain exclusivity for the whole of Australia. I opened my own boutiques, Temp and SportTempo in South Yarra, the Internationals in Myer Melbourne and Myer Adelaide, Innovation in Georges Melbourne etc.

MBF: What is your favorite piece from the ML Vintage Collection?
ML: Roberta Di Camerino printed velvet coat and wool jersey dress ensemble. Her method of printing was unique.

MBF: How were you able to preserve these precious items for so long?
ML: They were all packed in acid free tissue and acid free bags.

photo via mlvintage.com

MBF: What makes buying vintage so special?
ML: Ours is special because nothing has ever been worn. Buying Vintage is so special because of the quality of the garments, ex Missoni 100% silk jersey can’t be reproduced today because there aren’t the machinists who can handle this fabric. Courreges the fabric of every woven item is superb and every item is fully lined. Pucci even covered press studs with fabric. Today designers could not afford to put the amount of labour into their garments.

MBF: What are some timeless pieces you think every woman should own?
ML: A black suit and a black dress. Wonderful scarves, neckpieces and jewelry. A great pair of black pants and skirt, knitwear and blouses.

MBF: A few museums worldwide have approached you about owning pieces of your collection, how did this come about and how do you feel about it?
ML: I am delighted when I sell to Museums as this gives the younger generation the opportunity to view what fashion used to be and Museum’s have always paid me good prices.

photo via mlvintage.com

MBF: What’s next for you once “the last piece sells?”
ML: I shall happily retire. Who knows, this may coincide with me turning 100.

As Mary's life long commitment to fashion and her iconic vintage archive go up for sale, she is dedicated to making sure each rare piece of history finds a special place in the present. This page turner isn't over until the last look sells.

Please stay tuned for another report on fashion from down under later in the week featuring new and upcoming Australian designers presented at the Australian Five Event!

February MBF Picks: Berlin Fashion Week Roundup Part II

2012-02-03T13:31:00.004-05:00

We are all looking for newness and innovation – as guarantors for a successful 2012.
At MBF we first referenced this change in the air in 2009 – today that change is our future – here’s what we think.

• Eco-fashion will continue to gain momentum
• There is too much product out there
• Retailers and manufacturers will need to further adapt, incorporate consumer demands
• We need to be smarter, more nimble, more socially responsible, more local, be purveyors of “slow” fashion

Today’s consumer is no longer inspired by the “shop, collection and merchandising” concepts present at POS. Department stores and retailers are competing to reach the consumer. The customer is not motivated to purchase – everything looks the same and there is a lack of “newness” or innovation.
“The consumer wants to spend money, but they need to be enticed” said David Bassuk, managing director and head of AlixPartners’ global retail practice.

We all know the “who, what, why, where and when” … but what about “how”? HOW DO WE CHANGE things? Exciting, inspirational collections should be tailored to target customers. Brands should offer new, fresh store concepts – a-la Target.

video via youtube.com

Retailers should consider merchandising that not only illustrates an interesting assortment, but also tells a story that connects directly with their target audience. To stand out in the saturated market, you have to entice and excite your customer, draw them into our POS.

This brings us to our Part II of the Berlin Fashion Week Round-up.

Similar to the retail market, the tradeshow industry is also saturated. So we focused on what we deemed the best-of-the best.

We visited three new shows, Show and Order, The Gallery Berlin, and the Ethical Fashion Show. As always, we covered the BBB, Premium Exhibition, and the Green Showroom, including the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

What did we see? A wide array of 70s-inspired colours and hues – from sportier neon tones to bright and neutral shades. Layering, mixing variety of fabrications and fur … fur, fur everywhere. Denim has been cleaned up – in both bright and dark washes as well as coated with metallic sheens. Prints predominently are grid-like in design, retro inspired as well as navajo tribal inspired. Overall a more dressed-up approach, in new layers for fall. To purchase the full Berlin Trade show Report F/W 12/13, please contact us here.

With that, here are our February MBF favorite picks of outstanding designers spotted at the various Berlin Trade shows:

photo via Kuyichi

Kuyichi
At the forefront of the sustainability movement and with a motto of "style with a soul" is Kuyichi, the first brand to produce organic jeans. Not only has the label taken over Europe but plans to expand into Dubai, China, and Canada this upcoming season. After seeing them at BBB, we learned of their new product line called the Salvage Project which takes their own products and reuses them a second time around. The project calls for customers to return old and used items to claim a discount while the design team based in Haarlem, Netherlands redesigns each genuine product by hand. Who says you can't have an authentic soul?

photo via Trippen

Trippen
Not only can they walk the walk, but this shoe brand can definitely talk the talk. By combining modern design, environmental friendliness, sustainability, and social responsibility, the label designs based on the idea that "individual components can be exchanged and replaced." While reusing the same shapes and materials by merely applying fresh color schemes, Trippen shoes have a very distinct style. With a concept of not replacing collections from seasons passed, the ability to revamp their staple aesthetic is remarkable as each shoe is moderately updated to give it a new look.

photo via Kaschuba Hommage

Kaschuba Hommage
Founded by designer, Irina Kashuba, the label seeks to unify luxury with sustainability. Each handcrafted accessory ranging from scarves to collars, capes, and ponchos are characterized by the ability to be worn in two different ways, making most pieces reversible. By combining unusual patterns and materials with ethnic influences from across the globe, the jewelry and accessory line takes style to a new level of versatility.

photo via Canada Goose

Canada Goose
The Canadian extreme outerwear label, Canada Goose is not only one of the top manufacturers of functional, innovative and stylish products, but has released a new collection for 2012 called Branta. This collection of jackets and accessories, specifically targeted to city dwellers is a homage to the Canadian Goose. Among promoting authenticity and supporting made in Canada goods, the label has recently collaborated with Japanese designer Yuki Matsuda to produce a heritage inspired collection that incorporates traditional fabrics like tweed and corduroy into outerwear.

photo via Trigema CHANGE

Trigema CHANGE
Trigema CHANGE is a new lifestyle collection from the family owned company, Trigema. Waste not, because this basics line is the first cradle to cradle certified fashion collection in the world as all products can be returned to the ecosystem at the end of their life cycle in the form of nutrients for new plants. In addition, the line combines the past with the future by drawing inspiration from current trends as well as from original Trigema models from the 60's and the 70's.

video via youtube.com

Beautyberry

Berlin meets Beijing and we had the opportunity to see it for ourselves as Beautyberry presented its Fall/Winter 2012 Collection. With clean lines, modern fabrications, and futuristic elements, Wang Yutao is the first mainland Chinese designer to show at Berlin Fashion Week. As a designer, Wang seeks to capture "simplicity, nature and peace" while simultaneously giving the world a new perspective on Chinese fashion.

The brands we have featured seem to have understood how to meet the challenge head-on and are actively implementing new ideas and concepts. And we believe that once we – as a community – are able to find answers, we will move past the uncertainty, the ambiguous nature of our ever-changing world.
And while some things CAN be predicted, others cannot.
Still, we CAN think smarter, take risks and believe in the unimaginable – a brave new world.

Berlin Fashion Week Roundup Part I

2012-01-30T17:29:00.001-05:00

Last week we talked about New York’s Kingpins and Continuum trade shows.

As promised -- here’s Part I of a two-part series on Berlin’s Fashion Week. In addition to two of the largest trade shows – the Bread & Butter and the Premium Exhibition – there was a “new kid on the block”.

In a relaxed environment and with a select group of about 70 exhibitors, while attending the newly launched boutique Gallery Berlin – this January located at Berlin’s Moscow Café – we sat down with executive director fashion IGEDO, Mirjam Dietz and project director CPD Signatures/The Gallery, Elke Sautter.

photo via The Gallery Berlin

MBF: So The Gallery Berlin was started because you felt the market needed something new.

Mirjam Dietz: Exactly. Several niche market designers – such as the Avant Garde movement -- were looking for a Berlin platform – earlier in the season. Designers such as Annett Roestel and Annette Goertz.

MBF: Let’s talk a little bit more about Avant Garde designers – we’re familiar with Annette Goertz. Is this the niche market you’re looking for? And how do you distinguish your self from other fairs?

MD: Though we had requests from many other segments, our niche or focus is the Avant Garde and design-oriented collections. We have to be careful how we grow. It’s not just about putting together different segments without a cohesive concept. The retail market is not quite so black-and-white anymore. As we continue to focus on Avant Garde, our growth should evolve quite naturally -- in response to market demands.

photo via The Gallery Berlin

MBF: How do you vet your exhibitors?

MD: Elke [Sautter] spoke with several designers who had expressed an interest in joining us in Berlin. They were very forthcoming in describing who they envisioned sharing exhibition space with and they suggested several collections they thought we should see, potential exhibitors. Within two weeks the trade show was sold.

MBF: So it was a very natural evolution.

MD: We occupy the same segment you see at the Paris trade show, Atmosphere. So when we were last there, we announced we would go to Berlin. It was quite funny -- there was quite a demand. Exhibitors would suggest we speak to other exhibitors whom they said would also come to Berlin. They told us they had been waiting for us, for this opportunity.

If you’re familiar with Igedo’s history [Duesseldorf], there are a million reasons why this no longer works.

Our criterion is for a product that is not only desirable but also completely different.
And we have market credibility; we know what we’re talking about. All of this allows us to respond quickly to new demands, enact different strategies.

Of course, we had to take into consideration our shareholder – Messe Duesseldorf. They too have understood the market has changed. As a result they green-lighted this new concept.

MBF: Do you plan to remain a “smaller” trade-show?

MD: We have our “foot in the door”, a platform in Berlin and a home base in Duesseldorf -- we’re comfortable waiting to see how this market evolves. We booked our location in Berlin last September. We can easily consider additional locations.

photo via The Gallery Berlin

MBF: Talk a little about the future.

MD: Well first things first … we’ll definitely be in Berlin this summer.

We’ve seen tremendous change impacting both mid-market and volume markets. The German industry – Gerry Webber, Bianca, Passport et cetera -- was the backbone of CPD. Because the market is so competitive many mid-market companies were pushed out.

Companies have changed – they have their own distribution system and retail stores. But the smaller brands do not necessarily have a showroom or are in Duesseldorf only temporarily – even though they may already show in Berlin there’s a demand for a Berlin platform.

Berlin’s all about exposure and Duesseldorf is all about business and writing orders. As of next summer we will have a new concept . Berlin will be followed by a smaller show in Duesseldorf in a great location Areal Bohler – that will cater to the needs of the independent retailers.

MD: Our audience are independent retailers looking to discover something new or visit with their suppliers. Also high-end department stores, both national and international.

MBF: What are your plans for short and long-term growth?

MD: We’re providing something very individual to our exhibitors. We are closely aligned with the Premium, complementary but not competitive. We have a very good relationship with [Premium founder] Norbert Tillman.

MBF: That’s great to hear – it ties in very nicely with the idea of being completely transparent.

MD: Yes – of course! Karl Heinz Mueller [BBB] is also a very good friend of ours – he sent us a text … “Good show! Crossing my fingers!” We’re very welcome here in Berlin.

MBF: So what are your biggest challenges and will you overcome them? Challenges are also opportunities.

MD: Our primary challenge is to produce a great show. And then there’s the feedback. So we have our homework cut out for us. It’s about bringing in the right retailers and delivering the right content. It’s really all about delivering the right content.

Please stay tuned for Part II reporting on the rest of Berlin Fashion Week later this week!

"Trading Spaces"

2012-01-26T11:34:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago, we discussed in our blog, “Once Upon a Boutique,” a new shift taking over the marketplace towards a more personal and specialized way of doing business. Today, we would like to take this idea one step further as we begin to notice a trickle across effect into innovative tradeshow concepts that are more unique.

video via The Kingpins Show

Most of us have been to some type of tradeshow whether it be a gift show, a car show, beauty show, etc. Think large, crowded and bland looking warehouse building that is very, very brightly lit. A bit overwhelming, no? Last week, we had the opportunity to attend the first ever Continuum Show, which was held in conjunction with the established and successful Kingpins Show, a global denim and jeans supply chain show. The Continuum is a unique tradeshow that brings together the most progressive and innovative solutions to product sustainability. Both of these boutique tradeshows not only offer a friendlier and more specialized atmosphere, but very exclusively chosen exhibitors as well as invite only attendees.

photo via The Continuum

Unlike many of the other tradeshows, which set up booths or cubicle type arrangements, both Continuum and Kingpins break the boundaries. Imagine stepping into a room filled with a lighter vibe, hip music, and upon entering you are immediately greeted with a smile. As you look around each carefully selected vendor is equipped with racks, couches, and a helpful, knowledgeable staff, not to mention an innovative product assortment. It feels as if you are in a cozy room of mini showrooms, with the next one only steps away. Even the refreshments are inviting, which are not only complimentary but give off a homey, welcoming feel served on white dishware.

photo via The Continuum Show

At Continuum, one of the most noticeable assets of the show was that everyone really cared about doing the right thing in regards to being sustainable. From vertical suppliers to waterless production to organic cottons, solar powered factories, and recycled materials, this tradeshow had it all including a laser wash demonstration hosted by Jeanologia. What's the concept behind the show you ask? Well according to one of its co-founders, Anne Gillespie, "Product sustainability is not an endpoint, rather it is a movement along a continuum towards a fully sustainable system that balances economic, social, and environmental factors."

photo via The Kingpins Show

Upstairs, the bi-annual Kingpins Show, showcased two floors of an array of casual wear crazed vendors specializing in cottons and denims in everything from fashion novelty to premium, organic, recycled, tencel, and the list goes on. Not to mention, lycra was everywhere! Simply put, it's a small friendly gathering of people who love denim! Whoever said it's hard to find a good fitting pair of jeans worry not, for the future is fit for you, literally!

video via The Kingpins Show

Luckily, we had the opportunity to speak with Andrew Olah, founder of The Kingpins Show as well as co-founder of The Continuum Show. He explained to us that after all the headaches he experienced when traveling to Europe for trade shows, he decided why not cut down travel expenses and have one right down the block? In his words, "A bad tradeshow is like a bad supermarket" and we couldn't agree more! From here, The Kingpins Show was born, open to anyone who makes any product in jeans regardless of where they are positioned in the market, and now shows in NY, LA, Hong Kong, India, and Shanghai. This past season sparked the creation of the Continuum Show as a way to recognize companies with the correct idea in terms of sustainability. With this in mind, he explained how he sought after cutting edge companies that represented spirit and authenticity. The goal is to have a great show, in a great place and have some fun in the process.

With so many tradeshows going on during the same time frame from the U.S. to Europe, what kind of show is going to appeal to you? In our opinion, it’s about the experience, the comfort level, and connecting to others, all while being exposed to the most innovative leaders and products in the industry. We will only get more and more acquainted as this mindset of small, personal, and specialized continues to trickle across from space to space! So stay tuned for our report on Berlin fashion week!

Generation Why Not?

2012-01-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

Ambitious, tech-savvy, self-expressive, these are just a few traits of the new breed of Generation Y-ers hitting not only the professional world but defining the future of consumerism. They are experience driven, career focused, and attention craved, as new social platforms offer not only a broadened spectrum of opportunity and networking capabilities, but encourage entrepreneurship.

Children of the iconic Baby Boomer generation and born somewhere between the late 70’s and 2000, these young professionals are controversially referred to as the "Peter Pan Generation," the "Me" Generation, the "Millenials," and Generation "Now." Despite being highly educated and informed, many are still unable to maintain a stable career due to economic wearies and a highly competitive job market, leaving some dependent on their parents while they commit to unpaid internships and develop work experience and portfolios.

photo via Pinterest

They are dreamers and for them, anything is possible. Many of these "Millenials" are disinterested in the idea of landing a job at a fortune 500 company with a routine 9 to 5 schedule. Instead, entrepreneurship, start-ups, and freelance work call their names. They want more control over how, when and where they spend their time. With increased access to news and information via the internet, social networking, and new gizmos and gadgets, this idea of “doing good” pairs with increased awareness about what is really going on in the world. Things are falling apart and they want to be the ones to not only pick up the pieces, but put together a new puzzle. Generation Y-ers want to be successful and feel good about it in the process.

photo via youtube.com

From blogging to tweets, facebook, gchat, and the latest platform, google+, they put it all out there, to an extent. Statistics show that two-thirds of Facebook users in this age range of 18 to 29 are reluctant to list employer's information among their backgrounds. To them, it's more about getting their voices heard and their personalities recognized and guess what? We're listening. Such blogs as Mr.Kate, Life Without Pants, and Thought Catalog are perfect examples of this new digital breed of DIY, witty put-it-all-out-theres with advice, articles, and videos touching on subjects on everything from, "The History of Glitter" to "Generic Things Everyone Does When Falling In Love."

photo via Get Satisfaction

So where do they shop? What do they buy? For this group of self-expressionists, it's all about being unique. They want meaningful things that are special and well, affordable. From DIY to vintage, hand-me-downs, and personalized items, they look to sites like Etsy, Ebay, and Craigslist. Not only do these sites give consumers the satisfaction of potential one of a kind items, but allows creativists and collectors alike the chance to partake in the entrepreneurial spirit by not only selling used things but selling what they make. For these "Millenials,"it's all about standing out whether that be through the way they dress, the gadgets they have, or the brands they associate themselves with. Not only do they like to be identified as "individuals," but this group is the most diversified generation in history and often referred to as the "First Globals."

photo via daveibsen.typepad.com

Still, many companies struggle to understand this generation "now" from marketing tactics to employment. Despite social media marketing efforts, word of mouth still goes farther with this group of individualists when it comes to purchasing power. While they want to be noticed, they also want approval from peers. They are the era of change, as this new mentality of anything goes and “uniqueness” takes over. It’s still about success but with a renewed attitude of enjoying it along the way.

photo via The New York Times

When asked about their dreams or what they want out of life, many respond with a simple reply of “happiness” but without a clear explanation of what that is. This is the generation that grew up with parents preaching, "you can do anything you want to do." Therefore, they won't settle for anything less. What companies need to understand is that this group of dreamers, are the future and they need to pinpoint exactly how to approach these prospective customers. Maybe they are more lost than other generations before, but they are figuring it out and determined to find this so called “happiness,” whatever that means. Generation Y, keep dreaming about your futures, as companies continue to "dream a little dream" of YOU!

Once Upon A Boutique

2012-01-13T11:14:00.016-05:00

Recently, we talked about large retailers in our blog, “That’s How The Cookie Crumbles” so today we would like to discuss in contrast, a new boutique mindset hitting everything from design to restaurants to tradeshows to store design and product assortment. We are beginning to move away from globalization towards this idea of a bespoke way of doing business. Things are getting more “boutique-like” tailored to individual locations and customers.

With this in mind, why go to a mass retailer or high-end designer shop whether you are in NY, LA, Europe, or Asia when the styles are the same? When traveling, don’t we want to see different merchandise and a different store that embodies the culture and style of where we are visiting? A new niche type of market is beginning to emerge that differentiates product range, curates, encourages “buying local,” and connects emotionally with customers through more interesting forms of merchandising. As a general token, we want to buy things that are more meaningful and unique.

photo via retaildesignblog.net

To all mass retailers out there, "the times they are a-changin" and some brands are beginning to catch on. For instance, Esprit which in 2010 opened the largest store in the world in Frankfurt, has just opened a new, more modern looking "lighthouse store" in Cologne with no window displays at all and instead curtains to create a living room effect. The international brand has taken on this new concept to create a homey, minimalistic atmosphere with neutral color schemes, exposed brick, and plants that take you back in time to the late 60's when the label originated in San Francisco. Think Anthropologie meets Aritzia.

photo via sportswearnet.com

Levi's, another brand originating in San Francisco, has gone bespoke with it's new shop in Amsterdam. The two-level store combines the label's historic knack for denim with recycled decor ranging from old church benches, steel pipes, and bikes found in Amsterdam's canals. The space will also be used to support local artists in the form of workshops, exhibits, and performances. What better way to understand your customer base than promoting authenticity, craftsmanship, and creativity right within your own walls?

photo via NY Times

With winter coming (possibly!), the perfect place to get warm, functional clothing for the working men and women of the world is the Dunderdon Workshop in Soho. What started out as a Swedish workwear store for craftsmen, has now evolved into a place of highly innovative, trendy, and crafty articles of knits, coats, pants, shirting and a plethora of accessories that all serve a chic but purposeful existence for blue and white collared workers alike. With a combination of great design, a helpful staff, and a cozy yet modern boutique vibe, this shop is fit for all who look for practical, well-made, and timeless pieces with a touch of down to earth sensibility.

photo via Ilay Tekstil

This past week at Premiere Vision New York, we had the opportunity to meet with a representative from Ilay Tekstil, a Turkish textile company that produces custom digital prints on silks. This is a new trend hitting textile suppliers as "specialty" and "handpicked things" begin to stand out more and more. Basically, this digital science can take any image, in any color way, and print it on fabric. With this, there are not only less minimums, but you have the opportunity to "think unlimited" as they put it and what better way to think than that?

photo via Bond No.9

Also following in suit, or rather scent are such perfume labels as Bond No.9, Creed, and Molton Brown which work to not only offer custom fragrances, but also tell a story. Each Bond no. 9 scent, based right here on Bond Street in New York, represents the different neighborhoods the city has to offer in women’s, men’s and even unisex flavors. Meanwhile, Creed perfumes, which has been passed down through the Creed family for seven generations is hand produced using natural ingredients making the perfume label "the world’s only privately held luxury fragrance dynasty.” Ever care to travel to the likes of Egypt, China, Indonesia, Kent, or Canada? Well now you can with Molton Brown’s collection, “Navigations Through Scent,” which takes customers on a fragrant journey around the world.

photo via snackny.com

From retail to fragrances to digital printing, it's probably about time for a snack, right? With two locations in both SoHo and the West Village, Snack is a quaint Greek restaurant offering the most delicious mediterranean salads, sandwiches, and entree dishes. Not only are the number of tables less than double digits, but the restaurant is family owned and operated. In addition, they sell dips and spreads made of natural ingredients at local markets in the New York and Massachusetts area.

As same store design begins to diminish, a shift in individual store concepts will start to flourish among those retailers interested in conserving their history while simultaneously evolving with the future. This humble attitude of change is everywhere as everything is changing ever so quickly. Sameness will no longer be accepted. In order to stay in business, companies are going to need an exciting plot, an interesting setting as well as an excellent understanding of the characters of each story. The End.

MBF "Newbies!"

2012-01-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012!

We start off this new year announcing the availability of one of our newest products...

From us to you, with love!

You asked for it...you've been waiting for it, so here it is...

Introducing MBF ONDEMAND...a new service delivering what we do best – to you – on demand!

>When you want it!

>Where you want it!

>How you want it!

Stay tuned for our first MBF ONDEMAND 2012 report available late January – The Berlin Tradeshow report 2012 & the Premiere Vision Fabric Report Spring/Summer 2013 available in mid February.

For a sneak preview of reports that are available today, contact us directly at contact@mbf-trend-consulting.com.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-13T18:42:00.043-05:00

Click the image above to view our PRESENTation...but be patient because it is big!

It’s that time again as we wrap up another year and introduce our 5th annual Holiday Bytes! Please click the image above to view our Bytes and remember, if you are interested in what you are seeing, click on the arrows to link to articles, videos, and more! From all of us here at MBF Trend Consulting, have a Happy Holiday and a fabulous New Year! We will see you again in 2012!

That's How The Cookie Crumbles

2011-12-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

With extended store hours, giant discounts, and clever tactics to draw customers in during the infamous Thanksgiving weekend, shops were without a doubt dressed for success. While a fortunate Black Friday rush may have boosted retail sales for the month of November, will they keep it up for the remaining holiday season?

Overall, the entire industry is struggling to keep up in the marketplace. For retailers to bring in sales they have to constantly evolve to meet the changing needs and demands of potential customers. Even here in New York City which shopping bags are you continually seeing? Uniqlo, Crate & Barrel, J.Crew and of course the obvious Forever 21, H&M, and Zara are flooding shoppers arms from 5th Avenue to SoHo!

photo via Freshness Mag

Uniqlo is a huge innovator in the marketplace from their heattech collection to their global flagship on 5th Avenue, what could be next? With plans to open 200 stores nationwide by 2020, “Uniqlo hopes to ‘revolutionize’ mass retailing in the U.S.” How you ask? Well, by experimenting with cutting edge fabrics nonetheless! The Japanese label aims to sell utilitarian clothing made of milk protein softening fibers as well as further promote their affordably priced basics. Other brands doing it right include Burberry, Rag & Bone, Net-a-Porter, and of course Apple. Not only are these industry leaders seeing an increase in revenue, but for them,“change is the only constant.”

photo via wwd.com

Meanwhile, the fashion label Michael Kors valued at $3.63 billion will be going up for an initial public offering this Friday. From near bankruptcy during the 90’s to one of the first American designers in years to go up for a major IPO, the brand has definitely evolved financially. However, while the label is making business, we have to say it is lacking that “wow” factor. From neutral colored sleek looks to simple leather totes and classic gold watches, Michael Kors is a true American sportswear brand and we are interested to see how it evolves.

video via Yahoo Finance

On an entire other note, will Gap ever seem to get it together? With over 200 stores planned to close across the U.S. by 2013 and a strategy to instead expand internationally, is this really the best move as sales continue to plummet company wide from Gap to Old Navy to Banana Republic? According to Harold Davidowitz, “the fundamental problem is that the Gap lacks strong fashion sense.” We’d have to agree. Not only does the retailer need to re-merchandise and determine their realistic target customers, but instill an inventive marketing campaign to re-position themselves in the retail arena. As major companies like Liz Claiborne, Boutiques.com, and Esprit continue to collapse into the fashion unknown, hopefully Gap's step into the global retail realm will save them from this same mistake.

photo via nytix.com

As CEO Ronald Johnson, Apple's former retail chief, takes the reigns at J.C. Penney, the company hopes to gain some fresh flavor to sweeten up their retail mix as well as bring sales back up which have been steadily declining over the past few weeks. The department store is another merchant who desperately needs to revamp their merchandise and marketing strategies before they too fade into the dust. While the chain has definitely gotten a bit savvier by opening a shop on 34th street in New York, taking on a new PR agency as well as collaborating with Sephora, Mango, Charlotte Ronson, and Nicole Miller among others, they still have a ways to go to reach a prominent standing. However, with the investment of a new team the department store chain is likely to revolutionize it's position in the marketplace.

In the meantime, as other brands such as Brooks Brothers, Kenneth Cole, and United Colors of Benetton struggle to reinvent themselves, retailers will continually be put to the test to keep up with fashion trends, the economy, competition, technology, and most importantly, their customers. It will be a test of time to see who will keep their cookies fresh and who will get stale as things just keep on baking.

December MBF Favorite Picks

2011-12-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

For our December MBF Favorite Picks we are here to nonetheless spread some holiday cheer by posting some of our favorite holiday decorations and displays from around the city. New York City knows how to celebrate the holidays like no other city in the world. Whether you are window shopping down 5th Ave, admiring the 74-foot tall Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, or ice skating at Bryant Park, there’s no better place to get into the holiday spirit!

So make the most of this time of year, get out there, get inspired, and enjoy some of the merry festivities this city has to offer!

Thanks For Shopping

2011-11-22T12:18:00.000-05:00

Not only is Black Friday the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, but as new initiatives, extended store hours, and promotions galore try to draw consumers into shops, the largest non-religious holiday here in the U.S. is continually threatened by retailers alike. What it comes down to is, we just don't shop like we used to. With the onset of new technology, irregular weather patterns and an even more unpredictable economy, retailers are changing how they approach their customers in everyway possible this upcoming holiday season.

From Loewe’s customizing it’s floors with iphones to track stock to Footlocker’s changing taglines to Old Navy increasing the number of greeters on site as well as keeping trendy impulse items by checkouts, it’s really a game of trial and error to figure out what works best. However, what may work one day just may not the next.

photo via latimes

One of the hottest trends this season to come, introducing new ipad apps designed to make shopping easier and more entertaining by incorporating interactive media that enhances the overall shopping experience. It seems everyone from Anthropologie to Saks, J.Crew, and even Walmart is creating these digital multi-media catalogs. While research shows only a mere 8% of online shoppers own ipads, those that do, prefer shopping on their tablet versus using a computer or smartphone. The digital arena is growing and digital catalogs are sure to be the next approach sought after by retailers worldwide.

photo via youtube.com

Another way retailers are adding some fun and freebies into the mix is with the free app shopkick. By simply "checking in" to a store customers have the opportunity to win giftcards, promotions, and special discounts. It's a simple, inexpensive way to get consumers involved and enthusiastic about their shopping experiences.

photo via wwd.com

What if you could get deals from what you already own? Well, now with RNKD.com, you can. Created by Zappos founder, Nick Swinmurn, the site and mobile app allows consumers to get VIP discounts for things already sitting right in their closets! The more photos you upload, friends you refer, and "liking" you do, the more points you earn. It's also a great resource to get inspired and browse others' closets to explore different brands and labels.

photo via fashionunited,co

Bodymetrics is a full 3D body scanner that allows consumers to save all their body information digitally online. The difference between this and previous renditions? Well not only is this body scanner less costly, but it can be installed in a mere couple of hours. It's expected to really revolutionize the online shopping experience so we'll keep an eye out for it to pop up in shops across the globe.

photo via Chicago Tribune

So what we are really here to ask is are these new strategies challenging our traditional holiday? More and more retailers like Target, Macy's, Best Buy, and Kohl's plan to open their stores at midnight on the dot. Meanwhile, Walmart plans to open at 10pm on Thanksgiving! As these retailers push to open earlier and earlier what about the employees who have to give up their holiday to deal with the madness of Black Friday? Both J.C. Penney and Sears aren't giving in to all this anti-holiday spirit as they keep their doors closed until the usual 4am early bird special. Maybe one day when technology gets even more advanced, we will be able to entirely shop from home while simultaneously giving thanks. Until then, we think it’s safe to say we still much prefer an old fashioned holiday.

From all of us here at MBF Trend Consulting, Happy Thanksgiving and safe shopping!

Knock It Off

2011-11-18T10:26:00.000-05:00

With an industry grossing hundreds of billions of dollars annually from across the globe, counterfeiting not only severely damages the luxury market but the overall economy as well. From handbags to clothing to perfume, sunglasses, jewelry, and beyond, is anything authentic anymore? Today we would like to discuss the luxury market, the basics of spotting fakes, and the latest tricks of this underground trade.

photo via guestofaguest.com

Ambria Miscia, is the manager of the designer resale store, Second Time Around as well as one of the personalities behind Bravo’s hit reality show, “Fashion Hunters." From Louis Vuitton to Chanel to Balenciaga, Prada, Louboutin, Gucci galore, she encounters luxury designer goodies on a daily basis. Working with consignors from all over the city, uptown meets downtown as she works to stock the shelves with reasonably priced high-end designer merchandise. With a job like this, Ambria is not only exposed to the real deal but an occasional phony as well. While in some cases these so called “knock-offs” are easy to spot by the naked eye, many times you have to look a bit deeper “into the seams.”

MBF: What is your background in the industry?

A: I went to FIT in New York for college. On top of that, my mother was a clothing and shoe designer so growing up I was given a fundamental upbringing in fashion.

photo via videojug.com

MBF: Working at a consignment shop you see endless amounts of designer merchandise, what are the best ways to spot a fake designer bag from a real one?

A: I immediately look at stitching and hardware. Those are the two dead giveaways. Louis Vuitton and Chanel have very specific looks, the bags sell for thousands of dollars and fake versions of them don't have the attention to detail in the stitching that real ones do. The hardware also has a certain way of looking and wearing, so once you see hundreds of real bags, you get to recognize a fake in an instant. Sometimes I have to dig deeper, look at the lining, the zippers, the way it sits... There are steps and I have written a manual for the company I work for about it.

MBF: How were you trained to recognize these differences?

A: I trained myself. Handbags are a passion of mine, so why not know as much as possible? And honestly, I hated the feeling of a consignor schooling me on why a bag was fake. It's just embarassing when someone comes into the store and looks at you as an authority but knows more than you. I'm competetive by nature and I hate feeling as if I'm not living up to my reputation as someone who works in re-sale and knows her stuff, which is how I should be percieved. So I just did extra studying.

photo via ipbrief.net

MBF: How do you keep up with the market and where do you shop?

A: I keep up with the market by staying in the stores as much as possible. I don't have the ability to actually buy for myself at Bergdorf Goodman, but that doesn't keep me out of that store. I like to see what is selling, what's going on sale quickly, what is not selling and what people are wearing. I read indie fashion blogs and I pay attention to Canal Street. It's actually on my way home to the Lower East Side so I'll pass by and let the women try and sell me fake bags. They are really exceptional now, the way they are made. So I'll just take a look to see what their new defining characteristics are so I know what to look for in the new versions. I personally shop at Topshop, Free People and I definitely hit up Bloomingdales for shoes. And of course, Second Time Around.

MBF: Which designers are having the worst problems with knock-offs right now?

A: Tory Burch - handbags and ballet flats. What is so bad about the Tory fakes is that people aren't aware at all what a huge market it is. It's a huge epidemic. The black market has made tons of the gold metal logos and are cranking them out like mad. But the craftsmanship and materials are of course unparallelled with the real Tory Burch items (bags, shoes). Even Chloe has a problem with ready-to-wear. Their labels get knocked off and sewn into silks in China, and people buy them online.

photo via c2coffer.com

MBF: Not only is the luxury market losing profits, but also its branding is being severely damaged. What do you think is the best way labels can preserve their exclusivity and fight the further presence of counterfeit merchandise?

A: Being as detailed as possible in the construction of zippers, handles and hardware help. Special markings, like Chanel has with their white sticker that is always in the lining. And also, changing them up. Employees spill secrets, and that's the truth. If you want to stay on top of the black market, you have to stay on top of your own line. You can't just create it and lay back. You have to create new ways to authenticate the bags revolution and prevent duplication.

MBF: In what other markets do you see knock-offs appearing besides with handbags?

A: I could see Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses being knocked off. Of course the materials, fit and prints will be totally off, but they are in such a high demand and have a textbook signature look I could see it happening.

photo via handbagstops.com

MBF: What is your “it” bag and are “it” bags still in fashion?

A: I'd say hands down right now, Balenciaga bags are still the coolest bag for everyone to have. They've been on the scene for years, but the bags are definitely keeping their popularity and the masses are now switching up their desire from Coach and Gucci to Balenciaga. They literally fly off the shelves. Lastly, I have to say that Louis Vuitton Speedy's, Chanel quilted jumbos and Chloe Paddingtons will probably never go out of "IT" bag status.

MBF: What do you recommend for someone who can’t necessarily afford a high-end luxury handbag, but still wants an “it” bag?

A: Well, re-sale of course! Second Time Around is an amazing place to find Givenchy, YSL, Hermes... and we have 5 locations in the city so wherever you are, chances are there is one within a mile radius of where you are. Also, the Outnet.com. They have really contemporary high end bags, it's basically luxury overstock, and they have amazing bags all the time.

MBF: What are some up and coming designers? Who do you predict is going to be knocked off next?

A: Alexander Wang backpacks could definitely be next. They were such a hit at the Spring show - the absolute 'to die' of fashion week. I also think Prada could start to have another round of knock-offs seeing as their new bags are a bit more simple to make. Since their nylon-satchel and nylon-backpack days, they really got away from producing handbags that were simple to knock off. They've been doing extremely luxurious leathers and switched up their logo to be a bit bigger and beefier so they haven't had the same amount of knock offs. But I was just at Prada the other day and looking at their new line the Saffiano Collection and thinking that those could be next.

To Be or Not to Be...Green

2011-11-10T11:21:00.000-05:00

In the retail sector, the amount of things to consider when going “green" is well, unthinkable. From production to shipping to brick and mortar operations to actual consumption, there are countless approaches to utilizing eco-friendly tactics. For the next generation of retailers, sustainable practices are going to top the list, as not only consumers, but the world itself demands change and a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Here at MBF Trend Consulting, we are firm believers in environmental awareness and our responsibility to preserve the world we live in. Just like anything else, what is education without experimentation? While we understand the industry is still rapidly adjusting, today we would like to highlight some brands doing it right and which ones are still in the learning process.

photo via yad!g.com

Marks & Spencer
With an objective to become the world’s most sustainable retailer by 2015, Marks & Spencer is definitely in route. Recently the brand launched its 2012 M&S Sustainable Retailing Challenge, which offers MBA students from around the world the opportunity to pitch their eco-friendly ideas while competing for a cash prize and most importantly, a chance to increase the brand’s sustainability strategies. Not only is the brand trying to get consumers involved but is also on a mission to re-evaluate its packaging strategies as it implements the Packaging Impact Quick Evaluation Tool. What used to take months, can now be done in under 25 minutes as the brand can quickly assess how packaging impacts affect its design process saving energy, time, resources, and money. We look forward to what the UK based retailer has in store for us next!

photo via usluairlines.com

Uslu Airlines
We've discussed the nail brand many times before, but we just can't help ourselves as it yet again releases another groundbreaking product and this time it's even eco-friendly! While most nail polish removers contain acetone or other harmful substances, Bio, is a new water based product that "penetrates nail polish." While the product doesn't work as quickly as normal nail polish remover, it does get the job done and in a much less toxic way. We feel it's definitely worth the wait!

photo via Monkee Genes

Monkee Genes

Certified by the strict demands of the Soil Association, Monkee Genes is a fair trade organic denim line. The brand's motto: "no slave or child labor, blood, sweat, or tears." With a range of different cuts and styles, the label is ethical, trendy, and affordable at under $100 USD. Be sure to keep an eye out to see how these "genes" evolve!

photo via wwd.com

Stella McCartney
Well Stella definitely has gotten her groove back as she releases a new eco-friendly sunglass collection this spring. Made of more than 50% natural and renewable materials, the shades are composed of bio-injected plastic or acetate plastic. Either way, both use minimal pesticides, water, and petroleum. McCartney was quoted saying, "The greatest challenge was the amount of time that was spent on research and testing to get the best quality product possible with the highest performance in terms of resistance, while still maintaining the style and finish we always try to achieve." With a dedication like that, these shades are sure to keep you cool this spring!

photo via nytimes.com

Levi's
Levi's is another denim label dedicated to improving it's eco-friendly procedures. Not only has the brand worked toward water efficiency and conserving cotton cultivation after severe flooding last year, but now it is ready to introduce stone washed denim that is smoothed by rocks and uses absolutely no water in the process. Keeping with this theme, all tags encourage denim wearers to wash less, in cold water, or simply not at all. The brand advises that putting jeans in the freezer kills more odor causing germs than in the wash. We predict that this "waterless" element will be the next trend to hit the market.

photo via ecouterre.com

Meanwhile as so many retailers have made significant progress in the sustainable sector, we have to remember that the name of the game is "trial and error" so the occasional blunder is unavoidable. Greenpeace, an environmental organization, is calling out 14 global companies who are supposedly discharging harmful chemicals into the atmosphere during manufacturing. These brands include everyone from Abercrombie & Fitch to Nike, Puma, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, and even Uniqlo, among others who many are coincidentally enough members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The organization's Dirty Laundry Report, shows that these brands are responsible for releasing hazardous substances into waterways across the globe. Water is a limited resource just like anything else so these brands need to adapt soon and eliminate the emission of dangerous toxins into the environment. We have to know what's wrong to know what's right, right?

While some brands have successfully begun to adapt to the increased demand for more sustainable methods, many are still exposing the world to hazardous mechanisms in an effort to maximize profits or simply out of mere carelessness. While it is a learning process, actions speak louder than words. In the near future, we hope to see more retailers take action and really get out there and make a difference.

November MBF Favorite Picks

2011-11-03T11:10:00.000-04:00

The constant 24/7 flow of information makes it very hard to stand out in today’s marketplace. Companies are increasingly challenged to keep their audiences interested. How do you create brand awareness in a world that is constantly evolving as social media and real life experiences influence consumers’ choices?

It is no surprise that more and more companies are starting to think outside the box as they strive to decipher what consumers want and how to speak to them. The question is what “language” will get consumers to respond? For this month's MBF's Favorite Picks, we'd like to highlight a few companies experimenting with their vocabularies.

photo via dazeddigital.com

At the forefront of the retail arena is Uniqlo as their campaigns attract the masses. The label recently uncovered a flagship store on 5th avenue in New York and now they are taking their approach a step further by launching an artistic competition called The Science of Style. Collaborating with Dazed Digital, the project reaches out to the community to draw inspiration from Uniqlo’s technologically advanced fabrics and large customer base by submitting concepts for an installation to be exhibited in London sometime in November. The winning idea will go from paper to sculpture with the assistance of artist, sculptor, and set designer, David White who will be translating the leading submission. Click here to enter your ideas! Good luck!

photo via psfk.com

Calling all innovators, time to get creative! Another retailer trying to get customers involved is Bed, Bath & Beyond as they assign a team from the company, Quirky, at their Chelsea location to hear shopper’s thoughts, comments, and suggestions for new product ideas. The experts will be stationed in the store’s window compiling the best of the best gadget ideas. If a savvy invention is approved and eventually sold in stores, the innovative customer will be given a cut of the profits. A former inventor of the Pivot Power Surge has already earned over $21,000! Not only is the home products retailer practicing honorable business strategies, but at the forefront of a major shift in the marketplace.

video via youtube.com

What better way to kill some time while doing laundry than enjoying some gourmet coffee in a comfy lounge setting? A Munich laundromat has elaborated on this concept by creating the German venture, Wash & Coffee. Not only can customers enjoy on site garment care advice and professional ironing but free wifi, expressos, and scrumptious snacks. "Word of the wash" is the company is set on expanding...next load Amsterdam!

photo via allthingscupcake.com

It seems this isn’t the only type of business trying to capture market share in the food industry. How could we not mention the most recent collaboration between Bloomingdale’s 59th street store and Magnolia Bakery?!?! The bakery sold well over 1,200 cupcakes in its first three days in operation! Not only is the famous sweet shop open before, during, and after hours, but has a separate street-side entrance for those with off hour sugar cravings. While it hasn't been confirmed whether or not more Bloomie's stores will get a taste of this sweet tooth, we think it's the best sugar rush of its kind!

photo via WWD.com

From auction house to virtual outlet mall, Ebay is always finding ways to rebrand itself. This time, the online site hopes to capture sensible price-conscious fashionistas by offering discounts on more than 200 brands from Furla to Stuart Weitzman to BCBG Max Azria, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor, and the list goes on! Discounts range from 20% to 65% off retail prices. The online shop launched in mid September and while some items are made exclusively for the site, the large array of brands is sure to appeal to everyone’s liking.

photo via Moda Operandi

If any industry has gotten creative over the past few years it’s the publishing industry. From fashion advice to the retail arena, magazines like GQ, Vogue, and Esquire are launching online websites that directly sell the merchandise featured in each issue. The search for the hottest items ceases here with the flip of a page and the click of a mouse. GQ has been in this virtual shopping arena with its e-commerce site, Park & Bond which highlights the magazine’s top picks. Esquire’s September issue invited readers to cladmen.com, a site launching this month selling select items chosen by the magazine staff themselves. Last but definitely not least is Vogue magazine’s website which is partnering with Moda Operandi to let subscribers pre-order looks right off the runway! Until now, the catwalk has never been at such a fast pace!

It’s safe to say it’s really just a game of trial and error as companies continually switch up their marketing strategies to find the best method to increase sales and market share. As these innovative approaches attract customers, we can begin to decipher the language of our audiences. So today we ask what “lingo” do you speak?

Haute Halloween Trends

2011-10-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

It goes without saying that everything from movies to news to celebrity scandals from the past year inspires an onset of new, unconventional Halloween costumes. The latest newsflash you ask? Well, this year your typical cowgirl or vampire just won’t do! Get creative and push the limits because this is your chance to play pretend for just one night!

Still in need of a last minute costume revelation? Well we here at MBF Trend Consulting have some tips on the trendiest and most innovative costumes out there this Halloween.

photo via partycity.com

Lady Gaga
Not only the queen of the airwaves but the perfect costume goddess, Lady Gaga is an easy fix to any last minute Halloween crisis. Time to go platinum with a bleached blonde wig and sky-high shoes! Don’t forget the glitter and avant-garde mask and you’re ready to perform! Check out full costume ideas or create your own version of Gaga herself with accessories galore here!

photo via spirithalloween.com

Angry Birds

Score some major points and dress up in one of the hottest costumes this year has to offer, Angry Birds. Be a colorful, flightless bird and slingshot your way into costume. Choose from birds in red, yellow, or black! Hurry and play the game soon before time runs out!

photo via anytimecostumes.com

Walking Dead Zombies

While last year it was all about the vampire, this year thanks to the comic book turned television series, Walking Dead, zombies have resurrected. Not only is it easy to play dead, but super affordable too! Get in the ghoul spirit and haunt the night away for some fresh flesh.

photo via partycity.com

Steampunk
A very steam punk Halloween seems to be all the rage this season as the past and the future unite! Think a savvy Sherlock Holmes and combine Victorian fashion with some charming gadgets and dash of attitude. Get original and invent your own gadgets and gimmicks by pairing a lace up corset with goggles and a top hat for a bit of feminine flair!

photo via The Orange County Register

William and Kate

Get ready to feel like royalty! What better way to play pretend than as a prince and princess? The top couples costume of 2011 is by no surprise, William and Kate! Recreate the wedding of the century and celebrate yourself first hand.

photo via buycostumes.com

Pan Am Flight Attendant
With a new television series in flight, the hit show, Pan Am is definitely drawing some inspiration from up in the clouds. With the legendary stewardess uniform, Pan Am bag, and little white gloves, it’s a fun take on the 1960’s with a hint of espionage. Click here to chose from a few different styles of stewardess chic!

photo via amazon.com

Wild Things
Go wild and DIY by creating an animalistic inspired costume! Take your everyday dog and cat and transform into a fierce tiger or ferocious wolf! Or, go a bit lighthearted and dress up as a plush kangaroo, wobbly penguin, or foxy fox!

With less than a few days away, don’t let this spooky day creep up on you! We’d love to see what great costume ideas you’ve put together! Feel free to send us photos and comments!

Fashion's Cutting-Edge Talent

2011-10-20T10:03:00.000-04:00

The one constant in fashion is change and that’s a fact. While the fashion industry thrives on innovation, there’s nothing like some cutting-edge talent! Today we would like to highlight the best up and coming international designers that are about to take the stage or should we say catwalk?

photo via style.com

Stealing some of the spotlight is a Russian designer, Alexandre Plokhov. Plokhov, a former menswear designer for Versace, recently launched a womenswear line at Barney’s this past September. His gothic inspired menswear line, Cloak, was discontinued in 2007 but his fine tailoring and deconstructed style has gained much attention and now is branching into the women's market.

photo via Shang Xia

Since we’ve discussed Chinese models in a past post, “All Eyes on China,” today, we’d like to also draw attention to an upcoming Chinese fashion designer, Zhang Da. Not only is he the designer behind Hermes’ label Shang Xia, but also his own independent label, Boundless. While both lines embody two very different approaches, Da draws much of his inspiration from Japanese design as well as his own traditional Chinese heritage. The buzz about China’s style will continue as the industry further develops and stimulates an onset of new innovation in design and we’re excited to see what’s to come!

photo via fashionologie.com

Who doesn’t love when a fashion veteran reinvents herself? A former designer for both Valentino and Gucci, Alessandra Facchinetti returned to the runway this past fashion week. However, this time Facchinetti teams up with the Italian fast fashion brand, Pinko, to create her collection, Uniqueness. The 60-piece collection is both non-seasonal as well as available online exactly as it was presented on the catwalk. If that isn’t fashion savvy then we don’t know what is!

photo via Elle.com

From Russian to Chinese to Italian flair, where better to end but right here in the U.S.? Designer Yara Flinn is the name behind the label Nomia, which takes a sculptural approach to design by creating artistic, edgy, and sophisticated garments. While the brand first hit the fashion scene in 2007, it has had great success at New York Fashion week as well as continue to produce all pieces right here in New York City’s historic garment district.

photo via salt & studs

Who’s got talent? Giovanna Randall sure does! From opera singer to pre-med student to now up and coming luxury fashion designer, Randall’s vast experiences have inspired her to create the line, Honor. With only two seasons under her belt, she is already opening a shop up in the Meatpacking district and is dedicated to preserving New York City's garment district.

photo via ecouterre.com

Former Season 5 Project Runway winner, Leanne Marshall, combines eco-friendly fabrications with sophisticated, feminine design. Her most recent spring/summer 2012 collection inspired by a visit to the ocean, incorporated hemp silk, bamboo jersey, and organic cotton to evoke “the way the wind moves through the sand.” She’s sure a winner in our eyes!

From around the globe and back, a distinct array of talent is giving us a new perspective not only on the industry, but the world. This contemporary energy is leading us into a new era of ever-changing values and aesthetics. We love a fresh point of view, don’t you?

Survival of the "Creativists"

2011-10-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

The times are craving for a change and new approaches to the way we do things. Everything is being challenged right now and with great challenge comes opportunity. Here at MBF Trend Consulting, we are exploring these trends and here to give you the rundown on what's going on in the world around us.

As the global economic crisis continues, people have to make the most of what they have and in this case, what they know. The return of bartering began with link exchanges on blogs and websites as well as with clothing and housing swaps, but from here it goes way beyond that. We first discussed bartering in our blog “No Rules” and now bartering has finally begun to infiltrate the world.

photo via The New York Times

With the current economy and rising unemployment rates, bartering systems have been expanding internationally. Greece, a perfect example, has used these exchange networks in their farming industry for years and now has a growing community that swap everything from babysitting to home-cooked meals, classes, tech advice, and local discounts. In support of these initiatives, the Greek government recently passed a law that encourages “alternative forms of entrepreneurship and local development.” It’s about building a sense of community and breaking down barriers that monetary systems create.

photo via npr.org

Even here in the U.S. it is taking off as people exchange labor for health services. True North, an integrative medical practice based in Maine, not only focuses on enhancing quality healthcare and strengthening the relationship between patient and practictioner, but accepts "time dollars" as a form of payment. These "time dollars" can be paid in the form of yard work, cleaning, or anything else you can offer. Not only does this concept promote trust, but a better awareness and vigilance of personal health.

photo via psfk.com

From healthcare to the food industry, a Chicago based restaurant, Fireside, has adopted a bartering system that supports an exchange of kitchen appliances, vacations, and even dog grooming for meals. With its cash only no credit policy, it’s not uncommon that customers dine at the restaurant and instead of picking up the tab, are sent to work (or trade), literally. While many meals are still paid in full, it’s a very unique business strategy during times of economic distress.

photo via springwise.com

Another innovative company Panam, a Mexican streetwear sneaker brand, is revitalizing themselves by sharing a little free love. This concept promotes the idea of stimulating sales by offering free merchandise and promotions. By hosting sneaker swaps, Panam fans are invited to trade old pairs for new ones at no cost. While customers are only entitled to one swap, there are over 250 sneakers to choose from. This may simply be business strategy, but the brand is conserving it's resources and showing fans they still hold a place in their heart. So get out there and show some love!

photo via ourgoods.org

Moments like this call for a rise in creativity as people look for new ways to get by. What better place for revolutionary change than the internet? Not only are bartering sites like skills2barter.com, homeexchange.com and styleswap.com popping up, but entire digital trading communities as well. Ourgoods.org is a creative network that promotes an alternative method of exchange in the areas of art, design, and culture. This creative community combines their resources to produce independent projects and build relationships and trust among their members. It seems the starving artists have finally been fed!

photo via forumforthefuture.org

Are our values finally becoming more mindful? We think so. This sharing or better said, trading of resources, is helping us break barriers and instead adding substance to our lives. With this sense of community evolves trust, unity, and a conservation of resources. By combining our capabilities, we are not only more powerful, but more aware of our actions. This new outlook gives hope for what’s to come next. We ask you to take some time and check out these animations that give four scenarios about what the future might hold for us. Let us know which outcome you predict!

October MBF Favorite Picks

2011-10-06T15:31:00.001-04:00

Another season down, as fashion week Spring/Summer 2012 has come to a close. Fashion week may be over but the fashion chatter has just set into spring! We’ve been reviewing the runway shows for the freshest, most stylish looks and our fashion verdict is in!

Overall for spring, fashion goes sporty as designers shift from the lux dressed up looks of fall to everyday sportswear mixed with hints of neon, glossy pastels, and an array of peplums. The 50’s emerge as do inspirations from traditional Spanish heritage, the 1920’s Jazz Age, and intimate apparel. As nighttime details shift into the functionality of daywear, is our overall mentality feeling more relaxed as well? We say, fashion first! So here is this month’s MBF Favorite Picks straight from the catwalk!

photo via Style.com

1. Alexander Wang
In New York we saw a predominantly athletic inspired presence and when we say sporty we mean everything from tennis to motocross. At the lead is Alexander Wang with his off road sport utility driven collection. We love how the mesh cut zip ups, Hawaiian prints, and fitted geometric racing gear team up with leather minis and pockets galore. There surely isn’t any competition here!

photo via style.com

2. Ralph Lauren
The Jazz Age has a fever as it provokes a fashion frenzy. At Ralph Lauren, a major 1920’s influence transpired but in glossy pastel tones, sleepwear inspired silky fabrications, and soft vintage florals. Hemlines remain a bit elongated on bias cut dresses as do clean, sharp menswear inspirations in shades of white and light grey. We’re still fascinated with this feminine masculine play on silhouette and what better decade for it to shine through than the 20’s! Isn’t that snazzy?

photo via style.com

3. Marni
Marni had it all from 50’s florals to drop waists to oversized geometrics, and sheer hems. Most of all, we love the tinted candy colored shades in bubble gum pink, yellow sorbet, and dusty blue. While many of the looks remain polished with major accents on the hip, a bit of texture sneaked in with fringe trims, large sequins, and 3D flower embellishments.

photo via style.com

4. Moschino
At Moschino decadence is in the ring as it drew inspiration from one of the most historic customs of Spain, bullfighting. The traditional matador goes modern as it pairs with sunflower yellow, décolleté laces, and oversized florals. The entire collection grabs our attention as its spin on historic culture merges with elegant ultra-feminine looks and better yet, a Midwest cowboy. This collection does anything but play it safe and we are right there cheering in the crowd!

photo via style.com

5. Prada
This spring Prada has the getaway car and it’s a 1950’s hotrod. Classic ladylike shapes in satin sheens paired with leather skirts, sheers, and car conversationals. Atypical color blocking and fire prints flaming from hemlines give the collection a flare of lightheartedness, which makes us optimistic and keeps us on the move for what’s to come. Can we say varoom varoom?

photo via style.com

6. Givenchy
Probably one of the most innovative collections of the season (and possibly our personal favorite), Givenchy, reshaped the peplum by applying new textures and tailoring, unlike anything else from the entire season. Shades of olive paired with neutrals and monochromatic looks in pastel pink, white, and black combined skin tight fabrications, sheers, skins, sequins, and silk satins to create waves of layering. Overall, the collection produced a lively sense of modernism and we are super interested to see it’s metamorphosis into the mainstream.

photo via style.com

7. Dolce & Gabbana
While florals are everywhere for spring, Dolce & Gabanna took the garden to the market as large-scale vegetables freshened up the menu. From full-skirted dresses to short shorts, cropped tops, and ladylike suiting, this collection screamed 1950’s and we couldn’t be more excited! A touch of glam remained with overly decorative bejeweled dresses, sheer lace blouses, and again textured flower embellishments. We have to add, we love the kitschy pasta shaped earrings and picnic inspired bags!

photo via style.com

8. Custo Barcelona
From movies to fashion, a 3D design aesthetic and revolutionary concept hit the runway this spring and grabbed our eye at Custo Barcelona. The collection titled, “Tripolar” was broken into three segments each featuring a different theme. Dual focused on androgyny as two models both male and female strutted together down the catwalk wearing interchangeable looks. Inspired by the shapes and colors of a kaleidoscope, "Kaleidoscopio", combined brights, patchwork fabrics, and geometrics to create a truly graphic experience. Finally, "Mírame", took nighttime looks with neon pops and high tech printing techniques and brought us into a third dimension. Care to experience this experimental technology or better yet, wear it? Well, each garment comes with a pair of 3D specs so check it out and take your fashion to another level, literally!

Simple Minds

2011-09-29T13:25:00.004-04:00

Today, as we are constantly surrounded by an overload of information via both on and off-line media outlets, it becomes increasingly important to streamline the information we receive. It starts as people begin to clean out their contacts on linkedin and facebook and utilize one of the most fearful words from our digital age, “defriend.”

With so much excess clutter invading our lives, it can get pretty overwhelming. We see it everyday, everywhere. We seem to always be "plugged in." From retail to television to internet and transportation, there is simply too much noise, screaming "look at me!" However, is this overstimulated world beginning to wear us out?

photo via style.com

Looking at the most recent RTW Spring/Summer 2012 runway shows, design has definitely shifted to a more minimal aesthetic. Additionally, what was once financially smart for luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana, has also taken a turn. The two Italian designers have decided to discontinue their more affordable D&G line and instead, further ensure the strength of their signature brand.

photo via Financial Times

Manufacturers of everyday products from toothpaste to chocolate seem to be on the same page as they downsize product assortments on shelves. Not only does this cut costs for businesses, but simplifies our shopping experience by reducing the variety of choices that we can barely differentiate from one to the next. Unilever, which produces everything from Lipton Ice Tea to Dove products, is at the forefront of this movement as they cut back 40% of their goods.

photo via WWD.com

Not only are product lines shrinking, but stores are as well. Rather than focusing on square footage, businesses are instead approaching customers’ shopping experiences by enhancing the general atmosphere of the store. As demographics change, retailers are going to have to create a more suitable environment to draw shoppers in. It’s about keeping it simple by offering relevant products that consumers are willing to spend their money on rather than producing so much excess and wastefulness.

photo via Patagonia

Patagonia is ahead of the game as it recently launched its Common Threads Initiative, which encourages customers to only buy what they need through their new Ebay online shop. The program promotes recycling and reduces consumption by asking customers to make a pledge to reuse and resell excess products. Patagonia is the first brand to really partner with their customers to control consumption and use the Ebay platform to increase environmental awareness and fight pollution.

photo via E! online

From fashion to the movies, the common theme all around is simplicity. This year's winner of the Cannes Film Festival, Drive, is everything and anything but moderate. With its beautiful and clean cinematography and limited dialogue, the film approaches minimalism from a different aspect by eliminating any extras and stunt doubles. Not only is the cast downsized, but so are the number of wardrobe changes. Whether dressed in a relaxed denim jacket or a bomber with a scorpion on the back, Gosling's character shines through. While very different from the overabundance associated with the movies, Drive does an excellent job of enticing the viewer and keeps us interested despite all the frugality. Like they say, quality over quantity!

photo via springwise.com

So maybe it’s about time we unplug and check in, but to reality. Marriott’s Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel has the right idea as they offer a package to digitally detox. Upon check-in, guests have an opportunity to de-stress by resigning all devices, including laptops and cell phones as they begin their revival from the sensory overloads of everyday life. To replace any technology withdrawals, accommodations include your pick of an array of classic literature as well as kayaking lessons. If this isn’t the best way to recharge your batteries then we don’t know what is!

As we shift from this notion of affordable fast fashion towards long lasting quality purchases, it is no longer about quantity, but a desire to have real substance in our lives. Instead, we strive to de-clutter unimportant ideas and things and focus on becoming more aware of the world around us. Maybe less really is more. Today, we challenge you to take a deep breath and disconnect!

Shop Til You Dance!

2011-09-22T16:39:00.000-04:00

For all you fashion culture fanatics out there, we at MBF Trend Consulting have been out and about to give you the rundown on all our favorite super chic happenings from parties to celebrity appearances, performances, and most importantly fun!

To kick off fashion week on Thursday, September 8th, the third annual Fashion’s Night Out was celebrated internationally as stores in 18 countries extended their hours to promote the retail industry and give shoppers an experience with a little extra pizzazz. From modern day disco dance parties to carnival inspired extravaganzas, a particular light, cheerful mood took over New York City. Even the weather was on our side as the dark, gloomy clouds held out just in time for the global fashion event to take over the city.

photo via: Racked NY

BG Best in Show
From catwalk to the dogwalk, Bergdorf Goodman reminded us that canine’s love fashion too! Their 2nd annual dog fashion show featured fashion designers and their pups including Joseph Altuazarra, Cushine et Ochs, Lela Rose, and the highlight of the night, Badgley Mischka’s two daschunds dressed in wedding gowns! Other fabulous highlights from Bergdorf’s include guest appearances galore by Jason Wu, Narciso Rodriguez, Thakoon, and Oscar de la Renta as well as a musical performance by Audrianna Cole. To check out more of the super cute doggie looks check out Bergdorf Goodman's blog!

video via: YouTube

Alexander Wang’s Talent Show
Not only is Alexander Wang an expert fashion designer, but now he can include to his accomplishments, a clever talent scout. His FNO festivities of choice included a daring talent show live from his store where he, and a panel of Glee’s Lea Michele and Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Hamish Bowles picked the winner. Contestants were chosen by sending him a 30-90 second video showcasing their best moves, with prizes that included fall bags and T products. America does have talent and apparently style too! Let’s also not forget to mention the $5,000 shopping spree giveaway that was rewarded from visiting his website during the month of September! Oh la la!

video via: YouTube

Macy’s Herald Square

Macy’s was the shopping destination for affordable fashion, live music, and a variety of celebrities and musicians alike. The fashion energy was in the air as guest appearances from the likes of editor Anna Dello Russo, model Karolina Kurkova, designers Rachel Roy and Tommy Hilfiger hit Macy’s red carpet. Bobbi Brown and her makeup team gave tutorials and talked with beauty enthusiasts while performances by Joss Stone and Samantha Ronson electrified the crowd!

photo via: Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony at the Ace Hotel
If FNO isn’t a total circus as it is, Opening Ceremony created one. Proclaimed El Mercado De Carnaval and inspired by the liveliness of Argentina, the fiesta featured everything from carnival games to tango performances and even a chat on Argentinean wine with Vogue’s Food Editor, Jeffrey Steingarten. However, this fashion funhouse was not like the rest with stands sponsored by fashion’s hottest, like Rodarte cotton candy, an Opening Ceremony x Muppets water pistol challenge, an Alexander Wang ski ball game among endless goodies by Pamela Love and Band of Outsiders, to name a few. Also who could forget, a special guest appearance by Miss Piggy herself!

photo via: Tiffany

Disco Night at Tiffany
From jewelry mecca to disco dance party, Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue Flagship took a turn in time to not only celebrate in FNO festivities but also take the opportunity to introduce the new Tiffany Era collection. As we see fashion forward trendsetters shifting to a 70’s inspired mindset, Tiffany takes the lead in the jewelry sector to bring forth bold, geometric pieces, which were sported by live models in the windows. As the rest of the store transformed into this 70’s styled disco ball, the spirit of FNO lived on with a Pop Art photo booth, special appearances by Tiffany designers, fashion presentations influenced by nonetheless 70’s style ethics, and a super swank musical performance by Gossip Girl fashionista, Leighton Meester.

Despite all the madness, we managed to photograph some of the fashion obsessed out and about in SoHo dressed in their best and ready to celebrate the spirit of fashion week. Here are some looks that grabbed our eye!

Marciano: Zara jacket and slacks, American Apparel shirt, vintage hat

Ashley: Vintage Escada blouse, H&M jeans, no label jacket, Chanel bag, Jeffrey Campbell boots

Kerri: Betsey Johnson dress

Dominic: Betsey Johnson top and vest

Adtresa: All vintage

While we had so much fun this year, word on the street is this may be the last Fashion's Night Out celebration. Has what started with the primary purpose to promote spending turned into one big out of control party? We guess we'll just have to wait until final word from FNO's creator herself, Anna Wintour. Let us know what you think, where you went, and what fabulous goodies you bought!

Falling For Fall

2011-09-16T18:40:00.005-04:00

Autumn in New York is one of the best time of year to witness the true beauty this City has to offer. With cooler temperatures and festive activities it’s the perfect time to experience a different side of New York City.

Today we offer you a fun-filled guide about what to look forward to in the upcoming weeks, as we transition from Summer into the crisp calm spirit of Fall!

photo via Time Out New York

Leaves Changing
What is Fall without watching the leaves change -- from a lively pigment of green to vibrant shades of crimson, amber, and marigold? The best part about Autumn (as our close cousins refer to it) in the City is the many places you can experience the varying hues of the season -- without ever leaving any of the five boroughs! Take a stroll through Central Park’s open meadow just below Belvedere Castle -- or to Prospect Park Lake to see plentiful rich maples in the midst of transition. Other great spots that really immerse you in nature are Fort Greene Park’s Tree Trail home to over 40 different species of plant life and Inwood Hill Park’s hiking trails. Also, with the Botanical Garden’s online foliage tracker you can detect from home when the leaves will hit their peak in autumnal hues before even planning your visit.

photo via New York Music Theatre Festival

New York Music Theatre Festival
For $20 the NYMT festival offers over thirty musicals, dance productions, concerts and special events in New York City's theatre district. From hip-hop to rock to dramas and comedies, don't miss out on this exciting annual three-week event that highlights new talents, artists, and productions to everyone's liking!

photo via Bard Graduate Center

Hats: An Anthology by Steven Jones
With more than 250 hats on display ranging from 12th century Egyptian to contemporary design, this exhibit showcases everything from motorcycle helmets to top hats, plastic tiaras, and of course hats worn by celebrities. Curated by British milliner Steven Jones, the hat collection seeks to educate and influence by showing the process of inspiration and creation as well as featuring contemporary NY milliners. Be sure to check out some of our favorite picks which include Estee Lauder’s turban, Babe Ruth’s baseball cap, and Elsa Schiaparelli’s shoe hat! As they say ... if the shoe fits, wear it!

photo via Jane's Carousel

Jane's Carousel
Looking for something affordable and lighthearted to do? Made in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Jane’s Carousel has been completely restored and opened to the public at Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO. For $2 you can ride a carousel that features 48 charming carved horses, 2 chariots while enjoying a fabulous view of the Brooklyn waterfront! With much of the original elements remaining it’s like taking a short, scenic ride into history.

photo via FIT Museum

Daphne Guinness Exhibition, FIT
Calling on all fashionistas! This week a special exhibition about one of the most profound style icons -- Daphne Guinness. This exhibit conveys her extreme personal style and couture collecting obsession of clothes and accessories -- from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Nina Ricci to name a few. As Valentino once said ... "life is a stage for Daphne". You don't want to miss the show!

photo via The New York Times

Fine-Tuning: A Fall Beauty Wish List
Autumn is the perfect time -- right smack in between a fun-filled Summer and the up-and-coming holiday craze -- to take some time for you self and rejuvenate. It's also a fabulous time to test out the newest and hottest beauty products hitting the market. Our Fall picks? To name a few M.E. Skinlab's new cleanser -- sold exclusively online; Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick and an absolute must ... Tribeca's Tenoverten Salon. This new nail haven has an entire wall displaying nail hues ranging from mossy greens to your staple pink and red shades and offers a large variety of rare and upscale polish brands like Chanel, NARS, RGB as well as our own personal favorite -- Uslu Airlines. Check it out, let us know which shades are your personal favorites for this Fall!

The World Gets Greener...

2011-09-07T18:12:00.000-04:00

As one of our core beliefs here at MBF Trend Consulting, environmental responsibility is a trend that we firmly believe in, and one that we expect to last and continue to see as an influential factor in all industries. From what we wear, what we eat, to how we get from one place to another, we have seen many new eco-friendly alternatives and are excited to see the green movement become a global, holistic effort.

Today, we highlight some of the most recent and influential ideas that are shaping today's culture. While in no particular order, here are some of our favorites!

video via: YouTube

Givmo.com
Most of us know what it feels like to clean out the closet each year and find piles of clothes, house gadgets, and other little knick-knacks we no longer want or need. Occasionally, we will take the time to drop it off at the nearest Salvation Army, but more times than not, we usually throw these things out or tuck it away somewhere deep down our closets, not wanting to deal with it.

The founders behind Givmo realized this frustration and unnecessary waste, and decided to actually do something about it. Like an online Goodwill with extra perks, Givmo allows people to upload photos of things that they want to give away, and people from all over the country can see your listings in an organized online shopping space. When someone decides that they want your item, he/she agrees to pay the shipping cost for you to mail it to them. For your convenience, Givmo will provide the shipping label and your item can be dropped off or picked up by your local UPS courier. And what's even better, Givmo will donate $1 to charity for every item donated on their site. Considering both eco and social responsibility, Givmo is an easy and creative new way to give away (or find) free stuff.

photo via: Springwise

Ze O Ze
Five pairs in one, Israeli industrial designer Daniela Bekerman's "ze o ze" shoe (translated as 'this or that' in Hebrew) transforms into five uniquely different styles. Using modular attachments, the plain flat shoe transforms to a brogue-inspired lace-up, a Mary Jane kitten-heel, or a casual strappy sandal. Fit to adjust a wide range of multiple occasions, the smartly designed shoe uses less material, produces less waste, and is a great buy for those with a tight budget. With the varying styles all at the price of one, this shoe definitely gives you your money's worth.

photo via: PackWebAsia

Proctor & Gamble

Last May, Proctor & Gamble announced the launch of their Supplier Environmental Sustainability Scorecard and rating process. As their next step to environmental sustainability, the scorecard was designed as a holistic effort to encourage P&G's suppliers and partners to track down their total environmental footprint and work collaboratively in becoming more environmentally sustainable. Earlier this month, P&G announced that it is extending their scorecard to another 200 of it's current 400 top suppliers with goals to improve it's corporate environmental performance. As P&G works with a wide range of industries all across the globe, including packaging, logistics, manufacturing, chemicals, and financial services, this sustainability scorecard program will make huge, lasting impacts in many areas.

photo via: NY Times

Hess Surfboards

The story behind the San Francisco surfboard company Hess Surfboards is truly as inspiring as the owner himself, Danny Hess. A former building contractor, Hess is a keen surfer who loved surfing but hated the fact that most surfboards are made of non-recyclable materials and must constantly be replaced. Combining his passion for surfing and his life philosophy of being thoughtful about your resources, Hess quit his job and devoted himself full-time to creating environmentally friendly and long-lasting surfboards made from reclaimed and sustainably harvested wood, recycled cork, and nontoxic and recyclable foam. Handcrafted at his California studio, each board is made with the utmost respect and love. Check out his blog to see his latest products!

photo via: AHA Life

S'well Bottle

Style meets function with S'well's stainless steel water bottle. Made with the highest quality stainless steel, the bottle is designed to keep cold beverages cold and hot beverage hot - for hours. Because the bottle is insulated, there is also never wet condensation on the outside. Perfectly sized to fit into car and stroller cup holders, S'well bottles are ideal for people who are always on-the-go. It's also easy to clean and toxin-free, making it a convenient, chic, and eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. In addition, S'well donates 10% of net sales to WaterAid, an NGO that provides access to safe drinking water in the world's poorest areas. Coming in 4 different colors, S'well bottles make a perfect gift for friends or loved ones. Buy yours here!

photo via: Telegraph

Esprit RCA Limited Edition

A brand with 40 years of heritage, Esprit makes a comeback by teaming up with the Royal College of Art to create 'Esprit RCA Limited Edition'. In a two year design collaboration, Esprit and RCA created a capsule collection, incorporating sustainable fashion design, and selected three students from the competition for their winning designs. Reworked by the company's in-house design team, the collection includes 15 pieces and will be on sale in selected Esprit shops at the end of September. From large-scale, chunky knits, palazzo pants, and dip-dyed draped jersey tops, the collection is young, fresh, and right on trend.

photo via: Replenish

Replenish

Looking for a non-toxic yet effective household cleaner may sometimes be difficult to find. However, with Replenish's Ultra Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleanser, you not only get a safe (even drinkable) cleaner, the bottle is also long-lasting and reusable, with a patented concentrate mixing and delivery system.

Each bottle is designed to last up to 3 years with enough concentrate pod at the bottom of the bottle to make 4 bottles worth of cleaner. Simply add your own water, mix, and Replenish will automatically add just the right amount of concentrate to make your cleaning spray. With this innovative design, Replenish has set a goal of eliminating 1 billion bottles from landfills and 1 billion pounds of chemicals out of the environment.

photo via: Ecouterre

McDonald's 100% Closed-Loop Recycled Uniforms

McDonald's may not be one of the first companies we think of when it comes to sustainability, but when we heard about their new eco-friendly uniforms, we were all pleasantly surprised. Worn Again, a resource efficiency business that upcycles corporate textile waste into new products, is partnering with British designers Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway to create a closed-loop system, taking old uniforms and reprocessing them into raw materials for new ones with zero waste. Working with Alexandra, a leading uniform manufacturer, this collaborative project is a young, innovative way to think about sustainability in a broader aspect. The uniforms are expected to be revealed just in time for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. It is planned that employees of the Olympic Park restaurants will be the first to wear the new uniforms. After the games, the outfits will make their debut all across the 1,200 restaurants in the UK. And hopefully, it doesn't end there as we'd love to see this change make their way across the Atlantic.

photo via: Inhabitat

Brooklyn Grange

Who would have thought that the world's largest rooftop farm is located right here in the bustling city of NYC? Brooklyn Grange is a 40,000 square foot elevated organic garden located on top of a six-story warehouse built by Bromley Caldari Architects. Grown by urban farmers, the rooftop cultivates 40 various fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, fennel, kale, beets, carrots, and a variety of herbs. While it's first farm is located in Long Island City Queens, their goal is to put more farms on roofs throughout New York and beyond, growing more food and improving the overall quality of life in the city. The Brooklyn Grange hopes to reconnect it's city dwellers to its farms and farmers by improving the local's access to good, healthy food. If you live in the city, click here to learn how you can get involved.

September MBF Favorite Picks

2011-09-01T11:13:00.000-04:00

photo via: NY Times

For this month's MBF's Favorite Picks, we head South to one of the world's most exciting countries: Brazil. With emerging markets in finance, fashion, real estate, and culture, this South American country is making headlines with natives returning back to their homeland, as well as various industry insiders from all over the world. While most parts of the world are facing financial downslides, Brazil's unemployment is at historic lows as the country is now one of the biggest buyers of United States Treasury securities, taking a sharp turn from where the country was heading only 30 years ago. This week, let's take a look at some of the latest news highlighting what makes this country such a hot destination.

photo via: NY Times

1. Comedy Central Goes to Brazil
While the American-based television network Comedy Central has already established itself as a global network with channels in countries such as Britain, Poland, Israel, and New Zealand, this year, the network finally makes its debut in Brazil. With 200 million people, this is a giant stepping stone for the network as it is not only their largest overseas market, but also their first venture in Latin America.

However, this comes as no surprise as comedy is booming in Brazil due to a new generation of comedians and a growing number of entertained fans. The Brazilian comedian Rafinha Bastos is leading the way for his home country as he was also recently named the most influential person in the Twitter universe. Mixing currently existing popular American TV shows like The Colbert Report and The Daily Show With John Stewart, the network also plans to hire native writers and editors to cater to the Brazilian culture. Furthermore, since the economy is booming, the market for cable TV is rising, making it the perfect time to launch the channel.

photo via: W Magazine

2. "USAnatomy" by Steven Klein
Photographer and W contributor Steven Klein's new exhibition "USAnatomy" kicked off earlier this month for Brazilian society. Curated by Chico Lowndes at the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture in Sao Paulo, the attendees were invited to witness 30 rarely seen Polaroids, including the legendary July 2005 issue of W, featuring the celebrity couple, Brad and Angelina. The show will run till August 28 as part of the annual IGUATEMI photo series.

photo via: Coach

3. Retailers Expand Into Brazil
With a growing number of middle-class, retailers are all geared toward capturing the attention of the growing Brazilian market. Carrefour claims that Brazil is an important motor for their growth as the country became the retailer's second largest market in terms of sales during the first quarter of this year.

In addition, the NY-based handbag and accessory brand Coach took a smart move and extended its retail stores into Brazil. Expected to launch it's first stores in São Paulo within the next twelve months, Coach has been eyeing the country for the last year before finally signing a deal with Aste Group, enabling it to expand into freestanding stores in local shopping centers. As the economy is rapidly developing, Coach hopes to catch the attention of the "growing aspirational consumer" and believes that their brand will strongly resonate with the Brazilian market. The trend-based fast fashion retailer Topshop/Topman will also enter Brazil in February or March, as one of their several new global ventures.

photo via: Vandalog

4. Beco do Batman
In order to find the best graffiti of São Paulo, locals recommend you take a walk down the colorful walls of Beco do Batman "Batman's Alley" located in Rua Goncalo Alfonso. Originally just a typical narrow alleyway, artists have brought new life to these streets and turned them into an open-air gallery. While there are some that have remained for long periods, there are always new illustrations popping up each week, making it an evolving art space.

photo via: WWD

5. Myla Launches Swimwear in Brazil
When it comes to swimwear, Brazilians are the expert. Therefore, it's no surprise that British lingerie label Myla is revamping it's swimwear line in collaboration with Brazilian designer Amir Slama, the cofounder of the swim label Rosa Cha. Launching it's Cruise 2012 collection in November, the 60-piece collection includes a wide assortment, from both sleek and simple to elaborate and glamorous. Staying true to Myla's design sense, the styles are all about making women feel confident in their own bodies, designed with supporting structure to sculpt the body. All designs will be manufactured in Brazil, where Slama oversees the process.

photo via: The Rio Times

6. The "Bus Rapid System"

Since the bus is the most common form of transportation in the bustling cities of Brazil, local commuters were thrilled earlier this month on the inauguration of the "Bus Rapid System," taking full effect in Leblon and Ipanema beginning August 20th. With this new system, buses can ride faster and more efficiently, cutting traffic time and reducing congestion. Of the 55 lines that are currently operating in Ipanema, fifty are planned to be included in the BRS system, with five lines no longer operating. As the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games are slowly approaching, Rio de Janeiro is quickly on it's way in upgrading it's infrastructure.

photo via: TechEBlog

7. The Laranjeiras Residence
Real estate has skyrocketed in Brazil and this house in Rio de Janeiro is a true gem. Called the Laranjeiras Residence, the home features an open box design, meaning that "it was built around the natural surroundings." Using it's landscape to enhance the layout, the concept of the design gives the feeling of freedom within the space. Using large windows, wide openings, high ceilings, and large open rooms, this is an extravagant seasonal vacation house.

Last Days of Summer.....

2011-08-24T10:13:00.000-04:00

As we approach the end of summer, we leave you with streetstyle photos from some of the most fashion-forward cities in Europe. Photographed by Linzi in collaboration with MBF, these trendsetters showcase their seriously cool summer style on the streets of Amsterdam, Budapest, Berlin, and Reykjavik!

Susan, Fashion Designer, Amsterdam

Maison Scotch top, vintage jacket, Fred de la Bretoniere bag, Sacha shoes, G-Star jeans

Loraine, Student, Amsterdam

American Apparel jacket, Denim Co. top, H&M pants, Asics shoes, bag handmade by a friend

Luus, Amsterdam

Zara skirt, vintage shoes, Brown Paper Bag purse

Julian, Fashion Buyer for Liganova GMBH, Berlin

Nina, Fashion Blogger: Nina Im Wonderland, Berlin

Vintage shoes and dress, French Connection hat

On the streets of Reykjavik

Anna, Budapest

H&M sweater, Hunter boots, vintage jeans, Mango top, Louis Vuitton bag, Urban Outfitters headphones

Yamit, Sales Associate at Seacret, Budapest

Dgani knit shawl

No Rules

2011-08-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

We are living in a period where the term "new" is constantly being evolved. As technology speeds up the time it takes to develop new ideas and products, there is always another version or another upgrade for something. Evolution is constant in all aspects and people in all industries are seeing the rippling effects.

Today, for example, there are a dozen new shopping experiences, new terminologies, new occupations and degrees, and new dining experiences. Our lifestyles are constantly being adjusted as these new concepts slowly become integrated into our day to day lives. We sometimes hardly notice the change as we are always eager and ready to embrace whatever is the latest, the fastest, and the best. There are no such things as rules here, and we can only imagine where the future will lead us.

As new ideas and commodities are constantly being explored, today's blog post presents a few of the most interesting and latest ideas we've seen yet. Perhaps they may sound a bit absurd at first, but we are sure to bet that in time, these once perceived "new" ideas will be just another familiar concept.

photo via: NY Times

Opening this Friday in the Soho district of Manhattan, mass retailer Nordstrom unveils it's latest shop concept called Treasure & Bond. Less than a tenth the size of a typical Nordstrom department store, the boutique is unlike any other in that the profits are completely dedicated to supporting charities. Rotating charities once every three months, their first year recipients include the New York Public Library's programs for youths and The Edible Schoolyard NYC. The details of how much it has raised is planned to be noted in their website.

Considering that there is not yet a full-fledged Nordstrom department store in Manhattan, this shop will also act as an experiment for the company to figure out the New York market and test products before opening the store. More catered to the downtown girl, clothes are in avant-garde silhouettes in muted colors and a range of merchandise is carefully selected, choosing products that are hard to find like old re-dyed Afghan kilim rugs and shoes made of Tyvek. The creators of the store are eager to test the boundaries of how much variety can be sold here. While it has always been assumed that a shop is always "for profit," a concept that is all about giving back brings a whole new definition.

photo via: PSFK

Another boutique in the Netherlands also brings a fresh new spin to what is considered a "shop" in that the store rejects money as currency. A pop-up 'time store' called Time/Bank in Maastricht, Netherlands allows groups and individuals to trade their time and labour for products. Open till October 2, 2011, the store is an extension of a sustainable design exhibition, "Re-Action! Sustainability through Social Innovation."

photo via: Neiman Marcus

And while we are still in the topic of shopping, Christian Louboutin's latest slingback shoe "Ecotrash" has come to our attention - and possibly for all the wrong reasons. While we are a bit hesitant to agree with Louboutin that this shoe is "eco-conscious" with it's python skin and and PVC coating, the $1,095.00 shoe is composed entirely of "trash." Using leftover thread, postage stamps, sequins, and fabric swatches from past seasons, the shoe is a true example of the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." This perfectly exemplifies that there really is no limit to what kind of material one can use, and considering the price tag of this heel, luxury is truly being redefined.

photo via: TechCrunch

Due to the high demands of living in a fast-paced society, there is also a new value of time and money. SXSW's latest must-have app Zaarly allows you to get what you want from your local community in real time. A buyer-driven concept, Zaarly solves an individual's need in a time frame that they need it in. Challenging the notion of how much people will pay to get it in a desired time, this app is all about instant gratification in a hyper-local experience. While the payment method and technical issues are still being worked out, this is a concept that we are excited to come in fruition. Having gone from an LA Startup Weekend winner to 1 million in funding in less than 3 weeks, Zaarly is off to a great beginning, completely revolutionizing convenience and a genuine experience of instant gratification.

Last but definitely not least, one of our favorite new ideas is Puma's latest shopping bag. Expected to completely phase out its traditional plastic shopping bag, the shoe maker plans to begin using a 100% biodegradable alternative made from cornstarch. While the bag is able to decompose after 3 months in a home compost pile, the customer can also degrade the bag themselves in less than 3 minutes by simply dissolving the bag under a bowl of warm water. Saving 192 tons of plastic and 293 tons of paper per year, these new bags are a fun and downright innovative way to be eco-friendly. This remarkable concept allows everyday people to take part in the experience of reducing waste, encouraging consumers to really think about being environmentally conscious.

This concludes our blog post for today. Feel free to leave a comment as we'd love to hear what you think!

The Musical Hybrid

2011-08-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

Collaboration and integration are key trends not only within the fashion industry, but relevant in all businesses and professional fields. One of the latest shifts in the music world, for example, is the development of a multi-media experience, pairing visuals, music, fashion and art, to create an interactive sensory-stimulating experience for the audience. Creating what we call a “musical hybrid,” music has become more than just a song and is used more and more as a compliment to multiple media outlets, resulting in more intensified expressions of particular feelings or emotions.

photo via: Met Museum

Case in point, one of this year’s most popular fashion exhibit, Alexander McQueen’s retrospective “Savage Beauty” hosted by the MET, was not only a display of the designer’s hand crafts, but a multi-sensory experience incorporating video, sound, and technology. John Gosling, McQueen’s longtime music supervisor, assisted in pairing the clothes in the exhibition with the music that Gosling originally played as they went down the runway. Capturing the exact mood McQueen envisioned when displaying his collections, Bjork’s “Frosti” plays alongside dresses in the “Romantic Exoticism” and “Atlantis” plays in the background to the spring/summer 2010 “Plato’s Atlantis” collection. Because music was so integral to McQueen’s work, the musical element of the exhibit gives the audience a fuller experience in understanding the designer’s creative visions.

video via: StyleList

It is no surprise that music has always been influential to fashion designers, and vice versa. In addition to McQueen, many other various designers have shared their love for particular musicians and bands, and their interests are sometimes recognizable through their collections. Appealing to the YouTube generation, rising fashion designer Prabal Gurung has taken it a step further and decided to present his first ever resort wear in an unexpected platform: a music video. Collaborating with Baltimore dance-rap artist Rye Rye, Gurung launched his resort line with his music video aptly entitled "New Thing." The entire video was inspired by the collection, and as Rye Rye was the muse, her presence, music, and personal style brought out the collection in an entirely new, attractive way to Gurung's customers and YouTube fans.

photo via: PSFK

Similarly, conceptually driven Icelandic singer-songwriter, Bjork, also released her new album “Biophilla” not as a traditional CD or iTunes track, but as an iPhone and iPad application. Taking advantage of Apple’s capabilities, each track is downloaded individually to present its own set of experiences. The first track “Crystalline,” for example, includes a game, the music score, a visual graphic experience for the track and extensive sleeve notes. Each song is set apart, not only by it’s musical notes, but by it’s supporting counterparts, to truly allow each track to have it’s own voice. This new album is in many ways, a leading innovation in today’s current music world, allowing traditional content to be experienced in unlikely ways that extend beyond the conventional.

photo via: Behance

Even the sports industry is tapping into the musical world, with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music company, and Billabong, the world’s leading outdoor sports lifestyle company, forming a strategic, global brand partnership. Bringing together music and action, the two companies will unite the world’s leading artists with equally renowned athletes. Their list of collaborations include live events, music compliations, sports and music merchandise, digital download offers, preloaded audio/visual hardware, streaming radio and TV, and a dedicated music service. By working together, these two leading businesses can even more powerfully break into today's current youth culture and entertainment industry by providing new, exciting experiences.

photo via: Erica Glyn

Ending on a more personal note, we at MBF Trend Consulting were most inspired to write this post by the recent record launch event of musician, composer, and producer, Erica Glyn. Debuting her latest album "Static," Glyn collaborated with filmmaker and video artist, Laia Cabrera (whom we mentioned in our previous posts). Hosted at Flux Studios, a recording studio in NYC's East Village, the entire record was played first-hand on a high-quality studio sound system to a selected live audience.

video via: YouTube

Laia Cabrera and animator/ installation-maker Isabelle Duverger created a cinematic atmosphere to compliment Glyn's music. The three have been collaborating for many years, incorporating and enhancing each other's work. Together, they have crafted a special skill of bringing a profound musical and visual moment that truly penetrates the audience members, leaving the crowd speechless and mesmorized. Erica Glyn's new album is written, recorded, and produced solely by the artist, with contributions from a collection of well-respected artists. For more info on purchasing the album, please click here.

Overall, we believe that synergy is key in moving forward in all industry sectors, whether it be music, fashion, sports, etc. Through collaborative efforts and ideas exchanged between traditionally non-related parties, innovation is born and new experiences and products are developed. We are excited to see how the music industry will continue to grow as technology and new ideas are always being pushed and explored.

August MBF Picks Special Edition: Berlin Fashion Week "Round Up" 2nd Edition

2011-08-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

It was a pleasure to join all of our colleagues at Berlin's Fashion week and in particular to be in Berlin as a "visitor". Everywhere we were "welcomed" with great service -- always rendered with a smile. Berlin is finally coming into it's own and it's a delight! It is recognized as a fashion metropolis and it is continuously adding to its cadre of well-attended trade shows. As always, our visit was too short with way too much to see and too little time. Here are our favorite picks from our five-day Berlin whirlwind visit!

FASHION

Von Schwanenfluegelpupke

Eleonore von Schwanenflügel and Stephanie Pupke are two fashion designers who met in 2005 at the Potsdam based Label Wunderkind by Wolfgang Joop. Since then, the two have combined their knowledge and expertise in accessories and ready to wear garments for their own collection. Their vision began in 2009 when they both decided to extend their experiences as freelance designers based in Berlin and Paris. The two have always been driven by the potency
of oppositions in their work: Beets and beans printed onto finest silk foulards create a translation of a self-evident and common context through a bourgeois and elegant expression of form to a recent view on products. The designers contemporary conception allows a connection of disciplines through cooperations with artists, stylists and partners. It retains mainly the idea of a custom fashion label – VONSCHWANENFLÜGELPUPKE.

video via: YouTube

Frida Weyer
First time showcasing a variety of ready to wear pieces, Frida Weyer presented her Spring/Summer 2012 collection aptly named "City Fever" at the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week location at Brandenburg Gate. Recognized for her ethereal and feminine silk dresses, the models looked like they were almost floating on the catwalk. We especially loved the prints that were especially made by the designer for this collection.

Haikure
Valuing transparency, respect of the environment, and sustainability, Haikure is a new ecosustainable brand born under CS Jeans, a leading manufacture of jeans since 1981. Using the QRCode technology, each pair of jeans can be tracked down: from the certified organic cotton to the laboratory where it was processed and up to the producers of each trim and those who are in charge of the different treatments. Partnering with Made-By, the European non-profit organization supports Haikure's environmental and social standards and in validating the transparency of the entire production process. Their latest FW season includes denim bottoms and a variety of shirts, blouses, undershirts, and jackets in organic cotton, cashmere, and merino wool.

HANNA felting
Using local raw natural fabrics, HANNA felting is a true believer of the Slow Fashion Movement. The designer Hanna Petursdottir works closely with local artisans in eastern Iceland who hand work wool that is locally sourced from free-grazing sheep in the mountains and fjords of Iceland. The artisans combine the wool with cotton and knits to create truly unique and natural fabrics. Each piece in her collection reveals the exciting process of the design, making clothes that are both wearable and innovative.

Andreas Murkudis
We heard through the grapevine that Andreas Murkudis is moving his shops from the commercially popular Mitte to the quieter part of Potsdamer Strasse. Situated in a huge loft-like space, we were delighted to find a perfectly curated selection of design objects, fashion, interior design, beauty products, and books.

Interviewing the man behind it all, Andreas Murkudis, our Creative Director and Founder, Manuela Fassbender, gets a one-on-one interview to share with our readers:

Andreas: The idea is to sell products you cannot easily find anywhere, but products that excite people and make one really feel the intensive labour of work that went in making them. Of course we have collections like Celine and Balenciaga, but we also have a lot of products which are handcrafted and are produced in small editions which you hardly can find anywhere, like our hand knitted kids cardigans from Hohgant made in small villages of Switzerland by older women who make these after hours, after they milked their cows. They do it out of passion. Or, a friend of ours, Christoph Keller, who is doing “Schnaps” called Staehlemuehle. He bought a house at the Bodensee with the right to distill and creates amazing “Schnaps” and tells you where the berries he’s using are coming from using beautiful bottles. You can feel again that there is somebody with passion creating something with quality.

The idea is also to be in the courtyard again in this new location as we were in the old location at Muenzstrasse. We want to have the time to explain and tell the story about each product. One cannot just say: “Here is a vase by Nymphenburg and it costs $3000.” It is no justification to just say it’s cool. One needs to explain to our costumers who is Nymphenburg and how it is produced. I want to infect our clients with what I have in me. This is the idea. And it actually works since 80% of our clientele are our loyal shoppers who come to our location and love to listen to each story. Part of this is, of course, that our co-workers have the knowledge having been at the production sites of Nymphenburg and seeing the production process of many of our products. It is the constant search for special products. It is important for us to go with these brands, not only into the width of it's variety, but also into the depth of the products. For example, I initiated a project with artist Olaf Nicolai who then did a 1.5 year long collaboration with Nymphenburg. This is an example that what we do is more than just about selling a product.

Manuela: Yes –you want to tell a story. The product has a soul. We are talking about the “new client” – they ask questions, they want to know where things are produced, and they want to hear the story behind it.

Andreas: Exactly. What is also important is that one can write down on a small piece of paper all the names of the coworkers who work in these small companies. Ludwig Reiter has more or less 30 people. It is fun to know who they are or to meet them once in awhile. That connects us and we can do special projects with them or a special collection. This is also true with the Dries van Noten project, which was their first time doing such a project with a store. They created 5 identical dresses in 5 different sizes for us. Then Dries pulled the most beautiful fabrics from their inventory from 2005 to 2011. Every roll had to be measured, swatches had to be created. And we have sold already 3-5 dresses and the people are happy. Dries also said the dress should not be more expensive than any other dress out of his collection even so the time and effort is very individual. It is not being made in Italy, but in Belgium hand made. The customer has a one of a kind dress. Once there is no more fabric, we just leave the empty roll. This project will continue till September 2011. I feel very honored that Dries is doing this. Although I’ve only worked with Dries for 2.5 years, he’s offered that to me.

Manuela: It is a bit like building a community, right?

Andreas: Yes, we have a great relationship. I also say it is important that I like the people I work with. At one point I decide to work with certain brands and stick with them, even if the turnover/sales at times is going down. I do not think it is just about the turnover. I love to work with companies who are innovative and show quality work. It is cross-pollination for all sides. We recently worked intensively with e15, collaborating with Stefan Diez and my brother, Kostas Murkudis. Stefan Diez designed the chair and my brother created a new color concept.

Manuela: Thank you for this opportunity to talk with you.

Sakina Paris
Since 1998, fashion designer Sakina M'sa has been moderating "Cultural Mediation" workshops in disenfranchised neighborhoods on the theme of clothing and identity. Through these workshops, she employs and trains women and men in difficult situations to inspire them and give them hope for a future. More recently, the designer was part of an exhibition in January at the Museum of Art and Design of New York.

BEAUTY

photo via: Uslu Airlines

Uslu Airlines
Mentioned several times in our previous posts, Uslu Airlines is always up to something interesting! Launching their sixth DJ-nail polish "DUS" (Düsseldorf) by Loco Dice, this new polish is a pale lilac, named with the airport code DUS for Düsseldorf, hometown of the curating DJ Loco Dice. As the nail polish is inspired by a DJ, make sure you check out their free downloadable "Uslu Airlines Nail Mix" by Loco Dice.

DINING

Pret a Diner
This year, Pret a Diner had a fabulous location right along the Spree River in Berlin. With an open bar and an outdoor lounge area and restaurant, it was the perfect spot for the hot summer nights. Between the cocktails, food, and a great company of friends in an amazing view, Pret a Diner was a great place to end the evenings!

Lastly, congratulations to everyone at Bread and Butter for their 10 year anniversary! The show was fabulous!

video via: Vimeo

And that's a wrap for today. If you were in Berlin for all it's festivities, we'd love to hear from you too. Tell us your favorite picks, as we always love to hear from our readers. Until next time everyone!

Consumers Take the Lead

2011-07-26T12:48:00.000-04:00

As technology has greatly increased the speed of information of new ideas and products, companies are always on the hunt of reinventing themselves in new and exciting ways in order to stay relevant to their audience. More and more, brands are adapting to the needs of their customers, and the power of the consumer has increased tremendously thanks to various social media outlets and the rising popularity of user review/recommendation sites. The latest branding and marketing strategies today are more aware of consumers' interests, and furthermore, new business ideas have emerged, solely based on responding to consumers' needs.

Today, we highlight several of the latest trends in branding and marketing across various industries. While each company may offer completely different ideas, all have provided a truly unorthodox approach to growing their business. So in no particular order, let's have a look!

video via: Nike +1 from Kunal Kshirsagar on Vimeo

1. Nike +1
Since technology and social media are two of the biggest influencers today, it is no wonder Nike's latest concept, Nike +1, is a perfect example of what people are looking for. Designed to motivate your run while also finding you a running partner, Nike +1 uses a Bluetooth chip in your shoe to alert other runners nearby. With an option of either "Push" or "Steady", the program pairs you up with either faster or similar speed runners. If there is a match, you are alerted and can invite the person to join you on your run. If accepted, you can also sync your playlists so you both listen to the same music. To encourage their customers, the Nike+ program also offers discounts on Nike products and free +1 playlists. For the most part, social media has largely been feasible only through the Internet. Nike +1, however, takes things to the next level where you can get fit outdoors while also meeting new people.

photo via: Ecouterre

2. Ethical sneaker label Jojo uses Carrier Pigeons
We are all aware how much environmental responsibility has been on every company's mind lately. While many have adopted to using eco-friendly materials or changed their production systems, Brussel-based ethical sneaker label Jojo showcases a very different, and utterly unique, response in their way of being eco-conscious. As a way of reducing their carbon foot print, Jojo introduces their latest mode of transportation: carrier pigeons.

Recognizing that pigeons are known to have excellent memory, the two founders Christoph Nagel and Matthieu Vaxelaire, worked with a pigeon fancier to train a selected group of pigeons to practice carrying the shoe boxes and memorizing customers' homes to make their special delivery. While this may not be the typical delivery system, without a doubt, the pigeons offer an unforgettable experience to the customer that make shoe shopping that much more exciting. Furthermore, each purchase helps plant trees or access to clean water through their partnership with non-profit organizations, Tree-Nation and The Water Project.

photo via: Opening Ceremony

3. Kenzo Appoints Humberto Leon and Carol Lim as Creative Directors
These days, one doesn't have to follow the traditional design route to become the next big designer. Effective July 2011, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, founders of the fashion and retail concept Opening Ceremony, will be the Creative Directors of Paris-based brand Kenzo and debut their first collection this fall. While there have been many celebrity-come-designers, Leon and Lim are a pair that really know what the next generation is looking for. Having founded their retail shop in 2002, the two currently hold successful boutiques in New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, as well as an e-commerce site. Always ready to embrace the new, they have been quick to adapt to the changing market and started fresh collaborative ideas way before many others with top brands including Rodarte, Maison Martin Margiela, and Chloe Sevigny. Knowing what customers want and aware of the best ways to communicate, Lim and Leon are strong candidates that may hold the secret to turning around and revitalizing this iconic brand.

photo via: NY Times

4. Opinion-based Customer Service
"Listen to your customers" is an old and true adage in the business world. However, how we listen has become entirely different. With the help of feedback-management companies like OpinionLab and Q.R. codes on product labels, companies have a whole new approach to hearing what their customers have to say. With the help of the Internet, companies are easily able to capture customer comments and digitally file them in order to be analyzed. With the ability to sort by types of complaints, customer name, or a period of time, small and large businesses alike are able to take the information, see their current problems, and identify the main issues that they need to work on at a fairly low price.

For example, Great Clips, a nationwide chain of hair salons, found that their number one reason of losing customers is due to the wait. Using the information collected from their customer responses, they introduced an online check-in option through their web site, allowing customers to check current wait times at nearby Great Clips outlets in order to find the fastest, and most convenient location. Lynn Milos, founder of Culinary Twist, also learned through her customer feedback, that most people were not familiar with some of the ingredients, such as tamarind or dates. With this information, she decided to change how she described the flavor of the product so it was more easily understood to her customers.

video via: Quirky Manifesto from Quirky on Vimeo

5. Quirky.com
Self-described as a "social product development company," Quirky.com virtually allows anyone to propose a new product idea that can eventually be sold to the public. 23-year-old Ben Kaufman, the founder and brainchild of the site, recognized at an early age that anybody can come up with a great idea. Creator of Mophie, a popular brand of iPhone and iPod products, and Bevy, an iPod case that includes a keychain and bottle opener, Kaufman learned the importance of collaboration and innovation, but envisioned a greater possibility through a technological platform.

Through Quirky, anyone can submit an idea and receive feedback from their site's existing community. Each week, the one with the most votes is nominated to go into further development for actual production. Allowing the community to continue influencing the product idea, the site's users help refine the product until it is complete. After there is a certain number of pre-orders, Quirky is fully responsible in manufacturing and selling the product. Once the sale begins, each person who played a role in its development earns a percentage of the profit for his or her contribution. Only six months old, Quirky holds 13,000 active members, and already produced 30 products, ranging from gadgets, computer accessories, housewares, and toys.

Kavita Parmar and The IOU Project

2011-07-19T16:41:00.000-04:00

photo via: IOU Project

One of the highlights at this Summer's Berlin Fashion Week was the pleasure of meeting Kavita Parmar, Creative Director and Co-founder of the IOU Project. We'd already heard about the IOU Project back in New York; so as you can imagine, we were more than thrilled at the opportunity of a one-on-one interview. What stood out is how passionate Kavita is about her work -- it was so inspiring that we wanted to share this with you! Interviewed by Manuela Fassbender, Creative Director and Founding Partner of MBF Trend Consulting, we share our special interview with Kavita Parmar and how she got started with IOU. Enjoy!

Manuela Fassbender: How and when did you start the IOU Project? What was your motivation?

Kavita Parmar: This Project grew out of my frustration as a designer with the current fashion system that I felt did not nurture "BIG Design" - not just making things pretty but truly designing the eco system around their production and make it sustainable, nor did it protect excellent craftsmanship or artisanship. It had turned into a race to make things faster and cheaper, not better. So about one and a half years ago we decided to do a small experiment in our flagship store in Madrid creating a collection which was made keeping in mind the needs of the artisans, myself, and at the same time creating a unique product that would give the client something really well crafted just for them.

photo (above): Kavita Parmar

Manuela Fassbender: What is your background and how did it lead you to this project?

Kavita Parmar: Like I mention above, I am a clothing designer and have two brands that I design and produce for the past 10 years, Raasta and Suzie Wong. Working on those collections through the traditional fashion cycle, I realized that it was a race to make things quicker with shorter shelf lives and hence, with bigger margins which was a frustrating exercise personally. I have worked extensively with artisans for both the Raasta and Suzie Wong collections and I had lived first hand the difficulties that artisans in Europe and India were facing trying to compete with cheaper mechanised production. Yes, we were making things cheaper but, we were also loosing age old techniques and making them without doubt of lesser quality. This experience and wanting to do something about it lead to the birth of the IOU Project.

Manuela Fassbender: What brought you to Berlin and to the Bread and Butter Show?

Kavita Parmar: We were invited by the organizers of Bread and Butter Berlin to put up a POP UP SHOP Experience here at the Tempelhof airport. They are very supportive of the new emerging ideas and loved the philosophy behind the project and have supported us whole heartedly.

Manuela Fassbender: Do you see a change in the consumer who is shopping with a more conscious approach? Who are your customers?

Kavita Parmar: You and I -- normal people from all walks of life. I definitely believe that there is a shift in the consumption pattern. We have become very aware of the scarcity of resources and the loss of authenticity due to mass production and consumption. The rise of vintage shopping is a clear example of this trend. People are looking to express themselves, their individuality, and their point of view on the world. Look at the number of new blogs created each day. The exciting part is that now we have the technology to be able to do that.

photo via: IOU Project

Manuela Fassbender: The IOU project has been referred to as a ‘movement’, with a business model that fosters true transparency and authenticity. Do you think other commercial companies will follow suit?

Kavita Parmar: I certainly hope so. We are a for profit organization and I like to think of us as a proof of concept. I believe we have all been doing our accounting wrong and it is time to clean up the books and take into account the real costs: loss of skills and job options, harm to the environment by consuming and producing without regard, lack of decent working conditions for many factory workers around the globe...I think these are big costs that we are ignoring and we cannot do so any more. If we were to really account for all this we would realize that what we think as cheap in fact comes at a very high cost.
Transparency is fundamental to put forth these ideas. We do believe that we need to know and be aware of how we affect other people and the environment by our actions and what we can do to make things better for us and others. We need to start taking personal responsibility.

Manuela Fassbender: Currently IOU is successful with women, men’s, and unisex apparel; will the initiative expand into other markets such as children’s wear, home goods, or accessories?

Kavita Parmar: We already have a shoe line making its debut this month and of course we are working on more accessories and home goods for Thanksgiving.

photo via: IOU Project

Manuela Fassbender: How can consumers and advocates of the IOU Project stay engaged? Tell us more about your e-commerce initiatives and “virtual trunk shows”.

Kavita Parmar: We are very active in our relationships with our clients on line. We want engage in a real dialogue with them and have had a tremendous feedback from them in this short time that we have been live since mid May. In less than 2 months we have over 1 million citations on Google and over 260,000 blog posts mentioning the IOU Project. It is evident that we have touched a nerve.
Our clients are our brand ambassadors . We have gone a step further and created the Trunk Show Host platform on line to further engage and share with them. Anyone who is interested in the project can have their own unique Trunk show on our website with no monetary cost to them. All they need is a Facebook and a paypal account. They get to dig through our inventory virtually and select their very own IOU products. Since all IOU Pieces are unique, they have a completely unique Trunk Show which they can very easily share with their friends and followers on Facebook , Twitter, blogs or other social media. Any sale on these pieces generates a 20% revenue for them the first week, 15% the second week and 12.5% the third week. They can go back to the inventory and restock and exchange their selection at anytime. So they can make money by talking about and promoting what they believe in.

photo via: Facebook

Manuela Fassbender: What are your short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals? How do you see the project expanding and how do you want to grow? Have you considered collaborating with other companies, sponsors, and celebrities?

Kavita Parmar: We at present are working with 243 weavers out of the entire 20,000 weaving community so our short term/ immediate goal is to work with as many more as possible. In the mid term we feel that IOU is an experiment in creating what we call a "prosperity chain", that allows goods to be bought and sold in a way that benefits everyone involved and not just a few. We plan to grow the platform and invite other brands with similar values to increase the products we offer to our Trunk Show Hosts and in the long term hopefully, our online social platform, created for like minded people, will encourage a more sustainable form of commerce and develop symbiotic businesses.

Without doubt we believe we will be growing organically, we already have a lot of other brands with similar view approaching us to collaborate, varying from shoe companies, chocolate manufacturers, beauty products, magazines, and celebrities. This is very exciting as there are many various opportunities and people are willing to think out of the box to promote an idea that we all believe in.

Manuela Fassbender: What are some challenges the project faces and how do you plan to overcome them?

Kavita Parmar: We are definitely short staffed right now. The interest in the project has been amazing and we are all passionate about what we do and working long hours. We are already increasing our team and inviting new people on board, people who are as passionate as we are and are not afraid of following their hearts and making new rules.

If you are interested in learning more about Kavita Parmar and the IOU Project, please click here to visit their website.

NYC Summer Dream

2011-07-12T17:48:00.000-04:00

As the sun shines longer and the temperatures begin to rise, summer has officially begun here in NYC. And while some of us have already started working on our tans and planned out our summer vacations, it's definitely clear that the sunny days bring an apparent shift in mentality. Even by taking a look outside the streets and parks, there is a bustling crowd of people more engaged with one another and actively participating in life, rather than having passive experiences via technology or cocooning at home as in cooler months. As this is the time many of us take more time to spend with friends and family, whether we get Summer Fridays or take weekend trips, outdoor activities are favored during this time of year.

Today we highlight some of the summer festivities happening in our neighborhood, many especially designed for the summer season. From dining al fresco, flea markets, music festivals, to outdoor movie screenings, there is something for everyone here in NYC. Take a look and if we're missing out on something, please feel free to leave a suggestion. We'd love to hear from you!

photo via: The High Line

The High Line | The Lot
Section 2 of the High Line, between West 20th and West 30th Streets, finally opened earlier last month. Allowing an even longer, beautiful experience, the High Line is a great open space for picnicking, sunbathing, and people-watching. The Lot, a temporary public plaza below the High Line, also recently opened for the summer. Offering free events, family activities, an outdoor bar, food trucks and more, this area is always a perfect go-to spot to hang with friends or family. The Lot also offers a new outdoor 350-seat bar, called the Lot on Tap, operated by Colicchio & Sons, the chef Tom Colicchio's restaurant. Featuring a rotating roster of five or more local food trucks, and a taproom of domestic wines, sodas, and local beers, Lot on Tap is a great place to find sustainable, local, and fairly affordable food.

photo via: Open Air Cinema

Bryant Park
Summers at Bryant Park is a classic destination for many NY locals. With multiple activities going on throughout the day, there is always a mixed crowd of people of all ages. Some of our favorite events here are the outdoor films and live music. Whether it's a local jazz band, traditional Japanese folk dancers and musicians, or world renowned pianists, the raw talent is always a special treat. Or if you're more of a film buff, make sure to check out the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, featuring weekly film screenings at the park's lawn. Bring your blankets and a packed dinner and you're all set! The park also offers free tai chi and yoga classes as a perfect way to start your morning and get in shape. Click here to see what's happening this week!

photo via: The Shop Brooklyn

The Shop Brooklyn
Taking pride as NYC's only licensed bar in a motorcycle shop, The Shop Brooklyn, offers a truly a one-of-a-kind Williamsburg experience. As a multi-faceted space, The Shop is an espresso cafe by day and a bar by night. In addition, they offer a barbecue menu and host special musical and film performances. If you are looking for a cool, unique atmosphere at a low budget, this is the place for you.

photo via: Hester Street Fair

Hester Street Fair
Located in the heart of the Lower East Side, the Hester Street Fair is a carefully curated flea market offering specialty foods, hand-made goods, and vintage/local clothing and accessories. Opened every Saturday from 10am-6pm, the outdoor market features new vendors each week from all over the city. Suchin Pak, a veteran media personality and television host, is one of the partners behind this street fair. Considered one of the most recognizable faces in the environmental media spaces, one can surely see her fingerprints in the way this fair is neatly organized. One of our favorites is the Schier Shoes, offering vegetable dyed leather desert boots crafted in Namibia. Check out their website to see who will be in this week!

photo via: Flickr

Good Morning America Summer Concert 2011
It's not an everyday opportunity to see stars like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Mary J. Blige make a live performance at little to no cost. However, with Good Morning America's 2011 Summer Concert Series, anyone can see over a dozen of special live performances by a number of world-famous artists at the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. As all shows are from 7-9am Friday morning, we recommend you get there early to catch a seat as space is limited!

photo via: NY Times

The Rockaways
If you prefer bungalow barbecues and piña coladas over Champagne galas and polo games, the Rockaways is your type of beach. Favored by the young, artsy crowd generally from Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan, this Queens beach is slowly rising in popularity, reminding some of what Venice Beach in Los Angeles used to be 25 years ago. Against all things bourgeois, the Rockaways has more of a gritty, run down feel that turns away families and the elderly, leaving it vacant for the creative young types. With a strong presence of a surf and skateboard culture, this beach's boardwalk is now the new Bedford Avenue (at least for the summer that is).

photo via: Gansevoort Summer Series

Gansevoort Park Roof Top
Unless your apartment has a pool, any New York City native knows how rare of an opportunity it is to go swimming in the city. Luckily, the Gansevoort hotel offers exclusive weekly pool parties taking place every Sunday at their rooftop from 3pm to 9pm. With world renowned DJs spinning live music, this is one of the hottest places to spend your Sunday evenings. Click here for more!

photo via: Meetup.com

Etsy Labs
We have all heard the saying, "No one is ever too old to learn." And with Etsy Labs, we can guarantee that anyone can learn something new while also having fun and meeting great people. Offering classes in sewing, jewelry making, book binding, embroidery, and crochet, Etsy Labs hosts a free weekly crafts night at their Brooklyn studio. Bring a friend or come alone to hone your skills. Who knows, maybe you will be inspired and start setting up your own Etsy shop in the future!

July MBF Favorite Picks

2011-07-05T03:18:00.000-04:00

We all know by now that traditional ways of doing things no longer works in times like today. In order to develop innovative products and exciting, new services and experiences, brands must think outside the box to stay on top of their game. And to do so, collaboration plays a crucial role. This month, we highlight some of our favorite and latest collaborations in the fashion industry. Bringing two, sometimes completely unrelated companies together, brands have joined forces in interesting ways to revamp their normal look. In no particular order, here is what made the list:

photo via: NY Mag

1. H&M and Versace
Fast fashion giant H&M introduces it's next designer collaboration with none other than Versace. In partnership with Donatella Versace, this collection is expected to be their most glamorous and flamboyant designer collaboration yet. Inspired by the vibrant heritage of the brand, the limited edition styles will include leather, print, color, and exclusive materials at the affordable H&M price. Hitting stores late November, the line will include a range of styles for women, men, and special pieces for the home. Furthermore, a pre-spring collection is expected to follow later in January.

photo via: NY Times

2. Banana Republic and Mad Men
Although Mad Men's fifth season has been pushed back to air later next year, their collaboration with Banana Republic resumes on time. Expected to be one of their biggest marketing promotions yet, a 65 item capsule collection will hit stores this August as the centerpiece of the brand's collection. Designed in collaboration with Mad Men's costume designer, Janie Bryant, all pieces are created based on the look of the Mad Men characters. Even better, Bryant also notes that many of the pieces she brought to Banana for the line came directly from the show, both new and vintage. Priced the same as the regular items sold in the Banana Republic brand but in styles influenced by the 60's trend, the collection will allow Mad Men fans to feel even closer to their favorite show. And as the fifth season is expected to begin a few months after the launch, the collection brings a greater anticipation. Click here to get a sneak peak on the collection!

photo via: WWD

3. Steven Tyler and MESH
At age 65, retirement is a long shot for Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. As one of the latest American Idol judges and author of his recent New York Times Best Seller memoir “Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?”, the singer is keeping busy with various exciting ventures. And to make an addition to the list, Tyler has recently partnered with Music Entertainment Sports Holdings (MESH), a division of LF USA, to launch a new rock 'n' roll menswear line with designer Tommy Hilfiger. The collection will be sold exclusively to Macy's this coming fall. Not afraid to juggle two things at once, Steven Tyler is also reported to be back in the studios recording a new album with Joe Perry and rest of Aerosmith.

photo via: Refinery29

4. Uniqlo Collaborations
Uniqlo may be known for their basics and minimal Japanese aesthetics, but their collaborations have always kept their clothes and brand image a little more interesting. Although their line with Jil Sander has come to a close, Uniqlo has quickly moved on in their latest designer collaboration with three of New York's up and coming designers: Vena Cava, Charlotte Ronson, and Costello Tagliapietra. Costello Tagliapietra's collection hit stores late April, while Vena Cava and Charlotte Ronson's pieces debuted in May. With a $29.99 price tag, the custom pieces are a bargain and a staple to beat this coming summer's heat in fashion.
And as a Japanese-based brand, Uniqlo was one of the first brands to show their support after the disastrous earthquake which hit only few months ago. The "SAVE JAPAN!" project is a collaborative effort with Condé Nast Group and the publisher of VOGUE JAPAN and GQ JAPAN. Selling a limited edition collection of t-shirts designed by 10 world famous celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman, Victoria Beckham, and Blake Lively, a personal message is written across the shirt as a sign of hope and encouragement. Although it may seem that the earthquake has been put in the past, these shirts are a reminder that there is still much work needed to be done.

photo via: NYMag

5. Cole Haan and Les Toiles du Soleil
If you're looking to add some color to your summer wardrobe, Cole Haan's new limited-edition collection may just be the answer to your prayers. An assortment of ballet flats, boat shoes, chukkas, totes, and wallets, each piece is crafted using the 150-year-old French fabric brand Les Toiles du Soleil. The collection is exclusively available at Cole Haan Soho and online.

photo via: The Washington Post

6. Gap and Diane von Furstenberg
Although the collection won't hit stores till next March, we can't wait to see Gap's capsule collection for GapKids and babyGap designed by NY designer, Diane von Furstenberg. Expected to be sold in almost 30 countries as well as online in 75 countries, the collaboration will display von Furstenberg's "signature approach to print, optimistic color and femininity, mixed with [Gap's] expertise in great quality premium children's clothing at accessible prices." This will be the third collaboration for GapKids and babyGap as their last two designer collaborations were with Stella McCartney.

video via: YouTube

7. PhotoEspana and Loewe
This year, Europe's largest photo festival, PhotoEspana, teams up with fashion brand Loewe to present a vast exihibition of celebrity photographer Ron Galella. Famed for his iconic paparazzi photography, Galella has shared raw, personal moments of celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, and Mick Jagger. Bringing together a mix of his work dated back to the 1960s to present, the retrospective is now on view. Loewe has also made documentary celebrating Galella's career.

photo via: FootLuxe.com

8. Target and Missoni
Expected to be their biggest designer collaboration to date, Target's joint venture with Missoni is one that we are all dying to see. Coming this fall, from September 13 to October 22, Target will debut a 400-plus collection of men's, women's, kid's, and home furnishings all designed by the house of Missoni. Filled with colorful swirls, zigzags, and florals, each piece will be in a true Missoni signature print.

photo via: Telegraph

9. Whistles and Ciel
If you still haven't found your perfect eco-friendly beachwear for the summer, check out Whistle's (one of Kate Middleton's favorite shops) exclusive collaboration with Ciel, an ethical lingerie label from Brighton. An eight-peice collection of camisoles, dresses, and undies printed in 70's inspired Liberty of London prints using organic silks, the collaboration is right on this season's trend. Whistles and Ciel also plan to work together again on a capsule collection of knits for later this fall, hand-knitted in Peruvian alpaca by small communities of workers in Lima.

Vacation Hiatus

2011-06-23T17:42:00.000-04:00

We're taking a break!

But don't worry, we'll be back with a great list of July MBF Favorite Picks, including exciting designer collaborations that you don't want to miss! Please check back soon. Happy summer!

What Are the High/Low End Companies Doing?

2011-06-22T14:22:00.000-04:00

More and more, we are seeing companies, from high to low-end, re-aligning their business strategies in efforts to be more socially and environmentally conscious. Whether their intentions are altruistic or simply a greenwashing marketing strategy, companies of all industries are recognizing that we are shifting toward a culture that places a greater emphasis on social and environmental change. And in a world where information is easily and instantaneously accessible, it is imperative for companies to remain honest and transparent as customers are quick to either support or criticize your brand.

Today, we examine several of the latest endeavors catching our attention. All of the efforts described below have been chosen for it's emphasis on collaboration, commitment, and innovation.

photo via: Adidas Group

1. Adidas Group

The Adidas Group represents several of the leading sportswear labels including Adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade, and Rockport. So as a company with such a large background, any effort made by the group creates a large impact. As one of the founding members of the Better Cotton Initiative (others include Ikea, H&M, Marks and Spencers, and Levis), the Adidas Group is proactively working toward sourcing 100% of sustainable "Better Cotton" by 2018. "Better Cotton" is cotton grown to social and environmental standards set by the multi-stakeholder Better Cotton Initiative.

Setting annual incremental targets for the quantity of "Better Cotton," they are approaching their goal realistically and practically. As one of the founding members of Better Cotton Initiative, the company is also financially supporting farmer education, which is integral to increasing the supply and maintaining longevity of "Better Cotton." Working collaboratively and going straight to the source, the Adidas Group is allowing a clear cooperation with their suppliers and therefore, gaining a better understanding of how to move forward.

Through their Strategy 2015 program, Adidas Group also aims to reduce their environmental footprint 15% by 2015. Ultimately calling to become a zero-emissions company, by 2015, the group plans to cut relative energy usage by 20 percent, cut carbon emissions by 30 percent, and reduce paper usage by 50 percent per employee. Looking at everything, from production, sourcing, manufacturing, to store and sales operations, the company is taking an ambitious, holistic approach to revamping their environmental initiatives.

photo via: The Coveted

2. Prada: Made In
Mario Prada, Miuccia Prada's grandfather, was a lover of world travels. Always in search for precious materials and expert artisans, the first Prada products were made by artisans all over the world using materials such as rare ivory, tortoiseshell, ebony, and precious stones and leathers. Prada's "Made In" collections recaptures the heart of Mario Prada through the current visions of granddaughter, Miuccia Prada.

photo via: Luxist

The current collections are focused on the craftsmanship of Scotland, India, Japan, and Peru. "Prada Made in Scotland" displays traditional tartan wool kilts; "Prada Made in India" features handmade garments using the Chikan technique, an ancient form of Indian embroidery. "Prada Made in Japan" works in collaboration with Dova, the world's most sophisticated denim manufacturer. And "Prada Made in Peru" offers a collection of alpaca wool knitwear using artisanal techniques from traditional Peruvian "campesinos." Although the project was discussed last year, it is only this year that the collections begin to hit stores.

photo via: Ecouterre

3. Parsons School of Design Collaborates with Airdye
Knowing that Parsons is always seeking to be the educational leader in incorporating sustainable design practices into their curriculum, we were thrilled to hear their latest project with AirDye, a technology managing the application of color to textiles without the use of water. As the sustainable alternative to traditional dyeing and printing processes, AirDye technology creates new design capabilities while reducing cost.

photo via: YouTube

Last fall, Parsons worked in collaboration with AirDye, allowing a selected group of students to incorprate the AirDye technology first hand. Three talented designers were selected to integrate custom AirDye fabrics into their thesis projects, resulting in truly unique looks, perfectly exemplifying the future of sustainable fashion. Each designer carried a completely different aesthetic, displaying the versatility of the technology, yet all using 90 percent less water and 85 percent less energy than conventional dyeing methods.

photo via: WWD

4. Gucci
Although these new shades won't hit stores until the fall, we are already in love with these super chic and eco-friendly frames. The luxury brand collaborated with eyewear manufacturer Safilo to design eyewear using a special type of acetate that contains a higher percentage of natural materials, aiming to reduce the use of petroleum-derived plastic. It will also present mask-shape sunglasses made in a natural material made from castor-oil seeds. Not forgetting about packaging, the company will also introduce a more eco-friendly eyewear case. Presented in classic green and red shades, this collection promises to be a signature look for their future.

photo via: PSFK

5. Pantene
As the world's biggest hair care brand, Pantene's latest decision to source mainly from sugarcane for their new packaging may lead to huge strides in protecting the environment. Although the new packaging is barely noticeable to customers, the switch is expected to cut the brand's fossil-fuel consumption by 70 percent and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 170 percent.

While it is a costlier process, the switch will not impact the customers as a representative states, "It is an investment to be at the forefront and as the technology becomes more mainstream [costs will decrease]." This transition will take place in a 18 month period, affecting 180 countries where it's sold.

And although this is only a small modification, each small step leads to a big difference. We hope, and strongly believe, that this will be just the first of many changes to come.

photo via: YouTube

6. PPR
Recognizing sustainability as the new leverage for staying above it's competitors, PPR group announced the launch of a new group "PPR HOME" in efforts to set new, higher standards of sustainable practices in the luxury, sport and lifestyle, and retail sectors. Quoting Francois-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, "My deep conviction that sustainability creates value is part of my strategic vision for PPR...PPR HOME will provide us with novel, more sustainable approaches to contribute to a better world for the long run."

With an annual €10 million budget, PPR HOME will provide expertise, support, and creativity to all of it's PPR brands. In case you are unfamiliar with PPR, PPR represents a wide range of fashion brands including Puma, Redcats, Bottega Veneta, YSL, Alexander McQueen, and Stella McCartney, just to name a few In partnership with Cradle-to-Cradle®, they are working together to integrate and apply environmental and social concerns to their products and services. Focusing on internal initiatives, non-profit initiatives, and for-profit investments, PPR HOME seeks to drive forward sustainability with creativity and innovation, and vice versa. Through Wildlife Works, the brand has already began work in Kenya, helping local communities and their efforts to conserve biodiversity.

photo via: Ecouterre

7. Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry
Aiming to become a 100% sustainable company, Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry has introduced a bridal collection that is entirely made of sustainable diamonds and recycled platinum or gold. Working in partnership with Waldman Diamond Company, all diamonds are supplied from Diavik and Ekati mines in Canada and are conflict free and in compliance with the Kimberly Process. As already a founding partner of the United Nations Foundation's Girl Up campaign, Trump began actively researching sustainable diamonds last year before finalizing the partnership with Waldman Diamond Company.

Influencers of Our Time

2011-06-14T11:17:00.000-04:00

Designers and artists have always been recognized as the cultural shakers of society. Whether it is through a song, a garment, or a photograph, creative talents all over the world have made lasting impressions, providing a memorabilia of the past, or igniting change for a better future.

Today, we highlight several visionaries whom we believe are history makers of our generation. Although their skills, passions, and backgrounds may vary, each individual featured below have all worked extremely hard, fully committed to their beliefs. Whether you love them or hate them, it's more than likely that you know their name. And while we can think of a dozen more to highlight, this is just a small handful of people currently in the spotlight. So in no particular order, here is what made the list.

photo via: Yahoo.com

1. Steve Jobs
Apple Inc CEO, Steve Jobs plays a big role in revolutionizing the digital future of which we already live in today. And just when you think that Apple has done enough, they do it again. At this year's annual Worldwide Developer's Conference, Jobs unveiled the Apple's iCloud and an updated version of the Mac OS X Lion. Changing the way we experience the Internet, the iCloud is a unique tool that not only stores data, but also offers a music service, and syncs information from one source to the next. The Mac OS X Lion also has 250 new features, with innovative multi-touch gestures using powerful hardware.

photo via: NY Times

2. Lady Gaga
"Pop singer" is too small of a description to describe Miss Stefani Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga. More than just a world-wide music sensation, Lady Gaga is one of the leading cultural icons of today. With her multimillion-selling albums, 10 million twitter fans, innumerable accounts of front page fashion choices, and dozens of side projects, Lady Gaga is far from the type of woman who disappears into the crowd.

But what is most respectable about her is that she is defiantly self-driven with a killer work ethic. Unlike many other singers today, Lady Gaga is known for never lip-syncing, and always 100 percent in charge of everything that she does, whether it's writing songs, choosing outfits, or directing performances. At age 25, Lady Gaga seems to show an extremely unordinary sense of self confidence, achieving far beyond what many have only dreamed of.

photo via: Dazed Digital

3. Kwok Mang-ho

A performance artist based out of Hong Kong, Kwok Mang-ho is often named the most eccentric and unconvential of his country. In his 30 year career, he has produced a wide number of performances, sculptures, paintings and installations. Pioneering the experimental art movement, he was the only one of his kind creating new forms of self-expression in the '70s and '80s, while the rest of Asia was more focused on realist traditions. Through his work, which he calls "Frogtopia," he hopes to create a cross-cultural bridge to join the East and the West.

The Hong Kong Pavillion at the Venice Biennale celebrates his work, featuring his high-density living environments made out of unconventional objects, reflecting the contradictions and consumer society of Hong Kong.

photo via: NY Mag

4. Carine Roitfeld
One of the most powerful figures in the fashion industry, Carine Roitfeld is widely acknowledged as the definition of cool. A former stylist and late editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Ms. Roitfeld holds a "cult status as the queen of the 'French Vogue look.'" Unlike most editors, Roitfeld is more interested in art than business, known for racy, sometimes controversial campaigns, completely opposite of what commercial money-making glossies are looking for.

In a recent lunch interview with Financial Times, Roitfeld comments how fashion shows today are less fun than how it was 10 years ago. With so much money involved, she notes, "...the designer has to produce a great show that will sell clothes but also keep the name of the brand high to sell the perfumes. Sometimes you can really feel the business behind the fashion show." Although Roitfeld left her position at Vogue awhile ago, she is busy collaborating with Barneys on its autumn campaign, including its catalogue and window displays. As Barneys New York Creative Director Dennis Freedman quotes, "Carine is a one of a kind talent. She is both a muse and an inspiration. She has extraordinary individual style and infectious passion."

photo via: Telegraph

5. Kanye West

Love him or hate him, Kanye West is always making headlines. And while we aren't always proud of some of his choices, such as his remarks at the MTV Video Music Awards, we have to give him credit for never giving up. A self-proclaimed fashion enthusiast, besides music, Kanye West's other love lies in fashion. "King of the front row," Kanye West has been spotted in some of the most renowned Parisian design houses, possibly gathering inspiration for his upcoming men and women high-end collection.

With a studio already set in Paris, West is currently at work in revisiting his career in making clothes. In 2009, he took on an internship at Fendi, and designed a range of trainers for Louis Vuitton. And although his "Pastelle" fashion line in 2009 was announced but never released, Kanye West is taking a stab in fashion one more time, and hopefully it's something worth noticing.

photo via: Met Museum

6. Alexander McQueen

In his nineteen year career, Alexander McQueen dedicated every minute to his collections. A master of conceptualizing culture, politics, and identity through clothing, McQueen will forever be remembered as a fashion genius. A close friend of fashion icon Daphne Guiness, McQueen attracted more muses than any other designer. Perfecting the balance of beauty, life, and death, his clothing is often regarded as a work of art. An expert craftsman, artist, and a true master mind, McQueen has left a legacy that could never be replaced. Entitled "Savage Beauty," an extensive collection of his work is currently on display at the MET.

photo via: NY Times

7. Guy Laliberté
Co-founder and owner of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté is one of the most powerful and influential men in the entertainment industry. With humble beginnings as an accordian-playing street performer, today Laliberté currently manages 22 productions all over the globe, reaching all continents except Antarctica, with revenues expected to reach over $1 billion by next year.

And although his career is inspiring, Laliberté is also the founder One Drop, a foundation dedicated to raising awareness on water-related issues. With a mission to provide safe drinking water all around the world, the foundation organizes projects in dozens of countries in partnership with Cirque du Soleil. Laliberté is also one of the very few lucky people who was able to travel around the world, and his photographs from space will be displayed and sold to raise money for his foundation.

On the Production End...

2011-06-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

As the global economy faces a number of changes, from environmental disasters to social outbreaks, the future of production relies on smart, rapid adjustments in order to adapt. Whether that involves relocation, textile/material modifications, or design adjustments, companies all over the world are feeling the impact and doing whatever it takes to maintain quality while minimizing financial loss.

photo via: Red Luxury

While for decades China was seen as the world's production center, as their economy continues to rise, the nation has shifted toward becoming the next biggest consumer market. Designer brands such as Fendi, Burberry, Prada, just to name a few, have all implemented plans to increase brand presence across China. In order to solidify long term commitment to brand ownership in Asia, Kate Spade recently announced a joint venture in Mainland China with the E.Land group and reacquired its existing Kate Spade New York business in Mainland China from Globalluxe Ltd. this year. Many companies, from designer level to mid-price have all either opened more stores, staged runway shows and special events, or developed new offices. This shift of seeing China as potential consumers rather than a source of production is seen all across the board.

Due to higher wages and increased land costs, many brands have been forced to move their production to developing countries to gain higher profit margins. This is a drastic change for many, as most retailers have heavily relied on China for so long. For example, American luxury lifestyle brand Coach Inc. recently made plans to shift nearly half of its manufacturing out of China due to increased labor costs. While Coach increases sales in China, it plans to cut production in China to 40-50% from 85% at present. Instead, the company will begin further developments in countries with lower wages such as Vietnam, Philippines, and India.

While there are many others like Coach, resolving the issue by looking for a "new China" or "China alternative," these moves are unsustainable and will not work as long term solutions. In times where wise decision making is crucial, we suggest rethinking sourcing strategies that will not only increase profit, but also offer a plan that can truly last.

photo via: NY Times

Instead of looking to developing countries, one solution is staying close to home. Expressing their commitments to the North American market, German car manufacturing company Volkswagen, recently designed a new version of their midsize sedan, the Passat, specifically for America and is building them in its own new $1 billion plant in Tennessee. By manufacturing in the states and buying 85% of the parts from nearby suppliers, the company is able to significantly cut down its costs. There are reduced shipping and labor costs, and currency exchange rates are not an issue.

Furthermore, a recent study shows that 65% of wealthy American consumers prefer to buy American-made products whenever possible. In a recent survey of more than 1,300 wealthy shoppers, U.S. ranked highest on an index measuring the quality of its luxury goods manufacturing, beating European countries like Italy and France.

photo via: Brooks Brothers

In retail, brands of all segments are reconsidering the "Made-in-America" label. The front page of menswear designer, Joseph Abboud's website proudly notes "Made in USA" and includes a video of the importance of American-made goods and shares background information of their production in Massachusetts. The Brooks Brothers' website also has a "Made in America" link, with factories from New York to North Carolina. Luxury jewelry company Tiffany & Co. has also expanded its manufacturing base to Lexington, Kentucky, and makes 60% of its jewelry itself.

photo via: PopSugar.com

Furthermore, New York-based label, The Row, continues to gain momentum as it was recently awarded for a new talent award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Using factories in New York and Los Angeles, T-shirts retail for $250 and short dresses for $2,350. While the prices may be higher, the brand has accumulated a cult-like following, winning favor from even our First Lady Michelle Obama.

Quoting Brooks Brothers chief executive Claudio Del Vecchio, "There is a customer that appreciates that the product is made in the United States and is willing to pay for the difference." Ten years ago, Brooks Brothers made few goods in the US, while today, most of their goods are American-made. As the American economy is still facing pressing issues of unemployment, if they can afford it, consumers are willing to pay the higher price to show their patriotic support. Furthermore, as people are more interested in brand transparency, wanting to know where and how their products were made, locally-sourced and manufactured goods are slowly becoming the overall preference.

photo via: Ecouterre

As raw materials such as cotton prices continue to rise, cost cutting is also a new skill many brands are learning to develop. Working with "deconstruction" experts like Peter Brown, companies are seeking to make small, minor adjustments that when added up, save a significant amount. The goal is to not cheapen the product, but to see if there is any part of the production process that is unnecessary and eliminate whatever possible to keep costs low. This is similar to the zero-waste concept, more commonly known in eco-friendly fashion practices, but is also becoming a rising trend as reducing waste continues to be an important factor. Earlier this year, New York Parsons School of Design began teaching their students how to produce zero-waste fashion, in collaboration with Loomstate. And Hannah Learner, a student at Parsons, produced the first zero-waste thesis collection, mentored by Study NY's Tara St. James and the assistant professor.

Overall, we believe that eco-friendly practices will naturally find its' way into the future of production. Not only is it the responsible thing to do, but when done right, companies will see that it is actually profitable. The above is just a small glimpse of some examples, and we strongly believe that in time, there will be an even greater synergy between the two.

June MBF Favorite Picks

2011-06-01T15:05:00.001-04:00

The weather here in NYC is finally starting to look more like what it's supposed to be -- spring! With the rainy days hopefully behind us (fingers crossed), we dish out our spring/summer must-have pieces for this month's MBF Favorite Picks. Carefully hand selected, each pick below is equally chic and eco-conscious. So if you haven't done so already, get ready to store away your winter wardrobe and make room for the sunny days!

photo via: Madewell

Wanderlust Angkor Friendship Bracelets
Taking us back to the days of summer camp, these one-of-a-kind friendship bracelets make the perfect compliment to any outfit. Buy several and layer up different color combinations, or pick one as a pop color to brighten up your look. A perfect gift for your best friend (and one for yourself), these bracelets are hand made by artisans in Cambodia using plastic from recycled bottles.

photo via: Fleabags

Fleabags Salt Bag: Aquarium
The core concept of NYC-based label, Fleabags, is based on the goal of creating a bag that was as green as possible while maintaining high quality and covetable design. Thus, much research was put into the types of canvas, leather and parts available in the United States that would fit their eco-friendly standards. Fleabags are wholly sourced in the US and made in New York of organic and vintage materials, and vegetable-tanned, American and Italian leathers.

photo via: Liebling

Liebling's Naomi Sandal
Liebling is a unique brand of handmade ladies shoes launched in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2009. With an emphasis on comfort, functionality and uniqueness, each shoe is produced in limited editions. Check out their latest collection here.

photo via: Hound

Hound Meridian Dress
With color blocking as one of this summer's biggest trends, Chicago-based brand, Hound, offers a wide range of fun and flirty dresses, tops, and bottoms in their latest collection.

photo via: Poketo

Poketo Upcycled Leather Passport Case
Poketo's upcycled leather passport case is the perfect companion to your summer travels. Handmade from 100% vintage leather sofas, no two of these cases are ever the same in color and texture. Choose your favorite color combination and Poketo will send you one that matches as closely as possible.

photo via: Wolfum

Wolfum Home Products
Wolfum's beautifully printed coasters and napkins add just the right amount of pop to your summer barbecues and dinner parties. All of Wolfum's products are handmade in Los Angeles using recycled poly and organic cotton manufactured in the US. Wood products are comprised of fairly harvested Latvian Baltic birch and US based FSC certified walnut.

photo via: Kaight

Bodkin Twister Swimsuit
Flattering almost any body shape, Bodkin's Twister Swimsuit is the most fabulous one-piece we've seen yet. Made in NYC from salvaged lycra and nylon, this is going to be a staple for the beach bumming days.

photo via: Ecouterre

Riz Boardshorts

We haven't forgotten about you, gentlemen! Riz Boardshorts make the perfect uniform to hot summer days. Using 100% recycled and recyclable sueded polyester, each old pair can be sent back and recycled in their "Rizcycle" process, reducing harmful waste and conserving natural resources.

photo via: AHAlife

Elvis & Kresse Fire Hose Accessories
Let's not forget, Father's Day is June 19. Show a little love and appreciation with Elvis & Kresse's reclaimed fire hose wash bag, the ultimate accessory for weekend travels, albeit a business trip or a relaxing vacation. The extremely durable and cool pouch is made from fire hoses collected in the U.K. Each bag has lettering and numbers to indicate the origin of the firehouse it was made from. 50% of profits are also donated to the Fire Fighters Charity.

Technology Redefines the Norm

2011-05-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

Back in the days of when we were in school, getting caught passing notes in class resulted in detention, and using the phone during a meal was unheard of. But flash forward only a few years later, and we notice a huge shift in how our culture has changed through the influence of technology. Many cultural practices which were once considered to be rude and inappropriate are now today's social norm.

We've discussed multiple times in previous posts of how the Internet, social media, and new tech gadgets have influenced both our work and personal lives. Even children as young as two years old are tech savvy and found themselves addicted to the iPad as much as many of us.

photo via: NY Times

Last year, we mentioned universities beginning to incorporate the iPad and digital books with their course studies. And since then, technology continues to be more integrated in the education system as some elementary schools and high schools are beginning to use Twitter-like technology to enhance classroom discussion. Instead of raising one's hand to speak up in class, if a student has a question, he or she is encouraged to type their comment on a monitored microblogging platform. What is known as the "backchannel" in their classes, the real-time digital streams allow students to comment, pose questions, and voice opinions without ever having to speak out loud.

video via: YouTube

Purdue University, in Indiana, also has their own "backchannel" system called the "Hot Seat." Allowing students to post comments or questions, one of the professors, Sugato Chakravarty, uses the system during lectures to pause and answer the most popular inquiries. Stating that it used to be difficult for students to speak up in class, Chakravarty states, "It's clear to me that absent this kind of social media interaction, there are things students think about that normally they'd never say."

A discussion on Today's Meet from Erin Olson's English Class in

Sioux Rapids, Iowa about a poem called "To the Lady"

caption and photo via: NY Times

While this may raise some eyebrows, there are enough teachers and students supporting this new system to make it worth considering. Kate Weber, a fourth grade teacher in Exira, Iowa states, "Kids are much quicker at stuff than we are. They can really multitask. They have hypertext minds." Rather than being distracted, Weber and many other teachers claim that these online tools help many of their students become more engaged with class discussions, allowing more students to be heard and giving everyone a voice, albeit on screen.

photo via: NY Times

In class or not, our phones, iPads, and laptops seem to be with us at all times. It has become socially acceptable, and a natural instinct for many, to periodically check our smart phones several times throughout the day. With our Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and who knows how many other apps downloaded on our phone or iPad, we always feel the need to be updated with what's going on. And if it's not getting the latest news, there are game apps that are equally, if not more, addictive to keep us up all night.

As we are always "connected" and available one way or another, checking our phones during a one-on-one conversation or a group business meeting has become justifiable for most. And although many may argue that we need to learn how to tune out more often, editor at TechCrunch argues that social media and smart phones have enhanced our eating experiences, stating that apps spark new conversations and encourage more personal connection.

photo via: NY Times

In America, the typical family night activity is no longer about sharing a movie or playing a board game. More and more, families are sharing a common space, but separately absorbed into a completely different activity through technology. Moms and dads are surfing the web on their separate laptops or iPads, kids are playing video games on the computer or T.V., and no one is talking. The family room has become more of an entertainment hub where families may be together, but not really together.

There are two sides to this matter as some argue that this results in less emotional connection between family members, while others state that separate play time avoids forced together-ness and conversations form more organically.

Overall, whether we like it our not, technology has assimilated into all aspects of our society. We have become so dependent on our gadgets and the constant connection, that how we interact with friends, families, and peers are no longer the same. And while it has helped in some ways, as mentioned before, we always believe that there needs to be a balance. Although texting or checking messages on our phones during a meal or cup of coffee is a habit for some, our personal view is that it should not be accepted. Call us passé if you will, but we still ask house guests to put their phones aside and not answer calls during the meal.

Because no matter how cool or easy it is to communicate between screens, personal face time with friends, family, and peers are irreplaceable and part of what makes us human. After all, human interaction wouldn't really be human if it was always connected to something else, posted online, or tied to a machine, or would it?