The Changing Landscape

As we have discussed before in our blog. “Once Upon A Boutique,” there is a rapid shift driven by technology and cultural change developing as newness, excitement, uniqueness, and digital progress revolutionize. Without a doubt, the fashion industry has definitely begun to step out from behind the shadows of other industries and acknowledge this change in societal standards. From traditional catalogs and shopping malls to a digital age of online shopping, apps, reality television and innovative store concepts, it’s time to move forward but what’s next?

Collaborations with designers have become modus operandi since H&M first exposed the retail sector to this new approach to merchandising. Target remains a huge leader in the industry as it continually experiments with new concepts including its Go International program not to mention numerous standalone designer collaborations including the likes of Jason Wu and Missoni. A few weeks ago, we discussed in our February MBF Picks how Target has announced the introduction of Apple centers in some of its stores later this year as well as the launch of "The Shops at Target" starting sometime in May.

photo via wwd.com

Major department stores have jumped on the collaboration bandwagon as well by teaming up with contemporary labels to create exclusivity, opportunity and appeal in an over-saturated market. Most recently to launch is Bloomingdale’s with ABC Family's series Jane by Design, Alberta Ferretti for Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Nanette Lepore and Lord & Taylor who is offering a selection of capsule collections by designers such as Yoana Baraschi and the label Z Spoke. What's most interesting is, both Bloomingdale's and J.C. Penney are strategically reaching out to a teenage market that is typically more label pretentious to help gain marketshare.

video via yotube.com

Speaking of collaborations, Macy's, H&M, and Saks seem to be following directly in suit as NBC's new show, Fashion Star debuts next month. The reality based competition takes contestants comprised of boutique owners and designers alike and presents them to buyers from the three fashion companies to choose as the next major fashion brand. Sound familiar? Well remember imitation is flattery Target, so keep up the good work!

photo via Mobile Commerce Daily

From paper to platform, both Urban Outfitters and Gap are integrating technology into traditional print services to help drive sales. While Urban Outfitters continues to send catalogs via the mail, this February's edition experiments with QR codes located on each page that can be scanned by cellphones to watch a behind the scenes making of the catalog. Meanwhile in an effort to attract style points, Gap partners up with AKQA to promote the digital catalog, Styld.by, where fashion experts from FabSugar, Lookbook.nu, and Refinery29 are featured incorporating Gap's clothing into their own personal style.

photo via Guest of a Guest

As streetwear and personal style blogs take over the online fashion universe, who doesn't love to shop the streets? Well, with the new app, Kaleidoscope, which partners with modelinia.com, you now can! Using your smartphone you can literally shop both editorials and street style blogs and purchase whatever you fancy! While the app has only been released to Android users, iPhone and iPad versions are expected to be released soon!

photo via The NY Times

Mall culture is drastically vanishing into the unknown as more and more stores empty out of these mass retail communities. What once was a common place for compulsive shoppers and the latest and greatest goodies, has turned into a retail nightmare of bankruptcy and vacant real estate. In an effort to survive, new tenants have moved in to rent out space that range in everything from schools to medical clinics, government centers, aquariums, casinos, and even churches. Some malls which have such little traffic are being reconstructed into more useful commodities like vegetable gardens, golf courses, housing, or even town squares as people seek to shop in less overwhelming environments.

photo via WWD.com

While the mall community may be disappearing, a few companies do have some solutions on how to revitalize it as independent shops sprout up across the U.S. J.Crew has the idea as they launch their Ludlow Shop this month inspired from their ever popular Ludlow men's suit. The hair salon, Fringe, located on the Lower East Side has had major success compared to the copious amount of mega-salons across the city by offering individualized services, hair savvy advice, and an international product range. Hope is on the horizon, just in a smaller dosages!

photo via Shag-xia.com

So where are all these retailers going? Why moving out West towards the Asian market of course! From high to low, everyone from Gap to Esprit, Alexander Wang, Piazza Sempione, and Elie Saab have already made efforts to expand later this year. Not to mention Sonia Rykiel was just bought out by Hong Kong based Fung Brands and Hermes' Chinese luxury brand Shang Xia plans to open its first store in Paris towards the end of this year.

As the traditional catalog is reinvented, groundbreaking collaborations ensue between Apple and Target among many others, fashion game shows grow in popularity, new apps develop, future malls get a makeover and retailers emphasize on building stronger relations with Asian markets, it's not only about what we sell but how. The mid-market is definitely showing signs of being shaken up as an onset of a new generation, a new consumer, and new demands infiltrate the marketplace. From newness to nowness, everything is at our fingertips and it's all happening NOW. Life isn’t like it used to be as unpredictable weather, an unstable economy, and an ambiguous future loom, but maybe it’s for the best. It’s about time we all get a little change of scenery, don't you think?

From Catwalk to Laptop

With fashion week almost coming to an end  here in New York, not only are we reporting on all things style related but new runway concepts sweeping the catwalk this season. We had the opportunity to attend a few shows this past week so today we’d like to share with you our insight on how the traditional fashion show is adapting to modern technological advancements.

photo via wwd.com

We live in a digital age that demands minute by minute updates on the latest happenings from around the world. As the industry continues to move at record breaking speeds, convenience is key as our frantic lives leave minimal time to follow, let alone attend every show! To help cater to the busiest of the busy from buyers, editors, and bloggers to celebrities, and socialites, KCD, one of the largest PR/fashion production companies in the industry has finally tapped into the online world of runway shows. This season, designer Prabal Gurung was among the first to experiment with this new platform of digital fashion show presentations.

photo via fashionista.com

Another major innovation this season is the Made Fashion Week app that “syncs the runway looks in real time" as well as offers biographies, contact information, backstage access and the ability to save, Facebook or retweet looks. Not only will these conventional principles implement an easier way to follow the shows for both industry personnel as well as the general fashion frantic public, but minimize travel expenses.

photo via style.com

Not to mention, some shows are even shoppable straight off the runway! While Burberry was the first to venture into this new pre-order sales format last February, Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs are next in line to sell to you from the catwalk to your laptop. With this, all exclusivity flies out the window and maybe that’s a good thing. Simply put, this is another example of how we are headed towards a world that values collaboration, sharing resources and information, as well as effectively learning to balance reality and the digital interface simultaneously.

Here are a few street wear shots we managed to snap while out and about during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Our insider's eye loved to see pops of neon in everything from clothing to shoes to satchels and even phone cases! What trends are you seeing people wear?

photo via mbf trend consulting

photo via mbf trend consulting

photo via mbf trend consulting

photo via mbf trend consulting

photo via mbf trend consulting

We hope you are enjoying the fall/winter shows as much as us! Happy Fashion Week!

The Australian Five

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"

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

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

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"

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?

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

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!"

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.