MRketNY Trade Show - Spring/Summer 2012 WISECRACKER LUGGAGE

Resting between mrkt appointments

Next up was Wisecracker luggage.  In addition to their first line they had two new collections.  Both were a collaboration with Perennials the outdoor fabric specialist also considered the Rolls Royce of outdoor textiles and furniture. Their website: www.perennialsfabrics.com is a must see whether you’re buying or just need some design inspiration.  This partnership has bloomed into a collection of luggage that is not only stylish and lightweight but the solution dyed acrylic is mildew and water resistant.  While these pieces have been dubbed En La Playa, I don’t think I’ll be taking these to Jones beach! Much better as a carry on for my flight to Sardegna. And just in case my luggage is left on the tarmac it’s nice to know these pieces are also UV resistant.  Which reminds me, you must read the Wisecracker blog Wanderings. "A blog focused on design, style and travel, never forgetting that the journey is sometimes the best part of the experience.  Behave well, travel lightly, stay under the radar screen and always carry good luggage. Just go." Say no more ragazzi, andiamo!! 

www.wisecrackerluggage.com

En La Playa  Perennials rucksack and tote

Duffle

I was never a fan of camo but never say never!

Raffia and pinstripes

Simulated raffia leather with awning stripe

Italian calfskin with alligator debossing

Limestone Collection

MRketNY Trade Show - Spring/Summer 2012 AGE OF WISDOM

Visiting the MRktNY Spring 2012 show at the Javits it was nice to see some of the vendors I had previously profiled.  I decided to do a follow up on my picks to see where they were now and how they were dealing with the woes of the economy.

My first stop was to see Allison Basile, designer and Vice President at AGE OF WISDOM.  When I first profiled Age Of Wisdom it was basically a young men’s sportswear line with lots of cloud washes and unique dyeing techniques.  It has evolved into more of a contemporary menswear line; cleaner and sophisticated with more “menswear” patterns.  Allison notes that selling contemporary is a bit risky because stores want “different” but if different doesn’t sell they blame the designer.   I’ve noted that even in the big menswear department stores they all look the same. No one wants to take a chance on “new” unless “new” already has a 2 season sellout track record.  It’s a tough line to walk and I give these smaller brands a lot of credit for remaining optimistic and trying to offer new, exciting product that stores still consider wearable and saleable.   But the upside,  Age Of Wisdom has grown from being in 35 specialty stores to over 300!! Brava!!!  

Abstract jacquard

Overdyed gingham w/jacquard taping

Textured jacquard

All over flocking

Printed chambray

Chambray

Jacquard stripes w/snap buttons

Crinkled cotton 

Embroidered clip fabric

Paisley snake washed cord

TEICH- Mom and Pop Shop

Not far from Bleeker Street, the West Village’s answer to Madison Avenue is a store so not Madison Avenue...TEICH.  Only six weeks old, I was able to chat with Allison McGowan the owner of this “mom and pop” store.  This is her second store, the first being in the East Village on East 7th Street.  Juggling a six month old child, an existing store and husband you wonder why would anyone want to take on yet another obligation. Well that’s where Mom comes in.  She lives in the neighborhood and when this space came up immediately thought it would be a great second location.  Personally, I think Mom just wanted to be able to spend more time with her grandchild. 

Teich, like a mom and pop store carries a little bit of everything.  They feature mostly local (New York) brands of jewelry, handbags (designed by Allison), kids clothing, menswear, art, bath and body.  All this in 300 square feet.  It’s the perfect place to shop for unique items that you won’t find in one of the big brands and you're supporting local artists.   

Teich..22 Eighth Avenue...212-537-6630...teichdesign.com

The reason I stopped into Teich...FlyKly

Jewelry from Ecuador by fair trade artisans.  All materials are natural like:
pambil seeds, acai seeds and tagua nuts.

Skinny Skinny a Brooklyn based bath and body  company

Grass & Clover kidswear uses vintage fabrics

Posters by a local Village artist depicting the NYC subway system.  Soon to come, maps based on subway systems in Chicago and San Francisco.

Bags by Allison

Silk screened pillows

Colorful cotton/linen scarves

Accessories from TAGSMITH

Menswear from Gilbert Lewis

Jewelry from Studio DuArte

FlyKly at TEICH

Me being a Vespa aficionado I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this gleaming white bike in the window of TEICH.  Was this a new breed of Vespa? A prop?  Why is it in the window of an accessory store?  I was confused, so many questions swirling around my tiny brain. This would not due.  I had to find out exactly what it was.  Allison the owner of  TEICH, along with her husband J.J. gave me the rundown.  They informed me that it’s the hottest new electric bicycle from FLYKLY, which happens to be owned by a friend of theirs.   Unlike a Vespa, no license is required and as of this printing you can still use it in the bike lanes.   Max speed on this baby is 20 mph; it gets up to 40 miles on one charge; has a removable lithium battery which’s means you can charge it anyplace you’d charge your smart phone; and it’s so cute.  Be green and still arrive at work cool as a cucumber instead of needing another shower from pedaling in NYC sweltering streets or waiting on the sauna like platform of the subway.  And there’s room enough for two.  If nothing else it’ll be a great conversation starter.

Visit the FlyKly store in Nolita at 19 Kenmare or go to their website FlyKly.com for more info. 

More on TEICH in a moment...

In God We Trust

Still shopping in Soho, my last stop was In God We Trust.  Originally launched in Brooklyn, it has expanded to three stores.  One in Greenpoint, Brooklyn; a store in Williamsburg which carries the home and gift line; and one in NYC which has clothing and accessories. Shana Tabor is the brains and creative force behind IGWT designing all the clothing and jewelry. Brooke who manages the Soho store has been with the company basically since its inception.  

The store definitely has a vintage feel which carries over into the clothing.  Sailor inspired women’s skirts and pants; pretty dresses with cap sleeves; linen and cotton dresses; short shorts.  But enough with the descriptions just go and have a look for yourself.  Below are a few of my favorite pieces but you need to go In God We Trust to find yours.

In God We Trust...265 Lafayette Street...212-966-9010...www.ingodwetrustnyc.com

Corduroy vest

Men's shirtings

Shoes from Stacy Adams

Army jacket

Loden green wool jacket

Cotton/acrylic sweater

  

Men's really short shorts

Scents

Women's accessories

Skinny ties

Chambray dresses   

Linen dresses

This little dress looks much better on..It's adorable

Feminine blouses

Really short shorts for her

I love these sailor "look" items..

Silk sailor pant