NEW YORK CITY — May 10, 2018 — United Legwear & Apparel Co. LLC (ULAC) — a 20-year-old New York City-based global entity that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes legwear, bodywear, apparel, and accessories for world-renown brands such as Puma and Skechers — today unveiled a wholly-owned and originally-created brand, Fun Socks. The brand launched a collection of more than 150 women’s and men’s sock styles that are available in over 90 points of global distribution and on funsocks.com. On May 10, Fun Socks will simultaneously open their first two experiential retail stores — one in SoHo, New York City and a second location on the “coolest block in America,” Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Calif.

Fun Socks is a collection of whimsical socks, retail destinations and experiences designed to encourage its customers to have “real fun’ with self-expression and infuse their style with positivity and passion. The collection reflects the attitude and vibe of New York: fashion-forward yet classic, edgy, outspoken, and most importantly, a sense of fun.

“Socks are an essential in everyone’s wardrobe but they don’t have to be boring,” said Isaac E. Ash, founder, president and CEO, ULAC. “At a moment in time when life can feel serious and impersonal, Fun Socks encourages customers to find moments of playfulness. Whether shoppers are in one of our new stores, on our website or following us on Instagram, every interaction with Fun Socks should spark joy and give everyone permission to have their own fun.”

On May 10, Fun Socks will officially open its first two bi-coastal retail stores. The SoHo shop, located at 436 West Broadway, is a 125-square-foot mini-emporium with ceiling-to-floor walls of Fun Socks. The Venice store, located at 1420 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, is a 600- square-foot “Fun House” featuring a large mural wall that will change seasonally. The current mural was created by multi-media artist Max Rippon. The store also has a tricked-out Fun Car inside it that offers the perfect Insta-moment of fun.

“As the world changes and consumers’ habits evolve, so must brands and retail,” continued Ash. “Our aim is to take the best parts of retail – the excitement of discovery and fun of face-to-face interaction – and build our brand around the things that endure: emotion, goodness, and community.”

Both stores have a curated series of activities happening at the stores from Thursday, May 10-Sunday, May 13 to celebrate the store openings and Mother’s Day weekend. A full list of store activations is available upon request.

Posted May 10, 2018

Source: United Legwear Co. LLC

NEW YORK CITY — May 4, 2018 — After Texworld USA in January, this premier event on the East Coast will return to the Javits Convention Center, July 23-25, 2018, with more than 700 international exhibitors representing a wide variety of global sourcing destinations in the fashion and home design categories. Texworld USA is a dynamic industry event and dedicated manufacturing sourcing marketplace for three days of business, networking and education. The Summer 2018 edition will feature the largest exhibitor base, exciting pavilions and SPOTLIGHT season focus.

Texworld USA is the perfect platform for designers, fabric buyers, product R&D specialists and sourcing professionals to explore products including fabrics and trimmings from over 15 product categories and 500 exhibitors. Apparel Sourcing USA is co-located with 200 suppliers and connects attendees with suppliers specializing in the production of garments and ready-to-wear for men, women and children. The Summer 2018 edition will feature cutting-edge products, seminars, a new platform called Local Loft highlighting regional factories in collaboration with Fashiondex and a SPOTLIGHT area focused on ‘The Art of Customization – Findings, Trims & Accessories.’

“Texworld USA together with Apparel Sourcing USA offers designers, sourcing professionals and anyone looking for manufacturing or private-label development a unique marketplace for networking, education and sourcing. Our amplified partnership with Lenzing Fibers, panel discussions, SPOTLIGHT Trend Area, new features such as Local Loft and exclusive offerings make the July show a must-attend for professionals in this industry,” explained Jennifer Bacon, show director.

This July, the Texworld Showcase will highlight trends for the Autumn/Winter 2019-20 season, chosen by Texworld Art Directors Louis Gerin and Gregory Lamaud based in Paris. Gerin and Lamaud will also have vignettes displayed in the SPOTLIGHT area of Apparel Sourcing where unique findings and trims will be explored.

Jana Platina Phipps, a New York City-based expert known as the Trim Queen, will be curating a trim activation. Known for her refined vision in the world of trimmings in fashion and home furnishings, Jana will also be conducting a hands-on passementerie workshop providing how-to and tips for attendees.

Texworld USA will be hosting engaging discussions and educational sessions for attendees.  Highlights include:

• Educational seminar series and curated panel discussions sponsored by Lenzing Fibers with influential industry professionals will also feature speaker Laurie Pressman, Pantone Color Institute Vice-President, with topics such as inspiring ideas, colors and trends;
• Textile Talks with discussions by StartUp Fashion and other industry professionals; and
• North America Digital Textile Conference (NADTC) conducted by WTiN (World Textile Information Network) on July 24.

Texworld USA has also expanded the “Explore the Floor” series featuring guided tours that allow attendees to walk the show floor with seasoned industry experts in an intimate setting. These tours provide attendees with insights on different exhibitors relevant to their businesses and will allow for questions in an open format.

New for Apparel Sourcing USA Summer 2018 is the launch of Local Loft, a unique platform that gives companies direct access to regional apparel fabric buyers, R&D specialists and designers. This loft-like environment will showcase local and sustainable apparel factories, contractors and services that offer lower minimum quantities and was created specifically for attendees seeking domestic and locally-sourced production facilities.

Posted May 9, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt