SPONSORED BY
 |
VIDEOCAST
 In this video, Stitches Editor Nicole Rollender displays some hot sustainable fabric fashions that she found in the exhibit booths on Day One from The ASI Show Chicago. Click here to watch.
What did you think of this video? Send your feedback to cmittica@asicentral.com.
|
|
 |
|
|
| Trend Alert: Bring Out The Bling |
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
Shimmering like the summer sun, metallics and shiny apparel remain in no matter what the season. Sequins in particularly have been huge last autumn and will carry into the holiday season.
But what do to without a wealth of shimmering options? How could you please your sparkle-inspired customers? Think decoration, and look no further than apparel with rhinestones. "Rhinestones are something that have been around for awhile and people have certainly taken a liking toward them," says Lee Sequeira, owner of Sparkle Plenty Designs (asi/88444). "And it doesn't have to be only apparel. I get clients who'd like their cell phone, belts and even water bottles complimented with rhinestones."
This women's short sleeve v-neck features a dirty martini sparking rhinestones design. Available from Sparkle Plenty Designs (asi/88444). |
This summer, workout clothes have received the most attention to add logos or lettering in rhinestones. But the attraction toward particular garments changes with the seasons. "I wouldn't say one item is more popular than others," Sequeira says. "During the winter months, end-users are attracted to hoodies and jackets and during the warmer days they like yoga pants and tank tops."
However, if you'd like to bring out the bling in your inventory, make sure to carry a heavy inventory with rhinestones represented in multiple places. Sequeira says customers may be attracted to the location more than the shirt itself. For example, if you're carrying yoga pants, offer a pair with rhinestones on the back, on the sides and a pair on the lower left pant leg. Such a variety will attract the interest of more potential clients.
|
 |
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
|
EmbroidMe Owner Sues California Over IOUs
|
| A franchise owner for EmbroidMe (asi/384000) has filed a lawsuit against the state of California for paying her with an IOU. Nancy Baird provided a California-run youth camp with 1,200 embroidered shirts and uniforms, and was supposed to be paid nearly $28,000 on July 23 for her efforts. When she tried to redeem the IOU at her bank, she was denied for not being a customer long enough. "I sat in my car and I cried," Baird told news reporters. "This is the money I need to keep me going for the next couple of months."
Baird filed a lawsuit against state Controller John Chiang and state Treasurer Bill Lockyer in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Her lawsuit argues that the IOUs are unconstitutional and violate contract laws. California has been issuing thousands of IOUs instead of checks to contractors and vendors this month while lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are in negotiations to close the state's $26 billion deficit.
Lockyer's spokesman Tom Dresslar says the IOUs are legal. Last week, Schwarzenegger signed a revised budget, but officials continue to issue IOUs. To date, the state has given out nearly 210,000 IOUs worth more than $1 billion. |
|
|
Obituary: Max Scharf, Imprinted Apparel Pioneer
|
| Max Scharf, a former Counselor Person of the Year and award-winning artist, died at the age of 76. The long-time veteran of the advertising specialties industry founded Incentives Corp. in 1966 and is widely credited with introducing imprinted apparel into the market.
Mr. Scharf purchased screen-printing company K-Studios in 1969, and Incentives Corp. created T-shirts for Budweiser with the Bud-Man logo. That innovation led to Incentives Corp. becoming the first printed-apparel supplier in the industry. Counselor honored Mr. Scharf in 1985 with its Person of the Year award in recognition of his integral role in the wearables market, and in 2004 named him one of the industry's 50 Most Influential People. He had served on the Board of Directors for PPAI and worked on numerous other committees and teaching programs.
Since 1991, Mr. Scharf operated Scharf & Associates, a marketing and management consulting practice. At the same time he began a career as an expressionist painter – a line of work that was supported by his formal training at the Washington University School of Fine Art in St. Louis in the early 1950s. His pieces have been honored by the Saint Louis Art Museum, Department of Interior and the U.S. Olympic Friendship Games, among others.
Mr. Scharf is survived by his wife, Esther Eileen Scharf, and sons, Hal Scharf and David (Ingrid) Scharf. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Family and Children's Services (10950 Schuetz Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63146) or other charities. |
|
|
 |
 |
| Boathouse Sports, a Philadelphia-based manufacturer of custom team athletic apparel, announced the appointment of Douglas Tibbetts as the company's president and CEO. |
 |
| Brother International Corporation has introduced BES Embroidery Letting Software. |
|
| Oragen Wear (asi/75207) just signed an agreement with Eagle Dry Goods to be the exclusive supplier of Oragen Certified Organic Recycled Apparel. |
|
| Sassy Scrubs has revamped its Web site to now allow for the direct purchase of their extensive fabric selection. |
 |
The Penn Emblem Company announces an expansion of its Nomex Thread and Fabric colors for flame-resistant patches. Penn now offers 16 flame-resistant threads and eight flame-resistant fabric colors. |
|
Transfer Express offers a new publication called the "T-Shirt Business Start-up Guide." The free 16-page booklet teaches readers bout heat presses and transfers and how to use that equipment and supplies to create high-quality decorated apparel. |
|
Getting familiar with these terms will make any ad specialty distributor look like an apparel expert.
Automatic Color Change: The ability of a multi-needle commercial embroidery machine to follow a command to change to another specified needle with a different thread color.
Free-Standing Lace: Digitized so that the threads are interwoven. The embroidery of lace requires a soluble backing or topping of the embroiderer's choice for the substrate. The lace design is embroidered on the soluble product, which is then washed away, leaving just the thread in place. Many of the lace designs require additional work, shaping them into projects such as baskets, ornaments or doilies.
Petit Point: Using a grid, like those used in cross-stitch, petit point is a single-angle stitch repeated in the same place until the desired fullness is achieved. Usually very stitch intensive.
Stitch Type: A wide variety of stitches are available, but in actuality, there are two basic stitch types – the run and satin stitch. All other types are a variation of these two. |
|
|
 Challenger (808)
Available From: Tonix Corporation (asi/91440); (800) 841-1144; www.tonixteams.com
Sell To: As seen on the new ABC show called "The Superstars", this ladies' high performance sport shirt is perfect for athletic end-users.
Style Tip: Made of SoftCool moisture wicking, breathable fabric, this shirt features princess seams, contrast reverse stitching, color block design, and enhanced color fastness to better retain color and dual texture design.
|
Question: I have a customer that is looking for full-zip vests. I know exactly what the customer is wanting, but locating it for them is proving to be a challenge. Any help or sources would be MUCH appreciated! Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
Answer: Problem solved! Try, Ash City (asi/37127); (866) 274-2489; www.ashcity.com; product 78017. This ladies' fleece vest features an anti-pill outer shell, front full-zip and zippered pockets. It's available in three colors.
Or, try Ashworth Inc. (asi/37128); (800) 619-0096; www.ashworthcorporate.com; product WM 52027. This women's full-zip microfiber vest is fully lined with front zipper pockets and is water repellant. Available in white, black or yachtclub.
Finally, try Bodek & Rhodes (asi/40788); (800) 523-2721; www.bodekandrhodes.com; product 8486. This men's full-zip vest is made of anti-pill 100% polyester with nylon-reinforced pockets and elasticized comfort bottom. Available in black, charcoal and navy.
Selling Tip: Full-zip vests can be distributed to your best employees or clients year-round. Target the ones who are outdoor enthusiasts: travelers, fishermen, boaters and hikers.
Question: I am looking for a source for kid and adult Velcro visors for embroidering. Thanks!
Answer: For adult visors with a Velcro closure, try Bullet Line LLC (asi/42424); (800) 749-7367; www.bulletline.com; product SM-7025. This is a heavyweight cotton visor that's available in black, khaki, navy and white.
Also, try Broder Bros., Co. (asi/42090); (800) 521-0850; www.broderbros.com; product M850. This visor is made of 100% cotton with a two-piece Velcro closure. It's available in seven colors.
For youth visors, try Staton Corporate and Casual (asi/89380); (800) 950-6611; www.statononline.com; product 6224. This two-color visor is made of 100% polyester and available in 15 colors.
Finally, try Augusta Sportswear (asi/37461); (800) 237-6695; www.augustasportswear.com; product 6226. This youth visor features a sweatband that folds down for easy embellishment. Available in 17 colors. Thanks!
Selling Tip: Visors are very attractive, both to the athletes of your company as well as an event giveaway. Whether they play tennis, coach football or enjoy a Sunday hitting the links, a visor will be a nice compliment to the rest of their outfit.
|
|
|
|
|
August 1-4, Orlando
Orlando Gift Show
(678) 285-3976; www.orlandogiftshow.com
August 4-6, Long Beach
The SAAC Show
(818) 346-1796; www.saac.net
August 8-11, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco International Gift Fair
(914) 421-3200; www.sfigf.com
August 12, Houston
"Hot Stuff" Booth Show
(281) 238-4772; www.houstonppa.org
August 13, San Antonio
CAPPA Show
(830) 980-9077; www.cappatexas.org
August 13-15, Schaumburg
ISS Show
(800) 241-9034; www.issshows.com
August 15-20, New York City
New York International Gift Fair
(914) 421-3200; www.nyigf.com |
|
August 16-19, Alberta
Alberta Gift Show
(888) 823-7469; www.albertagiftshow.com
August 16-19, Marlboro, MA
New England Apparel Club Show
(781) 326-9223; www.neacshow.com
August 22-25, Seattle
The Seattle Gift Show
(213) 430-2300; www.seattlegift.com
August 23-26, Montreal, Quebec
Montreal Gift Show
(888) 823-7469; www.montrealgiftshow.com
August 24-28, Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta
Advantages Roadshow
(800) 546-3300; www.asishow.com
August 26-27, Orange County
The PPAF Expo
(888) 827-7723; www.ppaf.com
August 28-29, Baltimore
NBM Shows
(966) 893-7682; www.nbmshows.com |
|
SPONSORED BY
|
|
| |
| f |
Wearables
Style and Wearables are
trademarks of the Advertising Specialty Institute.
You were sent this newsletter as a benefit of
your ASI membership. Copyright 2009, ASI.
All Rights Reserved. |
| If you'd like us to send Wearables
Style FREE to anyone else at your company (or to your off-site sales reps), go to www.asicentral.com/newsletters and complete the online form. |
| Interested in advertising in Wearables
Style? Send an email to ddienna@asicentral.com |
| Click here to subscribe to Wearables™ magazine. You must be a member of ASI to subscribe to this publication. The publisher has a right to refuse subscriptions to non-members. |
| Advertising Specialty Institute®, 4800 Street Road, Trevose, PA 19053 |
| |
