Out & About
Reporting from the Trend Tank at POOLTRADESHOW in Las Vegas
This week I was in Las Vegas curating the TrendTank at the POOLTRADESHOW alongside fellow blogger, Courtney Schultz.
POOLTRADESHOW is the fashion industry’s leading destination for the boutique market and leading retailers worldwide focusing on emerging and independent brands. The tradeshow is hosted bi-annually every February and August in Las Vegas in conjunction with MAGIC, PROJECT, s.l.a.t.e., MENS/WEAR, and other fashion trade shows.
The TrendTank is an interactive initiative and resource tool for guests of the show to watch as fashion insiders (also known as Trenders) spot new trends and explore them on the show floor. Attendees and exhibitors got to interact with Courtney and I and learn about how we spotted the trends, where they can be found on the show floor, and what brands we were inspired by.
Workflow
Our booth had four large comprehensive visual boards that helped guide buyers and guests. They were also able to take our information on the go through the POOLTRADESHOW tumblr blog, which we populated with trend updates, items of desire, and other up-to-the-minute content from the show floor.
The four trends we highlighted at the TrendTank this season were:
WANDERLUST
A global influence is seen in print & pattern from head to toe. Ethnic and tribal motifs are layered over exotic skins and scarf prints in subdued palettes. Brought to life with bold accents of cobalt and raspberry, this look reads like a globe trotters inspiration journal.
BLACK AND WHITE
No longer reserved for formal occasions, the ultimate contrast of black and white is emerging as a stand out color combination for print and pattern, graphics, and styling. Color blocking is strong, while stripes and repeating patterns feel youthful. As a styling option, an all black is finished off with white accents.
SURREALITY
The consumers desire to escape from reality is influencing graphic design on tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, and outerwear. Cartoon-like shapes of lips, eyes, cars, and faces create an exaggerated reality along with collages of photo-realistic prints and oversized florals.
OPULENCE
Opulence is gaining momentum, a contrast from the understated styles seen in recent seasons. More is more with ornate texture on jacquards, lace and satin fabrics that are adorned with crystals, beading, and embroidery. All over silver and gold metallic is key.
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Look who stopped by to visit me at the TrendTank…it’s Mr Turk himself!
Filming a segment with a French TV network talking about one of my favorite menswear lines at the show: ELEKTRODE by Jérémy Amelin. It was interesting doing an interview where I’m the one needing a translator.
Additional photos of things I saw and loved at POOLTRADESHOW
