The Curation Question

On December 5th, Fashion + Tech NY held a panel discussion on the retail hot topic of the last two years, curation. There is no question now that consumers get their primary sense of products from media, be it broadcast or social. There is also millions of times more information immediately available than ever before. The role that used to be filled by topical mavens, the old man who knew where to fish and how to do it, or the woman who hit the dress shops in the surrounding towns frequently enough to know where you could find a long yellow one at a discount, they have been heavily supplemented by Twitter and Facebook friends (although that’s becoming highly suspect), by Amazon and Yelp reviews, by Google Shopping tips returned with search results, and by friends who spend all their time at work looking online for clues as to when the next iPad is going to be released. What businesses are currently obsessing over is how to profit from curation.

story and photos by Charles Beckwith

On December 5th, Fashion + Tech NY held a panel discussion on the retail hot topic of the last two years, curation. There is no question now that consumers get their primary sense of products from media, be it broadcast or social. There is also millions of times more information immediately available than ever before. The role that used to be filled by topical mavens, the old man who knew where to fish and how to do it, or the woman who hit the dress shops in the surrounding towns frequently enough to know where you could find a long yellow one at a discount, they have been heavily supplemented by Twitter and Facebook friends (although that’s becoming highly suspect), by Amazon and Yelp reviews, by Google Shopping tips returned with search results, and by friends who spend all their time at work looking online for clues as to when the next iPad is going to be released. What businesses are currently obsessing over is how to profit from curation. Continue reading “The Curation Question”

Preview Textile Group – The Silk Dragon Is Friendly

Douglas Greenwald’s grandfather got into silk screening down on Spring Street decades ago. Today, a third generation garment businessman, Doug manages Preview Textile Group, a massive silk and print wholesale operation headquartered upstairs from Mood Fabrics on the eleventh floor at 225 West 37th Street in Manhattan.

story by Charles Beckwith
photography by Aeric Meredith-Goujon

Douglas Greenwald’s grandfather got into silk screening down on Spring Street decades ago. Today, a third generation garment businessman, Doug manages Preview Textile Group, a massive silk and print wholesale operation headquartered upstairs from Mood Fabrics on the eleventh floor at 225 West 37th Street in Manhattan. Continue reading “Preview Textile Group – The Silk Dragon Is Friendly”

Mood Fabrics – Inside The Textile Superstore

Possibly the biggest fabric collection in the world is housed by Mood Fabrics, a textile superstore entered from the third floor at 225 West 37th Street in Manhattan. For designers coming to New York City from out of town, this is one stop not to miss. Forget Fifth Avenue, there is nothing like this in Milan, Paris, or anywhere else. Continuing modaCYCLE’s designer resources series, we recently sat down with manager Eric Sauma to talk about this wonder of the fashion world.

story by Charles Beckwith
photography by Aeric Meredith-Goujon

Possibly the biggest fabric collection in the world is housed by Mood Fabrics, a textile superstore entered from the third floor at 225 West 37th Street in Manhattan. For designers coming to New York City from out of town, this is one stop not to miss. Forget Fifth Avenue, there is nothing like this in Milan, Paris, or anywhere else. Continuing modaCYCLE’s designer resources series, we recently sat down with manager Eric Sauma to talk about this wonder of the fashion world. Continue reading “Mood Fabrics – Inside The Textile Superstore”

Move It Or Lose It, Let’s Talk Trade Shows

To the uninitiated, New York Fashion Week is the main event, but for most designers the week after is usually far more important. It is Market Week, and this is when retail chains and department stores spend the most money and the deals get done. There are multiple trade shows in New York during Market Week, from the massive Coterie exhibition produced by ENK at the Javitz Center and the Show Piers to the smaller more focused Designers and Agents show.

story and photo by Charles Beckwith

To the uninitiated, New York Fashion Week is the main event, but for most designers the week after is usually far more important. It is Market Week, and this is when retail chains and department stores spend the most money and the deals get done. There are multiple trade shows in New York during Market Week, from the massive Coterie exhibition produced by ENK at the Javitz Center and the Show Piers to the smaller more focused Designers and Agents show. Continue reading “Move It Or Lose It, Let’s Talk Trade Shows”