MAGIC NEW YORK
Magic New York took place at The Javits Center in NYC, February 21 – 23, 2023 and right after New York Fashion Week. It was held alongside its sister show Coterie. Magic is all about the latest trends for a more Junior or Fashion Forward Customer. The show had many imitate fashions to buy for the Spring/Summer Season, because the buyers want to buy up to the minute trends for their customers. When we talk about junior or fast fashion it’s not about an age anymore but a customer who wants young looking fashions instead of traditional clothing. I’m a junior customer because I like to look trendy and young (photo of me above at the show) and fit into Junior or Young Contemporary sizes easily. Also, the price range was less expensive than Coterie but then again, these fashions are only meant to be worn till the trend dies and not for years. Many vendors were telling me they have expanded to Plus Sizes because that customer base wants to look just as trendy as her regular junior size friend. WWW.MAGICFASHIONEVENTS.COM
I know most people that read my blog, look for me to tell them about the latest fashion trends. Let’s start with the shoe trends because I’m a shoe lover. While walking up the shoe aisles many times I wrote notes and spoke with the vendors about the latest shoe trends. Patient Mary Jane and Loafer style shoes with lug soles and square toes were the biggest trends and resembled Y2K styles that were popular in about year 2000. The vendors with the largest selection were Steve Madden and Jeffery Campbell. Other trends were glitter boots and pointed toe sling back pumps with kitten heels. Clothing (see photo above that was taken at Magic New York) has gotten looser with more volume in the silhouette. High waisted bell bottoms were a major statement in pants. Mini skirts have made a comeback. Puffy short sleeves continue. Peasant dresses were still around but not a major or new look anymore. Jewlery is still about skinny chains but hoop earrings are trending.
COTERIE NEW YORK
Coterie has been around since 1986 and I’ve attended every show since. This show is more upscale and clothes have better fabrics than Magic. This show is not as fast fashion as Magic but focuses more on luxury fashions with many brands from Italy. I really didn’t see any at once clothes to buy and the show focused on fall/winter fashions. The clothing styles are more tailored and at higher prices than Magic but they are meant to be investment clothes worn season after season. Lots of evening wear that includes gowns and cocktail dresses in satin and sequins was a major trend. Coterie also carries shoes and accessories because it’s a one stop shopping tradeshow for busy buyers. In shoes the newness is in clogs as seen in my photo above. Handbags are more structured and getting larger. Jewelry is big chunky chains and many are enameled. Clothing trends are big puffy sleeves with western wear as seen on the model above. Since this show caters to as luxury customer that heads to vacation after Christmas, there were many aisles showing the peasant style in resort wear. The handbag and shoe vendors I’m writing about below were from being interviewed by me at COTERIE. WWW.COTERIEFASHIONEVENTS.COM
MM33 MILANO
This a collection of bags and jewelry made in Italy from vintage scarves. Everything is one of a kind. This line is definite and sustainable because it uses scarves that would have been thrown out because they were old even though they were in excellent condition. The scarves used are all silk and the rest of the bag is lambs’ leather. The same fabric from the scarf is used to make matching cuffs that are palladium and gold platted so they will last and not tarnish. The inside of the bags has a zipper pocket in the middle. A gold chain handle is attached to the bag and can be used as a hand or shoulder bag. The bags retail for about $825.00. WWW.MM33.IT
MANC
This bag line is made in Istanbul, Turkey where the brand is famous. The designers started making belts after college and then decided to venture out into bags. Calfskin leather is used in all of the bags so they are considered sustainable. These are the perfect bags to use for evening events and special occasions when you don’t want to carry your big heavy everyday bag. Functionality is the word for these bags because the handle adjusts to different ways to carry the bags. 3 notches on either side of the handle makes means you can wear the bag as a clutch, cross body, handbag and shoulder bag. Silver or gold tone hardware is used and won’t tarnish. All bags have matching cotton lining with a back outer pocket. Many pretty colors to pick from too. Retail $250.00 – $500.00. WWW.MANCOFFICIAL.COM
RE49
RE49 was started as a factory in Italy making other brands of sneakers and shoes. About 2 years ago the owners who I interviewed converted the factory to their own brand. The sustainable part of these sneakers is the upper part is fabric from recycled beach chairs/umbrellas, sails from boats, used clean jeans and car seat fabric from over production. Soles are from car tires that have manufacture defects in them and can’t be sold for their original purpose. The middle sole of these sneakers is EVA. Linings are made from industrial cotton terry towels. All footwear is Italian made. The logo on the shoe is an NFC chip to connect the wearer with the block chain technology that explains all about the story of the brand. Their slogan is “To be the most sustainable footwear brand in the world.” All footwear is Gender Neutral with a size range from 6 – 14 Medium. Prices around $375.00 – $450.00. WWW.RE49.IT