PARENTI FASHION by Patrica Ann Parenti
This is a tradeshow about clothing, accessories and shoe designers and the agents that represent them. Agents are also multi representatives showrooms. This tradeshow took place at 601 West 26th Street in NYC on February 16 – 18, 2025. Over 300 brands showed from all over the world. Designer and Agents brands show smaller more artistic labels than other tradeshows. WWW.DESIGNERSANDAGENTS.COM
New trends that I saw were soft, loose and unconstrued clothes. Lots of gauzy tunics for summer to layer over leggings with oblong scarves draped around the neck and knotted in front. Large size square scarves in silk prints that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s are back in style again.
KIM WHITE BAGS BELTS
I’ve known Kim White since she started exhibiting at D & A in NYC. What attracted me to her line was that I use to be a belt buyer for a store many years ago in NYC. I have a love of belts and can never find many leather belts in stores in NYC. Kim makes everything in Los Angeles, California, the old-fashioned way which is pretty much by hand. Her belts are high quality and made in all leather so they will last a lifetime. She also makes bags that I’m not showing here in this blog. Most of the belts are in cowhide leather which is the best leather for jean belts. The edges are stitched down so the backing doesn’t split apart from the front side. Her collection features lots of burnished buckles with matching gromets as seen in the bottom right photo. Belt widths are 1 1/2″ – 2 1/4″ and perfect to pull thru jean loops or to wear at the waist of a blazer or dress. They come in many colors and are priced $135.00 – $225.00. Sizes XS –WWW.KIMWHITEHANDBAGS.COM/
MARIAN PAQUETTE
A collection of textile frame bags that are vintage inspired. All the bags are made by hand in California. Marian Paquette is the designer and she sources fabrics from all over the world. The chains on some of the bags are actually from the 1950s. Some fabrics are mohair and shearling which come in different colors. The handles of the bags and the trim are leather. The bags are 3 looks in 1 because the handle or leather strap comes off to make it a clutch for going out in the evening or you can wear the strap bag cross body in the streets or store. You can also tie knots in the strap so they rest at the sides of the shoulders. This is a good feature if you are short and don’t want the bag hitting your hips. Dust bags come with the bag and they are stuffed (you should keep them stored this way so they retain their shape.) A tag inside the bag tells a story about the bag also. They are all made to order so expect awhile for delivery. Priced at $450.00 – $750.00. WWW.MARIANPAQUETTE.COM