BY PATRICIA ANN PARENTI

This is a tradeshow that features trendy, new and established women’s with some men’s clothing, accessories, shoes for up and coming and established brands. The show took place at The Starrett-Lehigh Building in NYC on February 22-24, 2026. As they say in show business: the show must go on and it certainly did even though NYC had a major blizzard on the first day. The show’s catchy slogan is “Curating Character Since 2013.”

This show is definitely curated to bring the buyers the best and most unusual collections from all over the world. I interviewed three designers who I thought had new styles I haven’t really seen on the market before. Some of the styles are classic but these vendors put them in new colors or fabrics. First photo is of me (the blogger) on the show floor. The photo of the women in the photo above are examples of trends I found at the show.  www.brandassembly.com

ESPIRITU

These types of shoes (Huaraches) were popular in the 1970s and were originally made in Mexico and this brand still is. Artisans make all the shoes in the communities where they live.  Well, Francisco Alvarez-Ferrer and Oscar Yapor have brought them back in style. By the way, these are men’s and women’s styles. Lots of comfort features with recycled rubber used in soles whereas in the 1970s the soles were leather and didn’t bend while walking. The upper part of the shoe is all unlined leather and will stretch while wearing which means they will be super comfortable because they will mold to the shape of your foot. 

Men’s styles are closed shoes and mules in suede/leather in neutrals, jade green, mustard, bright pink, tan, sky blue, beige colors along with some multi color styles. Sizes 8 – 13 and they come in half sizes also.  Priced $125.00 for mules and $150.00 for closed shoes. 

Women’s shoes feature slip on and classic Huaraches style in leather and suede.  Lots of pretty pastels as seen in the bottom of my photo that are good for resort/spring/summer. Looking for a particular shade of a color in neutrals then they have it. Many of the suede styles come in bold jewel colors too. What I loved the most in the collection were the metallic leathers. Sizes 5 – 10 with ½ sizes too. Prices $125.00 – $165.00 www.espiritu.com

LORENZA GANDAGLIA

An exquisite collection of luxury viscose crochet bags made in Florence, Italy by crafts people. Lots of handwork is done on these bags including the fact that the lining is handstitched to the bag. These are classic bags to take with you to a resort, vacation to the shore or just to use in your everyday life in spring/summer in the city or suburbs. The brand has been in business for 30 years so you know it’s high quality. All you would need to pack for bags for a trip are the two bags shown in the middle of my photo because the classic flap bag (Bagatelle is the name on the website) can be used as a clutch for evening with the chain tucked in or be worn crossbody/on your shoulder during the day, The tote bag can be used to bring your sandals and cover up to the beach or to use shopping in town. Bottom photo is called Batalia (doctor’s bag) comes in many jewel ombre colors and is made of satin ribbon. I especially love the drawstring pouch style called a Ballon Bag in crochet and sequins (top photo) that has an iridescent look to it because it’s the perfect evening bag to dress up a little black dress. All the chains are stainless steel so they don’t oxidize and turn color.  Other sizes/styles for evening and daytime in pretty jewel tones, earthtones and pastel colors on the website. By the way, these bags never go on sale because they are meant to be used for many years to come and never go out of style.    Shipped out of NYC so no extra tariffs. Priced $590.00 – $850.00

www.lorenzagandaglia.com

SHUG!

A feminine/girly/contemporary collection of women’s clothing inspired by the south in the USA but designed in NYC. I loved the use of bright colors, patchwork cloth that is pieced and quilted together and chalk stripe fabric.  Lots of playful and flirty ruffle short skirts and shorts for the younger female. For someone of any age they have a zip up front on an A line skirt that can be zipped up high or at the knees to show off the legs (not shown in my photo) Fabrics  such as boucle, ultra suede, viscose, cottons used are from Europe so you know they are of high quality. Styles are vest with matching short shorts as seen in my photo, cropped tops with short flounced hem skirts, tank style dresses in dark color floral prints with a bubble bottom and not shown is a brown ultra suede top and knee length skirt with long fringe that would look great with cowboy boots/hat but you will have to go the website to see that. Many styles to take you to the office or to just go to a resort/vacation with in pretty prints. Sizes XS – L. Priced $150.00 – $400.00. To shop www.shopshug.com

DANIEL QUINTANILLA