Earlier this week, the biannual women’s market returned to NYC with the Cabana & Capsule, Coterie and Woman trade shows for three days. Here is what you missed.
Cabana & Capsule
Imagine yourself stepping in from outside on a hot humid day in New York. You’re greeted with cool air and infused water provided by S’well Water bottles. Meanwhile, a Garmentory lounge provides free manicures and a 10-minute Relax & Unwind massage. No this isn’t the spa– you’re at Cabana & Capsule trade show located at Pier 94 for its second edition as a combined show showcasing brands and their s/s 2019 collections.
The not-too-big, and not-too-small just the right size of a show introduced a fresh look of romantic prints and experimental jewelry from international designers. In no particular order, here are the highlights.
Cabana:
Best Dress: Istanbul natives Dor Raw Luxury is a Los Angeles–based brand showcasing dreamlike silhouettes constructed of the finest linen sure to send your look adrift, maybe even overseas.
Top Travel: Womenswear brand Catherine Gee was conceived with one intention in mind, to dress women from all walks of life, appropriately attired from any and everywhere. Gee’s silk travel collection features silhouettes perfect for mixing and layering.
Best Bag: Most certainly not the last thing that you will take off, House of Muamua showed hand beaded accessories from Bali. It wasn’t easy sneaking into the busiest booth of the show. However, I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of their cheeky take on iconic brands.
Best RTW: Inspired by a traditional European printed scarf of her hometown in Copenhagen, designer Cecilie Jorgenson created a wearable offering of RTW staples.
Capsule:
Best Piece: Giving an updated look to the iconic jean jacket, Korean based brand Kye Denim showed a risquè twist on a classic style.
Best Specs: Simple in craftsmanship, trendy, with a polished finish, eyewear designers Bonnie & Clyde served a refined interpretation of favorite street vendor styles.
Best Brand: The futuristic aesthetics at Kataya Dobryakova; Russian based designers from Moscow, created a genderless capsule for everyone to wear that is inspired by the elements of space.
Best Outerwear: Not afraid to stand out, the avant-garde pieces at Nina Tiari are sure to turn a few heads. The stylist turned designer offers an unapologetic yet feminine collection.
Favorite Take Away: A favorite addition to the Cabana & Capsule trade show was the cash and carry option. Allowing attendees to be able to purchase items directly on the spot. Fringe, the perfect embellishment to personalize any pair of shoes, was available in an array of prints and colors.
Coterie:
The perfect find from a stressful trade show that is the women’s market could be hit or miss, unless you’re at Coterie that is.
The huge multi-floor trade show housed brands by the hundreds curated into specific categories such as; Coterie, Fame, Sole Commerce, Moda, and Sourcing. The highly attended show introduced neighborhoods within sections, such as TMRW (contemporary & emerging brands) and Vintage (one-of-a-kind-apparel) that were carefully positioned throughout the Javits Convention Center, located along the city’s scenic Hudson River in midtown New York.
Mapping out one’s perfect find is vital for a show as large as Coterie. Its whimsical aesthetic is designed to entice attendees to stop, selfie and shop while navigating the show’s endless finds. Here are a few finds of my own.
Best Denim: While “sustainability” proved to be the trend throughout the shows, Outland Denim is not only sustainable, organic, and chemical free, most importantly a brand with a message. Australian founder James Bartle manages a factory and wash house in Cambodia where Outland Denim employs victims of trafficking and abuse, providing a wage, job security and skills to build from.
TMRW:
Standout Newcomer: Debuting her sophomore collection is NY-based designer Christy Haung of Christy + You, introducing ship shape three dimensional designs, that offer 2-in-1 pieces that can be worn multiple ways. There are no rules to the wear explains Christy “The papilon (metamorphosis) go wherever, and however you want..”
Best Trenched:
Introducing classic silhouettes re-imagined in elegant fabrics, Monica & Mobline is an essential addition to every wardrobe. Produced in South Korea, the simplistic designs are created with the intention to be worn like music in the movement of everyday life.
Throwback Worthy: This is not your mother’s closet! Paris-based brand Cheyma showcased key styles that have resurfaced throughout time. The Eastern European inspired collection gives nod to the cultural life of Russia.
Woman Show
In comparison, one might call the Woman show tiny. However, the refined ambiance created by the carefully hand-selected brands proved to be worth the visit. The no gimmicks show was located at 50 Varick Street, downtown in TriBeCa New York. Last but certainly not least here are the favorites.
Unique Design: Created by Kelcie Schofield, CIE’s upside jeans are crafted of re-imagined selvage denim and are unisex. The one-of-a-kind styles are made in New York.
Best Military: Forever in style, it is always nice to see a fresh take on military fashion. Produced in Vietnam, the W’menswear brand is created by French designer Lauren Yates and produced in Vietnam. Showcasing a customized Vietnamese camo print made to bleed ink was reminiscent of a time past.
READ ALSO:
