Aug 19, 2019

IMC’s August markets draw global business

IMC’s August 2019 markets in Atlanta – World of Prom and the August Atlanta Apparel Market – saw robust order writing and attendees from across the nation and around the world.

“The August social occasion and women’s apparel markets in Atlanta were strong, for both buyers and exhibitors,” said Bob Maricich, CEO for IMC. “The nation’s social occasion industry continues to make Atlanta its home, and trend-driven retailers and designers in women’s and children’s fashion are increasingly choosing our market to conduct business.”

World of Prom 2019

The 2019 World of Prom Market featured 63 showrooms and a record 60 temporary exhibitors including nearly 30 international lines representing nine countries. Across the social occasion market, exhibitors reported busy traffic with both domestic and international buyers.

“The show was unbelievable … incredible,” said Mon Cheri, CEO for Steve Lang, who showed 11 prom, social occasion, bridal and Quinceañera lines at the market.

Cody Hill, vice president of Sherri Hill, expanded its space for the launch of its new Alicia Hill line and introduction of girls’ social occasion dresses. He also reported buyers from all 50 states and many countries including Australia, Croatia, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The annual World of Prom fashion show provided trend education with 125 looks showcased, and transported buyers to a tropical location with lush greenery and a steel drum band. Gowns featured exciting, unique styles with top trends including embellished gowns with 3-D details, two-piece dresses, backless gowns and fairy-tale inspired looks with organza and other romantic fabrics.

The market’s Trend Series presenters touched on important trends going into the 2020 social occasion season. Designer and Project Runway star Johnathan Kayne shared 4-way stretch Lycra jersey, sparkling glitter knits and iridescent sequin mesh as the top fabric trends; navy and jade green, hot pink, yellow and animal prints as top color trends; and plunging necklines, bodycon mermaid silhouettes and voluminous ball gowns as top styles.

Other programming highlights included Publisher and Editor of Plus Model Magazine Maddy Jones and Sydney’s Closet President and Designer Phyllis Brasch Librach discussing how to make purchasing a gown a positive experience for all buyers.

The next tradeshow for the social occasion collection is VOW | New World of Bridal, September 10 – 12, 2019. For more information, visit AmericasMart.com/VOW.

August Atlanta Apparel 2019

The co-located August Atlanta Apparel Market featured nearly 600 women’s exhibitors showing holiday, resort, winter and fall immediates, plus 90 children’s exhibitors showing new styles for spring/summer 2020.

Highlighting the market was the Kickoff Party which featured a live model demonstration of 12 resort looks styled by Mireille Beckworth of City Peach. Party sponsor FREYRS, which hosted a sunglasses try-on experience, reported receiving new orders after the event.

Lifestyle and fashion influencer Landyn Hutchinson of Living with Landyn gave an intimate and inspirational look into building a brand both online and in brick-and-mortar as she discussed her successful blog and soon-to-open boutique with Dana Spinola, CEO of fab’rik. Other market programming included Sips & Snaps live photo shoots and the sponsored Runway Review.

The next trade show for the women’s and children’s apparel collection is the October Atlanta Apparel Market, October 15 – 19, 2019. For more information, visit AmericasMart.com/October.