A Kings Trade Show Experience: Project NYC 2011

From the hours of 8-6 July 17 through July 19 exhibitors such as Tawfeeq Gaines of TSR for Rheyn Clothing patiently waited for buyers to partake in their showcasing of contemporary brands in a Soho gallery. Infused with a bloggers lounge, curated by Mr. Connect-the-Dot himself Marcus Troy, which featured blogs such as The Denim Guy, Denim Therapy, William Yan, Selectisim, The Madbury Club, Por Homme and Avederoutfit. Project had everything from a Ping Pong table, miles of free magazines, a free photography installation called Splashlight & if you forgot to get a haircut ProjectNYC had you covered by inviting The Blind Barber.

This time around was a little different than earlier this year (Kings Conquer Tradeshow). I wasn’t able to visit the other trade shows BlueENK & Capsule so it gave me a more personal experience observing some of the new & upcoming trends while connecting with some of the brands. My two favorite brands were CREEP by Hiroshi Awai , Strivers Row and the KSwiss the Joey Yates collection. I was also impressed with Feltraiger , who has improved since the last time I came in contact with them. The abundance of stylish individuals attending Project were buyers, store owners, stylists, bloggers, marketing specialists, and designers. To be surrounded by the inner workings of the fashion industry was very inspiring and allowed me to appreciate the business side of fashion, which most people tend to over look.

Project also showcased a special on-site retail experience called Made by Project. PROJECT hand-selected eleven artisanal brands to physically make product on site, to showcase the art of creativity and craftsmanship. The new installation highlighted the trend towards customization and limited-run production. Brands included:

Bowery Lane Bicycles: Bowery Lane Bicycles makes finely crafted bikes in New York City.
cxxvi Clothing: Dedicated to American made products with the aesthetic to match, they were drawing classic handlettered illustrations, screenprinting works on canvas and paper, and carving custom Vietnam-style lighters.
Etwas: Craftsmen that constructed bags using a portable workbox that contains all the supplies and tools needed for the bags.
Gabriel Urist: Gabriel Urist is a jewelry designer who carved his “Dr. James Ring” from peach pits!
Hartford Denim Co: They were making jeans and custom denim products on site, as well as providing denim repairs of all types
In God we trust: They were creating jewelry and accessories, with a focus on hand engraving phrases, names, initials, etc. to customize each piece for its owner.
Joya: They were crafting bespoke candles at the show allowing attendees and brands to create custom blended scents.
Leather Head Sports: Leather Head Sports made footballs and baseballs the way they were made when the sports began. The products are made by hand out of high quality American tanned leathers, and get better with every use. Founder Paul Cunningham is making baseballs, footballs, and card cases on-site.
Silva LTD: Owner Justin Crofoot from Central Oregon was constructing Mac book and Ipad cases from solid sheets of bamboo with hand cut and oiled cowhide leather straps.
Welcome Stranger: Had an expert bow-tie maker cutting and sewing ties from the vintage-style fabrics.

I like the direction the fashion industry is going in, highlighting and showcasing craftsmanship and talent. This differentiate the aesthetic of quality verses mass consumption and open doors for the hard workers of the industry.KRT