Business Of Fashion

In this interview you will meet Benjamin Zoldan, the West Coast Regional Sales Manager for Joseph Ribkoff. He has been with Ribkoff for over 10 years, and they have been in the industry for over 60! The foundation this brand has in loyalty is obvious. We met with Ben in Ribkoff's showroom here at the New Mart. There is so much we can learn from brands like Ribkoff and their incredible legacy. Watch this interview to learn more about how being consistent in your designs, message and point of view contribute to the success of a brand.

In this interview the New Mart Network visits the Ashley Mason Showroom, ran by owner Michelle Mulleneaux. Ashley Mason is also joined in the showroom by sister brand, Prosperity Denim - both lines are affordable, trend-focused denim. Michelle will share with us her personal story of how she started in the fashion business, what inspired the naming and values of her company, and the role she has found herself playing in the industry today. Viewers will quickly learn from this interview the importance of passion and purpose in the fashion business, and also how taking "the big risk" of starting your own business would have been worth it all along.

Next up in our series, The New Mart Network visits the Lynn Girard Showroom! Inside their beautiful space the dynamic duo, who often go by 'Flynn', introduce us to life in the fashion business. In this interview you will learn Lynn Girard's story and how she came to know her now partner, Florence Ratzsch. With experience and finesse in their tool belt, these ladies head up a powerful team of sales professionals who pride themselves on authenticity and real connection. Learn from them how good energy translates to good business.

In this interview you will meet Nicole Becker of AHQ (Accessory Headquarters) VP of sales, merchandising, and brand management. We recently went to the AHQ showroom at the New Mart Building in Downtown LA to explore their collections. While there we learned how AHQ uses data analytics to bring better product to their customers, also their ecommerce challenges and revelations, as well as Nicole's background in the business. Nicole has aspirations for continuing education, and talks about how FIDM's Product Development program changed her career path, and eventually got her into the Art Department.

In this interview you will meet one of the first ever Activewear sales representatives, Brandy Garrison. We recently went to her showroom at the New Mart Building in Downtown LA to learn about the undeniable growth in Activewear over recent years. Brandy shares with us how she got into the business herself, what she looks forward to every-day at work, and the road she has traveled in the Activewear space. Viewers will learn how the rise popularity in practicing Yoga, paralleled with the rise of the Activewear category in Fashion.

In this interview you'll meet Shana Landa, owner of The Landa Showroom Inc. Shana explains to us the importance of a working relationship, specifically with regard to those in both the wholesale and retail parts of the industry. She describes environments in her own experience where both sides worked together successfully. In her showroom today, the staff work side by side with the Retail Buyers and Merchandisers to insure everyone involved has a strong foundation in product education and presentation. Those seeking to understand more about the business of fashion, and the ways that retail and wholesale work together - this one's for you!

Eme Mizioch and Ashley Thweatt of the JokenStyle showroom sit down with the New Mart Network to discuss what's new with them. Recently a wonderful relationship with Bugatti connected them to a new client, Celine Dion, who has recently began working on her first collection. The showroom decided to meet this new opportunity head-on and continue following their own pattern of growth. In this podcast you'll hear just how much the showroom has been growing, and the specifics of how they are inter-weaving in the new fashion market.

The New Mart Network sits down with Sharon Gasper of Echo to dive into the details of their finely-tuned collection. Echo is the epitome of contemporary casual chic, and has various categories of product fit for any occasion. Known for their scarves and prints, the fall/winter clothes are a must see! Check out this gorgeous line and in moments you'll be planning your next vacation. Consider yourself warned :)

In this interview you will meet Kristi Williams, sales associate for Liverpool Jeans. She shares with us how the fabrication of their product is both specialized and unique. Additionally she'll go over how Liverpool was founded, what inspires the founders, and what to expect from them moving forward.

With decades of experience Michael and Robin Cohen, owners of the Cohen Showroom here at the New Mart, sit down to talk about the evolution of the fashion wholesale sales industry - specifically for those that specialize in cotton. In this video they will introduce the denim boom in San Francisco during the 1960's, and how that helped shape their careers. Additionally the veteran couple will go over the relevance for lifestyle stores, as well as what opportunities they plan to take in the future.

In this interview meet Vice President of Sales, Ross Martin of the E. Victor Gabriel Inc. This showroom at the New Mart is one of our many veterans, and was opened eighteen years ago by husband and wife duo, Eileen and Gaby Wizman. This local favorite has been in business in LA for over 30 years. E. Victor Gabriel specializes in only European made lines. They have a strict standard for carrying high-quality product, with requirements for stellar craftsmanship. E. Victor Gabriel Inc. has throughout their history, and will continue to bring to market lines that are Quality, European, and Luxury.

Viewers learn not only that Lacoste is rich in heritage, but that the brand wouldn't be where it is today without the tenacious personality of their founder, Rene Lacoste.

In this interview meet Ethan Eller, Property Manager for the New Mart (Eisenberg Properties), a.k.a the Ben & Joyce Eisenberg Foundation. Watch and learn about Ethan's experience in real estate, the ups and downs of his unique position, and the charitable aspect of his daily job. As the building manager for almost 30 years, Ethan is beloved, respected and well-known is the community (and US fashion industry). It's no secret that this man is a walking vault of information complete with insight, passion, and a zest for life that remains unmatched.

In this interview you will meet Michael Bush, Owner of Michael Bush - LA Apparel. He has valuable insight on the changing nature of the wholesale fashion industry, and some major suggestions for how sales reps can continue to be successful. With a perspective grounded in true customer experience, Michael goes through various hypothetical situations with us on how to earn new business, and take care of returning customers, all the while adhering to a strict standard of honesty.

With a background in business, software engineering, and retail - Eveline brings a uniquely diverse experience to the wholesale fashion business. She will share with us the challenges international brands face trying to enter the US Market, as well as the various forms of support and services she is now providing to help international brands succeed.

Karen will talk about what a sales career entails today. She illustrates the many hats one must wear, and will also share how she got into the industry. The KLA Showroom has seen growth and success, recently celebrating a 25 year anniversary in the business.

In this interview we meet Julie Illouz, USA Sales Manager for Hotel Particulier, and manager of their LA showroom located in The New Mart Building. She talks about the inspirations behind this affordable luxury brand, and the stylish owners who started it. Julie will also share what she enjoys most about the brand, and how she eventually landed here in Los Angeles. We learn of her fairy-tale beginnings in the city of Fashion - Paris.

In this podcast you will hear from the artists, filmers, and fashionistas that were at the MODA 360 show during Majors Market. The New Mart Building is a historical landmark, and high-rise located in Downtown LA. This Art-Deco inspired building is host to some of the most important collaborations that have happened, and are happening in fashion today. You will hear from Amy Roiland (fashion blogger and app developer), J aka Shaken Hallow (graphic artist and painter), and Jenna Michelle (photographer and painter).

In this podcast you will hear from the sustainable fashion designers that attended the 2016 MODA 360 show. This will be a very in-depth look at the processes involved in running a sustainable fashion brand. Giving two talks at the event were sustainable fashion leaders Juan Pablo Martinez and Bernadette Bodenmueller.

Tami Smith, owner of New Mart Showroom T. Smith & Co. meets with the New Mart Network to share insight on how emerging designers can market their lines most efficiently to the industry. With a business background, and a bachelors degree in Psychology - Tami will show how eclectic experiences are not just welcome in the fashion industry, but may provide the edge one needs to survive the ups and downs of this industry.

Parris Harris, international fashion show producer meets with the New Mart Network to go over all the elements of what goes into producing a Fashion Show. He will share more about his project with FORD, his social media followers, and hint at the bright future of Fashion Week in LA.

Steve Brown, President of Three Eye Worldwide a world consumer insights and strategy company, talks about the importance of technology in the contemporary business environment in this podcast. He'll discuss strategies and innovations that business' today should be aware of. This information is relevant for business' large and small.

Showroom Five21 caters to femininity overall. The beautiful gowns and dresses that appear in her showroom, often times are sent to celebrities for red carpet and gala events. She has a fabulous eye, and sophisticated taste. In this interview, Vishaka shares how she decides to pick up a line and what she had to do in her industry to stay fresh.

The Joken Style Showroom sees visitors from all over the world who come for Eme's version of the California lifestyle. In this interview, Eme and her team take us through their individual journeys into the fashion industry, and illustrate for us the importance of a strong team.

Andrew has recently directed a documentary titled "The True Cost", which exposes the need for sustainability in fashion manufacturing, calls to action the need for shoppers to support brands that make a positive impact in the community.

This wildly popular trade show, Designers and Agents (better known as "the D&A show" has been a long-time event at the New Mart Building. It's been hosted here for over 15 years. In this interview you will get an inside look at the show, and hear from it's founders and manager about the show's beginnings, and what to expect from D&A in the future.

Taryn is the founder of Eco Divas, a professor at FIDM, and an activist for fair-trade and sustainable fashion policy. In this podcast you will learn her story, and the stories of many others she has worked with over the years.

Marie and Indigo will talk about the personalities behind their brand, the importance they see for domestic made, and why supporting brands who stand for something are important. Additionally, the Rich Honey brand participates heavily in the garment dying process, and will touch on the invasiveness and pressure this type of designing brings.

Tom will discuss the necessity for companies to be at the forefront of this information. In the rapidly changing environment, Melange Live promises to cover all aspects - providing attendees the most current information in the sub-field of Fashion Technology.

Hallie will talk about how sweat shops and poor decisions are not necessary for a brand's bottom line. She will speak about the personal connections, and really the importance of working closely with your buyers. Necessitees is a wonderful example of how brands can make their products in the USA, and still sell them for a reasonable price point. Additionally, she will share her personal story of how she got into the fashion industry - which will inspire you because she has done it all! Not to mention, beginning her journey into fashion as one of the youngest showroom owners ever at 24 years old.

David will talk with the New Mart Network about how he got into the fashion industry, and why a trad

Frances will talk about how she began her journey in the industry, and where on her path she decided to start FBI. Fashion Business Incorporated (known as FBI) provides support to individual professionals in the fashion industry. From mentorships, courses, and events - FBI gives back in so many ways. Also featured in this interview is Rob Greenspan, Finance Expert and FBI's Chairman of the board. He offers valuable insight on finance in Fashion.

Rande Cohen, the owner of the Rande Cohen Showroom goes over the art of sales with us - really showing what goes on in the life of a Designer (Manufacturer's) Representative. With decades in the business, Rande talks about the personal connection as a vital element of her business. In a time where everyone looks to social media or the internet, she talks about the need for a personal connection - between Representatives and the Designers (Manufacturers), Representatives and the Buyers, and the Designers with their customers.

The California Fashion Association was created in 1994. Since then the organization has been involved with the city, state and national officials to address issues of concern in the fashion industry. Members of the association include manufacturers, suppliers, educational institutions, allied associations, and all apparel-related businesses.

Ariana Gomez, the PR & Marketing Manager and Kent Smith, the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Fashion District BID office, meets with the New Mart Network to discuss their direct involvement in keeping the district safe and clean. The Los Angeles Fashion District BID has been in existence for almost 20 years.

Giovanna Silvestre sits down with the New Mart Network to discuss starting her line, Confused Girl In The City, only a year ago - a true force, she is positive, influential and a very special emerging designer in the scene right now.

Deborah Pollakus, also known as "Deb" sits down with the New Mart to discuss her show MODA 360. The show is a fashion presentation and collaboration including many other types of art. Watch this episode to learn more about what she has in store for the show debuting at the New Mart April 24th and 25th, 2015.

Peter Kim, CEO of Hudson Jeans sits down to discuss his new marketing campaign Forever Forward. In this podcast Peter talks about how he started in the fashion industry, the ethics and values of his company, and the goals for Hudson as a brand.