Entrepreneurs create new venue for emerging designers

02 Sep '08

3 min read

The fashion industry, like most other industries; is feeling the weight of the looming recession. Retail sales continue to slump, while brands need to make big impact with consumers to garner sales.

With Fashion Week just around the corner, the ever increasing cost of showing collections at Bryant Park has other visionary entrepreneurs filling the void.

Entrepreneurial odd couple, Kerry Bannigan, a British marketing executive and Arthur Mandel, an attorney, created Nolcha Fashion Week (NFW) to support and promote international emerging fashion on the runway.

Select designers are chosen to present their latest collections to an audience of fashion's ultimate tastemakers including press, buyers, and fashion industry leaders from around the globe.

Now in its second year, Nolcha, which hosts fashion weeks in both the UK and in New York City, has attracted major attention from corporate sponsors including: Coca-Cola, Paul Mitchell and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce bringing emerging designers together under one roof and providing market visibility in this uber competitive economic climate.

Bannigan, Executive Director of NFW, splits her time between New York and London working closely with designers and industry leaders to continually grow the Nolcha brand on an international scale.

Her extensive background in marketing, events and brand management has put her on a mission, aimed at increasing emerging designer talent's stronghold in a brand savvy market.

Mandel, Sponsorship Director of Nolcha Fashion Week, heads new business development with a special focus on sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

He's worked in financial services as an Associate for R.W. Wentworth in their Mergers & Acquisitions Energy Division and holds a JD from the St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami, FL.

“To be able to showcase in NYC at a peak time in the fashion industry at an affordable price and in a professional environment is an incredible opportunity for emerging talent. We are proud to be able to offer this,” says executive director of Nolcha Fashion Week, Kerry Bannigan.

This year, NFW, New York will be held September 8-12 at The Prince George Ballroom located on East 27th. Featured designers include: LanVy, Moss Universe, Quiet Riot, Royal Sunday, Celestino, plus 35 selected British Designers.

The five day event is a fashion 360; including runway shows, networking events, and business seminars led by industry experts and fashion business entrepreneurs.

In addition, Nolcha will also host a special day for British designers: NY Profile, a UK invasion if you will, highlighting the best and brightest from across the pond.

I would love to set up a time for you to speak with the Nolcha team about how they see the global fashion business and how emerging designers stay a float in tough economic times with the help of vices such as Nolcha Fashion Week.

Nolcha Fashion Week

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