PROJECT New York is back January 24-25 at Iron23 (29 W 23rd Street) with an incredible selection of menswear, and for a second season, Gender Fluid apparel, from a global range of contemporary brands. What better place than New York City, the epicenter of fashion innovation, to preview what’s now and next?
The event provides an inside look at new trends and emerging designers, giving you the opportunity to be ahead of the curve, whether you’re a retailer or a brand. David Alperin, Owner of Brooklyn-based menswear retailer Goose Barnacle, recounts, “It’s so fun to go to PROJECT New York because similar designs aren’t corralled for ‘easy buying,’ instead it’s a village experience of all perspectives where a keen eye can stumble on something truly new and exciting…you know it’s fun when the wife wants to come too.” The PROJECT New York team looks forward to bringing you an exciting experience at one of the most sought-after events of the year.
Image by WANT Les Essentiels
A DYNAMIC CURATION
PROJECT New York offers a vast range of categories for retailers to explore including denim, outerwear, contemporary streetwear, footwear, traditional menswear, and Gender Fluid collections. Justin Felizzari, owner of NYC-based menswear retailer Cueva Shop shares, “...last season was incredible as there was a great lineup of awesome brands.” And he already has his eye on a specific category he’ll be shopping for, “I’m looking to explore bottoms as it’s a category that has been huge for us! I’m super excited to see different silhouettes and fabrics.” (Watch Now on Instagram: “The PROJECT Team Visits Cueva Shop in New York’s West Village”)
This season will feature an exciting lineup of brands such as Alpha Industries, G.H. Bass, OAS, and WANT Les Essentiels. Matt Pantoja, Chief Brand Officer at Alpha Industries shares the perspective of a participating brand, “The team at PROJECT New York have done a great job in refreshing their show through their curation of participating brands, which include new, up and coming designers providing them with opportunities and exposure to the key influential retailers they invite.” Alpha Industries will be showcasing two new styles of the show floor that they dug into their archives to bring to life including a reinterpreted Canadian Parka as well as a Naval Shirt from 1934.
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES: GENDER-FLUID
To truly understand what makes the New York event so unique, it’s important to acknowledge that it goes beyond showcasing contemporary apparel, placing its focus on ‘Concept.’ When it comes to understanding the growing needs of consumers, the show floor is designed to help attendees not only buy, but also think ahead of the game.
Enter Gender Fluid collections: a category that is not limited to traditional gender norms. “We’d rather not set boundaries for our consumers and we always love to see them style our items in new ways,” shares Malin Strandborg Larsson, PR and Communications Manager at Resort Wear brand OAS Company. Larsson explains how this carries over into OAS Company: “Items in our own campaigns are predominantly styled across genders and as vacation wear is often more about comfort and relaxation, our styles appeal to a large variety of people. Our bathrobes, footwear, viscose, and terry shirts are the styles we see as gender-fluid.” At PROJECT New York you’ll gain exposure to OAS and a variety of other brands that are spearheading the gender-fluid movement. Join us Tuesday, January 24 at 2PM for a Fireside Chat titled Gender Fluidity in Fashion - The Conversation Continues. Featuring Jerome Lamaar Rice, Designer, Creative Director + Stylist and moderated by Edwina Kulego, VP International and Men's at Informa Markets Fashion.
Image by Tateossian
Image by Javelin NYC
Image by Goodlife
ACTION-FORWARD
The PROJECT New York team is continuing to push for progress this season to not only showcase our dedication to social and environmental sustainability, but to also provide you with brands and activations that are in line with consumer demands. PROJECT New York will be welcoming back New York Men's Day which supports emerging talents in the menswear space. Featured New York Men's Day brands incude NOBIS logo, CROSS EYED MOOSE, All Beneath Heaven, Atelier Cillian, A.Potts, Bulan, Dionysus, Jahnkoy, Kent Anthony, Nicholas Raefski, Raleigh Workshop, and Terry Singh.
Image by JAGVI. Rive Gauche
Image by OAS
Society is shifting to an inclusive, fluid, and forward-moving direction. What better place than New York to discover how to navigate fashion’s dynamic current? Register today to join us on this journey.
January 24-25, 2023 at Iron23