New York City is overrun with hot new designers. With prestigious schools like Parsons and FIT, it’s really no surprise.
Every year New York City gives thousands of talented young people the chance to make it big in the Fashion Industry.
But after graduating with honors, how does an up & coming young designer go about getting the exposure and publicity that they so desperately need in order to make that important break into the mainstream? (Other than hang out with Madonna of course!)
Much like the all important first step for a model is to become represented by a good agency, a young designer must find themselves a strong and energetic Showroom.
The Showroom serves several purposes:
1) They house the Designer’s “Collection”
2) They help to generate publicity for the Designer by lending the collection to various magazines and tv productions for shoots etc.
3) They help the Designer cast and come up with the general idea for their biannual fashion shows.
4) They solicit and entertain the buyers of top retail establishments.
Having worked with many showrooms over the years, I will admit to having my personal favourites. With their professional yet approachable attitude as well as their unique eye for spotting and representing fresh new talent, Showroom 30 is by far my first choice when I need to dress to impress!
Recently, I caught up with Ron Smith, head of Showroom 30, in order to ask him a few questions on what makes his showroom a cut above the rest…..
C: When did Showroom 30 open it’s doors and why?
Ron Smith: Showroom 30 opened in 2001. We wanted to provide young, emerging designers with the invaluable exposure and opportunities to showcase their designs to key industry persons which would otherwise be impossible if you were a start up label with no resources and no financing.
C: Well with having dressed such names as Paris Hilton, Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Tyra Banks, and Faith Evans to name a few, you’re certainly doing that! Tell me, what criteria are adhered to when choosing to represent a new designer? Is there a particular style or feel?
Ron Smith: Showroom 30 seeks out talented designers, of course. But being that Fashion is a Business, Showroom 30 has learned that it is more important to seek out designers with a key sense of business and drive to succeed.
C: What can we expect from your designers this Fashion Week?
Ron Smith: This Spring 05, we’re representing 5 very hot and sought after designers! (Ms. Cheesecake, SYD, INDASHIO, Anat Ishai and Jedda Kahn) For this season, our designers have concentrated on Color! Lots of pink! And of course, the New Color, Yellow! Swimsuits are a big thing for us this season as well!
C: I can’t wait! Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about Showroom 30 and your designers?
Ron Smith: Our designers have obtained great recognition as well as a strong celebrity following quite rapidly. Although they may currently appear small compared to Donna, Calvin, and Ralph, I feel secure that they have the potential to be terrific leaders in the near future!
by Christie Heinrich
www.christiesbook.com
Showroom 30 is located in the heart of the Garment District at 566 Fashion Avenue (7th Ave.), Suite 706, New York, NY 10018.
They are able to be contacted via e-mail or telephone at 212 398-0899 / Showroom30@aol.com
HTTP://WWW.SHOWROOM30.COM
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