This article talks about alternate means of advertising being used to advertise the DVD release of Mad Men, a TV show about advertising. Got that so far? From magazine advertorials to retail partnerships, the marketing deluge for the popular AMC drama has been carefully manufactured in order to generate interest in the Mad Men brand as a whole as opposed to each individual season or episode. All that’s missing are a few promotional products. (The New York Times)
Read MoreBella Brings Fashion to Life
Los Angeles-based Bella recently announced the company is launching an innovative 2010 video marketing campaign. Taking a modern approach towards its 2010 design concept and photo shoots by integrating high fashion, hip music and behind-the-scenes interaction, the three-minute film will be released September 15 on the company’s Web site as well as other social media outlets.
Read MoreCouture by the Numbers (New York Magazine)
My secret shame? I don’t really get couture. I mean, I appreciate it. I think it’s pretty to look at. But I just don’t understand the over-the-top excess. And why there’s an entire section of the fashion world that is untouchable to normal people like me. So I read this blog post from New York Magazine’s The Cut like a person observing a train wreck. Shock. Awe. And a completely in disbelief at the presence of ostrich feathers. Did I mention the train wreck was in Australia? (New York Magazine)
Read MoreMake Mine Mesh
Bodek and Rhodes—adidas Custom Flyer Cap
I think it’s safe to say the full-on mesh trucker hat has had its heyday. However, with the combination of mesh and canvas, this style maintains a retail-inspired vibe and all the sportiness of a regular baseball cap. Plus, it has a moisture-wicking headband which is great for hot summer days on the baseball diamond. Or an outdoor bar, whatever al fresco activity floats your boat.
(800) 523-2721
www.bodekandrhodes.com
Bodek and Rhodes Makes Two Big Announcements
Philadelphia-based Bodek and Rhodes recently unveiled a 3-D performance catalog featuring two of the wholesalers’ top brands: adidas and UltraClub. As one of the nation’s leading wholesalers of imprintable activewear, the company developed the catalog to build excitement around the extensive collection of active performance wear.
Read MoreRiver’s End Trading Company Strengthens National Sales Effort
River’s End Trading, a Hopkins, Minnesota-based wholesale apparel distributor of Columbia Sportswear, has added 18 new independent territory sales executives to cover all 50 states. All of River’s End Trading Company’s 30 field sales executives have been sampled with the complete Columbia Sportswear line carried by the apparel wholesaler in an effort to increase its commitment to the Columbia Sportswear brand and to ensure promotional products distributors and imprinted sportswear decorators are properly serviced for all of their Columbia Sportswear needs.
Read MoreIn Print
NuPrints Inc.—Oversized School Spirit
I’ll give it to you straight: I’m not exactly overwhelmed by the allover print designs made famous by the tattoo-art designs of Ed Hardy. That being said, the trend has really gone the distance over the past year, and it’s a great way to sell into the collegiate market. I enjoy this product in particular because it’s a cool way to leverage the look of the moment: By combining a school mascot with the graffiti-esque design, it could be a whole new way for students to show their spirit. You can’t really go wrong there.
(210) 679-7617
www.nuprints.com
Treat your supplier as a design resource.
For caps and headwear promotions, going off the beaten design path is becoming necessary. With new imprinting technologies becoming more widely available, there’s simply no excuse for a boring logo. But if you’re feeling stuck in finding just the right way to incorporate retail trends into your next hat promotion, there is help to be had. According to Steve Byrens, national director of sales and marketing for Carson, California-based Seabell International, the company considers itself to be more of a “design house” than mere supplier. He noted that many clients allow his team to speak directly to the end-buyer to help ease the creative process and come up with a one-of-a-kind promotion that is sure to turn heads.
Read MoreTSC Apparel Announces Winners in the “The Wildcard Advantage’ Promotion
TSC Apparel, Cincinnati, Ohio, is excited to announce the winners from April, May and June of their 2009 promotion, The Wildcard Advantage. This year, TSC Apparel, along with mill sponsors Anvil Knitwear and Gildan, will send 10 winners and their guests on a trip to the January 2010 PPAI Las Vegas show. Customers are entered into the contest each time they purchase that month’s featured wild-card items.
Read MoreCollar Commentary
Edwards Garment—Laundry Plus Contrast Collar
Is there anything more classic than a tipped polo shirt? This item from Edwards Garment was included in June’s fan apparel section. Why? Because for every group of high school- or college-aged supporters (and even some elder bleacher creatures who should know better) that decided it would be a good idea to paint their team’s colors on their bare chests, there’s another, equally ardent fan who is quietly rooting on his favorite team. Shouldn’t there be quality fan apparel for the person who doesn’t walk the fine line between earnest cheering and indecent exposure? This piece is made for that guy.
(800) 253-9885
www.edwardsgarment.com