NEWS
Pukka Headwear will formally launch its new seven7under headwear brand at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla.
Jack Nicklaus Sportswear launches a rich autumnal collection featuring tonal diamond and argyle patterns with color ways inspired by the varied landscapes of four Jack Nicklaus-designed courses.
Dunning announces that Zach Johnson wore its complete apparel system en route to winning the Sony Open.
Gogie Girl will introduce Lizzie, a new addition to its line of headwear, at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla.
Jack Nicklaus Sportswear announces several additions to its sales force - Mark Ruediger (Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois), A.J. Robinson (Southern California), Mike Mondor (southwest Florida) and Candy Armstrong (southeast Florida).
FEATURE
Fashion runway sprouts into a Fashion Gallery
By Janice Ferguson
GPA Writer
There is a big change in store for the apparel section of the PGA Merchandise Show, scheduled for Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla. The familiar daily trio of fashion shows is being replaced with a Fashion Gallery.
Located in the same area the fashion shows were previously conducted, and anchoring the opposite end of the convention floor from the equipment demo area, the Fashion Gallery promises to be a more interactive epicenter for golf fashion, accessories, art and literature.
Why change a good thing? Exit interviews conducted with attendees from previous PGA Merchandise Shows revealed a desire among participants to get a closer, more intimate look at particular outfits being shown versus watching a rapid stream of models sashay by so quickly the clothes looked like a blur.
But another request from attendees was to show the apparel collections on figures more, how shall we say, anatomically matched with their clients who would actually be purchasing the clothes. So, a variety of models and mannequins will be used at the Fashion Gallery.
And, there is more - a lot more. In addition to the daily apparel viewings of top brands and up-and-coming designers such as Ian Poulter, Puma, Adidas, Nike, Iconic Sport, Fila, Gear for Sports and others, the 6,300-square-foot Fashion Gallery will feature an accessory showcase, a new designer reception, daily trend reports, book signings and daily segments offering tips by AGM president Ken Morton Jr. on how to efficiently work the show floor.
The LPGA will celebrate both its 20th anniversary of "Girls Golf," and the 50th anniversary of its Teaching and Club Professionals in the Fashion Gallery area. There will also be an art and literature section, as well as an eco-friendly product spotlight.
For medium to small size companies, the Fashion Gallery could be a big help in garnering additional exposure.
"We're hoping the new format will introduce our products to more buyers, and in a more complete way than the former fashion show," said Leslie Chow, president and designer of Iconic Sport.
"In addition to showing our outfits, the scheduled segment also allows us to present our design philosophy, unique fabrications and design details in an interactive forum. This will give buyers a more comprehensive view of our line and then they can come to our booth for a full presentation."
For larger brands, the additional show space is an opportunity to conduct activities they do not have room for in their respective booths. Puma, for example, will host interactive contests featuring NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, New York Yankee Johnny Damon, Golf Channel "Big Break" contestant Briana Vega and LPGA player Erica Blasberg.
While the itinerary and activities continue to evolve, the Fashion Gallery is shaping up to be a "must-stop" for every participant,
For information, go to www.pgamerchandiseshow.com and click on Special Events, then NEW! Fashion Gallery.
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