New York Fashion Crowd Applauds Ethical Fashion

The Ethical Fashion Preview on September 14, 2009 debuted to an enthusiastic audience, with Bel Esprit showroom members receiving rave reviews. Taking place in the old world charm of the Carlton Hotel on Madison, the setting resonated with the luxury of the members' collections. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) September 24, 2009 - It's not your mother's hemp overalls. Fashion took center stage at the Ethical Fashion Preview on September 14 during Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Buyers and press were amazed at the style and creativity on display at the Carlton Hotel. Designers from the US, UK, Netherlands, France and Germany exhibited contemporary and chic collections that brought a fresh and exciting point of view to the spring season, and, by the way, also held true to ecological and fair trade principles.

Article 23 from France offered French sophistication guaranteeing chic from the office to after 5. New to the collection this season is their "unisex" group; styles that men and women can grab from either closet and look great. Buyers especially loved the draped Robyn tunic/dress, and the Dee sundress that is adjustable to three different lengths.

German company room to roam brought precision construction to streetwear. The collection is filled with cutting edge pieces that will last forever in any wardrobe. Many of the pieces are reversible offering a number of style options. The favorites were the flowing Sienna dress just right on any figure, the striped Tara trousers with the turned up cuffs, and buyers fell in love with the Scarlett jacket, an organic cotton sweater jacket great to throw on during the transition from winter and for those cool spring nights.

Van Markoviec, a favorite of international editors, as usual, did not disappoint. Avant-garde and fabulously wearable, the overalls and rompers were the must-haves of the collection, with the jackets and draped dresses also getting raves. The collection is known for its outstanding design and construction and the surprising details that add to the fashion forward flair. Stores looking for something new and fresh to offer their customers will definitely find it here.

The United Kingdom was well represented by showroom members Elena Garcia and Emesha Nagy who presented their full collections for the first time at a US fashion event. Buyers and press loved Elena Garcia's edgy, yet romantic looks, particularly her long silk wrap/jacket with felted wool and silk details. The theme for this season was "Out of Africa," and Elena gave buyers a high class luxury safari. From the crisp silk tweed dress to the beautifully draped silk satin tops and pants, travelers are well-dressed for every adventure.

Emesha presented a collection with a nod to the sport set. Clean lines, crisp tailoring, and comfortable styles were the key to her success. Her simple and elegant white sheath dress, perfect for business and after 5 occasions, was the most popular with editors, already asking where they could buy it. The deceptively simple silhouettes were carefully pieced together and beautifully crafted to provide a precise, but easy, fit and a timeless look. This is a collection that will be worn season after season.

Although unable to present their collections at this edition of the Preview, designers Lucy Tammam and Katie Weightman sent along a piece from each of their collections, causing a stir. Lucy's "Peacock" Wedding Dress from the House of Tammam greeted guests as they entered the Bel Esprit suite and buyers and editors were drawn to the exquisite tailoring and appliqué details. Katie's racer back baby doll dress from her Miksani collection was an immediate hit with buyers who wanted to wear the adorable and flirty dress to the cocktail party that evening.

US members Ojasvy and L'Shandi presented marvelous collections of day and after 5 designs. L'Shandi reinvents classic and retro styles with the bright and colorful cotton batik and embroidered lace fabrics from West Africa, creating wonderful day and cocktail dresses. The dresses are all-occasion showstoppers and guaranteed to turn heads for any woman wanting to make an entrance.

Ojasvy designs glamorous designer sportswear and after 5 dresses featuring hand embroidery and beadwork. The styles are elegant and mature, perfect for any woman from 18 to 50.

All in all, it was a fabulous debut for the Ethical Fashion Preview, and a very successful event for all the members of the Bel Esprit Showroom. All of the collections are available online at www.belesprit.net and buyers and press may register to access the spring lines. The Ethical Fashion Preview launched the Bel Esprit consumer site, www.belesprit.com, where the collections currently on sale in stores may be viewed. Stores carrying the Bel Esprit lines will be listed on the site to help consumers purchase the items.

About Bel Esprit
Bel Esprit is the online showroom exhibiting collections of sustainable and responsible fashion from around the world to the global fashion industry. Bel Esprit offers marketing, promotion and sales assistance to help designers build their businesses, and works with retailers and designers to build successful relationships.

About Nolcha Fashion Week: New York
Award Winning Nolcha Fashion Week held simultaneously with New York Fashion Week consists of runway shows featuring emerging and independent designers, accessory exhibition, industry networking events and fashion business seminars held by reputable industry figures. www.nolchafashionweek.com

About Nolcha
Nolcha is a leading operator of educational, event and b2b services devoted to independent fashion entrepreneurs and related retail businesses. The Nolcha platform includes Nolcha.com, an online fashion portal delivering daily business education; Nolcha Fashion Week, currently held during New York fashion week and providing key exposure to press, buyers, and industry figures for emerging and independent fashion designers from all over the world, in both apparel and accessories; events during London Fashion Week with key partners and Independent Retail Week in New York and Chicago, as an initiative to drive business and increase revenue for small fashion retail brands. www.nolcha.com

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