Stylesight Raises $10 Million in Funding from Volition Capital and Cue Ball Capital
Stylesight, New York, the leading global provider of trend content, tools and technology for the fashion and style industries, announced it has closed a $10 million equity investment to fuel its ongoing growth and global expansion. The investment was provided by Volition Capital, a growth equity firm formed by the U.S. team of Fidelity Ventures and Cue Ball Capital. In conjunction with the financing, Richard J. Harrington, chairman and general partner of Cue Ball Capital, and retired CEO of The Thomson Corporation (now Thomson Reuters), will join Stylesight's board of directors.
"Volition Capital and Cue Ball Capital's investments in Stylesight underscores their confidence in our growth, and validates our ongoing momentum," said Frank Bober, founder and CEO of Stylesight. "Volition has been a great partner since their initial investment in 2008 and we're excited with the addition of Cue Ball Capital and their unique approach to working with their investment partners."
With this additional funding, the company is well-poised to accelerate its rapid growth. Stylesight's strong heritage of product innovation, unparalleled customer service and best-in-class content will benefit significantly from this additional funding. Stylesight.com provides trend content and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) designer tools, and is the only such service available in Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and English translations. Stylesight offers its global subscribers the ability to intercept, interpret and transmit the impulses of the style industry through its timely, relative trend content and state-of-the-art technology.
"Stylesight has proven itself to be the premier information service for the global fashion industry," said Larry Cheng, managing partner, Volition Capital. "Their product portfolio is unmatched; the must-have trend service for retailers, manufacturers, designers and factories worldwide. We are pleased to assist Stylesight in their ongoing rapid growth in the fashion and style industry."
Stylesight's newest board member, Richard J. Harrington, is a renowned industry leader in the information media world. Prior to co-founding Cue Ball Capital, Harrington served as CEO of The Thomson Corporation, and led its transformation into the world's largest information services firm. Under his tenure, the business saw its market capitalization nearly quadruple. Harrington brings this deep experience to the Stylesight board, and joins current board members, Larry Cheng of Volition Capital and David Bell of Pegasus Capital Advisors. In addition to Stylesight and other privately held companies, Harrington serves on the Board of Directors for Xerox Corporation and Aetna.
"We are extremely excited to be partnering with Stylesight and Volition Capital. Stylesight has that rare combination of inspiring innovation and sound business model fundamentals," noted Harrington. "Stylesight fits squarely with Cue Ball's focus on recurring revenue business models and differentiated intellectual capital. I am proud to be joining its board and supporting its continued growth."
For more information on Stylesight, visit www.stylesight.com.
Soles4Souls Launches Clothing Division Clothes4Souls
Soles4Souls Inc., Nashville, the international shoe charity that gives away new and gently worn shoes, announced it will begin providing new clothing to people in need through Clothes4Souls, a charitable division of Soles4Souls. Clothes4Souls will collect new clothing from manufacturers, designers, retail partners and the general public. In addition, gently worn jeans and coats will be accepted during community events held at select retailers throughout the year.
"We are so excited about the much-anticipated launch of our clothing arm and the expansion of our charity to clothes," said Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We have consistently collected clothing from our footwear partners with apparel lines in the past, and now we will have the complete infrastructure to acquire and distribute clothing to people in need worldwide. We've already received donations from our friends at Miss Me Jeans, American Apparel, Blac Label Premium, Artisans, New Balance and Converse."
"We were honored to partner with Soles4Souls in their efforts to bring relief to the victims of the Haitian earthquake," said Agnes Hyo-Sung Jung, marketing manager for Miss Me Jeans. "And now we are delighted to stand with them as lasting partners with the launch of their clothing division Clothes4Souls," she added.
The shoe charity has grown from a handful of employees and volunteers into an internationally recognized organization with 40 employees and four warehouses to handle the millions of shoes it distributes each year. It has distributed more than 7 million pairs of shoes since 2004, and Elsey predicts the clothing division will be equally successful.
"Our footprint is changing as we forge forward for the next five years," said Elsey. "We recognized the overwhelming need internationally and domestically for clothing, and we hope to offer the general public and our apparel partners an avenue to give back more than just footwear."
Clothes4Souls is proud to announce their exclusive partnership with Smartthreads--a like-minded, socially conscious company that strives to create a positive social change. Their philosophy is 1=1--for every garment they sell they will donate a new garment to people in need via the Clothes4Souls partnership. To learn more about this socially conscious brand visit www.smartthreads.com.
For more information about the Clothes4Souls division please visit www.giveclothes.org.
About Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity distributes these shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed to people in over 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls has been featured in Runner's World, Ladies' Home Journal, National Geographic's Green Guide and The New York Times. It has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, BBC, CNN and thousands of regional news outlets across North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.
For more information on Soles4Souls, visit www.giveshoes.org.
Heritage Sportswear Inc. to Attend Seven Events in March
Heritage Sportswear Inc., Hebron, Ohio, announced it will participate in an aggressive trade show agenda for 2010 to provide one-to-one marketing of the company's new lines and expanded existing lines.
In March 2010, Heritage Sportswear Inc. sales representatives will attend the Promotional Products Association of Wisconsin (PPAW) Spring Series, March 9 to 11; Ohio Promotional Products Association (OPPA) Big Show, March 16; Tri-State Promotional Products Association (TSPPA) Show on March 17; Michigan Promotional Products Association (MiPPA) Rock Solid Showcase on March 19; and the NNEP 2010 Columbus (Dublin) event on March 19.
For more information on Heritage Sportswear, visit www.heritagesportswear.com.
OneStopPlus.com Announces Virtual Plus Size Fashion Week 2010
OneStopPlus.com, New York, an online destination for curvy women looking for the best in plus-size fashion, announces the launch of its Web site plussizefashionweek.com. The interactive site went live on March 1 with a virtual fashion show that caters to the 62 percent of American women who are size 12 and greater. Plussizefashionweek.com will feature inspirational videos, the latest in fashion, accessories, swimwear and lingerie trends, and personalized advice.
Similar to its parent site, OneStopPlus.com, PlusSizeFashionWeek.com will feature the preeminent names in American and European plus-size fashion, including Woman Within, Roaman's, Jessica London, AVENUE, Ellos and Taillissime. It will also feature editorial on everything from well-known fashion models to interviews with beauty specialists and stylists.
According to Nancy LeWinter, editorial director of OneStopPlus.com and creator of Mode Magazine, "PlusSizeFashionWeek.com recognizes and applauds the buzz surrounding plus-size fashion and, as the experts in the category, OneStopPlus.com is taking it a step further by combining the inspiration of the runway with the approachability of the real way."
For more information, visit www.plussizefashionweek.com.
Heritage Sportswear Announces the BIG IDEA Show
Heritage Sportswear, Inc., Hebron, Ohio, a leading wholesale distributor of blank apparel and accessories announced on Thurs., April 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., wholesale customers are invited to Columbus, Ohio for the company's BIG IDEA Show. The event is scheduled at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street.
“This is our largest event of the year and we are excited to host it at the Hyatt. It’s close to the airport, has ample space for exhibits, education classes and networking,” commented Tami Miller, director of marketing. Admission and parking are free to customers and the entire sales team will be available.
Exhibiting mill partners include Anvil, Gildan, Hanes, Jerzees, Brightline, Calvin Klein, Van Heusen and Timberland. Finger foods and beverages will be provided throughout the event with a happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. that also features a live band.
For more information on Heritage Sportswear, visit www.heritagesportswear.com or call (800) 537-2222.
Superior Uniform Group Recognized for Design Excellence for Promotional Apparel
Superior Uniform Group, Seminole, Fla., announced two of its customers, Hilton Hotels and Ruby’s Restaurant Group, took home winning trophies from this year’s National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) Image of the Year (IOY) award ceremony. The Image of the Year Awards, held on March 6 at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, recognized leaders in the corporate uniform and image apparel industry. This is Superior Uniform Group’s fourth straight year claiming an Image of the Year win.
- Judges evaluated each of the submissions using the following criteria:
- Overall design excellence of the program;
- Harmonious design within the environment where the outfits are worn and utilized;
- Innovativeness of the overall design;
- Effectiveness in meeting the image goals of the end-user;
- Innovative use of fabric, design and accessories to build an image fitting the corporation’s needs.
Superior Uniform Group’s design and merchandising team collaborated with Hilton executives on creating an apparel program that achieves both elegance and functionality. Hilton wanted an image program that incorporated their sustainability goals--focusing in key environmental commitments of sustainability and full-circle recycling. They also wanted their image program to create a high level of employee satisfaction by being both comfortable and sophisticated. Since each property employs many different positions, they used color to create a serene yet elegant palette, blending natural tones with classic black accents. Superior Uniform Group’s Appel & Brooks brand of eco-friendly suiting, housekeeping and maintenance garments were easily customized for Hilton’s tastes and reflected the style of the Hilton brand.
“We’re excited to work with a company like Hilton that promotes sustainability throughout its hotels,” said Janice Henry, vice president of design, Superior Uniform Group. “Not only did we work to provide options that embodied the luxurious upscale image of Hilton, but the eco-friendly garments don’t require professional laundering either, which minimizes the use of chemicals during cleaning and reduces our carbon footprint on the earth.”
The Ruby Restaurant Group operates Ruby’s Diners in Southern California, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Jersey and Missouri. While the basic eye-catching decor and menu remain the same, creative touches are added to many of the Ruby’s Diners by developing modified themes to fit the local area.
“Ruby’s combines amazing food, themed decor and music to create a great dining experience,” said Henry. “Their uniform program recalls a simpler time in American culture, when families came together to eat, talk and have fun. What more could you ask for?”
About Superior Uniform Group
Superior Uniform Group, established in 1920, is one of America's foremost providers of fine uniforms and image apparel. Superior Uniform Group manages award-winning apparel programs for major corporations. They are leaders in innovative uniform program designs, global manufacturing and state-of-the-art distribution.
For more information on Superior Uniform Group, visit www.superioruniformgroup.com.
Milan Goes in All Directions (The New York Times)
Like it or not, much about a Prada show feels brave and responsible. Miuccia Prada is singularly open about women. She is wise about their ways of being. A great deal about physical beauty and sexual attractiveness fascinates her, but as an intelligent woman she also readily acknowledges a feeling of repulsion.
Click here for the complete review from the New York Times.
Moving On From Milan
Couldn't make Milan fashion week? Have no fear, fashion's finest show may be the most popular topic in fashion mags and blogs. Like with most shows, opinions fluctuate from sheer genius designs to styles not fit for a pompous poodle backstage at the Westminster dog show.
For a unique view of what Milan has to offer, check out this post from Fashionista.com:
Five Things I Learned at Milan Fashion Week (Fashionista.com)
This was my first trip to Milan Fashion Week. (My first trip to Italy, actually.) And while the London and Paris shows were certainly learning experiences the first time around, I left Milan feeling truly educated. Here’s what I learned:
Click here for the complete post from Fashionista.com.
10 for '10: Slideshow (GQ.com)
The ten best new looks of the season as worn by 'A Single Man' star Matthew Goode.
Click here to see the top looks from GQ.com.
http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201001/spring-preview-2010-matthew-goode-single-man-tom-ford-slideshow#slide=1
The Stylists Take The Stage (Style.com)
Stars like Ginnifer Goodwin, Christina Hendricks, Abbie Cornish, Marisa Tomei and Perrey Reeves kicked off Oscar week last night in L.A. at a private reception, sponsored by Dior and Vanity Fair, for artist Kimberly Brooks’ exhibition "The Stylist Project."
Click here to read the entire article from Style.com.
Lamé on the Links
In anticipation of the upcoming golf season and our almost-to-print golf issue (which will include golf apparel) here is an outrageously fun look at eccentric pro-golfer Ian Poulter and some of his fabulous fashion risks on the golf course. Let us know if you think any of these outfits would work in an upcoming golf promotion. Even Tiger doesn't go this far.
Click here for the video from the Daily Mail.
Inaugural European conference for DTG Digital
The DTG Digital division of Impression Technology, Sydney, Australia, held it first European conference in Nottingham, U.K. on February 2, 2010. The purpose of this European conference was to support the continually growing European dealer network and increase DTG product demand.
The conference was also used as the platform to launch the new Kiosk 3 (K3) model, which is set to become DTG’s flagship machine. The new "One pass Fast" technology was also launched at the conference.
“One pass Fast technology is changing the direct-to-garment print industry. With faster production speeds and greater image quality, the initial interest levels have been phenomenal,” said Stephen Richardson, managing director of Impression Technology.
Due to the great success of the European conference, the company has plans for regular conferences in the future. These conferences will be held in different continents, ensuring that DTG distributors are always kept up to date on changes in technology.
To find out more about DTG Digital go to www.dtgdigital.com.
Red Hot For Work
Edwards Garment--CottonPlus Twill Shirts (Women’s Long Sleeve)
Service Mate Collection CottonPlus twill shirts feature a soil-resistant finish to help wash away stains. The women’s version comes with a soft collar, no pocket, straight back yoke seam and contoured body. The men’s version has a button-down collar, left chest pocket, pencil track and back box pleat with locker loop.
Rough and Ready
Vantage Apparel--Gildan Ultra Cotton T-Shirt
The Gildan Ultra 100 percent cotton T-shirt features a jersey body with rib knit neck. Both the neck and shoulder seams are taped and the shirt has a double-needle hemmed sleeves and bottom. It is available in sizes S to 3XL.
A Lady in Red
Bodek and Rhodes--Ladies’ Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck T-shirt by Bella
The contoured fit Ladies’ Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck T-shirt by Bella has a cover-stitched baby bottom hem and sleeve hems. The T-shirt features a 3/4" neck binding and is available in sizes S to 2XL. Look for it in white, baby blue, black, chocolate, navy, pink, plum and red.
Ready For Action
S&S Activewear--alo Long Sleeve T-shirt
The alo long sleeve T-shirt is a comfortable pullover with contrasting side panels. It is made from 100 percent polyester birds-eye jacquard knit. It features contrast color panels at side seams and underarms. It also has contrast color cover-stitching at shoulders, armholes, cuffs and bottom hem. It is both dry-wicking and antimicrobial.
Best of Fall Fashion Week 2010 (Cosmopolitan)
Check out the eight hottest looks that came down the runway--and find out exactly how to pull them off.
Click here for the best of Fashion Week 2010 from Cosmopolitan.com.
Got Denim?
There is some really good news for all those denim lovers out there, the versatile dress-up, dress-down, wear out, lounge around, perfectly ironed, worn-through fabric is still (and may always be) a favorite of the fashion conscious everywhere. But don't just take our word on it, check out this denim-licious article from About.com
Spring Trends to Love: Denim Dressing (About.com)
It's no secret I'm a huge denim fan. After all, it's an incredibly durable and versatile fabric (besides jeans how many other pieces in your closet go with everything from leather to T-shirts?). This spring the fashion world spread the denim love around to so much more than just jeans: rompers, bags, shoes, jackets, dresses and tops all got a sprinkling of denim.
Click here to read the entire article from About.com.
Fashion Forward: A Sustainability Report Helps Clothing Brands Plan for the Future (Fastcompany.com)
Amidst the new outfits swishing down runways at this year's London Fashion Week was a different kind of fashion launch: The British nonprofit named Forum for the Future released its sustainability trend report for the industry.
Click here to read the entire article from Fastcompany.com.