If you're looking for a more casual sparkle, try rhinestones. While these little crystals continue to be stylish decorations for T-shirts and hoodies, they're gaining popularity as fashion accessories in the form of lanyards, bracelets and even earmuffs, courtesy of Vegas Golf/Foxyware.
The Port Saint Lucie, Florida company has a line of sparkly accessories that ladies—and brands—love. The rhinestones can subtly showcase a brand's logo with epoxy dome charms in any shape and any color. The result is a memorable fashion accessory that gets worn—and talked about.
Cosmetics and fragrance companies, cheer and gymnastic teams, and dance studios are popular target markets, according to Tami Cimperman, president. The entertainment market is also hot, as TV shows, movies, beverage firms and liquor companies like adding glitz and sparkle to their logos.
Other niches for rhinestones may surprise you. "Most people don't normally think of high fashion with NASCAR and gun show crowds, but these ladies also want their bling," Cimperman said. Schools, universities and nonprofits are also top markets. "We've done two-tone colors of rhinestones to match corporate, school or charitable organization colors," she explained. "For example, choose two different pink rhinestones for breast cancer awareness and augment it with a coordinating charm."
4. Embellish with Bags
Tote. Messenger. Backpack. Sling. Bags are a one-size-fits-all branding machine. And with the Soapstone line from Evanston, Illinois-based Tagmaster/a division of Dard Products, that debuted at The PPAI Expo 2014, building your own bag has never been easier.
The Soapstone bags use a six-step process for customization. It begins with choosing fabric and webbing, then moves to selecting zipper color, lining color, leatherette color and decoration method. The result is a retail-style bag built specifically to complement a brand's attributes.
"Many people don't want to carry a billboard around, while others are drawn to step-and-repeat patterns from designers such Louis Vuitton and Coach," said Jason Emery, vice president of sales and marketing. "With Soapstone, both trends can be accomplished with a promotional bag that has low minimums and quick production that is suitable for typical orders."
Since 1998, Lisa Horn, CAS, (a.k.a. The Publicity Gal) has been reporting on the issues that matter most to the promotional products industry. Currently, she writes about brand safety and responsible sourcing on behalf of Quality Certification Alliance (QCA). Reach her at lisa@lisakhorn.com.





