

Talk to any financial advisor out there, and he will tell you that the key to financial planning is
diversification. Hold that thought!
I just got back from the Chicago Bridal Market and realize that it’s time for another blog post. My last few posts focused on my personal life, but I'm in the mood to pontificate about bridal, so here goes...
I love Chicago. The weather sucks there, but the weather sucks in Philadelphia in March as well so it deserves a pass. Midwesterners are "different" than people in The Northeast, but I say that with affection. The restaurants are terrific, the area around the Merchandise Mart (as well as the whole city) is quite clean, and the hotels are first rate. In short, if I was a city person (which I'm not), I could live in Chicago before I could live in NY, even though I love visiting NY for a few days at a time - but I just couldn't live in Manhattan.
Chicago is not "my" market however, so I'm not as busy there as I am in NY, and I get a chance to walk around and get an overview of our industry (and specifically the fashion). There is so much product out there and I really only get a quick glance inside each booth, mostly because it’s really not proper etiquette to "stare" into a competitor's display area. There are always fashion shows going on, and I have many good friends in Chicago. As I stopped by their suite to chat, I couldn't help but take in a brief overview of their collection(s). Even with only this quick glance, it is striking how much everything looks the same these days. I wasn't 100% sure of this until I spoke to a few magazine editor/friends of mine while I wandered the halls and they confirmed my impression. For an industry that craves new looks, fashion trends and fresh ideas, particularly the buyers - it's really a shame.
Now I'm generalizing a little here (which I try not to do), as I'm sure many lines out there have some pieces that are innovative, and there is only so much you can do with lace, satin, organza, silk, and beading - but an astute buyer won't pick up a new collection just because a piece or 2 looks different (and salable). Especially if it’s from a brand new company, without a track record on timely delivery, quality control, and customer service.
And then I walked back into my booth and realized that everything
DOESN’T actually look the same. Now there is no doubt that I am prejudiced in this regard, but what would you expect from the Paloma Blanca and Mikaella rep. I am so proud of my company, its people, and it's product, and I just can't imagine working for anyone other than Marty and The Bernstein Family. We have a unique look that is truly different from most of the collections out there, and most of it centers around the fact that we manufacture EVERYTHING in our own factory in Toronto. Most astute buyers can pick a Paloma "out of a lineup" - we have always had our own look and it’s pretty easy to spot. Almost everything in the market these days is made in China, and while not necessarily a bad thing (I'll leave that debate for a future post), it does tend to make everything look like "it's made in China". I don't want to come off as a bridal gown snob here, but I am partial to the clean, traditional look that we are known for. I even have 2 beautiful daughter-in-laws who were "smart" enough to want to wear a Paloma Blanca, and I now truly understand what is so special about a "Paloma Bride".
After spending 3 days with some of best stores in the country (the rest will be in NY in 2 weeks), it is obvious we have 2 incredible collections this season - and Mikaella is just as nice as Paloma! This may be the best overall product we have come out with in the 10 years I have been with the company, and that is "saying something". There are some very good lines out there - and I am in no way suggesting that every bride is a Paloma/Mikaella customer. What I am suggesting however is that Fall is a great time to evaluate your companies and try to
diversify. It's the key to investing, and it makes sense in merchandising a bridal store as well. If you need another beaded imported line, there are tons of good companies to choose from; but the choices are very limited if you are looking for something that resembles our unique look.
If you already carry Paloma Blanca and/or Mikaella you know what I mean. We deal with most of the top stores in the country, and are invariably an owner's favorite company to work with. If you're not currently working with us, take a look at the authorized retailer list on our website and call a few stores. My guess is that they will verify what I am saying - that we make a beautiful product at a great price; our quality and fit are impeccable, and we just don't say "no" to our stores. And what overseas resource can ship any style, any size and color in 8 weeks with no rush fee, and 5-6 weeks with a modest rush fee - every time. One of my accounts refers to us as the "Yes Company"; what better endorsement is there than that!
No line is perfect for every store, and stores know best what works for them. That being said, if you’re looking for something a little different to
diversify the fashion on your racks, you may want to consider Paloma Blanca and/or Mikaella this season.
If you'd like to discuss the collections, including company policies and the availability in your area, feel free to contact me.
HG
