2021 Coterie Trade Show

by
Carly Pomerantz

On September 20, I had the opportunity to attend the Coterie Trade Show during New York Market Week with my Fashion Scholar classmates from LIM College. Designers and wholesale companies from all over the world gathered to present their new items and sell them to buyers at wholesale prices. The event was held at the Javits Center, a conference center located near Hudson Yards.

Coterie tradeshow dresses

The Javits Center is a stunning structure with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Coterie event was held inside a massive room with hundreds of booths. When I stepped in, I was overwhelmed by how much was going on. Questions such as "Where should I go first?" and "Can I go to every booth without missing one?" were rushing across my mind. However, each booth had its own section, which made the room feel more structured and walking around a lot easier. Exhibitors included womenswear and menswear, as well as accessories, shoes, and sustainable goods.

LIM students at Coterie 2021

When my classmates and I entered the Javits Center, we were greeted with a tour of the Mock Shop, where we learned about how to make businesses more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This booth inspired me because production can harm our environment more than before through the carbon emissions it generates. The Mock Shop displays a plethora of goods, but Amaris and Haris Cotton stood out. Both brands' missions are to provide high-end fashion while simultaneously being environmentally sustainable.

Coterie 2021 boots display
Cowboy boots were seen throughout Coterie. They dress up any outfit; they're fun, fashionable, and appropriate for all genders.

This year's Coterie Show featured brilliant colors, playful patterns, and exaggerated embellishments such as beading, rhinestones, and fur. Following a pandemic, people want to feel beautiful in their clothes and stand out after spending months at home in sweats and pajamas. These bright apparel pieces indicate optimism and hope for the future.

Overall, the event was incredible and unlike anything I'd ever seen before. I had the opportunity to speak with many industry professionals, including CEOs and buyers, and learn about the industry and how these events benefit them and their companies.

A blog post by Carly Pomerantz