Welcome to the WGSN Americas blog, focusing on the trends that the
US, Central and South American teams are tracking right now.

WGSN publishes thousands of news and business stories each year, reacting to the events and issues in the fashion and style industries worldwide, predicting what will matter to industry professionals now and in the future.

Monday, 15 November 2010

Sanrio Celebrates 50 years with Small Gift






Sanrio is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with Small Gift - a large-scale, national tour. I went to Thursday night’s Small Gift extravaganza party at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica to get a sneak peak of the event. It was a wonderland of cuteness, celebrating the many memorable Sanrio characters and designer collaborations formed over 50 years.

Inside LA’s Small Gift, guests will thoroughly enjoy the interactive Sanrio carnival featuring a dress-up as your favorite Sanrio character photo booth, a video arcade, two nine-hole mini golf courses, Sanrio-themed carnival games and a ferris wheel.





There is a fantastic art exhibit which features 50 influential artists, including Audrey Kawasaki, Luke Chueh and Kozyndan. A selection of limited edition prints are available for purchase as well specially artist-designed Sanrio accessories.



Of course the event wouldn’t be complete without a pop-up shop, and boy does it deliver. The shop is packed with special edition 50th anniversary merchandise, cool designer collaborations with brands like Bathing Ape, Lomography and Mimico and an assortment of Hello Kitty and friends throughout the years.

The event in LA will host super fun crafting, drawing and beauty workshops over the next few weekends.

Small Gift opens to the public in LA today through November 21. For fans who don’t live in LA, the Sanrio Small Gift tour will present itself in mobile pop-up fashion, stopping at a major city nearest you.


Click here for more info:
http://www.sanrio.com/smallgift/la/

Friday, 12 November 2010

WGSN's Global Fashion Awards honors Iris Apfel

WGSN's Global Fashion Awards, held at New York City's historic Waldorf Astoria hotel on Wednesday night, honored businesses and individuals pushing the fashion industry forward.

Iris Apfel, the most celebrated guest of the evening, was presented with the Global Style Icon Award by Barney’s Creative Director, Simon Doonan. Apfel, dressed in black feathers, sparkly parrot brooch and stacks of colourful bangles (pictured above with her husband) remained modest. "I'm thrilled," she said. "but I keep wondering why all of the wonderful fashionistas want to honor me."

Other winners from the night included Opening Ceremony, Acne, Diesel, Brazilian brand Farm and Lane Bryant.