Live From Chicago!

Every 6 months I pack up some fresh outfits and head out to Chicago for the biggest trade show in the world! In comparison, at the New York show two weeks ago, all the companies I see have suites in the Conrad hotel, intimate discussions, more quality time spent with colleagues and an underlying sense of comradery. 

Chicago is a whole different beast. Every single company that sells clothing to men is in 1 building at one time and people from all over the world fly in. Attendance hovers around 10,000. Buyers walk the isles in search of all new products ranging from socks and umbrellas to luxury fabrics and manufacturers. 

I love seeing everyone walk around, its how I imagine District 1 in the Hunger Games lives. (I’m sitting here watching that as I write this)  - Stanley Tucci has a line “Don’t you love how the stylists choose outfits to perfectly represent the distinct districts?” story telling through clothing)

I found some great new Shirting fabrics for summer that I will be bringing in to work with my new shirt maker I found while in New York! 

New Fabrics out of Italy

When I worked at a boutique store, a company would come and show us hundreds of fabrics and we would select maybe 6 and that would be our product offering of the season. I wanted to show people more, I knew people had an interest in seeing more. Why should brands limit your imagination?

The mission of Bards is to Tell Your Story. Our extensive offering from fabric houses range from America, England, Italy and Brussels.