Leading products for this spring at FWI: Parisian Collection. We continue to sell new customers our Parisians from last year in both the frame peak and notch. Brown seems to be very strong again.

The colors of pearl grey and diamond ice in a frame peak has lead the way for spring 2008

Our new premier super 100's basic collection with the focus on our mission BRINGING OUR INDUSTRY BACK TO TUXEDOES has been a very pleasant surprise. We offer a new fabric with a updated coat style. A redesigned narrower one pleated pant. A new sweptback wing collar shirt gives the specialist a completely new unit. This product is a building block for the future.

Things to look for coming soon: National Ads on Ascot Grooms Collection. Frame peak Parisian. Revolution coat with pink sweptback wing for Prom. Premier fashion peak.

After Six continues to report immense success with their After Six LaStrada tuxedos in ebony super 100s, black worsted wool, mahogany brown wool blend and polys in diamond white and pure white!  The styling garnered the “Best New Tuxedo” award at the most recent IFA Expo in Nashville and orders continue to come in on this great new style.  The new Rapture five-button vest and narrow tie silhouette program in 26 colors continues to build more and more momentum.  The patented 2¾” slider neckties are available in coordinating solids and complementing patterns.  The program is priced right and made by the same European mill that produced the very successful Enchantment vest program, albeit in a new color palette to complement After Six/Dessy bridesmaid colors along with David’s bridesmaid colors!  We’re just about to close up our spring deliveries on the tuxedos and have moved into February-March delivery on our accessories.  Everyone at After Six is very pleased with the increase in orders for 2008!” 

Larr Brio Designer line has been applauded for its' innovation, vision and fashion.  Challenged in getting a fit into the stores. Change always comes with a bit of resistance and opposition!  However, We at Larr Brio with the help and support of our friends will find the "FIT". The concept was always designed to help the Specialist in their business and set them apart from the BIG BOX operators that want to play it safe.

LARR BRIO retail is selling well and the customers love the quality, design and naturally, the MARGINS. The other excitement is with LARR BRIO rental accessories. It's been mentioned, it could be the "next Herringbone". A very neatly designed vest pattern with a lovely Paisley or Stipe tie to give it a little SPLASH. The Collection Is called PORTOFINO.  GENO'S, AMERICAN COMMODORE, AND TUXEDO WAREHOUSE ORDERED VERY NICE QUANTITIES. Other accounts were giving it serious mention for 2008 and will certainly be ordering the line for 2009.

On a personal note, I, Larry Coates, want to thank the Formalwear Specialists for such a warm and friendly acceptance this year. I knew all the names from my 20 year contracting services to Tuxacco/ Lord West but to put the Faces to the Names was really a THRILL! I feel I developed some wonderful friendships in such a short period of time. I know that sincerity, honesty, and enthusiasm are very contagious!! I would like to wish all the Specialists a GREAT 2008 SEASON

LARRY COATES 

Platinum Formals, LLC. is off to another exciting fashion year. 

Please know that this year’s fashion line is the best in the industry.  Our colors range from navy and grey to our softer destination pieces in tan and beige.  Furthermore, we are the only vendor this year to put great effort into new and exciting photography. Please contact us for our latest CD catalogue.

Our two new destination ensembles are looking like very strong renters.

Our FUSE TX . 30 which is black with a navy blue stripe has been purchased by a major wholesaler. It will most likely become the number one sale item of 2008. This is because it has the same great features as its cousin and predecessor the FUSE TX . 22.

Without question this year’s biggest winner has been our FUSE TX . 22.  We have had two new major wholesalers added this to their rental line in the last 60 days. There are now seven major wholesalers across United States who are having great success with this black and brown tuxedo. We continue to take fill in orders from existing customers every week.  The FUSE TX . 22 is a black two button notch with and elegant brown stripe.  It has just a touch of satin as a trim around the top collar.  I believe it is doing so well because it matches or coordinates with all the bridal and bridesmaids gowns.  Many brides have said, it is not “too much brown”. This happens because it is anchored with black which is a neutral color and coordinates well with everything. It has a contemporary styling for today’s groom and is not your father’s tuxedo.

 Our Memories tuxedo and matching suit also continues to do well. This is a charcoal gray two button notch with a dove gray pinstripe. We continue to receive new orders and fill in orders on both.

Our linen look Destinations has surprisingly become one of our top retail items.  This is a very contemporary side vented high fashion garment with single pleated pants. It is neither a tuxedo nor a suit, but the perfect wedding attire for all the men at any Destination or Garden wedding. Hundreds of specialists who were skeptical about destination attire have purchased a single sample.  They generally sell most of the wedding party a destination outfit when the customer who is having a destination wedding comes into their store.

Fuse TX . 22, Memories tuxedo and suit as well as the linen look Destinations are in stock and can be shipped immediately.

Jeff Slocum

President
Platinum Formals LLC

Phone 877-368-8400

Fax      570-489-4869

Jeffslocum@platinumformals.com

Corporate Offices and Warehouse:

1019 Underwood Road

The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of  International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of her or his content.

The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of  International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of her or his content.