Announced this past week we have another change in the manufacturers who service this industry. Black Gold formally aligned with Jean Yves has announced a new company in conjunction with FLOW Formal Alliance. Read the official announcement from Doug Black and Jon Goldman and additional answers to questions below.

FUSION DESIGNS 

 COMMUNIQUE

Contact: Doug Black
Blackd@blackgoldintl.com
Contact: Jon Goldman
goldmanj@blackgoldintl.com
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2010
5:00 p.m. EST

TUXEDO GIANT & LEADING ACCESSORY DESIGN HOUSE FORM JOINT VENTURE
NEW YORK, NY, MAY 24, 2010:

Flow Formal Alliance’s Accessory Division & BlackGold LLC have formed a joint venture to service the retail & rental formalwear accessory markets. The new entity, separate from FLOW & BlackGold, will be doing business as Fusion Designs. Fusion Designs will be equally owned by FLOW Formal Alliance & the current principles of BlackGold.

Fusion Designs will work with Noel Feldman, CEO of FLOW, & his team to market & distribute Calvin Klein, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Chaps, Andrew Fezza, Joseph Abboud (beginning 2011) & private label formal accessory merchandise.

The Management Structure of Fusion Designs will be as follows:
• Jeff Weintraub will be Managing Director.
• Doug Black will be Fusion Designs CEO.
• Jon Goldman will be Director of Sales for Fusion Designs.
• Jerry Parness will be a principle & Color Expert in the new venture.

STRONG ALLIANCE BRINGS FUSION DESIGNS TO THE INDUSTRY

The formation of Fusion Designs mirrors joint ventures that both contributing companies embarked on 4 years ago. Flow Formal Alliance was formed from Formal 1 & Lord West while BlackGold was the result of a merger between Mel Howard & Elite. Those ventures have proved fruitful and beneficial to our industry.

This venture was built on a similar platform: The opportunity and clear understanding that our clients will benefit. A combined sales effort from FLOW & Fusion will offer the market the best brands in fashion by companies dedicated to our industry.

The BlackGold management team will continue to operate the company from its full service New York facility. The new venture will design, manufacture, market & distribute formal shirts & accessories to the retail & rental markets in a combined effort with FLOW Formal Alliance.

The formation of the new venture, coupled with the synergy of FLOW, brings stability, continuity of existing collections and most importantly, value to the accessory portion of the rental & retail opportunities.

Doug Black adds:
When asked a few follow up questions, Doug Black had this to add

1.Is this a completely different company in addition to BlackGold ?
Fusion Designs is a combination of BlackGold and FLOW Accessories. It will function as the accessory arm of FLOW, much like Tuxxaco once served as the accessory arm of Lord West.

2: What happens to the popular Jean Yves lines you guys have out there and will you still have any further affiliation with them?
We will no longer be associated with Jean Yves but are thankful for the opportunity to have worked with them these past several years. We will still fill-in to our existing lines and will be able to ship the Jean Yves brand through the end of this year.

3: What about current accessory lines FLOW is carrying?
The current accessory lines that FLOW now carries will be serviced by FLOW through the end of this year at which time they will be serviced by Fusion Designs. We are all committed to maintaining continuity for customers throughout this transition.

4: What new directions will this company take you?
The new directions for us are obvious. With the stable of branded labels that FLOW has access to, both FLOW and Fusion Designs will increase their footprint in the retail arena. In addition, the combination of FLOW and Fusion Designs will be able to provide the design innovation, marketing, stability and value that our industry needs to reinvigorate the formalwear rental business.

5: Will you have any stateside manufacturing?
Fusion Designs will continue to manufacture stateside in NY. By combining FLOW's offshore capabilities with BG's domestic facility our customers will get the best of both worlds.

6: What should we expect from your company for the coming buying season and then beyond?
Our customers should expect, and indeed deserve, the most up-to-date fashions marketed under the best-selling labels that our industry has to offer--not only this season--but for years to come. I am personally excited about the prospects for this new venture and look forward to seeing all of our customers in Vegas at the IFA show. The possibilities for the future are limitless. I welcome all who believe to hitch up their wagons and come along for the ride. Thanks for the opportunity to share our thoughts and thanks to all of our customers who have been supportive throughout the years.

Regards,
Doug Black

Announced this past week we have another change in the manufacturers who service this industry. Black Gold formally aligned with Jean Yves has announced a new company in conjunction with FLOW Formal Alliance. Read the official announcement from Doug Black and Jon Goldman and additional answers to questions below.

FUSION DESIGNS 

 COMMUNIQUE

Contact: Doug Black
Blackd@blackgoldintl.com
Contact: Jon Goldman
goldmanj@blackgoldintl.com
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2010
5:00 p.m. EST

TUXEDO GIANT & LEADING ACCESSORY DESIGN HOUSE FORM JOINT VENTURE
NEW YORK, NY, MAY 24, 2010:

Flow Formal Alliance’s Accessory Division & BlackGold LLC have formed a joint venture to service the retail & rental formalwear accessory markets. The new entity, separate from FLOW & BlackGold, will be doing business as Fusion Designs. Fusion Designs will be equally owned by FLOW Formal Alliance & the current principles of BlackGold.

Fusion Designs will work with Noel Feldman, CEO of FLOW, & his team to market & distribute Calvin Klein, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Chaps, Andrew Fezza, Joseph Abboud (beginning 2011) & private label formal accessory merchandise.

The Management Structure of Fusion Designs will be as follows:
• Jeff Weintraub will be Managing Director.
• Doug Black will be Fusion Designs CEO.
• Jon Goldman will be Director of Sales for Fusion Designs.
• Jerry Parness will be a principle & Color Expert in the new venture.

STRONG ALLIANCE BRINGS FUSION DESIGNS TO THE INDUSTRY

The formation of Fusion Designs mirrors joint ventures that both contributing companies embarked on 4 years ago. Flow Formal Alliance was formed from Formal 1 & Lord West while BlackGold was the result of a merger between Mel Howard & Elite. Those ventures have proved fruitful and beneficial to our industry.

This venture was built on a similar platform: The opportunity and clear understanding that our clients will benefit. A combined sales effort from FLOW & Fusion will offer the market the best brands in fashion by companies dedicated to our industry.

The BlackGold management team will continue to operate the company from its full service New York facility. The new venture will design, manufacture, market & distribute formal shirts & accessories to the retail & rental markets in a combined effort with FLOW Formal Alliance.

The formation of the new venture, coupled with the synergy of FLOW, brings stability, continuity of existing collections and most importantly, value to the accessory portion of the rental & retail opportunities.

Doug Black adds:
When asked a few follow up questions, Doug Black had this to add

1.Is this a completely different company in addition to BlackGold ?
Fusion Designs is a combination of BlackGold and FLOW Accessories. It will function as the accessory arm of FLOW, much like Tuxxaco once served as the accessory arm of Lord West.

2: What happens to the popular Jean Yves lines you guys have out there and will you still have any further affiliation with them?
We will no longer be associated with Jean Yves but are thankful for the opportunity to have worked with them these past several years. We will still fill-in to our existing lines and will be able to ship the Jean Yves brand through the end of this year.

3: What about current accessory lines FLOW is carrying?
The current accessory lines that FLOW now carries will be serviced by FLOW through the end of this year at which time they will be serviced by Fusion Designs. We are all committed to maintaining continuity for customers throughout this transition.

4: What new directions will this company take you?
The new directions for us are obvious. With the stable of branded labels that FLOW has access to, both FLOW and Fusion Designs will increase their footprint in the retail arena. In addition, the combination of FLOW and Fusion Designs will be able to provide the design innovation, marketing, stability and value that our industry needs to reinvigorate the formalwear rental business.

5: Will you have any stateside manufacturing?
Fusion Designs will continue to manufacture stateside in NY. By combining FLOW's offshore capabilities with BG's domestic facility our customers will get the best of both worlds.

6: What should we expect from your company for the coming buying season and then beyond?
Our customers should expect, and indeed deserve, the most up-to-date fashions marketed under the best-selling labels that our industry has to offer--not only this season--but for years to come. I am personally excited about the prospects for this new venture and look forward to seeing all of our customers in Vegas at the IFA show. The possibilities for the future are limitless. I welcome all who believe to hitch up their wagons and come along for the ride. Thanks for the opportunity to share our thoughts and thanks to all of our customers who have been supportive throughout the years.

Regards,
Doug Black

Laurence Swerner London England has done it again! He and his business have been voted Best Groomswear Retailer by the consumers who they serve for the second year in a row! Congratulations to Mr. Swerner a past IFA board member and long term supporter.

National Award for Tux n Tails
Tux n Tails has been voted Best Groomswear Retailer for the second year running at the British Bridal Awards in Harrogate. This stunning achievement keeps Tux n Tails at the forefront of men’s formalwear.

 
Laurence Swerner, Senior Partner at Tux n Tails said, “We are delighted to win this award since it’s the brides and grooms who vote and they are the people who matter. It also shows to win it twice we are maintaining our high standards and we always aim to improve. All the hard work by everyone involved in the company has been worthwhile.”

Laurence Swerner and his award-winning team
You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Visit Tux ‘n’ Tails website and get to know a first class IFA member. www.tuxntails.co.uk  

What goes on behind the scenes at a photo shoot?
Thank you to Lisa Perez and Jean Yves for sharing this great insight to all they do to provide us with some pretty great photography! Nice of you to share. Watch this quick video of time lapse photography over 3 tough but exciting days.



Vera Wang to Design dresses for David’s

http://blogs.davidsbridal.com/?tag=vera-wang 

The exclusivity of a Vera Wang dress is about to change. The designer of the stars and elite has entered into an agreement with David’s Bridal to design wedding gowns for the masses for their spring 2011 line. The prices would be from $600-$1500 with most being in the $1200 range.

Cease and Desist
Do you advertise that you can match David’s colors? If so, you better take notice! An IFA member recently received a letter from David’s Bridal Inc. corporate counsel demanding they stop using the phrase “We can match David’s colors.” in their ads.

“Reserving all of its legal rights, David’s Bridal herby demands that you immediately cease advertising to your customers that your colors “match” or the use of any related derivative of “match” when describing your colors vs. David’s Bridal colors. Our color formulas are exclusively owned by David’s Bridal and further advertising you “match” our colors is infringing on our DB Bridal Color Match trademark. In addition, misleading customers into believing that there is an affiliation between the companies is an infringement upon our name and reputation.”

Have small operators all across the country infringed on David’s name and reputation?
Is stating you can match someone else’s colors claiming to be in connection with them? Tuxedo businesses all across the country have advertised their ability to match Alfred Angelo, Dessy and others for years. Let us know what you think of this editor@formaltimes.com

Laurence Swerner London England has done it again! He and his business have been voted Best Groomswear Retailer by the consumers who they serve for the second year in a row! Congratulations to Mr. Swerner a past IFA board member and long term supporter.

National Award for Tux n Tails
Tux n Tails has been voted Best Groomswear Retailer for the second year running at the British Bridal Awards in Harrogate. This stunning achievement keeps Tux n Tails at the forefront of men’s formalwear.

 
Laurence Swerner, Senior Partner at Tux n Tails said, “We are delighted to win this award since it’s the brides and grooms who vote and they are the people who matter. It also shows to win it twice we are maintaining our high standards and we always aim to improve. All the hard work by everyone involved in the company has been worthwhile.”

Laurence Swerner and his award-winning team
You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Visit Tux ‘n’ Tails website and get to know a first class IFA member. www.tuxntails.co.uk  

What goes on behind the scenes at a photo shoot?
Thank you to Lisa Perez and Jean Yves for sharing this great insight to all they do to provide us with some pretty great photography! Nice of you to share. Watch this quick video of time lapse photography over 3 tough but exciting days.



Vera Wang to Design dresses for David’s

http://blogs.davidsbridal.com/?tag=vera-wang 

The exclusivity of a Vera Wang dress is about to change. The designer of the stars and elite has entered into an agreement with David’s Bridal to design wedding gowns for the masses for their spring 2011 line. The prices would be from $600-$1500 with most being in the $1200 range.

Cease and Desist
Do you advertise that you can match David’s colors? If so, you better take notice! An IFA member recently received a letter from David’s Bridal Inc. corporate counsel demanding they stop using the phrase “We can match David’s colors.” in their ads.

“Reserving all of its legal rights, David’s Bridal herby demands that you immediately cease advertising to your customers that your colors “match” or the use of any related derivative of “match” when describing your colors vs. David’s Bridal colors. Our color formulas are exclusively owned by David’s Bridal and further advertising you “match” our colors is infringing on our DB Bridal Color Match trademark. In addition, misleading customers into believing that there is an affiliation between the companies is an infringement upon our name and reputation.”

Have small operators all across the country infringed on David’s name and reputation?
Is stating you can match someone else’s colors claiming to be in connection with them? Tuxedo businesses all across the country have advertised their ability to match Alfred Angelo, Dessy and others for years. Let us know what you think of this editor@formaltimes.com

Wants and offerings is a service to our membership that gives all specialist members the ability to buy or sell merchandise from other members.

Wanted to buy
I am looking to purchase Jean Ives Tango Charcoal full back vests in all sizes. Please contact Janet at
abdtuxedo2@aol.com if offering at a good price.
Thanks and Happy Season to all!

Janet Klein

369 Bird Rock Ave.
La Jolla, Ca 92037
(858) 551-6044
Fax (858) 551-7542
www.abdtuxedo.com

Offered For Sale by Trish’s Formal Affair
A Large number of hanging vest and tie boards for displaying fullback vests and smaller ones for bow ties.

Oscar de la Renta "Contour One" (2 Button) Coats All in Very Good Condition $25 a Coat or $20 each to take all!

$15 backless vest with bow tie (if avail) $10 each set to take all! All Backless-Various Colors.
Or make an offer!
"Freedom"
"Citi Lites"
"Versailles"
"Sunsets
A Member called and inquired about these vests during prom
and the information to call them back was misplaced! Please feel free to call again!
Wanted to Buy
Fill in After Six Coats
Black Roma II
Black Prado 3 button

Call for complete scales on items for sale and further information on all:
985-543-0043 Ask for Trish
Trishstux@gmail.com 

Trish Costanza
Trish's Formal Affair
1105 West Morris Ave.
Hammond, La. 70403
985-543-0043
www.trishsformalaffair.com

Offered For Sale
Heat Seal Machine for barcodes.
Best offer. Contact: Dorothy - jerrystuxshop@cox.net.

Thank you,
Dorothy Walker
Jerry's Tux Shop
Las Vegas, NV

Wants and offerings is a service to our membership that gives all specialist members the ability to buy or sell merchandise from other members.

Wanted to buy
I am looking to purchase Jean Ives Tango Charcoal full back vests in all sizes. Please contact Janet at
abdtuxedo2@aol.com if offering at a good price.
Thanks and Happy Season to all!

Janet Klein

369 Bird Rock Ave.
La Jolla, Ca 92037
(858) 551-6044
Fax (858) 551-7542
www.abdtuxedo.com

Offered For Sale by Trish’s Formal Affair
A Large number of hanging vest and tie boards for displaying fullback vests and smaller ones for bow ties.

Oscar de la Renta "Contour One" (2 Button) Coats All in Very Good Condition $25 a Coat or $20 each to take all!

$15 backless vest with bow tie (if avail) $10 each set to take all! All Backless-Various Colors.
Or make an offer!
"Freedom"
"Citi Lites"
"Versailles"
"Sunsets
A Member called and inquired about these vests during prom
and the information to call them back was misplaced! Please feel free to call again!
Wanted to Buy
Fill in After Six Coats
Black Roma II
Black Prado 3 button

Call for complete scales on items for sale and further information on all:
985-543-0043 Ask for Trish
Trishstux@gmail.com 

Trish Costanza
Trish's Formal Affair
1105 West Morris Ave.
Hammond, La. 70403
985-543-0043
www.trishsformalaffair.com

Offered For Sale
Heat Seal Machine for barcodes.
Best offer. Contact: Dorothy - jerrystuxshop@cox.net.

Thank you,
Dorothy Walker
Jerry's Tux Shop
Las Vegas, NV

Take heed: you do not find what you do not seek. - English Proverb

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. -Albert Einstein

Take heed: you do not find what you do not seek. - English Proverb

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. -Albert Einstein

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.