Fashion
Designer AbbyZ Launches New HSN collection
Pictured: Models in AbbyZ’s signature “Airplane Duster” wraps which can be worn 7 ways. (Picture courtesy of Abby Z)I recently had the opportunity to talk to Abby when she was here in California for a family event. Although Abby grew up in Los Angeles, the Palisades to be exact, she left long ago to pursue her dream of becoming a designer in New York city. In talking to Abby, one thing is crystal clear, this woman designs for her customers, not buyers in department stores. This is why the Home Shopping Network (HSN) model suits her. Abby launched her line at Saks Fifth Avenue. Later she branched out to other department stores like Bloomingdales. But in working directly with her customers and fit models, she discovered something very important. As she told me, “I wanted to bring to market, not so much what department store buyers wanted, but what my customers (women) wanted.” With HSN, she is able to bring her designs direct to customers. There is no middleman filtering out what will reach the actual end-users of the garments. And with HSN, you can actually call in and talk to AbbyZ on the air during the show and ask her for style advice. That is an experience you can’t get at the department store.
Pictured: AbbyZ’s HSN store offers a selection of easy fit jeans, tops and wraps to help customers be “sexy at any size.”I asked Abby what is different about her line. There are a couple of key features that make her clothes comfortable and stylish. They are:
- She uses a variety of “fit models”. This means she doesn’t just fit her designs on a size 6-8 fit model, but she also fits them on sizes 12 and sizes 16 too. She is a stickler for ensuring the proper amount of fit (about 2 inches in the larger sizes, 1 inch in the smaller sizes) exists between the sizes.
- The size on the tag doesn’t necessarily mean much anymore, as many designers cut differently using different sized fit models. This is why she stresses, “You have to look at how the garment fits you, rather than the size on the label.”
- Abby looks at the entire look when she designs. Her camisoles are designed to fit perfectly under the coordinating blouse in her line. She has noticed that in other collections, sometimes the designer doesn’t make a matching camisole for a sheer blouse, and the customer is left to look for one that matches and fits. At times, finding the right camisole for the blouse becomes a challenge, or takes the customer too much precious time. It is easier if the design just provides it to the customer.
- She weaves the accessories into the garment sometimes. Her HSN “necklace tops” include coordinating jewelery along with the blouses and tops to compliment the look.
AbbyZ tells me her new collection with include some elegant Valentine’s day choices plus, bright colors like tangerine and acqua. A special favorite of hers in the new collection is a versatile dolman sweater with a pearl necklace that can take customers from the office to a special evening out. So save the date, and give AbbyZ a look. I believe AbbyZ has something very special to offer her. Her winning formula includes a commitment to style, affordable prices and any eye for quality. Add in the final ingredient of actually listening to customers and you get a rare combination. I’ll look forward to seeing her collection tomorrow night.
PS. Yes, I know its Superbowl Sunday, and I could care less. I’ll be stopping by the Clever on Main, anti-superbowl shopping event, getting a facial, and getting some hair done. If you feel like doing the same, remember today is the last day to shop at Macy’s and wear red to save 20%!
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