Posted on
June 3rd, 2013
If we’re being honest it’s easy to cringe at the idea of work uniforms isn’t it? It may conjure up memories of ill-fitting khakis and bland, itchy polos; all in colors that seemed to flatter no one. But, thankfully, times have changed and a work uniform can mimic the lastest fashions. Polyester is now breathable, with wicking capabilities. Bulky blazers can be exchanged for warm cardigans. Employees will be happy to don your uniform, and you customers will be wondering where they can snap up their own pieces.
Need a little more convincing? Then look no further than Air Canada Rouge‘s new cabin crew uniform.
They chose a light grey pant that paired nicely with their cranberry colored cardigans and vests. White polos and dress shirts serve as a neutral base for the ensemble. Everything looks comfortable, a key element for a happy crew during a long or difficult flight. This just goes to show have far we’ve come from the days when Pan Am’s stewardesses were required to wear girdles and tight skirts.
They even paid attention to smaller details like scarves and ties. Each has been imprinted with the Air Canada Rouge logo and in complimentary colors. The trilby hat is a nice extra touch that will be sure to save many a steward and stewardess from dealing from a bad hair day. Air Canada Rouge even had the Canadian shoe company Fluevog create specific colors of their famously comfortable shoes to match.
Rouge is Air Canada’s new leisure line, and they wanted their new brand uniform to reflect the same “je ne sais quoi” that they had based Rouge on. Renee Smith-Valade, vice president of customer experience at Air Canada Rouge, has been quoted as saying that Air Canada Rouge has a personality “which is fresh and youthful” and that certainly has been well translated into their uniform selection. There is nothing overtly formal or stuffy about the look, and, as The Consumerist joked, “Flight attendants can wear them from work to a concert to picking out artisanal marshmallows at the local farmer’s market”. But with destinations such as Venice, Edinburg, and Costa Rica, would this not be the low key vibe you wanted to present to your passengers? Rouge wants you to feel like you could jet set off with only the fabulous clothes on your back.
The uniforms have been in the limelight since they were first debuted. Bloomber Businessweek has affectionately dubbed them the “Hipster Flight Attendent” look. Design blogs have embraced the uniform as well. To do away with any naysayers who would argue that the uniforms looked better on models than actual flight attendents, Air Canada Rouge chose actual cabin crew members to model the looks, giving an honest view of what this will look like up in the skies.
I’d love to know what you think about Air Canada Rouge’s new uniforms: too Brookly-hipster or a great take on a classic steward uniform? Personally, I love the uniform, especially the scarf and shoes. But would you wear this “Hipster Flight Attendent” uniform be something you’d wear?
Posted on
March 5th, 2013
This is the last post in our trend series. This year we are seeing a lot of products with a clean, polished, All American feeling. Think about yachting, being outdoors in the springtime, crisp clean fabrics, stripes, aviator sunglasses and easy styling. Primary colors come to mind- especially navy, red, yellow and kelly green. Don’t forget your natural tones like khaki and stone.
American classic will be a popular trend because your customers will be familiar with the styling of the product. And their brand will be quietly associated with clean, classic products that have a sense of familiarity to the end user. Tote bags, sunglasses, drinkware, cooler bags, button downs, and backpacks fall within this trend.
Here are some of my favorite American Classic products:
The Classic Rugby shirt:
Aviator Custom Sunglasses:
Port and Company All American Tee:
Game Day Cup:
Alternative Apparel Slouchy Pullover:
Nantucket Fashion Tote:
Check out our Pinterest board, featuring American Classic.
Megan
Merchandising Manager
Posted on
February 5th, 2013
One of the trends in retail for the past few years has been the resurgence of 1990’s fashion. Walk into any hip retail establishment and you will find flannel, straight leg denim, vintage hoodies, leggings, and designer clothing featuring large logos.
This flow in the current of the fashion world has reached promotional apparel. While walking the 2013 PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, I spotted various styles that brought me back to the 90’s. I could just hear Eddie Vedder singing “Evenflow.” Check out some of my discoveries from the Expo. The pictures included below are from the Alternative Apparel booth- they represented this 90′s trend effortlessly. Contact us for more details, many of the pieces you see will be added to our site in the next few weeks.
Patterned tops are predicted to be huge for 2013. How cool would your logo look screen-printed in 1 color on a camouflage tee? Or try a baseball tee with stars printed on the arms and a solid body- definitely an attention grabber!
This trendy “grunge” style would work well for the college/university demographic, bars/restaurants and even more casual corporate environments.
What was your favorite piece of clothing worn in the 1990’s?
Megan
Merchandising Manager
Posted on
January 30th, 2013
It has been a busy month for the Merchandising Department at Pinnacle Promotions. First, a few of us attended the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas; the new products for 2013 are amazing! We are working now to add our favorites to the website. And personally, I was also able to attend the Atlanta Apparel Show at AmericasMart last week. This show focused on 2013 Women’s apparel and accessories. I was able to use this retail outlet to trend forecast for our promotional apparel market.
Entrance to the January 2013 Atlanta Apparel Show
One of the big trends I saw at both shows was the use of color. Shades of green and blue were very prevalent in many collections. As you may have seen in Lee’s post, Emerald Green is the Pantone color for 2013.
Bella + Canvas PPAI Expo Las Vegas 2013
I was happy to see these two colors dominate the offerings at the Apparel show as well as at the PPAI Expo. Both colors are easy for most complexions to wear. And with various shades available, it will be easy to find one to suit your brand. Here are my favorite women’s fashions in green and blue.
The Serena Blouse: Beautiful vertical pleats along the front and back, creating a flattering fit. Shown in Vivid Jade.
The Women’s Flowy Simple V-Neck Tee. With fashion forward details, this drop sleeve tee has a relaxed fit and super soft hand. Shown here in Blue Marble.
Alternative Apparel Meegs Eco Jersey Ugly Stripe Tank: Stripes look fresh in green and chocolate. This tank is made from a polyester/cotton/rayon blend, has a flattering rounded bottom and racerback. Shown in Eco True Avocado/Eco True Brown Stripe.
The Emma Pullover. Perfect corporate casual 3/4 sleeve sweater. Featuring 3 button plackets along the front shoulders and subtle puff sleeves. Pictured above in Pacific Blue.
Port Authority Ladies Crosshatch Ruffle Blouse: Feminine details like ruffled placket and front and back darts make this shirt a winner. Shown above in Chambray Blue. Also available in Deep Blue.
And I had to throw in one accessory. I am loving the Lexi Wristlet! Shown here in Turquoise, this case will accomodate a smartphone, credit cards and more. Perfect for running errands or a night on the town!
If you see something you like, feel free to contact us! Stay tuned for more Trend Spotting posts in the weeks to come!
Megan
Merchandising Manager
Posted on
January 22nd, 2013
Fresh off the heels of 2013’s PPAI Las Vegas Expo, I have a lot of fun finds to share. I made it a point to visit the UV Promo booth. I was intrigued by the fashion and functional aspect of their designs.
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Posted on
January 8th, 2013
I know it is January, but I am already dreaming of spring. And we here in Atlanta are expected to reach the upper 60’s later this week! What bliss! Springtime and golf go hand and hand. This past week the PGA Tour hit Hawaii. Check out the latest PGA news here. It’s very cool to see what Nike, Adidas and Callaway gear the pros are sporting.
Whatever the climate on the green, you and your brand will want to look sharp for 2013. Check out these new arrivals from Nike Golf. With Nike’s DRI-Fit fabric technology and on-trend color choices, the recipient will be comfortable and look stylish on and off the course.
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Posted on
November 13th, 2012
One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to preview new merchandise and work with different vendors from all over the world. Recently, I met with a few key people at Stormtech, a Canadian based apparel brand that specializes in offering quality outerwear to the corporate apparel market. Since 1977, Stormtech has been delivering performance outerwear for the masses. All of their products are designed, developed and tested in Canada.
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Posted on
September 18th, 2012
As new products for 2013 trickle in, I sift through them and select my best-loved garments to feature for the upcoming season. I am happy to report that I am really digging these Chambray Dress shirts. You might have seen the trend in retail for the past few years, and finally someone has got it right in the corporate apparel industry!
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Posted on
August 28th, 2012
As of Tuesday afternoon, Tropical Storm Isaac is now a Category 1 hurricane. Since we are smack dab in the middle of hurricane season, I thought I would help my readers out by suggesting a rain jacket to brave the upcoming storms.
My favorite promotional raincoat is the New Englander. With its waterproof polyurethane shell, heat-sealed seams and mesh lining, this rain jacket will keep you dry in any downpour.
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Posted on
August 7th, 2012
When selecting new products to add to our site for autumn, I came across the Ladies Crosshatch Ruffle Easy Care Shirt. I was very surprised to see a bit of a more fashionable style for corporate apparel. This blouse has a feminine feel to it with the ruffled y-shape neckline, front and back darts and pearlized buttons. The ¾ length sleeves will allow you to accessorize nicely with your favorite watch or stack of bracelets. The Ladies Crosshatch Blouse is made from 60/40 cotton/poly making it washable. Say goodbye to the dry cleaner!
This blouse would be a great uniform choice for outside sales representatives and women in the hospitality or finance industries. A tonal embroidery would look great on the chest or cuff. Available in five beautiful shades, you are sure to find one that matches your brand. My favorite one is the Grape Harvest; this perfect shade of purple would look great with a pair of grey trousers or a tweed skirt.
Check out other options to dress your team in style.
Megan
Merchandising Manager
