In the Market: Spring 2015

Cult of Individuality
We stopped by the Cult of Individuality showroom just as founder and owner Ron Poisson was preparing for a six-week trip to China. Launched in 2009, Cult of Individuality is made from Japanese selvedge denim but manufactured in China, allowing for more approachable price points (a little under $200 retail). Cult of Individuality’s style is rooted in vintage-inspired washes and details (the brand offers over 70 washes per season), a welcome change from the past few years’ dark and basic looks that consumed the market. A highlight for spring 2015: Cult’s on-trend denim sweats/joggers ($165 retail). Joggers are offered in both woven and knit The brand is sold at stores like American Rag, Industrie Denim and Caruso Caruso.

Quinn
Quinn’s spring 2015 collection, “submerge,” was inspired by the world underwater. Highlights include “wet look” jackets made from water-resistant fabrics, crewneck sweatshirts with laser-cut fish gill patterns, and Japanese cotton harem pants. Outerwear retails from $250 to $350; knitwear from $175 for a patterned fish skeleton pullover to $495 for a cashmere textured hoodie; tops from $60 for a stretch modal tank to $195 for a woven; pants from $150 for toggled shorts to $300 for textured jogger pants. Quinn is sold at stores like Halls, Butch Blum and Larrimor’s.

Plac
Launched in 2010, Plac is a Korean-based brand designed by Sang-Hyun Lee. Plac is a huge denim manufacturer in Korea (with 60 of its own stores), but changing its focus for the U.S. market, offering a full lifestyle collection priced under $500 retail. This contemporary, fashion-driven brand is also wearable and saleable, carried at stores like Saks, Oak, Atrium and Urbanoutfitters.com.