SCHMOOZING: THE TOP 5 INDUSTRY PARTIES OF 2016

MR Awards 2016
by Stephen Garner

We have certainly had a great time this year celebrating everyone’s milestones and successes. From our very own MR Awards that honored American excellence in menswear to help celebrate Minneapolis retailer Hubert White on 100 years of business, we’ve been there to support the industry in all of its endeavors.

Take a look at our top five menswear industry events and parties of 2016:


THE MR AWARDS

[metaslider id=115639] It was a glorious evening filled with respect and love as top industry execs were honored at MR magazine’s 11th annual awards dinner at Gotham Hall on Monday, July 18. About 300 retailers and manufacturers showed up to celebrate American Excellence in Menswear, the first year the awards focused on this particular segment.

The evening was hosted by MR magazine’s Lizette Chin, Stu Nifoussi and Karen Alberg, and sponsored by the MRket and Project shows. In her introduction, Alberg pointed out that most of the award winners are the children or grandchildren of immigrants, particularly relevant in these politically turbulent times and proving that the American dream and values and work ethic make all things possible.


HUBERT WHITE CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

[metaslider id=121071] The mood was festive, the weather was great and the crowd was exuberant at the Hubert White 100th Anniversary celebration in downtown Minneapolis on Thursday, November 3.

A few hundred customers, vendors and friends turned out to show their love and loyalty for the store, and for Bob White, Brad Sherman and the entire Hubert White team.  The store has been a Twin Cities institution since Bob’s grandfather opened nearby in 1916.


MENSWEAR INDUSTRY FETES THE NEW ETON

[metaslider id=104199] Monday, January 25 saw the unveiling of Eton’s new image as dozens of retailers and fashion insiders joined the Swedish brand at the Art Gallery Building in midtown Manhattan. Guests sampled traditional Swedish delicacies like their interpretation of a hot dog, the best salted caramel truffles we’ve ever had and pear-infused Moscow mules were on tap for all.


RANDA CELEBRATES AT MANDALAY BAY

[metaslider id=106303] Strip Steak at Mandalay Bay was the new locale for everyone’s favorite Vegas party, thrown by Randa. As always, the event featured VIP retailers from top stores at all levels of distribution as well as key execs from Randa’s prestigious licensors. There was lots of talk about the elections, the weather, the stock market and, of course, the accelerating pace of change in the menswear industry. Thank goodness, Randa’s market parties are a constant!


CHICAGO COLLECTIVE OPENING NIGHT PARTY

[metaslider id=116681] Retailers and vendors gathered at theMart River Park in front of the Merchandise Mart for the opening night party of the Chicago Collective on Sunday, July 31. This special-edition party, sponsored by Psycho Bunny, featured fantastic views of the beautiful Chicago skyline as the sun disappeared into the horizon. As always, lots of food, drinks and fun were had by all.