Friday, August 05, 2011

PAi Inc. at BREAD AND BUTTER, Berlin

PAi INC. attended Berlin's BREAD & BUTTER trade show last month. This show was held on July 6-8th at the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin.

BREAD & BUTTER PRESS REPORTS...
Review of THE BREAD & BUTTER SUPERSHOW

"The 25th BREAD & BUTTER – tradeshow for selected brands, which took place from 6-8 July, 2011 for the fifth time on the historic grounds of the Berlin-Tempelhof Airport, is reporting outstanding results. The tradeshow, which started out in 2001 as an off-show for selected brands in Cologne, celebrated its ten-year anniversary under the motto 'THE BREAD & BUTTER SUPERSHOW'.

BREAD & BUTTER presented another balanced and strong exhibitor portfolio, distinguished once again by an increase in quality. Around 580 exhibitors, the leading, market-relevant brands, labels and designers of the Street and Urbanwear market, attended the leading international tradeshow, where they presented their new collections for the Spring/Summer 2012 season to the professional audience." -breadandbutter.com  

Joshua Sanders, Senior Product Designer at PAi, sat down with us to share his take on the show. Read about it below.

What is your role at and how long have you been at PAi INC.?  

Joshua:I've been working at PAi since 1999... Some of my earliest responsibilities included designing logos and branding for various headwear applications. After that, I spent a few years learning the technical aspects of screen-printing, where I spent most of my time creating designs and then digitally separating them so that they could be printed on garments. Currently, I'm a Senior Product Designer and I design and develop licensed soft accessories (headwear, scarves & gloves) for several of our premium fashion labels. I work directly with the design leaders of these brands at each of their respective offices (including New York City, Los Angeles, London and Montreal) and I spend much time visiting our manufacturers throughout Asia to develop the finished product.

Why does PAi attend Bread and Butter? Which labels do we represent?

Joshua: We attend B&B Berlin to support the labels with which we currently maintain licensure, to see first-hand how our customers respond to the new product collections, to investigate opportunities for new category additions, and to study how the exhibitors and attendees express themselves through fashion. Our brands that attended the show are True Religion Brand Jeans, Robert Graham, Ben Sherman, Pajar and Original Penguin.

Is this your first time attending? If not, how many times have you attended previously?

Joshua: This was my first time to attend.

How was Bread and Butter the same or different from US trade shows such as Project, etc.

Joshua: This show wasn't as large as some of the shows in the US, but the quality of labels represented was extremely impressive. B&B seemed very well organized, specific booths were very easy to find and the people-watching at this show surpassed anything I've attended in Las Vegas or New York.

What new trends did you notice?

Joshua: One of the most unique trends that I noticed was in the prevalence of accessories... Straw hats and Newsboy's Caps were abundant. Lightweight scarves, suspenders and unique bags (for Men and Women) were also very visible. Proven, classic American brands (such as Levi's, Wolverine, Red Wing Boots, Lee, Wrangler, etc.) are enjoying a HUGE following there.

What is the overall style of the public in Berlin, general wear and accessories? Do you think these fashions will migrate to the US?

Joshua: The expression of fashion by people in the neighborhoods I visited was absolutely amazing. The unique thing about style there is the emphasis on "individual fashion". Everyone experiments with different looks and attempts to create something unique... their desire is not to simply look like everyone else. I think some of these trends may migrate here, especially to areas that already follow fashion trends. European cities are generally at least a season or two ahead of the US market, though.

What inspiration did you get from Bread and Butter and/or shopping/observing in Berlin?

Joshua: Shopping and spending time analyzing how people dress in Berlin was so refreshing. Everyone seems to think outside the box when determining how they want to express themselves. That's what makes it fun... I couldn't wait to get home and start designing :)

Any extra thoughts or things to share?

Joshua: I have a new favorite store... it's called 14 oz. and it's AMAZING.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Menswear Magazine Features Greg Norman Fedora

There's always a question of whether it is appropriate to wear black with black, meaning an all-black outfit, especially if it's paired with black accessories too... But, really, the question is not whether to wear black with all-black, but rather if you are texturing your outfit.

Check out the ad below. What do you think?

You can obtain this off-duty, summery style with a black-on-black palette and succeed with textures. And, the best part about this ad is that the hat that Menswear Magazine has chosen to pair with their look is one of our own, Greg Norman fedoras. This Greg Norman black, straw fedora gives a cool look, feel and of course, texture with the black attire. We couldn't be more thrilled to see one of our own showcased! For other Greg Norman accessories, check out http://www.gregnormanaccessories.com.

Friday, July 15, 2011

PAi Welcomes….

What's bigger news right now than Kim Kardashian marrying basketball pro Kris Humphries? Or bigger than the birth of David and Victoria Beckham's new baby girl, Harper Seven? Or even bigger news perhaps than Rachel, Finn, and Curt graduating at the end of this season of Glee, and not joining the cast for Season 4...? Well, that's easy! It's the news that PAi has added not one, not two, but EIGHT new licenses!

What? How can that be you ask? It's simple. PAi has proven the test of time with providing the best fashion, quality, and note-worthy apparel since 1929. PAi is dedicated to providing quality, style and competitive market intelligence to customers and brand labels. Licensed brands at PAi definitely appreciate this quality in PAi and these new brands have eagerly came on board. We could not be more excited at PAi to start this new endeavor with such amazing brands.

So, I bet you are wondering what licenses we are welcoming to our crew? Drum roll please.... Bone Collector, Penguin, Nascar drivers Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and last but certainly not least, the MLB are among the new comers at PAi. We will be blogging soon about what's to come for our new relationships with them all. So stay tuned!

Which brand are you most excited to see hit production at PAi?

Thursday, June 30, 2011

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane… It’s Bullet in a PAi INC. Cap

Everyone has their favorite something, right? Whether it's your favorite pair of jeans, worn out tennis shoes or that old, seen-better-days t-shirt you have from the championship football game your senior year? Whatever it may be, it's only human to have that something you never leave the house without.

Well, a certain little furry friend of ours made a statement that his owner is not the only one with a favorite. This 3 year-old chihuahua, named Bullet, proved that it's not just humans that have their favorites.

Now, you might be asking yourself... Sure, he is super adorable, but why in the world is PAi so enthralled with this little guy other than his cute face? Well, it actually just so happens that Bullet's borrowed headwear comes from none other than PAi's very own stomping grounds. Bullet's owner bought a Realtree cap from the Tractor Supply Store that was designed and manufactured at PAi. The cap instantly became the gentleman's favorite and soon became Bullet's favorite too! From the word's of his wife that submitted this photo to paifashion.com, "My husband loves anything camo, and when he got this hat it became his fav. because he said it's extremely comfortable and a perfect fit for his head."

PAi is dedicated to providing quality to our customers and brands; which is why we are not at all surprised to see this a cap like this, a frequent wear of choice for Bullet and his owner. With over 80 years of experience in making apparel, we figured we might have some influence on those "favorites" out there.

We would love to know what PAi cap is your favorite or good luck charm wear! You can submit your photos to info@paifashion.com or join us on Facebook and upload your photos there!

Happy Wearing!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Production Artist Opening

PAI is looking for a Production Artist.

The successful candidate will:

• multi-task and work under tight deadlines
• be reliable, able to work quickly, and detail oriented
• possess a strong working knowledge and experience with Illustrator on a Mac Platform
• be self motivated and desire to succeed
• thrive in our fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Illustrator skills are a must. Experience in Photoshop is helpful.

Portfolios are required.

Great benefit package including: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401 (k) Plans.

Paid Vacation, Holidays and Personal Days.

If you are interested, please submit your resume to Rich Petty, rpetty@paifashion.com.
Paramount Apparel is an equal opportunity employer.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Ben Sherman: What’s Your Flavor

Heads are turning internationally, with jazzy styles of Ben Sherman headwear on the rise. Featured in France's MODZIK publication, Ben Sherman graces two sections of spread with styles heating up fashion like the rising temps outside.

Summer has never looked so good! Ok fellas, it's time to amp up that wardrobe of yours with a little summer inspiration by Ben Sherman. Ben Sherman headwear is sure to spice up any summer outfit with a cool, trendy feel to even a basic screen tee and shorts look.

Check out the styles in MODZIK below...

Featured Below: "A substance of the lemon. Of all the citrus colors which will bloom this summer in the versatile male, one of them seems to take the advantage and this is the lemon sorbet. Among the English manufacturer Ben Sherman, home based in Brighton in 1963, we opted for the polo daylight." Paired with one of our Ben Sherman hats, this sunny, citron style is sure to be all the rage this summer.

We want to know! What's your flavor? Which Ben Sherman headwear style is your favorite? And ladies don't be shy, this isn't just for the guys. What Ben Sherman hat do you just love to see on your beau?

Friday, June 03, 2011

Paramount is Reaching New Heights

Here at PAi, we are honored to be a small part of NASA’s dedication to space exploration.

NASA's latest space shuttle mission, STS-134, returned home to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week, June 1st, 2011. PAi was elated to discover that some of our caps were worn during the near 16 day trip to outer space! Photos from STS-134 and previous missions which include our caps that made the "journey to above" are listed below.

Navy-style space shuttle Discovery ball cap as seen on orbit during the STS-124 and STS-131 missions. Credit: Richard's Military Post Exchange. 

STS-134 commander Mark Kelly. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-132 commander Ken Ham. Credit: collectSPACE/Robert Pearlman

STS-124 commander Capt. Mark Kelly (left) and mission specialist Mike Fossum. Credit: NASA

STS-131 commander Capt. Alan Poindexter (right) and ISS commander Oleg Kotov. Credit: NASA

From left are Pilot Ken Ham, Mission Specialists Karen Nyberg and Akihiko Hoshide, Commander Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialists Mike Fossum and Ron Garan. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Friday, May 27, 2011

Family Tradition Continues at PAi

Since our founding in 1929, the dedicated staff, and ownership of PAi has displayed incredible pride in our longstanding heritage. Each of our three family generations has made a priority of instilling regard for our past to each of their successors. This culture of history reveals itself in hundreds of ways from the antique hat samples in our lobby, to the vintage photographs adorning our walls.

One extremely unique example of this history is a story that comes from PAi’s newly appointed Vice President of Sales – Outdoor/Retail, Mark Rogers.

On his first day of service at PAi in 1984, Mark was receiving a tour of the facility when an old box of paperwork caught his eye. Upon opening this box, he discovered what turned out to be hundreds of time cards from past employees arranged in alphabetical order. Recalling that his grandmother worked here many years ago in the sewing room, he went straight to the “R’s” and was able to locate her actual time card dating back to 1947!

Mark proudly tells this story and keeps the timecard in his desk as a reminder of the role he and his grandmother play in the ongoing family tradition. PAi is known for our long history, and this is just one example of the reasons we have such an instilled environment of pride.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Ben Sherman Headwear Featured in International Magazines

Ben Sherman headwear is creating buzz internationally. Check out the images below!

Friday, May 06, 2011

Assistant Brand Manager Opening

PAI is looking for an Assistant Brand Manager for the Licensed and Private Label Brands Department.

The successful candidate will:

Manage and oversee Department Store orders,
Manage Private Label Accounts,
Multitask and work under tight deadlines,
Be reliable, able to work quickly, and be detail oriented,
Possess a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office,
Be self motivated and have a strong desire to succeed.

Great benefit package including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Plans.
Paid Vacation, Holidays and Personal Days.

If you are interested, please submit your resume to Erin Keeven, ekeeven@paifashion.com.
Paramount Apparel is an equal opportunity employer.

Wyman Elementrary Students Visit PAi

Over the last five years, PAi has opened its doors to a local elementary school from Rolla, Missouri.  Each year, the Wyman Elementary 4th graders get a special unique view into the day to day manufacturing activities that happen at PAi.  The field trip was started by PAi’s Vice President of Sports Brands, Steve Wands, when his son entered into 4th grade, and has been a annual event since.

“I went to Wyman Elementary when I was a kid, and it is great to be able to have my former grade school come and tour our facility. This is the fifth year we have done this, and the teachers say that it is one of their favorite field trips.  I enjoy telling the 4th grade kids about the great company that PAi is, and showing them all of the exciting things that our company is doing.”

The highlights of the tour include introducing the students to the world of screen printing and embroidery. They get to see how screen print presses and embroidery machines work, where PAi designers pull inspiration from (and some cool things that you can do on a Mac!), and they get a first hand glance at how many people it really takes to make PAi run.

The students also have fun trying on all the different hats we design and manufacture! Below are some photos of the students wearing PAi hats - it’s amazing how their personalities shine through!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Billionaire Mafia Belt on the Cover of “Live OC”

“Big Bang Theory’s” Simon Helberg is photographed on the cover of “Live Orange County”, April 2011 edition, wearing one of our Billionaire Mafia belts! 

Check out the entire magazine at http://www.webpublished.com/gallery/view.asp?seq=152577&path=110331170802, or visit their website at http://liveoc.livemagazines.net/.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

CAMEX 2011 Trend Update

Oarsman 913, a division of PAi, recently exhibited at CAMEX.  CAMEX stands for Campus Market Expo and is a show featuring everything you would find in a college bookstore.

Our booth highlighted our latest Oarsman collegiate line of apparel, showcasing new printing techniques, new garments and new designs.  

Our line was very well received and was right on target with the show trends!  This year, Oarsman designer Elizabeth Friedel scoured the show, anaylizing overall design trends, techniques and garments that are hot in the college market:

Design & Technique Trends:

Distressed/Vintage

• Distressed apps with pieces missing. 
• Unbacked fabric that rolls and frays. 
• Thick stitching gives vintage feel. 
• Contrast distressed stitching as accents.
• Basic collegiate looks that are washed, faded and distressed remain a prominent trend this year.
• These designs are often on heathered, tri-blend or pigment dyed type garments. 

Bling

• Glitter, sparkle, foil, and rhinestones are very popular.
• Basic designs with just sparkle or glitter were prevelant. 
• Rhinestones as the entire logo or as accents continue to be a popular trend.

College Love

• Love, Hearts, and girlie designs are VERY hot right now! 

Screen/Applique Combo

• Mixed media continues to be a hot trend, especially in combination with vintage looks.
• Screenprint is applied both under and on top of appliques.

Large Prints

• Oversize prints continue to be a dominant theme.
• They are made by large screenprints and infusion printing.

Patterns

• Patterns on garments and in designs continue to be a popular trend.
• Patterns can be seen on accents of garments, main garment fabric, appliques or fills and accents in designs.
• Stripes, plaids, polka dots and animal prints were all over the place.

Garments

Burnouts

• Burnout garments are HOT and are popular in many silhouettes.
• The burnout patterns are distresses, custom logos or special prints.

Tie Dye

• Tie Dye patterns started making a comeback a few years ago, and are definitely still around.
• They are currently making a comeback in the college market.
• Garments are offered in stock colors and patterns, in addition to custom school colors and patterns.

Scoop & Deep V-neck

• Deep V's,  low scoop necks, and off the shoulder, loose fitting garments have increased in 

  popularity for women.

Varsity & Retro Fashions

• Basic garments with retro details dominate the men's and women's college market.
• Letterman style jackets, vintage athletic details, raw edges, rugby stripes and raglan sleeves are popular.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Project & Magic Winter 2011 Trend Recap

Project Las Vegas, Winter 2011, was a great show for PAi! Featuring brands A-Kurtz, True Religion and Ben Sherman, our booth had great constant traffic.  Our sales team and designers should be proud! Each season we attend Project, we not only showcase brands, but we also look for new and emerging key trends. 

PAi's Design Director, Lori Glaser, anaylized the show for new design themes, colors and trends:

The overall theme of this show was utilitarian.  The key pieces had a usefulness, practical or
functional style.  The use of higher end fabrics featuring performance aspects was promenient.

Each brand, no matter what their original brand motto was, is now defining their clothing
with a unique fusion of function and style.  This is also working vice versa, if a brand started
out pure function they are balancing their mix with style.

This utilitarian style naturally crosses over into the shoe and leather goods market... the work boot is now a
very trendy one...   Several booths had a great display of burnished leathers that make
the work boot a must have.  Several participants, men and some women alike, donned the work boot
look.  

Flirty and Functional is the theme behind most of the ladies brands. Masculine features with
ruffles or a military jacket with short skirts or jean shorts, boots all over the place.  Thigh
high boots, work boots, spiked heel boots and flat soled comfy ones.  A take on the flight suit
is also coming back.  several booth and participants displayed/ wore jumpsuits ... cropped, long
skinny legged, shorts ... sexy and military driven.

Colors for the season are obviously workwear inspired but with a pop in the spiced family.
chili powder - 1805c,  paprika - 159c and mustard - 124c.

Not everything had the utilitarian theme...  there was as much of a display in the vintage
arena.  Many booths displayed a graphic oriented vintage feel. Even our licensor
Ben Sherman has taken a dip in the vintage arena... their new booth was the talk of the show -
using armoires as the booth front.  Very attractive display!!

Of course, there were all kinds of booths that had the True religion feel as well.  High end
jeans, awesome graphics and the use of the bean stitch throughout.

Needless to say, our booth fit right in with the pulse of the show!!!  The new size of our booth
and the products displayed, shows that PAi knows its stuff!!!  A-Kurtz stays true to its
motto and fit right in the utilitarian realm!!!  Ben Sherman and True Religion again brought
tons of customers and potential licensors to our booth!!!  It was great show for PAi, the
products we displayed were dead on... so proud of our designers and the salesmen that show with
such enthusiasm!!! 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

ChinaShop Features PAi Sculpture from Project

Derick Melander’s sculptures of PAi’s accessories are already making headlines.  ChinaShopMag.com featured all three of Derick’s sculptures from Project (two of which featured PAi accessories) in their recent Fashion Gallery blog! 

Read the cover and see more photos of the sculptures at http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/02/derick-melander-stacks-up/.

See our recent coverage of the sculptures here.