I’ve been selling Xmittens for over 6 years now and have tried all sorts of things…retail shows, emerging artist shows, online sales, consignment, wholesale to boutiques around the world…but not a fashion wholesale show. As a businessperson that has come from a background of fine art and craft I am really curious as to what it will be like to take Xmittens into the realm of Fashion ( with a capital F). I mean, POOL is a part of a larger trade show circuit that includes MAGIC and PROJECT…these are the biggies in the fashion world! 
The big brand stores will be there , as well as hundreds of boutiques and small chains. Not only that, but I will also be able to check out new sources for fabrics. YES!
Anyhow, I have always been more an art and craft person rather than fashion person. (That being said, I always did say I was going to be a fashion designer and artist when I grew up!) I’ve had quite a few gallery shows and saw added opportunities for a bigger audience creating with what I am best at (color and texture!) by moving some of my skills into a production line of beautiful and comfortable items to wear.
For years I’ve sold Xmittens predominantly on the craftier side of things. People in that world seemed to understand Xmittens and how they could enhance a DIYer’s crafty life. Recently, however, craft shows are responding to my applications and saying Xmittens is more like fashion than craft. Hmmm…Xmittens construction has not changed. They are still made in my Pittsburgh studio using high quality control standards and recycled fabrics. But maybe the jurors are seeing something I have not been planning? Maybe Xmittens are more fashion than craft? Really, I think it’s kind of silly to differentiate in any strict sense, but it does seem like maybe I should take the hint and start moving into the fashion world a bit more. So, I am going to document this slight change of pathways for my brand a little on my blog. I know there are more of you out there wondering what direction to go. I’ve decided to go down this path and incorporate it into the larger picture of how I see my business growing. I’ll let you know how it goes as I move forward.
What pathways are you traveling down with your business/craftiness? Leave a comment and let me know what you are exploring.
Well, there’s a great opportunity for people in the Pittsburgh region to support local artists this weekend! On Sunday May 22, come visit over 50 local artists at the yART sale at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (6300 Fifth Ave Pgh, PA 15232). Artists will have artworks, art supplies and more on sale…some even at a very deep discount!
