Dallas Market Center Debuts New Fashion Week Format for Upcoming January Apparel & Accessories Show 

Ahead of the Dallas Market Center’s Apparel & Accessories Market this upcoming January, the largest fashion marketplace in the U.S. is unveiling a new fashion week format from Jan. 21 to 27 — a move to help apparel buyers diversify their merchandise.

The lineup of five markets back-to-back is Apparel & Accessories and KidsWorld, followed by AETA (English) and WESA (Western) and rounded off with the Reimagined Dallas Men’s Show.

The demand for Western styles showcased on the 14th floor prompted Western exhibitors to expand into brand new showrooms on the 10th floor — allowing buyers to mix in Western styles, cowboy boots and Western accessories with contemporary fashion. The new Western showrooms will also give buyers the chance to explore new brands and products.

“Fashion week is a great opportunity for both buyers and exhibitors alike!” said Cindy Morris, president and chief executive officer of Dallas Market Center. “Come to Dallas Market Center and choose your own buying journey.”

Here, Fairchild Studio sat down with Morris to discuss the change of format for this year’s Apparel & Accessories Market, the Western fashion trend, what buyers can expect and more. 

Fairchild Studio: Why did you transition the Apparel & Accessories markets into a fashion week style format and how will this impact buyers looking to diversify their merchandise assortment and exhibitors?

Cindy Morris: We wanted to put all the apparel and accessories markets next to each other — which in the past did not include the Dallas Men’s Show — to create efficiency for buyers looking to source new products across multiple categories.

Buyers who are looking to mix up their merchandise will be thrilled with the selection of products and styles for women, men, kids and Western.

Fairchild Studio: With the introduction of AETA and WESA after the Apparel & Accessories Market, what unique opportunities do you think this provides for buyers looking to diversify their merchandise?

C.M.: The biggest trend in fashion is Western-contemporary. Having AETA and WESA start a day after the Apparel & Accessories Market allows our apparel buyers to add Western and English products to their mix and offer Western and English buyers the chance to find contemporary apparel and accessories. It’s a win-win. 

Fairchild Studio: With the 10th-floor Western expansion, what unique opportunities will this offer buyers looking to incorporate Western styles into their collection? 

C.M.: Our Western marketplace continues to grow and the expanded 10th floor is a golden opportunity for buyers to access even more top-notch Western brands. Many exhibitors will be opening their very first and only showrooms exclusively in Dallas and this new neighborhood of Western and English is a compliment to the full floor of Western showrooms on the 14th floor.

Buyers can expect to find 16 boot brands on the 10th floor, in addition to the Western footwear exhibitors already at Dallas Market Center, along with great accessories throughout the showrooms.

Fairchild Studio: What are the fresh lines or unique products that buyers should be on the lookout for during their visit? 

C.M.: There are so many great lines for buyers, but those wanting unique and unexpected Western apparel and accessories should go to Western & Co. for unique leather goods. Tecovas and Sendero Provisions are two well-known brands that are taking their very first showrooms and will be available for wholesale exclusively in Dallas.

Fairchild Studio: How do you see the 10th floor exhibitors enhancing the market’s diversity?

C.M.: We already have a full spectrum of products available, but the 10th-floor exhibitors will help us attract more buyers from coast to coast with the addition of iconic brands in the Western and English industries. Giving buyers the chance to visit showrooms throughout the year, in addition to the twice-a-year AETA and WESA markets, will add a diverse set of new buyers to our marketplace. 

Fairchild Studio: What are the benefits of temporary exhibitors participating in this newly formatted market week and what can they expect in terms of buyer traffic and industry exposure?

C.M.: With five markets happening in succession, there is a unique opportunity for temporary exhibitors to connect with a new buyer base and expose their merchandise to those who may have never seen it before.

Fairchild Studio: For retailers looking to expand their product offerings, how should they navigate the newly structured market week to maximize their time and strategy?

C.M.: Buyers can choose their own journey based on the product they are looking for. Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld on Jan. 21 to 24 will give buyers the chance at the newest trends in contemporary apparel, accessories and footwear.

For those wanting to add Western and English flair to their merchandise, WESA and AETA on Jan. 22 to 25 will showcase the latest styles in Western and English apparel, accessories and footwear.

The final show to attend is the Reimagined Dallas Men’s Show on Jan. 25 to 27 which will show leading brands in classic suiting, business and casualwear; temporary exhibitors will be in Market Hall and permanent showrooms located in the World Trade Center.