SCOTTeVest Reports Plan to Revamp SkyMall
By Susannah Parmenter, Close-Up Media Staff Writer
SCOTTeVEST, a travel-friendly clothing company, said that it has begun the process to acquire - and reimagine - SkyMall.
"SkyMall was doomed to fail by its business model," asserts SCOTTeVEST CEO & Founder Scott Jordan, whose multi-pocketed, gadget-carrying vests and jackets appeared regularly in SkyMall for years. "But I know how to fix it."
In a release, the company said that Jordan's plan - which has been in development since hours after SkyMall's bankruptcy announcement - would completely revamp the SkyMall brand and way of doing business, and may even include an as-yet-unspecified name change for the iconic catalog. While the airlines will remain major partners in the success of a reimagined SkyMall, improving its digital presence, expanding into airport stores and working with in-flight internet providers are all part of the plan.
"My SCOTTeVEST products appeared in SkyMall catalogs off-and-on for years, so I am already familiar with their business practices and all the parts of their model that didn't and couldn't ever work. SkyMall pioneered a channel for consumer communication and built a unique marketplace for products not found in traditional stores. In keeping with these innovations, the successor to SkyMall will have a new, progressive and digitally-oriented presence. More importantly, it will be highly profitable for all parties involved."
SCOTTeVEST noted that the proposed timeline could have the new SkyMall on flights as soon as April, and while travel-ready gadgets will remain a part of the product line-up, there will be a shift away from kitschy gear and toward a curated mix of items.
Jordan indicates that brands like Apple would be a natural fit for the new SkyMall, with people like Steve Wozniak (co-Founder of Apple), Hap Klopp (Founder of The North Face) and tech-evangelist Robert Scoble already on SCOTTeVEST's board.
The company added that while profitability is key, in the next-gen SkyMall an unspecified percentage of all sales will benefit charities dedicated to hunger, clean water and other universal issues, with PSA space in each issue.
SCOTTeVEST engineers TEC-Technology Enabled Clothing with hidden, travel-friendly pockets for men and women.
More information:
http://www.scottevest.com
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
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Alexandra Scarborough
Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for SpringSarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.
The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.
"Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.
Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.
The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading.
The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.
"Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."
As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection.
To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.
The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.
More Information:
http://www.Gilt.com/SJP -
Alexandra Scarborough
Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ CollectionConvenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.
The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.
"The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."
Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.
According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.
Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.
QUICK 5
Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.
Among other insights, the roundup revealed:
- Labor Day was the busiest weekend for car rental
- Disney Theme Parks topped the list of things to do
- The average hotel stay was two nights
- Top destinations based on 2017 air travel included major global cities like New York, London and Bangkok
- Popular tourist destinations included Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas