NEWS
INTERVIEWS ARCHIVE
Interview with Iwalani Isbell, owner and designer of Pualani Hawai'i.
Due to the current economic crisis we are facing a new relationship between exhibitors and fair organizations. Do you think that only specialized fairs, which have been able to set at zero the gap between organizers and exhibitors focusing on services and presenting an exclusive proposal instead of a common and uncoordinated one, will survive?
Producing or attending a fair that is common and uncoordinated only dilutes the impact of the exhibitors and glazes the eyes of those attending. It is just too much to put on one plate. Events like that are about numbers and their quality suffers with that attitude.
I am confident that the type of expos presented by MarediModa will continue to be successful because they are focused fairs, providing a venue for all aspects of swimwear production to converge, coordinate and collaborate. The exhibitors are held to the highest standard. Best of all, being able to do business face-to-face in the tech era is refreshing.
According to you which are the main factors for which it’s worthwhile visiting MarediModa|IntimodiModa each year?
The benefits of visiting MarediModa are multi-faceted. The sheer volume of products, including new prints, fabrics, ornaments, elastics, outsourcing, et cetera can almost be overwhelming! It is exciting to arrive each year and be surprised by fresh developments. It allows me to personally see and feel new fabric blends and textures. I enjoy the process of viewing new prints from so many talented designers in one location. The high quality of the vendors at MarediModa has helped provide us with a reputation for producing the finest swimwear in the industry. I can also personally reconnect with our long-standing business associates. Further, it provides an opportunity to establish new business relationships. At Pualani Hawai'i we are excited to come to Cannes every year and never disappointed.
MarediModa|Intimodimoda understood as first the importance of an alternative and qualified proposal of high level Outsourcing companies. Do you think that the numberand quality of exhibitors present on the Cannes could be satisfying?
America is not the textile giant it once was, making our biggest problem in the US one of dealing with import duties and tariffs. Many outsource companies for swimwear have closed or left places like Morocco and Canada, where America has free trade agreements. China is inexpensive but we have yet to find anyone who can match Pualani Hawaii's standards for quality. Tunisia is doing a lot but there we are faced with duties of over twenty-five percent. We would like to see more outsourcing booths from more countries at MarediModa to broaden the options in this global economy.
What scenario do you expect for the beachwear world business? What’s going on in he US and in Hawaii in particular?
The recent economic events have, I am sorry to say, hurt or even shut down some of the businesses we have worked with for years - they have simply vanished.
One good thing I can say for beachwear in the current economy: When times get tough, people like do to things that will not hit them too hard in the wallet. Going to the beach or pool is an inexpensive activity in itself. Most women will sacrifice a night out on the town if that translates into having a nice bikini or two to wear for the new season. Our wholesale accounts on the mainland and around the world confirm this.
In Hawai'i, we are blessed with beautiful weather and have the good fortune of a year round market that comes with a tropical climate. I literally live in my bikinis! Although tourism is down here, our flagship store in Waikiki has maintained record retail sales so we are holding an optimistic view for the future of beach & swim apparel. It will only get better. Aloha!
June 2009
