Drawing a hip and edgy fashion crowd from all over the world to its new location in the Javits Center; LondonEdge New York hosted the second LENY Tradeshow, making the two day event in July a triumphant success.  The tradeshow, now an annual event for New York City, capitalized on LENY's unparalleled formula of mixing the business of future-fashion and the underground cult-alternative movement. LENY's signature formula, perfected from nearly a decade of tradeshow successes in the UK, hit the gritty city streets with a force to be reckoned with.

Picking up where they left off last year LENY once again provided an event that caters to all walks of life. The River Pavillon at the Javits Center provided the perfect back drop for the punk and Goth crowd. Business was the order of the day but the sun filled room, rock-n-roll mentality and alternating entertainment on the main stage made for an amazing and fun experience. LENY 2008 brought us 65 talented and passionate exhibitors that helped weave together a landscape of color and inspiration for the alternative fashion enthusiast.  Attracting exhibitors from all over the world, this tradeshow is clearly gaining speed here in the states and becoming a platform on which to display hot new trends to all global markets.

There was no short supply of boots, buckles and t-shirts this year.  Showroom walls filled were with new graphics and fresh looks for the street.  New Rock Shoes had some bad ass kicks this year; Dead Cities provided shirts that are politically charged and Inochi's new line of belt buckles used rock-n-roll imagery to complete the perfect look. Clubwear could also be found as brightly colored hosiery and socks were on display. Look From London, a home town New York brand, dresses up any leg looking for attention and a close and colorful second for those gams are the bright combinations courtesy of AJ's Socks. For the night crawlers and Goth crowd there were beautifully made bustiers and corsets from Funhouse and Flaming Angels, flowing skirts and skull dresses certainly made a splash like the ones from Living Dead Souls.  The list goes on and on; Stop Staring provided gorgeous silk-gown designs ripped from the 40's heyday, rock-n watches from Nemesis, jewelry that was art inspired and dainty from Nomonet or the fun pop-culture necklaces and bracelets from AlterEgo. The veterans were out in strong support again this year such as Alchemy, Lucky 13, Steady Clothing, Tripp NYC and Pop Soda.

An added benefit to any LENY tradeshow is the entertainment and this year did not disappoint. Center stage this year saw a variety of performers to the sometimes surprised and delighted attendees. Sparks flew into the crowd as Grinder Girl lit up the room with her power-tooled act. Twisting his way into the second act was Ravi the contortionist. To wrap up the days attractions & distractions was the hypnotic Dorit who belly-danced her way into the hearts of exhibitors & buyers alike!

The following day brought more talent-this time in all shapes and sizes. Above the action, elaborate and adorned stilt walkers roamed the floor. Even they couldn't take the attention away from pint-sized Terra Jole when she took center stage as Mini-britney Spears who pulled out all the stops with sexy costumes and a great voice to boot!

LENY added to the excitement from the opening day of the show by throwing a rock n roll bash at Don Hill's with entertainment by Kissy Kamikaze, Rockets Red Glare and special guest DJ's Tish & Snooky and Gyda Gash. Tons of free rum didn't hurt either thanks to Sailor Jerry!

In a business where tradeshows can take years to become established, the early success of LENY is a testament to an incredible line up of exhibitors partnered with the passion and commitment of the LondonEdge organizers.Fashion Wire Daily states that independent designers stood out with their own take on hip, casual, everyday clothing. We had a great show this year, I didn't want it to end, over 700 visitors and buyers came through and I feel we are on the right track to accomplish amazing success in the States, from the west coast to the east coast LENY hopefully will be the best source for alternative fashion said Carole Hunter, President of LondonEdge, we hope you will stayed tuned for LENY's return in 2009.  If you happen to be in Olympia, London this September stop by the 19th LondonEdge show.

         

About LENY

LENY is a one-of-a-kind tradeshow now in its third year featuring the hottest, alternative fashion trends in clothing, footwear, accessories and giftware. From street to rock n roll, from punk to emo, from gothic to metal, and from band merchandise to club. It's fresh, its cult, and it's unique.

LENY is a subsidiary of LondonEdge & LondondCentral, a tradeshow of some of the most exciting 'niches' in fashion, accessories and giftware unlike anything seen anywhere else in the world. The next installment takes place September 7-9, 2008 in Olympia 2, London, UK.  www.LondonEdge.com