From New York to Miami
- Le'Designer Scarlie
- Jun 8, 2025
- 3 min read
On Wednesday June 4th, Fashion Industry professionals from various global markets gathered together for an exemplary panel of speakers curated by Vogue to discuss some very current and key topics within today's fashion industry. In today's climate, one of the main topics that all entrepreneurs and business professions alike should consider are tariffs, the increase cost of goods/production and how it effects our business. Tariffs have been one of the main contributors for the increase cost of imported goods, product production and the over cost of running a fashion business. The Vogue panel of speakers took the time out to discuss how their companies have been able to forge through these times; while also educate us on a variety of solutions that they are currently implementing within their companies.
Regardless of the size of your business, the insight that was provided by this Vogue panel was essential. As a fashion designer myself, the cost of material and fabric is a major part of my business and production process. Finding the right vendors and adjusting to the ever-changing cost of goods whether imported or acquired locally is a vital part in moving forward. The panel of Founders, Company Leaders, and Creatives included:
Paulo Gonvalves, Director APICCAPS
Madeleine Schulz. US Reporter, Vogue Business
Jonathan Cohen, Co-founder Jonathan Cohen
Chris Echevarria, Founder and Creative Director, Blackstock and Weber
During this Vogue and APICCAPS panel meet and greet, I met a wide variety of industry professionals ranging from designers, photographers, graphic designers, and product marketing professionals. After the panel discussion, everyone gathered with the Nine Orchard Greenhouse for cocktail hour to network and indulge in intriguing conversation. I met so many talented individuals that night and made some very valuable connections.
The Nine Orchard Hotel where the event was held was a combination of beautifully crafted architecture and elegant decor. The rooftop view set the scenery of New York and provided an ever so enchanting ambiance.
Miami
The Vogue panel conversation and dialogue inspired me to visit one of my favorite fabric stores in Miami, Fl. Since I had to travel back to Florida the day right after the event, I didn't have the allotment of time to visit any of the fabric stores within the New York garment district, so I decided to visit Rex Fabrics in Miami instead. Fabric selection is an important part of my designing and production process. As mentioned by the Vogue panel speakers; finding the right companies/vendors to purchase from during these times of tariffs and cost fluctuation is very important.
Rex Fabric is a high end; couture quality fabric store located within the heart of Miami. The selection of fabric there is breathtaking. High-end supplies are usually more costly but when you are looking to create something within that exact quality standard, Rex Fabric is most definitely one of the places to go!
Traveling from New York to Miami
A very close friend of mine has been raving for months about the new train transit located within Orlando Florida; Brightline. After flying into Orlando from New York, I thought it would be a great time to see exactly what my friend was raving about. I took the Brightline train from Orlando to Miami and was beyond impressed. The train station is conveniently located within the Orlando International Airport. The seats on the train were comfortable and offered an enormous amount of leg room; the transit time from Miami from Orlando was only 3 hours. When we arrived, I noticed that the Brightline station in Maimi is located within the heart of Downtown Maimi; only blocks away from numerous restaurants and stores. I would most definitely travel to and Miami again via Brightline; I can see why my friend recommended it.
I used my Portuguese Shoes by APICCAPS Gift Bag as a travel bag to carry some of my goodies purchase from Rex Fabrics.
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