PPB February 2018

Female empowerment is another driver of summer fashion. Pointing to theWomen’s March and the #metoomovement, the latest designs for ladies reflect clean lines, strength, boldness and sophistication. Animal prints, florals andmetallics will be prevalent, as will understated neutrals such as nude and pink. Towels are having their moment in the sun as fashion statements, according to Tania Boon-Richardson, vice president of E.P.S. Solutions (PPAI 261789). “The utilitarian beach staple has been elevated to fashion statement status,” she says. “As more and more boutique designers jump into the beach towel market, trends are shifting from basic designs to photo- realistic prints. Promotional customers are looking for high-end, postcard-like images of actual locations and events as vacation remembrances and brand statements.” Murray Siegal, CAS, director of marketing for Towel Specialties (PPAI 113150), agrees. “The current towel trend is toward multicolored, edge-to-edge decorating that is depicted on our ColorFusion towels. While we still produce a tremendous amount of tone-on-tone beach towels, ColorFusion is immensely popular and selling at an accelerated rate,” he adds. And as the tide shifts toward a more casual society, expect the popularity of traditional beach footwear to continue anywhere the weather is warm. “Beach footwear has proven to be one of our most versatile collections of products because it appeals to a wide variety of customers—from resorts to schools,” says Mel Chapman, customer communications coordinator of Footprints USA (PPAI 280344). “No matter how far away you are from the ocean, flip flops and sandals are perfect for anyone who is looking for a fun and unique branded product that clients will use time and time again.” Everyone agrees that life is better in flip flops. These exclusive premium rubber flip flops feature a deluxe fabric coating for comfort and a long-lasting imprint. With a full- color printing option, they can be branded on both the insole and the “jelly” straps. Footprints USA / PPAI 280344 www.footprintsusa.com The pink island pattern on this Richardson classic trucker hat gives it a distinct beach vibe. It’s made of a cotton/polyester blend, has a pre-curved visor and adjustable snapback case. Perfect for protecting your face from the sun, it is available in 20 patterns. Kati Sportcap & Bag / PPAI 113758 www.katisportcap.com These Beach Essentials Are A Shore Thing Side-seamed for a slim, contoured fit, this racerback tri-blend maxi dress is a foolproof choice for a sunset stroll. Made in the USA in sizes S-XL, it is available in tri-charcoal and tri-grey. TCS Apparel / PPAI 174523 / www.tscapparel.com | FEBRUARY 2018 | 15 INNOVATE