Hampden Clothing hosts NAHM trunk show

Hampden Clothing is hosting a two-day event with NAHM designers Nary Manivong and Ally Hilfiger (yes, that Hilfiger). The designers recently debuted their third collection at New York Fashion Week, and Hampden will hold a day-long trunk show featuring their SS12 collection on Fri. Feb. 24. Prior to that, they're holding an invitation-only dinner at the store to welcome the designers.Manivong and Hilfiger have always had a very specific inspiration for their womenswear: the shirtdress. Over three seasons they've managed to give a fresh, feminine spin to the classic silhouette, and their most recent collection includes separates as well as dresses.
The designers will be in attendance at Friday's trunk show, which is open to the public. Shoppers will have the opportunity to meet them and even be styled by them as they mingle in the store.The brothers want to start manufacturing their clothing in the U.S. and are looking to use a company in South Carolina for retail sales within the next year, they said.Business projections are matching their predictions."I think we're right where we wanted to be," said Thomas. "We had conservative numbers because this is a new brand, a new company, and we're trying to sell a short-sleeved shirt in the winter."
"Our goal is to develop this lifestyle apparel line and sell it all over the East Coast and, eventually, the West Coast," Nathan added. "I'd like to think within the next year we'll be at retailers throughout the region. We'd like to make it happen before summer - before it gets to be polo shirt season - and get into those locations where people are getting into the beach theme and are looking for this kind of product."Jerry Talbert, 64, has run J. Talbert Limited for two years but has been in the retail clothing business for decades.
"Right now Atlantic Drift is exclusive here, and we're promoting it and pushing it," said Talbert. "They're two nice young guys, and what they're offering complements what I have."
Talbert said their clothes are right on target compared to similar clothing lines."Not a person comes in here and looks through the whole store without commenting on their products," he said. "This is a local family that wants to get into the clothing business, and we're supporting them. They've got a good plan. It's just a matter of getting their name out."The polo shirts come in five pastel colors. Prices range from $69 for polos to $24-$30 for T-shirts. J. Talbert Limited is at 11 Union St. S., suite 101.