Monday, December 15, 2008

Dallas Morning News



Below is the article that ran in The Dallas Morning News yesterday in the business section. The article included images of each of the finalists.

Coming soon to Dallas Market Center: The Next Big Thing
12:00 AM CST on Sunday, December 14, 2008
Maria Halkias

The economic downturn hasn't curtailed entrepreneurship. More than 100 people submitted new product ideas to the Next Big Thing, a contest sponsored by the Dallas Market Center. Next year, after thousands of wholesale buyers get a look, you may spot these products on your favorite store shelves. The three finalists are:

The Sipatiniz (pronounced sip-a-tee-neez) is a spill-resistant martini glass created by Rowlett resident Renee Williams. About 18 months ago, Ms. Williams said she started looking at her favorite shape drinking glass and decided even it could be tweaked for the better. She orders non-alcoholic drinks in a martini glass because, she says, "it feels so elegant." Her Sipatiniz glass is elegant and practical and "allows you to mingle with ease." An IT professional, Ms. Williams said she's had other ideas but never acted on them.

Good for You Girls says it's the first 100 percent natural skin care line for girls ages 9 to 15. Created by Kim Grustas and Grace Havasta-Petrarca of New Hartford, Conn., the kit includes a cleanser, toner and moisturizer made of natural and organic ingredients. Products are made without anti-aging or other ingredients that are too harsh for young skin. The two mothers used only natural baby products on their girls but then couldn't find products for them as they got older.

Vintage Hem can make any skirt or dress more romantic or festive. Developed by Jennifer Young of Draper, Utah, the slips add layers and length in tulle, silk and other fun fabrics. Ms. Young made the slips to enhance her own wardrobe in an affordable way.

The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from the wholesale market, and the winner will be named in January.

Finalists get airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market FINDS Temp Show on Jan. 16-19. They will show off their ideas in complimentary exhibit space in front of 50,000 domestic and international retailer buyers.

The winner gets to come back to the June show and receives a prize package worth more than $10,000 that includes time with branding, public relations and visual merchandising experts.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Vintage Hem in the Eliza Blog


Congrats to Vintage Hem!
December 9th, 2008 by Summer
Vintage Hem has won “The Next Big Thing” for the Dallas Market. We are also thrilled with their new holiday line of black slips. Dallas might of just discovered this charming brand, but we have been fans of their delicate detailed slips that look great under just about any skirt or dress. Eyefull of Lace, below, can be purchased at vintagehem.com for $36.

Summer, Editor Eliza Magazine

Friday, December 5, 2008

ShopTalk




The Next Big Thing?
Posted on December 3rd, 2008 11:54am by Stephanie Quadri
Filed under News, Products

The Dallas Market Center has announced the finalists for their “Next Big Thing” contest. They received over 100 entries and have narrowed it down to three, one of which is from Rowlett, TX. Congrats to Renee Williams, founder of SIPATINIZ, a spill-free martini glass (pictured at left). Other finalists include Good For You Girls, a natural skincare line for teenagers and Vintage Hem (my personal fave), slips that add a little something extra to the bottom of skirts and dresses. The three finalists will receive a free booth and travel to the upcoming Dallas FINDS Temp Show January 16–19, 2009. During the show the finalists will be judged based on their product, trade space presentation, and production plan. The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 17, 2009 and will win a prize package worth more than $10,000. Talkers, who do you think should win?

Comment to “The Next Big Thing?”
Katie @ December 3rd, 2008 at 12:20 pm

Vintage hem is amazing. Just ordered myself one of their new holiday slips - makes it so easy to change up a simple dress!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Semi-Finalist for the Next Big Thing!

Vintage Hem has been selected as one of three finalists for the Dallas Market's Next Big Thing Contest. We won airfare, hotel, and a tradeshow booth at the Market where we will compete on January 17th to become the actual grand prize winner. We are so honored to be included in this international show and excited to make our debut into the wholesale market.

We love Dallas Market-Thank You!!!

http://www.dallasmarketcenter.com/contest.aspx