Inside Market Week At The Mart: What I’m Doing There

I know my OG readers know this well because I’ve actually had you tell me it’s some of your favorite coverage. I appreciate that so much because this work is truly my baby. I’m protective over it and haven’t wanted to share much in the past because it means so much to me. So I’ve kept it very close to the vest. But since I love this styling aspect so much, I of course want to share it… it’s what I love to do! And it’s actually fun to watch because it’s so fast paced, high energy, and all about fashion.

So if you are new, I am the stylist for Atlanta’s Apparel Mart, America’s Mart… it has a few different names. It’s in the heart of downtown Atlanta and has been an Atlanta institution since the early 90’s! I style during market weeks throughout the year. You might have seen some coverage other times as well, as I’ve done some PR for their partner Jezebel Magazine, to highlight events such as Shop the Mart. Most recently, also in February, I got to be on the influencer panel. They hold these every market and value the blogger and influencers that are driving this space. It was such an honor to be a part of it, and the women chosen, especially because just last year they had Kathleen Barnes from Carrie Bradshaw Lied. She is pretty much an OG blogger queen here in blogger world. This meant a lot to me twofold. To even be in the same category as her, when considered for the panel, and then since I’m territorial over the Mart, I’m so happy they continue to grow and make a name for themselves outside of just market people. This makes me so happy because Atlanta needs a fashion hub, and no one has stepped up to this task yet. If we can’t have a fashion week just yet (ahem, anyone that is a wealthy investor, call me), then the Mart is next up, and I love how it’s becoming something people look forward to each season. It used to be geared towards just buyers or boutique owners. And for awhile, since it’s the largest in the Southeast, used to be dubbed too Southern. Each year, more press surrounds The Atlanta Apparel Mart, and each year, it starts to transform into so much more. By involving the world of bloggers and influencers, it has started a conversation and bridging a gap between the consumer and the retailer. By having the runway shows covered by media, bloggers, and Atlanta institutions, it’s starting to get the word out that this is the place for fashion to be, so come enjoy our world.

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I first took on the show in 2017. I was still nursing Elston and remember bringing my cooler full of milk that I had just pumped while riding down 400 for my first day of work full of strangers. I was home with the kids all day at this point, and managing to do everything else style and blog wise, on the side… which means either at night or any free moment of my day. The Mart had already worked with a stylist in the past and held shows, but were looking for someone new. I remember when they interviewed me about working something of this nature. I had done styling in New York for Anthropologie, and small little store shows… but nothing this huge. I just explained what I was about and tried to convey my styling abilities. They took a chance on me and I am forever grateful. The relationship has grown over the years and I am so honored to be a part of that apparel family. Morgan, the creative fashion director, and I have great chemistry when it comes to styling and lining the shows. We have the same eye, which I think is truly lucky, and in turn, she trusts me to pull anything. The most fun is when we get to work our magic after everything is pulled for the week, and we start creating outfits from over 300 items. I have saved a few of these in actual videos on my highlights over on Instagram!

So when it comes to the styling aspect, each market is different. There are smaller markets with no runway show, but I will style the mannequins at the front of the building or they will have a live model demo where models just showcase the clothes. Twice a year, there is an actual runway show, complete with a theme, lights, DJ, concept, models flown in from NYC, parties every day of market leading up to the show day, and press coverage. The point is to show what the Mart can offer, which is everything from wholesale shopping to fine jewelry. It’s not just for the buyer, as anyone can come shop on 3 specific floors where you do not have to buy in bulk. They have amazing wholesale prices on fine jewelry, and a whole floor dedicated to it. The Mart is of course a place where small to large boutiques shop for their upcoming seasons, but is also a place for idea inspiration. This is where I come into play. One of the main objectives is to have buyers attend the show, and see what the exhibitors have to offer as far as merchandise. It’s also a chance (via my styling skills) to provide ideas for these buyers and boutiques to show off outfits that would appeal to their customer. To give them ideas. This can also benefit the exhibitors who have the brands displayed, to potentially see their product styled in a way that might help them sell a certain line, or appeal to a specific market or store. They have sale pitches too, and it’s not always to sell, but to encourage buyers on how to sell certain items. They need to be able to communicate the vision and value to someone potentially interested in the lines they are showing.

During show markets, I spend a few days tagging with my team of assistants and interns. We scour all the floors and all the shops for basically anything that catches my eye (literally I am in heaven because I get to just create). We tag it all and take photos. We cannot take it off their floor until we line the show, because the exhibitors need to be able to sell it. (There are times that there are duplicates because they show at different markets, but only once in awhile) So the items stay tagged for a few days and I just honestly have to remember and keep track in my mind either my outfit visions, or have an idea of what will work and where. The night before the show, we scoop everything up and hang it up on a million racks. I then start creating outfits. We spend a few hours and late into the night doing this and involves creating the flow of the runway show. We work on the style scenes and how they flow into each other with the colors, material, and feel of every single outfit. It’s all thought out and planned, complete with accessories. Every single outfit that walks down the runway is deliberately placed where it is, and we analyze all details like hair, bags, jewelry, and shoes. The outfits are then recorded, details written up (for credit), and everything is then set out to return to the shops the next morning. The shops again need everything on the floor to sell. As you can see, it’s always a rush each time because we don’t physically get the items for long. On show day, the items are picked up about an hour before the show and before it gets walked down the runway. It’s then hung with its outfit counterparts, ready for the model to wear it. During the show, anyone attending will be able to see where it’s from if interested in ordering it. That next morning, every single thing is returned again. It’s a crazy process, but a very well-oiled machine. I honestly live for this energy and it’s so fun!

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There have definitely been learning curves for me over the years. I’ve had to really get to know the feel of the Mart in general. I’ve gotten to know exhibitors that come every season, and it’s been amazing to create a rapport because it’s less explaining what we are doing, and makes everyone feel more comfortable. I’ve learned how to talk to those that show their lines, how to work with them best. I’ve had to gauge time management (something I’m actually really bad at) because every minute counts, and has to go somewhere… like a puzzle… of time lol. I’ve had to pace myself and really stick to my vision. There have been times I pulled waaaay too much. And it was just too much when trying to line the show, and then also, a lot of work for the interns to return everything. Then there was a time I was scared because of pulling too much previously, that I pulled too little. I was frantically running around any open shop at 7pm the night of lining our show because I was short on like 10 bottoms/pants and we were all freaking out. I have learned the ins and outs on what it takes to create a successful show, and so much work goes into this production, I am truly honored to be a part of it. And that’s just it… my job is my favorite part and an incredible piece. But it’s only a tiny part to what Morgan and her entire production team do. There is so much behind the scenes from thinking up the concepts, creating mood boards and actual market research. There are materials, backdrops, and hiring of each aspect of the show. Morgan ties these themes from decor, labor/interns, production team, scheduling, vendors, food, …. she literally does everything. And usually has a few other shows (Bridal/Kids/Everyday small shows) going on simultaneously. She is a true renaissance woman and I am awed by what she can accomplish every day. I do hope you will check out the Mart, follow them (they have great IG stories), and follow the journey I document for each market. I have always said this is my dream job because I love creating from nothing and I love runway. So the fact that I get to do it often, and in Atlanta, is unreal. Thanks for reading all the details, I’m always asked about it, so I figured I would dedicate some time to explain since it means so much to me.

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If you are interested in being a part of this, there is an agency that works at and with the Apparel Mart that will train and staff those that want to work during markets. It’s really fun to be a part of market weeks, the energy is high, and if you love fashion, it’s rewarding on every level! You can contact The Smith Agency – HERE, and fill out the contact form, or email Lillian@thesmithagency.net!

Here are a few snaps from KVC Photography from the Influencer Panel. We got to share our journeys as well as go in depth on our thoughts in the influencer space. We got into what we specifically think works on both the blogger side as well as working with small shops and retailers. It was insightful since we are all different. All three of these other women are my blogging friends and they are true genuine people in this industry. Give them a follow if you aren’t already!

Brooke from KBSTYLED

Lauren Lefevre from Edit By Lauren

Bailey Schwartz from Daily with Bailey

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You can shop my outfit details in this post below!

Here are details for the panel outfit:

Here are details for the pulling/styling outfit:

Here are details for the demo outfit (sequin top/orange pants):