It`s HERE! It is Finally here! Are you ready for Expo 33????

International Formalwear Association
Formal Times Newsletter
July EXPO 33 Preview EDITION
It’s HERE! It is Finally here! Are you ready for Expo 33????
All of the planning and decision making is almost done! The board of directors of the International
Formalwear Association along with Savvi and Tuxedo Junction are ready to roll out the red carpet
for you!! The details and careful consideration of all attending and exhibiting at the show are
coming together to create an outstanding fun filled event!
The Exhibitors arrive days before all of us attendees to set up and arrange displays and merchandise.
Having done many bridal shows we can all relate but on a MUCH bigger scale.
Tuesday morning kicks off the Savvi exclusive floor day. On Tuesday you will need to be a member
of Savvi to visit the exhibit hall.
Wednesday morning starts off and kicks in with the educational seminar available to ALL
attendees: The Science of Blissful Marketing and Selling with Charles Oster. I know getting up
early in Vegas is hard, but these seminars are worth the effort! Mr Oster will discuss how today’s
wedding professional like yourself faces challenges unlike the past. The bridal couple has MORE
information and choices than at anytime in history on planning easily accessible to her 24 hours a
day. Learn how today’s bride is making buying decisions and how you can help her to do it quickly
without offering unnecessary discounts. Mr Oster shares rich and relevant research gathered from
brides in a fun motivating way not to be missed! This seminar is Wednesday morning 8-9:30!!
THE SHOW FLOOR OPENS at 10!!!!! A person could sweep through there in a short while, but to
fully see what each vendor has to offer you need to see their ENTIRE line and this takes a bit of time
with each one….. Walking through their booth only gives you the “Cliff Notes” version of what they
have to offer…..MANY of these companies have lines that include everything from the obvious to
“Hey I DID NOT know you carried that!” Take time and MAKE APPOINTMENTS!! You can
group together with other operators your size and compare ideas and impressions. You will not only
have someone else’s thoughts on the line of merchandise, you may make a friend to stay in touch
with and discuss buying decisions throughout the show!
Networking is one of the MOST valuable parts of a gathering of like minds at a show like this.
Everyone there is dealing with the same things YOU do Everyday….maybe on a different scale but
we all work towards the same goal each week. Use every opportunity to introduce yourself to
strangers and talk to old friends….. Everyone will have a badge will tell you whether they are a
specialist(store owner/employee) or Manufacturer. Hard sometimes for new people (and we have a
lot at this show) to walk up to established groups so watch out for them and be sure and include
them. A quick introduction of your name and your location throughout the country can be the
beginning of a conversation that may change some things you do around your store for more profit
and customer satisfaction!! GREAT Ideas are EVERYWHERE!!
Wednesday evening BRING ON THE BLACK TIE!!! Like boats at a boat show we HAVE to show
off….Dress to impress and have fun with our Rat Pack theme Vegas nite!!!! Mingle, eat, and
introduce yourself to 10 new people, HAVE FUN!!! The IfA presents some awards during the
cocktail party as well as Savvi. Please take note of these award winners and check out what they do
differently to steal some ideas! They are all nominated by their peers and the honor is not given
without cause. They are excellent operators and have much knowledge to share.
The IFA will have 4 awards to present.
Supplier of the Year given to a business that sells/supports our formalwear industry. Who surpass
others in Quality of Product, Service of Product, Fashion Innovation, Marketing, and bringing
formalwear to a higher level.
Retailer of the Year: This award is presented to a storeowner(s) who through excellence in Selection
of product, Store appearance, Merchandising, Store Promotions, Pricing, Brochures, and web
presence has furthered the interests of the formalwear industry.
Excellence in Customer Service: This award is given to a customer service person from a business
that supports our industry for going above and beyond in customer care and attention.
Black Tie Award: This prestigious lifetime achievement award is given to an individual who
through commitment and dedication has worked timelessly to promote the formalwear industry.
Who through their business and support of the industry as a whole have made an impact among their
peers. In the past 24 years this prestigious honor has been presented to this elite group :
Past Black Tie Award Recipients
1990- Ralph Carter King’s Row FW
1991-Jim Corbett Sam Meyers
1992- Harvey Weinstein Lord West FW & Bob Rudofker Formal 1
1993-Bob Beaty Mitchell’s FW
1994-Jim Davis Jim’s FW
1995-Alan Gaylor Al’s FW
1996-Gary Brill Gary’s Tux Shop
1997-Bob Bennett Raffinati
1998-Jack Springer IFA
1999-George Kosack Kosack’s FW
2000-Robert Maggetti Lord West
2001-Donald Buczynski The Louie’s Companies
2002-Andrea Sinisi After Six & Saul Offit Ascost LLC
2003-Dee Tennant Santana
2004-Gary Davis Jim's FW
2005- Noel Feldman Lord West
2006-Stuart Gaylor Al's FW
2007-Wayne Griner After Hours
2008-Ramon Comellas Tuxedo Warehouse
2009-Ron Klinger FCGI
2010 Bryden Carnahan Seno’s FW
2011 Steve Anthony Ducky's FW
2012-Ken Pendley
2013-Ken Hall FCGI
Dance, drink, eat, and enjoy the evening among a room filled with your friends and peers! Expo 33
Black Tie Cocktail reception will be from 7-10, so afterwards showing off out among the rest of the
hotel is Lots of fun!! See you there!
Thursday morning another educational seminar from 8-9:30 Open to all attendees The Power of
Pinterest with Erin Stephan. Pinterest is the fastest growing social media network ever, with more
than 80 million people pinning and repining daily. If social media is confusing for you do NOT miss
this seminar on one very important venue…Pinterest. In this engaging presentation, learn the basics
and the best practices for using this important tool to inspire your customers and drive store sales.
Actual retailer examples will be shared and explained to make it easier to motivate you to adopt
Pinterest into your current marketing strategy. Don’t miss it Thursday morning 8 – 9:30!!
Thursday is the final day of the show. The floor opens at 9:30 and the exhibitors will be there until
3. Make sure to again sit down and talk to each one and even if you are not interested in purchasing
anything for next spring, get to know who has things available and what is selling well to other
stores. Take the time to get to know the sales reps they can help share valuable insight into what is
working well around the country and where you can find specific items you may be looking for.
Following is a little about each of the exhibitors and a little information about them.
About Town The Competition
Bob Baker
Manufacturer of Rental jewelry for the trade. Extensive Line of Retail fashion men’s jewelry.
Cufflinks, formal sets, tie bars, tie chains, collar bars, eyelet pins, button covers, money clips, Zoot
suit chains, Collar extenders and Brass Collar Stays. Product Labels: The Competition/Made in USA,
About Town, & Enrique Pardini/ designer Imports
Advance
Packaging
Advance Packaging Co. is looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
Advance Packaging has been in business for over 20 years. We enjoy offering our customers a wide
range of bag options to chose from, as well
allowing our customers to customize their bags for their business like never before. We will also be
offering special discounts to all custom overseas
orders placed by September 24, 2014 for the 2015 Tuxedo, Bridal and Prom Season. Discounts will
vary based on item and quantities.
Please stop by our booth 512 at the expo for more information.
Benjamin Walk Corp
Benjamin Walk, the Leader in Bridal, Prom and
Evening Footwear. We have been creating fashion footwear since 1896 – the oldest operating bridal
shoe distributor in the US. Benjamin Walk is planning to feature our new men's tuxedo shoe styles
from our Dr. Tuxedo brand. Our company is a distributor of mens and womens special occasion
footwear with stores throughout the USA.
Bravo Shoes
Formalwear International Announces new
partnership with Bravo Shoes!
BRAVO SHOES, A Professional Formal Wear Shoe Maker, Has Announced All the Black Patent
Shoes are NON-SCUFF with the Newest Technology Applying to a New Finish Treatment.
CaPax Marry Me
Marry Me business insurance program is designed specifically for Wedding Retailers &
Formal Wear industry:
Building and Business Personal Property, Workers’ Compensation, Automobile Liability
--- most standard
policies do not have sufficient coverage. 800-942-2729 info@aboutmarryme.com
Stop by Booth 211* Enter Drawing $50.00 AMX Card each day
Classix Shirts
Classix was established in 1994. Over the last twenty years it has become an important supplier of
shirts to the formalwear industry. At the present it serves more than 5000 customers in the US,
Canada and numerous Caribbean and South American countries. Computer tracking of orders, sales
projections and trends enable Classix to continuously maintain one of the largest and most complete
inventories of formalwear shirts in the country.
Classix ships every order the same day the order is placed. With access to West Coast shipping cutoff hours, orders placed from the East Coast by 5.00pm Eastern Time Zone can be shipped the same
day.
Most of our shirts are in stock at all times for Men, Women and Boys. Sizes are available in white
and selected colors. Some popular styles, such as the wing collar white tuxedo shirt for men (M00)
are available in 43 sizes, ready to be shipped at a moments notice.
Classix uses the finest fabrics and accessories available. Classix buttons are specially made to
withstand numerous laundering and pressings. Interlinings for the collars are the best available.
Every effort is made to satisfy the demanding requirements of the formalwear industry.
When we started Classix our aim was to become the best formalwear shirt supplier, and, on the eve
of our twentieth anniversary we are fast approaching that goal.
FCGI
Showing Ike Behar Rental and Retail Collection, as well as shirts, shoes, accessories
and our new offering of Ike Behar Boys.
FLOW Formal Alliance
Flow Formal Alliance, created in 2006 as a
joint venture between Formal One and Lord
West, is the largest provider of designer men's
formalwear. Our products are tailored from
luxurious fabrics with meticulous attention to
detail and fashion. Customer satisfaction
continues to be our highest priority. We look
forward to serving you!
FORMAL EASY SOFTWARE
Formal Easy Software is dedicated to providing
the latest technology to the Formalwear Industry. Our Formal Easy 2000 program is a state of the
Art program running in more than 100 Formal Wear Stores and Chains allowing Remote stores to
enter Rental reservations and perform Retail Sales online with a Central Warehouse.
Save $ With:
 Better Customer Service
Reporting
 Inventory Control
 Improved Financial
 Employee Monitoring
 Better Order Tracking
 Improved Sales Analysis
Save $$$
Formal Shirts LLC will be presenting their new collection of shirts for "Hospitality" sales. We look
forward to meeting everyone attending the IFA show and providing them the tools and
merchandise to help grow their revenue and business for 2014 and 2015.
Formalwear Consultants
Our Mission: To make the formalwear industry more profitable one company at a time. With over 65
years of formalwear operations experience your obvious choice is Formal Wear Consultants.
Let us help you raise your level of success.
Formal Wear Consultants solely seeks to provide our expertise where it can provide value to the Formal Wear specialist.
 Onsite Evaluation
 Logistical Modeling
 Labor Forecasting
 Management Reporting
 Layout Drawings
 Budgeting






IT Systems Enhancements
Business Development
Strategic Planning
Project Management
Bid Process Analysis
Purchasing Volume Discounts
 Inventory Management
 Volume Buying Analysis
 Time Studies
 Unit Cost Reduction
Frederico Leone LTD is proud of our new partnership with World Renown Fashion Designer, David
Tutera. We're thrilled to showcase two of our new patterns for David's Formal Footwear called the
"Icon" and "Celebrity." David's new shoes offer a twist on the stylish Double-Runner pattern by
combining both Patent and Matte Material into an offering that is sure to stand out. The Icon comes
in Black Matte with a Black Patent overlay. Celebrity is offered in Black as well as Ivory Patent
with matching Matte Material overlays.
We're also introducing an updated look on the Plain-Toe Shoe called
"Chicago" in Patent and "Atlanta," in a Matte-Finish. All of our new offerings
are built with today's style and fit in mind. These streamlined designs offer a
sleak and elegant look that mirrors what customers are demanding today not
only in footwear but tuxedos and accessories as well. "Chicago" comes in
Black as well as White while "Atlanta" will be offered in Matte colors of
Black, Light Grey and Saddle Tan. We can't wait to see all of you soon and
show-off our new shoes!
This season Allure Men is announcing new exciting additions to our very popular and
successful line. Along with a new peak lapel design for Allure Men, we are introducing the
Allure Men Groom’s Coat in both the Notch and Peak styles. The Groom’s Coat can be
used to enhance a wedding look, or as a standout out, fashion forward look for prom. With
new shades of gray, the Allure Men line is
more versatile
than ever.
We are proud to announce new partnerships
Men family. First of all, we have paired up
Formal Accessories to introduce the Allure
Accessories line. These unique styles and
made to specifically match Allure brides and
dresses, completing the dream-wedding look
has cultivated in the past couple of years.
Accessories line extends the versatility of the
enabling mix and match options, tying
different color pallets, giving more options in
than ever before.
in the Allure
with Larr Brio
Men
colors are
bridesmaid
that Allure Men
The Allure Men
tuxedos by
together
tuxedo choice
We are also very excited to announce our new partnership with Bravo Shoes, who have
developed new Allure Men Shoes in styles and colors to complete the Allure Men
ensemble.
Very exciting things are happening this year with the introduction of the Allure Men Peak
Collection, the Allure Men Groom’s Coat, and the new Allure Men Accessories and Allure
Men Shoe lines. We are dedicated to helping our industry thrive and grow, and we look
forward to the great things we can do together.
Gateway Shoes
Gateway Shoes is an American shoe manufacturer based in Missouri. We proudly feature shoes
"Made in the USA" at FACTORY DIRECT prices.
No matter what your needs are, all of your
requirements can be found, FACTORY-DIRECT
from us. All of the items we carry are IN-STOCK
and can be shipped worldwide.
Highlight for Newsletter
IPC-Tags has been supplying barcodes to the formalwear industry for nearly 30 years. Our products include:

High quality laser/screen printed bar codes, logos and write-on labels.

Thermal printed bar codes, logos and write-on labels.

Peel & Stick labels for shoes, shipping boxes and retail items.

Heat Seal equipment in manual and air models. This year we’re introducing a new line of machines featuring
supervisory controls to maintain consistent label application.
Jimmy Sales Neckwear Corp. is known throughout the mens apparel industry as the leader in mens
fashion Accesories. Jimmy Sales has been in business, as a family owned
operation spanning 40 years and 4 generations. The key to our succes and
longevity remains our devotion to our Design, Quality and most of all, our
value
.
Jimmy Sales Brands include Bruno Piattelli , an upscale brand that is carried in Bergdorf Goodman
and Barneys of New York. Brino Piattelli is known for over a century for
providing the finest garments for men. The Piattelli house in Rome is
known worldwide for dressing the most Powerful men in the world .
The Piattelli brand is part of our growing list of brands names which include Stacy Adams, the leader
in Urban Apparel Dressup, as well as Zenio , our contemporary line of accessories catering to the
younger demographic and our Newest edition, Loudmouth golf Neckwear catering to the PGA Golf
Lifestyle.
Kyle Thomas Apparel offers formal and career attire. We offer
both rental and retail shirts in both Poly cotton and Microfibre.
We also provide uniforms for school choirs along with
hospitality apparel
Ken Pendley invites you to stop by the booth at Expo 33 and say Hi and check out our multiple
show specials
Larr Brio Pure Silk Fabrics
LarrBrio - Leading By Design
Larr Brio designs, manufactures and markets high quality formalwear and accessories through the
use of superior products and fabrication methods. We are known for superb customer service,
innovation in style and materials, and our mastery of color.
We welcome you to our booth and invite you to explore it. Here you will find all the products we sell
and have the opportunity to view them in detail. Please spend some time getting to know us. When
you do, we think you will agree that Larr Brio truly does "lead by design."
Larr Brio has paired up with Jean Yves/FWI to introduce the Allure Men Accessories line. These
unique styles and colors are made to specifically match Allure brides and bridesmaid dresses,
completing the dream-wedding look that Allure Men has cultivated in the past couple of years. The
Allure Men Accessories line extends the versatility of the tuxedos by enabling mix and match
options, tying together different color pallets, giving more options in tuxedo choice than ever before.
Malibu Tie Company
Ties/Vests/Suspenders/Cummerbunds/Pocket Squares are
always in stock and ready to ship the same day.
Our products are made in Tustin, California.
Malibu Tie, Inc. was established in 1993. We own the patent
on our zipper ties - we SPECIALIZE in zipper and pull-up
ties! We do both wholesale and contracting works.
We have been selling our products to tuxedos stores and major airlines across the United States and
Canada.
We are committed to providing the best quality, prices, and fast services.
We offer over 100 colors of quality US made ties, bow ties, vests, and pocket squares.
Peanut Butter
Collection
Peanut Butter Collection is one of
Flower girl dresses and boy’s
in business since 2003.
the best wholesale resources for
tuxedos and suits. We have been
We love dressing up ring bearers and flower girls !! We also carry husky size.
If you are looking for a tuxedo for your ringbearer, first communion suit or just a Sunday's best suit,
here is the best resource.
We have over 30 vest colors to match your wedding, Quinceanera or first communion. We also carry
girl dresses with matching color sashes to complete your wedding party.
Pioneer Formal Accessories
Pioneer Formal Accessories understands your passion like few others: Your job is to provide
formalwear for special occasions, but your inspiration is to help create the joyful memories your
customers will always cherish. Our jewelry selection ranges from elegantly basic to stunningly
refined, and we offer the service and pricing you can trust—so you can focus on their unforgettable
events.
Pioneer Formal Accessories, providers of rental and retail cuff links and studs, will have select
jewelry sets for you to view and buy as well as special offers on any orders placed at the show. Come
see us at booth 107 for more details.
Zelante Designs has partnered with event and
wedding guru David Tutera to unveil innovative
and freshly designed men’s apparel in the Men's
formalwear industry. For the first time Zelante
Desgins has brought a highly renowned and visible
TV personality, David Tutera to create a venture
that is focused on men’s formalwear target
audience.
We are extremely excited to work on Tutera's brand which represents the balance between timeless
fashion and unparalleled quality. The Spring 2015 Collection includes his Signature line - Black
Herringbone made of Super 130 100% Wool, as well as his Celebration line – Ivory or Black made
of Super 100 and 100% Wool. The look and feel will live up to the standards that one expects from
the finesse and quality that defines David Tutera's brand.
The product line is designed to complement his trustworthy bridal collection – timeless, eclectic, and
stylish. The Collection will be available for viewing in July this year at the IFA Convention in Las
Vegas from July 29th through July 31st. Ordering will commence in August with the product
releasing in January 2015.
Proud to announce David Tutera himself will promote the line not only on his hit
TV show on the WE Network, but will also be in attendance at the International
Formal Wear Association Convention on Wednesday July 30th. For more information, please
come greet and meet David in Vegas or visit our website at www.zelantedesigns.com.
A Message from the President
of the IFA:
TUXEDO BEACH WALK
To my delight a Tuxedo Beach Walk! I was
recently in Dana Point enjoying a walk at
the Harbor with my mother. My mother
stated “Oh my there must be a wedding
taking place. Every week there is someone
getting married here.” As we continued
along the Harbor we came closer to all the
activity.
This was not a wedding but Prom time! It
was so exciting to see all the young men in
Tuxedo’s. I notice every one of them
dressed in full Tuxedo attire even the shoes.
I did not see one single flip flop or tennis
shoe or sports jacket with shorts. As we
walked there came more and more arrivals
to take pictures with their prom date. I took
a deep breath, smiled and thought to myself how wonderful it was to see a young generation dressed
in Tuxedo’s.
Seeing confirmation of the Tuxedo fashions on the beach made me realize the Tuxedo industry is
doing a great job with connecting with the young generation. You hear of reports regarding the
disinterest of Tuxedo attire by the young generation. I did not see disinterest in Tuxedo’s at the beach
this time. Where were the fashion photographers this weekend?
I wish I had a camera so you could have seen all the Tuxedo fashions on the beach. The picture will
stay in my mind forever of the Tuxedo Beach Walk.
Thank you for all of you in the Tuxedo Industry working smart to keep the Tuxedo Fashion moving
forward.
See you in Las Vegas, Tropicana July 29-31, 2014 for IFA EXPO 33! Paid Advertisement
Esmeralda Geddes, IFA President
CAPAX-Marry Me VP
Industry News
The formalwear industry lost a founding member earlier this month Michael Sbrocca founder of
President’s Tuxedo in Michigan passed away at the age of 81. On behalf of the IFA we extend our
deepest sympathies to the Sbrocca family.
Michael (Michele) Sbrocca, Sr., January 9, 1933-July 13, 2014. Loving husband of
Lidia for 59 years and wonderful father of Michael Jr. (Barbara), Josephine, and Ann Marie Violante
(Thomas Jr.). Big brother of Salvatore (Alessandra), Romano (Roseanne), Angiolini Rinaldi, Nicola,
Lucy Lowrey and the late Rocco (Piera) and Giovanna. Adoring Papa of Andrea Chioini (Randall),
Marisa Marco (James), Antonia Violante and Thomas Michael Violante, and great Papa of Giuliana
Grace Chioini. Born in Matrice, Campobasso, a small town in Italy, Michael was the first born of 8
children of Angeloantonio and Mariagiuseppa. At the age of 18 he immigrated with his family to
Windsor, Ontario, Canada and eventually to Warren, Michigan where he was the founder of
President Tuxedo - a well-known formal wear company in Michigan and Ohio. Michael Sbrocca, Sr. founded President Tuxedo in Warren, Michigan in 1968 originally as a dry
cleaner.
In the early 1970s, under the leadership of Michael Sbrocca, Sr., President Tuxedo transformed its
dry cleaning operations into a formal wear rental company. He was a pioneer in the industry when he
opened the first formal wear store ever within a mall in the 1970's, which gradually grew his
company to 50 retail stores in Michigan and Ohio plus 38 franchised stores in northern California,
and several stores in Colorado, New Jersey and Illinois. The Company was owned and operated by
the Sbrocca family until 2004.
Michael Sbrocca, Sr. was also a founding member of the original US Group that was instrumental in
creating the first Calvin Klein tuxedo for rent exclusively to US Group members.
Thoughts for the Week Ahead
Blessings sometimes show up in unrecognizable disguises.
― Janette Oke
Never let success get to your head, and never let failure get to
your heart.
— Unknown