Edwards Garment

Rick Cesere joined Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Edwards Garment as executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We are extremely excited to have Rick join the Edwards team,” said Edwards’ CEO Gary Schultz. Cesere has a wealth of experience in the uniform and imprinted apparel market. Cesere’s most recent position was with Hartwell Apparel as CEO where he made some outstanding achievements in building sales and customer relationships. Prior to Hartwell Apparel, Cesere held senior management positions at Trimark USA, Rivers End Trading Co. and Tri-Mountain.

Our May Style section is pretty. It’s also informative (and since I wrote all the articles in it, this is a completely fair and unbiased opinion, obviously).
I know the thought of NOT reading the issue multiple times is a completely preposterous notion, but just in case you missed these tidbits, here are a few points I found of particular interest:

Women’s Wear: Learning Curves (page 67)
Faced with an ever-growing wardrobe of tops and blouses, I’ve recently realized that I avoid shopping for pants like the plague. The reason for this is twofold: 1) finding the right fit is

Edwards Garment Co., based in Kalamazoo, Mich., announced the acquisition of HMB Sales of Larchmont, N.Y. HMB Sales has manufactured and marketed Andrew Rohan brand sweaters to the business-to-business market for more than 25 years. Edwards Garment is a manufacturer and supplier of casual and uniform apparel. According to Gary Schultz, president and CEO of Edwards, the acquisition plan is a part of the company’s strategic expansion plan. The Andrew Rohan sweater line becomes part of the Edwards Garment line that includes shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, shorts, suit separates, chef apparel and aprons. “Joining forces with Andrew Rohan allows us to take full advantage

ONCE UPON A time, in a fashion industry not-so-far away, wafer-thin models became the norm. “Heroin chic” inched its way into the cultural lexicon and Hollywood’s red carpet grew lousy with actresses the approximate width of a coat hanger. Women knew they had waists. Curves, too. But clothes that accentuated—or even acknowledged—these shapes did not exist. In an equally nonsensical dimension, promotional apparel cornered the market on the opposite end of the spectrum: the shapeless, one-size-fits-all garment. Despite the fact that “one size” fit no one particularly well, it became standard fare. And women’s curves were thwarted again. Yet, in 2008, hope

SOME SAY IT was sheer coincidence when presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s poll numbers soared in Iowa and New Hampshire a mere few weeks after Chuck Norris-endorsed, “Huck and Chuck” campaign gear was released on his Web site. Others will say it was inevitable and simply demonstrates the power of a quality promotional product. What can’t be argued, though, is the fact that promotional products go with politics like peas go with carrots. Fittingly, the first political product actually coincided with the first President of the United States, George Washington, who wore a political button during his inauguration on April 30, 1789 in Manhattan. His

FORGET THE FOUR SEASONS. 2008’s fashion forecast is all about states of mind. Better-cut styles will have wearers exuding confidence. Reinvigorated color choices illustrate newfound energy. Going corporate takes a turn toward the future, while organic looks keep consumers’ feet and thoughts on terra firma. Below, suppliers take stock of their offerings for the industry’s most fashion-friendly new year in recent history. “For 2008, we are thrilled to introduce our brand new Missy division, which features basic to fashionable apparel that is cut to fit the everyday woman. Nine new styles will be available at the start of the year.” —Dean Vuong, vice

HE SWAGGERS UP to the entrance with a smug look on his face, and with good reason. His finely tailored suit fits his chiseled body to a “T.” He notices the approving glances all around him. He knows he looks good. The jacket sleeves stop just short of a costly set of diamond-studded cuff links. His pants are impeccably creased and fall atop brilliantly shined shoes. With damsel on arm, money in pocket and skip in step, he crosses the threshold. The party has just begun. DRESS THE PART There is much truth in the popular saying, “Dress the way you want to be addressed.” A

Edwards Garment creates new ladies’ shirt

Edwards Garment Company, Kalamazoo, Mi., recently announced the promotion of Gary Schultz to president and CEO. Schultz joined the company in 2001 and has been instrumental in the expansion of its hospitality, housekeeping and chef apparel lines. He steps into the role previously held by Fred Reeves, who is partially retiring, but will remain Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining Edwards Garment, Schultz held a variety of positions in sales, marketing and business development for various companies in the office furniture, consumer package goods and telecommunications industries. He holds a BA and MBA from Michigan State University. For more information,