Sam Edelman Takes the Stage at Licensing Expo 2023 Day 1

Day 1 of Licensing Expo kicked off with a bang. Right after doors opened, Sam Edelman, founder, president, Sam Edelman, and Robert D’Loren, chief executive officer, chairman, Xcel Brands, took the stage to educate visitors on their experience in the world of fashion.

Topics covered included the history of Edelman’s brands, which include his eponymous brand, Sam Edelman, Circus NY and Sam + Libby. Each brand has a specific focus, which has contributed to its success. The future of the brick-and-mortar retail model was covered, alongside how to get a foot in the door for anyone who might be interested in a fashion career.

“It’s not necessarily about the category,” says D’Loren. “It’s more about the distribution. If you have the right distributors, the licensees will come.”

When directed to the audience for questions, the audience wanted to know how they plan to appeal to Gen Z.

“It can be tough,” says Edelman. “When Gen Z is on something, they’re on it, and when they’re off something, they’re off it completely.”

But Edelman says he will focus on live streaming, and making sure that operations are focused on the day-to-day, but also keeping a look out from the “watchtower” to see what trends are coming soon.

“I’ve always tried to do something others aren’t doing,” says Edelman. “I work to fill a void.”