NFL Trade Show Focuses On Merchandise For Women, Children

Designer Offering Crystal-Studded Helmet- Shaped Handbags At NFL Hardlines Trade Show

NFL VP/Consumer Products Leo Kane said that the NFL Hardlines VI Trade Show at Dolphin Stadium that ends today is focusing "on women's and children's products," according to Sarah Talalay of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. The industry summit, in its sixth year showcasing non-apparel team and league-themed merchandise, includes items from Beverly Hills-based designer Kathrine Baumann, who has been "meeting the needs of the glamorous female football fan" for a decade. She  is offering Swarovski crystal-studded helmet-shaped handbags (up to $3,000), silver- and gold-plated football-shaped compacts ($50), crystal-encrusted compacts ($145) and an "evening wallet" the size of a business card-holder ($225). Baumann: "It's a wonderful way to support your team in style. ... A lady called me from Florida and said, 'This sure beats a bumper sticker on my minivan.'" The show also features leather office chairs, a Dolphins pool table and a collapsible table with four stools attached for tailgaters. Pacific Direct National Sales Manager Chris Hansen said that by this fall there will be a "talking piggy bank that when coins are dropped in," listeners will hear the team fight song or a game call (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 3/5).