Magic was definitely in the air, dominating the desert last week at the recent MAGIC fashion trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, put on by Informa Markets Fashion.
As the world’s most comprehensive event–a deep-rooted community experience, in fact, for trends and young contemporary markets available in the US–MAGIC features thousands of top and emerging brands in a variety of categories including trends, young contemporary, footwear, accessories, sportswear, home gift and beauty, and children’s, all at accessible price points. This particular show featured a handful of incredible exhibitors representing State 48, including many women- and minority-owned businesses. Arizona’s featured brands included legacy exhibitor ANGIE out of Tempe, plus Cayla Gray, Makeup Eraser, and first-time exhibitors Clip On Going, WMP Eyewear and Lobe Love Statement Accessories. The Sparkle Bar, based in Scottsdale, also returned for its seventh year, providing daily complimentary make-up touch-ups to show attendees as one of the highlighted experiences for guests to enjoy.
A few things were immediately evident upon stepping onto the show floor: this show packs remarkable energy, people are ready to be back out conducting business in person and bold colors like hot pink, lime green and tangerine were everywhere. The essence of Arizona was even highlighted with one of the show’s featured trends rightfully named, “The Desert Rider,” with earthy tones like beige and army green, aviator sunglasses and chic scarves that exude the ultimate urban cowboy feel.
Best of all, sustainability is truly at the forefront of all conversations and education throughout the MAGIC, PROJECT and SOURCING halls, with brands exhibiting recycled materials and innovative sustainable products, leading with their impactful strides to prioritize sustainable business practices as a key focus as well.
MAGIC Las Vegas returned post-COVID, in person in February 2022, and with this recent August show, delivered a stellar line-up of brands and celebrity speakers including, Keynote Katy Perry (Katie Perry Collections), plus Kristin Cavallari (Uncommon James), Lala Kent, and an opening night performance to light up the crowd by T Pain. The MAGIC Social House experiences were filled with daily education sessions, from show opening to close, powered by Rachel McCord with The McCord List. “What truly sets MAGIC apart are the keynote speakers, the influencers who come, the celebrities that continue to show incredible support for us, and also the element of fun – it’s the largest fashion marketplace, but it’s also an experience unlike any other domestically,” says MAGIC Vice President Jordan Rudow.
With 2.7 percent of purchasing attendees representing and being from Arizona, Rudow also shared, “Arizona is one of our biggest draws for retailers in terms of states given the proximity to Vegas.”
Phoenix-based returning exhibitor, Cayla Gray Founder and CEO Kelly Ward Kussman says, “This is by far my favorite market trade show of the entire year. I get to see all my favorite buyers, and retailers and I get to represent Arizona, which is truly so special.” First-time exhibitor, Clip On Going Founder Julliana Garten shared, “What an amazing event and experience to be part of. We are truly so happy to be here.”
The next Las Vegas MAGIC Trade Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Feb. 13 to Feb. 15, 2023. You can get more information on exhibiting here and learn more about MAGIC, Project and all other happenings here.