LAS VEGAS — Fashion Information Marketsorganizers of the largest wholesale fashion marketplace in the United States, welcomed more than 25,000 attendees, including retail buyers, influencers, a variety of brands and more, to its three co-located shows — MAGIC, PROJECT And Sourcing at MAGICThe three-day event was held February 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The February 2023 MAGIC, PROJECT and Sourcing at MAGIC events were a career highlight for me,” said Kelly Helfman, President of Informa Markets Fashion. “We needed to be more creative and innovative to deliver value to our attendees. This season, we delivered an exciting lineup of industry expert panels, networking opportunities and experiences that ensured a 360-degree fashion experience for all of our guests.”
MAGIC Las Vegas, home to the industry’s largest selection of trendy, youthful and contemporary sportswear, footwear and accessories brands, showcased nearly 700 brands, with a 30% increase in the number of new exhibiting brands.
Fashion icon Billy Porter, who won an Emmy for his role on FX’s “Pose,” kicked off the event with a moderated conversation with LA Magazine editor-in-chief Merle Ginsberg, which focused on fashion inspiration and personal stories. Other notable guests included Skinny Confidential founder Lauryn Evarts Bosstick; designer Karl Kani; rap star Busta Rhymes; and pro skateboarder P-Rod.
“The needs of the industry are evolving, and we are committed to providing our attendees with the resources they need to navigate these changes and create an important space for discussion,” Helfman said. “We are committed to maintaining this momentum as we move forward in 2023 through our in-person events and online resources.”
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The strategy this year was to strengthen the visibility of emerging brands and designers by putting them at the forefront, including the brands Lioness, Vero Moda, Naked Feet, Korks and Paris Hilton Iconic Collection.
Also new at MAGIC Las Vegas in 2023 is the addition of IMFC (Informa Markets Fashion for Change), a company-wide initiative to promote minority-owned businesses. Designers at IMFC included Admiral Row, Tao Holistics, CISEAgnce and John + Juliana for the February 2023 show.
“MAGIC returned to Las Vegas in a big way to connect big box, boutique and online retailers with the most sought-after brands in the trendy and youth contemporary categories,” said Jordan Rudrow, vice president of MAGIC. “We saw a significant increase in international brands and retailers in February, particularly in Australia and the UK. The most popular styles we saw at the show this season were feathers, sequins, tulle, sheer tops, tapping into dopamine and playing with textures.”
Sourcing and PROJECT Add to the MAGIC
Sourcing at MAGIC The show brought together nearly 1,000 exhibitors from more than 35 countries, including apparel, footwear and accessories manufacturers, fabric and trim suppliers, packaging manufacturers, fashion technology and service providers. China, whose presence has been limited in recent years due to the pandemic, had the largest presence at this season’s show.
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Meanwhile, over 500 contemporary men’s and women’s brands were on display at PROJECT Las Vegas, showcasing the latest trends in men’s and women’s apparel, footwear and accessories. Featured brands included Nudie Jeans, Krost, Abrand Jeans, Keen, Unpublished, Lack of Color, Psycho Bunny, Dolce Vita and Free People, while retailers included prestigious names such as ALTER, Amazon Fashion, Fred Segal, South Moon Under, Belk, Nordstrom, Finish Line Inc, Stadium Goods and DTLR.
A new section on the show called Essential products on display that meet everyday needs, showcasing products from clothing, bedding, wallets, footwear and skincare brands.
“MAGIC will be celebrating its 90th anniversary next year and Karl Kani started his business with us in 1991, so we want to acknowledge the legacy and the importance of the opportunity we provide for businesses to launch and grow,” said Edwina Kulego, Vice President, International and Men’s, Informa Markets Fashion. “PROJECT and MAGIC have been and will continue to be key players in launching, developing and establishing sustainable fashion brands.”
MAGIC New York was held February 21-23, while MAGIC Nashville is scheduled for April 26-27. Other upcoming shows this year include Sourcing at MAGIC Las Vegas, August 7-9, and PROJECT Tokyo, March 14-16.
Contact Kelly Helfman at Kelly.helfman@informa.com