MAGIC Market Week Las Vegas Recap

In Las Vegas, from February 19-21, a different kind of magic came to town. But there were no tricks, no slights of hand, and no illusions (okay, maybe there were a few of those). This was fashion magic created by the stylish minds behind MAGIC Market Week Las Vegas, featuring the trades shows WWDMAGIC, FN PLATFORM, Sourcing at MAGIC, ENKVEGAS, POOL, and PROJECT, which featured its own new shows The TENTS @ PROJECT AND PROJECT MVMNT.

It was the perfect setting for buyers to meet with brands, new brands to launch their business and established brands to show off their latest collections. Here are the key highlights:

The Shiny and New
As if PROJECT wasn’t fashion forward enough, the show created two new shows called The TENTS @ PROJECT and PROJECT MVMNT. The TENTS @ PROJECT literally took place inside of tents, giving the show a different atmosphere and vibe than the other shows taking place during MAGIC Market Week. Curated by Tommy Fazio, The TENTS @ PROJECT ensured that innovative, artistic designers and brands at the forefront of the fashion industry had a platform to showcase their collections. Featured brands included Michael Bastian, Todd Snyder, Billy Reid and Ian Velardi.

At PROJECT MVMNT, directed by Kenny Mac, buyers and members of the media were treated to up-and-coming trendsetters in modern youth culture, featuring brands such as En Noir, Supra, 10 Deep, Diamond Supply, Black Scale and Android Homme.

 

Star-Studded Launches
Catherine Malandrino launched the world premier of her new diffusion line Catherine Catherine Malandrino. Retailing with a “more cost-effective price tag,” the Catherine Catherine Malandrino line caters to the young working professional. Effortlessly chic and infused with French influences, the collection’s palette includes cool grays and pops of mustard yellow.

 

Reality show celebrity Kristin Cavallari debuted her capsule footwear collection with affordable shoe brand Chinese Laundry at FN PLATFORM. Composed of pumps, platforms, booties and flats, Cavallari designed her line for the fashionista who is always on-the-go. Prices range from $90-$150 and are available now at the Chinese Laundry online webstore.

 

Another celebrity made an appearance in support of shoes. Actress Emmanuelle Chriqui has set precedence as the first celebrity spokesperson for Charles David. The brand’s Spring/Summer 2013 ad campaign features the former “Entourage” star in a mini-movie. But for Fall/Winter 2013, the actress will also be launching a capsule collection for the brand: Charles David by  Emmanuelle Chriqui.

 

The Next Big Things
The reason I go to trade shows is to find the next big thing. I was thrilled when I found one. But I am over-the-top, beyond elated now that I’ve discovered two!

First, there’s Beautiful Bottoms. No. We’re not talking about the derriere. We’re talking about the bottoms of your shoes! Shoe addicts, rejoice. With Beautiful Bottoms, you can decorate and customize the soles and heels of your shoes with bright colors and animal prints by using easy-to-apply and easy-to-remove adhesive vinyls.

Currently only available at select Steve Madden stores (and sadly, none of the Steve Madden stores in Las Vegas sells them yet), Beautiful Bottoms has made pretty-soled shoes attainable to the masses. For more information, go to www.Beautiful-Bottoms.com.

 

And the other next big thing I found is also for your shoes. Designed to protect your expensive stilettos from the wear and tear of the city (just like the example in the photo below), Just for Kiix is an invisible vinyl heel protector that you adhere to the outside of your heel to protect it from those moments when you step into a grate or a crack in a sidewalk. Forget about those unsightly divots and scratches that come from walking in the city while wearing your favorite heels and chasing your dreams. Simply apply a Just for Kiix heel protector onto the outside area of your heels and it’s like you’ve got insurance for your shoes! For more information on Just for Kiix, go to www.JustforKiix.com.