THE VEGAS RUSH

Just a few days ago we were over in Las Vegas hanging out over at Magic. For those who are unaware of what MAGIC is, this trade event is essentially the World Series of trade shows relative to the fashion industry. MAGIC takes place twice a year. Once in February for those exhibitors ready to release their Spring/Summer lines and in August for those debuting their Fall/Winter items. This convention is a 3 day event that boasts over hundreds of exhibitors and thousands in attendance during both times that this event takes place. People from all over the world come out and showcase their items such as: mens/womens/children apparel, accessories, and footwear. Further, if one of your objectives is to look for manufacturers that can produce your desired items, there's also a section dedicated to that as well called, Sourcing. Store buyers also make their rounds to numerous brands in search of the latest and most trendy items on the market today. Not to mention, various media coverage and celebrities can also be found lingering around in the vicinity. If you've never attended this show and are in the fashion industry, this is definitely a must see atmosphere. The show is sectioned off into various segments. One area is for Men's; the other called 'WWDMAGIC' is for Women; the third arena is dedicated to children named, 'MAGIC kids'; and the other -- which is located in another building is 'Sourcing at MAGIC.' All of these sectors are packed with people in booths, aisles, and lounge areas. For the most part, we hung around the Men's and Women's shows most of the time where there were countless rows/spines of exhibitors and entertainment. I must say, for those of you looking to be an exhibitor at MAGIC in the near future, Go Big or Go Home! Customized and HUGE booths I might add seems to be the de facto standard along with custom cut & sew items. It's not to say that smaller booths don't get the attention, but I'll just say that they get overlooked a lot of the times. Especially, if you're not a well-known brand since the majority of store buyers already have appointments and know who they want to meet with before the show even happens.

Every time we're in Vegas we always try and make the most out of the trip. Since everyone in Vegas is there only for a short duration, time is not only money, but also of the essence. Hence, the reason why I titled this blog 'The Vegas Rush.' In 3 days we had to manage our time at MAGIC as well as the time spent outside of the show itself. And, it seemed every hour would pass in a flash. Rushing from one event to the next was the routine for 72hrs including very little sleep/down time. After our stints at MAGIC, parties and gatherings kicked off! I'll just summarize the nights and hours well spent last week. The first night was probably the wildest night there. After synching up with Dennis aka Mr. Vegas connect we chilled over at the Palms/Playboy & Moon clubs for a few hours before that got played out and took off in the limo courtesy of Dennis' business partner John whom is the owner of the infamous gentlemen's club: Sapphire. That within itself was crazy! My lips are sealed on this one. You had to have been there to experience what we all, even Leah went through that whole night. The following night wasn't too bad either. We hooked up with Leah's favorite, Bernardo who was bumpin' all night in his Escalade taking us everywhere from Body English over at the Hard Rock to LAX over at the Luxor to put the icing on the cake for the trip. All in all MAGIC and Vegas within itself was great, long, and tiresome! Ran into and met a lot of good people along the way.

Crash room A

Crash room B

The ladies at MAGIC

One of the only places where you can actually buy products at MAGIC...it's outside

On a cold day overlooking the water show at the Bellagio stands a few of the B&F members

Look how everyone is trying to hide their tiredness

This is what happens when lack of sleep, too many alcoholic beverages, and a lot of food at the Paris buffet does to you. Just ask Fro/Julio

Sharon trying to comprehend Dennis' business proposals

Crystal explaining to the group how much she admires her close buddy Mike Tyson around. It was one of the most intriguing stories I've ever heard of. It will make you think differently about the guy...or maybe the same


Jonathan (Bastard & Friends)