Magic 2007: Magic puts Fashion Industry in Motion

120,000 Attendees from Around the Globe Shop Fall/Winter 2007 Collections at MAGIC, WWDMAGIC, MAGIC kids, Sourcing at MAGIC, PROJECT, and Pool Woodland Hills, CA (February 28, 2007) – Las Vegas was the center of the fashion industry from February 13-16th, as the MAGIC Marketplace drew the top retailers, designers and manufacturers from around the globe. With more than 4,000 companies on display, the fashion industry’s biggest business event featured the most extensive selection of resources across apparel, accessories, footwear, sourcing and contract manufacturing

"MAGIC continues to be committed to providing the most comprehensive marketplace in the industry and that was on full display this week in Las Vegas,” said Laura McConnell executive vice president of fashion for Advanstar Communications. "The MAGIC Marketplace offers an unparalleled selection of quality merchandise and resources creating one of the most powerful business environments in fashion. We strive to meet the changing needs of the fashion industry and the growth of our marketplace reflects that.”

The February marketplace featured some of the industry’s hottest brands such as: Badgley Mischka Platinum, Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Steve Madden, True Religion, All Black, Joseph Abboud, Skechers, Modern Amusement, Donald Pliner, Junk Food, SAFARI by Design, Bon Bebe, Kitson Footwear, Chinese Laundry, Crocs, Eileen Fisher, Bongo Jeans, Torino, Kara Janx, Artful Dodger and Stussy, to name a few.

"Skelanimals was extremely impressed with the attention we received at MAGIC,” said Cindy Bailey, CEO of Art Impressions, Inc.  “We were overwhelmed with our success at the show, particularly with the number of buyers that attended. As a result, we have developed partnerships with retailers in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, South America and Europe.  Making a lifestyle statement at MAGIC was one of the best things we could have done for the brand and we look forward to returning to MAGIC for years to come."
Celebrities also heated up the marketplace, unveiling the latest looks from their new and existing brands. Show veterans Russell Simmons (Phat Farm), Jay-Z (Rocawear), Travis Barker (Famous Stars and Straps), Gene Simmons (Dussault Custom Ink) and Beyonce (House of Dereon) joined new attendees 50 Cent (G-Unit) and Brooke Burke (Street Saint Apparel) on the floor.
MAGIC also added sizzle to the red-hot Las Vegas nightlife scene. The Bellagio Hotel’s Tower Ballroom was transformed into a Fat Tuesday celebration benefit for the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, co-sponsored by Joseph Abboud, and featured a performance by the Neville Brothers. On the second night of the show, MAGIC co-hosted the launch of streetwear line Christopher Brian. Models worked the runway at The Hard Rock Hotel’s Body English, and Omarion and Timbaland performed late into the night.
MAGIC continued its tradition of recognizing exhibitors that created innovative booth presentations. The following brands were honored during the February marketplace:

MAGIC Central Hall
(Men’s, Designer, Premium & Contemporary, Casual Lifestyle,
and Active & Licensing categories)
Best of Show: Superba Inc
Innovator: Daron Fashions/Hawke & Co
Image: Isaco International Corp.       
MAGIC South Hall
(Streetwear and Young Men’s categories)
Best of Show: Girls Gone Wild          
Innovator: Dussault Custom Ink        
Image: Kaptain Leather Bubble         

WWDMAGIC
Best of Show: BCBG/Max Azria Inc.
Innovator: Crocs Footwear    
Best Dressed: Whitewash      
Accessories & Swim at the Hilton
Best of Show: Van Group for Nikki Chu
Innovator: The Life Imagined
Best Dressed: Belts that Rock
MAGIC kids
Best of Show: Bon Bebe
Sourcing at MAGIC
Best of Show: CMPE-Morocco Pavilion
Innovator: G Gulpi
Best Dressed: Korea Fashion Association

 
For more information on MAGIC, high resolution images and additional details from the February marketplace, please visit www.MAGIConline.com.

ABOUT MAGIC
Every August and February, the fashion industry converges on Las Vegas for the most influential four days in the business – the MAGIC Marketplace. The next event takes place August 27-30, 2007 in Las Vegas, NV.  For information, call 818.593.5000 or log onto www.MAGIConline.com.
MAGIC International is a subsidiary of Advanstar Communications, the world’s largest and most widely recognized organizer of trade shows for the apparel industry producing the MAGIC Marketplace in Las Vegas featuring MAGIC, WWDMAGIC, MAGIC kids, and Sourcing at MAGIC, PROJECT, and Pool.