LAS VEGAS — Informa Markets Fashion, organizers of the largest wholesale fashion market in the U.S, 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 MAGIC. The three-day event was held from Feb. 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The February 2023 MAGIC, PROJECT and Sourcing at MAGIC events were a career highlight for me,” Kelly Helfman, President of Informa Markets Fashion, said. “We needed to be more creative and innovative to provide additional value to our attendees. This season we had an exciting line up of industry expert panels, networking opportunities and experiences which ensured a full 360-degree fashion experience for all our guests.”
MAGIC Las Vegas, home to the largest selection of trend, young contemporary, modern sportswear, footwear and accessories brands in the industry, featured nearly 700 brands, with a 30% increase in new exhibiting brands.
Fashion icon Billy Porter, who won an Emmy for his role in FX’s “Pose,” kicked off the event with a moderated conversation with Merle Ginsberg, Style Editor from L.A. Magazine, which focused on fashion inspiration and personal stories. Other notable guests included Lauryn Evarts Bosstick, Founder, Skinny Confidential; Karl Kani, Designer; rap star Busta Rhymes; and Professional skateboarder P-Rod.
“The industry’s needs are shifting, and we are making sure that we are providing the resources for our attendees to address these changes and create a space for important conversations to be had,” Helfman said. “It is our commitment to keep this momentum going as we move further into 2023 through our in-person events and online resources.”
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The strategy this year was to boost visibility for emerging brands and designers by featuring them at the front of the show, including brand names Lioness, Vero Moda, Naked Feet, Korks and Paris Hilton Iconic Collection.
Also new to MAGIC Las Vegas for 2023 was the addition of IMFC (Informa Markets Fashion for Change) which is a companywide initiative to elevate minority-owned business. The IMFC designers included Admiral Row, Tao Holistics, CISEAgnce and John + Juliana for the February 2023 show.
“MAGIC returned to Las Vegas with full force to connect big box, boutique and online retailers to the most sought-after brands in the trend and young contemporary categories,” Jordan Rudrow, Vice President of MAGIC, said. “We saw a significant increase in international brands and retailers this February including Australia and the U.K. The most popular styles we saw on the show floor this season were feathers, sparkles, tulle, sheer tops, tapping into dopamine dressing and playing with textures.”
Sourcing and PROJECT Add to the MAGIC
Sourcing at MAGIC included nearly 1,000 exhibitors from more than 35 countries, featuring apparel, footwear and accessories manufacturers; fabric and trim suppliers; and packaging manufacturers, fashion technology and service providers. China, whose presence has been restricted the last few years due to the pandemic, had the largest footprint at this season’s show.
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Meanwhile, more than 500 contemporary men’s and women’s brands exhibited in PROJECT Las Vegas, spotlighting the latest trends in men’s and women’s contemporary 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 top 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 floor called Essential displayed products that meet everyday needs, showcasing products from apparel, bedding, wallets, footwear, skin care brands.
“With MAGIC celebrating 90 years next year and Karl Kani launching his business with us in 1991, we want to recognize the legacy and importance of the opportunity that we provide for businesses to launch and scale,” Edwina Kulego, Vice President, International and Men’s, Informa Markets Fashion, said. “PROJECT and MAGIC have been and will always be an imperative player in launching, scaling and establishing lasting fashion brands.”
MAGIC New York was held this Feb. 21-23 while MAGIC Nashville is slated for this April 26-27. Other upcoming shows this year include Sourcing at MAGIC Las Vegas, Aug. 7-9 and PROJECT Tokyo, March 14-16.
Reach Kelly Helfman at Kelly.helfman@informa.com
