MAKING MAGIC AT THE MAGIC SHOW IN LAS VEGAS

There was a lot to see this year at the MAGIC Show. Different venues were dispersed all over Las Vegas, making it worth cloning oneself just to get a glimpse of it all. We did, however, make the rounds at different shows in order to get a look at what’s happening in the hat and sportswear market. Luckily, hats seemed to have a large presence throughout. Many young hip sportswear companies in the South Building (the Hip Hop area) had caps in their lines. This was quite a contrast to last year.

That means hats are a relevant addendum to the fashion mix for young people. It also means that hat companies must keep up with changing trends in order to get this customer excited about hats. This is not to say that the baseball cap is real hat (our grandfathers would shutter at this thought), but it is a good starting ground for young people to get used to wearing them. What did surprise me was the use of creative styling that made caps and hats more a fashion statement than a utilitarian head covering. Colors were unconventional, avant- garde patches abound, logos and sayings were everywhere (this is where individualism meets counterculture) mix media fabric, lots of bright colored plaids and prints.

If you think that you’ve seen it all, you haven’t. Young people keep pushing the envelope for style, theme and color, and why not, they’ve done it with music and everything in between.

Retro themes were everywhere, as were camouflage prints, tantalizing graphics and sayings (Team Diva had shirts and caps that said “Nice Rack” and “all original parts” “trailer trash”). One young woman created a military zone boutique (complete with leaf hut roof) and showed her line (called Sami’s Camies) of camouflage sportswear and caps in Army greens. Apparently the owner, Samantha Nerove, is in the Army Reserves and has been on active duty for five years. This blond beauty was a paratrooper during Desert Storm and is obsessed with serving her country and her fashion at the same time. The children’s line is very cute – and who knows maybe this military apparel and hat trend is gearing up again for the big time.

We have lots of photos and will keep updating you on the trends and companies we saw at the shows. Our only regret is that there were too many shows to cover in one week (that’s where the cloning could come in handy).

SEEN AT THE SCENE OF MAGIC

Color Play with embroidery	Russell Simmons made his way out of the South Building, but not before meeting the Hat Life photographer on the escalator.
PAISLEY POWER IN TECHNICOLOR
EZ DUZ IT is an accessory company that makes items out of recycled fabric, newspapers and other nifty fibers and trims. The company is the brainchild of Elliott from Texas. This line is terrific – and you might want to contact him to see if he can do a hat line for you. This man has real style and his accessories are so clever – 972-529-1131.
OWNER AND DESIGNER OF EZ DUZ IT - ELLIOTT