NEW CALIFORNIA RETAILER SEES BLUE SKYS FOR HAT SALES: Jacob Rash was at the Magic Show shopping for hats to go with apparel for his three- month-old LA store, J. Valintin. Even though the store sells a lot of clothing and suits, Rash sees a demand for hats that match dressy suits. Styles selling well are Derby’s and Godfather hats. J. Valintin 725 S. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 – Phone: 213-624-7614 - email JacobRash@sbcglobal.net

Jacob Rash with Julio from Bailey Hat Company

HIP HOP CONTINUES TO LEAD THE PACK: Not only are consumer products companies (think McDonalds) falling all over themselves to gain exposure and alliance with bad boy rappers, but the 2nd floor Edge section at Magic was a mob scene. Other than Christmas, rarely will you see such much action. (It felt like a huge computer show without the Geeks). The energy was electric and the styling was purely entrepreneurial with an Urban twist. Next year I ADVISE TRADITIONAL MEN’S HAT MANUFACTURERS to get a booth at this venue. If nothing else, you’re designers will get wonderful trend ideas. It was full of rappers, models (we saw the hot urban Ralph Lauren model) and bodyguards. Everything was peaceful and smooth.