MAGIC Marketplace Launches S.L.A.T.E

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advanstar Fashion Group announces the launch of S.L.A.T.E (Select, Lifestyle, Apparel, Trends, Emergence); a 40,000 square foot juried fashion forward event to showcase established and emerging skate, surf and street lifestyle brands. S.L.A.T.E will debut August 25, 2008 at the MAGIC Marketplace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This assortment of eclectic and sophisticated brands originating in the skate, surf and street communities is steadily making its way into the mainstream with all the fashion and attitude of the hipsters, artists and musicians who’ve inspired them. S.L.A.T.E brands go beyond a trend and are thoroughly immersed in a culture. They transcend price point and demographic and are now the ones to watch from retail’s global level.

“The future of progressive streetwear is being dictated by consumers with the confidence to mix and match their styles,” says Chris DeMoulin, MAGIC International President and Executive Vice President of Advanstar’s Fashion Group. “S.L.A.T.E brands reflect that cutting edge taste and give discerning retailers a new way to buy.”

“I am greatly anticipating what S.L.A.T.E. has to offer.” says Thomas J. Lacsamana of Fred Segal Fun. “It was not too long ago that I had to hunt for many of these lines and S.L.A.T.E. seems like it will be the culmination of the natural progression; a one stop shop for the buyer who is looking for something uniquely street.”

Brands already on board for S.L.A.T.E’s debut include Addict, Undftd, Stussy, The Hundreds, Fresh Jive, Obey, Crooks and Castles, 10 Deep, AlpineStars, GRN Apple Tree, Hot Air, Rockwell, Twelve Bar, King Stamped, Sneaktip, Amongst Friends, Elm Company and Ctrl. S.L.A.T.E. exhibitors will showcase their designs to a highly targeted, built-in audience of more than 120,000 visitors from 80 countries – with 93% of retailers placing orders with brands they see at MAGIC Marketplace.

“Almost all heads involved in the progressive street movement have creative backgrounds rooted in street activities.” says Craig Einman of Addict Clothing. “The brands these people create and represent definitely are rooted in the do-it-yourself world and have a certain charm in the fact they represent that in all angles of their business. It’s cool that MAGIC sees it, gets it and is supporting it with S.L.A.T.E. and that kids are beginning to incorporate our ideals and flavor into their every day dressing.”

Beyond brands, S.L.A.T.E. has extended its community outward by developing a virtual who’s who advisory board comprised of diverse and accomplished industry influencers. Their perspective, ideas, and relationships are sure to add another dimension to the overall S.L.A.T.E experience. These advocates include Yasi Salek, “Hawaii” Mike Salman, Sky Gellatly, Marlon Rachel, Jerry Meng, Bee Nguyen, Jennifer Wannarachue and Martin Magielka.

S.L.A.T.E Look and Feel

S.L.A.T.E exhibitors will be housed in an environment that truly feels like home – intimate, relaxed and communal. The S.L.A.T.E vibe will be open and airy with simple designs and clean lines. Think studio space in Venice, CA with all the modernity and texture and nature that entails. Booths will be built with all raw materials and woods in their earth tones. The S.L.A.T.E brands will be the natural standout, in a very organic and highly tailored environment.

S.L.A.T.E. Partnerships and Events

Debuting for the first time in the United States, Martin Magielka’s famed ‘Untitled Showcase’ will be featured prominently at S.L.A.T.E. in two unique environments. The first will be an exhibition of brands, called ‘Euro Colony’; a combination of emerging and sought after international design talent. The second, ‘Untitled – Special Edition’ will be a gathering of of-the-moment European contemporary artists, each wildly influencing the progressive streetwear scene.

In addition to providing a direct connection between exhibitors and top retailers, each S.L.A.T.E exhibitor will benefit from likeminded media partners, custom designed lounges and strategic partnerships that will take this show experience to a whole new level. Various lifestyle elements will be infused into S.L.A.T.E, including a VIP lounge and bar, curbside bbq’s, fan favorite DJ’s, fashion shows, a private concierge and much much more.

MAGIC International

Every August and February, the fashion industry converges on Las Vegas for the most influential event in the business – the MAGIC Marketplace. The next event takes place August 25-27, 2008 in the Las Vegas Convention Center and Hilton (Sourcing at MAGIC runs August 24-27, 2008). For more information 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. Advanstar produces the MAGIC Marketplace in Las Vegas featuring MAGIC, WWDMAGIC, MAGIC kids and Sourcing at MAGIC, as well as sister shows PROJECT and POOL.