MAGIC.

Instead of going to Vegas for MAGIC...I decided to go to Paris instead.
Yeah right I wish! (This is a shot of the Paris Hotel) Not only did I go to MAGIC this time around, we even had a booth at Project (a division of MAGIC) where we previewed our Spring 2008 collection. We haven't showed a collection at MAGIC for over 4 years. Why? I just personally never got a good vibe from it. I don't enjoy doing it or being there, and the whole experience really turns me off to the fashion industry as a whole. I just get really down. Recently, we have been going as "buyers" for Reed Space instead of going as "exhibitors". I thought that might make it a little better, but it doesn't. MAGIC is the one place where the grass ISN'T greener on the other side of the fence. It's shit on both sides.
So I tried to do something completely different this time around. I made the attempt to enjoy myself and have a relaxing time! I can hear the entire fashion industry collectively mocking me right now. But I object! It is possible. The problem is coming to Vegas for 4 days and trying to cram every meeting and event into those 4 days. There is simply too much to do in too small amount of time. So this time I actually came to Vegas 4 days before the shows and took in some downtime. Everyone I mentioned this to immediately asked me with a strange face, "Why would you do that?"
Well, it was great. I recommend it to everyone who goes to MAGIC. Come 3-4 days before the madness and just take in what Vegas has to offer. For example:


Visit The Thomas & Mack Center. I watched Olympic Team USA trounce the Brazilians 100-50 (by the time I left). It was a romp and a pretty boring game but a dunk contest nonetheless. And the Brazilian female fans in the audience were nice to see as well.





Catch a show. Couldn't make Danny Gans this time, but I did see "O" and "Ka" from the Cirque Du Soleil people and I am surprised to say it is well worth the price of admission. Really incredible acrobatics, set design, and costume design.


Meet some new friends. I walked into Undefeated to visit for my first time and was greeted with hospitality by Chris, the founder of Fruition and manager of Undefeated. He gave me a little tour of his operations and I was very impressed. He has a great unit and team working with him and I like the fact he is repping his hometown. Its one thing to do what's he doing in NY or LA. But to do it in new territory, he is blazing new trails. Props to those guys.



Get a proper shave. Along with the hundreds of top shops and 5 star restaurants in Vegas, they have a Truefitt & Hill—the oldest barber shop in the entire world...since 1805! Shaving is something you do everyday. Investing in a good razor is key and pays for itself very quickly. This fat handle chrome model I picked up is made of ivory. Feels great in your hand and has a nice substance to it. Not cheap, but then again, it is your face.

Besides that, there is of course gambling (did bad), nightclubs (didn't bother), the pool and sun (got burnt), and room service (lots of that). So enjoy Vegas next time. Yes the shows suck. They're designed to suck. But that doesn't mean it has to rain on your parade.
Sorry there are no pictures from the actual tradeshow. But that would have ruined my trip.

*** UPDATE: This just in...since the day I posted the Crocs story on my blog, their stock has shot up $11 dollars from $47-$58. 19% increase!!! Where's the love? A few shares? Nothin?