On one of the hottest weeks of summer, California held one of the illest events. On June 28th, 2013, Urban Brands came together on a hot summer day at the Los Angeles Convention center for the first ever Venue Trade Show. The independent Trade show directed their attention to upcoming brands and promoting the urban fashion community. The Venue held up to 40 brands promoting street wear, accessories, and other apparel. While most brands were from California, there were also many visitors from other countries and states; like Tandem Clothing from New York, Equilibrium from the Chi-Town, TOML from Tennessee, Working Class Warriors from Canada, and the skate-based brand, Average Cat Clothing from Australia. Other well-known and local brands like BeInhabited, West Wing, Elay apparel, and Marillest, also made an appearance and shared new and upcoming collections for fall 2013 and spring/summer 2014.
There were many interesting people that were there who spoke a lot about business, marketing, and branding. One person who stood out the most was Gus Corral of BLVD Supply. He spoken about branding, distributing label into different stores and many people he has worked with. Also Jewelry designer, Kelly, of Tandem Clothing who has worked with Nylon Magazine, she explained where she came from and her job title with Nylon. Everyone was amazing and open when it came to their brand and feeding us with needed information. Other than the apparel brands, those who stood out to me the most were those who focused on more than just clothing. Equilibrium from Chicago sells backpacks that gave you the sudden burst of energy to rock climb or go hiking. United Schemers creates wooden jewelry and accessories along with apparel. Sole Saver, the most innovative, sells soles for foot wear and helps keep your shoes fresh. Working class warriors, the most unique style from the rest, had a hipster, coffee shop vibe when it came to their style in hats.
After a long, successful day of chatting up with many designers, stylist, and other individuals in the industry, everyone was accompanied later that day for a turn-up session at The Well for the official Venue after Party. There was an open bar, live music from DJ, Bella Fiasco; there were lights, graphics projected on the walls, drunken girls, and cute guys. It was one of the coolest feeling ever. Not many people danced, I guess it was too hot to move or the DJ kept playing Radio Music, but after a while, it became twerk central. Never the less, the vibe was comfortable, people mingled, and it was definitely obvious everyone had a great time.
-Sierra Nicole
All photos shot by Tatsu
Check out rest of the Venue Tradeshow and after-party photos here.
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