Over the years, we have watched our favorite brands rise to success as we wear them to make us look better, feel better, and presented to the world each of our very different lifestyles. For a successful brand to take off into the world, networking amongst other designers, buyers, merchandisers, and other industry professionals, is what’s key to get your foot in the door. For urban brands, being part of a trade show is the root of reaching out to those people.
On June 28th, 2013, Los Angeles held one of the well-produced tradeshows for young designers across the nation. This will be Venue Trade show’s very first event and was also able to hold up to 40 brands within their event. Out of all the amazing brands that were in attendance, a few stuck out to me the most. Each brand had a unique style, great sense of direction, and was very mindful and caring of their consumers.
Starting with the most innovative and mind boggling, Equilibrium USG.
While most brands were focused on apparel and accessories, Equilibrium, a bag company, showed us that my lifestyle, your lifestyle, and just about anyone else’s, have this one thing in common. Everyone uses backpacks; you can get them anywhere, but Equilibrium points out that there’s not a brand of backpacks that has a variety that lets you adjust, fill, and make easier for you to hold all of your items in one bag. It can be a huge change in many people lives. Originated straight out of Chicago, Equilibrium can be used for paramedics for quick medical responses, great for outdoor activities like extreme sports and traveling, great use for fashion designers, artists, and photographers. With a customizable skin, a person is able to put any logo, graphic design, or brand on their bag. I always go head over heels for those who think about their consumers before what their minds tell them when they want.
One of my favorite brands which I had the pleasure of meeting is Tandem from New York. With a dope ass style of simplicity, Tandem definitely takes their consumer’s on a journey through New York’s Urban style with a mixture of an upscale city minimalism style. With their main colors being black and white, it is made possible for anyone to style themselves the way they’d like and not have the fashion police coming to whisk them away. Also made for everyone to feel comfortable and look stylish under an affordable budget. Fall 2013 will be the rise of street style endemic and Tandem will be part of the viral street-wear fashion take over. Featuring inspiration from brand Givenchy and style icon Kanye West, this Fall, we will be introduced to a collection of tees for both men and women, sweaters and hoodies, and snapbacks.
I just want to thank Cream Co. for reviving my childhood for the day. Inspired by DR. Seuss’s Cat in The Hat and a 50’s bakery , Cream Co. is one of the most artistic and playful brand I have ever seen. Straight out of San Diego, the skater based brand open the minds of young adults with their playful child-like designs and give a new look and unique lifestyle to consumers. Compared to other brands, this one stands out when it comes to art and creativity. We are being introduced this year by a wide variety of tank tops, crew neck t shirts, and also Cream Co. hats.
I feel stupid, I really thought TOML was an actual word and I was really saying it, like “Tomil.” No, I had to get that shit right. It’s T.O.M.L , it stands for Times Of My Life and they are a brand from the gorgeous state, Tennessee. These guys are very laid back yet, their style is very Miami South beach or Cali summer 1983’ which make them very interesting meet. Their summer collection is featured with a lot of Neon colors, floral designs and a cute little flamingo. Maybe it’s not the look their going for, but I definitely want to play Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and listen to Nero’s track, “Reaching out.” Each tank top and tee shirt has great graphics or a nice slogan.
Other than Equilibrium, Bespoke Cut and Sew is by far the most loved brand I’ve come face to face with at the Venue Trade Show. Like Equilibrium, Bespoke is open to different life styles. A consumer of this brand is able to customize a hat with a fabric of their choice. Vendors 10 Deep, Black Scale, Crooks and Castles, Huf, LRG, Mitchell and Ness, Obey, New Era, and the Hundreds are just a few of the many brands who uses Bespoke for their cut and sew, customizable, snapbacks.
Another creative and artistic brand, Hippoe brings the Las Vegas Life to their brand and open the eyes of many young Fashion-forward individuals like myself. Inspirations from Givenchy, Versace, other high fashion brands, and the black and white minimalism/simplicity trend have been spiraling in the hands of many urban brands. Hippoe also has been inspired by the style of the black and white simplicity trend but with their style, it makes them more unique.
Just when I thought smoking was going to kill everyone, Vape proves that you can have a smoke, and still survive. Similar to hookah, Vape is a lot safer, lot classier, and a lot more unique than your typical tobacco-cancer stick. It comes with a various flavors and an awesome customizable battery piece. Located in California, they have two major stores in both Fullerton (OC) and in Los Angeles. They showed how it works, how to dismantle, and why it’s better to purchase a Vape Supreme Product over any other brand and any cigarette brands.
MSTKN, better known as Mistaken Clothing, is a very street-hardcore brand that has many likeable items for anyone to enjoy. Dope graphics, perfect choice of colors, and a unique style that reminds you of money and gold. MSTKN has a lot to choose from. A selection of tops, pants, intimates, and accessories makes them stand out and give customers a chance to choose out of many items.
Ever wanted to sit in a coffee shop, listen to alternative music or listen to poetry? Neither have I, but Working Class Warriors makes you want to do so. Meeting the very different Canadian brand from Vancouver, made me fall in love with who they are and their style. Unlike other Apparel brands, Working Class Warriors only sold vintage-style hats. Anyone can wear these particular hats and look good in it. It’s the cherry on top to a perfect and unique outfit. You can have many styles like a Miami Cuban look, the coffee shop hipster, steam punk, southern blues style, or you can simply create your own look.
Last but not least, representing my side of town, West Wing Clothing from Long Beach has many supporters from my understanding. Everywhere I go, I indeed see West Wing on my friends, my peers, and also a few celebrities. One thing I can say about this brand that stands out is their grind and that they have so much local love. Started in 2008, West Wing brought the west side life to the brand by showing what the Cali life is really like.
All brands had such a great presence; there was not one booth that I did not find something I liked. Each very creative and unique and only made me excited to see what is next to come for them for future collections.
-Sierra Nicole
All photos shot by Tatsu
Follow
