WWIN and Las Vegas Apparel take center stage with a joint event in Las Vegas |
By Edited by Kristin Ely |
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This August edition was larger and more diverse than the February event.
The co-located WWIN (Womenswear in Nevada) Show and Las Vegas Apparel (LVA) market concluded its second collaborative Las Vegas Fashion Week event, August 18-21, 2024, at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, bringing together style, innovation, hospitality and opportunity under one roof, offering a unique sourcing experience. The event began on Sunday, Aug. 18, giving thousands of Las Vegas Fashion Week buyers a head start in discovering the latest collections and designs from 430-plus exhibitors. As the doors opened, attendees were greeted with a glass of champagne and glamazon stilt walkers with shimmering wings, accompanied by an electric violinist. This lively welcome set the tone for a week filled with creativity, networking and discovery, and an opening-day meet-up with retailer community The Boutique Hub offered inspiration and advice for sourcing. "The energy in the hall was electric," said Mel Montes, Vice President of WWIN. "Seeing buyers writing orders and the optimism from our stakeholders was inspiring. This event has reinforced our commitment to providing a valuable platform for the fashion industry to thrive." This August edition was larger and more diverse than the February event. By combining the strengths of WWIN and LVA, attendees were provided with a platform for spotting trends, forging new connections and sourcing products — all within one venue. Over the course of the week, the combined shows saw market-over-market double-digit attendance gains from brand new buyers, many of whom discovered this event as they were in town sourcing across Las Vegas Fashion Week events. “Las Vegas Apparel and WWIN continue to feed off each other’s energy, providing a dual destination for sourcing during Las Vegas Fashion Week, with an unmatched on-site experience,” said Caron Stover, ANDMORESM SVP, Apparel. “The excitement over the four days was palpable, and we can’t wait to continue the momentum in August.” "We are so thrilled to be here! We have been writing orders non-stop," said Rob Earnheart of exhibiting WWIN brand, Renuar. Exhibitor Emma Samenus, booth manager for LVA brand ee:some, noted, “Our first day was so busy we barely had time to breathe. The energy at this market is so high, and with all of the options from drinks on arrival to a shop late event, the atmosphere is unbeatable.” Fashion buyers appreciated the enhanced amenities, including complimentary hot breakfasts and lunches, which gave them more time to navigate the show floor. With every detail thoughtfully curated, attendees could focus on discovering the products and partners that will propel their businesses forward—and writing orders on the spot. A major WWIN highlight was the introduction of Artisan Alley — a new section of the show floor dedicated to showcasing artisan products from around the world. Visitors to Artisan Alley explored unique, handcrafted pieces, discovered designs blending tradition with modern flair and met the creators behind these products. Buyers attending the combined events also enjoyed brand activations that gave them an up-close opportunity to discover new vendors and walk away with a fun gift for themselves. "I've been coming to WWIN since the show first started and WWIN is by far my favorite show of the season, " said Craig Marsh of Ritzy Rags and Shoes in Scottsdale, Arizona "You just can't beat the hospitality of the staff, the ease of the venue, and the quality of the exhibitors." “LVA showcases some of my hallmark brands, and the synergy of having WWIN on the other side of the floor brings the buzz,” said Jennifer Bernard, buyer at Local Charm in Rolesville, North Carolina. “As a buyer, I am always finding products for other people, so the market giveaways really make me feel appreciated, and further than that, introduce me to new brands I wouldn’t have otherwise known about.” WWIN and LVA are set to return from Feb. 9-12, 2025, at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. For more information about Las Vegas Apparel, visit www.lasvegas-apparel.com. For more information about Womenswear In Nevada, visit www.wwinshow.com. |