The tradeshow season kicked off the new year with the first Agenda show in Long Beach this past weekend. Armed with my iPhone 4S and Izzi Gadgets Orbit I walked through the multiple aisles to share a bit from the industry only event. I selected a few up and coming brands to showcase alongside things that simply caught my eye.
First up is illest with their Summer and Winter Collection. I am really digging the tiger camo pullover and chambray 5-panels. There are a few other gems coming up that I’m sure we will release shots soon. www.illestbrand.com
Levi Maestro debuted his new fashion accessory with Becomb and the infinity piece. Learn more at www.becomb.com.
Original Chuck showcased a new line-up of bags along with an assortment of their snap backs with their first Agenda booth. Stoked to see these guys growing and doing well.
I didn’t have the chance to check out the new collection from Staple, but love their booth design.
A few of the homies hanging out in the aisles with Undftd and Stussy. This is often the scene within the pathways of the show. Business as usual.
One new brand that stood out to me was Komono with their simple and well-designed watches at an affordable price. Based in Belgium, I expect to see these watches show-up everywhere stateside soon. www.wearekomono.com
Mark and I saw this brand Krochet Kids that stood out. Since he has a family with 3 children and I’ve been shopping for newborns and my nephew a lot recently we were really digging the product offerings that ranged from beanies to scarves to bags and apparel. Each item is hand made by women in Uganda and Peru that have been given employment, education and mentorship and is accompanied by a label that bears the signature of the person who made it, carrying her story wherever it goes. Learn more at www.krochetkids.org
One brand that I am really feeling is Uppercut Deluxe based out of Australia. I’ve seen their ads in Monster Children and was excited to see their product in person along with meet the people behind the company. Uppercut Deluxe offers men’s grooming products including pomades and waxes. The packaging is on point and timeless and easy to travel. www.uppercutdeluxe.com
One surf brand I’ve been following is VSTR (an off-shoot of Quiksilver) founded by Kelly Slater. The brand revolves around modern travel essentials for the ocean, road, and the journey in between. www.vstr.com
Sector 9 skateboards caught my attention with the San Diego Chargers theme, but if you look closely its all custom gear in the Chargers colorways.
One of my favorite magazines that captures the surf lifestyle with excellent editorial and photography is Monster Children. I’m stoked I was able to chop it up with the Publisher for a minute and get the latest issue and 2012 Photo Annual. I highly recommend checking the mag out. www.monsterchildren.com
Radii Footwear was kind enough to help keep my feet protected with these socks. Their shoes have been seen from everyone from Justin Bieber to Ne-Yo. www.radiifootwear.com
Another brand that I’ve been following and really dig is Poler from Portland. The brand embodies the outdoor lifestyle and the collection consists of apparel to outdoor products including camo tents, water bottles and even full body sleeping bags that you can walk around in. They were showcasing some outwear that looked amazing. www.polerstuff.com
Lira Clothing is a Southern California lifestyle brand that is under the radar, but is definitely worth checking out. The new cut and sew line is very well done with attention to details and quality overall. www.liraclothing.com
New sunglasses brand, Wonderland was kind enough to show me some of their collection. The brand has a great feel and classic sunglass silhouettes. I also enjoyed the vintage inspired imagery seen on the sunglass pouches. www.wonderlandsun.com
Being a Long Beach local I’m always interested to see what the team at Port is up to. They never fail to impress with their quality garments and accessories. I’m only upset that I wasn’t able to check out the skate photography exhibit they held on Thursday night. www.portlbc.com
Penny Skateboards is just rad and what makes them even radder is that they signed skate legend Christian Hosoi! www.pennyskateboards.com
Nike Snowboarding showcased their line of boots and outerwear. I haven’t had the chance to test of their product yet, but with their technology and innovation how can it not be good. I may need to invest in some new gear for the season. Check out the gear and a couple good videos HERE.
Keeping with the snowboard theme Sabre showcased new goggles that are worth checking out. I especially like the banana print. www.sabrefm.com
The Publish booth was packed every time I walked by, which is no surprise as their goods are great with progressive and clean designs. The jogger pants are a must have. www.publishbrand.com
Falling Whistles is an organization that creates awareness and contributes for the fight for peace in the Congo. 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of the whistles goes to the cause. I took a minute to learn more about the organization and will be posting more on Fatlace soon. Check them out on www.fallingwhistles.com.
Of course no tradeshow would be complete without food trucks.
