On-site artists are a part of the scene at Agenda Vegas.

Story and Photos by Tom Wallace and Kathleen Gasperini

One of the strongest shows coming out of the Vegas fashion trade shows earlier this month was Agenda, which returned to Vegas for the second time February 17-19, 2014, as part of Modern Assembly (including Liberty Fairs and (capsule)), and challenging the status quo of MAGIC’s traditional shows. Here, streetwear, action sports, and music-inspired apparel, footwear, and accessories brought fresh takes within the most inspiring aspects of the industry today.

“Last year’s inaugural launch surpassed our expectations. We came back to bring the AGENDA experience to Vegas for a second year, and couldn’t be more excited about it,” explains Aaron Levant, AGENDA founder. “Many of the brands were unsatisfied with the existing Vegas show format. After entering Vegas last August, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both retailers and brands. Returning to Las Vegas was a no brainer.”

Latest fashion direction from one of the leaders in streetwear, 10 Deep.

First, Agenda reported a 22% growth since its introduction last year, breaking out of its roots in Long Beach, CA, and NYC. It also brought with it to Vegas the Agenda WMN’s platform with brands like Married to the Mob, Love + Made, and HLZ BLZ in an expanded section compared with their flagship show in Long Beach, featuring the fact that women’s streetwear is a growing movement.

The Reebok Retro Barbershop went off throughout the show. Featuring talent ranging from Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist and producer, Swizz Beats, along with DJ Drama, Rick Ross, Cam’ron, French Montana, Travi$ Scott, Kid Ink and others, it had attendees pulling out their cell phone cameras as the next pop-up act took to the stage or stopped into the Reebok Retro Barbershop to get a fresh cut.

Pop-up performances through the show timeframe kept the Reebok Retro Barbershop and must-watch location. This photo is courtesy of Agenda.

Other cool areas included G Pen and their mini golf course, 7th Letter’s artistic showcase and revised cop car,  and a massive Flexfit exhibition featuring the signature Agenda hat collaborations over the years. In keeping with the vibe of street and skate cultures, there were a variety of on-site artists, creative booth concepts, and curated magazine selections for attendees.

Streetwear has grown-up as indicated at Agenda Vegas with new patterns in camo in tailored silhouettes, a larger selection of repeat patterns in button-downs, and dark indigos in denim with many offering a 90’s aesthetic. Black capri-capped pants for guys like a modern version of Hammer-pants from brands like Publish paired with hightops is the new norm. Scholastic influences and team sport motifs from brands like Mitchell & Ness are also going strong from varsity lettermen jacket inspirations to basketball influenced shorts and numbered variations on jerseys.

G Pen’s collaboration-central mini-golf course was a huge hit, including the live model golf hole where players had to putt between scissoring legs in tube socks.

Some cool surprises included Akomplice’s booth and change-up of patterns, brighter colors, and an original light show with a model dressed in white showing the impact of different prints on fabrics. Diamond Supply Co. kept it tight as the brand to watch and a serious leader within youth culture today, while 10 Deep, another classic in streetwear had a one-of-a-kind camo-map button-down shirt that had people stopping in their tracks. There were several references throughout the show to the importance of travel for inspiration and lifestyle choices. Play Cloths and their iconic little guy in a cap running continues to expand as a brand and attract core retail buyers.

Camping and the outdoors, but with an urban vibe is clearly moving forward at Agenda Vegas, as seen with camping supplies such as tents, backpacks, accessories, and sleeping bags from Poler Stuff and others. The Outdoor industry should take note because outdoor apparel and accessories including boots just got a huge injection of new-school credibility from Agenda Vegas.

Poler Stuff revives camping and the outdoors within streetwear.

Caps, backpacks, messenger bags, and designer headphones are clearly important aspects of the Agenda Vegas scene. Combined with a fresh selection of eyewear and watch brands, the show illustrates trends in wearable technologies mixed with a street-wise and contemporary feel.

To see more, check-out our story also from the Long Beach show in January. The next Agenda takes place in Long Beach, CA, July 10-11, 2014.

Publish is one of the hottest brands at the show. Directional, leading-edge collection was represented.
The Flexfit exhibition featuring key cap collaborations with Agenda.
Agenda WMNS touched-down in Vegas with a bigger area and another introduction to the fact that women’s streetwear brands are on the rise.
Latest from Vans which actually showcased some of their top pieces outside of their fort-like booth this time.
Akomplice and their patterned picture girl brought out the artistry of the brand and how cool it is to see the effects of various patterns and colors on fabrics.
Huf, a leader in the scene.
Diamond Supply Co. quickly rising on the scene among youth culture markets. See our 14th Annual Spring Youth Culture Study 2014 for more information.
Reebok’s Retro Shop went off at this show. They came in with a huge presence including an entire sneaker history display.
7th Letter’s featured artists and cop car.
Latest from Vans Womens.
Agenda Vegas was a big success. Their next show is July 10-11, 2014 in Long Beach, CA.