MAGIC News

Located amidst the excitement of MENS/WEAR, August marked the debut of Launch Pad, MAGIC’s innovative new-designer initiative, co-presented by Fashion Business Inc. Conceived as a vehicle for showcasing up-and-coming men’s design talent, the exhibit housed a cutting-edge collection of hand-selected brands on the cusp of breaking through.  As a highlight, the heavily attended inaugural event wrapped with retailers selecting sport-inspired label, The Continuous Line, as the winner of MAGIC Launch Pad’s best up-and-coming brand. Distinguished by its artwork-driven edge, the Huntington Beach, California-based line “creates functional quality apparel in the areas of surf, skate, snow and streetwear,” with an emphasis on an individual’s life journey. As the winner, Continuous will receive a complimentary return trip to MAGIC in February 2012—where the line is sure to continue performing in support of its motto: “The journey is just beginning.”

In addition to The Continuous Line, other participants included The Moneta Collection, a line of ultramodern menswear pieces representing the vision of CEO Darryl Bumpass Sr. Aptly described by the brand’s tagline, “A seamless transition,” the line is defined by fashion-forward linen jeans, sport jackets, and tailored tees and shirts, targeting men transitioning from casual street-influenced staples to more grown-up gear, while remaining connected to their hip-hop roots. When asked why he selected MAGIC to launch his line, Bumpass didn’t hesitate. “When I heard about Launch Pad, I thought, ‘Who wouldn’t want to launch here?’” laughed the telecommunications professional turned designer. “I snatched the opportunity when it came. And it’s been great. We’ve had orders from numerous fine menswear stores.”

Also tapped to participate in Launch Pad was Go Go Gear, an LA-based brand gaining mainstream notoriety for their “dual purpose motorcycle jackets.” But we’re not just talking traditional black leather. What makes Go Go Gear unique is a full line of men’s and women’s moto jackets, each with removable, protective padding camouflaged inside fashionable style. “We wanted to eliminate any excuse for not protecting yourself when riding,” explained president, CEO and motorcycle enthusiast, Arlene Battishill. “And if pieces are good looking, people are more likely to wear proper protection,” she says of the brand’s outerwear collection, which includes everything from men’s classic wool overcoats to reflective women’s trenches and ventilated warm-weather options. A veteran of motorcycle shows, Battishill was thrilled to launch the line at MAGIC. “If you are going to do any show, it has to be MAGIC,” she enthused. “MAGIC is the most important show, with the most important buyers… we’re just thrilled to be here.”

MAGIC extends congratulations to The Continuous Line and all the other Launch Pad participants on a super-successful first show!