Reaffirming core values and high aesthetics, POOLTRADESHOW’s February event was a tremendous success that continues to nurture a community  of fashion innovators, artists and designers.

The move to the Las Vegas Convention Center brought new opportunities to attendee’s and exhibitors alike. The close proximity to the network of attendees throughout the LVCC not only increased traffic on the show floor, but also created a buzz within the market place.  Overall the new home for POOL proved to be a prime location for exhibitors and attendees to conduct business.

Consistent with the art based fashion movement, POOL conveyed the connection.  Four brands were selected as guest art directors to illustrate the setting as a hub for up and coming talent in the art and design marketplace.  The recent launch of LOOP, a creative space based out of POOL’s headquarters in Silver Lake, showcased the brands chosen to demonstrate the message.  In connecting the loop art from the four featured brands- Quiet Hero, Purlieu, De*Nada Design and Emily Glaubinger of GAMA- Go were also on display on the Vegas show floor.

"When you're riding a twisting and bucking wild tiger of fashion as Quiet Hero does, it helps to have a few tiger tamers in the arena. The POOL staff this year were our tiger tamers, guiding press and stores our way to participate in the full contact sport of fashion, QH-style. Thanks to the POOL staff we had a phenomenally successful show on all levels; we doubled the amount of stores we are in, had amazing press coverage, and made the kinds of contacts you just don't find anywhere else." ~Nik Hawks, Quiet Hero

In keeping with tradition, POOL hosted a roster of killer brands as well as interactive art areas.  Alternative Apparel hosted live screen printing allowing attendees to choose one of four limited designs provided by the guest art directors. 

Another popular attraction with everyone on the floor was the spin art station. Attendees enjoyed taking a break from the daily grind to create their own design and swung back to pick up their art after working the show floor.  Exhibitors to advantage of yet another medium to spread their message and show what they can do. 

With all the buzz and excitement regarding pop up shops POOL invited super*MARKET LA to host a pop up store on the show floor.  Buena Ventura Press was one of the publishing companies that support SMLA and their store.  In the space Lisa Hanawalt, creator of Tip me Over and Pour me Out, a web comic, had original art for sale.  Master screen printer, Damon Robinson, founder of The Ghetto Mansion Print Co and Black Van did live screening on posters for attendees to take home for a small cost.  DC Comics and WB Entertainment visited SMLA and picked up selected titles for their archived libraries.  Gaston Domingues-Letelier, one of the founders of SMLA thought participating in POOL was and education experience- he also loved the artistic encouragement and highly appreciated the embracement he received from everyone within the POOL community.

POOL would like to thank VICE Magazine and Huffer for co-hosting our party at Body English at the Hard Rock.  The party rocked with tunes from the Black Lips, the Mint Chips with DJ’s Mixwell and Mr. White warming up the crowd.  The party was a huge success for the launch of Huffer’s stateside debut and POOL’s foray back into the nightlife scene of market week. 

Another successful show has come and gone.  Building on our network of like minded players POOL will continue to solidify a community of fashion innovators, artists and designers. 
Stay tuned for POOLTRADESHOW returning August, 2008.