THE THRILL OF the fashion industry can only be surpassed when you actually see the newest designs that will be worn for the following season. The international contributions for the upcoming summer are simply fabulous! The best part is that they are in the stores right now!

Men's suits and casual wear, women's formal and everyday designs and children's attire are an art form in itself. Many years of practice, apprenticeship and savvy go into the fashion industry, which ultimately predicts the newest, the best sellers and the most innovative creations from all over the globe—and world renowned designer contributions have always been the epitome of the fashionistas and set the trends for the rest of the world. Name designers have the most sophisticated lines and the best workmanship and are incomparable anywhere. Italy, for example, is a leader in designs—in automobiles, furniture, hairstyles, and jewelry and the creative arts, as well as, apparel.

Some of the top influences are from Europe, the United States and Asia and are known for their elegance in line, form and execution of the designs. Men have always been proud to wear a Brioni suit, Ferragamo shoes and silk ties from Gucci. Prada, Ferragamo, Gucci, Versace, Armani, Burberry and the return of Pucci are but a handful of the leaders whose designs adorn the models in GQ, Vogue, Bazaar and many other fashion-oriented publications. Fashion is big business, but it is a business that is ripe with glamour and illusion. The name of the show—MAGIC—is perfect, although it actually stands as an acronym for the Men's Apparel Guild In California.

MAGIC will be held this coming summer (it is held twice a year—for the Fall/Winter lines and the Spring/Summer designs) during the week of August 27–August 30, 2007. This past winter's show was held February 13–February 16, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Sands Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Centers simultaneously. Now is the time to ready yourself for the event if you are a buyer, storeowner, or independent designer to attend this major trade event in the United States, in Las Vegas, the capital of conventions.

MAGIC was founded in 1933 and began as annual trade show to promote the fashion industry. It has evolved into the most comprehensive fashion show in the world and now includes men's, women's, children's and accessory lines for every type of buyer. This ranges from the latest trends to timeless standards and has the exposure to all the major retail buyers in the world. It covers every category including designer, casual, street wear, active sporting clothing, and accessories and runs the gamut of an ever-changing industry.

A new item, called "smart fabric," debuted at the most recent show. Fiber optics are being woven into the textiles by a company called Luminex and this cloth literally creates MAGIC—for it lights up the room as the wearers make an entrance. LCD crystals then light a system of cabling with the fiber optics. The intensity varies according to the environment and the social function where it will be worn by the fashionista. It is not just for the night clubbing young, but also for everyone and is also used in sparkling accessories to create more MAGIC and illusion. If the visibility is dim, the wearer brings a spotlight of their own into the room. Shawls, shirts and slacks all glimmer and sparkle creating a show of its own. Jeans can become elegant enough for eveningwear with the use of this special and futuristic fabric.

Economically speaking, 40% of the European prices have risen with the widespread use of the Euro currency. This however, will not affect those who want the best to be had, at any cost. This then will bring us to another area—the use of European, American and other international designs are then assembled in the Far East, to avoid an overpowering price tag on these garments and accessories. Always make sure that the country of origin is the same as where it is made if you are in the market for an authentic fashion.

Among the new trends is the return of the two-button suit for men made of 100% wool with side vents for a smooth line. The look is stylish yet simple. Trousers are branching out into all different looks—peg, loose, stovepipe, flat front, belted or non-belted. For women, the real highlight that is already taking the stores and magazines by storm is the skinny leg. The skinny leg is then worn with a looser jacket or over-sized top to balance out the ensemble. Shoes can be flat, open sandals, heels slightly thicker or stiletto, and platform soles are back in vogue with a vengeance. The prices of footwear have skyrocketed and many people can now expect to pay $500 to $5500 for a designer original (Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo, to mention but a handful of names). If you are on a limited budget, the shoes that are in the middle price range may be designed elsewhere, but are assembled in China. You will still get the look of the moment, but you may have to sacrifice on the special workmanship that we have become accustomed to in fine footwear.

Street Wear—and by that term the fashion industry refers to the inner city hip-hop look that is so hot in the youth culture—was highlighted at the most recent show. Many youngsters want the hottest threads that are being worn by their music idols. The MAGIC show was the place to view the latest in Street Wear.

Sports apparel was still popular, as people like the look and comfort of athletic-inspired gear. Licensed lines (NBA, NFL, MLB, college and universities, and many more) are ordered by not only sporting goods stores, but by the major department stores for their casual wear customers. This fashion look is predominately displayed at the exhibitions.

MAGIC brings a great deal of revenue and excitement to Las Vegas. Over the years, Las Vegas has become one of the famous places in the world to shop for unique and selective fashions. What better place than Las Vegas, the new crossroads of the world, to have the semi-annual MAGIC show? Everyone is highly anticipating the next MAGIC show in August of 2007. Right now, we are ready and set to go shopping! The current fashions will soon be in the stores for all to buy and wear and be in vogue.

Now, where are my charge cards? It's time to shop for the summer fashions have finally arrived in our favorite stores. Happy shopping everyone!!!