FN PLATFORM Hits the Ground Running

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 500 exhibiting brands already committed, 60,000 square feet of amazing space, special events set in motion, MAGIC keynote with Zappos' CEO Tony Hsieh, and sure fire buyer attendance – the launch of FN PLATFORM will be the footwear event of the year!

Designed to complement and expand the MAGIC Marketplace experience, FN PLATFORM is the first show outside of Milan to bring such an expansive range of footwear in one show. Never before has such a variety of footwear been paired with an equally comprehensive range of apparel under one roof, for both footwear and ready-to-wear buyers to shop all the trends at once.

"This will be a historic event for the footwear industry, uniting the market from head to toe," says Chris DeMoulin, President of MAGIC International and Executive Vice President, Advanstar Fashion Group.  "Buyer response has been overwhelming, and brands can expect great energy and record attendance." 

What to Expect:

Exhibitors & Layout: FN PLATFORM will be broken down into five lifestyle departments, each anchored with a visually stunning lounge that corresponds to vibe of the footwear category it represents:

COSMO- Women's Fashion Footwear

Sophisticated, chic and adorned in chandeliers, The COSMO lounge will include exhibitors such as Stuart Weitzman, Ted Baker, Donald J. Pliner, Ralph Lauren, L.A.M.B., Juicy Couture, kate spade, Missoni, Elizabeth & James and Cynthia Vincent.

CAMP-Men's and Women's Athleisure/Euro Trend/Lifestyle Casual/Americana

For those that seek adventure, the CAMP lounge is sure to put you in the mood to discover the latest trends. Sample exhibitors include Palladium, Sperry Topsiders, K-Swiss, Hunter Boots, Lacoste, UES, Superga, K-Swiss and Fossil.

BOND- Men's Collections

Suave, sophisticated and debonair, BOND's lounge will be a distinguished alpha-male heaven.  Sample exhibitors include Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, Neil M., Calvin Klein Men's, HUGO, Bruno Magli, Hudson and Kenneth Cole New York.

ZEN-Men's & Women's Comfort

True to its' namesake the Zen lounge will be a spa-like environment designed for buyer -rejuvenation. Sample exhibitors include Naturalizer, Easy Spirit, Sofft, Medici, Crocs, Tommy Bahama  and Isola.

INPLAY-Junior's and Children's

Playful, with a touch of whimsy, the INPLAY lounge is designed for interaction.  From the Candy Bar to the wi-fi stations, buyers can stop by to reacquaint themselves with their inner child.  Sample exhibitors include Stride Rite, DV by Dolce Vita, Jessica Simpson Kids, N.Y.L.A., Poetic License, Diesel Kids, Dollhouse, Zigi and XOXO.

Not To Be Missed:

MAGIC Marketplace Keynote with Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos

• Delivering Happiness
• Wednesday Feb 17th at 9am – Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N254

Under his leadership, Zappos has grown gross merchandise sales from $1.6M in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2008 by focusing relentlessly on customer service.  Tony will share his thoughts on establishing balance among four basic human needs: perceived progress, perceived control, relatedness, and a connection to a larger vision. While other innovators in the corporate world focus on creating more high tech gadgets, Tony prefers to focus on the human side of business.  

Opening Night Charity Bowling Extravaganza:

February 16th 2010, 7:30-11:00pm, The Orleans Bowling Lanes

FN PLATFORM will kick off the show with a charity event benefiting footwear charity YP210 (YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF Two Ten).  Two Ten is committed to strengthening the footwear community with financial, social and educational support and services while nurturing community building and volunteerism. Tickets available online at twoten.org and at the door.

Anniversary/ Milestone Celebration

February 17th 2010, 2pm – FN PLATFORM Lounge

FN PLATFORM HONORS THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY AND THOSE WHO ARE CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONES IN 2010.  CAKE FOR EVERYONE…...   Incredible brands like Steve Madden, Sperry Topsider and Donald J. Pliner will be celebrating milestone anniversaries from 5-75 years.

About FN PLATFORM

FN PLATFORM is a comprehensive event for Men's, Women's and Children's footwear, FN PLATFORM is a joint venture of Advanstar Communications, Fairchild Fashion Group and Footwear News.

About MAGIC

Every August and February, the fashion industry converges in Las Vegas for the most influential event in the business – the MAGIC Marketplace. 2010 launches MAGIC's dual campuses at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.  The February 2010 MAGIC Marketplace will run from February 16 – 18.  For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information, please visit www.magiconline.com.  

SOURCE MAGIC International; FN PLATFORM