Footwear Industry Embraces Magic's FN PLATFORM as Tremendous Growth Continues

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Solidifying its reputation as the fastest-growing, largest and most comprehensive collection of branded footwear in North America, FN PLATFORM at MAGIC will support its tremendous growth by moving to a more spacious home in the Las Vegas Convention Center's South Hall, adjacent to WWDMAGIC.  Just one year since its launch last February, FN PLATFORM will welcome over 35 percent growth for its February 2011 show, showcasing more than 1,250 new brands from women's, men's, juniors and children's footwear.  With its new location, FN PLATFORM will also feature its own lobby, registration and transportation options.

"A while back, we saw an opportunity to provide a more relevant and meaningful national footwear event on the west coast.  We are thrilled that more and more people at the forefront of the industry have embraced FN PLATFORM," said Chris DeMoulin, MAGIC International President and Executive Vice President of Advanstar's Fashion Group. "Our overall format is more reflective of the way people are doing business today and MAGIC is the only destination that allows buyers to shop more classifications than ever before."  

FN PLATFORM's format remains the same – with everyone from Georgina Goodman, B by Brian Atwood, Primigi, Clarks, Geox and Johnston & Murphy – under one roof.  In addition, themed lounges and turnkey booth packages maximize the experience for both retailers and exhibitors, and ensure that the focus is on product first and foremost. FN PLATFORM is comprised of five unique lifestyle environments showcasing distinctive market categories: Cosmo (women's fashion footwear), Camp (athleisure, lifestyle casual), Bond (men's collections), Zen (men's and women's euro-comfort), and InPlay (junior's and children's).

Complementing FN PLATFORM's intent to keep things fresh are several new elements to this year's show, including an intriguing opening night party.  FN PLATFORM will kick off with an opening night "Shoe Chef" Party, ala Iron Chef, in conjunction with the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA).  Held at the FN PLATFORM Cafe, the party will feature a celebrity emcee and three footwear executive teams competing to assemble decadent shoe-themed desserts out of cake, ice cream and more.  Each team will be judged by an industry panel, including some of the most respected names in the footwear industry.  "Shoe Chef" winner will receive a donation in his or her honor to a charity of choice, as well as a contribution to Two Ten Footwear Foundation, a charitable foundation offering Financial Assistance, Counseling, Community Resources and Scholarships to those working in the industry.

Other show highlights include:

• FN Magazine Lounge - hosted by Footwear News Magazine, the lounge features celebrity interviews, appearances, etc.
• Industry Seminars – complimentary industry seminars by the most respected names in the industry including Richard Darling, President of Li & Fung USA's Global Brand Business Group and Rick Paterno, President of Nine West.
• Celebrity Corner – a VIP area for celebrities interested in launching his or her footwear line to meet with footwear industry executives.
• Footsteps – located upstairs from the show floor at South Hall, this newly expanded area features some of the best in fast -fashion footwear and contract manufacturing.
• MAGIC Invitational Golf Tournament – now presented in conjunction with USRA.

About FN PLATFORM

FN PLATFORM is a joint venture of Advanstar Communications, Fairchild Fashion Group and Footwear News, and debuted in February 2010, under the direction of Leslie Gallin, Vice President, Footwear for Advanstar's Fashion Group. FN PLATFORM takes place during MAGIC from February 14 – 16, 2011, at The Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, please visit www.fnplatform.com.

About MAGIC

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

SOURCE MAGIC