Las Vegas Weekly

February 17, 2009 · 6:04 PM

Big names on labels and off at MAGIC

By Melissa Arseniuk

The first installment of MAGIC 2009 got underway at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Feb. 17.

Photo: Melissa Arseniuk

Forget London, Milan, Paris and New York: Las Vegas is the epicenter of the fashion world this week.

The twice-yearly MAGIC fashion industry trade show got underway this morning and while the show’s swag, celebrities and soirées may be somewhat scaled back due to the nasty global recession thing that’s going around, the event is still packing both star power and post-show fun.

Among the MAGIC buyers, designers and other industry insiders today were hip hop pioneer and Def Jam Records icon Russell Simmons, actor Charlie Sheen and actor-comedian Chris Tucker.

Simmons put in an appearance on behalf of Argyle Culture, which is one of his fashion labels. (He is also the driving force behind Phat Farm urban wear.)

Sheen stopped by the Defiance mega booth from 1 until 3 p.m., while Tucker strode out on his own and checked out the new styles on display on the tradeshow floor.

In addition to today’s star sightings, actor-rapper Common will put in some face time at the convention tomorrow morning. The Grammy Award winner is expected to pop by the Microsoft booth on Wednesday at around 10 a.m.

The three-day fashion industry event is being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is reserved for fashion designers, buyers and suppliers only; the event is closed to the public.

The parties, however, are open for everyone. Click here for the full rundown of fashionable bashes.

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