Drifter’s Bada Kim, left, and Kim Johnson at The Tents

Drifter’s Bada Kim, left, and Kim Johnson at The Tents

TRADE SHOW

Tents Covers Luxe Men’s Looks

Designer trade event The Tents ran Feb. 17–19 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center with a theme of “elevation.”

The small show displayed more than 100 brands, including 16 that were new to the 20,000-square-foot venue, said Ryan Crenshaw, the show’s director. The show’s exhibitors displayed looks that ranged from sportswear to the avant-garde.

The Tents veteran Agave displayed sportswear and denim. The Kooples exhibited looks ranging from suiting with contemporary looks to separates. Apolis displayed accessories such as bags, Oxford-style shirts and chinos. Beautiful Fül showed looks that were inspired by the trunks and robes worn by professional boxers. Drifter showed long, distressed T-shirts that were reminiscent of shirt-dresses.

Retailers shopping the show included Saks, Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew and American Rag. Independent boutiques such as Atrium; Canvas, based in Malibu, Calif.; and Revolve Clothing also were seen at the show.

Tents represented a trade show comeback for Beautiful Fül. The last time it exhibited at a trade show was in 2012, said Alejandro Rodriguez, the brand’s founder. Rodriguez took time off to hone the brand’s styles at its flagship store in downtown Los Angeles.

“You got to get a grip on where you are as a brand” before looking to exhibit at a high-profile trade show, he said. “Once you are confident, you can step up,” he said.