California Apparel News

California Apparel News spoke with Sam Ben-Avraham, president of Project, about what to expect for the next show, which will be held February 14–16 at the Venetian Hotel.

CAN: What’s new with Project?SB-A: We’ve taken one more hall in Las Vegas, from two to three halls. We’ve shifted all of the women’s collections from the existing location to the new hall. There will be about 20 percent more space in men’s for existing brands that want more space, and for new designers that want to come to Las Vegas. And of course much more space for women’s.

CAN: How many lines are you expecting?SB-A: We’re expecting 350 to 400 for women’s, and about 700 for men’s. It’s still mainly a men’s show, but where a lot of the denim is—like Raw 7 and Chip & Pepper—they’re showing both men’s and women’s.

CAN: Why are more women’s collections wanting to show at Project?SB-A: Because it’s so cool. Las Vegas is becoming a destination for one-stop shopping. It was before, but in the late ’90s it kind of lost its edge, when unique product began to change the retail environment, and Las Vegas didn’t offer that kind of product for a while. But now people are willing to take a risk and come and try it, and when they try it, they like it. We definitely had a good turnout last time.

CAN: How does Project differ from other shows?SB-A: The product assortment, the show’s design, the parties, the food—it’s different in so many ways. We innovate the show every season and go in a different direction. There’s an energy to the show because the way we merchandise is not only by category, it’s by the people behind the companies and making sure they all get along. People come in and they feel the vibe. It’s like going to a retailer: Stores with a good vibe make you feel like you want to buy.The show is also more cutting edge. We’re closer to the street because we come from a retail background. We understand the consumer and the buyer. We know what it’s like to be frustrated buyers traveling around the world. So we took the best elements of every trade show and put them together.

CAN: Is there trouble getting people to come to Project who are in Vegas for the other shows?SB-A: You mean the other way around, right? A serious buyer will spend at least two days on our show floor. There’s a lot of product out there, and to make decisions takes time.

CAN: Tell us about your opening-night party.SB-A: It will be a funky black-tie party at Tao.