LAS VEGAS TO BE DEVELOPED AS A HUB
FOR FASHION DESIGNERS

Already having two world class shopping centers and two huge industry trade shows, a newly created Las Vegas Fashion Design Council seeks to develop Vegas as a center where fashion designers seek to create, manufacture and market their products.

For its first project, the council is planning a Las Vegas Fashion Week to be held in August. Fashion is a 20 billion dollar industry according to statistics from the University of Delaware, bringing in almost two billion dollars each year to New York alone.

This "fashion hub" could be a huge job creator in the area. The MAGIC show, held twice a year in Vegas, (Men's Apparel Guild) itself brings in thousands of industry folks.

About 85 percent of apparel manufactured in the U.S. comes from California which makes Las Vegas appealing due to its proximity, plus low tax rates and rents could entice designers and manufacturers to move to Nevada, potentially creating thousands of JOBS.

Young designers have benefited already from networking with other Las Vegas designers, being taught tailoring techniques and tips to make them more efficient.

Right now, young Vegas designers are working on spring men's and women's collection and a line of UNISEX T-shirts, with more to come.

Las Vegas sorely needs concepts like this to diversify its economy. Being the convention capital, other industries could follow suit.

Irv