As one of the most well-respected and diverse tradeshows, it’s no surprise that Agenda continues to draw brands and buyers. From its humble beginnings with only 30 brands with now more than 500+, the show continues to expand. And this year for the first time, the show featured a one-day only open to the public Agenda Festival, drawing fashion and music lovers in droves as it was headlined by some of today’s top artists including Tyler the Creator, Ludacris, Cam’ron and Lil Dicky. The Agenda Festival provided a platform of fashion meets music thanks to the 500+ pop-up shops for consumers to shop the “curated mall” of top brands in skate, surf, streetwear, and lifestyle, meet and greet their favorite athletes, explore the food truck alley and enjoy live musical performances.
We had the opportunity to attend and were fascinated by the wide range of brands and product offerings. While we can’t talk about them all, XOJohn spotted a few that caught our eye. Our favorites?
- Patagonia: A bigger brand that spans the lifestyle and surf culture, Patagonia has not drifted from its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, including giving 1% of sales to support environmental organizations around the world, funding at the grassroots level in countries and communities, as well as use natural and recycled fibers such as hemp and bluesign approved materials, a technology the company has employed since 2000 to evaluate and reduce resource consumption in the supply chain. The company showcased its new line of surf gear including Wavefarer board shorts and wetsuits.
- House of Marley: No one could resist the Marley-inspired trailer, complete with listening stations with some of their top-selling earth-friendly headphones. Built on the principles of superior quality, the House of Marley is committed to delivering best in class products that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment and reliability and support global charitable causes.
- Scratch Tracks/Fydelity Bags: Probably one of the “kitschy-iest” items we’ve ever seen, yet we couldn’t resist their huge backpacks that are almost the size of your body (and they have tested and a child can fit!). Owner (and Rok-it Specialist) Jason Entner, gave us the inside scoop on these gummy bear, donut, pineapples, metallic and other fun printed bags (they also make the iconic fanny packs, but they are cool enough for school): He was walking around tradeshows and created one a big a*$ backpack to be able to set up all of his merchandise for his booths. Then people started asking him if he sold them so he decided to create them and they became a thing. And yes, these big backpacks can be checked on your next flight!
- Chinese Laundry: A Los Angeles born and bred style icon for years, Chinese Laundry invited consumers to take a “Shoe-fie” with a choice of backgrounds for a chance to win Chinese Laundry gear. We just love the brand because we are shoe fanatics.
- Mobot: This water bottle doubles as a foam roller…um, yes! After those intense workouts, especially for all of us who are always on the go and city dwellers, Mobot has made it easy to get all the hydration and post-workout release you need. Their motto is to innovate, create and inspire, hydrate the mind, body, and spirit, and to change the way you move.
- Marsquest: CEO Mars Cai, the Ontario-based retailer, believes that sunglasses can still be of a superior quality at an affordable price. We love the funky and fun styles including Gold x Emerald, Black x Marine, Violet and Jet Black x Sunset.
- Icons of Culture: Icons of Culture is a premium, limited edition collection of custom-made apparel and accessories, with a focus on reintroducing a new audience of consumers to iconic people, places, names, and products through never-before-seen, hard-to-find, and quintessentially classic imagery. Basically, they’re bringing back the cool stuff we use to love like Ocean Pacific and Gotcha. You can find your favorite pieces in specialty boutiques and Urban Outfitters.
- MICHELLE by Comune: Los-Angeles headquartered MICHELLE by Comune offers a carefully curated collection of timeless fashion pieces designed to reflect the carefree lifestyle and attitude. The brand sold specialty Agenda tees which were a great way to also drive more in the mood shoppers to their store. The brand was created from the idea that following your dream should always be a priority and to create your own destiny.
- Nixon: Nixon’s fun watches and accessories can be interchanged to create a cool piece for your wrist. We love the brand’s versatility and ability to customize with unique colors. The brand was inspired by creating custom-built accessories for a life well lived.
- Jaeci: This Las Vegas based brand speaks to our soul with engraved inspiration phrases such as Journey. Aim. Experience. Create. Inspire. Discover. You can even find out your spirit animal through a short quiz to guide your jewelry selection from necklaces to bracelets and even for your furry friend.
Looking forward to catching the next Agenda to see what cool brands and styles will be on our radar next!
-Alyson S. Campbell