J.A. Uniforms President Alex Arencibia talks shop at last week’s MAGIC MARKET WEEK trade show.

Each year the fashion industry gathers for three days in Las Vegas to take part in the nation’s most comprehensive fashion marketplace. Despite being dubbed MAGIC, an acronym for Men’s Apparel Guild in California, the show is not limited to menswear. In fact, it casts its net much wider, uniting suppliers, brands and retailers eager to present consumers with the finest in fashion products for men and women of every age and size.

Yesterday, I returned from my annual trek to Sin City, brimming with fresh inspiration and a variety of fabric-sourcing contacts.

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of uniforms, J.A. Uniforms leverages this show to stay abreast of developments in the world of fashion.

For some, the connection between fashion and uniforms isn’t immediately evident. And, I suppose this should come as no surprise.  When one thinks of fashion, one thinks of catwalks and svelte runway models. It’s more couture than uniforms.

But where do uniform designs originate?

Why, on the runway, of course. To some extent, as styling cues and trends evolve, they work their way into the broader landscape of apparel.  It’s no accident that you’ll see fewer waiters donning skinny ties as broader ties dominate the catwalks, ushering in the next trend to sweep menswear.

At J.A. Uniforms we’ve long held that we can assure our relevance in an ever-evolving industry by staying abreast of changes in fabrics, patterns, colors, styles and technology. After all, who wants to purchase a garment that snags easily and doesn’t breathe well when a light-weight breathable fabric can keep your employees cool and dry while resisting tears. And why invest in a valet uniform that fades under the blazing sun when advances in color-fastness exist.

Just as the MAGIC trade show provides first-hand exposure to the latest in fabrics and materials, it affords ready access to factory-direct purchasing and factory-direct pricing. The latter enables J.A. Uniforms to price competitively and better serve its customers.

As expected, this year’s show covered all the bases:

-  The latest innovations in fabrics? Check.
-  One-stop factory-direct sourcing? Check. 
-  A peak at the latest style trends? Check.

So just what were a few of the latest fashion trends on display?

Bohemian inspired fashion was easy to spot. Earthy tones and fringe. So too were dramatic sleeves serving as focal points.

The sleeves really piqued my interest. As it happens, I’m designing an elegant front-desk jacket for a hotel client. Featuring a mandarin collar and a hidden-button placket, the distinctive black jacket is punctuated by red lower sleeves that impart an urbane feel.

I’m not sure how, or if, today’s bohemian fashion will work its way into the design of hotel uniforms. For now, though, I’m energized by the newfound focus on sleeves.  Which reminds me, I’d better roll up my own sleeves and get back to the drawing table.

-Alex Arencibia