PROJECT & POOL
Las Vegas

Following up our first review on the MAGIC Tradeshows Empire! Below are the highlights of the PROJECT and POOL Tradeshows in from last February in Las Vegas.

Before entering THE TENTS, I had the opportunity to explore the PROJECT main floor. Outlined with some of the biggest contemporary brand names as well as premium denim, designer collections and now grooming brands, PROJECT has something for everyone. Taking full advantage of the access PROJECT allows, I got to rediscover some old favorites and a few new brands.

project las vegas
project las vegas
project las vegas
project las vegas
project las vegas
project las vegas
OUR FAVORITE
From Project

will leathergoods logo

Will Adler is the founder and creative force behind Will Leather Goods, a family-owned lifestyle brand based in Eugene, OR.

With over thirty years of experience in leather craft, Adler brings authenticity to every product he creates. A global traveller, Adler explores the world to discover unexpected materials and unique worldwide artisans to create the WILL collection.

WILL works with factories across the globe who are best suited to make each of our products; using the most steadfast construction methods to support our 100% lifetime guarantee.

WILL invites you to “Discover your Will” at our retail locations in Venice, CA, Nolita, NYC and Portland, OR along with premier retailers around the globe.

will leather goods vegas

My passion and purpose in life is to inspire people to be creative. I want to inspire people to be and feel creative in every aspect of their daily life.

will leather goods shop
will leather goods shop

Can you paint us a picture of the feeling, mood and energy behind this collection?
The line is designed to inspire creativity and ignite adventure, passion, and inspiration within our customers. Our design approach is rooted in using unexpected materials that are found from around the world and crafted into wearable art. We seek inspiration from nature and the laidback sensibility of our home state, Oregon, while highlighting worldwide artistry.

What’s your history with menswear and how did you initially get involved?
I started in the industry over 30 years ago, when my brother Robert Adler, a veteran retailer from Detroit, suggested opening a belt stand on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. At the time, I was an actor in Hollywood and the infamous SAG strike of 1981 was happening. I was newly married to my wife Sandy with our first son, Luke, on the way, and needed a way to make a buck in order to support them. After several years of growing my belt business and eventually selling it, I moved my family to Eugene, OR where I began designing and developing leather goods for labels including Levi’s, Dockers and Columbia.  In 2004, Nike, Inc. granted its first outside license, giving me the right to design, manufacture and sell Nike Golf and Tiger Woods accessories. In 2009, I was able to reignite my passion for creating beautiful products with the launch of our brand Will Leather Goods.

What do you want everyone to know about this line?
My passion and purpose in life is to inspire people to be creative. I want to inspire people to be and feel creative in every aspect of their daily life. I believe that even the simplest, most routine activities in life can create a spark within someone that can lead to a great idea or revelation. I hope that our line fuels people’s inspiration through their journey of life.

What type of customer is the Will Leather Goods man?
We’re finding that our man is independent thinker. He doesn’t follow he leads – with his approach to style he is not trend driven. He’s casual, laidback and loves being outside. He’s a gentleman and appreciates fine things in life. He’s traveled, but loves being home with the family. He’s determined and passionate about the things in life he cares most about.

How would you describe your aesthetic in 3 words?
Effortless. Unexpected. Timeless.

Where are you made and what is your price point?
Our products are crafted around the world by some of the most talented and respected artisans and industry leaders, who are revered for their skill and expertise. The teams that we work with in the USA, China, and Mexico help us to create both quality and authentic product that we can stand behind and that can be utilized by our customers for a lifetime. Our price points range per collection, with small leather accessories starting at $45 dollars to exceptionally made leather bags for $995.

What trends are you embracing for the upcoming year?
I like to say that our brand doesn’t seek to be on “trend.” Instead, I design products that are innovative and creative, for example bags made out of Oaxacan rugs from Mexico, so the consumer experiences a product that stands out from the rest.

pooltradeshow logo

Visiting POOLTRADESHOW, which is part of MAGIC , was a great opportunity to discover  ‘unconventional’ talent and brands. From their cash and carry booths where you can purchase anything from artisanal jewelry and scarves to the afternoon happy hour, the show was very unique and a nice way to round out my three day experience during Las Vegas market week. Please below for our Q&A from one of the trendsetting brands found at the show.

pooltradeshow lasvegas
pooltradeshow lasvegas
pooltradeshow lasvegas
pooltradeshow lasvegas
pooltradeshow lasvegas
pooltradeshow lasvegas
OUR FAVORITE
From Pool

local branch logo

The Local Branch is a lifestlye brand with a story. We are Explorers. Travelers. Makers. Pioneers. And we’re here to forge a new path. A path with a focus on well-crafted artisan goods made by hand in the USA – in fact, made throughout the USA. The Local Branch “Made Throughout America” is a collection of unique apparel, leather goods, accessories, and more, inspired by our travels across the varied landscapes of our great nation.
Every product is tagged with a description of the inspiration behind it and the exact American location in which it was created, giving every item a truly unique heritage.

local branch lifestyle

The Local Branch customer appreciates craftsmanship, values the story that comes with our products, seeks innovation in design and relishes in adventure – like we do

_TheLocalBranch_After
Local Branch portrait

Can you paint us a picture of the feeling, mood and energy behind this collection?
The Local Branch is an artisan lifestyle brand with a focus on handcrafted, USA-made goods with a spirit rooted in classic Americana and historical influences.

What’s your history with menswear and how did you initially get involved?
There are limited choices and options for men on the market – since half of our two person team is male, it was natural for us to develop and create our own take on goods for guys. We design for ourselves, so if Blaine is looking for something that he can’t find, we make it… then we take it out to the world and see if other guys are looking for it too.

What do you want everyone to know about this line?
Our goods are handcrafted by the two of us, out of our mobile Airstream workshop. We travel full-time and make everything on the road. We tag our goods with the inspiration and exact location in which they were made throughout our travels – giving every item a truly unique heritage.

What type of customer is the Local Branch man/woman?
The Local Branch customer appreciates craftsmanship, values the story that comes with our products, seeks innovation in design and relishes in adventure – like we do.

How would you describe your aesthetic in 3 words?
Americana, Rustic & Folk

Where are you made and what is your price point?
The Local Branch is made throughout America (see above)
Our prices range from $20 – $240

What trends are you embracing for the upcoming year?
– Festival Fashion
– Camp / Outdoor / Adventurer goods & gear

www.thelocalbranch.co

local branch collection
local branch collection
local branch collection
local branch collection
local branch collection
local branch collection

More Information on
PROJECT & POOL

Photo credit: Jonathan Hökklo


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