TCD students experience MAGIC Las Vegas

09 Mar 2009    

TCD majors Melanie (“Rosie”) Brazeal, Christal Swenson, Kelley Murray and Cashmere Boehle ‘on the town’ in Las Vegas during MAGIC 2009

In February four TCD undergraduates,Cashmere Boehle (apparel design), Christal Swenson (merchandising), KelleyMurray (merchandising) and Melanie Brazeal (merchandising) were selected to accompany TCD Professional Advisory member Mercedes Gonzalez of Global Purchasing Group, Inc. in New York City at the MAGIC Marketplace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MAGIC is the preeminent trade event in the international fashion industry, hosting global buyers and sellers of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, accessories and sourcing resources. As an incubator of fashion, MAGIC is where new trends surface and develop into what will be seen on the consumer. The show’s goal is to connect and inspire the fashion community, fuse diverse trends, while offering unbeatable service to its customers. Mercedes Gonzales, whose firm helps apparel startups source product and who advises new retailers entering the industry, provides an opportunity twice yearly for TCD students to gain hands-on experience in the intense atmosphere that is MAGIC.

Melanie (“Rosie”) Brazeal on assignment for Mercedes Gonzalez in the Judy Hazbun booth at MAGIC

Kelley Murray reported back about her MAGIC experience: “I learned a lot of information about what is happening in the apparel business world right now. Mercedes gave me a lot of really useful information for me to start up a boutique of my own. I learned a lot more on what it is really like to own your own boutique and how much work it really is. It was great to get to know some of Mercedes’ clients from Guatemala and hear how business is doing there, and learn about the cultural differences.”

Melanie Brazeal was equally enthusiastic: “It was a wonderful opportunity; I’m so grateful to have been able to experience MAGIC before starting my career in the field of merchandising. The workshops were very informational, especially those conducted by Mercedes herself. She is a brilliant woman and mentor, and it was a privilege to work with her.” She continued: “As a TCD student, it has greatly benefited me to be given the opportunity to experience MAGIC prior to beginning my career in retail. It has allowed me to preview the areas of retail that interest me most: buying, wholesale, and visual merchandising. Although overwhelming and fast-paced, MAGIC offers a variety of possibilities targeted to suit any individual. The fashion shows, workshops, and most importantly, interactions between the diverse masses of people, contributes to the overall visual stimulation and excitement evoked by MAGIC. Millions of dollars go into the preparation and presentation of MAGIC each year and this is evident as soon as you walk through the door. The experience truly put my knowledge and skills of this field to the test. Overall, I was thrilled to be a part of the community known as MAGIC, and I will continue to promote andsupport the development of fashion that MAGIC strives to share with the world.” Like other TCD majors who’ve had the privilege to attend MAGIC, Melanie confirms its value in terms of both inspiration and the realities of the apparel business.

Kelley Murray and Christal Swenson share a moment ‘off the clock’at MAGIC

The next MAGIC takes place in August 2009. Interested TCD majors are encouraged to look for an e-mail call for applications in early summer.