The Vegas Affair – JCK Trends

By the close of the first day of the JCK Vegas Show, several trends were apparent. Most of these trends have been around for while, for example, the overuse of rhinestones in tee-shirts is not only acceptable but positively encouraged whilst walking the show.

Drinking a 36 oz cocktail at 9am is also quite a common sight, especially if it comes inside a plastic flamingo. Thirdly and hardly unexpected is that of contrasting opinions on how the opening day was.

This year, the show opened on Saturday as opposed to the traditional Friday kick off in deference to the observation of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Saturday is normally one of the busiest days of the show, this year, though walking through some of the themed pavilions (the Plumb Club, the Prestige Pavilion, the Design Pavilion) it did appear to be quieter than usual, although many exhibitors were noting that pre-set appointments were indicating that they were in for a strong five-day event.

Another interesting trend over and above the rhinestones, cocktails and contradicting reports is that of the turnout of celebrities. A slew of b-list (reality T.V. stars most notably) celebrities are in Vegas, not for the launch of a new night-club or the proverbial envelope, but rather for the launch of jewelry and watch lines bearing their  endorsement. Randy Jackson, Nicky Hilton and Kathy Ireland are just a few of the famous faces wearing a JCK badge in the hype product differentiation.

So far weighing up initial reports, together with pre-show expectations and attendee registrations the verdict today, in the immortal words of Randy Jackson himself, "we got a hot one here America."