Agenda Winter 2016 Long Beach entrance. / Photo: © Kayla Reefer for SUSPEND Magazine.
I've heard a lot about Agenda and had heard from previous seasoned attendees that the trade show scene a few years ago was more thriving than recent ones. Needless to say, this was the first time SUSPEND attended and, with eager eyes and cameras, Kayla and I enjoyed the whole scene. What makes Agenda more interesting now, given the feedback and FOMO-inducing photos shared from past Agenda shows (since its inception in 2003), is that you already know who the heavy-hitting veteran exhibitors will be (ie. Diamond Supply Co., The Hundreds, CLSC, etc.) and it's kind of like going to an amusement park where you have a few mandatory attractions you can't miss out on.
Agenda Long Beach is the flagship show for the Agenda brand, and this year (our first year) did not disappoint. Kayla and I first met with DC Shoes and were given a firsthand preview of their upcoming Fall 2016 Collection including the SPT Cold War work boot with steel-toe construction – tested and approved by SPT™ (Snow Park Technologies; responsible for designing and building over 250 competition courses including all of the Winter X Games, ESPN winter events, etc.). We also previewed their '94 Collection, an homage to the founding year of the brand featuring jersey tanks, henleys, and fleece pants.
Matix Clothing
We spoke to the Matix team whose skate and surf cultivated lifestyle speaks seamlessly with their Fall 2016 collection – a classic mix of staples for those always on the go consisting of flannels, button-up woven shirts, Matix staple jackets (in army and black), as well as introducing the new Welder Classic Pants (chambray waistband/straight leg). Even more noteworthy are the Matix ambassadors in the skate, surf, and visualist category (props to Drew Martin for the catalogue imagery).
Poler Stuff
Kayla and I headed to the Poler booth, which was easy to spot with their Two Man Tent on-display. What was eye-catching was their Mega Camera Cooler on display which doubles as a fully insulated cooler (perfect for a 18-pack) as well as a removable padded customizable camera insert which then carries a DSLR with several lenses. Also adding to our Poler wish list is the goos down filled Women's Burnette Jacket (also available in Men's) offered in three colorways: Black, Forest Service Green, and Green Furry Camo.
Diamond Supply Co.
We met with Bana Bongolan, Head Women's Designer at Diamond Supply Co., where we chatted and caught up for a bit and previewed their upcoming collection.
incase™
Again, Kayla and I beelined it to the incase™ booth where we each started unzipping and trying on their Capture line of packs and bags for anyone who knows the importance of protecting one's (often times heavy) gear. We were shown the exclusive collaboration with Ari Marcopoulous, which includes a leather reversible ergonomic padded bag that can be worn across-the-body with a one-handed adjustment slack pull and a very useful side release buckle (for easy accessibility to lenses, and accessories inside). incase™ is also introducing a full line of action camera bags and accessories specifically tailored for GoPro®, with professional surfer Kelly Slater releasing his own Kelly Slater Pro Pack, ideal for fitting multiple GoPro® cameras and additional accessories in the Dolphin Gray color scheme. Slater also has his very own Kelly Slater H20 Accessory Organizer and H20 Mono Kit to carry the Dive Housing or Hero3® Housing.
Period Correct
Period Correct, founded by Bryan Calvero, launched just last April 2015 and won Breakout Brand Award at Agenda. Their minimalist collection was on display at Agenda's Enclave section – catering to premium street and men's contemporary collections. Hard to miss was the pristine vintage Alfa Romeo Italian sportscar on the floor. Period Correct redefines the influence of motorsports, car culture and automobiles with its modern pieces tailored for men.
Carrots by Anwar Carrots
Anwar Carrots’ “Dig For Victory” ground floor installation provoked economic and political thought – calling on World War II for inspiration. Specifically, Carrots referred to the October 1939 British Government’s “Dig for Victory” campaign which was a response to Britain’s wartime food shortages, with food constantly being seized by Nazi submarines and warships. British citizens fended for themselves by creating gardens wherever they could, using every spare piece of land available, to grow produce. Carrots’ mission statement hanging on one of his installation’s walls adds: “Even the moat at the Tower of London was used to grow vegetables.” Very clever indeed.
Champion
The long-time sports apparel and athleticwear company offered a unique custom embroidery service with Champion® hats and baseball tees. Airbrush artists were customizing pieces for guests. We met up with familiar face, Leland Aleem Fakir ("Momma's Hoopty").
Babylon
La Brea skate brand Babylon attracted the largest crowd with their skate ramp at Agenda's Enclave section.
More photos from Agenda Long Beach including Herschel, Hex Bags, pin company Sad Truth Supply and Yesterdays, as well as New Zealand eyewear brand Ovan:
Photos by Kayla Reefer and Text by Diane Abapo
Follow Kayla on Instagram at @kaylareefer
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