Back in October, we got an early look at LAUNCH LA -- a new surf and sport industry trade show that's on the lookout for fresh, young labels, products and services. The minds behind LAUNCH assembled a panel of jurors to approve brands to exhibit at the show. And yesterday, the first batch of approved exhibitors was announced. Who made the cut?

According to Surfline, so far 20 brands have been approved to exhibit at the exclusive July 25 - 26, 2012 show. Let's take a look at the exhibitors:
Aether
Ambsn
Baxter Of California
Field Notes
Freedom Artists
Grover
Howe
Incipio
KissinCussin (Australia)
Krochet Kids
Lifetime Collective
Lightning Bolt
Reigning Champ
Seea Swimwear
SLVDR
Stance
Tallow
Tavik Swimwear
The Furies
Wellen
Don't recognize any of these brands? That's because they've been hand-picked to be part as LAUNCH as an "alternative to the trade shows currently available on the West Coast." The panel of experts is choosing exhibitors based on "quality, design and originality." This is all to ensure that LAUNCH includes the best possible products from the fashion labels, accessory and footwear brands, lifestyle and action sports promotional items, and much more.
There are 130 more spots for young, emerging labels to get a chance to exhibit. Keep an eye out in the coming months for additional accepted brands!
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