THE FUTURE IS now, according to industry chatter at the 35th annual Licensing Expo, which took place in Las Vegas June 9-11. Looking ahead, licensing execs confirmed the continuing importance of digital platforms as a showcase for new and existing brands. One example? AwesomenessTV, a teen- focused YouTube channel, recently started a consumer products division to capitalize on merchandising concepts inspired by its roster of teen TV stars. A sign

The foundation of the fashion industry has been built on brands and retailers persuading women to re-fill their closets, investing in “must haves” each season. But this premise is losing ground as consumers realize they need neither brand new outfits to look stylish nor follow the fashion dictates of magazine editors. The Internet is filled with blogs and Instagram feeds to get ideas aplenty. Shoppers are flocking to online consignment