Due to its extremely low level of sophistication, Las Vegas will never be my favourite city. Yet every six months, I jet in to judge the next hot retail trends. I owe my readers the latest fashion news before it happens and the Magic Tradeshow is the best gauge for what they will see in stores for the next season.

This trip is different. Rather than sit back and trendspot, I have a prized news magazine assignment. My mandate: investigate fashion industry ties to organized crime. Finally, editors are recognizing my writing talent. This article could take my career into different directions. I could be the fashion reporter with a purpose; a more fashionable and definitely more sophisticated Lois Lane.

Now, what to wear when interviewing Las Vegas crime bosses? Sunglasses and a trenchcoat? A suit worthy of a Hitchcock Blonde?