High-resolution - Attire Accessories magazine

ATTIRE
MARCH/APRIL 2015
ISSUE 51
A touch of
GLASS
The latest eyewear on
the market
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Accessories
Show previews
• INDX • British Craft
Trade Fair
COSTUME
DRAMA
The best statement
jewellery pieces
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6
£
worth of Pearls
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Pulse exclusive
Handbag trends
for 2015
Secret Emporium showcase
PLUS
• EXPERT ADVICE
• INDUSTRY NEWS
• BRAND NEW PRODUCTS
WWW.ATTIREACCESSORIES.COM
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CONTENTS
Contents
90
REGULARS
9 Editor’s letter
What to look out for this issue
10 Industry news
Get the low-down on the latest
happenings in accessories retail
16 On with the show
All of the latest trade show news,
dates and developments
18 BTAA news
Paul Yates brings us a round-up of
the association’s news
21 Competition
Win a pearl necklace worth
£600 RRP courtesy of Pearls
of the Orient
PROFILES
93
68 What a carry on
Jacquie Sandison of Brand Agility
reveals what led her to set up the
accessories supplier
22 Brand spanking new
The hottest new products to hit
the market
90 Best dressed
Deryane Tadd, Owner of award-winning
boutique The Dressing Room, tells all
about the St Albans high street highlight
93 All the answers
Our industry experts answer your
retail queries
16
106 Get kitsched
Ladybird Likes founder Zoe Bateman
tells us how she turned her passion for
car boot sale treasures into a successful
retro-inspired jewellery label
68
22
ATTIRE 5 ·
41
96
FEATURES
38 Insurance solutions
Broker TH March addresses queries and
concerns about insurance
41 Totes amaze
The hottest handbag trends for 2015
98
SHOWS
55 Chain attraction
This season’s key jewels and gems
29 Independently speaking
A preview of INDX’s Accessories &
Travel Goods show
73 Shoe love
Our pick of the footwear consumers will
be lusting over
49 Hands down
A sneak peek at British Craft Trade Fair’s
line-up of designer-makers
77 Take the frame
We look at the best eyewear labels
63 Finger on the pulse
We celebrate the launch of Pulse’s
collaboration with fashion talent mavens
Secret Emporium with an exclusive look
at the designers confirmed for
the showcase
81 Mirrorball miracles
The best evening extras to complement
your partywear look
87 Smarter marketing with
e-receipts
David Fairhurst of Intelligent Retail
discusses the benefits of replacing the
traditional paper document
96 Going grey
While the Fifty Shades of Grey craze
continues apace, pay a more literal
homage to the versatile tonal palette of
the colour with a few accents to enhance
your shop floor
98 Protect the © in new design
ACID’s Dids MacDonald discusses how
to protect your designs
6 ATTIRE
63
Come and see the new Autumn Winter collection
at INDX show 21st – 23rd April
T. 01484 475800
E. [email protected]
EDITOR’S LETTER
Cover image courtesy of Fiorelli at Gecko Jewellery
www.geckojewellery.co.uk
ATTIRE
Accessories
MARCH/APRIL 2015
MANAGING EDITOR
Jo Fletcher-Cross +44 (0)1376 535 611
DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR
Rosie Orgles
EDITOR
Laura Sutherland
+44 (0)1376 535 613
[email protected]
CHIEF SUB EDITOR Stephen Ducker
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER
Robert Clark +44 (0)1376 514 000
[email protected]
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Claire Rogers +44 (0)1376 535 600
[email protected]
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Scott Brothwell +44 (0)1376 535 616
[email protected]
DEPUTY PRODUCTION MANAGER
Sarah Young +44 (0)1376 535 616
[email protected]
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Alex Bolton, Stephanie Hodder
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Charlotte Potter
WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Stuart Weatherley
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Kay Tilbury, Cheri Love
+44 (0)1376 514 000
KD Media Publishing Limited
Pantile House, Newlands Drive,
Witham, Essex CM8 2AP
www.attireaccessories.com
ISSN 1758-0919
Attire Accessories is solely owned, published and designed
Spring forward
Although it may still
feel a bit nippy in the
mornings, the arrival
of the lighter nights
is a sign that spring is
on its way once again,
and with it comes a
parade of sugary pastels,
summer sandals and diaphanous layers.
However, for those of us in the fashion
industry, it’s now time to concentrate on
autumn/winter’s offerings. Following the
overwhelming success of Spring Fair, Pure
London, Moda, Scoop International and the
explosion of thought-provoking trends at
London Fashion Week, I feel a real sense of
optimism in the retail sector.
To keep this mood buoyant, we’re giving
you readers an exclusive sneak preview
of design talent scout Secret Emporium’s
Pulse showcase. The show is set for a bold
overhaul this year, and I can’t wait to see
how this trend-leading exhibition evolves.
We’re also offering up a bumper selection
of product features to ensure that you’re in
the know about all the key styles, emerging
brands and hot products for the season
ahead. Best-sellers such as handbags and
jewellery are covered, as well the more niche
market of eyewear.
Pride in homegrown design continues to
be at the forefront of the style agenda, and
no event is a better reflection of this than
the British Craft Trade Fair, now in its 39th
year. Check out our preview on page 49.
We also highlight the ever-growing indie
show, INDX, which has added a host of new
names to its roster.
As well as our show previews, regular
features, and interviews, we take a look at
the best footwear on display at the February
shows. This issue’s competition prize of an
exquisite pearl necklace worth £600 RRP
comes courtesy of jewellery label Pearls of
the Orient.
Laura
Laura Sutherland
Editor
Shoe trends,
page 73
by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort
was made to ensure the information in this magazine was
correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot
accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions,
Editor’s pick
nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of
Although I opt for modernist lines and
simple silhouettes in my wardrobe, when
it comes to my accessories, the kookier the
better. After encountering Ladybird Likes
at Top Drawer last year, I haven’t been able
to get Zoe’s kitsch birds out of my mind.
I’ll be snapping up one of these cute collar
pieces to give my grown-up wardrobe a bit
of childlike whimsy for spring.
advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views
expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
Attire Accessories is published six times a year. Subscription
rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p),
Cheques should be made
out to KD Media Publishing
Limited and sent to
Attire Accessories, Pantile
House, Newlands Drive,
Witham, Essex
CM8 2AP.
ATTIRE 9
Industry news
FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW IN FASHION
ACCESSORIES RETAILING
Spring Fair’s Fashion sector rebranded for 2016
The organiser of Spring Fair, i2i
Events Group, has announced
that its crucial Fashion sector
– formerly Fashion Jewellery,
Accessories & Luggage – has been
rebranded for the 2016 event.
Fashion at Spring Fair
incorporates hundreds of the
most renowned and respected
companies in the fashion trade,
with more accessories brands and
relevant buyers under one roof
than any other UK show.
i2i Events Group Divisional
Director Retail, Louise Young,
comments: “We’re incredibly
excited to be re-editing and
rebranding our fashion offering for 2016. Spring Fair is the strongest
British show in this sector and we are keen to reflect that in both the
look and feel of the exhibition and our marketing and PR messaging
around the event.
“Spring Fair is far and away the best transactional buying show in
the UK retail calendar, and it’s the ideal launch platform for fashion
suppliers with great new product to bring to market. The 2016
presentation will include a brand new, carefully curated mid to highend area that will offer innovative products for discerning buyers within
this sector.”
To be located in Halls 19 and 20, Fashion at Spring Fair will be home
to a product mix that takes in the full range of accessories, luggage and
costume jewellery, including handbags, purses, scarves, shawls, T-shirts,
belts, gloves, hats, suitcases, travel accessories and iPad cases
Visitors can look forward to seeing the latest new products from
some of the biggest names in the business, such as Radley, Jackie Brazil,
Smith & Canova, Tula, Nova Leathers, Joe Cool UK, Boardman Bros,
No Tail, Design Go and Bessie handbags.
One of the most stunning Spring Fair features, the Fashion Catwalk,
will be located within this sector of the exhibition. Runway shows will
take place three times a day, bringing forward-thinking, fashion-focused
inspiration based on key seasonal macro-trends.
Key fashion retailers who attended Spring Fair 2015 to source new
collections include: Fenwick, Joy, John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, Planet
and New Look.
For more information and to register for free visit the website
www.springfair.com.
10 ATTIRE
CLASSIC CANES WELCOMES NATASHA
BAKER MBE AS BRAND AMBASSADOR
Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has appointed
Natasha Baker MBE, double Paralympic gold medal winner
and walking stick user, as a brand ambassador.
Managing Partner Charlotte Gillan explains, “Natasha
is the perfect choice. She shows that using a walking stick
can be a glamorous fashion
statement, whatever your age
or occupation. Her high profile
and her talent for coordinating
her walking sticks with her
outfits mean she’ll show off her
wardrobe of Classic Canes sticks
to their best possible advantage.”
To view the brand’s full
range of collections, visit
www.classiccanes.co.uk.
New panel of experts to curate Pulse
Pulse will be curated by a new panel of market leading
experts whose role is to source new and exclusive products,
highlighting the very latest trends, emerging talent and
directional brands for you to buy. The experts will provide
business insight all year round – offering smart and
educational advice via video blogs and articles online.
Joining the show’s panel are Katie Law, design writer for
the Evening Standard; David Nicholls, Features Director at
House and Garden; Claire Foster, fashion trend expert; Trend
Bible, interiors and lifestyle trend agency; and The Indytute,
master curators and retail gurus. For more information, visit
www.pulse-london.com.
Turn to page 63 for an exclusive look at design talent
scouts Secret Emporium’s collaboration with Pulse.
READERS’ POLL
What we’ve learnt from the latest reader poll at www.attireaccessories.com
We asked: For this poll, we’ve taken inspiration from Pure London’s sticker
survey. What quality do you most value when sourcing new products?
You said:
Originality: 60%
Authenticity: 25%
Functionality: 5%
Ethics: 10%
Echo Design rebrands
International fashion and accessories label Echo Design is
celebrating its heritage with the introduction of a new brand
identity that embraces its history spanning more than 90 years,
while looking to the future.
The new logo will be featured on labels, hangtags, packaging
and marketing for products across all categories, rolling out
in August 2015 with the arrival of the autumn/winter 2015
collections in-store. Echo’s products include scarves, bags, cold
weather accessories, outerwear and swimwear, as well as home
decor products.
Designed by Marty Weiss and Friends NYC, Echo’s new logo
draws from the original cursive Echo logo from 1923, which
appears in the centre. Above is the addition of a spotted zebra
that has “changed her stripes” – giving a nod to the brand’s
heritage of print and pattern, as well as its playful, “never take
yourself too seriously” attitude. Underneath the zebra and the
cursive Echo, is NEW YORK EST. 1923, to reflect Echo’s 90+
years headquartered in New York City. A layered hangtag will
include Echo’s new logo, as well as a brief brand story that begins
with a two-word sentence: The scarf – the original product for the
brand. Echo Design’s extensive expertise in textiles, colour, print
and pattern from its decades-long singular focus on scarves,
enhances the
development of all
its products today.
“We’re thrilled
to celebrate our
heritage while
enjoying all that
is new and fresh
at Echo. Scarves
and accessories have
inspired our design
and fashion for over
90 years. Today we’re
embracing the new,
modern consumer who lives in a 24/7 and very connected world.
The branding initiative parallels what we’re doing in product and
merchandising directly and with our great retail partners,” says
Steven Roberts, Chief Executive Officer at Echo.
The brand is carried in over 2,500 department and specialty
stores across North America, 120 stores across Europe and over
25 countries around the world.
To find out more, visit the website www.echodesigns.com.
MICHAEL ACTON SMITH AT SPRING FAIR
Mind Candy and Firebox
founder Michael Acton
Smith OBE was a keynote
speaker at the e-commerce
seminar feature, located in
the Retail Shop in Hall 4.
This inspiring individual
first attended Spring
Fair in 1999, where like
so many other successful
entrepreneurs he brought his
first products to market. Describing his meteoric career trajectory since then as
“an amazing, rollercoaster journey, one big crazy adventure,” Acton Smith said
he was “inspired by being [at the show again] and seeing all the stands and
new ideas.”
Encouraging his packed audience to “Think big, have a huge vision and
mission,” he also reminded them that two billion people now have access
to the internet and this figure will double in the near future. There are more
smartphones on the market than toothbrushes, he pointed out, and this is “one
of the best times in history to be an entrepreneur.”
12 ATTIRE
POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR THE
SHOPFITTINGS AND DISPLAY INDUSTRY
The latest survey by the Shop and Display Equipment
Association (SDEA) reveals that its members’ sales are
on the up. The association reveals that 54.2 per cent of
respondents registered an increase in sales over the last
six months compared with the same period the previous
year. A further 33.3 per cent reported that sales had
remained level.
Asked to quantify the growth in sales, the companies
reported increases averaging 22.6 per cent. Favourable
results were also forecast for the next twelve months
with 70.8 per cent of those surveyed expecting sales
to increase, and a further 20.8 per cent anticipating
maintaining similar sales levels. The average growth in
sales is expected to be 23.8 per cent.
SDEA Director, Lawrence Cutler says, “These are
very encouraging figures. Our survey indicates a renewed
energy within the shopfittings and display market, which
has been building for some time.”
NEWS & EVENTS
New lottery for retail industry
RetailTRUST has
announced the launch
of retailWINNERS, the
lottery exclusively for
those working in the retail
industry. This exciting new
concept will raise further funds to help the Trust plan ahead with its services
that support the millions of dedicated people working in the sector.
Everyone from across Britain’s retail and associated sectors will be able
to play the lottery, which launches on 20th February, 2015. The first prize is
£500, second prize two x £50 and third prize 10 x £10, and every six months
you could win up to £5,000. Tickets are £1 each with every person receiving
their own lottery number for the draws.
Michael Green, Development Director of retailTRUST said “We’re
incredibly excited about our latest fundraising initiative. This lottery is our
way, and the retail industry’s way, of giving back to those who work so hard
to make this industry successful. We’re offering them an exclusive lottery
that allows workers to fund help and assistance for others in their industry, as
well as having a chance to win the jackpot for themselves. It’s a one-in-135
chance of winning, which sounds like good odds to me.”
For further information, visit www.retailtrust.org.uk.
Jewellery & Watch Birmingham unveils its 2015
Buyers Power List
Day two of Jewellery
& Watch Birmingham
concluded with a very
celebration of the best
in buying talent across
the industry as the
winners of the 2015
Buyers Power List
were crowned.
The champagne reception welcomed brands and buyers to share their
appreciation for the work of the shortlisted companies and individuals, with
the winners being revealed by the show’s Portfolio Director, Julie Driscoll,
and David Azulay, Wholesale Director at UNOde50, the sponsor for the
Buyers Power List awards.
The award for Best Independent Retailer went to Wongs; Best Multiple
Retailer, Goldsmiths; Best Department Store, Fortnum & Mason;
Best Individual Buyer, Ashley Pugh, W Bruford; Best Watch Retailer,
Watchfinder; and Best Heritage Site, Museum or Gallery, wnt to The
National Gallery.
To find out more about Jewellery & Watch Birmingham and the Buyers
Power List award scheme, visit www.jewelleryandwatchbirmingham.com.
ACCESSORIES BY PARK LANE TURNS 21
This year will mark 21 years in business for Yorkshire
wholesale jewellery supplier, Accessories by Park Lane.
Started by Stuart Robinson and his wife Tracy in 1994,
Accessories by Park Lane has grown steadily from a small
back room hair accessories wholesaler with a meagre £100
in starting capital to become one a successful suppliers of
fashion and costume jewellery in the UK.
To view the brand’s full selection of sparklers, visit
www.parklaneonline.com.
Moda in Pelle unveils a brand refresh at
Pure London
Moda in Pelle unveiled its highly anticipated brand
refresh exclusively at Pure London in February.
The refresh, created in partnership with leading design
agency, Idea is Everything, is a major step in the evolution
and expansion of the 40-year-old British shoe brand. It’s also
part of Moda in Pelle’s continued UK growth plan, following
on from the recent growth capital investment.
The fresh branding features a clean, modern logo which
complements Moda in Pelle’s commitment to quality,
craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The brand’s presence at Pure London allowed visitors a
first look at the new Moda in Pelle store design and layout
– created by office, retail and workspace designers, Furniss
& May – which also reflects the company’s updated brand
design visuals.
David Inglis, CEO of Moda in Pelle, commented: “The
brand refresh will assist us in building on our heritage and
will consolidate our position as a leading affordable luxury
footwear brand.”
Aside from the evolved branding and new store concept,
visitors to the stand were also among the first people to
preview Moda in Pelle’s autumn/winter 2015 collection.
The stand showcased key trends from casual through to
occasionwear styles. With a focus on natural suedes, beautiful
animal prints and intricate detailing, autumn/winter 2015’s
staple pieces include rich warm tones,
contrasted with statement cobalt and
bright embellishments. An innovative
use of laser cutting, stud detailing
and metallic also add the individual
accents Moda in Pelle is known for.
To view the brand’s new look and
ranges, visit www.modainpelle.com.
ATTIRE 13 ·
ALTERNATIVELY, CONTACT US ON 01423 868362
FOR A COPY OF OUR LATEST BROCHURE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.parklaneonline.com
VIEW THE RANGE BY APPOINTMENT AT OUR
SHOWROOM IN HARROGATE.
20 designs of hand made
natural fibre jewellery &
accessory displays available
to order from
www.parklaneonline.com
NEWS & EVENTS
Unique jewels:
The new way to wear fashion jewellery
Claire Foster for Pulse Trends
Jewellery has become one of the most accessible, and increasing
trend-led accessories of the past few years. Statement necklaces,
big, eye-catching gemstones and bold chandelier earrings have all
become as import as the It bag we carry or the towering must-have
shoes we squeeze into.
It comes as no surprise then that one of the biggest accessory
trends that emerged in 2014 centred on fashion jewellery and the
new ways to wear it.
Designer was one of the biggest selling new trends for 2014 that
looks set to impact the accessory gift market for 2015 and beyond.
This wave of new jewellery designs is the product of innovative
thinking and looking at more contemporary ways to wear jewellery.
Throughout 2014, a whole new range of jewellery pieces emerged
– ear cuffs, ear jackets, hinged and between-the-finger rings, as well
as the re-worked ’90s ear cuff style.
Though not as attention grabbing as the statement necklaces
and elongated chandelier earrings of previous seasons, this trend is
more understated and inventive. It’s a quieter approach to fashion
jewellery that has a sophisticated, accessible undertone.
Some of the fine jewellery and high end designer brands that
forged the way for this jewellery direction include Dior; and
the Mise en Dior single front-to-back earring, and trailblazing
jewellery designer Delfina Delettrez and her unique approach to
fine adornments.
Earrings that follow the shape of the whole ear, pieces that link
multiple studs, cuffs or rings together, are worn in sets, or are worn
in unconventional places; such as the between-the-finger ring, the
front-to-back earring or the hand-bracelet are at the heart of this
look. It’s a look that a number of the designers showing at Pulse
2015 have picked up on and made their own.
Matthew Calvin
London-based designer Matthew Calvin’s delicate jewellery for
this season included a nod to this fresh aesthetic. Sets of fine midi
rings are styled in multiples, along with his essential range of bangles
and Dot rings.
Maya Magal’s new collection includes a number of the key items
to invest in as part of this trend. The fine Circle Chain earring is a
personal favourite, along with the Triple rings, and duo metal Twin
ring and stacking ring sets.
Mixing and matching is an essential part of this trend. Stacking,
interlinking and wearing everything together feels particularly
new for the more minimal pieces as seen with Kumvana Gomani’s
Wire cuffs.
Sporting the more dramatic and decorative pieces as a single
statement is another way to wear this look. Oversized ear cuffs, front
to back earrings and double rings are perfect for this in opulent
gemstone clusters or innovative materials as with Bigyó Művek’s
Double Bubble rings.
This new-ways-to-wear trend has already been a big seller with
both high-end and mid-market and is a key trend to tap into for
2015 and beyond. For the gift market, this is not only a fresh fashion
trend, but it also works as an individual gift accessory; a product that
works alongside day-to-day jewellery or as a new occasion piece. A
With more than 10 years’ experience in the fashion trend forecasting
industry with both Stylesight and WGSN, Claire Foster, accessories
trend and design expert for Pulse 2015, has the latest insight to the
upcoming fashion trends that you really need to know. For more
details on what to expect from this year’s Pulse, visit
www.pulse-london.com and follow the hashtag #pulsetrends.
Maya Magal
ATTIRE 15
On with the show
CHECK OUT ALL THE IMPORTANT NEWS
AND DATES FOR YOUR BUSINESS DIARY...
Scoop International experiences an increase
in footfall and overseas buyers
Scoop International – housed within the iconic Saatchi Gallery in
London – showcased more than 300 hand-picked international and
UK premium, directional and contemporary collections for its ninth
edition on 1st - 3rd February. Famed for its original cross-pollination
of fashion, design and art, the show reported “a significant increase
in footfall” and visits from premium retailers including; Selfridges,
Browns, Liberty, Harrods, Brown Thomas, Harvey Nichols, Galeries
Lafayette, Franck et Fils, Fenwick Stores, Anthropologie and many
more. Karen Radley, Scoop International’s Managing Director,
commented, “The ninth edition of Scoop was our best show ever
and the busiest. The reaction to the news that we’re launching Scoop
London – a second Scoop show to coincide with London Fashion
Week – has been extremely positive.”
Scoop International returns next season, from 2nd - 4th August, 2015
and Scoop London will run from 20th - 22th September, 2015. To find
out more on both shows, visit www.scoop-international.com.
THIS SEASON’S TOP DRAWER, HOME AND
CRAFT AT OLYMPIA WAS BIGGEST EVER
The January edition of Home, Top Drawer and CRAFT was
exceptionally well received. Buyers embraced the new venue and
layout, and saw the show increase in size to span four halls and two
levels at London Olympia. On the newly introduced Level 1, Top
Drawer Fashion occupied a dedicated new gallery area complete with
live fashion shows and its own Fashion Bar. Also on Level 1, the
standout second edition of CRAFT grew by more than 50 per cent,
attracting groups from as far afield as Thailand and drawing in the
support of a growing number of bodies, including the British Council.
The event saw an international attendance increase of more than 10
per cent along with influential UK buyers including Anthropologie,
John Lewis, Liberty, Paul Smith, Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, Harvey
Nichols, Urban Outfitters and Ralph Lauren all in attendance.
Busy stands, thousands of new product launches from a mix of worldclass brands and smaller creative businesses, and a debuting New
Talent area created a
vibrant atmosphere.
Top Drawer & Home
Autumn 2015, takes place
on 13th - 15th September.
For more information,
visit the website
www.topdrawer.co.uk.
16 ATTIRE
Pure London announces 65 per cent brand
rebook for August’s show
After a successful three-day exhibition in February, Pure London
has announced that 65 per cent of its brands have already reapplied
for the August show, a record number for this early stage.
The originality and fresh vision that was so prevalent at the
February show is also set to continue, with a record number of
prospective brands looking to exhibit for the first time. The organiser,
i2i Events Group, says that more than 100 new brands completed
application forms on site at the show.
Brands from across the six sections of Allure, Agenda, Aspire,
Spirit, Footwear and Accessories have commended the show’s
quality of British and international buyers and retailers in attendance
across the three days.
Humanoid, Ready to Fish by Ilja, Choi Boko, Noa Noa,
Charli, Blank, Avoca, Darling and Almost Famous are among the
womenswear brands confirmed for the August show, with Lavish
Alice, Brave Soul, PIT and Silvian Heach joining the young fashion
line-up.
Returning to Accessories for spring/summer 2016 will be Bulaggi
the Bag, Adele Marie, Zandra Rhodes, Fiorelli, Pia Rossini, Nica
and Modalu; while the adjacent Premium Accessories section will
see Showroom One, Codello, Bibi, Mark Bags, matt & nat and
Konplott among the returning names.
The Footwear sector’s offering is set to be equally exciting with
Geox, Fly London, Birkenstock, Crime London, Pikolinos, Moda in
Pelle, Peter Kaiser, Caro, Lacoste Footwear, Lodi/Gadea, Unisa and
Esska already confirmed for August.
Julie Driscoll, Portfolio Director for Pure London at i2i Events
Group, commented: “We’re overwhelmed by the amount of positive
feedback we’ve received from our brands this season, and the
number of applications we’ve received is a testament to the quality of
buyers that were in attendance. The premium sections are a key area
of growth for Pure London and we have seen increasing interest in
these brands, with many already confirmed for August.”
The spring/summer 2016 edition of Pure London will take
place from 2nd - 4th August, 2015 at London Olympia. For more
information or to register your interest to attend or exhibit, please
visit: www.purelondon.com.
NEWS & EVENTS
FABULOUS AT 50
With 50 years already under its belt, Giving & Living 2015
generated valuable business for exhibitors throughout the four days.
This was reflected in high rebooking levels, with many of the largest
stands already booked for 2016. Paul Thomas of show organiser
Hale Events presented John Sherriff of Sherriff Designs with a
£250 John Lewis voucher at the show. The company name was
drawn from the list of those who rebooked their stands.
The new Enhance area proved to be very popular with both
visitors and exhibitors, and will be back next year. The next Giving
and Living takes place from 17th - 20th January, 2016. For more
information, visit the website www.givingliving.co.uk.
Spring Fair launches Buyers Power List
Spring Fair welcomed the UK’s leading retailers to this year’s
show in February at The NEC, Birmingham. Senior buyers from
Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Liberty, Fortnum & Mason,
Fenwick, John Lewis, Heal’s, Oliver Bonas, Ocado, Steamer Trading
Cookshop, Toys R Us, Temptation Gifts – and thousands more –
brought a buying power that runs into billions of pounds to 3,000
Spring Fair exhibitors across 14 market sectors.
An exciting new development for Spring Fair 2015 was the
launch of the Spring Fair Buyers Power List Awards, sponsored
by major Dutch lifestyle brand Light & Living. The Awards were
held on 2nd February from the stunning location of the Fashion
Accessories Catwalk in Hall 20.
The Group Portfolio Director for Retail at i2i Events Group,
Louise Young, said: “I am thrilled to be launching this event in
conjunction with Light & Living. The Buyers Power List Awards
are dedicated to celebrating the people at the pinnacle of British
Retail, and Spring Fair is proud to be driving this exciting and
relevant industry initiative”.
Light & Living International Sales Director, Paul Biermann
added: “I am extremely proud to be part of this year’s Buyers Power
List Awards, which shine a spotlight on outstanding men and
women who are all a true inspiration to their buying colleagues.”
The awards were designed to recognise influential buying teams and
individuals across all of the sectors represented at Spring Fair. The
winners across the three categories were Temptation Gifts for Best
Independent Retail Buyer or Team; John Lewis for Best Multiple
Retailer or Department Store and Gillian Leahy the Buying
Manager, Ocado was the recipient of the Power 30 award.
Commenting on her win, Gillian said: “I’m very humbled to have
been nominated, and was even more blown away that I won! I
couldn’t have done it without all of Ocado’s great suppliers, who
have the same passion for product that we do.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Temptation Gifts, Mike
Adams said: “For more than 30 years, Spring Fair has been the
single-most important date in our buying calendar, and I am sure it
will remain so. This year we allocated 17 “man-days” to this event,
and we estimate it’ll take until the end of March to complete all our
follow-up. An independent endorsement of our buying skills is an
extremely valuable award, and we intend to make sure that all our
customers get to hear about it.”
The Buyers Power List shortlist was compiled and reviewed in
the run-up to Spring Fair by an advisory panel of key industry
influencers that included The Giftware Association, Bira, Bira direct
and BHETA.
The next edition of Spring Fair will take place from 7th - 11th
February, 2016, with the Volume Halls opening a day earlier. For
more information, visit the website: www.springfair.com.
Diary dates
British Craft Trade Fair
12th - 14th April, 2015
The Yorkshire Showground
www.bctf.co.uk
Pulse
10th - 12th May, 2015
Olympia, London
www.pulse-london.com
INDX Accessories &
Travel Goods
21st - 23rd April, 2015
Cranmore Park, Solihull
www.indxshow.co.uk
Home & Gift
19th - 22nd July, 2015
Harrogate International
Centre, Harrogate
www.homeandgift.co.uk
ATTIRE 17
BTAA News
Chief Executive Paul Yates brings us all the latest developments
from the British Travelgoods & Accessories Association members
www.btaa.org.uk
Trade secrets
Having attended every accessory stand
at all the key trade shows so far this
year, I have a reasonable idea of how
exhibitors have fared. The response has
been mixed and while it’s easy to blame
the organisers, it’s vital that wholesalers
do their homework before signing up for
the shows.
Some of the exhibitors I talked to
said they were interested in distributors
but only retailers visited the show.
Others thought they were in the wrong
position or hall. I even spoke to a few
stand-holders who said the retail prices
for their handbags ranged from £500
to £20,000 and they were puzzled as to
why they hadn’t received any enquiries,
let alone orders. It’s essential to research
thoroughly before deciding which trade
event is best to showcase your products.
Here are my three top tips:
OConsider who else will be there
and look at where your competition
is situated. You want to be near these
companies if you can.
OI know it sounds obvious, but look
like you want to do business rather than
sitting in the corner hidden away – a
number of exhibitors were guilty of this.
URBAN COUNTRY’s new collections
receive overwhelming response
URBAN COUNTRY’s two new ranges have
had such a good response since they were
introduced that the five-piece Florence line
is now available in spring’s hottest colour
Engage with other brands – you
never know what business opportunities
might arise.
At Spring Fair the prestigious BTAA
Fashion Accessory of The Year 2015
awards, sponsored by i2i Events Group,
were launched. They’re open to any
company supplying accessories in the
UK. The winners in each of the five
categories will receive £500 towards
exhibiting at Autumn Fair, while highly
commended runners-up will receive
£100. All shortlisted entries’ products will
be exhibited on the awards stand next to
the Fashion Catwalk at Autumn Fair for
the duration of the show. It’s free to enter
and your products will be seen by a panel
of judges made up of the industry’s top
buyers, so you have nothing to lose.
Last but not least I would like to
welcome the following new members to
the BTAA: Zandra Rhodes Handbags,
Florentino Leather, Leatherbound,
Superbia, Henderson Group and British
Red Fox. We look forward to working
with these companies. If you want to be
kept informed of BTAA activities, please
follow us on Twitter (@btravelaa).
O
Paul Yates, Chief Executive
palette – mint, ice blue and yellow – for
the new season. Like the originals, they’re
available in high gloss or matte textures.
Meanwhile the 10 bags in the Milan range
now come in mint, strawberry and ice grey
as well as the existing colours.
View the full collection at
www.urbancountrybags.com.
Shona Easton’s rainbow range
Bright coloured leathers continue to be the
best-sellers in Shona Easton’s collection.
18 ATTIRE
Paul Yates, Chief
Executive, BTAA
This season, the designer is offering a
choice of seven designs in up to 10 colours
in her signature unlined leather range.
With prices starting at just £14 for a
flap-over shoulder bag with matching
purse, going up to £28 for a large leather
tote which doubles as a laptop bag or
beach bag, there’s something for everyone.
Retailers can complement their orders with
coordinating gifts and leather accessories
including keyrings, pencases and business
card holders.
Trade buyers can access their accounts
with the company through the trade
website at www.eastondesignstudio.com
or email [email protected] to
request an online catalogue and price list.
A word from Himalaya Fashion...
Himalaya Fashion would like to thank all
its customers for their unrelenting support
for, before and after the Spring Fair 2015.
The show proved to be a big success for us.
The new designs and styles we introduced
at this fair are proving a hit with everyone,
and we look forward to welcoming even
more new customers through our doors.
Visit the label’s website at
www.himilayafashion.co.uk.
If you are looking to market your products
in the Middle East, the BTAA has a
pavilion at Leatherworld in Dubai, which
will be held from 4th - 6th May, 2015.
Please phone +44 (0)121 237 1107 for
further details.
HELPING YOUR BUSINESS GROW
The BTAA is supporting it’s members at INDX Accessories & Travel Goods
Show on 21st-23rd April 2015 Cranmore Park, Solihull, West Midlands
BTAA members exhibiting are:
Abbotsbury
Artsac
Baggalllini
Bewitched
Blousey Brown
Bolla Bags
Calvin Klein Luggage
Caribee
Carrylite
Claudia Canova
Cuties and Pals
David Jones
Envy
Faye London
Gionni
Go Travel
Golunski
Gorjus
Mala Leather
Members Luggage
Nova Leathers
Pierre Cardin
Rock Luggage
Saddler
Secrid Wallets
Sirco
Skypak
6N\ȵLWH
Smith & Canova
Troop
Urban Country
Vaude
Zandra Rhodes
Join us & we will supply you with:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Marketing, advertising & promotion of your company & brands to UK
retailers
6LJQLȴFDQWVDYLQJVRQDOO\RXUEXVLQHVVVHUYLFHV
$UHEDWHR΍\RXUVWDQGFRVWDWNH\8.WUDGHVKRZV
Unlimited commercial & personal legal advice
£100k legal cost cover for each employee dispute or tax investigation
Databases of Uk retailers,agents ,distributors, designers,manufacturers
& suppliers
Business consultancy & advise
$FFHVVWRJUDQWVIRUH[KLELWLQJRYHUVHDVVXSSRUWȴQGLQJRYHUVHDV
distributors
Up to date industry information,statistics & sales leads
Discounted meeting room/conference facilities
An opportunity to Lobby government on issues facing your industry
1HWZRUNLQJZLWKRWKHUPHPEHUVVXSSOLHUVUHWDLOHUV
Design Protection
Credibility in the marketplace
*There are ceilings based on stand size & number of employees
Give us a call on 0121 237 1107 and become a member TODAY
www.btaa.org.uk | @BTravelAA
ShuSac
®
The high-heel shoe bag
www.shusac.com
[email protected] | 0207 018 7193
COMPETITION
WIN!
Win a single strand cultured freshwater pearl
necklace worth £600 RRP courtesy of Pearls of
the Orient
This issue, jewellery label Pearls of
the Orient is offering one lucky Attire
Accessories reader a superb 18-inch single
strand cultured freshwater pearl necklace
featuring 8mm round white pearls with a
diamanté flower clasp set in 14ct gold with
central pearl, worth £600 RRP.
Pearls of the Orient began wholesaling
cultured freshwater pearl jewellery at
International Jewellery London in 2002.
The family-run business has been supplying
jewellery retailers, fashion boutiques,
high street chains and online retailers
throughout the UK and Ireland for more
than 10 years.
Its stunning collection combines the
timeless elegance of cultured freshwater
and South Sea pearls with the latest fashion
jewellery trends and styles. The brand’s
eye-catching range is enhanced by semiprecious gems including amethyst, lapis
lazuli, turquoise, coral, rose quartz, onyx,
tourmaline and garnet.
Pearls of the Orient has launched its
exciting new range of cultured pearl and
semi-precious vermeil jewellery just in
time for spring/summer 2015. Bright,
fresh gemstones contrast perfectly with the
creamy tones of cultured freshwater pearls
to create a crisp modern go-to accessory
for both day and night. Alternatively,
cultured pearls with sterling silver charms
ranging from classic hearts to starfish and
dragonflies are ever popular as the ideal gift
at an affordable price.
As well as contemporary colourful pieces,
the label also offers an extensive array of
superbly classic designs. Long pearl loop
necklaces are reminiscent of Chanel’s
timeless styling, while the sophisticated
single strand necklaces with matching
round pearl stud earrings remain an eternal
staple of all fashion-conscious ladies’
jewellery collections.
An extensive array of bridal jewellery,
ranging from exquisite to arresting designs
for all the ladies in the wedding party, is
available as well. Elegant, delicate, sparkling
necklaces and pendants of many different
lengths complement varying necklines and
styles of wedding gowns. Creamy lustrous
cultured freshwater pearls with Swarovski
crystals and semi-precious gems make for
statement pieces, while classic single drops
or strands to bring the final all-important
accessory to a bride’s big day.
For children, Pearls of the Orient brings
to life the fun of ‘girls and their pearls’ with
a delightful range of cultured freshwater
pearl jewellery. The collection includes a
classic potato pearl necklace and bracelet
set with a charming sterling silver heart
hanging from both pieces. A sterling silver
extension chain has been fitted to each
piece to ensure the pearls fit their wearer as
they grow.
Pearls of the Orient places great
emphasis on customer service; creating and
delivering bespoke jewellery designs as well
as constantly aspiring to develop mutually
beneficial personal relationships with all of
the clients it supplies.
The company’s comprehensive website
– www.pearlsoftheorient.co.uk – has
several hundred jewellery items featured
and no minimum order. To contact Pearls
of the Orient for more information and
orders, call +44 (0)1483 202 232 or email
[email protected]. A
For your chance to win, answer the
following question:
What charm
shape is featured
on the children’s
classic potato pearl
necklace?
a) Flower
b) Bird
c) Heart
Visit www.attireaccessories.com and fill
in the online competition form to enter
the draw. Deadline for entries is 30th
April, 2015. Terms and conditions apply.
ATTIRE 21
Brand Spanking New
OUR EXCLUSIVE ROUND-UP OF THE
NEWEST PRODUCTS
Fiorellii at Gecko Jewellery
Maisie ring
+44 (0)1376 532 000
www.geckojewellery.com
£20 RRP
Miss Milly
Cotton scarf
+44 (0)1905 622 509
www.missmilly.co.uk
£16.95 RRP
Irregular Choice
Roarsum boots
+44 (0)1273 724 020
www.irregularchoice.com
£189.99 RRP
Bomberg
1968 Quartz
Chronograph watch
[email protected]
www.bomberg.ch
£435 RRP
Dents
Men’s leather gloves
+44 (0)1985 212 291
www.dents.co.uk
£120 RRP
Olivia Burton
Wonderland watch
+44 (0)7860 776 736
www.oliviaburton.com
£65 RRP
I-CLIP
Vintage I-CLIP wallet
[email protected]
www.i-clip.com
£34.99 RRP
22 ATTIRE
Brit-Stitch
Half Pint bag
+44 (0)7973 622 860
www.brit-stitch.com
£70 RRP
NEW PRODUCTS
ATTIRE 23
24 ATTIRE
NEW PRODUCTS
Zatchels
Bucket bag
+44 (0)845 521 2723
www.zatchels.com
£115 RRP
Love It Bag It
Medium to large bag shaper
+44 (0)7879 636 280
www.loveitbagit.com
£16.99 RRP
Pell Mell
Islay tweed bag and wallet
+44 (0)1436 677 442
www.pellmell.co.uk
£95 RRP for the bag and £23.90 for wallet
Scotland Trade
Fair Spring
runner up
Little Moose
Baby Sloth necklace
+44 (0)1273 930 053
www.littlemoose.co.uk
£24.95 RRP
Alice Hannah
Leopard print and stripe scarf
+44 (0)20 8943 9383
www.alicehannah.co.uk
£35 RRP
Alex Monroe
Beyond the Sea crab earrings in gold
+44 (0)20 7703 8507
www.alexmonroe.com
£225 RRP
Alexander Thurlow & Co
Multi-stone chanelle bracelet
+44 (0)20 8766 6466
www.alexanderthurlow.com
£25 RRP
Bilam
Mean as Mustard bag
+44 (0)7596 605 572
www.bilambags.com
£199 RRP
ATTIRE 25 ·
Catherine & Jean
Catherine clutch bag
+44 (0)7525 082 570
www.catherineandjean.com
£495 RRP
International Collection
Crystal charm navel jewellery
+44 (0)1273 689 582
www.intercollection.com
£9.99 RRP
Brit-Stitch
Mini Milkman clutch
+44 (0)7973 622 860
www.brit-stitch.com
£42 RRP
26 ATTIRE
Air & Grace London
Jak & Jil boot
+44 (0)7940 730 487
www.airandgracelondon.com
£175 RRP
Tatty Devine
Midsummer Bloom brooch
+44 (0)20 7739 9191
www.tattydevine.com
£55 RRP
Nadia Minkoff
Single stone bracelet
+44 (0)20 8202 1099
www.nadiaminkoff.com
£31 RRP
Secrid
Limited edition mini-wallet
+44 (0)131 554 5555
www.secrid.nl
£49.95 RRP
Tamaris
Cream brogues
+44 (0)1604 880 146
www.tamaris.eu
£49.99 RRP
The walking stick specialists
Fine quality walking sticks, seat
sticks and umbrellas for ladies
and gentlemen.
Please contact us for a trade catalogue:
Warren House, Hinton St George, Somerset TA17 8TQ
Tel +44 (0)1460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk
NEW PRODUCTS
Zatchels
Bucket bag
+44 (0)845 521 2723
www.zatchels.com
£115 RRP
Love It Bag It
Medium to large bag shaper
+44 (0)7879 636 280
www.loveitbagit.com
£16.99 RRP
Pell Mell
Islay tweed bag and wallet
+44 (0)1436 677 442
www.pellmell.co.uk
£95 RRP for the bag and £23.90 for wallet
Scotland Trade
Fair Spring
runner up
Little Moose
Baby Sloth necklace
+44 (0)1273 930 053
www.littlemoose.co.uk
£24.95 RRP
Alice Hannah
Leopard print and stripe scarf
+44 (0)20 8943 9383
www.alicehannah.co.uk
£35 RRP
Alex Monroe
Beyond the Sea crab earrings in gold
+44 (0)20 7703 8507
www.alexmonroe.com
£225 RRP
Alexander Thurlow & Co
Multi-stone chanelle bracelet
+44 (0)20 8766 6466
www.alexanderthurlow.com
£25 RRP
Bilam
Mean as Mustard bag
+44 (0)7596 605 572
www.bilambags.com
£199 RRP
ATTIRE 25 ·
Catherine & Jean
Catherine clutch bag
+44 (0)7525 082 570
www.catherineandjean.com
£495 RRP
International Collection
Crystal charm navel jewellery
+44 (0)1273 689 582
www.intercollection.com
£9.99 RRP
Brit-Stitch
Mini Milkman clutch
+44 (0)7973 622 860
www.brit-stitch.com
£42 RRP
26 ATTIRE
Air & Grace London
Jak & Jil boot
+44 (0)7940 730 487
www.airandgracelondon.com
£175 RRP
Tatty Devine
Midsummer Bloom brooch
+44 (0)20 7739 9191
www.tattydevine.com
£55 RRP
Nadia Minkoff
Single stone bracelet
+44 (0)20 8202 1099
www.nadiaminkoff.com
£31 RRP
Secrid
Limited edition mini-wallet
+44 (0)131 554 5555
www.secrid.nl
£49.95 RRP
Tamaris
Cream brogues
+44 (0)1604 880 146
www.tamaris.eu
£49.99 RRP
INDX
Independently speaking
We take a sneak peek at what to expect from of INDX’s Accessories
& Travel Goods show
Boot Candy, www.bootcandy.co.uk
ATTIRE 29 ·
The X factor
With a host of familiar faces and new names, INDX is set for an even bigger
and better season than the last
IN BRIEF
Show: INDX
Venue: Cranmore Park, Solihul
Dates: 21st - 23rd April, 2015
Website: www.indxshow.co.uk
Twitter: @INDXAccessories
INDX is designed specifically for indie
retailers so the organisers’ main concern is
to support visiting buyers and provide an
exciting, enjoyable, stress-free and productive
experience. The show team focuses on the
detail of what drives an independent business.
They’re experts in the field and as such, present
a trade show providing growth opportunities
30 ATTIRE
for everyone concerned.
At INDX, the priority is on the right
exhibitors. The show has strong working
relationships with all its brand partners, from
those who’ve been exhibiting at the event
from its early days, such as Fiorelli, Nica,
Kipling, David Jones, Bulaggi, Bolla Bags,
Gianni Conti, Juno Accessories, Totes and Just
Sheepskin to newer labels such as Modalu,
Bewitched Accessories, Mala Leather, Kangol
and Inter City Watches.
INDX Accessories showcases between 80
and 90 ranges each season, covering handbags,
small leathers, jewellery, watches, gifts, luggage
and travel accessories – and every potential
new brand is subject to a careful selection
process, to avoid duplication with the existing
product offer, and also to guarantee that the
show is consistent in delivering an inspiring,
original and commercially viable line-up.
On the back of the most successful show
to date in October 2014, the April edition is
set to be bigger, bolder and even better. The
organiser says that German lifestyle brand
Reisenthel will be returning for a second show,
alongside American casual brand Baggallini,
premium label Ilex London and stunning silver
and bronze jewellery concept, 5th Avenue. As
usual, there are some exciting new names to
unveil including Volum, Gorjus, Ollie&Nic,
Troop London, Walter Valentino and Calvin
Klein Luggage.
Admission to INDX Accessories is strictly
reserved for independent buyers and retailers,
which serves to protect the integrity of the
show and to retain a professional environment.
Online registration is now open and
although the contents are top secret, the
popular buyer goodie bags are already under
construction. And what’s more, the show’s
providing all INDX visitors with free
on-site parking, a complimentary lunch and
flowing refreshments.
To register online and find out more about
the show, visit www.indxshow.co.uk. A
Se e the stunn i n g n ew r a n g es o f S p r i ng
s um m e r a c ces s o r i es f ro m B ewi t c h ed .
We will be launching our new products at INDX
April 21st, 22nd, 23rd
Call us for a catalogue. Tel 01488 649520,
email [email protected],
www.bewitched-accessories.co.uk
Bolla Bags
Boot Candy
+44 (0)845 643 0777
www.bollabags.com
+44 (0)1704 888 887
www.bootcandy.co.uk
Bolla Bags is once again offering a slice of British style with its
autumn/winter 2015 collections. The brand focus remains firmly
committed to supplying affordable luxury, with styles created
by UK designers offering timeless elegance and sophisticated
details. The successful New England line will continue to run
alongside the natural and rustic Safari collection.
This season will mark Boot Candy’s first time exhibiting
at INDX. The accessories brand will be showcasing its full
range of faux fur accessories and new products will include
two collar variations as well as three new colours. Other
products include hats, headbands, three different scarves,
muffs, gilets, cowls, shrugs, coat cuffs and boot toppers.
All products are manufactured by the company in UK and
every piece is hand-finished.
Nadia Minkoff
+44 (0)20 8202 1099
www.nadiaminkoff.com
Nadia Minkoff London’s
new autumn/winter 2015
handbag range, Restructure,
is inspired by London’s
diversity, changing skyline
and continual regeneration.
It’s a collection that has sought to marry the modern with the
already familiar. Key shapes are multi-use clutch bags, whether
small or over-sized, hand-held or worn on the shoulder, with
additional detachable cross body straps. The key colours of this
season’s bags are cognac, cream and dove and of course, the
always essential black. Meanwhile, Nadia’s jewellery collection
has been tailored to echo the bags. Clean cut and understated,
it mixes fine profile chains with the latest innovations from
Swarovski crystal: delicate crystal mesh, double-glass spikes and
glass stones with a crackle, Patina finish.
32 ATTIRE
URBAN COUNTRY
+44 (0)1462 446 040
www.urbancountrybags.com
The URBAN COUNTRY brand continues to grow quickly,
with a host of new lines broadening its fashion-led base.
At INDX, retailers will be able to view a full range of fresh
styles which are all ready for immediate delivery, including
the fresh spring/summer 2015 colours in the Florence and
Milan collection: glacier grey, strawberry ice, lucite green,
aquamarine, and custard.
Come and see the new Autumn Winter collection
at INDX show 21st – 23rd April
T. 01484 475800
E. [email protected]
Strong, foldable summer shoppers now in stock.
Check out www.fayeuk.com or call 020 8813 8545 for more detail.
INDX
Gorjus Accessories
Cuties & Pals
+44 (0)191 258 4451
www.picturecase.co.uk
Last year, due to the worldwide success of the Cuties & Pals,
and the demand for new products and designs, the company has
decided the best way to keep up with the increasing distribution
and product development was to select a distributor who has
an excellent reputation for great service and customer care,
understands the value of brands and the care needed to protect
the integrity of the Cuties brand and its loyal clients. After
careful consideration and investigation, Modrec International
was selected to handle the sales and distribution for the UK,
Ireland and Channel Islands. Many buyers in the sector will be
familiar with the label for its brands and innovative products.
This move allows Picture Case more time to concentrate on
bringing retailers great new Cuties products while protecting the
brand against copies, which is becoming a widespread problem.
+44 (0) 20 8577 7132
www.gorjusaccessories.co.uk
Gorjus Accessories will be exhibiting at the show for the first
time this season, and the full selection will be available to view
and order. There are distinct lines within the brand’s leather
range: a classic strand and a more fashion-conscious selection.
The classic styles come in timeless shades such as taupe and
navy, while the trend-led pieces come in brights like pink
and green. Other lines in the leather line include Camden,
which has a vintage feel and Finchley, which is a sharper veg
tanned collection. As well as the company’s leathers, the brand
also produces a tapestry collection of bags and fabric range
featuring extensive use of embroideries and appliqués. A wide
selection of leather purses is also available.
ILEX London
+44 (0)20 3657 5680
www.ilexlondon.com
Ultra-chic handbag label Ilex London is excited to launch its
new collection for spring/summer 2015 at INDX. With work
totes, crossbody bags and shoulder styles in seasonal shades
of baby blue, summer
yellow and bright
orange, as well
as neutral hues and
dreamy metallics, the
line’s set to be a hit with
trend-savvy consumers.
The brand’s pieces are
made with butter-soft
leathers and mock croc
prints, before being
finished with discreet
hardware and exquisitely
made fittings. Juno Accessories
+44 (0) 1484 475 800
www.junoaccessories.co.uk
Juno Accessories’ spring/summer 2015 collection ranges
from statement clutches to classic shoulder bags with an
exotic twist of snakeskin, metallics and pretty pastels.
Tapping into key catwalk trends while maintaining its
classic signature styling, Juno is also excited to reveal a
fresh logo for next season ‒ the metallic embossed lettering
on many bags in the collection. ATTIRE 35 ·
Claudia Canova
+44 (0)1132 657 676
www.claudiacanova.co.uk
Zandra Rhodes Handbags
+44 (0)20 3006 3994
www.zandrarhodeshandbags.co.uk
Veteran fashion designer Zandra Rhodes has created a
beautiful range of handbags and accessories. The evening bag
range features rich purples, pewters and blacks in lush velvets.
Meanwhile, there’s also an exciting range of shoppers, clutches
and handbags to meet any fashion maven’s everyday needs. The
focus of the overall collection is on a palette of lovely purples,
greys and classic navy with a wonderful vintage sensibility.
This season sees a huge development for the Claudia Canova
brand, with new styles, materials and hardware all contributing
to one of the label’s strongest collections to date. The design
team has combined strong, trend-led shapes with the ladies’
bag brand’s signature features of strong colour, unusual fabrics
and eye-catching hardware and fittings.
Smith & Canova
+44 (0)1132 657 676
www.smithandcanova.co.uk
Autumn/winter 2015 brings
an abundance of new styles
to Smith & Canova’s heritage
brand, with new heavy grain
leathers and refined branding
applications adding a fresh
signature to the collection.
Established in the early ’90s,
the bag and luggage label
has built its reputation on
good design and attention to
detail. This season’s key offerings are presented in bold colours
and soft pastels, as well as the company’s timeless classic tan,
burgundy and black tones.
36 ATTIRE
Faye London
+44 (0)20 8813 8545
www.fayeuk.com
Faye London will showcase two ranges at the show – its
Prom line, complete with elegant and fashion-forward
evening clutches, and the Eco Chic collection, which
has been stocked in more than 300 gift shops and garden
centres since its launch. The wholesale accessories label
prides itself on its ethical approach.
INSURANCE
solutions
Neil McFarlane,
Managing Director
of T.H. March
& Co Limited
Attire Accessories readers put their insurance queries, concerns and
questions to leading broker TH March
Q
A
I’m planning to launch a retail giftware
business. Aside from the obvious cover
for stock and premises, are there any other
risks I need to consider?
The right insurance cover is crucial for the
future protection of your business. There
are many aspects to take into account and
you’d be wise to seek professional advice
relating specifically to your business. In the
meantime, here are just a few important
points to think about:
• If you are planning to take on an employee
you must have Employers’ Liability
Insurance. This is a statutory requirement.
• Public and products liability cover are
essential too, as without these there is the
risk that you could be held legally liable
to pay damages and legal costs as a result
of negligence arising during the course of
trading. This could happen for example if a
member of the public was injured in a trip or
fall on your premises. In such circumstances
you could be held responsible and have to
pay damages.
• If you’re using commercial finance to open
your new business, most providers will want
to see a business plan that shows you have
arranged insurance in all relevant areas. This
may involve arranging cover on people who
have key roles within the business, such as
key person cover or critical illness insurance.
It may also involve insuring against damage
to glass and shop frontage.
A
• Business interruption is another vitally
important risk to think about when
arranging cover.
Clearly there’s a lot you can do beforehand if
there is the threat of flooding:
Q
A
• Keep yourself informed via the local media
or www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
• Move whatever you can safely and securely
to upper floors or higher storage areas. This
includes items such as stock, paperwork and
electrical equipment.
• Take whatever preventative measures
you can – sandbag areas of potential water
ingress such as doors or drains.
• Have emergency numbers in a safe,
waterproof place where they can be easily
reached. Include in this list your insurer,
local authority, utility companies and other
useful contact numbers.
I’ve recently heard about something called
Directors’ and Officers’ liability cover.
What is it and why should I have it?
A director’s personal liability is unlimited
and in the course of carrying out everyday
duties for a company, directors are
potentially exposing themselves to personal
lawsuits, investigations and criminal
prosecutions. Without insurance, directors
can end up having to remortgage – or
worse – just to pay legal fees.
When a director needs to defend lawsuits,
investigations and prosecutions, being able
to draw on insurance funds to hire the best
law firms in the country will help achieve the
best possible outcome.
There are an increasing number of
government bodies that can investigate a
company. These include the Department
of Trade and Industry’s Companies
Investigation Branch, the Health and Safety
Executive, the Serious Fraud Office and the
Disability Rights Commission. There’s an
increasing focus on smaller businesses, so it’s
sensible for all company directors to have the
right cover.
Q
I’m becoming increasingly worried about
the threat of flooding. How do I protect my
business and income?
If the worst does happen, whether or not
you’re prepared:
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
TH March, Broker to the Giftware
Association, would take over handling the
claim for you at this point if your insurance
had been arranged through us.
• Record the damage. Photographs will
definitely help.
• Take reasonable action to prevent the
damage from worsening once the flood has
finally receded.
• Arrange temporary repairs where necessary.
• Don’t dispose of any damaged items unless
they pose a danger to health.
• Always keep receipts for any work you’ve
had to carry out. A
Further information:
T.H. March is a chartered firm of insurance
brokers. Established in 1887, the company
has offices in London, Birmingham,
Manchester, Glasgow and Sevenoaks, as
well as its National Administration Centre
in Yelverton near Plymouth.
To find out more T: +44 (0)1822 855 555,
E: [email protected], or visit the
website www.thmarch.co.uk
38 ATTIRE
HANDBAG TRENDS
Totes AMAZE
Get a handle on the hottest
handbag trends this season
Juno Accessories, www.junoaccessories.co.uk
ATTIRE 41 ·
1
3
2
THE GOOD GIRL
Refined structure, sturdy bucket shap
shapes and satchel buckles
45
6
8
7
1. Bolla Bags: +44 (0)845 643 0777 or www.bollabags.com; 2&6. O My Bag: +31 622 992 648 or www.omybag.nl; 3. Harriet Sanders:
+44 (0)1242 525 836 or www.harrietsanders.co.uk; 4. Zatchels: +44 (0)845 521 2723 or www.zatchels.com; 5. Smith & Canova:
+44 (0)1132 657 676 or www.smithandcanova.co.uk; 7. Checker Leather: +44 (0)1563 541 709 or www.checkerleather.com; 8. Brit-Stitch:
+44 (0)7973 622 860 or www.brit-stitch.com
42 ATTIRE
One of the largest Lady handbags importers/wholesalers/manufacturers.
Long & Son Trading, 90-92 Roding Road, London Industrial Park, London E6 6LS
www.longandson.co.uk [email protected] 0207 702 3888
What’s New?
1000s of product photos
Detailed at-a-glance information on suppliers.
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The directory is still free to use - no registration.
All listings are thoroughly vetted.
We only list UK-based wholesalers
HANDBAG TRENDS
2
1
3
THE COLOURFUL
CHARACTER
Vivid brights, ice cream pastels and impact pattern
tern
4
6
5
8
7
1. Little Moose: +44 (0)1273 930 053 or www.littlemoose.co.uk; 2&6. Irregular Choice: +44 (0)1273 724 020 or www.irregularchoice.com;
3. Zandra Rhodes Handbags: +44 (0)20 3006 3994 or www.zandrarhodeshandbags.co.uk; 4. Peach Pink: +44 (0)1234 400 495 or
www.peachpink.co.uk; 5. URBAN COUNTRY: +44 (0)1462 446 048 or www.urbancountrybags.com; 7. The Healthy Back Bag
Company: +44 (0)20 7812 9800 or www.thehealthybackbag.co.uk; 8. Lesser & Pavey: +44 (0)1322 279 225 or www.leonardo.co.uk
ATTIRE 45 ·
1
2
The classicist
4
5
3
Elegant monochrome, timeless silhouettes and luxe texture
6
7
8
1. Juno Accessories: +44 (0)1484 475 800 or www.junoaccessories.co.uk; 2. URBAN COUNTRY: +44 (0)1462 446 048 or
www.urbancountrybags.com; 3&7. Jewelcity: +44 (0)1494 444 200 or www.jewelcity.co.uk 4. Catherine & Jean: +44 (0)7525 082 570
or www.catherineandjean.com; 5. Nadia Minkoff: +44 (0)20 8202 1099; 6. Claudia Canova: +44 (0)1132 657 676 or
www.claudiacanova.co.uk; 8. O My Bag: +31 622 992 648 or www.omybag.nl
46 ATTIRE
Spring 2015 range in stock now!
Order at:
www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk
01620 824392
COOL TRADE WINDS
COME AND
SEE ME AT
PULSE
Stand C80
Beautiful and Unique
Fair Trade Scarves and Accessories
Tel: 01425 461 594 | Mob: 07906 627 691 | Email: [email protected]
www.cooltradewinds.co.uk
BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR
Hazel Atkinson Jewellery, www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
HANDS DOWN
We take a sneak peek at British Craft Trade Fair’s line-up
of designer-makers
ATTIRE 49 ·
Hard craft
The British Craft Trade Fair returns to
Harrogate for its 40th year
The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF)
represents the best of British art and
design. Launched 40 years ago, its sole
purpose is showcasing top crafts to the
giftware industry, mainly to galleries and
independent gift shops.
The Arts and Crafts movement of the
early 20th century celebrated all that was
great about British hand-made. Today,
with established fashion designers such
as Vivienne Westwood fuelling the
imagination of our future stars, the UK
continues to leave its mark on the creative
world. The BCTF will showcase the very
best designer-makers with more than 500
exhibitors at the 2015 fair and excellent
representation from all disciplines.
Everything you’ll see at the event
is hand-made in Britain, and with the
increasing demand for genuine British
products, the BCTF offers trade buyers an
opportunity to source one-of-a-kind work
to satisfy collectors and consumers.
A visit to the fair is inspirational and
pleasurable, with parking directly outside
50 ATTIRE
In brief
Show: British Craft Trade Fair
Venue: The Great Yorkshire
Showground, Harrogate
Dates: 12th - 14th April, 2015
Website: www.bctf.co.uk
the venue, an easy registration process, high
quality venue catering and a relaxed but
business friendly atmosphere.
If you’re a trade buyer, retailer, gallery
owner or design practice, apply for your free
invitation by registering now on the website
www.bctf.co.uk A
Hazel Atkinson Jewellery
www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
115
Hazel Atkinson is taking this opportunity of
showing at the BCTF to bring new and exciting
collections into her wildly successful Natural
Selection range of original, 100 per cent British
hand-crafted anodised aluminium jewellery. This
versatile lightweight, durable material produces
incredibly colourful and eye-catching pieces. As
the name suggests, Sky is predominantly blue
with swirls of striking red and gold. Meanwhile,
Royal Flush is a deep and sumptuous purple
laced with delicate strands of foliage. Lilac
bursts with an abundance of summer flowers,
heralding warmer days to come and Geranium
has a retro quality
about it. Every
piece of jewellery is
decorated by Hazel
and cut, formed and
assembled in her
Nottingham studio.
Prices start from as
little as £6, and a free
ring is given with
every order placed at
the show.
Hazel Atkinson Jeweller y
NOW Showing at
BCTF, stand 115
Handmade In The UK
tel 0115 9411110
www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Essemgé
www.essemge.com
N35
Moxon and Simm
www.kingstreetworkshops.co.uk
445
Under her brand
Essemgé, Sophie is
a jewellery designermaker working in
precious and non-precious materials. Her style promotes an
elegant, contemporary-yet-feminine look. In May 2014, Essemgé launched a line of jewellery using
primarily anodised aluminium and silicone rubber. Combining
and mixing these components allowed it to create one-of-akind pieces of jewellery at affordable prices. Playing on volumes,
textures and colours yet keeping designs simple makes this
jewellery attractive to a range of women. Some items of the
collection have been developed as a Make It Your Own concept,
whereby clients can make their very own piece by adding or
changing details to their tastes. Essemgé has the ambition to
become the go-to brand for those looking to stand out with
quality hand-made, distinctive pieces of jewellery, mixing
traditional codes with modern bold and clean lines.
Debby Moxon has developed her
techniques for heat colouring
titanium in the past 25 years to
create a stylish, original jewellery
range. The process has evolved
through the exploration of various
methods of creating texture and
interfering with the surface of this
fascinating, unusual metal. Foxes & Fables
www.foxesandfable.co.uk
N16
Amy Prout is based in central Wales and specialises in creating
stunning, one-off pieces of quality art inspired by nature and
narratives. “I’ve always
had a passion for creating
things. After graduating
from university with a BA
(Hons) in Fine Art I began
to explore ways to combine
my love of art and fashion.
Since then, I’ve trained
as a silversmith and felt
maker and have spent years
perfecting my craft.”
Each piece is lovingly
created using the best
materials. Amy uses dyed
and natural merino wool
and silk gauze to create her
scarves and shawls. 52 ATTIRE
Modjool
www.modjool.co.uk
382
The ultra-modern,
dynamic Modjool
jewellery range
uses coloured PVC
and magnet clasps
combined with
aluminium and silver components. The concept enables the wearer
to mix and match and combine colours and materials. The brand is
bold, distinctive and ideal for lovers of truly contemporary jewellery.
Fabulous Felt
www.fabulousfelt.ie
84
Fabulous Felt’s luxurious
fashion scarves and
wraps are hand-made
in Limerick, Ireland.
The label uses merino
wool and silk to create
unusual textures and
shapes, then each scarf
is hand-dyed to achieve
the desired effect. It’s
well known for vibrant
colour and great
statement pieces.
BRITISH CRAFT TRADE FAIR
Rebecca Jane Designs
www.rebecca-jane.com
N69
LV Made in England
www.lvmadeinengland.co.uk
TBC
Rebecca is a Norfolkbased artist with a passion
for creating beautiful and
useful items. Inspired by nature and a love of different textures and
forms, she incorporates new and upcycled materials through handfelting and needlecraft to make a variety of bags, hats, scarves and
accessories that are one-of-a-kind and a joy to use. Needle-felted
key fobs are a touch of fun, brooches are versatile adornments and
many of her creations will coordinate well with striking ensembles. From the finest felted cobwebbed silk fibres for luxurious
eveningwear to the warmest rare-breed wools and from chiffon to
calico, items are embellished by hand with needle-felted motifs,
beading, embroidery and appliqué. Delicate details cover a structure
robust enough for daily use without compromising on individuality
and style.
LV Made in England was born out of a need for quality menswear
accessories. All the company’s bow ties, neck ties, pocket squares
and braces are hand-made in the studio. The brand is all about
quality, craftsmanship and providing the market with something
different, quirky and fun. Its products all have strong vintage
inspiration and eye-catching style, while retaining an element of
classic wearability. LV Made in England uses only the highest quality textiles,
which include Liberty of London floral cottons and Harris Tweed
wools, as well as vintage and deadstock fabrics, to create limited
runs of both traditional self-tie, and also pre-tied bow ties and
accessories. The label’s design team is also developing exclusive
luxury collections of unique printed fabrics with up-and-coming
artists and illustrators. All packaging is made from recycled materials and every bow tie
comes in a vintage-style, hand-stamped card box.
Swag and Tassel
www.swagandtassel.com
N63
Step into the extraordinary
world where east meets
west and antique meets
contemporary with Swag
and Tassle’s collection of
innovative and one-of-akind carpet and leather
handbags and fashion
accessories. Beautifully handcrafted, rare and exclusive,
each piece is original and
has a story of its own. The
bold colours and texture of
the exotic fabrics, mixed
with handpicked fine
leather, make the label a
special kind of luxury for the woman who wants to stand out. Welsh designer Sophie Wordsworth is at the helm of the brand,
using the rich history of the materials, ranging from antique carpets
hand-woven by tribes in Northern Persia to colourful soft leather to
create fresh, stand-alone couture pieces.
Anne Morgan Jewellery
www.annemorgan.co.uk
427
Anne Morgan
is an established
contemporary jeweller
who won a silver
prize in craft&design’s
Selected Awards
2013 in the Jewellery
and Precious Metal
category. She designed
and made the crown
for The National Eisteddfod of Wales 2012 and has been well
supported by the Arts Council of Wales, which has allowed her to
continue developing and experimenting with different materials
and techniques. Anne’s love for silver always returns to her specialism in her
jewellery, using a technique called reticulation. It’s a process that
uses a flame to almost melt the surface of the silver, creating ripples
and crevices. Although she creates this organic texture her pieces are
off-set with straight and geometric lines contrasted with 18ct gold,
creating a very contemporary range of modern precious jewellery.
ATTIRE 53
JEWELLERY TRENDS
Chain attraction
From fine strings of pearls to gaudy costume baubles,
here’s our guide to the key gems of 2015
Fiorelli at Gecko Jewellery, www.geckojewellery.co.uk
ATTIRE 55 ·
3
2
1
Hippy shake
4
Go for the ethereal look with organic shapes,
cabochon stones and sentimental charms
5
6
7
8
1. Balagan: +44 (0)845 260 0925 or www.balagan.co.uk; 2. Bohemia Design: +44 (0)131 555 2485 or www.bohemiadesign.co.uk; 3. Fiorelli
at Gecko Jewellery: +44 (0)1376 532 000 or www.geckojewellery.com; 4. Belle & Flo: +44 (0)1892 824 396 or www.belleandflo.co.uk;
5. Midhaven: +44 (0)1299 851 513 or www.midhaven.co.uk; 6. Jewelcity: (0)1494 444 200 or www.jewelcity.co.uk; 7. Accessories by Park
Lane: +44 (0)1423 866 990 or www.parklaneonline.com; 8. Peace of Mind: +44 (0)1225 777 749 or www.pom925.com
56 ATTIRE
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2
1
3
Glamour puss
Go for Golden Age presence with statement
sparkle, faceted gems and envelope-pushing pearls
6
8
4
5
7
1. Belle & Flo: +44 (0)1892 824 396 or www.belleandflo.co.uk; 2&8. Accessories by Park Lane: +44 (0)1423 866 990 or
www.parklaneonline.com; 3. Nadia Minkoff: +44 (0)20 8202 1099 or www.nadiaminkoff.com; 4. Gaby: +44 (0)1985 212 291 or
www.gabysfashion.com; 5. Fiorelli at Gecko Jewellery: +44 (0)1376 532 000 or www.geckojewellery.com; 6. Pearls of the Orient:
+44 (0)1483 202 232 or www.pearlsoftheorient.co.uk; 7. Jewelcity: (0)1494 444 200 or www.jewelcity.co.uk
58 ATTIRE
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Contact us on: 0141 616 3334 Email: [email protected]
w w w. o r l i j . c o m
1
2
Odd ball
Go for left of centre with vibrant beads,
bold perspex and impact shapes
5
4
3
6
8
7
1. Pranella: +44 (0)191 213 2552 or www.pranella.com; 2. Orli Designs: +44 (0)141 616 3334 or www.orlij.com; 3. Miss Milly:
+44 (0)1905 622 509 or www.missmilly.co.uk; 4&5. Tatty Devine: +44 (0)20 7739 9191 or www.tattydevine.com; 6. Carrie Elspeth:
+44 (0)1446 771 271 or www.carrieelspeth.com; 7. Talbot Fashions: +44 (0)1273 776 415 or www.talbotfashions.com; 8. Maytali’s UK:
+44 (0)7949 526 197 or www.sashas-mind.com
60 ATTIRE
1R0LQLPXP2UGHU
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7HO)D[
(PDLOSHDUOV#SHDUOVRIWKHRULHQWFRXN
:HEVLWHSHDUOVRIWKHRULHQWFRXN
Jewellery Storage solutions
Designed to hold up to 48 pairs of earrings. Earrings are kept
UCHGUGEWTGCPFCOCVEJKPIRCKTKUCNYC[UGCU[VQ¾PF
The Little Book of Necklaces
Designed to hold necklaces
safely and securely at home
or when traveling.
The Little, Little Book of Earrings
Designed like the Little Book of Earrings but
smaller. Able to hold up to 12 pairs of earrings.
If you would like any
further information please
phone: (0044)0 2033711522
email: [email protected]
Visit us: www.littleshopof.co.uk
SECRET EMPORIUM AT PULSE
In Your Dreams, www.inyour-dreams.com
FINGER ON THE PULSE
We celebrate the launch of Pulse’s collaboration with fashion talent maven Secret
Emporium, with an exclusive look at the designers confirmed for the showcase
This year, for the first time, Pulse London 2015 has partnered with
design talent scout Secret Emporium to bring together the newest
and most innovative fashion and accessory designers at the London
Olympia show in May.
Secret Emporium is an incubator for young designers, creating
opportunities to sell, experiment, and be exposed to buyers who
appreciate something fresh, new and left-field. The initiative has
been described as the ‘Cream of the independent design crop’ by
Harper’s Bazaar.
Pulse is well renowned for presenting the industry with an
exclusive, directional and original array of products, and this year
visitors will experience the new art installation-style feature to
showcase the fashion talent curated by Secret Emporium.
“This year we’re committed to bringing buyers even more fresh
new talent, and our collaboration with Secret Emporium delivers
on this promise in a refreshing and exciting way,” said Louise
Wallace, Show Director of Pulse.
Secret Emporium founder, Tess Acheson added, “We’ve been
really impressed with Pulse’s new approach within the industry,
and Secret Emporium at Pulse gives buyers access to designers that
they simply won’t find at other trade shows. Designers are keen to
take part so the selection process has been rigorous and the calibre
of exhibitors is really high.”
In conjunction with Pulse, Attire Accessories can now exclusively
reveal the first wave of designers appearing as part of Secret
Emporium at Pulse 2015. Further designers are set to be
announced in the build up to the show. Read on to find out about
the first eight brands to make the cut...
ATTIRE 63 ·
Claudia Meller
shop.claudiameller.com
Humphries and Begg
www.humphriesandbegg.co.uk
Claudia Meller is a Devonbased designer specialising in
original, innovative surface
print and pattern. All her
products are designed and
made in England. This is an
integral focus for the brand as
ethical, cruelty-free fashion is
very important to her.
Inspired by nature, the
passion for colour and pattern
seen in her designs is given a contemporary twist for high-end
fashion. This is reflected in the brand new scarf collection that’s
launching for spring 2015. Beautiful wool voile is used for these
luxurious scarves to give a warm but light feel.
After studying art and design, then working in the fashion
industry, Claudia set up on her own in 2012 and continues to
grow as a designer through new collections and innovative ideas.
Young British label
Humphries and Begg brings
you its latest collection,
Primary. Primitive and
innocent with the label’s
signature colour palette, its
patterns add playfulness to
simple designs. Using 100
per cent cottons and silks, the
collection is fresh and light.
Renowned for its prints,
Humphries and Begg also includes a collaboration by illustrator
Emma Watts to its new full midi skirts, and traditional Indian
wood block designs to its men’s shirts. Bringing back last year’s
popular playsuit while mixing up the designs in a patchwork style
ensures the collection is fresh, yet consistent with the brand’s
aesthetic. New homeware pieces include yaks’ wool blankets and
cushions of hand woven Nepalese textiles.
Common Threadz
www.caitlinshepherd.com
In Your Dreams
www.inyour-dreams.com
Common Threadz is a sustainable Bristol-based fashion brand,
founded by artist Caitlin Shepherd. The focus of the brand is
geometric eye bending prints, applied specifically to psychedelic
leggings. These are inspired by classic designers such as Charles
and Ray Eames, Sanderson and print designers Basso and Brooke.
All designs are hand-drawn by Caitlin and then rendered into
seamless repeat patterns.
Also an activist, Caitlin
believes in sustainable, fair
fashion. Subsequently all
garments are printed and
manufactured in the UK.
Currently available in four
designs – The Mariner’s
Rhyme, Aubergine Dream,
Queen of Hera n’ Now and
Mount Olympia – these
leggings are limitededitions runs, with only
50 pairs of each design
available to buy.
In Your Dreams is an experiential beauty brand born from the
fields of English underground festivals. Since established years
ago, the brand has been systemic in the evolution of festivalinspired fashion beauty accessories, bringing bindis, gems, glitter
and sequins to the
face and body. The
label has combined
creativity, experience
and passion to
develop an original
and extensive
selection of colurful
beauty pieces, which
includes temporary
tattoos, distinctive
bindi designs, hair
chalks and a vibrant
range of multi-pack
bindi sets.
64 ATTIRE
01926 356550
www.socklady.co.uk
[email protected]
SECRET EMPORIUM AT PULSE
Kate Gilliland
www.kategilliland.com
Kate Gilliland’s jewellery
tells tales of wonder and
intrigue. A little piece of
wearable natural history,
her jewellery invites you to
explore into hidden worlds
of stories and fauna. The
treasured animals that inspire
the collections are fragments
of nature found on faraway
beaches or foraging in the
British woodland, with
each piece immortalised in
precious metal.
Merrimaking
www.merrimaking.co.uk
The Brighton-based
design duo behind
the Animal hood,
Merrimaking creates
playful, upbeat apparel.
What began in
2009 as a means to
fund a summer of fun
is now an established
independent fashion
label, at the forefront
of a distinctive fashion
trend. The pair’s bold
and playful pieces are
worn by celebrities
Ellie Goulding, Zoe
Ball, and Rizzle Kicks,
and flooded the fields
at the summer festivals.
They’ve been featured on Channel 4, and in fashion magazines from
Grazia to Vogue.
This year, the collection includes pom pom chains, disco jumpers
for man and dog, cake sweatshirts and fruity bumbags.
Tessa Metcalfe
www.tessametcalfe.co.uk
A childhood fascination
with pigeons and later
experiments with taxidermy
form the concepts behind
Tessa’s designs. She believes
in both myth and legend,
combining these in her work
to create ‘a little dream to
carry with you.’
The Homage collection
celebrates ‘finding beauty
in the gutter’. Inspired by
the city of London, the foot
of a pigeon is transformed
into a beautiful talisman
of fine art jewellery.
Thorough investigation has taken the concept from an idea and
into a complete collection of timeless pieces playing on the fantasy
underworld of her hometown.
Cast entirely from pigeons’ feet found on the city’s roadkill, Tessa
creates narrative jewellery. Lovingly setting precious jewels into
the birds’ grasps and making miniature rings to adorn the birds’
claws, the pleasure of her work can be seen all over the bold designs.
Beautiful in their own right, the pieces demand a closer inspection
and invite the viewer to look differently at the neglected and feral
bird. All pieces are hand-made in her Hatton Garden workshop.
Wolf and Moon
www.wolf-and-moon.com
Wolf & Moon is a contemporary
fashion jewellery brand founded
by British artist and designer
Hannah Davis. All the pieces are
hand-crafted by a small team of
makers in the label’s Hackney
studio. Hannah’s latest collection,
Fjordland, is inspired by travels
through the beautiful landscapes
of western Norway. The current
collection combines wood, plastic,
metal and cork with a clean,
minimalist aesthetic.
ATTIRE 67
What a carry on
Chair of the British Travelgoods and Accessories Association and founder of Brand
Agility, Jacquie Sandison reveals what led her to set up the UK accessories supplier
for overseas brands
Tell the readers a bit about how you
started Brand Agility.
After living and working in London for 15
years with a career in the national press, I
decided it was time to return to Scotland
and look at doing something new – my
partner George and I needed a fresh
challenge. So we decided that we’d try to
source well-known brands from abroad and
bring them to the UK marketplace. It was a
complete change of direction and a territory
that was totally unknown to us.
What was the aim of Brand Agility
when you started out?
Having worked in the media industry for
many years, we decided from the outset
that we wanted to work with family-owned
businesses that placed importance on
quality products, fair prices and delivering
a first-class service. So far, we’ve been
68 ATTIRE
fortunate with the brands we represent.
Our aim was to distribute great brands
to retailers in different market sectors
throughout the UK and Ireland.
What labels and lines did you
distribute initially and what was the
response with buyers in the UK?
We started out with American brand Ducti,
a range of wallets and fashion accessories
made from duct tape. It’s a bit strange I
know, but to our amazement it developed
a cult following with men aged 16 to 44
and as a result, our business quickly grew.
After a year or so we were approached by
Caribee, a travel and lifestyle brand from
Sydney, Australia, who was keen to launch
its established brand into Europe and
wanted to start in the UK. Initially buyers
were reluctant to even see us – this was at
the start of the recession. Of those who did,
many of them are still Caribee customers
seven years later, which is testament to the
quality, price point, service and longevity of
the brand.
Our business has grown and we now
are pleased to represent German brand
VAUDE’s Packs ’n Bags range in the UK
and Ireland. It’s is a worldwide brand with
its roots in Europe, and the travel and
lifestyle brand extends to 13 concept retail
outlets and the products are fabulous.
Only a few months ago we brought
the Secrid wallet brand to the UK from
Holland and although we knew it was
a success from the feedback we’d had
from our European customers, we were
overwhelmed by the engagement by
retailers and end users alike. More than
800,000 Secrid wallets were sold worldwide
last year and the response from retailers we
supply already has been phenomenal. Many
report Secrid to be their most profitable
product per sq ft in their store. We were
delighted to receive a Highly Commended
at the Fashion Accessory of the Year
Awards 2014 at the Autumn Fair, and the
2015 collection looks great too.
“
Having worked in the
media industry for many
years, we decided from the
outset that we wanted to
work with family-owned
businesses that placed
importance on quality
products, fair prices and
delivering a first-class service.
What challenges did you have
to overcome when you were
starting out as a supplier?
”
PROFILE
As newcomers to the business, we had a
lot to learn and we had to learn it quickly.
Every day was a challenge. The problems
that stand out most were breaking into an
already established market, currency issues
and stock levels. We’ve now found our
place within quite a few marketplaces and
our business has grown substantially. We
achieved this by exhibiting at trade shows,
driving up and down the country meeting
retailers face-to-face and, more recently,
building a network of sales agents in each
territory. The collapse of the pound at the
height of the recession was a major issue
for us, but things have since settled and we
have stabilised our position.
When we started with Caribee, we
remortgaged our home, ordered a 40ft
container full of stock we’d never even seen
before and didn’t have a single customer.
Were we naïve or mad? Perhaps both, but
we decided it was a risk worth taking. It
took just three months to sell the contents
and we soon discovered there was a
demand for the products, so we relied
heavily on forward orders and speeding up
the consignments into the UK. Business
has grown so much now that we hold
stock in our new warehouse and can fulfil
everything from there.
“
When we started with
Caribee, we remortgaged our
home, ordered a 40ft container
full of stock we’d never even
seen before and didn’t have a
single customer. Were we naïve
or mad? Perhaps both,
but we decided it was a
risk worth taking.
”
What makes Brand Agility and your
selection of labels stand out in the
accessories marketplace?
The brands we partner with are all
successful overseas, and while it’s true not
all new products from abroad necessarily
work in the UK, many of them do. People
buy brands and the products we represent
in the UK are successful labels in their
own right. This is half the battle. Most are
family-run businesses who are much easier
to deal with than big corporate companies.
We can discuss issues and find solutions
quickly directly with the owners.
How important is your location and
Brand Agility’s history to its success?
Being based in Edinburgh has its benefits
– it’s a great city to live in and run a
business from and the commute from
home to office is only 10 minutes. Modern
communications, the internet and nextday courier services means we can supply
our customers in the UK and Europe
quickly and efficiently. I’m regularly in
London, Birmingham, the Netherlands and
Germany and love travelling to trade shows.
Can you tell us a bit more about
your involvement with the British
Travelgoods and Accessories
Association and your role as Chair?
It’s good to be part of the team at the
BTAA, and exciting times are ahead as
the organisation embarks on a series of
initiatives to help members with their
ATTIRE 69 ·
“
We believe we offer products
people want to buy, so we are
optimistic and on-track for
another successful year. There’s
certainly more positivity in the
industry than there has been in
recent years.
”
business objectives. A new seminar
programme will be launched soon, which
we hope will deliver a wealth of knowledge
and support to the membership. Paul Yates,
our Chief Executive, has vast experience in
the industry and will keep everyone posted
on all of the organisation’s news via the
pages of Attire Accessories. There are lots of
good reasons to be a member of the BTAA.
How do you view the current
market and what trends do you see
emerging over the coming months?
For many of us, the trade show season’s in
full swing and we’ve been launching our
new product lines to a wider audience.
Brand Agility has achieved a 20 per cent
year-on-year increase for the second year
70 ATTIRE
running. We believe we offer products
people want to buy, so we are optimistic
and on-track for another successful year.
There’s certainly more positivity in the
industry than there has been in recent years.
What are your future plans for
Brand Agility?
There are areas of the market I think we
could improve on and there are gaps in our
product ranges we need to fill, so we’re now
taking steps to address that. We’ve created
five jobs since we first started and hope
to take on a sixth employee soon. We’re
always on the lookout for fresh and exciting
products and labels to represent that fit
our portfolio, and we’ll be announcing the
distribution of a new brand very soon.
Do you have anything else to add?
Work hard and be kind – then amazing
things will happen for you. A
Contact
Brand Agility
+44 (0)131 554 5555
www.caribee-uk.com
www.secrid.nl
www.vaude.com
SECRID is exclusively distributed in the U.K. by Brand Agility Ltd
35 West Bowling Green St, Edinburgh, EH6 5NX
Tel: 0131 554 5555. Email: [email protected]
SHOE TRENDS
Shoe Love
Whether your consumer is the
ultimate lady or a total tomboy,
we’ve found the footwear styles
they’re looking for this season
Cocorose London, www.cocoroselondon.com
ATTIRE 73 ·
2
1
3
4
Sugar rush
Dainty pumps, girlish heels
and cute details
8
6
5
7
1. Irregular Choice: +44 (0)1273 724 020 or www.irregularchoice.com; 2. Moda in Pelle: +44 (0)113 239 2379 or www.modainpelle.com;
3&5. Tamaris: +44 (0)1604 880 146 or www.tamaris.eu; 4&8. Melissa: +44 (0)20 7377 2570 or www.melshoes.com; 6. Carlo Pazolini:
+44 (0)20 7591 3913 or www.carlopazolini.com; 7. Cocorose London: +44 (0)20 8829 8919 or www.cocoroselondon.com
74 ATTIRE
SHOE TRENDS
2
1
TOUGH COOKIE
No-nonsense flats, statement
trainers and chunky trimmings
5
3
4
6
7
8
1&7. Air & Grace: +44 (0)7940 730 487 or www.airandgracelondon.com; 2. J Shoes: +44 (0)1858 468 123 or www.jshoes.com; 3&5.
Caprice: +44 (0)7734 247 669 or www.capriceshoes.co.uk; 4. Irregular Choice: +44 (0)1273 724 020 or www.irregularchoice.com; 6. Tracey
Neuls: +44 (0)20 7935 0039 or www.traceyneuls.com; 8. Tamaris: +44 (0)1604 880 146 or www.tamaris.eu
ATTIRE 75
EYEWEAR
Taking the FRAME
From specs to sunnies, we take a look at the best glasses on the market today
Silhouette
www.silhouette.com
Silhouette has been creating luxury eyewear for more than 50 years. Through its individual approach to design and
use of the latest technology, the brand has established itself as a world leader in premium eyewear.
The Titan Contour collection from Silhouette combines 12 unisex rimless frames in a dozen different
ent lens shapes. Minimalist in
i /
design, the range is inspired by clean contours and modern architecture. The fresh colour concept for spring/summer
2015 is based on
individuality. There are 12 new colour designs in the Titan Contour line, with neutral tones on the titanium bridge accented by bright
colours such as lime and coral.
Meanwhile, the Silhouette SUN collection for 2015 builds further on the brand’s reputation for innovative design, attention to detail
and minimalist eyewear. With developments to the established Silhouette sunglasses selection, the remodelled frames offer modern twists
on the label’s previous counterparts, creating an array of frames that offer more than just sun protection. The research given to the layout of
the frames ensure that no pressure marks are left after they’re removed, each frame offers UV protection above any required standards, and
vision remains unobstructed.
Goodlookers
Opticaid
www.opticaid.net
New products in the Opticaid range include a
variety of contemporary and classic ready reading
glasses, sun-readers and sunglasses by Remaldi, and
the ingenious NeckSpex – memory frame readers
designed to be worn around the neck when not in
use, so that you never lose your glasses. Retail prices
for these pieces start at £12.99. New unisex styles
include wood-inspired Ascot, Keswick black with
silver-coloured metal arms and fashionable Phoenix
tortoiseshell and coral. New ladies’ styles include
Chelsea black and teal, pretty Kowloon floral and
Perth hot fuchsia frames.
www.goodlookers.co.uk
Goodlookers’ bold
spring/summer
2015 eyewear
collection offers
retailers fashionforward style and
quality design at
accessible prices.
There’s an eclectic
variety of up-to-theminute ready readers
and sun-readers for
both him and her,
including the ’50s
inspired Bromley
frame, which is available in tortoiseshell or black; the vibrant Weekend
design that fuses a lightweight polycarbonate and stainless steel frame with
fun two-tone hues; the Pippa glasses, which incorporate an on-trend all-over
camouflage design; and the innovative Paris spectacles, which are available in
both antique gold or antique silver.
All the company’s readers and sun-readers can be retailed at the affordable
impulse buy price point of £9.99 – including coordinating pouch –
representing great value for the consumer.
Alongside Goodlookers’ trendy new ready readers are exciting additions to
the label’s best-selling sunglasses collection, including Soho, which combines
an iconic frame shape with premium bamboo side-arms, all with the benefit of
anti-glare polarised lenses and an in-store display feature – which is ideal for
gift shops and boutiques.
Also back by popular demand are the chic bow design glasses cases, now
available in an eye-catching array of new colours.
ATTIRE 77 ·
Eyelevel
level
www.colvininternational.com
Eye-catching, iconic and functional, Eyelevel has a selection of more
than 50 fresh reading glass styles, with each being available with a
choice of lens strength. The brand’s new range provides a wealth of
choice for the more fashion-conscious customer.
Managing Director Steven Colvin said “Eyelevel has successfully
been designing, importing and distributing sunglasses for the past
20 years. We’re well aware of the value of a range that can provide
great profit margins and great customer choice for a relatively small
outlay. This new collection of readers is no different, and we certainly
feel this will significantly strengthen our position as one of Europe’s
leading glasses suppliers.”
Clere Vision
www.clerevision.co.uk
Clere Vision glasses are a prime example of fashion with function.
More than 10 years ago, the company identified the market’s need
for good quality, fashionable reading glasses, sunglasses and sun
readers at affordable prices. Since then, the company has introduced
new collections biannually, each being in keeping with the tone of
the season’s colours and trends.
The 24th collection features new tinted readers and bifocal
sunglasses, as well as some striking new designs in the everyday
reader range. Some funky new glasses holders also add some fun,
further widening the brand’s appeal.
78 ATTIRE
WeWood
www.wewood.com
With the use of natural cotton fibres, WeWood’s designers
W
develop luxury eyewear with eco-friendly flair. Available in
four styles, the label’s cotton eyewear is durable, nearly 100
per cent hand-made and capable of withstanding almost any
environment. Developed with the same organic materials that
strengthen the forest, the cotton frames are highly resistant
to damage from impact or pressure and are built to last. With
extreme resistance to the elements, cotton fibres can survive
a lifetime of use. In nature, cotton isn’t threatened by insects,
heat, or organic solvents. The eyewear line benefits from these
same qualities, adding to each piece’s ability to withstand the
elements. From feminine to bold, four original frames add
personality to any spectacle wearer’s wardrobe.
Reading Glasses, Sunglasses,
Sun Readers & Accessories
T: 01635 297911
E: [email protected]
W: www.clerevision.co.uk
PARTY ACCESSORIES
Mirrorball miracles
From spangled clutches to skyscraper heels, take a
look at our top 20 dancefloor saviours
Irregular Choice, www.irregularchoice.com
ATTIRE 81 ·
2
3
1
6
4
8
5
7
9
82 ATTIRE
10
www.maytalisuk.co.uk
[email protected]
PARTY ACCESSORIES
11
12
15
14
16
18
13
17
20
19
1. Bohemia Design: +44 (0)131 555 2485 or www.bohemiadesign.co.uk; 2&15. Nadia Minkoff: +44 (0)20 8202 1099 or
www.nadiaminkoff.com; 3. Peach Pink: +44 (0)1234 400 495 or www.peachpink.co.uk; 4. Melissa: +44 (0)20 7377 2570 or
www.melshoes.com; 5&11. Zandra Rhodes Handbags: +44 (0)20 3006 3994 or www.zandrarhodeshandbags.co.uk; 6. Stephen Collins:
+44 (0) 1985 212 291 or www.stephencollins.co.uk; 7&20. Juno Accessories: +44 (0)1484 475 800 or www.junoaccessories.co.uk;
8. Cocorose London: +44 (0)20 8829 8919 or www.cocoroselondon.com; 9. Jewelcity: +44 (0)1494 444 200 or www.jewelcity.co.uk;
10. Accessories by Park Lane: +44 (0)1423 866 990 or www.parklaneonline.com; 12. Belle & Flo: +44 (0)1892 824 396 or
www.belleandflo.co.uk; 13. Claudia Canova: +44 (0)1132 657 676 or www.claudiacanova.co.uk; 14. Irregular Choice: +44 (0)1273 724 020
or www.irregularchoice.com; 16. Faye London: +44 (0)20 8813 8545 or www.fayeuk.com; 17. Gaby: +44 (0)1985 212 291 or
www.gabysfashion.com; 18. Tatty Devine: +44 (0)20 7739 9191 or www.tattydevine.com; 19. Little Moose: +44 (0)1273 930 053 or
www.littlemoose.co.uk
ATTIRE 85
RETAIL TECHNOLOGY
Smarter marketing
with e-receipts
David Fairhurst, Head of Creative Online Marketing at Intelligent Retail, discusses the
benefits of replacing the traditional paper document
I travel to work every day in a big V8 4x4,
count motorsports as an enjoyable pastime
and regard man-made global warming as
a politically expedient myth, driven by the
need of governments to control the oil
supply and gain ever more fuel tax. From
this, the casual observer might surmise that
I don’t care about the planet. Nothing could
be further from the truth.
Many years ago, when I started my first
business, I remember lots of people were
talking about the paperless office. What
a great idea – everything digital, nothing
wasted. Unfortunately here we are in 2015,
still with an insatiable appetite for paper.
Every year, we consume vast quantities
of it. The environmentally aware among
us will know that a good percentage of
this paper nowadays is recycled, and the
government has put resource in place to at
least encourage us all to get into the habit of
separating our easily recyclable materials. Yet
still world consumption of paper is growing,
having gone up by as much as 400 per cent
in the past 40 years.
As the increasing use of paper means
more and more trees are cut down, we
have fewer trees available to absorb all the
carbon dioxide and noxious gases produced
by farmed animals, volcanoes, industry
and yes, those horrible, planet-killing cars.
Replanting schemes certainly help, but as
trees take time to grow, the pool of mature
trees is getting smaller every year.
“
Yet world consumption
of paper is still growing,
having gone up by as
much as 400 per cent in
the past 40 years.
”
e-receipts
If like me, you marvel at the amount of
waste that society creates and wonder what
will happen when all the trees have been
chopped down, you’re going to love the
idea of e-receipts. If you’re also tasked with
marketing your fashion retail business then
you’re going to love them even more!
Top e-commerce retailers such as Argos,
as well as banks and other institutions have
started to use e-receipts as they offer a whole
host of benefits, not just for retailers but also
for customers.
Instead of a paper till receipt, customers
have the option to receive an electronic
ATTIRE 87
“
This way, you can
precisely target offers
to customers based on
previous purchase history
and brand identity.
”
version via email and text message. In
addition, all purchase history is stored
alongside warranty information in an easy
to access online account. For the customer,
there are further benefits, with instruction
manuals, instructional videos and recipes
for example being available alongside this
purchase history.
Benefits to retailers
Marketing lives and dies on customer data,
which is why schemes like Tesco’s Clubcard
and the Nectar card scheme work so well for
retail. Modern electronic marketing relies on
huge amounts of social profiling, purchase
and search history data, while technology’s
getting smarter every day. Did you know
that location tracking and embedded data
on your mobile phone can tell a retailer what
you’re looking at, what interests you?
Something else that e-receipts can
provide you with, as a retailer, is the sort
of behavioural data that more intrusive
technologies employ, without customers
feeling that they’re being ‘spied on’. This way,
you can precisely target offers to customers
based on previous purchase history and
brand identity. This type of data can help you
as a retailer to structure your offerings
88 ATTIRE
both in-store and online in a way which will
capture the maximum spend and the best
conversion rates.
A recent Experian benchmark and trend
report highlights the potential financial
benefits for retailers of using e-receipts as a
customer communications channel, where
revenue can show a 600 per cent increase
over traditional ‘spray and pray’ marketing
techniques. This means using them to
communicate timely, targeted marketing
to your customers can give you a major
advantage on your competitors, while cutting
waste and helping your customers manage
their purchases.
Do you want an even bigger incentive
to use e-receipts? Paper costs money and
thermal receipt paper is even more expensive
and may be potentially damaging to health,
some studies say. Adding this to the reduced
need for rubbish collection at your premises
– at exorbitant business collection rates –
means that savings in these areas can be put
into smarter promotion for your business or
improving your stock levels.
So it seems we’re finally moving away
from the need for paper and more towards
electronic methods of servicing customers
and marketing to those same customers,
using freely available and very reliable data.
Oh… and if like me, you prefer to drive
something big and comfortable but still
think of yourself as being environmentally
responsible then I have a phrase for
you, ‘LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
Conversion’. It’s 66p per litre, has by far the
lowest emissions of any readily available
combustible fuel and the government has
more or less frozen fuel duty on LPG for the
next 10 years. A
David Fairhurst is Head of Creative
Online Marketing at Intelligent Retail.
David has been involved with search
engine optimisation and web development
since 1999 and has spoken at many retail
and SEO conferences including Spring
Fair and SES London. Call David on
+44 (0)845 680 0126.
Best dressed
Deryane Tadd tells us why she opened the award-winning fashion boutique, The
Dressing Room, and how her approach has led to huge success for the premises
on St Albans High Street
What was your career before opening The
Dressing Room?
I started my career in retail on the shop
floor. I worked for various high street brands
and quickly rose through the ranks from
part-time Sales Assistant through to store
management and area management. I then
joined French Connection in 1997 as a Store
Manager for a franchise store and went on to
become Operations and Buying Director for
the franchises for seven years. It was during
this time that I really learned a lot about how
a business is run. I treated the stores as if
they were my own and absolutely loved the
whole experience.
What prompted you to start your own
fashion retail business?
When my boss at French Connection retired,
it was a crucial turning point in my career.
I decided I would take the plunge and set
up my own business. By this time, I had
worked in retail for 12 years and knew the
industry inside out from the shop floor and
store management through to buying and
operations, so I was confident I could make
my own business work. I wanted to launch
a boutique with a beautiful environment,
but one that was non-threatening in terms
of the shopping experience and brand mix.
From day one, my brand philosophy has been
‘affordable to aspirational’ – offering products
that allow my customer to get the same
high-end experience, regardless of how much
they’re spending.
90 ATTIRE
How did you decide on the concept of the
shop, with the premises and location for
your store?
In terms of location, I was looking for
areas with an affluent demographic in the
commuter belt. Key locations for me were
Marlow, Henley, Windsor and St Albans.
I searched for a location for a long time, as
a lot of landlords were unwilling to take a
risk on a new small business. I was putting
in offers left, right and centre until finally a
great location became available in St Albans.
It was a small store in a secondary location,
but it was a perfect place for me to start my
business and test the water in the area.
After trading for 12 months it was clear
that my vision was working, so I began
looking for either a second location or
somewhere bigger in St Albans. Six months
later, the unit that I’m currently trading from
became available – a much larger store in a
high street location. It was a huge risk, but
one I was prepared to take, and it’s certainly
paid off. The Dressing Room has gone from
strength to strength and it continues to grow
10 years later.
My concept has evolved over the past
decade. Initially it was very feminine,
with chandeliers and wallpaper. Now, the
Dressing Room’s look is more contemporary
and strong, but with a feminine edge. We
completely rebranded in 2013, with a new
logo, shop front, packaging, in-store furniture
and details and a fully rebranded and rebuilt
responsive website design.
What accessory lines to you offer and how
does this complement the rest of the shop’s
product offering?
We have a large range of accessories and
footwear, which currently accounts for 44
per cent of overall turnover. Brands such as
Becksöndergaard, Chlobo, Olivia Burton,
Ash Footwear and H by Hudson shoes are
all really strong lines. We have around 35
accessory brands in total. Some are ordered in
large volumes, while others are much smaller,
niche brands that add a point of difference to
what we do.
Having a strong accessory offering really
helps to boost sales – they can either be
add-on sales, complement an outfit or be the
main reason for people to visit the store. I
really believe that a look isn’t complete until
you have added your finishing touches with
fashion accessories.
How would you describe the presentation
of the shop?
The layout is clean, uncluttered and easy to
shop in. We wardrobe-build our collections
together and always ensure that the space
is open, bright and well merchandised. The
store is fully remerchandised every six weeks,
with small changes made every week to keep
regular customers interested and engaged.
Standards, presentation, scent, music and
atmosphere are all incredibly important to
me in building an exceptional shopping
experience. I work really hard to ensure the
store looks its very best at all times.
RETAILER INTERVIEW
What do you consider to be your core
customer base?
My core customer base is aged from 25 to 45,
with an eye for fashion. However, in reality
we have all age ranges and types of customer
from what I call the Label Lover to the
Classic Lady through to Mrs Safe, and even
The Originator. The key to our product mix
is that it can be styled differently depending
on who wears it. That means it can be edgy
or safe or chic – it’s up to the individual. I
train all the team myself to make sure they
can style customers from head to toe in a way
that suits their look and lifestyle.
What are the key factors you consider when
sourcing new product lines?
I look for gaps in my current collections and
try to fill them with new product. However,
sometimes it’s just about finding something
that gets you excited and feels right – an
instinct for what my customers will love.
I do run my buying-on through an indepth merchandising analysis that I update
monthly, I’m a self-confessed spreadsheet
fanatic and really believe in analysing figures
to gain a true knowledge of what’s working
and what isn’t.
New product lines have to add a point of
difference to my brand mix, they have to get
me excited and they have to have a reason to
exist in my store. There’s an awful lot of great
product out there, so you have to be quite
ruthless about what makes the cut.
How important is product knowledge and
customer service in store?
It’s incredibly important. You can have the
greatest product in the world but if it isn’t
delivered by a team that’s knowledgeable
and excited about it, then it will never work.
I spend a lot of time on staff training and
development. Every month I run breakfast
styling training sessions for the team, and
every six weeks we have an after-hours team
meeting to go through goals and plans, and
how to achieve them. In-depth product and
all been very proud moments for me, as it’s
fantastic to have my business and my team
recognised as leaders within the industry.
brand training is given weekly to ensure
everyone knows the product inside out. All
of this ensures that my team delivers a great
experience to every customer.
How important is an online presence to
your plans for the business?
The Dressing Room is a multi-channel
business and it’s thriving due to this
approach. The online side of store is busy in
its own right and growing, but it also drives
more customers to the store. We wouldn’t be
making the progress that we are if we weren’t
multi-channel.
Do you run any special events to attract
new customers?
Yes, our events are a big part of what we
do. Every spring and autumn we have new
season collection events where customers will
queue around the block to attend. We also do
smaller, more personal brand focused events
that can be really fun and different. We
often try new things to keep our customers
interested, and to attract new people to the
store. It may not always work, but it’s always
worth trying.
Who would be your ideal customer for the
boutique, and why?
My ideal customer is someone willing to be
styled, to try new looks and brands and not
take themselves too seriously!
What has been your proudest moment
since opening the shop?
That is a tricky question. I’m incredibly
proud of how far the business has come in
10 years, in terms of turnover, reputation
and brand mix. I’m also proud to be helping
young women to build careers in retail and
e-commerce, as I’m passionate about this
industry being seen as a great career choice.
We’ve won many amazing awards and
accolades over the past 10 years, including
Pure London’s Buyers Power List award
for Best Independent Retailer. These have
How do you view the current state of the
fashion retail market?
In general, it’s improving. Things are more
buoyant now, and people are willing to spend
if the product and shopping experience is
right. However, there is a problem in the
industry with regular and early discounting
that really needs to be addressed. So many
large businesses are too afraid to hold their
nerve and trade full price for the whole
season, it’s ridiculous.
What advice would you pass onto other
fashion retailers?
Speaking from personal experience my advice
is always to put your heart and soul into
what you do and always put the customer at
the forefront of every business decision you
make. Also, make sure you train and motivate
your team to achieve your goals with you,
because you can’t do it alone. A
“
My core customer base is
aged from 25 to 45, with an
eye for fashion. However, in
reality we have all age ranges
and types of customer from
what I call the Label Lover
to the Classic Lady through
to Mrs Safe, and even The
Originator. The key to our
product mix is that it can be
styled differently depending on
who wears it.
Contact
The Dressing Room
+44 (0)1727 853 577
www.the-dressingroom.com
”
ATTIRE 91
Elizabeth Dickens
+44 1353 723675 email: [email protected] web: elizabethdickensveils.co.uk
The Bridal Roadshow, one day only
at: The Holiday Inn, Priory Suite,
Deane Gate Ave, Taunton TA1 2UA
bbbbbbbbbbb
Sunday 29th March 10am – 7pm
+44 1353 723675 email: [email protected] web: elizabethdickensveils.co.uk
Q&A
All the answers
OUR EXPERTS TACKLE YOUR
RETAIL-RELATED QUERIES
Louise Wallace is Show Director for Pulse, and this
year has relaunched the event to offer directional and
one-of-a-kind products, industry insight and trend
forecasts throughout the year. Pulse takes place on
10th - 12th May, 2015 at Olympia in London, and is
online at www.pulse-london.com
Call Louise on +44 (0)20 7384 7798 or email her at
[email protected]
Nicola Donnelly is the Director of Time Lifestyle
Boutique in Dundee. A former communications
professional, she achieved her dream of opening her
own shop in August 2014. Time Lifestyle Boutique
offers an eclectic collection of homeware, fashion
accessories and gifts combining great quality and
original design.
Call Nicola on +44 (0)1382 223 499 or email her at
[email protected]
Carolyn Newton is the Founder of The Whale
Company. She launched her organic cotton Whalebags
in 2012 after discovering the detrimental impact of
plastic bags on the ocean and marine wildlife. She’s
gone on to develop a range of flip flops made from
recycled tyres, called Whaletreads.
Call Carolyn on +44 (0)7870 685 994 or email her
at [email protected]
Keren Dicken is the Sales and Marketing Director
and co-owner of the Personalised Memento Company,
founded 11 years ago. Keren is at the heart of the
company’s innovation in products and marketing.
Call PMC on +44 (0)1782 744 900 or email the
company on [email protected]
If you have any questions about any aspect of the gift retail industry, simply
write to: Q&A special, Attire Accessories magazine, Pantile House, Newlands
Drive, Witham, Essex, CM8 2AP. Alternatively, send your queries to:
[email protected]
Standing out
Q
A
How can I differentiate my store and compete with
the big boys in an increasingly competitive market?
Louise says: Retail is changing at an increasingly fast
pace, so you need to be at the top of your game to
survive. Small businesses with bricks and mortar stores
are perfectly positioned to get up close and personal
with their customers, and to react quickly to offer a
one-of-a-kind and engaging customer experience.
You need a clear vision for your product range if
you’re going to deliver something truly different from
other stores. Your range should be developed with a
very clear target customer in mind, as well as reflecting
your core brand and its values. Working with new and
undiscovered designers, like those selected by Pulse for
our Launchpad showcase, will bring something fresh
and vibrant to your store, and will provide an inspiring
story for your marketing activity.
Retail Theatre is emerging as the next big trend
in retail: creating excitement and buzz with instore activities, workshops or events that go beyond
traditional customer service and bring your brand to
life. A good example of retail theatre is Cath Kidston’s
Handbag Reading (watch the video on the ShopTalk
Blog at www.pulse-london.com). Customers took a
moment to sit down and have the contents of their
handbag analysed by an expert, with fun and lively
results. Retail theatre can be cross-promoted on social
media to increase interaction before, during and after
the event, and to inspire an even wider audience to
connect with your business in a more personal way.
Keeping it local
Q
A
What’s the best way to source products from local
designers and what are the benefits?
Nicola says: Customers love to see products made
locally. In a market of goods that are often massproduced and imported from overseas, customers
value original design and quality craftsmanship and
manufacturing. Local designers can offer products
that respond to local trends and engage with the local
audience. The quality of this engagement further drives
innovations and creates products that really sell. Plus,
everyone likes to feel part of a local success story.
We’re lucky in Dundee to have a wonderful art
ATTIRE 93
&
QA
school and a hub of talented local designers.
My initial market research demonstrated
that local people really wanted access to
their work. Engaging with local and creative
design groups will help you make contacts
with designers. One such group helped
me find designers who were interested in
participating in a series of pop-up shops
within my boutique. Pop-up shops are a
great way of seeing how a designer and
brand works with the rest of your shop,
gauge how customers respond to the
products and bring in new customers who
may know the designer but not necessarily
your shop.
I also approached designers at craft fairs,
the art school’s degree show and directly
online. You must be prepared for designers
to approach you and be ready to say no
when the work doesn’t suit your business
– likewise your business might not suit the
work of a designer.
Working with local designers – either
Jane Gowans
Cinderela B
94 ATTIRE
through stocking their work or hosting
a pop-up shop – has led to plans for
collaborations where my store will benefit
from some exclusive products and really
build upon my business’s quality and
design credentials.
Plastic bag use
Q
A
I run a gift shop and I’m confused about
the upcoming 5p plastic bag charge.
How will this affect my shop and what
alternatives can I offer my customers?
Carolyn says: The Single Use Carrier Bags
Charges (England) Order 2015 will come
into effect on 5th October, 2015. It’ll only
affect retailers with 250 or more employees,
who will have to charge 5p, including VAT,
for single use (lightweight) plastic bags.
Local authorities in England are responsible
for enforcing this order and will have the
power to implement monetary penalties to
any retailer in breach of regulations.
There’ll be no net cost to business.
Although retailers will incur administrative,
monitoring and reporting costs from
introducing the charge, they’ll be able to
retain a portion of the proceeds of the
charge to cover these. The balance will be
donated to charity. Retailers experience
a direct benefit from the reduced cost of
providing bags. For this reason, it may well
be in the interests of the smaller retailers to
charge on a voluntary basis if they wish.
A similar charge was implemented in
Wales in 2011 and it saw a reduction of
80 per cent in plastic bag consumption.
In 2002, Ireland introduced a levy of 15
cents per bag. It had an immediate effect
on consumer behaviour, with a decrease in
plastic bag usage from an estimated 328
bags per capita to 21 overnight.
In 2013, supermarkets gave out more
than eight billion single use carrier bags
across the UK. That’s nearly 130 bags per
person and equates to 57,000 tonnes of
plastic bags in a year. Discarded plastic bags
are a very visible form of litter, and cause
serious harm to marine wildlife. In addition
they consume resources including oil and
they do not biodegrade, lasting thousands of
years in landfill sites.
There are several reusable bags available.
However they need to be practical and we
need to help people remember to take them
everywhere they go. I designed Whalebags
specifically with this in mind.
Getting personal
Q
A
I’m thinking of introducing personalised
items to my gift shop. How would I go
about doing this?
Keren says: Adding personalised gifts to
your range is a great decision for any type of
gift shop.
It’s very easy to get started within a shop
with our very easy to use iPad app; this
allows you to display the full range in one
compact space. We developed the app as we
saw a gap in the industry for independent
retailers to sell the full range of personalised
gifts in store. Personalised samples are a
great way to generate interest in store, but
by developing the app we took this to a
new level. It gives our independent retail
customers the ability to showcase a large
choice of gifts, which can be purchased
easily in one visit to the shop.
We provide everything you need to get
started including printed point of sale
posters and banners. The app itself is easy to
use with clear images and personalisation
fields to fill in. Once the end customer has
chosen a gift, they can simply checkout and
purchase direct from the app. The order
is sent off to production automatically so
there’s no admin work involved for the shop.
The order can be delivered direct to the
end customer’s address or back to store for
collection, it’s their choice.
Getting started is easy whether you’re an
existing customer or not, just contact one of
our team. A
Azara Jewellery Ltd
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(VDOHV#DEVROXWHMHZHOOHU\LH
www.absolutejewellery.ie
GOING
grey
While everyone’s going crazy about the cinema release of Fifty Shades of
Grey, why not pay a more literal homage to the versatile colour’s tonal
palette with a few accents to enhance your shop floor?
Hugo grey chair
£78, Oliver Bonas
+44 (0)20 8974 0110
www.oliverbonas.com
Bless this house print
£20, The Wise House
+44 (0)20 8941 8412
www.thewisehouse.co.uk
Alice Hannah, www.alicehannah.co.uk
Serenity bowl
£15, Kelly Hoppen
+44 (0)20 3701 9333
www.kellyhoppen.com
Graphic yellow and grey cushion
£30, Meadows & Byrne
www.meadowsandbyrne.com
Grey ceramic lamp
£65, Marquis & Dawe
+44 (0)1925 767 611
www.marquisanddawe.co.uk
96 ATTIRE
Bloomingville hanging
flowerpot
£38, Amara
+44 (0)800 587 7645
www.amara.com
WINDOW DRESSING
Retro telephone in grey
with orange detail
£38.95, Cuckooland
+44 (0)1305 231 231
www.cuckooland.com
All we can do ceramic tiles
£45 for pair, Rob Ryan
www.robryanstudio.com
Grey vase
£35, Idyll Home
+44 (0)1270 812 717
www.idyllhome.co.uk
Niki Jones chartreuse and ash
grey concentric rug
£250, Occa-Home
+44 (0)330 363 0330
www.occa-home.co.uk
Nynne Rosenvinge grey art
£14, Skandivis
+44 (0)845 226 3104
www.skandivis.co.uk
Bloomingville grey coffee table
£159, Amara
+44 (0)800 587 7645
www.amara.com
ATTIRE 97
copyright – protect
the © in new designs
Dids Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of Anti Copying in Design,
discusses how to protect your designs
fromlucy.com
When creating a two dimensional design,
whether it’s a new greetings card range,
artistic work or illustration, the protection
of its copyright often goes down the list of
priorities when considering all the other
demands to hit the market running. Taking
the time to be more intellectual property
(IP) savvy could make the difference if there
are copycat predators around, and in today’s
market this is a reality. Only good designs
get copied, so what can you do to protect
yours from this fate?
For a work to be protected by
copyright, it must be original and
developed independently by its originator,
involving creativity. Copyright then arises
automatically – you can’t officially register
© in the UK. This protects your work and
stops others from using it without your
permission. So think about copyright when
you create an illustration, photography
images, website design, pattern or surface
decoration and wording in your marketing
material or technical specifications. Mark
your work with the copyright symbol ©,
your name and the exact date of creation. If
98 ATTIRE
fromlucy.com
you can prove you own the copyright in your
work, you can prevent others from copying,
distributing, renting or lending copies of
your work, making an adaptation of your
work or putting it on the internet. Creating
that all-important signed and dated audit
trail from the original idea to marketplace is
really important.
Many people find IP a complex subject,
but it’s just a name for something created
from the intellect or creativity of your mind.
IP is the generic term for copyright, design
right, patents and trademarks and creating
copyright in your work is just like any other
property that you own, it’s about giving
others permission to use. So if you don’t
want someone to use your work without
permission it’s up to you to say so in the
strongest possible terms. A cost-effective
and easy route to do this is to put a simple
statement on your website. “All intellectual
property rights in our designs are and will
remain the property of (insert your name).
Any infringements will be taken seriously.”
If you’re a member of ACID, you can
accompany this with our brand of deterrence
logo with its proven track record, adding a
strong message.
ACID supports the protection of
copyright works through our Design
Databank. Members send in their designs
and they’re lodged securely with date
evidence. Each year we receive 25,000
designs and provide vital third party
evidence should you have to prove your
design audit trail or if your ownership is
challenged. ACID Marketplace offers a
safer trading platform that promotes and
tracks, giving designers the assurance that
any buyer looking at their designs will have
agreed to a Buyers Charter and can be IPtracked by the creator.
Launched on 1st February 2015, ACID IP
Insured now adds the ultimate deterrence.
Offering cover for up to £100,000 of costs
should you have to take legal action in the
Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, it’s
a no-brainer. The scheme covers registered
designs, unregistered designs and copyright
which are lodged on the ACID Design
Databank and fall within the criteria
required to be an original two- or threedimensional work.
The scheme is strengthened by a powerful
logo and its use on the insured party’s
website is mandatory, providing a powerful
burglar alarm. It says what it does on the
tin. “Copy me at your peril because my
intellectual property is insured!” A
Further information
To find out more, visit www.acid.uk.com.
Subscribe now
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102 ATTIRE
www.fredbennett.co.uk
www.pom925.com
Ring true
The hottest women’s jewellery
Elizabeth Dickens
+44 1353 723675
email: [email protected]
web: elizabethdickensveils.co.uk
Visit us at
The Bridal Roadshow,
Gibson Hotel, Dublin,
22-23rd March 2015
WEBSITE
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ATTIRE 105
Get kitsched
Ladybird Likes founder Zoe Bateman tells us how she turned her passion
for car boot sale treasures into a successful retro-inspired jewellery label
What is the inspiration behind the
company and its products?
I’m inspired by all things vintage, retro,
and kitsch! Most of my inspiration for new
pieces comes from items I’ve picked up at
car boot sales and junk shops. Ladybird
Likes started off as a way for me to make
the kind of jewellery I wanted to buy – at
the time, all the jewellery on the high street
was very boho, but I wanted to wear stuff
that was a bit more fun.
How was the initial Ladybird Likes
collection developed?
The initial collection was created after
I’d discovered it was possible to laser cut
printed images as long as they’re transferred
onto wood. I started out using a small
range of images I’d collected from vintage
books and ephemera, with the aim of
testing the water. One of our first ranges
was butterflies, which we created using the
illustrations in an old nature guide. They
were – and still are – such a huge hit that
we built on the theme of nature and the
British countryside in other collections,
such as our birds range.
Were there any problems when setting up
the business? If so, how did the company
overcome them?
The biggest problem I faced when starting
Ladybird Likes was getting the balance
between running the business while still
working at my other job. I gradually
reduced my hours in the retail job so I
could devote more time to Ladybird Likes,
and the longer I spent on the business, the
more it grew. At the end of 2012 I handed
in my notice at my day job to focus on
Ladybird Likes full time, which is the best
decision I’ve ever made.
How would you describe the current
Ladybird Likes collection?
A bit kitsch, a bit retro, a bit pastelcoloured, and a lot of fun. We like making
things that are different for people who
like to stand out and show their personality
through their accessories.
How often will the company be launching
new lines?
We launch new lines every two to three
months. Some of these become part of
our permanent collection, while others are
limited-edition lines available only for a
short period.
Is the collection aimed at a particular type
of retail outlet or consumer?
Our ranges aren’t aimed at a particular type
of retailer, however most of our stockists
tend to be small gift boutiques – with a
focus on hand-made items that are different
from the high street offerings – or retrothemed stores selling a mix of second-hand
and vintage-inspired clothing, jewellery,
and fashion accessories, which our pieces fit
in with perfectly.
Are you exhibiting at any trade fairs over
the coming months? If so, which ones
and why?
For 2015 we’re focusing on our direct sales,
building up our website and designing
lots of new ranges. This means we don’t
currently have any trade fairs booked in, but
if this changes we’ll post information on
the events page of the website.
106 ATTIRE
When did you launch the website and how
important is it to the business?
We launched our original website in 2012.
Having an online presence has definitely
been an important tool in growing
Ladybird Likes, as it allows customers to
find out more information about us and our
products, including details of our stockists
and events we’re participating in, as well as
any other services we’re offering.
What are the long-term plans for
the brand?
For 2015 we’re focusing on product
development – we’ll be using lots of new
techniques and materials to create some
gorgeous pieces that we hope retailers and
consumers will love. We’re also hoping to
start offering craft workshops and classes
from our studio, to build a hub for likeminded creatives. A
Contact
Ladybird Likes
+44 (0)7766 883 986
www.ladybirdlikes.com
Bristol Arnos Manor Hotel
470 Bath Road, Brislington
Bristol BS4 3HQ
0117 9711461
March 2nd- by appointment only
Best Western Hotel
London Road, Marks Tey
Colchester, Essex, CO6 1DU
08453731005
March 9th 10th and 11th
Haslemere Georgian Hotel
High Street, Haslemere
GU27 2YJ
01428 656644
March 23rd 24th and 25th
Holiday Inn
Glasgow Airport, Abbotsinch,
Paisley, Glasgow, PA3 2TR
0871 9429031
April 27th and 28th
Pavilions of Harrogate
Derwent Room, Yorkshire Event Centre
Great Yorkshire Showground
Harrogate HG2 8NZ
01423 544544
May 11th 12th and 13th
MAYFAIR TRUNK COMPANY
Orwell House, 1 Orwell Court, Hurricane Way,
Wickford, Essex SS11 8YJ
Tel 0844 556 5560 | Fax 0844 556 5531
[email protected]
www.gigi-bags.co.uk
Livermead Cliff Hotel
Torbay Road, Sea front
Torquay, Devon, TQ26RQ
01803 299666
May 31st, June 1st and 2nd