Autumn Fair - Attire Accessories magazine

Transcription

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SEPTEMBER 11
ISSUE 28
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BEAUTIFUL
Dazzle in the best
wedding gems
of the season
Well-heeled
The latest formal
footwear trends
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An array of glamorous
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Show previews
PLUS
• EXPERT ADVICE
• INDUSTRY NEWS
• BRAND NEW PRODUCTS
• London Fashion Week
• IJL • Top Drawer
• Autumn Fair
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We look forward to your visit at
Autumn Fair - Hall 4, Stand G59 | Scotland’s Trade Fair - Stands F30 & G36
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Regulars
9 Editor’s letter
What to look out for in this issue
10 Industry news
Get the low-down on the latest happenings in
accessories retail
18 On with the show
Trade show dates and developments
21 Competition
Win products worth £1,000 RRP courtesy of
Bolla Bags
22 Brand spanking new
The hottest new products to hit the market
123 All the answers
Our experts answer your retail queries
Profiles
99
50 On the bright side
Anna Lou Trent tells us how her company has
evolved in such a short time
83 A whole bag of tricks
Makki’s Joanne Temperton reveals how versatility
has ensured the growth of the label
116 Spanglish chic
Yolanda Artal, of new boutique Poltsa, tells all
about how she has fulfilled her childhood dreams
119 Leader of the pack
Handbag2Handbag designer, Jacci Alderham
reveals the inspiration behind her pioneering idea
138 Crafty cases
Sarah Williams gives
us an insight into her craft
41
Bridal glitz
Fashion forward
50
On the bright side
Features
41 Bridal glitz
Get big day glamour for brides of all tastes with
the wedding gems of the season
53 Insurance solutions
Brokers T.H. March address queries and
concerns about insurance
77 Stepping out
High heels for any occasion, from the dance floor
to the wedding aisle
99 Fashion forward
Get a head start on future fashion with London
College of Fashion’s 2011 BA graduates
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130
Oh so retro
55
Jewel in the crown
138
Crafty cases
22
Brand
spanking
new
Features
Shows
103 Top ten tips for shop-fitting
Ingrid Saffin of Mundays LLP gives her advice on
making the shop-fitting process less stressful
27 Seasonal growth
Take a sneak preview on who will be at this year’s
Autumn Fair International
106 That’s show business
Exhibitors give us their feedback on Pulse 2011
55 Jewel in the crown
A round-up of IJL’s exhibitors
111 Going above and beyond
Chief Executive of the Institute of Customer
Service, Jo Causon explains why going that extra
mile leads to business success
87 On top form
An update on what to expect from Top Drawer
this autumn
114 Selling – what works & what doesn’t
Managing Director of Yankee Candle Europe,
Clive Harper, shares his top retail tips
127 Hat tricks
A look at the elegant and eccentric hats and
fascinators available this season
130 Oh so retro
Get inspired by the ‘50s aesthetic for a window
display with the modern-vintage look
133 Retail strategy
Frances Thomas explains how to create retail
synergy between IT and merchandising
departments in business
77
Stepping out
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108 Cool Britannia
Check out the line-up for this year’s London
Fashion Week
127
Hat tricks
Editor’s letter
ȇȨɜɄɑѼɕɉȨȃȰ
September 2011
$77,5(
Cover image courtesy of
Liza Designs
MANAGING EDITOR
Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 535 611
DEPUTY EDITOR
Laura Sutherland
+44 (0)1376 535 613
[email protected]
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Nancy Hayes
[email protected]
SALES MANAGER
Mark White +44 (0)1376 514 000
[email protected]
SALES EXECUTIVE
Michele Rogers +44(0)1376 535600
[email protected]
DESIGN MANAGER
Sarah Barnes
+44 (0)1376 535 616
[email protected]
DEPUTY DESIGN MANAGER
Sophie Farage
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Laura Perry, Steve McKea,
Hayley Kilminster, Brett Skingle
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Leanne Walsh
WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Stuart Weatherley
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Alice Henson, Tammy Wright
+44 (0)1376 514 000
KD Media Publishing Limited
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ISSN 1758-0919
Attire Accessories is solely owned,
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Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort
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time of going to press, the publishers
cannot accept legal responsibility for
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CM8 2UL.
ȣǸȽȝȨȽȝɕȐǸɕɄȽɕ
Although these dainty
delights are part of a wedding
collection by Rachel Simpson
Shoes, I can see myself
getting a lot of summertime
mileage out of the Rosalyn
heels. With floral print
and peep toes, they are
ideal for day trip jaunts
and garden parties.
September heralds the busiest time in the fashion
calendar, with a host of new trends, products
and designers jostling for attention. Luckily, with
a constant stream of fresh trade shows, events
and the incentive of the Christmas party season
finally in sight, it becomes easier to focus on the
future, and what styles, colours and details we will
be yearning for in the coming months. I hope that this
issue will go some way towards inspiring you for the season ahead.
This month’s fashion calendar is fully-booked with Autumn Fair
International, IJL and Top Drawer delivering the latest offerings from
new labels and established stalwarts. These shows are essential
viewing for the forthcoming season, so we have dedicated previews to
each of them.
In terms of directional style, London College of Fashion has just
unleashed a new gaggle of bright young things into the industry. Attire
Accessories reveals our predictions for fashion’s next big thing, as well
as putting the spotlight on London Fashion Week.
Glamour is also on the agenda, as we look at special occasion
accessories. With the best bridal jewellery styles of the moment, hats
and fascinators fit for all tastes from the extreme to the elegant, and
sophisticated heels to dance the night away in, we have all formal
engagements covered.
Bridal jewellery, page 41
Happy reading...
0ǸɤɑǸ
Laura Sutherland
Deputy Editor
Top Drawer, page 87
London Fashion Week,
page 108
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Industry news
Find out what’s new in fashion
accessories retailing
Femme-Enfant opens its virtual doors to customers
A new online womenswear accessories boutique called Femme-Enfant has just
launched. Offering a stylish product range from shoes and handbags to umbrellas,
lingerie and jewellery, the website will be an exciting new destination for fashion
mavens. However, there is a catch - most products will be available for a limited time
only. Whilst this means that although shoppers have to snap up their chosen pieces
on the spot, it also ensures that they’re less likely to bump into another girl with the
same beloved item.
Combining quirky British style with an international twist, Femme-Enfant offers
visitors an array of accessory delights for all occasions.
Founder, Louise Woodhead comments: “I set out to create an independent
boutique that is inspired by seasonal trends, but dares to differentiate from the norm.
In Femme-Enfant I wanted to capture the free-spirited and indulgent transition
from girl to woman.”
For more information, visit www.femme-enfant.com.
ACID CEO Dids Macdonald is
appointed Vice Chair of the Alliance
Against IP Theft
Parade, George Lamb and Jeff Brazier come
together for The Clothes Show Live
The UK’s foremost fashion and beauty event returns with an array of star
guests and all-new team of expert gurus, including international model
Max Rogers and celebrity hairdresser Jamie Stevens, making 2011’s show
the most glamorous and interactive yet. The Clothes Show Live returns to
Birmingham’s NEC from 2nd - 7th December, 2011. Combining live catwalk
shows, musical performances and demonstrations, it’s back bigger than ever.
A plethora of top celebrities will be there to entertain the fashion-hungry
crowds over the full six days of style celebration. Of-the-moment girl band
Parade will perform at the Fashion Theatre on Saturday; whilst The Style Show
– the place to source all of your designer garments – will be presided over by
Britain’s best-dressed man, George Lamb. As a Clothes Show Live veteran,
he will be sharing his own sartorial tips, as well as presenting every day in the
Fashion Theatre.
Other highlights of the event will include Jeff Brazier’s celebrity interviews,
Karl Willett’s session on party season styling, and Clothes Show pioneer,
Caryn Franklin’s seminars detailing exactly what it takes for hopefuls trying to
break into the fashion industry.
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Dids Macdonald, CEO of ACID (Anti-Copying In Design) was
appointed the Vice Chair of the Alliance Against IP Theft in July.
A unique coalition of trade and enforcement organisations, The
Alliance Against IP Theft provides a voice for those who share an
interest in preventing intellectual property theft in the UK.
On her appointment, Macdonald said: “There has never been a
more important time in the Alliance’s impressive history, to play
a key role in its future, and particularly now that its resonance is
being heard loudly and clearly across the entire IP landscape. I
look forward to representing the issues and interests of all of the
Alliance’s members, who are varied and diverse, but unified in the
recognition of IP as a positive force for the UK’s growth strategy.
“Whilst we await government’s response, following the
Hargreaves’ Intellectual Property Review recommendations,
it is timely that design has finally been acknowledged as a key
contributor to the UK economy. Latest figures confirm that UK
businesses as a whole invest £65 billion in IP creation, of which
£23 billion is spent specifically on design. The tide cannot change
too soon to see tangible evidence from the government that the
creative and knowledge economies will provide that vital conduit
for growth and employment.”
Outgoing Vice Chair ACG (Anti-Counterfeiting Group)
Director General, Ruth Orchard, said; “I look forward to
supporting Dids as she picks up the new challenge. I know that, for
her part, she will ensure that the interests of all Alliance members
continue to be well-represented; not least those of brand owners in
their continuing fight against the global threat of counterfeiting.”
Over the last decade, ACID has led the way in raising awareness
of issues on behalf of British designers. A key recommendation
from the Hargreaves Review is that there should be a significant
improvement in the role of IP in supporting this branch of the
creative economy.
News & events
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Mary Portas previews concept
boutique at House of Fraser
After years of using her expertise to advise boutique
owners in her show, retail guru Mary Portas (aptly
nicknamed Mary Queen of Shops), has transferred
her buying know-how and trend forecasting skills
to a project of her own – a shop filled with carefullyselected womenswear, accessory, homeware and
giftware gems.
The premise of the venture was unveiled at
House of Fraser in London, with a room of elegantly
merchandised pieces and mood boards on full
view. The capsule selection of womenswear
featured well-established names such as Barbour,
Tucker, Playtex and Whistles. Mary has also created
her own line in conjunction with House of Fraser,
Pret a Portas. Featuring bold jewel tones and
elegant animal print, the collection was very much in
keeping with her personal style.
Accessories play a large role in the bijoux
shop layout, with chunky statement jewellery by
Cleopatra, tights and shrugs by Charnos, and
Clarks heels. Mary has also collaborated with the
high street shoe company on a line of elegant
footwear specifically for her concept store. Awash
with charming home and gift pieces, the shop also
carries cushions by Carola van Dyke, ceramics
designs by illustrator Naomi Ryder, and gift cards
and wrapping paper by Arts Meath.
Istituto Marangoni
Paris student wins
Graduate Fashion
Week International
Show award
Christina Economou of Istituto
Marangoni Paris was presented
with the International Show award
at Graduate Fashion Week’s Gala.
The prize includes a cash sum;
an internship with one of the
organisation’s hero companies –
which includes Coast, House of
Fraser, ASOS and Reiss; as well as
two years of industry advice from
experts on all aspects of design to aid
her career development.
The fashion school, which has campuses based in Milan, Paris and London, took part in
the show for the first time in the event’s 20 year history. The prize recognises students from
design colleges outside the UK showing at the Earl’s Court exhibition. The winner was
chosen from a shortlist of three nominees (one of which was Hang Li Xuan, from Istituto
Marangoni Milano). All of the students’ work was presented in front of an elite fashion
audience, including Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council; Hilary
Alexander, Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph; and Emma Hill, Creative Director of
Mulberry and Karen Millen.
Born in Athens to an Irish mother, Christina has put her success down to her mixed roots
and having been influenced by two very different cultures. The outfits in her collection
combine strict collars and fluid textiles. The winner says of her education: “I have learned
a lot in the past three years at Instituto Marangoni, especially when it comes to patternmaking, sewing and design. Our teachers have been very helpful in showing us how to be
professional and independent, so that we can continue by ourselves.”
Rocket Dog announces licencee partnership
with DSL Licensing
Rocket Dog Brands International Ltd has announced a three year licensing
agreement with DSL Licensing Ltd based in Capability Green, Luton, for Rocket
Dog Europe’s accessories. Under this exclusive agreement, DSL has licensed
the European rights to manufacture and sell Rocket Dog-branded accessories,
including fashion handbags ranging from the Rocket Dog DNA collection to
casual lifestyle. DSL will go to market with its first Rocket Dog fashion bag range
in time to launch a spring/summer 2012 line.
“Partnering with DSL will give Rocket Dog the opportunity to launch into
a new category within the accessories business,” says Cathy Taylor, Rocket
Dog’s Chief Executive Officer. “Through this partnership we are able to enlarge
our portfolio and enhance our brand offerings, whilst further penetrating the
European market. We chose DSL for its extensive experience and success in
this category; as well as its ability to deliver trend relevant products.”
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Seventy Seven Diamonds re-launch website
E-tailer Seventy Seven Diamonds is set to re-launch its website. As the online retailer with the
world’s largest collection of diamonds, the company is setting out to be at the forefront of the
diamond market by being one of the most innovative e-tailers to sell loose and set diamond jewellery
in the UK.
Whether it’s a 0.30ct round diamond, or 30ct cushion-cut stone that a consumer is after, Seventy
Seven Diamonds will source a stone within seconds, via direct access to over 70 per cent of the
world’s finest natural diamonds. Its unique search engine offers a wide selection of ethically sourced
jewels, certified by leading international diamond grading organisations, such as GIA.
The newly refurbished online boutique boasts a collection of over 200,000 loose diamonds at
prices up to 60 per cent cheaper than Bond Street. The company produces delicately-crafted, highquality engagement, eternity and cocktail rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, taking design
inspiration from a variety of genres from contemporary through to classic and vintage pieces.
Charles Barnett & Harold Tillman
Announce Ascot Racecourse Sponsorship of
the BFC Headonism Initiative
JEREMY PIERCY AND MILTON OBOTE TO WALK
AGAINST CRIME
Managing Director and founder of Shared Earth, Jeremy Piercy and Milton
Obote, a rehabilitated gangster from Nairobi’s Mathare slum will walk across
Britain together in support of a community project in Nairobi that helps
children avoid a life of crime through dance.
Until recently, Mathare – Nairobi’s second largest slum – had a crime rate
of 80 per cent. With no work or schooling, and nothing to do except hang
around on street corners, most young people get involved in theft, drugs and
prostitution, usually around the age of 13. Murder is common, and HIV and
AIDS is rampant.
However, a project has been set up by local people to change the situation
and allow young people to take part in society. It aims to engage young
people in activities, provide work and training, and rehabilitate drug users,
prostitutes and criminals. Already, there are claims that the crime rate has been
dramatically decreased to just five per cent.
A jewellery workshop employs around 20 teenagers and young adults, and
in a nearby community centre, acrobatic training and dance sessions are held.
The group’s ultimate ambition is to travel abroad, and this dream is set to be
fulfilled by Jeremy Piercy and Kathleen Scanlan of Zuri Design, who have
promised to organise a tour of Britain for them in summer 2012.
To raise funds for this tour, Jeremy will be taking time out to walk from
Land’s End to John O’Groats next spring. Milton, who manages the jewellery
workshop in Mathare, will be joining him, and telling his story on the way.
Fair trade friends from India, South Africa and Nepal have already promised
to join them, and there is a “solidarity” walk planned in India. Kathleen will
organise the walk in Scotland.
For more information on how you could help, or to sponsor Jeremy and
Milton, email [email protected].
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The British Fashion
Council and Ascot
Racecourse have
partnered up to
promote emerging
designers.
In June, The
British Fashion
Council and
Ascot Racecourse
announced that
they would be working together to showcase a selection of
emerging designers and milliners at Europe’s premier race
meeting, Royal Ascot 2011 and London Fashion Week. As part
of a new partnership, Ascot Racecourse is now sponsoring
the BFC’s Headonism initiative – having hosted a showcase
opportunity at the world famous Royal meeting, and supporting
Headonism in The Exhibition at London Fashion Week in
September 2011. The partnership reflects the BFC’s aim to
support emerging British design talent, providing an additional
showcasing opportunity to an audience of race-goers from
around the world.
Headonism is a BFC exhibition curated by Stephen Jones,
which celebrates the new wave of emerging London milliners. It
was launched during the BFC’s 25 Year celebrations by Mayor of
London, Boris Johnson. The four up-and-comers who presented
their work at Ascot are J Smith Esquire, Noel Stewart, Piers
Atkinson and Soren Bach.
Todd Lynn, winner of the BFC Fashion Forward initiative,
showed his ready-to-wear collection at the Royal Ascot Fashion
Show in the Bessborough Restaurant. His spring/summer 2011
looks were paraded alongside designs by Amanda Wakeley,
Julien Macdonald, Vivienne Westwood, and internationally
acclaimed milliner, Stephen Jones.
Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council said: “We
are delighted to be partnering with Ascot Racecourse to support
the BFC’s Headonism initiative. The race meeting at Ascot is
a fantastic showcase of fashion that is watched by the world,
and we’re sure this partnership will promote interest in Britain’s
emerging milliners amongst a brand new audience.”
:
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Co E
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R
rit TTI
io
Pr AFA
FASHION JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES
250 Fashion
Jewellery & Accessories
exhibitors showcase their
latest collections
all in one space
♦ See over 60,000 exclusive
product launches
♦ Preview spring lines first
♦ Discover the latest trends
♦ Source the hottest products,
delivered in time for
the busy festive period
♦ Meet over 900 exclusive
exhibitors you won’t see
at any other
show this season
Products featured: Smith & Canova, Lola Rose
RETURNING
FOR A
SECOND
YEAR
♦ See catwalk shows
showcasing the coming
season’s hottest looks
♦ Attend free seminars
offering expert retail
and trend information
Register today at www.autumnfair.com and quote priority code AFATTIRE to get your free entry, saving £30
News & events
BIRMINGHAM ASSAY OFFICE LAUNCH
DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
The UK jewellery and precious metals industry gathered at an event to launch
the Commemorative Hallmark for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Key members of the industry, including retailers, designers and manufacturers
gathered in Goldsmiths’ Hall for an event jointly hosted by the Goldsmiths’
Company, and the four UK Assay Offices in London, Birmingham, Sheffield and
Edinburgh. The launch was attended by HRH Princess Michael of Kent, who
witnessed the Jubilee marks being formally struck.
The creation of celebratory Diamond Jubilee Hallmark
follows a tradition established in the last century,
when commemorative hallmarks recognised the
Silver Jubilee of George and Mary in 1935,
Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee in 1977,
and Golden Jubilee in 2002. Jewellery and
silverware items bearing the commemorative
Diamond Jubilee Hallmark are expected to be
in high demand over the next 18 months, as the
Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the London
Olympics make 2012 a year to remember.
Hale Events celebrates 20 years of success in
trade events
Organisers of the annual Giving & Living Exeter trade show, The SOURCE
and Taste of the West trade shows; Hale events celebrated their 20th
anniversary in July.
Company founder, Jane Pyatt thinks that the secret of the business’
success lies in the fact that they have always sought to build very close
and supportive relationships. “Some exhibitors have been with us for the
full 20 years, which is wonderful. We’ve also been able to help a number of
‘fledglings’ grow and prosper.
“We’ve seen exhibitors who’ve started out with the tiniest stand grow into
huge multi-million pound importers with strong ethical principles. I’m very
proud of our own success, but even more pleased that we’ve done this by
making a lot of other people successful in the process” she said.
Co-director, Mike Anderson adds: “New technology is making it easier
for buyers to select products online, so trade shows need to become more
experiential. There’s also a move towards more ethical and responsible
product sourcing, which in turn is favouring the smaller producers, and
creates more niche markets with a regional emphasis. We’re very aware of
how these factors are influencing buyer behaviour, and are constantly looking
for new and better ways to help our clients succeed in this environment.”
EMAP and Mack Brooks
announce new joint venture to
launch international exhibitions
EMAP Ltd and Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd have announced
that they are to form a new joint-venture company. EMAPBrooks International Ltd will launch a range of new
international exhibitions to capitalise on EMAP’s strength as
the UK’s number one trade show producer, and Mack Brooks’
unrivalled experience in overseas event organising. The newly
formed joint-venture has set itself the target of launching up to
10 new exhibitions during the next two to three period.
EMAP produces over 300 B2B events every year which
include exhibitions, conferences, awards and summits. EMAP
Connect alone (the exhibition division) is the largest trade
show organiser in the UK, with 20 industry-leading exhibitions,
including Spring and Autumn Fairs, Pure London, and the
education technology event, BETT.
Following the success of the Global Fashion Awards in
New York, EMAP intends to fast-track its international
roll-outs and new launches, by combining the strength of its
brand with Mack Brooks’ international network, distribution
and operations.
Over the past 35 years, Mack Brooks has developed a
reputation for running first class international events and has
an extensive network of branches and partners globally. It
organises 18 leading events in Germany, France, Italy, Greece,
Russia, India, China, Brazil, Singapore and the USA.
EMAP Connect’s CEO, Malcolm Gough said, “Mack
Brooks’ expertise and track-record in creating and growing
profitable events globally is second to none, and we are
convinced that this partnership will provide a great spring
board for us to grow our business on a truly international scale.”
Mack Brooks’ CEO, Stephen Brooks said, “I have long
admired EMAP’s powerful business in the UK, and been
impressed by the company’s ability to launch and develop
leading brands for the UK market; I strongly believe that a
number of EMAP’s brands are well-suited to development in
both new and established markets around the world. In order to
launch these brands in different countries, we are able to build
on a network of partnerships from all over the world, which we
plan to strengthen and develop.”
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NEW DESIGNERS 2011 ANNOUNCES
DETAILS OF ASSOCIATE PRIZE WINNERS
Nottingham Trent University is celebrating a double win for
graduate Toni Lake, who was awarded the Clothworker’s Company
Associate Prize as well as the Christy Carpet Associate Prize for
her beautifully illustrated collection of textiles that feature intricate
surface patterns. She hopes to use the prize money to fund her
dream of working for herself, using it as an initial investment to set
up her own business.
Amanda Briggs-Goode, the course leader at Nottingham Trent
University said: “It is really exciting for Toni and Nottingham
Trent University to be awarded two prizes at New Designers 2011.
Toni’s drawing and design skills have always been exceptional,
and we hope that this is just the beginning of her fantastic career
in textile design. We are delighted that Toni has been recognised
amongst such creative and skilled graduates on a national stage.”
Nancy Thomson from Central St Martins won The
Worshipful Company of Weavers Associate Prize, whilst Sara
Fell from Plymouth College of Art and Design was awarded the
Contemporary Glass Society Associate Prize. Both were delighted
to have their hard work recognised and rewarded, using the
prestige of the awards to further the promotion of their careers.
The outstanding level of work on display at New Designers this
year is testament to the huge volume of emerging talent present
across a range of design disciplines.
Underground for Topshop
A quintessentially British brand, Underground has been at the forefront
of footwear design since the 1980s, when it caught the fashion world’s
attention with a punk-inspired collection. With a history deep-rooted in
music and youth culture, subsequent movements have paved the way for a
re-emergence of the creeper and winklepicker styles.
30 years later, the label is still pushing boundaries,
by developing a new range to suit today’s youthful
consumer. Underground’s latest venture sees the
brand making an exclusive collaboration with
Topshop.
The collection, which will only be available
online at www.topshop.com, and the Oxford
Circus flagship store, is compiled of four
original styles, and uses a combination
of colours and materials that have
never been seen before
in the history of the
Underground
catalogue.
Bagabook’s Spring Fair success
Thanks to the Meet the International Buyers team at Spring Fair 2011, Bagabook has
agreed to a distributorship in Australia and New Zealand with Artico Pty Ltd. The
label’s collection of bags will be featured in Artico Pty’s August catalogue. As well as
making new deals south of the equator, Bagabook has also agreed to supply a large
American mail order catalogue this autumn. The brand will be expanding its Junior
Classic Bagabook this fall, with a new model featuring one of Jacqueline Wilson’s
best-known characters, Tracey Beaker, after securing an agreement with the author.
Dutch bloggers unite
Renowned Dutch fashion bloggers like Moderosa, Travel in Style, Bohemian Chic,
After Style Comes Fashion and BillieRose are now united under the first Dutch
website collective for fashion bloggers, wwwcreatorsofdesire.com, an original
platform on which dedicated trend-fanatics can keep up-to-date with their favourite
fashion icons, read front row reports, and take behind-the-scene sneak peeks at the
latest trends.
Website Creator and former Marketing Manager for a large number of top Dutch
fashion labels, Anouk Bos, says: “Fashion blogs have been a huge influence in the
industry for some time in Scandinavia, where the best bloggers have already united
under one site. It’s a more user-friendly concept for blog-followers, and at the same
time, it serves the marketing sector with more opportunities for creative PR, and
novel advertising ideas.”
Since a comparable collective fashion blog wasn’t yet available in Holland,
Bos saw her chance. “Dutch fashion bloggers are popular both nationally and
internationally for their down-to-earth views on fashion: they are accessible, yet
unique and refreshing. The readers will identify easily with our bloggers. I expect
that it will become one of Holland’s major fashion websites in no time.”
Alongside its various fashion blogs, the website will be launching international guest
blogs, with the posts being filled by renowned international fashion bloggers.
$77,5(
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Jewellery of Distinction in Sterling Silver and
NOW IN ROSE GOLD PLATED on silver
IJL - Stand No B78
Top Drawer - Stand No H74
EUROLEATHERS
Tel: 01604 843740 Web: www.euroleathers.com
2011 TRADE
SHOW
PROGRAMME
Autumn Fair
NEC
4th – 7th Sep,
Stand 4M50
KARM
Launching a new
range of handbags at
Autumn Fair.
See our comprehensive
range of Scarves,
Bangles and Handbags,
either at one of our trade
shows, or online,
or visit our showroom
Open Mondays
10.00 – 17.00
and all other times
by appointment
FREE delivery still
available on all
orders over £100
(UK Mainland Only)
t: 020 8257 4975 m: 0754 6755985
email: [email protected]
www.luckyeyes.co.uk
LUCKY EYES | 16 HANOVER SQUARE | MAYFAIR | LONDON W1S 1HT
Gift
Warehouse
Our Special offer for the
month of September 2011,
the more you buy,
the more you save
by quoting voucher numbers
1, Orders over £250
quote GWAA9/11-2.50
to claim 2.5% discount.
quote GWAA9/11-5.00
to claim 5% discount.
quote GWAA9/11-7.50
to claim 7.5% discount.
quote GWAA9/11-10.00
to claim 10% discount.
All prices quoted are excluding VAT
(vat will be charged at the prevailing
rate) and this offer cannot be used
in conjunction with any other
Giftwarehouse offer.
Tel: 01159 461173
or 07764 352726
Email: [email protected]
Units 83/84, Trent Business Centre,
Canal Street, Long Eaton,
Nottingham NG10 4HN
Shop online www.giftwarehouse.eu or www.wholesalescarvesonline.com
On with the show
Check out all the important news and dates for your
business diary...
HOME AND GIFT FORECASTS EXPANSION FOR 2012
This July, Home & Gift celebrated 50 successful years with a record-breaking 54 per cent
increase in on-site re-bookings, and exhibitors that were eager to retain their place for
2012. High sales, attendance by reputable buyers and key retailers, in addition to the
news of next year’s expansion were all factors in the decision for many to return.
For 2011, Home & Gift delivered a six per cent growth in exhibitors, offering visitors
more variety and choice than ever before, including names like Girls & Pearls, Dr
Lighting, Laura Darrington and Personalised Memento; as well as exclusive exhibitors,
such as Zippo UK, Rasanna Rossi and Two Lumps of Sugar. Veterans and newcomers
alike commented on the success that they experienced over the four days, with Chris
Krall, Managing Director of IEP Wholesale stating: “We had another great show,
which was made even better when a major high street name placed a sunstantial order
at 3.20pm on the last day.” Buyers from Selfridges, Paperchase, Harrods, Fortnum &
Mason and Fenwicks were all in attendance to view and purchase the latest products and
collections on offer throughout the show.
Nick Coffey, Show Manager for Home & Gift says
of the show’s achievements: “The huge success of this
year’s show underlines the importance of Home &
Gift to the gift, home and fashion industries as an
essential event for Christmas ordering. Next year, we
will be enhancing and expanding the event, so we’re
delighted to report a record on-site rebook. This gives
us a very strong platform as we look towards building
an even better show.”
Boutique by Chic re-launches as Boutique Manchester
The spectacular fashion accessory and footwear event Boutique by Chic moves
to Eventcity in Manchester in October, and is now re-branded as Boutique
Manchester. Another event, The Manchester Gift Show, will launch at the same
time at the same venue, broadening the scope for both exhibitors and buyers.
Boutique Manchester is the only UK fashion trade event that allows buyers to
purchase finalised collections from
Europe’s leading fashion accessory
and footwear brands immediately
after the Paris and Milan fairs. Many
of these manufacturers are reluctant
to show their strongest pieces prior
to the major European events, so
attending this show would ensure
that buyers secure their desired
styles, colours and finishes for early
in the season.
The re-branding of the show will
bring a brighter, open ambience to
the event. As always with Boutique,
there will be many surprises in store,
as well as many brands which will
be selling for immediate delivery,
for those retailers who prefer to buy
stock with shorter order times.
For more information, visit
www.boutique-manchester.com.
$77,5(
Scottish Trade Autumn 2011
shows growth
Exhibitor numbers for Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn
2011 has grown by 20 per cent in terms of exhibitor
numbers compared to last year’s bookings at this stage,
with this year’s show being held in Glasgow on 18th-19th
September. It has a broad range of exhibitors across the
gift, homeware, jewellery, fashion accessories, clothing
and textiles sectors.
Despite the challenging economic climate, the fair has
grown year-on-year, with over 100 exhibitors already
signed up for 2011’s show. Newcomers to the fold
include Julia Smith, Made With Love by Mrs Booth,
Kind Hearts Clothing, Intelex and Slumberbugs.
Mark Saunders, Managing Director of the show’s
organiser, Springboard Events, says: “ Despite these
difficult economic times, many retailers enjoy this
chance to source final stock for Christmas, and add
some new lines. In the current climate, many retailers
are loathe to carry excess stock, so want to place smaller
orders more frequently. This fair provides the ideal
platform for such retailers from Scotland and the north
of England. The show is looking strong in terms of the
mixture of exhibitors and quality of brands. Jewellery,
in particular, is a robust sector, with a very high demand
for stands.”
Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn 2011 has a vast array of
exhibitors, from established Scottish names
– such as Ness, Highland Stoneware, Ladycrow Silks,
Rosa Red, House of Edgar and Arran Aromatics – to
other well-known labels, like Smith & Canova and
Indulgence Jewellery.
For more information, visit the show website
www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk.
News & events
Bread & Butter Supershow celebrates
10th anniversary
Bread & Butter took place in July at the Berlin-Tempelhof Airport for
the fifth time, reporting outstanding results. The tradeshow, which
began in 2001 as an off-show for selected brands in Cologne, celebrated
its 10th anniversary.
With another balanced and strong exhibitor portfolio, the show
was once again distinguished by an increase in quality. Comprising
around 580 exhibitors from the leading market-relevant brands, labels
and designers in Street and Urbanwear, Bread & Butter presented an
international look at what to expect for spring/summer 2012.
Stylesight announces award for IJL
KickStart designer
Top trend forecasting agency Stylesight will present an award
to a KickStart designer at International Jewellery London this
year – the KickStart Trend award. The prize will be a year’s
subscription to the innovative trend service, worth $7,500.
Stylesight provides world-class content, tools and technology
for creative professionals in the style and design industries,
combining accurate forecasting and expert trend research
with cutting-edge technology. It will provide a valuable creative
platform for the chosen IJL KickStart designer. KickStart, which
is supported by the British Jeweller’s Association, is a bursary
scheme for talented new designers selected to exhibit on a
group stand at IJL.
Claire Foster, Accessories Editor at Stylesight, will be on
the award panel. She says of the initiative: “Working as the
Accessories Editor for the trusted name in trend, I am excited to
be a part of the IJL event, which we highlight within our site as
one of the most progressive platforms for jewellery designers
to showcase their collections to the press and the international
jewellery industry. I was honoured to be asked to sit on the
panel for this new award, and can’t wait to see the work and meet the designers. As a designer, I
would have found Stylesight access an immeasurable benefit to my work, and I’m sure that the winner
of the prize will feel the same.”
MODAMONT EXPERIENCES REGROWTH
For its 32nd edition, ModAmont will welcome 285 international exhibitors, a clear indication that
economic recovery is underway.
Amongst these global brands, 24 are making their debut at the show, such as Out-Stock Belts from Spain,
Hashimoto Industry Co. from Japan, and Blaze from Brazil. Six companies have returned after an absence,
including HKM, Julien Faure, Parkin Fabrics and the Riri-Meras-Cobra group.
The show remains firmly international with 81 per cent of exhibitors coming from overseas, with
country distribution being similar to that of previous years. Italy is the most prominent country, with 116
exhibitors, 12 of which are new. France and Germany also have a strong presence, but Japan has shown
determination in the face of this year’s tragedies, with eight exhibitors primed to attend.
These positive indicators are not only proof that the economy is recovering, but also a result of the policy
of investment operated by ModAmont during the crisis. There were a number of changes made during this
period: the Jewel Case forum was created; The Lab put in place to showcase craftsmanship and technical
know-how; and a partnership was formed with the International Talent Support fashion competition.
Consequently, September 2010’s visitor numbers exceeded those of September 2007.
Visitor loyalty and the return of key exhibiting brands indicates that ModAmont’s strategy to offer a
creative range of products, coupled with fashion information specific to the accessories and supplies sectors
was vital to ensure sustainable growth.
For more information, visit www.modamont.com.
ȨǸɑɴȇǸɜȐɕ
Autumn Fair International
4th – 7th September, 2011
NEC, Birmingham
www.autumnfair.com
International Jewellery London (IJL)
Earls Court 2, London
www.jewellerylondon.com
China International Footwear Fair
(CIFF) & Moda Shanghai
6th –8th September, 2011
Shanghai New International Expo
Centre, Pudong, Shanghai
www.ciff.aplf.com
All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE)
Shanghai New International Expo
Centre, Pudong, Shanghai
www.acle.aplf.com
Macef Milano
Fieramilano, Milan
www.macef.it
Top Drawer
Olympia, London
www.topdrawer.co.uk
ModAmont
20th – 22nd September, 2011
Paris Nord Villepinte
www.modamont.com
London Fashion Week
16th – 21st September, 2011
Somerset House, London
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
$77,5(
Competition
\ȨȽѳ
Win products worth £1000 RRP courtesy
of Bolla Bags
Bolla Bags first appeared on the British handbag market at the end of 2007,
and has since been supplying retailers across the UK and Ireland. Known
for classic yet stylish bags made from a luxury selection of leathers, the
company’s emphasis is on high-quality at an affordable price. Customers
have an almost limitless choice of premium soft and supple skins with oil
and wax finishes to complete the look.
As a company based on the Dorset and Hampshire border, and very close
to the New Forest, it’s not surprising that the selection is hugely influenced
and inspired by the countryside lifestyle. The autumn/winter 2011 range
offers up soft fresh leathers, rich autumnal tones and exciting new shapes,
highlighting the classic and quintessentially English countrified styling for
which Bolla is known.
The practical yet classically chic Verona and Napoli best-sellers from
spring/summer 2011 will carry on through the new season, with a host
of every day styles. Other lines will continue to develop – the Cow Antique
selection for example, is to be extended, even including a two-tone colour
option. The slouchy, urban West End collection, made from the softest
premium leather, will continue its reign as the must-have bag of the brand,
with a new tan design. Along with a myriad of fresh new women’s styles,
two new dispatch bags for men will be included in the updated Verona
ranges. With styles that are both modern and timelessly elegant, Bolla
Bags have a spectrum of luxury handbags that have lasting appeal and
transcend seasons.
Bolla Bags are suppliers of quality leather and synthetic handbags to the
trade across the UK and Ireland, and will be showing at Boutique by Chic
from 16th – 18th October, 2011. To order, or find out more information
about the company, call +44 (0)1202 820138, or visit www.bollabags.com. $
PȣȐ@ɑȨɺȐ
For your chance to win, answer the following question:
Which forest is Bolla Bags based near?
a) New Forest
b) Sherwood Forest
c) Forest of Dean
Visit the website www.attireaccessories.com and fill in the online
competition form to enter the draw. Deadline for entries is 21st
September, 2011. Terms and conditions apply.
$77,5(
PȨȐɑɑǸT,
Tibana Handbag
+44 (0)7939 194846
www.tibanahandbags.co.uk
RRP £80 to £120
Tierra’s Tibana offerings are ethically hand-made handbags using Colombian
leather. Designed in Europe, the brand has been a huge success in Belgium
for over 15 years. With around 200 varieties, and an array of colours from
aubergine to azure blue, Tibana products share a high-quality finish.
With a broad spectrum of styles, which are refreshed every season, there
is a design to suit every individual.
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Audrey bag
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+61 394 826
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www.nancybird
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+44 (0)7940 679923
www.bantamknits.co.uk
RRP £25 to £110
Established in 2008, Alex Mayer and Eveline Droge
knit and hand-dye 100 per cent cashmere scarves and
wristies, as well as hand-stitched lambswool throws
and printed cushions. Bantam Knits work from a
studio in London with an open-air dye-house in
the garden. Luxurious softness, combined with the
subtlety of the hand-dyed colours ensures that each
product is one-of-a-kind. Inspired by seascapes and the
two bantam hens that live in the garden.
Brand Spanking8Ȑɬ
Our exclusive round-up of the
newest products around
TȽȃɄȹȹɄȽȵɴȐǸɤɜȨȘɤȵ
Arrow Arch Necklace
+44 (0)7977 143387
www.uncommonlybeautiful.com
PȐȽǸȵȨ
RRP £57
Bela necklace
Hand-made in the UK, All
+44 (0)207 609 6754
Uncommonly Beautiful designs are
www.tenali.co.uk
limited edition pieces created
RRP £60
from abandoned furniture,
Tenali showed a selection of highly original
wine boxes, suitcases, scrap
textile jewellery at Pulse for the first time, with
leather, broken jewellery and
the Bela design being a highlight of the colourful
fashion industry waste. Traditional
collection. The necklace is in the style of a
textile and industrial process are
delicate silk georgette floral vine with a sturdy
applied to these materials, giving them a new lease of life.
knotted rope finish, and as with everything in this
Designer-maker Kirsty Kirkpatrick combines the materials
collection, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Available
with inspiration from architectural structures, graphic
in off-white and fuchsia, the design is the ultimate
patterns and organic forms to create fresh, modern and
feminine accessory for summer.
layered stories.
$77,5(
New products
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Wonka bar watch
+44 (0)1462 616174
www.helenrochfort.com
RRP £25 to £55
Already renowned for her kitsch
and vintage ephemera structured
handbags, Helen Rochfort is
branching out with watch and
jewellery designs featuring her
popular symbols and imagery.
With a collection of watches,
rings, necklaces and bracelets, the
retro motifs and quirky patterns
translate well to jewellery. A
highlight of the collection is
the Wonka bar watch, which
is adorned with the ‘70s style
typography and colours of the
original film.
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Avril bag
+44 (0)207 375 1735
www.sojalouse.com
RRP £535
The Avril bag, with its over-size shape and bold motif,
is not a bag for fashion wallflowers. Designer
Masha Keja has worked with top designers such
as Christian Lacroix, Lancel and Minority;
and the Avril bag has been seen adorning the
arms of starlets such as Paris Hilton, Kelly
Rowland, and its namesake, Avril Lavigne.
With her Russian roots, it’s no wonder that
Masha’s collections are inspired by the
heritage of her home country. Through
her desire to mix modernity with the
past, the designer takes inspiration from
Russian military costumes.
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Turquoise Toned Teaser set
+44 (0)208 579 0588
www.goldmajor.com
RRP £5 to £23
In keeping with summer shades, Goldmajor
unveils a trio of gleaming jewelled pieces
in a deep turquoise colour. The stones are
reconstituted magnasite, serpentine and
mother of pearl. The flattened square stones
interspersed with the round and donut
shaped beads offer a kitsch, fun variation to
the bracelet and matching necklace.
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Syrius collection
+44 (0)207 375 1735
www.sojalouse.com
RRP £83 to £172
Having previously collaborated with Dior,
Chanel, Armani and Yves Saint Laurent,
Lea Lucie is now using her technical Haute
Couture Luneville embroidery technique
to launch an eponymous accessories label.
With offerings including cuffs, scarves,
hair-bands and mobile phone cases, the
debut range, Syrius, is a dazzling selection
of heavily embellished fabric pieces. Each
design is adorned with semi-precious stones
and beads for a luxury feel.
$77,5( ·
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Covent Garden clutch
+44 (0)208 458 3058
www.nadiaminkoff.com
RRP £185
The Covent Garden clutch is a miniature
envelope-shaped briefcase, with a unique magnet
leather inset closure, and finely-crafted handle.
Reminiscent of traditional saddlework, the
practical bag is the epitome of modern elegance.
Available in black, grey, tan and pewter, the design
is just one of a whole collection of handbags and
wallets inspired by the designer’s favourite London
neighbourhoods. Spurred on by the impending
Olympic games, she chose to celebrate areas such
as Kensington, Richmond, Hoxton, Camden and
Greenwich with this range.
$ȽɍȵȨȽȐ
Tamina bag
+44 (0)207 375 1735
www.sojalouse.com
RRP £750
After more than 40 years in the leather industry producing luxury luggage
for world-renowned designers, Inqline have begun combining their vast and
eclectic experience with an exciting vision of new creatives. The first season
of collaborating with Norwegian designer Selene Van Ree offers up a capsule
collection of sophisticated, classic shopper bags, made from the highest quality
leather. Perfect for busy women everywhere, the Tamina bag is suited to an array of
uses, from work to weekend travel.
LɜǸɑɜȣɕɄɤɜɤɑȐ
Studded leather cuff
+44 (0)70808 299492
www.stbarthscouture.com
RRP £90
Synonymous with signature cuffs,
this season St. Barths Couture’s
collection has a fresh new twist.
Coming in beige, tan, brown and
grey – ideal colours for summer
accessorising – the eight strand
leather cuff with delicate studding
is already proving to be one of
the range’s best-sellers. Other
embellishments in the brand’s latest collection include decorative gold plates,
chunky chains and Swarovski crystals.
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Louifrey 2011 collection
+44 (0)161 903 9001
www.louifrey.com
RRP £40 to £135
Louifrey celebrated its 30th anniversary at Pure London with
the launch of its latest collection. Having specialised in creating
‘something different’ for trade clients for three decades, the
company is famous for its fashion quality watches, with Japanese
quartz movements and Swarovski crystals. The latest collection
blurs the line between watch and jewellery further still, with
delicate chains, charm bracelets styles, floral details, and multitonal beads.
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Touchy gloves
+44 (0)207 100 7188
www.etretouchy.com
RRP £35
Etre Touchy gloves are a stylish way of keeping your hands warm whilst texting,
making notes and even applying make up. With missing thumb and index fingertips,
the design allows the wearer more dexterity for everyday tasks, whilst protecting
against the inevitable winter cold snaps. The gloves are designed and made ethically
in the UK from 100 per cent pure new wool. The popularity of Etre’s product range
is constantly on the increase, and the company will open their first bricks-andmortar shop on 4th September, 2011.
$77,5(
dominique
LEATHER HANDBAGS PURSES & WALLETS
Autumn Fair, NEC
Hall 4 H90
Top Drawer
stand no. K84
Autumn Fair
stand no. 4L49
handmade in england
www.ladieswholunchjewellery.com
trade enquiries 01494 729813
01274 852276 | [email protected]
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Event: Autumn Fair International
Venue: NEC, Birmingham
Dates: 4th – 7th September, 2011
Opening times:
Sunday – Tuesday 9am – 6pm,
Wednesday 9am – 4pm
Website: www.autumnfair.com
Autumn Fair International returns this September
with an expanded Fashion Jewellery & Accessories sector
September’s essential buying season will
kick off with the 21st edition of Autumn Fair
International. Offering the forthcoming period’s
most comprehensive selection of general,
design-led gifts, homewares, greeting cards,
and more across nine show sectors, it’s the first
opportunity of the season to view and secure
new product launches for spring/summer 2012.
The exhibition will see the return of the
Fashion Jewellery & Accessories sector in
Hall 4, where 250 suppliers will display their
latest products and collections. As the most
rapidly expanding division of the show, the
sector grew by 36 per cent in 2010, and has
attracted 55 brand new exhibitors. Accessories
newcomers to AFI this year include Jani Markel,
Juzi, Funky Fish International, Sonka Imports,
Boot Candy, YOSHI Jewellery Design, Moda
Handbag and Pappa Mama. An impressive
line-up of established brands has already
been confirmed, such as Owen Barry, Louifrey
Watches, Sea Gems, Gemini, Jackie Brazil
and Nour London. It has also been announced
that Balagan and Pilgrim, the Danish jewellery
super-brand will be Autumn Fair sponsors.
The Fashion Jewellery & Accessories sector
at AFI has been re-edited this year to further
meet the demands of this fast-paced and
ever-expanding market. With almost 8,500 of
the most prestigious names in the retail sector
descending on the NEC to source products,
easy navigation is paramount. To this end,
the layout of the show in this sector has been
reorganised to facilitate better perusing. The
new design will include a ‘Brand Boulevard’,
which will pave the way from the Hall 4 entrance
to the Fashion Accessories Catwalk, offering
retailers an array of brand choices to help boost
their Christmas sales.
Adding to the excitement around the event,
is the news that the BTAA will be seeking
out innovative designs from exhibitors from
the Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Hall to
be shortlisted for their Best New Collection
Award, in association with Autumn Fair. The
award will put a spotlight on British labels
and independent designer-makers producing
premium quality cutting-edge accessories.
Commenting on the exhibition’s latest
developments, Event Director Julie Driscoll
said: “I am delighted to introduce a re-edited
fashion accessories sector for Autumn Fair
International 2011. This will help retailers to find
products more easily, as well as help exhibitors
to sell more.
“On Sunday, 4th September, we will be
hosting the BTAA award for Best New Fashion
Accessories Collection, so keep your eyes
peeled for the winners. I am really looking
forward to the show, and wish all of the
exhibitors and retailers good luck with their
show preparations.”
Fashion-led retailers can’t afford to miss the
second edition of the Fashion Accessories
Catwalk in Hall 4. Having made its debut at
last year’s event, it will feature some of the
most directional pieces launched by exhibitors
at Autumn Fair International, allowing buyers
a forecast of what will be hot for next season.
Another sartorial highlight of the show will
include sister company WGSN’s (World Global
Style Network) special Trend Bar feature at
Hall 3’s centre stage, where buyers hoping to
increase their profits in the forthcoming year
can find out more about market-leading trends,
styles and colours. $
FACTS AND FIGURES
• Autumn Fair International will feature
1600 exhibitors from 29 countries,
including more than 150 suppliers.
• 900 exhibitors are exclusive to Autumn
Fair International this season, and more
than 400 are completely new to the
show for 2011.
• A total of 500,000 products will be
showcased, of which 60,000 will be
brand new ranges.
• The ABC audited visitor numbers for
Autumn Fair 2010 reached 31,340.
• 87 per cent of visiting retailers have
direct purchasing power, with a
combined annual spend of £6 billion.
$77,5( ·
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RedDog
4J78
+44 (0)1291 673357
www.reddogbags.com
RedDog’s award-winning
handbag organiser, the
BagPod, will make an
appearance at Autumn
Fair. The ultimate
accessory for styleconscious women on the go, it can hold everything from your smartphone
and business cards, to your make-up and house keys. The design is a
clever piece to compartmentalise handbags for faster, easier access to
daily necessities. The style has been updated for the new season with a
zip-top to seal the container, as well as a single zip-pocket to replace the
back outer pockets. With these changes, the organiser transforms into a
stylish yet secure clutch when taken off handbag duty. Available in buttersoft leather or natural canvas, the design comes in three sizes and a variety
of colourways. Other designs in the collection for the new season include
the signature Jackie bag and iPod covers.
Rosa Red Jewellery
4K21
+44 (0)141 572 7297
www.rosared.co.uk
Famous for their distinctive and affordable bejewelled
products,Rosa Red pieces add a touch of glamour for
any occasion. Each ornamental design is worked into a
complementary set, comprising a a necklace, earrings and
bracelet, and on most occasions, a matching ring – allowing
consumers to either buy the entire look, or opt to mix and
match. Each individual piece is hand-made, hand-painted
and hand-polished. The current range comes in shades
of bright red, deep purple and vibrant blue, with chunky
pebble-shape ring and earring features, textured surfaces
and fine metalwork.
Taurus Leather
4G42
+44 (0)1132 823508
www.taurus-leather.co.uk
Taurus Leather will unveil its new
collections at Autumn Fair. The
label’s synthetic collection, Ali
& Lou – which has maintained
its popularity with retailers
and consumers alike – has
moved on stylistically, offering
smart totes with latticed front
detailing. The company has
been a leading British handbag
company for over 30 years,
and creates bags to suit a
broad spectrum of retailers,
from chain stores to small
independent retailers. The
company bills themselves as
“traditional with a twist”, as they
offer classic quality pieces in
contemporaneous styles.
$77,5(
Cavendish French
3P01
+44 (0)1372 459944
www.cavendishfrench.com
With an ethos built around quality, style and individuality,
Cavendish French’s new hand-made jewellery collection fuses
sterling silver with brightly-coloured resin for a sparkling selection
of pieces. The use of varied materials has given the brand a look
that is modern and memorable. A line of statement hand-crafted,
sterling silver, wide cuff bangles will be launched alongside the
resin pieces for a directional feel. As well as impact baubles, the
label will be unveiling a range of delicate silver and marcasite
designs with a contemporary twist.
Autumn Fair
Picture Case
4K71
+44 (0)1371 878047
www.picturecase.co.uk
Following the success of the Cuties and Pals line, the company
has decided to expand the range. In doing so, they have wound
down the Picture Case collection, save for the ever-popular Girls
On Tour design, and the Union Jack style – predicted to be a
huge hit for the forthcoming Olympic Games. The latest addition
to the Cuties range, P-Rex the dinosaur, will be making his debut
at Autumn Fair. Further brand extensions for the company in the
near future include new luggage shapes, luggage tags
and potentially, new animals joining the fold, which
include penguins, pigs, bees and panda bears.
Gemini Designer
Jewellery
4G38
+44 (0)208 298 67690
www.gemini-jewellery.com
Gemini’s latest collection incorporates bold designs and vibrant
colours that will stand out from the crowd in the forthcoming party
season. The diverse range includes necklace sets, statement
earrings and dazzling bracelets in an assortment of colours.
Made for special occasions, the label’s signature styles bring
drama, sophistication and glamour to the fore of any eveningwear
ensemble. Combining customised design with expert
craftsmanship, the company offers exquisite costume jewellery.
Clere Vision
4B09
+44 (0)1635 297 911
www.clerevision.co.uk
Clere Vision has been supplying reading glasses, sunglasses
and sight-related accessories for almost a decade, and is
considered one of the pioneering companies in transforming
frames into fashion accessories. The label will be launching six
new ranges at Autumn Fair this year, with one particular line of
designs being ideal for the impending party season. The glitzy
new Lunar style is dappled with crystals from the front of the
spectacle legs to the temple, adding a touch of glamour to a
classically demure frame. All Clere Vision glasses have a highquality finish, spring hinges and matching pouches.
Banyan Jewellery
4H28
+44 (0)1626 853384
www.banyanjewellery.co.uk
Banyan Jewellery’s silver creations are adorned with gold, copper or
brass; with opalites and semi-precious stones added for colour and
light. Established in 1997, the company’s ranges are inspired by different
cultures from all over the world, and their pieces reflect this global vision
with the spectrum of styles, ranging from bold and contemporary, to the
always popular delicate jewellery, with heart and flower motifs. Conceived
in the label’s Devon workshop, the designs are brought to life by a team
of experienced silversmiths.
$77,5( ·
Nkuku
3J02
+44 (0)1548 821184
www.nkuku.com
STORM - Sun 99
3R01
+44 (0)207 874 6900
www.stormwatches.com
In the timepiece market, Storm is renowned for its
statement designs and trend-led products. Amongst its
new offerings is the Cerano watch – the latest addition
to the STORM Black range for ladies. Made from sleek
ceramic, it has a sports luxe appearance, with a glossy,
high-quality finish. Features of the piece include a black
onyx crown, sapphire glass and water resistancy at
a depth of 50 metres. Another new design is the Digi
watch, which marries style and function. With an ontrend silicon strap, reflector mirror glass, back light and
large LCD digital display, the futuristic timepiece comes
in a broad range of colour options.
At this year’s event, Nkuku is launching new elegant woollen scarves, available
in an array of autumnal tones, such as navy blue, crimson red, khaki green and
grey. The brand has also extended its jewellery collection with an enchanting
selection of glass bead and ribbon necklaces and bracelets. In soft-coloured
hues, the necklaces are available in both long and short length, in colour
combinations of rose and sage; amber and teal; and smoky grey and indigo.
Specialising in eco-friendly yet stylish fair trade gifts, inspired by the traditional
skills of Indian artisans.
Mint Design
4H21
+44 (0)208 870 2219
www.mintdesignltd.com
Mint Design is a label that draws
influence from the natural world. All
pieces are created by craftspeople,
as the company believes that
investing in sustainable fashion
gives work and purpose to artisans
all over the globe. Returning to its
core values of bold designs, vibrant
and appealing colours and value,
Mint Design’s “recession-busting”
range for autumn/winter 2011
features pieces such as denim and
leopard print necklaces, chains of
chunky resin, capiz and velvet, and
exuberant feather earrings in fuschia,
turquoise, teal or orchid tones.
Nomads Clothing
5H27
+44 (0)1566 777338
www.nomadsclothing.co.uk
Combining traditional crafts with key on-trend looks, Nomads Clothing’s accessory
line has a whimsical feel for autumn/winter 2011, with contrasting materials and
beads adding texture and depth to the design. Suitable for day and eveningwear,
the styles come in a range of berry tones and cool teals and greens, with a mixture
of silver and brass. The selection of hand-made bags comprise elaborate fabrics,
embroidery and floral motifs. Scarves and shawls are soft and colourful, varied in
size and print, with styles including tie-dyed chiffon, polka dot viscose, and striped
cotton. The label works closely with the Tara Project – an initiative which supports
community trade in parts of Northern India, building informal schools and medical
relief camps, as well as providing essential social support.
$77,5(
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Autumn collection
now available
Tel: 0141 572 7297 | Fax: 0141 572 7297 | Email: [email protected] | www.rosared.co.uk | 55 Donaldson Street, Kirkintillloch, Glasgow G66 1XG
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Est 1949
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Fashion Jewellery
Stock Available Online
Tel: 020 8766 6466
www.alexanderthurlow.com
Unit 4, 1-7 Ernest Avenue, London, SE27 0DQ
Autumn Fair
The Balagan
Group
4G28 - H29
+44 (0)845 260 0925
www.balagan.co.uk
Wonderweave
4G45
+35 314 295 006
www.wonderweave.ie
Balagan will be previewing the new Blowing In The Wind collection,
which will be a celebration of rose gold, and its latent popularity. With
warm, autumnal tones and retro feel, it is well-placed for a revival. Often
a feature of antique pieces, the metal can be paired with yellow gold
for vintage appeal, or silver for a more modern, minimalist style. For
this season’s range, the label has paired this versatile gold with handcrafted leaf designs, from a variety of trees, including Sugar Maple,
Birch, Cottonwood, Aspen and Lacy Oak. With painstakingly intricate
detail and iridescent finishes, the necklaces can be worn as a choker,
or in a casual pendant style.
Wonderweave’s latest design, the reversible wool cape will be
making its debut at Autumn Fair. As with many of the company’s
products, it is multiwear, allowing the wearer to style the piece in
long and short lengths for versatility. The piece will be available in a
selection of six colours, including red and grey. Another fresh piece,
the knitted shrug, designed in a vintage style for added fashion
appeal, can be worn with an adjustable buckle to fit any size.
Fatlip
4L03
+44 (0)1905 612955
www.fatlip.biz
Fatlip will launch over 50 collections at Autumn Fair this
September. The company sources pieces from all over the
world and ranges are bought from a mix of small family-run
businesses and more-established designers to ensure a
variety of styles on a large scale. Stand-out pieces include
glass and resin designs in seasonal shades with metallic
embellishments, long gemstone and crystal bead necklaces,
and special occasion jewellery sets for the Christmas party
period that is fast-approaching.
Inca
4M10
+44 (0)1509 501000
www.incauk.com
Inca’s new range of jewellery, hair ornaments, fascinators, scarves and
bridal accessories are imbued with the rich tones and jewel colours of
autumn/winter 2011. Head pieces range from feathered confections
to netted capulets; and bridal necklets to frivolous party masks, ideal
for masquerade balls, the importer has a rich array of well-priced
accessories collections. A particular highlight of the company’s
assortment is the exquisite diamante crystal-encrusted tiara, with
vintage-effect rhodium-plating, allowing for extra sparkle.
$77,5( ·
Dominique Bag
Company
4H90
+44 (0)1274 852276
www.dominquebcl.com
Influenced by the colours
that promise to be firm
fashion favourites in
the upcoming season,
Dominique Bag
Company’s autumn/winter
2011 collection of small
leather purses have been designed to complement the latest trends
in clothing and shoes. The high-street-friendly tones, purple and deep
teal are newly-introduced shades for the brand. As well as new hues,
the company will be embracing new materials, with a worked leather
being adopted for larger purses, and soft nappa leather for a line
of floral designs. A new selection of Bloomsbury gents’ wallets with
contrasting leather has also been added to the label’s range.
Ladies Who Lunch
4L49
+44 (0)1865 343205
www.ladieswholunchjewellery.com
With an array of classic jewellery pieces made up of sparkling
amethyst, fuschia and peacock blue shades, jewel tones are clearly
the inspiration behind Ladies Who Lunch’s newest offerings. Further
stories illustrate how deeply colour influences the label’s collections
– with a wintery collection composed of muted neutrals, rose quartz
hues and icy tones making a clear reference to the change in season.
As well as chunky colour pieces, the company will be introducing more
elegant, minimalist necklaces to accompany its best-selling earrings.
Each individual design is conceived and hand-crafted in the Ladies
Who Lunch Oxfordshire studios, from an array of semi-precious stones,
glass, resin, vintage beads, pearls and charms.
$77,5(
Claudia Canova
4G59
+44 (0)1132 657676
www.smithandcanova.co.uk
Claudia Canova has been the sister company to the wellestablished Smith & Canova brand for five years. Now as
popular with buyers as her elder, the label has grown rapidly.
The spring/summer 2012 collection will be on display at the
show, and to ensure that the pieces on offer are as fashion
forward and fresh as possible, materials, designs and
colours have been specially sourced with reference to trend
forecasting. Claudia Canova will continue to offer its extensive
range of gift-inspired products, with a selection of outfitcomplementing purses, cosmetic bags, laptop cases and
mobile phone accessories.
Gorjus
Handbag
4G61
+44 (0)208 577 7132
Gorjus will be showcasing its latest eclectic range at Autumn
Fair. Making extensive use of embroidery and embellishment,
the synthetic and leather handbags and purses come in pink
and red brights, as well as the more demure work-appropriate
blacks and browns. Summer designs will also be exhibited at
Autumn Fair for forward ordering purposes. The brand was
established in 2007, and has been expanding its assortment
of styles and colours regularly ever since, in order to meet
retailer and consumer demands and the endlessly multiplying
handbag trends.
Autumn Fair
Boot Candy
4K54
+44 (0)7702 564654
www.bootcandy.co.uk
Boot Candy is a newly-formed company based in the
north-west of England, with all products being made
in the UK. Specialising in footwear accessories, the
label will be presenting a range of boot toppers and
headbands at the event this year. The boot toppers
are elasticised and feature an inner stocking to hold
the topper in place, and fit the design to the leg. The
product can be worn with a number of different styles
of boot, from heels to flats and slouchy to slim-fit. All
boot toppers are available in a selection of soft faux
furs, with matching headbands.
Seek Unique
3U35
+44 (0)845 0091 825
www.seekunique.co.uk
Smith and Canova
4G59
+44 (0)1132 656767
www.smithandcanova.co.uk
Seek Unique designs eye-catching jewellery boxes, cosmetic bags, and
other travel and handbag accessories. The brand constantly strives to create
new products to achieve a truly directional identity, with 2011’s additions
including blue and pink spotted pieces, as well as jewellery rolls, vanity cases
and earring boxes. With an assortment of products that suit all ages, Seek
Unique now has a men’s collection, which includes cufflink boxes, ensuring
that the full range finds appeal with all areas of the market. New designs to
be unveiled at Autumn Fair include a selection of shoe and lingerie bags, and
a men’s travel wash bag.
Recognised for producing high-quality leather handbags
and accessories for over 15 years, Smith & Canova is
now a well-established leather goods brand worldwide.
The spring/summer 2012 collection showcases the label’s
continuing commitment to affordable, exquisite products,
with ladies’ handbags, purses and belts, as well as an
all-new gents’ range in eel skin and vegan tan leather,
featuring everything from weekend holdalls and satchels,
to wallets and iPad covers. As well as the current selection,
Smith & Canova offer a “made to order” service, allowing
customers to create their own original piece according to
their specific requirements and taste.
One World Crystal
3W01
+44 (0)1873 855158
www.oneworldcrystal.com
Each piece in the Crystal Graffiti range at One World Crystal is individually handmade in the UK, using high-quality European beads and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS
gems. The autumn/winter 2011 line will showcase some innovative new concepts,
with a combination of chunky ceramics, delicate crystals and Japanese paper which
results in a striking effect. The brand has collaborated with Welsh company Five Petal
to create this collection of glittering pieces ideal for Christmas parties. Meanwhile,
Fullspot O Clock will make its first appearance at Autumn Fair this year, with its 21
interchangeable watch straps and faces. Options include original white face, tone-ontone colours, Disney, camouflage and fluorescent.
$77,5( ·
Amber Jewellery
4G30-H31
+44 (0)161 819 1800
www.amber-jewellery.com
Amber Jewellery will be
showcasing its new autumn/
winter 2011 range at Autumn Fair,
which will feature all the key trends for
the impending festive season. With chunky necklaces and
bangles in earthy tones of chocolate brown and autumn leaf
orange, the offerings available are on-trend and timeless
transitional accessories. The company prides itself on its
fashion-conscious ethos, which sees the label responding
to future trends in advance, to ensure that their selection of
pieces are up-to-date.
Alexander Thurlow & Co.
4N01
+44 (0)208 766 6466
www.alexanderthurlow.com
Fresh from the latest company buying trip, Alexander Thurlow &
Co have 300 new lines for autumn/winter 2010 to unveil. Bracelets
still dominate the range, with the current craze for friendship styles
commanding the most attention from buyers and consumers. Large
statement necklets are another hot trend that has been addressed
with a selection of eye-catching pieces. Experienced importers in the
fashion jewellery trade, the company supplies multiple store groups
and volume trade. Alexander Thurlow & Co. have been in business
for 70 years, and offer on-trend designs sourced from the Far East.
CarrieMe Bag Hooks
4B59
+44 (0)7801 715707
www.carrieme.co.uk
CarrieMe Bag Hooks will be making its Autumn Fair
debut this season, with practical accessories that are
colourful and fashionable. The current collection includes
the mobile or key finder, bag hooks, and the CarrieMore
clip. However, the exhibition will see the launch of a totally
fresh innovation. Irresistibly tactile, and perfectly timed to
fit the forthcoming season’s faux fur trend, the Snowball
bag hook charm is designed with an extended hook to
fit thicker tables or bars, whilst still being able to neatly
convert into a bag charm.
$77,5(
Hale Events
5F40
+44 (0)1934 733433
www.hale-events.ltd.uk
A company that works extensively with EMAP, Hale Events organises the
Giving & Living trade show near Exeter. This event gives trade buyers the
first opportunity to secure the latest in exclusive gift and home items, as well
as jewellery and fashion accessories, from 400 different companies. Ideally
timed for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter, the show takes place
over four days, with plenty of time to browse.
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See our Autumn Collection at
Autumn Fair NEC Birmingahm
Home & Gift (RDS Dublin)
Sales and enquiries - 020-8813-8545 [email protected]
Unit F15, Northfleet Indst Est, Lower Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9SW
Tel: 01322 380480/568 Fax: 01322 380680
A New Collection
of Shamballa
bracelets
for 2011
Shamballa by definition is the centre
of ‘essence of all things’
We offer a fast, reliable and friendly service on our continually increasing
range (currently over 3,500+ choices) of bridal fabrics, embroidered
and beaded edgings and motifs.
Range includes: plain and shot taffeta, velvet, duchess satins, organzas,
chiffons, crepes, laces, brocades, various embroidered and beaded
fabrics, inc tulles and chiffons.
NEW!! We are now running over 450+ different
dress accessories, including pearl and crystal
buttons as well as clasps, buckles and brooches
featuring crystals and pearls.
We have no minimum order value or quantity.
Credit/Debit card payment accepted. Free monthly updates on stock availability
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All pathways and traditions lead to
‘Shamballa’ where Shamballa
energy is the origin and
destination of the human spirit
Our range is created in leather with
Silver Pave Diamond Beads,
Black Onyx, Amethyst, Swarovski crystals
and other semi - precious stones
All have a friendship style fastening
One size fits all, Unisex
Voyager Innovations PO Box 246, Chesterfield S42 5YS
01246 454937 or 07970 669442
email: [email protected] - www.jellywatch.co.uk
Bridal Jewellery
Liza Designs
Bridal
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The dress may be the main attraction, but
jewellery is the finishing touch that ensures
that bridal glow. From crystal-studded
tiaras to feathered neck-pieces, we round
up the key styles of the moment
$77,5( ·
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Vintage shapes and period
motifs evoke winsome charm
Victoria, www.sugarplumcreations.co.uk
Peter Lang’s bridal collection continues to be a wedding day favourite from
season to season. The Australian designer has a huge following in his
native country, and has now made his collections available in the UK and
Europe. Each piece is created in Sydney, and individually adorned with
select Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. The ornate designs are
finished with triple silver and antique gold plate. Garland epoque vintagestyle settings of jewel-encrusted bows and brilliant-cut black diamond,
champagne and silver shadow Swarovski crystals are the foundation motifs
of the range, with other features including contrasting soft grey silk ribbons
and decadent ‘20s-inspired pearl strands.
For more information, visit www.barberinifashion.com.
Crystabelle Jewellery has introduced new accessories to its
bridal collection which includes delicately embellished pieces
with freshwater pearls, lace, Swarovski crystals, cultured pearls
and twinkling diamante. With vintage floral motifs, and ultrafeminine detailing, these pieces are ideal for weddings with a
retro feel. Alongside this latest range, the brand is also known
for its multi-coloured crystal bracelets, classic pearl chokers and
chunky beaded statement necklaces, all of which are ideal for
waltzing down the aisle.
For more information, visit www.crystabelle.co.uk.
$77,5(
Tantrums and
Tiaras has just
launched High
Society, its
new selection
of hand-made
tiaras and jewels.
Despite having
made its debut
at The Essential
Collection,
Designer and
Director, Kelly
Scully admits that
brides-to-be have been sneaking them out of the studio even before the
official release date, with the Jaynee and Ellie styles being particularly
popular. Inspired by the success of the last collection, Goodnight
Sweetheart, Kelly decided to create a range influenced by golden age
screen sirens, Hollywood glamour, and ‘40s class.
For more information, visit www.tantrumsandtiaras.org.
Jianhui London’s Daisy collection subtly brings together flower motifs
and cubic zirconia shimmer for a sophisticated take on Art Deco
geometry. Available with jet black or peridot green crystals, the pieces
are timeless costume sparklers ideal for a dress that requires a statement
accompaniment. The Chinese designer’s other ranges include Monet, a
chunky set of avant-garde crystal bead pieces with stand-out individuallydesigned water lilies. Available with a single flower, or three for a bolder look,
the pieces can add interest to a backless dress, or highlight the décolleté in
a strapless number.
For more information, visit www.jianhui.co.uk.
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Autumn Winter Collection 2011
Autumn Fair - Hall 4 Stand J43
Top Drawer Autumn - K70
www.lotusfeet.co.uk e: [email protected] t: 07786387906
Bridal Jewellery
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Gemini Designer Jewellery,
www.gemini-jewellery.com
Gecko jewellery’s ever-popular Elements
Silver collection has an array of
classically chic pieces fit for wedding
wear. The standout piece, a twisted
multi-strand pearl and silver bead
necklace, features creamy white and
peacock blue freshwater pearls wound
in chains around a silver bead strand. An
elegant and timeless string of pearls, it is
ideal for most dress styles. A matching
bracelet of the same design is available
to make a set.
www.geckojewellery.com.
Lou Lou Puchalka has
developed innovative
and romantic designs
which take influence
from classical and
contemporary couture,
with all pieces
exclusively designed
and hand-made by
Louise and her team.
The bridal range
brings together varied
textures for a luxe effect,
comprising freshwater
pearls, couture lace and
Swarovski crystals. The
company can match the
exact shade of the bridal
outfit with components
in the hairpiece, whether
it’s a hair ornament,
tiara, comb, hair vine or pins. Antique and vintage pieces can also
be incorporated into designs, to create a cherished memento of the
special day. The Arwen collection has an organic natural feel, and
features antique ivory, glass pearls, and Swarovski crystals, whilst
the 1920s inspired forehead jewellery is inspired by the Charleston,
and incorporates vintage stones and pearls.
For more information, visit www.louloupuchalka.com.
Having supplied bespoke
jewellery designs in the UK for
over 10 years, Pearls of the Orient’s
bridal jewellery range covers a broad
spectrum of wedding day requirements, with
elegant pearl strands of many different lengths to complement
varying necklines and styles of gowns. Creamy cultured
freshwater pearls with Swarovski crystals and semi-precious
gemstones are strung on nylon, silk thread and sterling silver
chains, with options of single and multi-strand pieces, tear-drop
pendants and matching bracelets and earrings. Bridesmaids are
also catered for, with a choice of well-priced cultured freshwater
pearl sets that match the bridal party’s gowns and accessories.
For more information, visit www.pearlsoftheorient.co.uk.
Liza Designs’ awardwinning tiaras are handmade in England and
crafted using the finest
sourced components.
With all tiaras and
headpieces carrying
the SWAROVSKI
ELEMENTS, brides
can be guaranteed that
their big day dazzler
is made from the
highest-quality crystals
available. Both the Liza
and Ellie K collections
are available in 60
colours, to ensure that
the tiara complements
the bride’s chosen
colour scheme exactly.
However, crystals are
just one of the many
gems adorning the
bridal pieces, with many
classic designs featuring
an abundance of
dreamy delicate pearls,
silk organza flowers and lace petals. Vintage style headpieces with
romantic patterns and lines are the stars of the Liza Design label, with
twinkling brooches, bejewelled veils and shimmering belts completing
the range.
For more information, visit www.lizadesigns.co.uk.
$77,5( ·
Richard Designs, www.richard-designs.com
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with free-spirited
Mounir London’s signature
style of refined elegance with
romantic mysticism is evident in
its bridal range, which embodies
the company’s pared down
aesthetic, whilst at the same
time, adhering to the brand’s
ethos of designing around
the stone. Colour is a vital
aspect of each individual
piece, as the stone’s hue
is a facet of its allure. With this
in mind, the jewellery is created
to show off the semi-precious or
specially-sourced stone to its best
advantage. All materials are from fair trade suppliers, and gold and silver
is used to set the stones, resulting in a design that reflects a sense of
balance and proportion.
For more information, visit www.mounir.co.uk.
Fatlip offers a selection of contemporary
costume jewellery suitable for brides and
bridesmaids alike. Choices include
classically-styled demure designs,
as well as ultra-modern asymmetric
torque pieces. The Carmen collection
showcases crystal and glass jewels
alongside silvery metallic chains
with rose and heart charms. Brand
new to the range is a crystal set
in clear white, which reflects a
rainbow of eye-catching shades.
Bridesmaid jewellery comes in a
vast spectrum of colours, and
many of the pearl-based pieces are
multi-tonal.
For more information, visit www.fatlip.biz.
$77,5(
Established in 2002, By Elise’s reputation as an international
fashion-led jewellery label is ever-increasing. Incorporating style,
glamour and originality, the Signature and Pearl Gallery range is a
dramatic selection of eye-catching pieces. Each bridal beauty is
crafted from fine semi-precious stones, with the individual wearer in
mind. Whilst pearls of varying size and hue are at the heart of each
collection, the Baroque styles are set with a sparkling array of gems,
such as amethysts, turquoises, and citrines; to match the bride’s
tastes and big day attire. With texture and shape being paramount
to designer Elise Compson’s aesthetics, styles can range from
chunky beaded necklaces, to extraordinary feathered collage
pieces with exquisite trimmings.
For more information, visit www.byelise.com.
After noticing that hand-made, colour co-ordinated jewellery and hair
accessories were not readily available in wholesale, Lesley Hodgkiss
started her label, Lesley Jayne. Aware that brides want to be able to
purchase jewellery and hair accessories that match their chosen colour
scheme, and fit with the shades of bridesmaid dresses, she set about
making a collection that offered a solution to this common issue. Her
offerings include tiara bands and metal combs adorned with hand-dyed
feathers, sinamay fibre, satin ribbon, as well as colour-coordinated fabric
jewellery. Other embellishments include Swarovski crystals and pearls,
freshwater pearls, and multi-tonal gems.
For more information, contact Lesley at [email protected].
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Ad d a l i tt l e m a g i c t o yo u r l i fe
Visit Bewitched accessoires for a fabulous range
of beautifully designed ladies bags and scarves.
See us at the Autumn fair HALL 4 K50
or see our website www.bewitched-accessories.co.uk
Alish Wholesale Ltd manufactures, imports and distributes quality
fashion jewellery, with a large and varied product range for the fashion
conscience buyer.
alish wholesale
• necklaces • earrings • bracelets
• bangles • brooches • loose beads
• jewellery findings • pendants
• freshwater pearl jewellery/strings
• semi-precious stone jewellery/strings
• display accessories
• crystal jewellery/strings
Check out our product range, latest offers, discounted lines and prices at:
www.alishwholesale.com
Come and visit our showroom in London
E: [email protected]
T: 0044(0)207 377 0151
T: 0044(0)7765 411478
So Jewellery, www.sojewellery.eu
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This summer, Tresor Paris has unveiled a collection to suit the lowkey, yet fashion-conscious bride, with a selection ranging from
demure monochromatic sparklers to exuberant multi-coloured
cluster bracelets. The Lalaye bracelet comprises up to 11 white
crystals and four magnetite stones, which are renowned for
containing healing properties. Another popular wedding design is
the eye-catching Cholet bracelet, with two magnetite stones, six
rose pink crystals and five white crystals. This sparkler will add
a colour flourish, without outshining the bridal gown. Each Tresor
Paris piece is specially selected and hand-finished, with sparkling
crystal-cluster spheres complementing the precious materials,
bright hues and magnetite beads.
For more information, visit www.tresorparis.com.
London-based brand STORM continues to evolve with a new range of
contemporary, affordable and wedding-appropriate jewellery. With an
appeal that has seen its products sold in 45 countries across the globe,
the company takes pride in having a strong consumer appeal. Staying true
to pure, classic designs, stainless steel is the signature metal used in all of
the pieces, ensuring that strength and quality are forged into the jewellery.
With slate, silicone and leather included in a number of the range’s designs,
the simple pieces have a clean, polished look. With delicate heart symbols
characterising the necklaces and bracelets, it adds a charming finishing
touch to a sophisticated bridal outfit.
For more information, visit www.stormwatches.com.
One of Ireland’s
leading contemporary
independent jewellers,
Martina Hamilton has
been hand-crafting
award-winning
collections in her
Sligo studio for over
20 years. Signature
necklaces from the
designer’s eponymous
range make for a
special wedding
day keepsake,
with intricate lattice
patterns and fireworks
of gold and silver
being motifs of the
designs. Evolving
as a series named
for cosmic events,
the selection has
titles such as Aurora,
Nova, Nebula and
Chameleon. The
tight symmetry of her simple circle symbols contain ancient and universal
meaning, creating bold and romantic impact pieces.
For further information, visit www.martinahamilton.ie.
Pandora’s Love Pod range extends further this season, with an 18ct rose gold option. A
sophisticated and stylish selection of rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants adorned
with hand-set, brilliant-cut diamond clusters, the range can add a delicate decorative touch to
a bridal ensemble. The fine line of jewellery is characterised by a purity of design and exquisite
craftsmanship. With each individual item featuring a single diamond or diamond cluster, the
rings are designed to interlock, symbolising the intimacy of a loving relationship. The organic
designs can be worn alone, or in a number of combinations, with other options including white
gold and yellow gold.
For more information, visit www.pandora.net.
$77,5(
9,6,786$7
,-/²67$1')
Fabulous rings with hints of
lace in Sterling Silver with
Freshwater Pearls an CZs.
Rings are part of our new
Lace Collection.
www.tezer-design.de
UK contact:
Sharon Acton 07774 928045
On the
bright side
Anna Lou of London started out as an experiment at Portobello
Market and became a globally-distributed label, with a huge
celebrity fan-base in just seven years. Designer Anna Lou Trent
tells us how her colourful kitsch jewellery business has evolved
What challenges were overcome when the
company was starting out?
The company was started up soon after I had
a stall on Portobello market. At the time, I
had no idea that my hobby of selling bracelets
would turn into a company which would in turn
become my full-time job! It was only when I
began selling products to Harvey Nichols and
other boutiques that I set up a limited company.
Self-funding the business has been a struggle. I
have never received a bank loan or had a private
investor. This is down to never having had the
time to sit down and write a full business plan. I
set my goals year-to-year, but I would like to find
an active investor or venture capitalist, who can
work with me to grow the business in the future.
What qualities set Anna Lou of London apart
from its competitors?
I feel that the exuberant use of colour and kitsch
design really stands out amongst other ranges. I
have a lot of motifs that you won’t see in other
designers’ collections. My signature pieces, such
as the initial necklaces and enamel bangles, are
instantly recognisable.
How important is the location and history of
the company to its success?
I feel that having a market stall first was a great
way to try out and test new collections, to see if
customers actually like the pieces before taking
them to buyers. The trajectory of my brand also
$77,5(
proves to people wanting to start their own
business that anyone can do it! I had no business
experience, and so got advice from the Portobello
Business Centre for the first year. Also, it’s not
hard or expensive running a stall, but if your
product doesn’t sell there, it certainly won’t sell in
a store or online.
Another advantage of being from London is
that many of my customers from very early on
have been based in Japan. I work with Isetan,
Hankyu and Takashimaya departments stores, as
well as United Arrows and select stores in Tokyo.
Therefore, designing and making jewellery in
London was important from the start - it’s a
world platform.
How has the product offering changed
throughout the years, and how would you
describe your current collection?
I began working with lots of beads and chains,
and the collections were more directional and
sophisticated at the beginning. Then I started
producing pieces in a more a kitsch, acrylic style.
Now, I manage to mix both together. So my work
is a fusion of directional, kitsch sophistication.
My current selection of designs is the Festival
collection, which consists of bright acrylic
earrings, gold-plated charm bracelets, long goldplated pendants and neon enamel bangles. Use of
vibrant colour remains a constant throughout all
of my collections. The pieces are being snapped
up by the likes of Eliza Doolittle, who wore them
for all her festival performances this summer. She
is a big fan of the Happiness pendant and the ‘E’
initial necklace.
How often does Anna Lou of London launch
new lines?
I tend to keep my signature pieces consistent
throughout the seasons, as these are the products
that established the hallmarks of the company.
I often alter or vary the designs throughout the
year, but always remain true to the original.
What are the current best-selling designs, and
tell us about the recent campaigns?
The current best selling designs would be the
stacked square and chevron enamel bangles.
They play on the current colour block trend, and
can be worn in a multitude of different colour
combinations, complementing any outfit. You
can keep it simple with a couple of different
colours, match them up, or pile them all on at
once. Sunday Times Style magazine loved these
bangles, and featured them on their ‘hot list’ a
couple of weekends ago.
Which trade shows do you attend and which
one works best for Anna Lou of London?
Pure, London Fashion Week, Premiere Classe
and Bubble. Pure was my first trade show, and it
opened up a link to the national market, which
established my long standing relationship with
many exclusive department stores and boutiques.
Profile
ANNA’S TIMELINE
Contact
Anna Lou Trent
Anna Lou of London
T: +44 (0)207 434 1177
www.annalouoflondon.com
Pure is the best for gaining customers in the UK,
but internationally, Premiere Classe is great.
When was the website launched, and how does
it support the business?
The website supports the business entirely.
All of my sales are conducted online, and it
complements the stock featured in top boutiques
perfectly. All of the products are displayed clearly
and concisely, they are easy to find, and the press
exposure for the brand is constantly updated,
pointing the consumer straight to a product they
may have seen in a magazine that week.
What have been the key milestones for Anna
Lou of London?
There are many milestones I can think of. The
moving from my house to an office six years
ago was the first big step, then taking on staff –
learning how to manage people is hard. From
opening a shop and the high costs involved, to
dealing with contracts and moving production
from in-house to having everything made in a
small factory; logistics are always hard when you
work with large department stores, as they have
strict criteria to follow for delivery. The hardest
part has been juggling a baby and work. When
number two comes along in November that’ll be
another challenge!
How do you view the current
market, and what trends, both in product
and in business, do you see emerging over the
coming months?
The market is undoubtedly tougher than it used
to be. Independent boutiques used to place
orders averaging £1000 – now spending £400 is
a struggle for buyers. Confidence has dropped.
Buyers seem to be ordering many times per
season, but with smaller quantities. I have lots
of loyal customers though, so I always make sure
delivery is on time and that the product is of a
very high quality. I include gift bags, press images
and POS as well, to assist with the sales. I think
customers are still looking for classic pieces with a
bit of an edge. They want pieces that are versatile
in the current economic climate.
What does the future hold for the company?
I’m happy running the business as I am from my
little office, and hope to continue looking after
my children for the time being. Once they’re old
enough to go to nursery, I’ll consider expanding
the business. I am working on developing more
products but taking small steps - when the time is
right I’ll launch them.
Products that I’d like to add to the Anna Lou
of London collection in the near future are
scarves, stationery, and candles. $
2004
Anna begins making bracelets within
the confines of her bedroom.
2005
Anna embarks on her
entrepreneurial venture – selling her
bracelets at Portobello market.
2005/6
Harvey Nichols and John Lewis start
to sell Anna Lou of London.
2006
Anna relocates to a shared studio in
Notting Hill, and begins to create
a second collection using semiprecious stones and metals.
She is asked to design and sell an
exclusive range in the Reiss high
street stores.
2007
Anna opens her first shop off
Carnaby Street, London and
launches her website. International
interest increases, and Anna begins
to export overseas to Henri Bendel,
New York and Takashimaya, Tokyo.
2008
Anna collaborates with Hello Kitty
as well as Ray-Ban and creates pieces
for the festival season. The Anna
Lou of London concession opens in
Takashimaya, Tokyo.
2009
The Anna Lou of London concession
opens in Topshop’s flagship store
Oxford Circus.
2010
For Paris Fashion Week, she works
with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac on
the jewellery for his catwalk show.
2011
The label continues to receive good
press and celebrity endorsements.
$77,5(
Insurance
Insurance solutions
Neil McFarlane, sales and
marketing director, of
T.H. March & Co Limited
Attire Accessories readers put their insurance queries, concerns and
questions to leading brokers T.H. March
Q
A
Negotiate terms
Are insurance long term agreements really
worthwhile for businesses?
Neil says: Over the past few years commercial
insurance premiums have been very competitive,
however, there are signs that such premiums
may now start to increase and it may be
worthwhile trying to negotiate with your
insurer to see if they will fix their terms for a
period. If you do decide to enter into such an
agreement, it is vital that you fully understand
the precise terms of the agreement and what
obligations both parties are committed to. premises will almost certainly be responsible for
managing any asbestos present, under Regulation
4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.
The fact sheet outlines:
• Who has the duty to manage;
• What the duty to manage means;
• Three essential steps to comply with the duty;
and
• Advice on asbestos surveys.
The fact sheet is available to bira members - contact the bira information office on
[email protected]
smaller businesses. Even when there is no initial
allegation against a director, having the funds to
obtain legal representation at these investigations
allows directors the most positive results.
In one year*
(a) Over 1,500 directors were disqualified for
between two and 15 years;
(b) The DTI’s Companies Investigations Branch
looked at almost 5,000 companies; and
(c) The HSE issued over 11,000 notices and
prosecuted 982 cases.
(*DTI’s annual publication on companies
provides further detail). $
Peace of mind
Are my liability limits adequate?
Q
A
Neil says: As final costs relating to the Buncefield
oil storage depot disaster are becoming clear,
there is now focus on the level of potential claims
that may arise. Whilst this was an exceptional
event and few companies will have this level of
exposure, the principle remains. Increasing your
liability limits may not be as expensive as you
think and could give you extra peace of mind.
Duty to manage
Where can I get further information about
‘duty to manage’ regulations with regards to
health and safety?
Q
A
Neil says: The Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) has teamed up to produce a fact
sheet with the British Independent Retailers
Association (bira) – an independent retail
trade body (formerly the BHF-BSSA Group)
representing more than 7,500 small retailers after it was found that compliance with ‘duty to
manage’ regulations was particularly low in this
sector. Any person or organisation responsible
for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic
Protection for company directors
I have been hearing a lot about directors’
and officers’ liability cover, why should I invest
in this?
Q
A
Neil says: Directors’ personal liabilities are
unlimited and in the course of carrying out
everyday duties for a company, directors are
exposing themselves to personal lawsuits,
investigations and criminal prosecutions.
Without insurance, directors can end up having
to re-mortgage, or worse, just to pay legal fees.
When a director needs to defend lawsuits,
investigations and prosecutions, being able to
draw on insurance funds in order to hire the best
law firms in the country will help achieve the best
possible outcome.
There is an increasing number of government
bodies that can investigate a company – the
DTI’s Companies Investigations Branch, the
Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the Serious
Fraud Office, the Disability Rights Commission,
to name a few – and an increasing focus on
Further information
T.H. March is a well-established family
business founded in 1887. With offices
in London, Birmingham, Manchester,
Glasgow, Sevenoaks and Yelverton near
Plymouth, the company has departments
covering household, motor, travel,
commercial and scheme insurance. To find
out more visit www.thmarch.co.uk.
$77,5(
‘NATURAL SELECTION’
HAZEL ATKINSON
JEWELLERY LLP
tel 0115 9586183 | www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Handmade in the UK | Visit me at IJL stand B55
MODerN
PriMATiVes
Tel 0844 335 1308
E-mail [email protected]
No1 THE PANTILES
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
KENT TN2 5TD
IJL
IN BRIEF
Event: International Jewellery London
Venue: Earls Court 2, London
Dates: 4th – 7th September, 2011
Opening times: Sunday – Tuesday
9am –6pm, Wednesday 9am – 4pm
Website: www.jewellerylondon.com
Jewel in
the crown
IJL continues to cement its place as the UK’s leading jewellery
trade show with more new features than ever before
With new exhibitors, product areas, trends
and show features; IJL (International Jewellery
London) is set to be more exciting than ever
this year. The UK’s most established jewelleryfocussed event has been given an overhaul
to enhance the visitors’ experience. With a
reputation for attracting a high calibre of
jewellery-centric visitors, the attendance of fine
jewellery brands and designers is assured.
The VIP Diamond Club draws senior retailers
and buyers to the show, with companies such
as Hans D Kreiger and Heinz Mayer viewing
the show as a key international event. This year,
a host of new fine jewellery companies and
brands will feature, such as Vogue Diamond and
Vendorafa. Stuart Moore of Stuart Moore Ltd.
– America’s largest gallerist of ‘modern designer
jewellery’ – will be at the Henrich & Denzel
stand, to personally launch his 50th year in the
jewellery business by introducing his latest pieces,
including engagement and wedding rings, to
European retailers.
British design is still going strong, and the
best of the bunch will also be unveiling new
designs at IJL as part of the Bright Young Gems
and Kickstart initiatives. A prestigious panel
of editors has nominated the Bright Young
Gem designers, who are both hotly tipped for
glittering success, and just embarking on their
careers. Daisy Knights, who launched as a
Bright Young Gem in 2009, and appeared as a
Kickstarter in 2010, will be an exhibitor for the
first time this year – unveiling her new range,
Wise. Kickstart – supported by the British
Jewellers’ Association – will act as a commercial
launch pad for ten promising designers. Bec
Clarke’s Astley Clarke will also present a Gold
Award to one designer, whose extraordinary prize
will be the opportunity to sell their jewellery
through the popular retailer, via their site,
www.astleyclarke.com.
The IJL seminar programme has been given
a boost by the new purpose-built seminar
room – the Inspiration Theatre. Opening on
the first floor, it will provide the backdrop for
jewellery trend sessions, panel debates and
keynote speakers. The event line-up includes
Jeremy Hoye, who will be discussing unique
collaborations with a focus on his latest venture,
and Elizabeth Galton will speak about redefining
luxury in the digital age. Top trends forecasting
agency Stylesight will identify upcoming trends
to inspire visitors, and retailers will be able to
draw influence from the Mary Portas Guide to
Successful Retailing seminar. Retail Theatre will
be the focus for the motivational seminar by
Insight with Passion, offering vital information
about how to improve and enhance the in-store
retail experience. Celebrity favourite, Stephen
Webster, will take part in the Great Debate
(hosted by the Birmingham Assay Office) at
IJL, providing a talk about fair-trade fair-mined
gold, and showing a video about the issues that
he made earlier this year whilst travelling. This
will be the first viewing of the film at a large
industry show, and he will also be taking part in a
question and answer session with the panel after
the screening.
Another highlight of this year’s show will
be the launch of the IJL Runway – a catwalk
running the entire length of the Boulevard.
Sponsored by Aagaard, two new shows are
scheduled for each day of the event, providing
visitors with a dynamic showcase of designer
jewellery. Speaking of the latest addition to
the schedule, IJL’s Co-Event Director, Syreeta
Tranfield said: “When buyers, retailers and press
come to a key industry show such as IJL, they
want to leave feeling inspired. The Runway will
be right in the centre of the action of the show,
bringing the latest trends and collections to
life. IJL was the first of the UK jewellery trade
shows to feature a catwalk, and it will return in
2011 to highlight the fact that there are so many
new brands and high-quality collections being
launched this season.
With so many new designers, brands,
initiatives, and developments, this year’s show is
set to be an outstanding one, with well over 500
exhibitors lined up to reveal their latest work.” $
$77,5( ·
Exhibitor profiles
SuShilla
C11
+44 (0)1993 706703
www.su-shilla.com
Andrew Geoghegan
E64
+44 (0)113 307 0100
www.andrewgeoghegan.com
Designed to evoke the planet Saturn, The Celestial Fire piece comprises
an extraordinary seven carat sunstone. The perfectly spherical gem is
intricately framed by 14 points of delicate VVS (very very small inclusions)
diamonds to create a cocktail ring with real impact. The warm tone of the
18ct rose gold is the ideal accompaniment for the fiery stone with flecks
of smouldering red and orange. The split halo setting, accentuated by the
grain set diamonds, gives the piece a striking, one-of-a-kind look. Open at
the sides to illuminate the central stone, the setting was devised to reveal as
much of the sunstone and its distinctive grain as possible. Other visuallyimposing new beauties from the designer include the Mohawk cocktail ring,
with a Tahitian pearl suspended in a platinum setting.
Bangles have been added to the ever-popular Tallulah collection at
SuShilla. As with other pieces, they showcase a single semi-precious
gem in its rough, organic state. New stones have been sourced for
this latest range, including black, white, and pink Drusy varieties.
SuShilla will also be launching a range of glamorous cocktail rings
that will be exclusive to IJL 2011. The one-of-a-kind solid silver
pieces are gold-plated and have a hammered finish. Coming in an
array of stones, including Russian Emerald, Kyanite, Aquamarine
and Tourmaline, the rings cannot be made to order. There will be a
collection of around 30 designs on show.
Kleshna
C70
+44 (0)208 401 6789
www.kleshna.com
Kleshna has reworked iconic architectural and interior designs in her
new autumn/winter collections. The Chrysler necklace and bracelet
uses layered chain, which echoes the fanned tip of the New York city
landmark. The fluid chain contrasts with the crystal and roundel
columns, to create sophisticated retro glitz. The Twisted Chain
collection reflects the distinctive decorative styles of the Art Nouveau
era, with undulating organic forms. An eveningwear accessory, the
selection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings create sinuous shapes
by weaving and winding around the wearer. The gold and silver plate
beauties are accented with dazzling crystals in a spectrum of shades,
and finished with a gem encrusted magnetic clasp.
$77,5(
DMJ
F61, F59
+44 (0)1388 770870
www.dmj.info
DMJ are bringing a vast portfolio of fresh offerings to IJL. With designs
varying from romantic Venetian Murano glass pieces from Antica Murrina
to Belle Chique’s gilded and crystallised baubles created with Antwerpsourced fine natural diamonds. Belle Étoile’s vibrant hand-painted sterling
silver collection will also be showcased, alongside Just J’s ethical pieces and
Storywheels’ precious memory selection of bracelets and necklaces. The
eclectic array of high-quality jewellery is completed with Timebeads’ brand
of miniature steel watch charms; Wize and Ope’s avant-garde collection
of touch-sensitive faces and interchangeable straps; and Zinzi’s stunning
silver jewels, with a choice of locks for mixing and matching with Swarovski
crystal, ziconia and crystal pearls.
IJL
Mirri Damer
B35
+44 (0)7967 906713
www.mirridamer.com
Taking influence from the
beautiful beaches near her
house, Mirri will unveil a
range of seaside-inspired
jewellery at IJL 2011. The
Rock Pool ring is set with
sea-green tourmalines, and stirs
childhood memories of gazing into
the clear water of rock pools, whilst
the earrings and pendants in oxidised
silver and gold are reminiscent of barnacle clusters.
Despite their origins in nature, the designs make for edgy embellishments
to any outfit. The already popular Fixed Bud rings continue to be a bestseller, and Mirri will be bringing new additions to the range to complement
the current offerings – including a miniature
eternity ring set with 16 diamonds.
Filigree Street
D70
+44 (0)207 482 2212
www.filigreestreet.com
Filigree Street will unveil a new line of the Tassel
collection, with darker tones and oxidised metals.
To mirror the atmosphere of winter, this season’s
range has a heavier and darker aesthetic
than the previous range. The mixture of
contrasting textures and materials
– which include silk ribbons,
tassels, and silver – give the
pieces a delicacy and warmth.
All jewellery is hand-made
and features detailed craft-work.
Elegant and stylish with intricate
ornamental pieces, each piece is designed to
emphasise the beauty of the stone. As the centrepiece of every design, each
stone is specially selected.
Charmian Beaton Designs
D108
+44 (0)1622 609650
www.charmionbeaton.co.uk
Charmian Beaton will be showcasing three fresh collections for
2011. The Mariposa collection has been a great success this summer
and is expanding for IJL, adding coloured gemstones in place
of the brilliant-cut diamonds. Mariposa – meaning butterfly in
Spanish – is a stunning cocktail range in frosted silver and 18ct
yellow gold; and set with trillion-cut Lemon Citrine, and round
brilliant-cut diamonds. It is also available in 925 silver set with
the aforementioned gem stones. The range embodies Charmian’s
signature bold statement aesthetic with a mixture of metal finishes,
scattered diamonds and asymmetry. Designed while Charmian was
organising her wedding, the collection symbolises happiness and
love, with lemon tones evoking joy, and triangular cuts creating a
sense of movement and excitement.
Silver Service
E24
+44 (0)7801 945110
www.silverservicejewellery.co.uk
Protection is the main inspiration behind Silver Service’s designs. As
angel wings symbolise protection, they are a recurring theme throughout
the collection. Themes of guardian angels, flight and freedom are at the
heart of each design. These ideas are evoked through mix and match
charm jewellery, pieces that reflect what a person stands for. A charm
necklace can be altered daily to reflect the mood of the wearer, allowing
total freedom of self-expression. Designer Tilly’s fascination with
symbolism and freedom of expression allows her to explore dark motifs in
Gothic culture, such as skulls and crosses.
$77,5( ·
Exhibitor profiles
Tezer Design
G108
+49 693 085 0716
www.tezer-design.de
The new Tezer summer
collection has the
appearance of delicate
lace made from sterling
silver. With a basic circle
as a starting point, the
resulting collection gives
an impression of great
patterned detail and
has a light, transparent
quality. The Lace range
consists of colliers, pendants, rings and earrings, each with original delicate
detailing. Known for contemporary designs, the label offers jewellery that is
simple yet elegant.
Martick Jewellery
Alice Gow Designs
D15
+44 (0)7747 035865
www.alicegowdesigns.co.uk
Alice Gow’s new designs draw
their inspiration from the classic
Blacksmiths’ twist techniques,
which she has developed and refined
to create a stunning collection of
pendants, earrings, rings and bangles.
Gold fine lines emphasise the twisted
form, adding definition and contrast, whilst
the single twist reflects light from the polished,
curved surfaces of the piece. The collection comes in silver, but
diamond-set pieces will be on show, and commissions are available in
platinum, as well as 18ct yellow and white gold. The range complements the
designers’ other bold selections – Revolve, Linear and Petaliform – which
feature striking combinations of silver and yellow gold, as well as silver and
coloured aluminium in an array of shades.
Silver Willow
F49
+44 (0)1823 698898
www.silver-willow.co.uk
With retro details being the hot jewellery trend of 2011, Chrysalis’ new
collection features vintage-style silver charms, spacers, necklaces and
bracelets. Silver heart charms are scattered with clusters of intricate flowers
and complemented with twinkling cubic zirconia spacers. Interchangeable
silver necklaces with butterfly and heart detailing add glamour to this
delicate new collection. Other pieces include designer-chic sets, and
faceted cat’s eye bracelets, which can be locked together, or worn separately,
allowing the wearer styling versatility.
$77,5(
F1
+44 (0)207 274 0333
www.martickjewellery.com
Martick’s Shipwreck Silver collection was crafted by traditional
silversmiths on the remote island of Ibo, in the Qurimbas
archipelago in Mozambique. Their style is unique to the area, and
is believed to be derived from Swahili methods. With rudimentary
tools and ancient methods, the highly-skilled artisans produce
unusual and lovely pieces, often inspired by their beautiful natural
surroundings. Hand-built dhows sail the islands to fish daily, and
their catch is reflected in the designs of this collection. Decorated
with “shipwreck” glass beads which are still washed up on a number
of Indian Ocean islands, the pendants have a weathered patina-effect
that can only be achieved through long-rolling in the waves.
Exhibitor profiles
Dower & Hall
G78
+44 (0)207 377 5544
www.dowerandhall.com
Dower & Hall’s latest
collections, Memento and
Phosphorescence, will be making an
appearance at this year’s event. Memento is a romantic
selection of scripted silver and gold jewellery paying homage to love.
Comprising chunky rings, tactile pendants, and pretty earrings,
all intricately engraved with touching sentiments. Inspired by the
directors Dan and Diane’s honeymoon, the Phosphorescence range
was conceived one long, romantic evening on the beach watching
the sun set over the gently undulating sea waves. Captivated by the
phosphorescence patterns reflected on the water at dusk, the
couple transformed these visions into a selection of yellow gold and
diamond statement cuffs and cocktail rings.
Linda Macdonald Jewellery
B29
+44 (0)1389 841848
www.lindamacdonaldjewellery.com
Alice Menter
C95
+44 (0)7967 528358
www.alicementer.co.uk
Alice Menter is known for her use of unusual objects, a variety of
textures, and an array of colours and shapes. Creating beauty from
the unexpected, the designer’s bold urban chic hand-made pieces are
the result of combining silver and gold-plated everyday objects, such
as nuts, washers, zips and bolts; with suede and chains. Each piece
is one-of-a-kind, and has a fluid design, allowing it to follow the
contours of the wearer’s body. An example of her imaginative take on
current trends is the striking hand-woven Chloe collar.
W Hamond
G79
+44 (0)1335 346561
www.whamond.com
This year’s IJL sees W Hamond – presented by C W Sellors – unveiled as
one of the most innovative jewellery brands. Specialising in Whitby Jet
jewellery design and manufacture, the company will introduce its latest
collections, all of which have been produced by the in-house team of
skilled craftsmen and designers. Whitby Jet is an intensely black natural
gem, formed from the fossilisation of the Araucaria tree (Monkey Puzzle
tree). Having recently undergone a renaissance in popularity, this highlywearable stone is once again one of the most popular natural gemstones on
the market – with its monochromatic colouring generating universal appeal.
The Cross Heart jewellery line is available in a range of silver and gold,
with an array of hand-shaped and set gemstones, including the signature
Whitby Jet, as well as more exotic stones, such as Turquoise, Pink Agate and
Derbyshire Blue John.
$77,5(
Established in 1997, Linda Macdonald Jewellery’s delicate and
distinctive style has become popular amongst retailers and
consumers alike. The designer credits working and living in
Scotland as key to the inspiration for each collection. Taking
influence from fragile details found in nature, the label is now
recognised for beautiful floral patterns in silver, with a hint of
gold. A simple daisy motif has become a hallmark of the
company, whilst love and romance is another one of
the strong themes connecting the kooky selection on
display at IJL this year.
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IJL
Mounir Design
E48
+44 (0)208 780 5373
www.mounir.co.uk
Mounir has been known
for working with mixed
media for a long time,
and this is an approach
that has proved
popular with buyers and
fashion mavens alike,
not just because of the
affordability factor, but
also for the one-of-akind look of each piece.
The company’s signature
style is to mix sterling
silver, oxidised 9ct
gold, and a selection of
specially-sourced gems.
The latest collection features an array of glamorous statement earrings in
a spectrum of autumn/winter 2011 catwalk-friendly shades with natural
stones such as Rubies, Garnets, Green Amethysts, Lemon Quartzes
and Amethysts.
Jianhui London
D1
+44 (0)7940 284240
www.jianhui.co.uk
Growing up in a rural village in one of the poorest areas of China,
Jianhui spent most of his childhood in the mountains where he
became fascinated by the colourful displays of bright pink, purple
and orange flowers. Upon arriving in London, he was inspired by
the eclectic jewellery worn by the capital’s urban-chic women, and
decided to recreate the beautiful flowers that had once captured
his young imagination in a way that would appeal to these modern
muses. Blending his two influences in a playful way, he has created
a vibrant, light-hearted collection. The range Picnic at Jianhui
London, which features bananas, chilli peppers, and carrots – as well
as a host of other fruit and vegetables – was conceived after a visit to
the Chelsea Flower Show.
Alexis Dove Jewellery
C29
+44 (0)1273 478802
www.alexisdove.com
Truth
E61
+44 (0)845 270 0505
www.truthjewellery.co.uk
This September sees the launch of OSO – One Season Only – a
new brand from silver jewellery specialist, P. Kennedy. Aimed
at the modern, fashion-conscious consumer with a penchant for
eye-catching statement pieces. OSO comprises three collections,
which draw inspiration from contemporary New York fashion and
architecture, with clean lines, simple designs and an edgy style.
Sterling silver and crystal are the foundations of the three ranges.
The Iconic collection, which includes limited edition signature
designs; the Stylish sub-collection which offers dramatic impact; and
the Chic line which carries the most wearable jewellery for elegant
everyday wear.
Alexis Dove’s
Curio range will
be amongst the
new designs
launched at IJL
this September.
Inspired by
the cabinets of
curiosities collected
and assembled by
explorers in the 17th
century, the pieces reflect
the Renaissance-era with natural
history. Including vintage keys, heart
charms, skull forms and shells in a combination of silver and gold vermeil,
the collection captures the current preoccupation with antiquity. The bestselling Wild Rose collection will also be on show at the event, alongside
new plump rabbit pendants. Designer-maker Alexis Dove produces the
hand-made pieces in Sussex. The collections all include motifs of wild roses,
bell flowers and seashells embellished with precious beads and pearls in
silver and vermeil.
$77,5( ·
Exhibitor profiles
Nomination
F111
+39 055 425 471
www.nomination.com
Emma Turpin
C31H
+44 (0)7860 749299
www.emmaturpin.com
Emma Turpin is an IJL new-comer, having been selected as part of the
Kickstart programme. Her original collection, Maidens’ Garlands which
ranges from small stud earrings to statement necklaces, is identifiable by
her use of hand-folded fine silver rosettes. Continually striving to create
innovative new pieces of jewellery and one-off designs, the designer’s
passion for traditional crafts and craftsmanship is reflected in her work.
Drawing inspiration from Victorian folk life, she aims to fulfil her vision of
contemporary wearable pieces that bring together the essences of antiquity
and modernity. It was by researching the history of folk crafts that she
was introduced to the technique of hand-folding. As they are hand-made,
each rosette that makes up Emma Turpin’s jewellery is different, which
makes every piece distinctive. Combined with sterling silver wire details
and sometimes semi-precious beads, there are a variety of different finishes
available, including 22ct gold-plated detail and silver with oxidised detail.
Step by Step
G48
+44 (0)1422 317539
www.stepbystep-uk.com
Hand-crafted in Switzerland, the Step by Step range is created from rare,
high-quality metals for a distinctive look. With graphic sphere ring-detail
necklaces and Rhodium and Aluminium bracelets, the collection has a
minimalist, yet soft appearance. The designer, Ursula Müller uses a limited
colour palette of gold, silver, red and black with carefully-selected materials
to create her trademark sculptural effect. The combination of hard and soft
elements is what creates the linear selection of necklaces, lariats, bracelets
and earrings within the collection.
$77,5(
Inspired by the testament to tradition and identity of the family crest,
the Royal collection is the latest line of Nomination collectables.
Launching under the company’s Prestige Label, the designs combine
the signature house style of interlocking link systems with sterling
silver and glittering gemstones for an elegant selection of bracelets.
Made up of 22 elements, the luminous pieces are dappled with
intricate sterling silver details and sparkling cubic zirconia. Each
bracelet is hand-crafted, with all stones being individually set.
Peter Lang Australia
C34
+44 (0)7739 518701
www.barberinifashion.com
One of Australia’s leading
fashion couture jewellers,
Peter Lang Australia
celebrated 30 years of
success in Australasia by
launching the autumn/
winter 2010 range in the
European market. He
brings his latest lines to
IJL, which incorporate
his signature vintage
Gala Deco style with a
quintessentially Australian
floral statement. With
exquisite pearls and enamel
detail finishes, the pieces
complement the edgier
Modern Brass collection
and playful Vintage Cameo
Charm pieces. The spring/summer 2012 collection promises to be
vibrant and accessible to the full spectrum of Peter Lang Australia
fans. A popular choice amongst the celebrity fashion pack, with
fans including Nicole Kidman and Gillian Anderson, the label has
become a London Fashion Week regular.
Stunning accessories at sensible prices
handbags • obi belts • pendant scarves
www.poltsa.co.uk • t: 020 8393 6010 • e: [email protected]
Manufacturers & Wholesale Suppliers of Bridal & Evening Accessories
Tiaras and matching jewellery, fascinators, marabou wraps…
www.nathaliefrench.com
EMAIL: [email protected]
TEL: 01469 589646 - FAX: 01469 589647
IJL Earls Court 4-7 Sep Stand B89
Top Drawer Olympia 11-13 Sep Stand J20
Sigal Distribution
T: 01784 482888
[email protected]
IJL
Jeremy Hoye
E68
+44 (0)1273 777207
www.jeremy-hoye.co.uk
Jeremy Hoye has been designing and
showcasing his collections since 1994,
and as IJL draws closer, the jewellery
designer is preparing to launch his
highly-anticipated Libertine line.
Consisting of eminently wearable
Renaissance-inspired pieces, the bold
new selection is a testament to his
enduring personal style. The aim behind
the collection is to create jewellery
that could be from the past or the
future. Featuring men and women’s
necklaces, bracelets and off-centre stone
set rings burst with exuberant colour,
the Libertine range reflects Jeremy
Hoye’s independent vision. Combining
romantic flare with a theatrical edge, the
jewellery is for fans of dramatic design.
Fran Barker Design
A41
+44 (0)7748 821358
www.franbarkerdesign.co.uk
Hampshire-based designer Fran Barker, who is gaining recognition
for her original and beautifully-crafted pieces, will be presenting
her Sinners collection at the event. A reflection of contemporary
jewellery with classical roots, the Art Nouveau inspired designs
gets a modern twist, as Pride, Lust and Envy entwine themselves
together to create the ultimate sin. A range of rings that deliver
maximum dramatic impact for evening accessorising, each piece is
delicately hewn with intricate detail. Serpent-like metalwork weaves
itself around glittering jewels, which include dark Onyx and Garnet
(Lust); rich Tourmaline and Amethyst (Envy); and shimmering Blue
Topaz and Aquamarine (Pride). Working in silver, as well as yellow,
white and red gold, Fran Barker also designs bespoke pieces for both
men and women to commission.
Chris Hawkins
Missoma
H18
+44 (0)207 025 2524
www.missoma.com
Known for its stylised contemporary designs and vibrant hues,
Missoma has garnered a global following for its directional jewellery
collections. Available in 18ct gold vermeil and sterling silver, with
an array of exotic semi-precious stones, the pieces display a highquality craftsmanship and great attention to detail. A mother and
daughter design team are behind the ranges, whose shared love of
modern design, delicate detail and contemporary opulence has
shaped Missoma’s path. The latest jewel pieces have been inspired by
daughter Marisa’s passion for impressionist and early Russian avantgarde art, and the family’s travels to far-flung lands whilst sourcing
their multi-toned gems.
C21
+44 (0)1273 554632
www.chrishawkinsjewellery.com
UK designer Chris Hawkins’
new jewellery collection for
men, Angels and Demons, will
be launched at IJL. Last year
saw the success of the Corvid
range, which explored the macabre
beauty of crows, foxes and bones. For
this year’s offerings, he has delved into
the dark and intriguing realm of Medieval
England. Also an accomplished sculptor, the designer
is able to transcend the usual limitations of jewellery, and create
miniature wearable sculptures. Skulls, arrowheads, and angel wings lend
Gothic symbolism to the pieces, whilst also imbuing the designs with a
masculine rock and roll edge. The stand-outs of the collection are the skull
ring and the long multi-pendant necklaces.
$77,5( ·
Exhibitor profiles
Claire English – Special Jewellery Co.
C31B
+44 (0)7846 661046
www.claireenglish.com
Claire English’s luxurious jewellery reflects English
whimsy, and her insatiable interest in the narrative
potential of objects. Her very personal brand of
design identifies her as a designer adept at presenting
everyday objects in mischievous and unexpected
ways. Combing humour with high-quality finish,
her second collection Memories, Mice and
Muchness is a Gothic and edgy selection, which
manages to be cute and wearable, whilst maintaining
the darker mood of the moment. Inspiration for
this collection – right down to the name – comes
from the dormouse in Alice in Wonderland,
who tells Alice about girls who draw everything
beginning with the letter M. This notion appealed
to the designer because of her own preoccupation
with magpies. After a first year that has seen global
interest in the label, 2012 will see the launch of her
menswear range.
Hazel Atkinson Jewellery
B55
+44 (0)115 958 6183
www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Natural Selection, Hazel Atkinson’s latest collection, has been a
success, with all colours proving popular with retailers and consumers
alike. Whilst crystal blue and summer have been best-selling shades,
new, cooler tones of blue and purple will be added for autumn/
winter 2011. The designer hand-prints each piece of ultra-light
anodised aluminium jewellery, whilst a small team assemble and
distribute samples from her Nottingham studios. Each piece is an
original one-of-a-kind, made wholly in the UK. Hazel Atkinson’s
extensive experience makes her one of the leading practitioners in this
complex field of jewellery design.
Ruth Bridges jewellery
D45
+44 (0)1273 725170
www.ruthbridges.co.uk
Trollbeads
F90
+44 (0)117 377 4214
www.fabletrading.co.uk
The original Danish brand of collectable charm jewellery will
celebrate its 35th anniversary at IJL with the launch of the exclusive
limited edition Peacock bracelet, commemorating three and a
half decades of Trollbeads craftsmanship. As well as ringing in a
landmark year, the company will be showcasing its latest launch, a
new collection of individually-designed, hand-crafted Italian Murano
glass beads, which feature – for the first time ever – a universallysized core, allowing the one-of-a-kind charms to fit all major bracelet
brand designs. The Universal Uniques range comes in an array of
colours and technically complex designs, including stripes, flowers,
lacework and swirls.
$77,5(
Ruth Bridges’ collection of
18ct gold contemporary
diamond solitaire rings
will be on display at
IJL. With brilliant-cut
stones available in 0.15ct,
0.25ct or 0.50ct, the
pieces complement the
rest of the designer’s range,
which features pear-shaped
semi-precious stones, and stacking
rings with matching earrings. Ruth
Bridges creates contemporary jewellery in
her workshop in Hove. Drawing inspiration from rock formations, map
symbols and mathematical drawings, she exhibits her work in galleries and
exhibitions across the country.
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• Insoles • Footbeds
• Accessories
•Shoe and Leather Care
EUROLEATHERS
Tel: 01604 843740 Web: www.euroleathers.com
Exhibitor profiles
Perthshire Jewellery Company
E159
+44 (0)1887 820760
www.joforgirls.co.uk
Couer de Lion
E89
+49 711 2484 9460
www.couer.de
Couer de Lion counters the ever-changing trends and opulence
of the fashion jewellery market with timeless yet contemporary
design. The new models from label designer Carola Eckrodt are a
logical continuation of her stylist path over the past few years. The
signature cube look has been translated into a series of contrasting
square patterns and round shapes. Continuity stretches to the label’s
choice of materials, with pieces made from tried-and-tested polaris,
Rhodium-plated metal, and Diamond-cut anodised aluminium.
Each piece is still made by hand in the company studio in Stuttgart
by around 50 craftsmen. Whilst the form of the jewellery remains
loyal to the foundations of the Couer de Lion design principles, the
Geo Cube collection is available in olivine, amber, ruby, topaz and
onyx – a spectrum of shades fitting for autumnal day and night.
The specialist brand, Jo for Girls, has
had a successful spring season with
the Forever Friends collection of cord
friendship bracelets, cute tags and
charms shortlisted for Gift of the
Year 2011. Whilst other companies
offer add-ons for children, Jo for
Girls specialises in sterling silver-based
jewellery for young girls. Whilst the
Charm Bead line continues to grow, the
new range for this season is the colourful
Tantalising Strawberry set of pendants, earrings and charms. A further
selection to be displayed at IJL is the Jo for Girls Birthstone Angels. An
Angel card will be supplied with each piece, detailing the personal qualities
believed to be unique to those born in that month, and influenced by their
specific birthstone.
Babette Wasserman
C60
+44 (0)208 964 9777
www.babette-wasserman.com
Created in order to fill a gap in
the market for luxury gifts for
both mother and baby, Babette
Wasserman’s Maman Bébé range
reflects this singular bond. As
the baby comes from within the
mother, this matching jewel set
with one necklace for mother, and
one for the child, is symbolic of
their relationship. The Linking
Heart set, where the gold heart on
the baby’s gold chain can be taken
off and linked onto the open
heart charm on the mother’s silver
necklace, symbolises this special
bond. This design is also available
with hand-set cubic zirconias.
$77,5(
Midhaven
F51
+44 (0)1299 851513
www.midhavensilver.com
Midhaven’s range of stainless steel and braided leather bracelets
for men and women are now available in red, berries, and chestnut
shades as well as black. Highly affordable, the design has captured
the current resurgence in the popularity of charm and friendship
bracelets. These pieces will be showcased alongside the label’s new
anti-tarnish cubic zirconia and silver jewellery, which is geared
towards the sparkle-led Christmas gift market.
IJL - Stand C80
Top drawer - Stand H40
tel: 020 7607 7732
www.mirabellejewellery.co.uk
Ceannis A/W 2011 Collection
Showing at Top Drawer stand A32
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Argenta A’Ora Ltd
157 Field End Road, Eastcote, Middlesex HA9 7NX
[email protected]
Tel: 0208 8662831
For more information Please visit
www.ceannis.com or call Vanil uk agent
Mandy 07702 877081 | [email protected]
IJL
AAGAARD A/S
F11
+45 63 21 37 50
www.lovelinks.dk
For the Aagaard autumn/winter
collection, contrasts and details found in
nature played a huge part in the design
process. Warm and classic tones lend
strong foundations to the range, and when
combined with a variety of materials, the
result was a challenging collection that
embodies the power of the organic realm.
The authenticity of the strength of nature
is represented through the reassuring
chunkiness of the pieces and sturdiness
of the materials. With a combination
of ornate Murano glass, leather, crystal
and silver, the pieces epitomise both the
beauty and the durability of the planet’s
resources. The Danish company launched
its first collection in 1946, and despite
its steady growth and new owners, it
maintains the same values and vision that
were established 65 years ago.
Alish Wholesale
J49
+44 (0)207 377 0151
www.alishwholesale.com
Alish Wholesale will be exhibiting a new season’s range of quality
fashion gems, including crystal glass, bracelets, bangles, necklaces and
earring sets. Alongside these fresh specimens, the company’s usual
eclectic mix of crystal glass string beads, freshwater peal jewellery and
semi-precious stone pieces will be on show.
The Branch
B41
+44 (0)1787 477005
www.the-branch.co.uk
C W Sellors
G71
+44 (0)1335 346561
www.cwsellors.com
The British gemstone experts have a number of new ranges to
showcase at the event, with expandable bead bracelets in an array
of agates and shades, including Mohave Purple, and Turquoise.
Fashionable and traditional, the collection’s charms are available in
cross and heart shapes, with enamel messages. Other designs include
the Cross Heart Expansion design, with a wider range of stones
and colour possibilities, as well as the playful My Last Rolo piece,
which features a solid silver or gold-plated rolo charm of the exact
dimensions of its chocolate equivalent, with optional engravings.
Combining wood,
precious metals and
semi-precious
stones, The
Branch’s chic
and diverse
range has
acquired
a global
following,
with a broad
celebrity
fan-base. At
IJL, the label
will unveil the
new ISIS range.
With inspiration
coming from the Ancient
Greek period of history,
these bejewelled pieces reflect the
chunky statement jewellery trends of the season. This season
sees the introduction of snakeskin and yet more exotic gemstones. Bold,
yet wearable, and sophisticated yet ethical, the products are in line with
the brand’s exacting design principles. The jewellery is made from the
finest wood and materials, thoughtfully chosen and crafted in The Branch’s
own factories, where fair trade standards are adhered to throughout all
production processes.
$77,5( ·
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Winter collection in stock now
$XWXPQ:LQWHU&DWDORJXH1RZ$YDLODEOH
We can provide fast delivery from stock at competitive
prices and have special service & order options designed
to meet the needs of smaller retailers.Contact us today
to arrange to see our new collection.
Contact us: 01684 891891 or
email: [email protected]
or visit us: www.zinniashoes.co.uk
Formal footwear
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1
When getting ready for a big social event, heels can
make or break an outfit. We take a look at the key
transitional shoe trends for this season and beyond...
Sugar and SPICE
Floral details, feminine straps
and girlish hues remain
footwear favourites for any
formal engagement
2
4
3
5
6
1. Jacobson Group: +44 (0)1706 212512; 2. Van Dal Shoes: +44 (0)1603 426341 or www.vandalshoes.co.uk; 3. Menbur: +44 (0)1924 491411 or
www.menbur.co.uk; 4. Aftershock: +44 (0)207 637 3723 or www.aftershockplc.com; 5. Rachel Simpson Shoes: +44 (0)121 428 2698 or
www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk; 6. West Midland Shoe: +44 (0)1889 561790 or ww.wmsc.co.uk.
$77,5( ·
DEEP IMPACT
Block heels, quirky shapes and statement shades
are essentials for cutting-edge consumers
2
1
5
4
3
6
1&6. Beatrix Ong: +44 (0)845 430 8880 or www.beatrixong.com; 2. Jerome C. Rousseau: www.jeromecrousseau.com; 3&4. Finsk: +44 (0)7894 904315
or www.finsk.com; 5. Joanne Stoker: +44 (0)207 275 9424 or www.joannestoker.com.
$77,5(
Formal footwear
Ʉȵȇɑɤɕȣ
1
Embellished heels with glittering
metallics and twinkling jewels make
for a sophisticated finishing touch
2
3
4
5
6
1. Moda In Pelle: +44 (0)1132 392379 or www.modainpelle.com; 2. Bourne Shoes: +44 (0)1482 334590 or www.bournecollection.com; 3. Freya Rose:
+44 (0)207 288 6311 or www.freyarose.co.uk; 4. Aftershock: +44 (0)207 637 3723 or www.aftershockplc.com; 5. Menbur: +44 (0)1924 491411 or
www.menbur.co.uk; 6. Beatrix Ong: +44 (0)8454 308 880 or www.beatrixong.com.
$77,5( ·
Formal footwear
Bridal waltz
The first dance isn’t complete without dreamy
ivories, sumptuous satins and luxury trimmings
1
2
4
3
5
6
1. Irregular Choice: +44 (0)1273 724020 or www.irregularchoice.com; 2. Beyond Skin: +44 (0)845 373 3648 or www.beyondskin.co.uk; 3. Freya Rose:
+44 (0)207 288 6311 or www.freyarose.co.uk; 4. Bourne Shoes: +44 (0)1482 334590 or www.bournecollection.com; 5. Rachel Simpson Shoes: +44
(0)121 428 2698 or www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk; 6. Menbur: +44 (0)1924 491411 or www.menbur.co.uk.
$77,5(
Talbot Fashions
£100
minimum
order.
First order
carriage
free
Jewellery, Gifts & Accessories
Est.
1980
Call
now for our
latest catalogue
or to arrange
a visit from an
agent
Order
Online at:
www.talbotfashions.com
and see all our
latest new
lines
See Us At
Top Drawer
National Hall
th
11 - 13th September
Stand K85
IAFth NEC
Birmingham
th
4 - 7 September
Hall 4 Stand
H45
7 - 8 Howard Terrace, Brighton,
East Sussex, BN1 3TR
Tel: 01273 776415 Fax: 01273 731167
www.talbotfashions.com
Profile
ɬȣɄȵȐ
bag of tricks
Founder and head designer at Makki, Joanne Temperton reveals the reasons behind the brand’s
speedy success, and how diversifying has been key to their global growth
How was Makki started,
what was the aim?
Makki was established in
2003, and it was our aim
to create a luxury handbag
brand using the finest
quality by-product skins.
As we want the brand to
epitomise class, luxury and
intelligent design, we made great efforts to ensure
that we offer on-trend classics with an heirloom
level of quality.
I lived and worked in South Korea prior to
the launch of the brand. This meant that I had
an in-depth knowledge of the culture, business
ethics and design process; which in turn allowed
us to work very closely with our factory. It also
means that we are well-equipped to keep up with
the relentless pace set by the fashion industry.
From a small seed, Makki has grown into an
international label, and is now known as the
UK’s leading eel skin handbag specialist.
How were the initial products developed and
what was the response?
Makki’s collections have evolved so much since
the early days. The brand was well received early
on, because it offered something special that
many buyers were looking for but a young brand
launching into an ocean of well-established
brands was hard. We have a fantastic relationship
with our customers, and I am proud to still be
working with buyers who bought from us in the
early days.
I think that the first three years were the hardest
for us. There are many sharks in the fashion
industry, and as a new company, unfortunately
you are prey to many of them. PR companies
who promise so much, and deliver nothing;
agents who aren’t promoting your brand in the
way that you want; and of course, competition,
particularly other companies who attempt to
replicate your business model.
I would say the biggest challenge now is
keeping up with growth without losing the
vision. I am someone who wants to be involved
in every part of the business, but this is not
always possible – either physically or mentally.
We are growing at a great rate, and I’m lucky to
have a team that share in my vision.
What sets Makki apart from its competitors?
Makki knows its customer; knows its suppliers;
and crucially, knows the market direction for the
forthcoming season. As a team, we travel far and
wide; ensuring that we are up to date with what’s
happening in fashion globally. Through our
talented in-house British and Italian designers,
we translate our findings into a look that is
distinctly Makki, whilst maintaining a global
appeal. This look has created a loyalty amongst
customers, and there is always a buzz in the runup to the next season.
A high-level of customer service is a core part
of the brand’s ethos and success. Whether it’s
image requests, one-piece orders for a specific
customer, or friendly advice about designs and
colours; Makki offers a service which sets it apart
from its competitors.
We now also have an in-house translator, who
is able to communicate fluently with customers
in a number of languages including Italian,
French, Dutch and German. This has helped
enormously to accommodate our ever-expanding
international appeal.
Most importantly, we design solely for Makki,
and do not design and sell under the names
of high street stores or under pseudonyms on
internet auction sites. Our loyalty is with our
trade customer and it is to this end that the brand
is entirely focussed.
$77,5( ·
How important is the history of the company
to its success?
My history of living overseas, and the close
relationship I have with our suppliers is very
much a part of the brand’s success. Without that
history, progression would be much slower.
How has the product offering changed over
the years, and how would you describe your
current collection?
Makki is constantly evolving and introducing
new lines for our customers. We haven’t become
complacent about the products despite our
quick success.
We are always researching coming trends to
ensure that we are able to offer our customers
something new.
Our eel skin ranges have been so successful,
we are now combining this wonderful skin with
other by-product skins, which has opened up a
whole new realm of design opportunities. The
Italian Pony Hair line was a quick reaction to our
visit to the Milan fashion shows. The luxury hair
texture with the softness of eel skin is set to be a
winning combination.
How often does Makki launch new lines?
Each season new lines are designed, to ensure
that there are always fresh offerings for trade. We
also offer new colour palettes each season. We
frequently talk to our customers to ensure we are
delivering the styles and colour combinations
that work best for them, whilst tirelessly
researching new trends both at home and
overseas to predict future tastes.
$77,5(
What are the current best-selling designs and
recent campaigns?
We had a fantastic response to our autumn/
winter 2010 Butterfly collection, both from
customers and press. The sell-through on
these designs has been great, and we have been
introducing new colour combinations in these
pieces since the launch. In hard financial times, it
is easy to stick to a tried and tested formula or the
‘safe’ designs. It was a bold move to launch such
a striking collection, but in my heart I knew it
would be received well from the moment I began
designing it.
The Art Deco collection (particularly the day
bag), was a huge hit also when launched at Pure
London spring/summer 2011, in terms of both
design and price point.
Our next initiative, the Glamour 54 campaign,
is the introduction of other skins with eel
skin. Eel skin has been a huge success for
us; and as well as continually working
on new designs and colour ways, we are
now launching a range of combined
skins. Tote bags and clutches
combine pony hair and eel
skin leather, to offer the
ultimate in luxury.
What trade
shows do you
attend, and which
one works best for
Makki?
In the early days, we exhibited
at every trade show in the UK. Time,
experience and some valued feedback from
loyal customers means that we now show once
a season in London at Pure, and also at various
international shows, including Premiere Classe
in Paris and Mipel in Milan. We also have a
showroom in the UK, and a team who can visit
customers across the country, if they aren’t able
see us at the shows.
Part of Makki’s growth strategy was to launch
in the international market. We have an in-house
Italian designer, and our interpreter makes the
international market much easier to navigate. We
are a well-known brand in the UK, so being at
international shows is a little like the early days,
although it was a rewarding moment when we
were told by a showroom in New York – which
would become our showroom – that we are a
known brand in the USA.
Profile
Contact
Joanne Temperton
Director
Makki
+44 (0)7855 277159
www.makki.co.uk
When was the website launched, and how does
it support the business?
The website was launched a year after Makki was
established. Like the brand, it is in a constant
state of flux, and has been overhauled on several
occasions to ensure that it reflects the changes
within the company. We use the website to
promote the brand’s image, and to support sales.
Trade customers are also able to request trade log
ins, and place orders online throughout the year.
What have been the key milestones for the
business over the years?
There have been too many to mention in the past
eight years. In the early days, just to hear: “Oh,
it’s Makki” at a trade show was a great feeling and
proof that we were doing something right! Now,
we have several high-profile Makki customers,
including Gwyneth Paltrow, Princess Anne and
perhaps the most famous woman in the world
right now, The Duchess of Cambridge.
Makki’s close collaboration with famous stylist
Andy Blake has ensured that our latest collection
will be featured in films and we are also due to be
featured on the BBC this year.
We have recently taken on a showroom on 5th
Avenue in New York, and are also building our
customer base in Tokyo. Every season brings a
new milestone, and that’s one of the reasons I
love what I do.
Where do you draw inspiration from when
designing for Makki?
Makki is typically inspired by past decades and
music. We have progressed through the Electric,
Art Deco, and New Wave collections; this season
heralds the new Glamour 54 collection. Shapes
and styles from different eras – whether it be
architecture, fashion or the sounds of the times –
all contribute to the changing face of Makki.
How do you view the current market and what
trends, both in product and business, do you
see emerging over the coming months?
The current market is in a period of drastic
change. I believe that difficult times refine
businesses and products. Companies now strive
to provide better services and their products are
better quality. The companies that are unable to
keep up with these changes are lost along the way.
The trend for fast fashion has lasted too long,
and the industry has come a long way; realising
the need for materials that are both beautiful and
eco-friendly. I think we are heading towards a
time of stylish chic and ladylike glamour with
modern overtones. However, I still believe we
still have a long way to go.
What are the future plans for Makki?
Makki has some new designs launching this
season – new skins, new styles, new colours.
We work very hard on continually evolving
Makki, so every season brings new and exciting
developments. Our launch into Europe has been
a big success, so we are hoping to expand on this
in the coming months. Also our inclusion in film
and programmes on the BBC will put the brand
in the public eye even more, hopefully increasing
the company’s sales.
I love developing Makki, and everyday I am
thankful that I have made it a reality – I hope
that this passion shines through in the designs. $
TIMELINE OF MAKKI
2003
Makki is launched
2005
The label attends its first UK trade
show, and Kate Middleton becomes
a fan
2006
The brand is stocked in
approximately 50 shops in the UK
2007
The collection expands, and Le Bon
March in Paris starts stocking Makki
2008
Makki designs are seen all over the
catwalk in Europe
2009
Won Fashion Product of the Year.
The men’s line is launched
2010
Travel and Salmon skin lines are
launched, and the products are now
stocked internationally
2011
Makki expands into Japan, and
makes an appearance in a BBC
documentary
$77,5(
This Season is all about fur, fabric and feathers
with a generous scattering of Bling!
The Ouch! London autumn collection - Start thinking outside the bag!
Autumn Fair, Hall 4 Stand J61
Top Drawer Autumn, Stand K10
AW2011 ranges available for immediate delivery
Order online - www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk
Email - [email protected]
Call - 01620 824 392
British & Italian Designed Handbags &
Accessories made with the world’s
finest exotic skins.
Makki, The Winner of Fashion Product of the Year,
introduces their collection of Italian Pony Hair &
Eel Skin Tote & Clutch Bags, new for this season.
Makki, as purchased by The Duchess of
Cambridge, Kate Middleton, seen in
Vogue, on catwalks & featured on The BBC.
To join the success of Makki,
please contact us for this season’s line
sheet or to arrange an appointment to
view our collection.
Available for an immediate delivery.
www.makki.co.uk | [email protected] | +44(0)7855 277159
Autumn
Top
Drawer
Fair
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Show: Top
Drawer
Venue: Oly
mpia Londo
n
Dates:11 th – th
13 Septem
ber, 2011
Opening tim
es: Sunday
and Monda
9.30am – 6
y
pm, Tuesda
y 9.30am –
Website: w
5
p
m
ww.topdraw
er.co.uk
On top form
Bringing together a host of design-led products,
international exhibitors and inspirational interactive
events, Top Drawer aims to build on its reputation as a
favourite with future-conscious buyers
With an eclectic yet complementary mix of exciting UK labels and innovative
international brands showcasing their wares, this season’s Top Drawer is set to be a hit
with retailers. Already popular with buyers, the exhibition will offer even more this year
in terms of business seminars and trend-led advice to aid seasonal ordering.
Playing host to over 600 exhibitors at London Olympia, the show has already
confirmed a number of key brands’ attendance, including Grand Illusions, Lisa Stickley,
Vanil, Bronte Tweeds, Asobi, Scandi Chic, Lollipops Paris, Alison van der Lande,
Portfolio, Kids on Roof and Pip Studios. The fashion jewellery and accessories sector
will have an increased number of established and overseas companies at the event,
including Martick Jewellery, which sources its products from East African craftspeople;
Belgian costume jewellery label, Lalo; and exclusive exhibitors, Quebec Designers,
a collective that will not be presenting their ranges at any other European shows
this season.
Continuing to build on Top Drawer’s status as the show to attend for free business
advice, organisers are excited to welcome leading UK designer Zandra Rhodes onto
the seminar programme this September. She will be holding a question-and-answer
session, covering her vast experience as a leading light in the British fashion industry, as
well as her latest venture as collaborator to fashion accessories supplier, Adele Marie for
a new jewellery collection. As well as this star-turn, visitors can take advantage of the
comprehensive seminar line-up, and receive business advice from retail experts on topics
such as e-commerce, public relations, visual merchandising and product ideas.
Following January’s successful partnership with Top Drawer, trend forecasters Trend
Bible will once again be working in conjunction with the show, providing up-to-theminute trend advice to retailers. All visitors will receive a free buying guide, detailing
key trends for the upcoming season, and where to find these products at the show. The
on-trend feature areas will inspire retailers with merchandising and product ideas.
Despite its strong roster of well-established names, Top Drawer is still committed to
discovering and nurturing new design talent. This season, Guardian writer Charlotte
Abrahams will lead the Spotted initiative. Featuring original designer-makers that are
totally new to the trade show circuit, retailers get the opportunity to source one-of-akind products that they wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. $
$77,5( ·
Exhibitor profiles
Gina Stewart Cox
H26
+44 (0)7980 647555
www.ginastewartcox.com
Fresh from winning the Pulse award for Best Fashion Product in June, Gina
Stewart Cox launches her Unisex collection for next season at Top Drawer.
Continuing to combine precious metals with durable coloured cord, the
selection features on-trend designs and next season’s colours, whilst maintaining
the designer’s signature subtle feel. She is also releasing an exclusive Diamond
range. 12 full-cut diamonds will surround a ruby, sapphire or emerald. The
stones are set into 9ct white gold, and delicately hand-woven onto coloured
cord – an ideal piece for the high-end consumer. Along with the new sterling
silver Chunky Cuban chain, all of the forthcoming collection is designed to be
worn either individually, or in a layered effect with other bracelets.
Samantha Holmes - Alpaca
G90
+44 (0)1436 676777
www.samanthaholmes.com
With strong visual themes of The Great Gatsby, Noel Coward’s
Private Lives and silver screen sirens, Samantha Holmes’ autumn/
winter 2011 collection has captured the look and feel of
decadent vintage style from the ‘20s and ‘30s. Comprising three
collections, Fashion, Home and Lifestyle; all items are made by
skilled Peruvian artisans, from luxurious fabrics, such as baby
alpaca and bamboo. Key statement pieces include the real alpaca
fur accessories range of adjustable cuffs, halos, stoles, headbands,
slouchy snoods, boa scarves and trapper hats.
Very Beryl
U28
+44 (0)1172 302850
www.veryberyl.com
Very Beryl’s kitsch brand of jewellery is helping an important cause in
the build-up to Top Drawer. The off-beat independent jewellery label
– which was founded by Cheryl Barnes last year – is teaming up with
leading women’s charity Ovarian Cancer Action to release two quirky
brooches inspired by the organisation’s campaign and work. The
cupcake brooch is inspired by the charity’s Cupcake Break initiative,
which encourages girls to meet up for a tasty treat, whilst donating to
the charity. The charming retro style brooch is billed as a “delicious
but calorie-free alternative.” Meanwhile, the heart-shaped brooch is
emblazoned with the charity’s slogan “Everyone should talk about it.”
$77,5(
Jaedi
T25
+44 (0)1628 520799
www.jaedi.co.uk
Jaedi will unveil the latest Heaven Eleven jewellery range at the event.
Already highly popular in Holland (where the designers RoenSO are from)
the new Rose Gold collection looks set to capitalise on this success with
a selection of coordinated earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Each piece is
hand-made, using semi-precious stones such as turquoise, jade, jasper rose
quartz, amethyst, garnet, howlit, freshwater pearl and mother-of-pearl.
Sharing a common theme of Ibiza, the designs are made with the island’s
lifestyle in mind. All items are carefully crafted and embellished with stylish
heart, flower, Buddha or tassel pendants. Strung on a thin metal thread, the
jewellery is meant to represent sovereignty, protection and serenity.
The fashions for Autumn and
Winter are 1970’s inspired hippy
chic for the women who like to
mix shimmering colours with
funky prints. Off-beat classics
with pearls blended with metals;
berry hues and peacock tones to blend with lush fabrics.
Come and see the
fantastic new collection
at Autumn Fair Stand 4K48
and Top Drawer Stand K39
Look East
AU ST
RALIA
The catwalks featured
hooped earrings of all
sizes and long chain
necklaces; our range
was designed to match
this. We feel that the
colours will be very
mixed with traditional
navy, black and grey
being lifted by reds
and deep pinks.
Tel: 01572 787778
Mobile: 07878 520011
www.lookeastaustralia.co.uk
email:[email protected]
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$XWXPQ)DLUWKWK6HSWHPEHU+DOO6WDQG-
7RS'UDZHUWKWK6HSWHPEHU6WDQG+
Top Drawer
Cool Trade Winds
H48
+44 (0)1425 461594
www.cooltradewinds.co.uk
Established over 10 years ago, Cool Trade
Winds is entering a new era, after changing
owners. Natalie Ball has taken over the helm,
and is excited about taking on the challenge.
With a range of eclectic styles to present at
Top Drawer, she is keen to carry on the ethos
of the brand: “Our mission statement is clear;
all of our products should be fun, colourful,
original and above all, ethically-sourced and use
100 per cent natural fibres where possible” she said.
The forthcoming selection of offerings include luxury
pashminas, silk paisley stoles and alpaca hand-knitted
scarves, with a crochet finish. A new merino wool collection will
also be making its debut at the autumn shows. Known for working closely with
established social welfare factories and small family-run businesses, Cool Trade
Winds pieces are sourced from Nepal, India, Thailand and Peru.
Bagabook
P15
+44 (0)7821 895381
www.bagabook.com
A newcomer to Top Drawer,
Bagabook will be showcasing
two brand new designs. The
Flora and Newsprint Union
Jack styles are available in both
Executive and Classic shapes.
The Executive design has a short
carry handle, for professionals
on the go, whilst the Classic
style has a more traditional
handbag look. All models have discreet zip pockets, to keep valuables secure
during transit, allowing you to read and go whilst always travelling in style.
Bagabook pieces take books of up to A5 size and variable thickness, and
contain smaller inner pockets for travel cards, pen holders for stationery, as well
as an attached bookmark.
Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio
S26
+44 (0)1745 826500
www.katehh.co.uk
The Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio will be extending its
existing Organic collection this season, with 100 per cent
recycled silver replacing aluminium in stylish jewellery
designs inspired by forms found in the natural world. The
shapes that are drawn upon are leaves, pods, seeds, shells,
insect wings and petals – all fashioned from silver and
vintage biscuit tins, and set off with Swarovski crystals.
Silver complements the vibrant colours of the reclaimed
tins, creating a fresh and natural look. The studio has
19 collections – ranging from earthy nature forms to
sophisticated sterling silver designs – however, the most
popular pieces feature the traditional and timeless symbols of
love and friendship: hearts, flowers and stars.
Envirosax
B90
+44 (0)203 002 3815
www.envirosax.com/uk
Envirosax will launch the Savanna collection at Top Drawer. The reusable bag company takes
current trends and applies their aesthetics to everyday lifestyles, always with eco-consciousness
at the fore of the vision. With striking designs and multi-purpose products, the label is part of a
movement to close the gap between fashion products and eco-friendly utility. The Savanna pieces
take on the wild side of modern style, with raw jungle patterns, leopard print, and rich colours
giving the bags an animalistic appeal. Chic and compact, the bags make stylish shopper options.
$77,5( ·
Exhibitor profiles
Jacqueline Headlam
H5
+44 (0)7506 734686
www.jacquelineheadlam.com
Jacqueline Headlam’s handbags
and leather accessories are
designed and hand-made in the
UK. Each piece is bespoke, and
fashioned from a combination of
animal-printed cowhide and classic
leather, including the ever-popular pleated
shoppers, matching belts and notebooks. This season
sees the spotlight fall onto newer hand-crafted products, such as
cuffs and iPad cases. Although products are of a consistent level of highquality, each item varies according to specific choice of fittings, selected colour
of linings, and exterior leathers. The designer believes that by overseeing all
design processes in Britain, she is able to produce better accessories: “I produce
limited edition luxury products that embody quality and tradition. For me, the
beauty lies in the detail” she says.
Plum & Ivory Cashmere
J49
+44 (0)208 392 0632
www.plumandivorycashmere.co.uk
Owen Barry
K51
+44 (0)1458 442858
www.owenbarry.com
Steeped in history, the Owen Barry brand has passed through
five generations of the Barry family. The company continues to
carry on the long-standing tradition of craftsmanship, as well
as tannage and manufacture of sheepskin and leather. Working
with world-renowned designers, the label produces a number
of chic accessories and lifestyle products. Most recently, Owen
Barry has addressed customer demand, and created iPhone and
smart phone cases available in a range of over 50 different skins.
The latest bag range will also be on show at Top Drawer, with
on-trend fringing styles, as well as oversize shoppers and smaller
structured pieces.
Plum & Ivory Cashmere will move
into the new season with fresh
products such as elegant berets, short
mittens and chic ski-style headbands
to keep the winter chill at bay, and
stylish ponchos being one of the
main product focuses. Along with
this raft of new styles, the label will
continue to offer pure yet practical
luxury designs, with colour still being
the starting point to each collection.
With an enticing range of shades, the
versatile pieces will last for seasons
and years to come. All products
are designed in the UK, and made
ethically in Nepal from the finest A
grade cashmere.
Mirabelle Jewellery
H40
+44 (0)207 607 7732
www.mirabellejewellery.co.uk
With a strong belief that jewellery has the power to lift the spirits, Mirabelle collections are imbued with
symbolism and meaning, in every element from crystal stones, to ancient talisman motifs. Produced by fair trade
suppliers using sterling silver; 22ct gold-plated metals; brass; semi-precious stones; carved mother-of-pearl;
wood and shells from trusted sources, the company ensures that all of its practices and processes are ethical. This
season’s offerings are a selection of vintage-style pieces, with stand-outs including animal faces and signet rings.
All jewellery from the range is available in brass, sterling silver and nine carat gold.
$77,5(
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Top Drawer
Sonia Spencer
D95
+44 (0)1367 244441
www.soniaspencer.co.uk
Ouch! London
G6
+44 (0)1202 475999
www.ouchbags.com
This forthcoming season spells furs, feathers, luxe fabrics and a sprinkling of crystal
shimmer for Ouch! London, as the label’s vision extends to autumnal layering.
With a combination of contrasting textures and materials, the result is a selection
of impact handbags. From primitive faux fur fun to classic surfaces, statement
feathers to dazzling crystals, as well as sheepskin, tartan and mohair, all tastes are
covered. The latest collection echoes the timeless glamour of ‘50s Americana,
whilst also revelling in the day-glo leather and lace style of the ‘80s.
Sonia Spencer, one of the UK’s most established cufflink
designers , will be unveiling a new range of cufflinks and badges
for the impending season. The One Big Element collection puts
a humorous spin on the periodic table, with bright, colourful
graphics and a witty combination of the chemical elements.
With 21 fun designs to choose from, styles that are expected to
be popular with consumers include PaPa, GaGa, SOs, and BOsS.
Other new lines include the Eccentric Gentlemen collection, and
Pantone designs.
Artisan Life
R22
+44 (0)207 608 2717
www.artisanlife.co.uk
Stasia
R28
+44 (0)116 232 5711
www.stasia.com
Slipper and footwear label Stasia will launch its spring/summer 2012 collection
at Top Drawer. Evoking fun and femininity, the range introduces a new heeled
shape to the established line of slippers, ballet pumps baby booties. An eclectic
mix of influences form the backbone of the season’s selections. Vivid patterns,
vibrant shades and embellishments are all combined in a playful manner to create a
distinct look. Floral prints and dreamy lace patterns inspired by retro interiors give
pieces a nostalgic flourish, for a quaint collection with a craft aesthetic.
Artisan Life designs original hand-crafted jewellery and
fashion accessories which are made and imported from
South America. All pieces are sourced on a fair trade basis,
using natural and sustainable materials. The striking Tagua
jewellery range is made using vegetable ivory, the natural
seed of a palm tree, which grows in tropical regions of the
continent. The Tagua seed is cut into a variety of shapes, and
dyed using a spectrum of natural colours. This reveals the
veins of the pure cellulose material, giving each piece a oneof-a-kind look. The company’s use of Tagua is leading the
way in replacing the slaughter animals for mammal ivory, as
it is the only natural alternative.
$77,5( ·
Top Drawer
Saffron Winds
R18
+44 (0)141 424 3912
www.saffronwinds.com/wholesale
Saffron Winds offers a contemporary collection of fair
trade fashion accessories hand-made in Cambodia. The new
collection for autumn will be launched at Top Drawer, and
it promises to be the strongest yet, with a range of cotton
products, designed to complement the silk and recycled
offerings; whilst striking screen printed graphics make for
stand-out bag designs. New seasonal colours will update the
silk scarves, with new options of skinny and extra long shapes
now available also. Within the recycled paper collection,
a chunky bracelet is being introduced to match the very
successful necklace, in both purple and multi-colour styles.
Bluebird Boutique
K5
+44 (0)1803 833763
www.bluebirdboutique.biz
With rich jewel tones as the core inspiration, Bluebird Boutique’s forthcoming
collection will build on the label’s distinct vintage-influenced identity. Summer’s
multi-coloured, Swarovski crystal-adorned pieces are refreshed with deep
gemstone colours. Enhancing the charming swallow, butterfly, dragonfly and
floral motifs, the new shades will also complement the extended range of styles,
including long locket necklaces featuring semi-precious stones, crystals and
charms. Ideal for layering, a combination of styles can create an individual look.
Fresh pieces include the Aphrodite Butterfly bracelet, Adele Butterfly bracelet
and Violetta, Venus, Verity and Venetia swallow designs. All new items will be
showcased alongside best-selling classics at the event.
Kutuu
U20
+44 (0)1352 755532
www.kutuu.co.uk
Goodlookers
Inspiring and sentimental, Kutuu’s offerings are
sterling silver jewellery pieces that combine initials,
words, messages and symbols with a simplicity that
is designed to be treasured. Using a combination
of semi-precious stones, beads and fine thread, the
materials lend the designs a high-quality, yet everyday
wearability. Established in 2006, the company is
passionate about symbolism, natural materials and
meaning. The name Kutuu is derived from the West
African language Krobu, and means butterfly, a motif
that represents freedom, joy and beauty.
H22
+44 (0)1634 713900
www.goodlookers.co.uk
Combining fashion appeal, superb functionality and affordability, the autumn/winter
2011 range from Goodlookers includes a multitude of on-trend reading glasses designs,
alongside an innovative collection of new in-store displays. A fresh addition this season
is the Josie design, which combines a distinctive retro-shaped frame with a variety of
shimmering iridescent colours. Other stand-outs of the forthcoming style selections are
the quintessentially ‘50s Monroe design – embellished with striking jewels, and the Ava
model, with mother-of-pearl temple details. As well as reading glasses, the company will
be debuting a new range of glasses accessories, such as a chic range of glasses cases.
$77,5(
Future
Londontrends
College of Fa
ǸɕȣȨɄȽ
FORWARD
The London College of Fashion’s BA graduates
showcase sure-fire future accessories trends
Fashion industry insiders and recreational style mavens mingled at the
opening of the London College of Fashion Graduate Exhibition 2011.
Laid out as curated installations, the exhibition was an apt platform for
a myriad of burgeoning accessories designers, who will be hoping to
replicate the success of alumni such as Jimmy Choo, Camilla Skovgaard,
Rupert Sanderson and Beatrix Ong MBE. With representatives from wellestablished labels such as Aquascutum, Stella McCartney, Burberry,
Paul Smith and Topshop descending upon the event in search of
fresh potential, it seems that the future is full of promise for the young
designers. Here are a few of our ones to watch...
Faisal Shah, Jewellery
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/Fshah24
What are your main influences?
Nature has always inspired my work. I love taking elements
of natural objects – in this case, fossils – studying the shape
and structure, examining the markings and patterns, and
later re-interpreting these properties to create sleek, edgy and
contemporary designs. Occasionally when using natural elements
in jewellery, such as gemstones, I’ll base my design around that
single piece and try to find what best enhances the stone. I try to
never force a design idea onto materials; the ideas should come
together harmoniously.
What is your future trend prediction?
In the future, I see people investing more in well-crafted jewellery;
and I hope to see more original, bold, show-stopping pieces – with
new shapes, forms and imaginative use of texture and colours. Of
course, I would love to see people wearing my pieces!
Eva Retka, Women’s Footwear
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/evaretka
Jay Rosenberg, Women’s Footwear
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/jayrosenberg
I am heavily inspired by my surroundings. I try to holiday somewhere
different each year, and I’m constantly looking to involve myself in the latest
experiences that London has to offer. My designs are inspired by Surrealism
and humour.
Which footwear designers inspire you?
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to attend a discussion with
Manolo Blahnik. I found him to be a highly inspirational speaker. His
passion for footwear, and the craft of shoemaking resonated with me and
has spurred me on to make a living out of footwear.
I’m influenced by anything from people to buildings really. I
guess influences are the sum of a designer’s experiences – their
background, as well as the world around them day-to-day. For this
collection, I was inspired by my Scandinavian heritage. The design,
culture and traditions we have, and the tranquil nature of our
surroundings is an ongoing source of inspiration for me.
Which shoe designers inspire you?
I admire Acne, Camilla Skovgaard and Finsk for how
they have managed to create something
contemporary, whilst staying true
to the Nordic roots in their design.
One day, I would love to be able to
establish my own name and brand in
the same way that they have.
I predict that more brands will try to bring the manufacturing of footwear
back to Britain. A handful of recognised labels have already start putting
this initiative into action in recent months.
$77,5( ·
Anne Floor ten Have, Bags
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/annetenhave
My main influence is craftsmanship, and this is not limited to fashion
designers. I love to see and understand how things are made. For
my designs I have used architecture, aircraft structure and classic
roller coasters as points of reference. I also really like old-fashioned
woodwork on ships and furniture – beauty comes through in its
quality and detail.
Which accessories designers inspire you?
Famous accessory designers and brands that I admire include
Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs and Chloe. However, my real
inspiration comes from hand-made objects and artefacts that I find on
markets in London, Amsterdam and further afield, for example fabric
stalls in Marrakesh and jewellery vendors in Bali.
Belinda Reynolds, Women’s Footwear
What is your trend prediction?
For the near future, I predict a strong
Asian influence. The growth of the
Far Eastern economy will make
for a stronger influence
on fashion and
design as well. More
ecological awareness
will bring about a
rise in recycled and
sustainable materials,
possibly catalysing a
“nature-lovers” trend
next summer.
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/breynolds
A footwear designer who really inspired me was Salvatore Ferragamo,
as he made his first shoes at the age of nine for his sister’s communion,
as the family was so poor. He couldn’t bear for her to go barefoot. If you
look at his shoes today, many have lasted the test of time, and the quality
is still wonderful. With regards to contemporary designers, I really like
Pierre Hardy for his use of colour and choice of materials, such as rope
and bakelite – his designs are strong, without being overly fussy.
I saw the Vorticist show at the Tate Modern, and I can imagine their
work being influential for footwear and clothing designers alike. Strong,
geometric images... that’s my tip!
Fiona Dawson, Women’s Footwear
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/fionadawson
I find that I’m always drawn back to the idea of being far away, as I
love to travel. Tropical islands, exotic animals and ancient cultures
and handicrafts are all subjects that I like to immerse myself in
when starting a project.
Which shoe designers inspire you?
Looking back in time, I always loved Diego Dolcini’s footwear
for Gucci. With reference to more recent designers, I love what
Giuseppe Zanotti and Charlotte Olympia are coming out with:
simplicity and colour. I especially love the small details with
Charlotte Olympia’s shoes – it makes them just
that little bit more special to look at.
What is your future trend
prediction?
I see a continuation of extreme
silhouettes; alongside the use
of extraordinary
new materials
and detailing
techniques.
$77,5(
Samuel Way, Men’s Footwear
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/Samuleway
Childhood memories, toys, Californian oil paintings and the Discovery
Channel all influence me in some way.
Jeremy Scott, Benhard Wilhelm, Balenciaga and Raf Simons. I love them
as they keep my quirkiness alive. They are also good examples of how to
balance out one’s experimental side with a touch of elegance.
That’s a hard one... maybe gladiator meets bumble-bee?
Premises advice
TOP TEN
tips for shop-fitting
Ingrid Saffin of Mundays LLP gives her top ten tips for keeping
the shop-fitting process stress free and streamlined...
1.Ask early for your
landlord’s consent
If the premises are leasehold,
make sure that you apply
for your landlord’s consent
at least six weeks before the
start date of the works. As
you should be planning your opening to a tight
timetable, any delay is going to have an adverse
impact on your business plan. Your landlord will
not have the same level of motivation, so you
need to allow a comfortable period of time to
ensure consent.
Do not be tempted to overlook asking your
landlord for consent to carry out the works.
If you don’t get consent, you will find yourself
paying for the works all over again at the next
rent review, which is when the landlord will be
entitled to value the rent for the shop as if they
had paid for the works rather than you.
2.Talk to the local planning authority
It is always important to find out if you will
need local authority consent for the work. It is
best to speak to both the local planning officer
and building regulations officer, and enquire
into how long the local authority will take to
provide the relevant consents. The statutory
time limit for a planning decision to be given is
eight weeks. Make sure you stay in touch with
the planning officer and building regulations
officer while you carry out the works, so that any
ongoing inspections take place when they should.
When the work has been completed, the officer
will need to make a final inspection and issue a
completion certificate.
You will also be required to produce these
documents to your landlord for approval.
3. Sign a contract
Make sure you have a written contract with your
legal representation. You should have a clear
written record of exactly what each of you will be
responsible for, together with clear details of how
the costs will be calculated and when payments
will be due. Do not rely on a verbal agreement,
as this will be difficult to enforce, should there
should be a dispute.
4. Keep the accountants informed
You may be able to claim capital allowances for
some or all of the works. Tweaks to the proposed
works could bring parts of it within the capital
allowances regime, when they would otherwise
not be. By looking into different options early on,
you could make an unexpected tax saving.
5. Accessibility
Make sure that the access and layout of the shop
unit complies with the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995. As a ‘service provider’ under the
Act, you must make reasonable adjustments in
relation to the physical features of the premises
in order to overcome any physical barriers to
access. If the unit did not comply before the shop
fit, this is an opportunity to rectify the situation.
There are special rules under the 1995 Act that
relax certain requirements in leases to obtain
landlord’s consent. Think laterally, and embrace
the legislation; compliance will produce a more
accessible shop and happier customers and staff.
6. Beware of asbestos
The contractors carrying out your works are
amongst the group of people most at risk
from asbestos in the UK today. As the person
responsible for the maintenance and repair of
the shop, The Control of Asbestos at Work
$77,5( ·
Regulations 2006 issues you with a duty to assess
the premises to establish whether or not asbestos
is present. Once the risk has been assessed, you
are obliged to prepare a written plan, identifying
the measures to be taken: either to maintain
the current condition of any asbestos found, or
remove the asbestos safely. If there is asbestos at
the premises and it does not need to be removed,
you must clearly identify where it is, so that you
do not disturb it. Failure to comply with the
regulations is a criminal offence. Check that
there is an asbestos report and make sure you
know what it says.
7. Fire Safety
Since October 2006, fire certificates issued by
the local fire officer have not had legal status.
Instead, duties are imposed on ‘the responsible
person’ to carry out a fire risk assessment,
implement its recommendations, and keep the
assessment under review – ensuring the safety of
employees and visitors. As the person in control
of the premises, you are the ‘responsible person’.
Make sure that you assess the shop fitting works
thoroughly, to ensure that proper fire safety
measures are incorporated.
8. Keep a record
If you are a tenant, you should keep a record of
$77,5(
the layout and condition of the premises before
the work is carried out. The lease will oblige
you to remove the alterations when the lease
ends and reinstate the premises to their former
condition. By the time this is due to happen, your
recollection of how the shop originally looked is
likely to be hazy.
9. Keep the landlord in the loop
You must keep your landlord informed as you
carry out the work, so that the landlord has the
opportunity to inspect. Notify the landlord
when the work has been completed. The
landlord should then insure any parts
of the works that have become the
fabric of the building. Any items
that do not become part of the
building should be added to
your contents insurance policy.
10. Reap the benefits
A smooth fitting process
will ensure an easier start
to trading, as well as good
relations with your landlord
and the community. A
considerate and organised
retailer is the best advertisement
there is. $
“Do not rely on a verbal
agreement, as this will be
difficult to enforce, should
there should be a dispute.”
Ingrid Saffin is a Commercial Property Partner
at Mundays LLP. Mundays is a leading regional
practice which provides quality advice to corporate
and private clients. Established in 1960, the
Mundays has a diverse client base that includes
major international and national companies as
well as smaller businesses, individuals and families.
Mundays specialises in banking, construction,
corporate & commercial, dispute resolution,
employment, family, insolvency, private wealth,
property, and a wide variety of industry sectors. If
you have any relevant questions, you can contact
Ingrid on +44 (0)1932 590535 or email ingrid.
[email protected]. For more information on
Mundays, visit www.mundays.co.uk.
$9$,/$%/(12:
1HZWUDGHFDWDORJXHZLWKRYHU
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3OHDVHYLVLWRXUVWDQGDW
*/((1(&%LUPLQJKDP
6HSWHPEHU+DOO6WDQG*
:DUUHQ+RXVH+LQWRQ6W*HRUJH6RPHUVHW7$74
7HO)D[
LQIR#FODVVLFFDQHVFRXNZZZFODVVLFFDQHVFRXN
WHOLESALE JEWELLERY SUPPLIER - UK AND EUROPE
FASHION JEWELLERY THAT’S
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WE KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL
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LONDON ROCK
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PȣǸɜѼɕshow
business
Ushering in the autumn/winter buying season, Pulse is a sign of the season to come for a number of
brands. We ask a few of June’s exhibitors for their opinion of the show...
Roberta Trouton, Bertie Girl
www.bertiegirl.co.uk
“Pulse was great – a very friendly show! I got
plenty of orders to keep me busy: a few orders for
the summer 2011 collection, but a lot of buyers
ordered for autumn/winter 2011.
The Launchpad section had a lot to offer
discerning buyers, and exhibitors created a
lovely atmosphere. I was pleased to feel that the
visitors appreciated innovation and quality, and
supported British designer-makers.
Buyers appreciated that my goods are made
from Scotland’s iconic Harris tweed – a fabric
with heritage. I introduced handbags with
adjustable leather straps and solid brass buckles
and some lower price point goods, such as purses
and brooches, which all helped to establish an
affinity with the well-established brand that is
Harris tweed.”
Lorna Jackson, Plum and Ivory Cashmere
www.plumandivorycashmere.co.uk
“This was our first time
exhibiting on our own stand
at Pulse. The general feel and
feedback I received from other
exhibitors was that footfall was
down on previous years, although
Clarion say that statistically this wasn’t the case.
We weren’t inundated with visitors, but those
that came to see us came with purpose, and
buying cashmere accessories for autumn/winter
2011 was on their agenda. Cashmere is generally
perceived as an winter product, and at Pulse a
lot of smaller independent shops are still buying
stock for summer.
Overall, we were happy with the show and the
feedback we received, and are thrilled to be able
to say that in addition to a number of lovely UK
$77,5(
lifestyle and fashion boutiques, this autumn/
winter, we will be supplying shops in Germany
and Jersey.Our cashmere eye masks, socks, hot
water bottle covers and travel wraps will also be
available in a Park Lane hotel.”
that it was one of the most successful shows that
I have ever attended. In the weeks that followed,
I was contacted by several major stores, and
what had been initial show enquiries became
customer orders.”
Marianne Sparrenius-Waters, RedDog Design
www.reddogbags.com
“The Pulse 2011 show was third
time lucky for me. I launched the
very first leather BagPod in June
2009 so for me, not only is it a
show that holds a sentimental
value, it is also a summer show
with a lovely atmosphere and great spirit. Over
the past two years my stockist numbers have
grown considerably. I very much enjoy meeting
with existing customers, whilst also having the
opportunity to be approached by new accounts
interested in stocking the BagPod handbag
organiser, and the popular Jackie handbag. I’m
already looking forward to Pulse 2012.”
Emily Wright, Nancybird
www.nancybird.com
“I had been advised to attend
Pulse by other Australian labels.
They had found the show to be
a great launching pad into the
UK market and I had hoped for
a similar experience. We had a
great response - very positive ordering, and lots
of interest. I found the atmosphere really great
and made some valuable contacts with other
independent labels – something I could never
have done without attending this show.”
Jacqueline Headlam, Jacqueline Headlam
www.jacquelineheadlam.com
“As a new business, I find that the style of the
Clarion events suit me. Buyers can easily get
around, providing smaller brands like mine with
a much better chance of being seen. One of the
great appeals of Pulse is the appearance: clean,
bright spaces that target the buyer’s focus on
the products.
A show that works for one exhibitor may
not necessarily work for another and you may
not know whether a show has worked for you
straight away. When I went to Pulse, despite
having had very little experience of trade shows,
the event at the time appeared to be quieter than
others. However, looking back, I can now say
Pooja Dhiman, Saints and Threads
www.saintsandthreads.com
“We launched the Saints and Threads scarf
collection at Pulse this year, and had an
absolutely fantastic response to the brand and
the products. We design and make hand-painted
wool and silk scarves, and were looking to meet
suitable retailers at Pulse. It went really well, and
even now we are still generating new business
from the show. Lots of people noticed the
products from afar and came over to talk to us,
feel fabrics and place orders.
“We are in discussion with a few high-profile
clients, and owe that exposure to the show. The
last day was the quietest for us, but even then,
two of the contacts made on that day have led to
orders. I feel that our taking part has set Saints
and Threads firmly on its way, I’m very excited
about the future.” $
Inspiring Retail
11—13 September 2011 Olympia, London
At Top Drawer, we do the
legwork so you don’t have
to. We select only the best
British and international
suppliers – the ones
combining great design with
commercial appeal – to
give you the best retailer
experience within the creative
hub of London.
We carefully arrange our
hand-selected exhibitors (600
of them) into six clear zones
– making it easy for you to
find great products that your
customers will love.
We offer you:
• Valuable trend forecasts
• Market insight
• The hottest new designs
And, by offering you your very
last opportunity to source
from the ‘must-have’ products
and Christmas bestsellers
right in time for the busiest
trading period in the retail
calendar, Top Drawer will help
you and your business stay
one step ahead of the high
street in 2012.
Register right NOW for free entry, at
www.topdrawer.co.uk
DESIGNED WITH YOUR BUSINESS IN MIND
home • gift • fashion • stationery & greetings • children’s • wellbeing
Clarion Events’ retail portfolio organises 7 events every year, attracting over 50,000 retail gift buyers from the UK and abroad.
Products supplied by: The Black Rabbit, Malaya Jewellery, Easton Design Studio, Louifrey.
For any enquiries please call 0207 370 8214.
Stay up-to-date with the latest show news!
Find us on Facebook facebook.com/TopDrawerLondon
Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/TopDrawer2011
IN BRIEF
ɄɄȵ
Holly Fulton
Show: London Fashion Week
Venue: Somerset House, London
Dates: 16th - 21st September, 2011
Website: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
Britannia
The British Style Council has unveiled the line-up for London
Fashion Week. We take a look at what’s in store for the sartorial
event of the season...
David Koma
Craig Lawrence
$77,5(
The provisional schedule for September’s
London Fashion Week has been announced,
with a host of new names to watch for spring/
summer 2012. With a reputation as a careermaking style capital, London continues to build
its international credibility as the venue for upand-comers to make their mark on the fashion
world, as well as the home of heritage stalwart
brands, such as Burberry Prorsum, Paul Smith,
Mulberry and Pringle of Scotland.
The NEWGEN initiative, run by the British
Fashion Council in conjunction with Topshop,
is one of the world’s most internationallyrecognised design talent showcases. Established
in 1993, many of the UK’s fashion greats have
passed through its hands, including Matthew
Williamson, Boudicca, Giles Deacon, Marios
Schwab, Christopher Kane, and the late
Alexander McQueen.
This season, David Koma, Holly Fulton,
Louise Gray and Michael van der Ham are
the lucky womenswear designers that have
been granted the coveted NEWGEN catwalk
sponsorship; whilst Estethica favourite
Christopher Raeburn, knitwear maestro Craig
Lawrence, jeweller Dominic Jones, ready-towear and accessories designer J.W. Anderson
and contemporary milliner Nasir Mazhar have
been awarded presentation sponsorship. Ranging
from Fulton’s sherbet bright Art Deco creations
to Lawrence’s romantic knitted gold gowns, the
diverse skills of design newcomers have been
allowed a platform, as well as business guidance,
through this ground-breaking initiative.
Sarah Mower, the BFC’s ambassador for
emerging talent said: “This is the first crop of
NEWGEN winners who will be designing for
2012. In the year of the London Olympics,
they’re our best young design athletes: Britain’s
Team Fashion, in training to represent this
country brilliantly for next summer.”
Menswear day, which takes place on
Wednesday, 21st September, has grown into a
must-see event in recent years, with a host of
quintessentially British style genres represented,
from dapper gentleman (E.Tautz) to hooded
streetwear (Cassette Playa).
NEWGEN MEN, sponsored by Topman,
started in 2009, building on the foundations of
Topman and Fashion East Menswear’s MAN
scheme. With catwalk sponsorship for OnSchedule shows at Somerset House awarded
to Christopher Shannon and James Long, and
Salon Show sponsorship recipients including
J.W. Anderson, Lou Dalton and New Power
Studio, the panel has ensured that the menswear
offerings are as varied in aesthetics and vision as
the womenswear.
Tim Blanks, Contributing Editor at Style.com,
and a member of the British Fashion Council’s
Menswear Committee said: “The NEWGEN
MEN mix this year testifies to the unique
personality that’s evolved in British menswear.
Aside from the real breadth and depth, I doubt
that any other fashion capital could confidently
field a men’s team with this much quirk.”
For more information on LFW, visit the
website at www.londonfashionweek.co.uk. The
provisional catwalk and presentation schedule
for spring/summer 2012 is subject to change and
is updated regularly. Refer to the online schedule
for the latest running order of events.
London
Week
LondonFashion
Fashion
Week
ɰȣȨǾȨɜɄɑɉɑɄсȵȐɕ
Somerset House will host over 150 exhibitors during the
week’s events, allowing press and buyers to browse the array of
accessories and ethical pieces on offer for the spring/summer
2012 season. Here are our pick of the labels to look out for
between shows...
Aksha Fernandez
+44 (0)7971 947453
www.akshafernandez.com
Footwear designer Aksha Fernandez
launched her brand in January this year, aiming to create
whimsical shoes for adventurous women. Having worked as
an architect in India, she felt that the rigidity of the discipline
didn’t give her the freedom that she craved to fully explore her
ideas. Upon venturing to Milan in 2008, she began studying an MA in Footwear
and Accessories Design, which gave her a foundation in traditional shoe-making and
Italian craftsmanship. However, it was not until moving to London that she found a
creative community and new sources of inspiration. Delicate leaf structure patterns are
hallmarks of her work.
Sarah Angold Studio
+44 (0)203 490 8584
www.sarahangold.com
Sarah Angold Studio houses a multidisciplinary team of Royal College
of Art graduates with professional
experience across 10 different sectors,
from fashion, to product and vehicle
design. Following the success of her
first two jewellery ranges, she will be
launching her latest collection alongside
a catwalk collaboration with David Koma, and an accessory-inspired lighting
installation at Somerset House during London Fashion Week. This season, her
architectural style of layering and mathematical graduation takes inspiration from
the London skyline and the geometry to be found in the city’s construction sites.
Buba London
Michelle Lowe Holder
+44 (0)1932 770055
www.bubalondon.com
+44 (0)207 613 0479
www.lowe-holder.com
Design duo, Lesley Silwood and Euan McDonald combine
their talents to produce the luxury hand-crafted accessories
range, Buba London. Through the process of creating
an original brand of exquisite handbags and accessory
pieces, they have been inspired by exotic shapes, colours
and textures found in other cultures across the world. For
autumn/winter 2011’s Kaleidoscope collection, the label
collaborated with jewellery designers, Cabinet, for a second
time, with a selection of statement pieces that reflect Buba
London’s trademark intricately-embellished, hand-crafted
aesthetic. The label was inspired by the old Hollywood
glamour of the ‘40s; and by using dark undertones of jet and
violet, was able to create a definitive sense of luxury.
Buba’s signature touches for the season were soft furs,
antique metals and layers of different textures. The entire
collection was reminiscent of the Art Deco combination of
geometric structure and opulence.
Originally from Canada, Michelle Lowe
Holder came to the UK to study knitwear
at Saint Martins in 1999. After working in
the fashion industry for several years, she
set up her own clothing label, and received
NEWGEN sponsorship in 2001. Her
autumn/winter 2010 collection, Ribbon
Reclaim, heralded a change in direction
and led the designer to create sustainable
accessories. Ethical practices such as zero
waste, UK production, and upcycling scraps
from previous collections are now integral
to the creative process.
Autumn/winter 2011’s collection saw
a mix of seasonal colour and soft velvet
flocking for sensual contrasts, with foil and
ribbons in hand-folded geometric shapes.
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Customer service
GOING
ABOVE
and beyond
Jo Causon, Chief Executive of the
Institute of Customer Service, sheds
some light on the many reasons why
excelling at customer service makes
good business sense.
The two questions that
crop up most regularly
whenever I speak
or I am interviewed
are: ‘Does customer
service really matter?’
and when I reply
emphatically, ‘Yes it
does, it matters very
much’, I am invariably
asked ‘OK, but isn’t it
very expensive to get customer service right?’ The
answer is an equally emphatic ‘No.’
While it is one thing to believe this fervently,
as I do, it is quite another thing to prove it, but
this is what the Institute of Customer Service
has recently tried to do. The result is a major
piece of new research, ‘Return on investment in
customer service – the bottom line report’ which
investigates the impact that customer service has
on the bottom line of any organisation.
The research arose from a realisation that
those of us involved in promoting customer
service excellence and professionalism need to
talk more in the language of business. We need
to understand how business operates and how
customer service delivery – the whole experience
– has to add up in order to demonstrate that it
is an important strategic driver for business. We
wanted to move thinking away from customer
service being purely about service and the
delivery mechanisms to a recognition of its worth
as a serious business imperative at the very heart
of any successful business.
If you look at the Institute’s UK Customer
Satisfaction Index results, it’s clear that the
same companies are always up at the top of the
ratings – significantly ahead of the game. What
is it that makes them so successful? The way they
implement, manage and measure their customer
service and how they work to align their people,
processes and strategy.
While our research didn’t cover the accessories
sector specifically, there is enough common
ground in the findings to predict that they will
apply equally to this area as to any other.
There is no one single solution shining through
our report – which doesn’t surprise me. It is of
course contextual and will vary depending on
the business sector, culture of the organisation,
competitive landscape and other factors. But
what is clear is that the softer, more emotional
activities such as treating customers as individuals
are becoming more and more important.
Customers want to be treated as a person not a
number. We want to give our candid opinion on
the service we receive – and the growth of social
media makes this very easy. The softer elements of
customer experience and customer engagement
– the complete experience – these are the areas
organisations need to focus on and measure. This
needs to be done right across the business, from
the back to the front. It’s not just about how
glossy the brochure or the website are, or indeed
about how beautiful the dress looks. It’s about an
end-to-end experience that creates an advocate of
the customer.
That experience begins before the customer
has even come in contact with you personally.
It might be a referral from a friend, the result of
‘Googling’ on the web, or casually eavesdropping
on a comment from one of your staff. A total
culture of service quality will be necessary to
develop and enhance customer relationships for a
sublime customer experience end to end.
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These softer, less tangible aspects of customer
service are harder to measure, especially
those that influence customer behaviour and
perceptions, but they will lead to competitive
advantage because they provide a focused and
customer-centric approach – bringing all parts
of the business together to give customers what
they want. And in today’s challenging economic
climate, the organisations that can differentiate
through exceptional customer service are the
ones who will not only survive, they will grow.
“It’s not just about how glossy the
brochure or the website are, or indeed
about how beautiful the dress looks. It’s
about an end-to-end experience that
creates an advocate of the customer.”
Strong, enduring customer relationships are
the key to long term success and profitability. A
total of 81 per cent of respondents believed that
gaining an understanding from the customer
viewpoint i.e. understanding what the customer
wants - not what you believe they might want - is
very likely to lead to an ROI in customer service.
Acting on customer feedback was second with
74 per cent and selecting the right staff followed
with 68 per cent.
If you want to achieve an optimum return
on your investment in customer service, I
recommend the following steps to add real
value to your organisation and, thereby, achieve
competitive returns.
• Look at your strategy – its effectiveness,
how is it perceived internally and externally
– and compare it to your competitors.
• Is customer service fully embedded in your
culture? Is there a consistent approach
across the organisation, its attitudes and
behaviours? How comfortable is your staff
with making informed decisions for the
customer, without having to refer the query
to a more senior colleague?
• Do you look at the service you provide from
the customer viewpoint? Do you know
what needs to change in order to deliver the
definitive customer experience? How can
you develop a strong relationship with all
your customers?
• Be innovative. Embrace social media, look
at what online forums are saying about you,
your industry and your competitors. Find
out where you can make the difference.
• Don’t forget your basics. Review your
‘hygiene factors’ such as service recovery and
staff training.
And in answer to my second most frequently
asked question, ‘Isn’t this expensive?’ It certainly
doesn’t have to be. The latest results from our
bi-annual UK Customer Satisfaction Index
published in July, show that small organisations
can steal the march on their larger rivals through
personalised service.
Local providers score well for the unrivalled
professionalism of their staff, their knowledge
of the customer and the organisation’s services
– and importantly how they handle complaints
and customer issues. In doing so they rival the
best performers in the Index as a whole, such as
John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Marriott Hotels
and other similar giants.
“Local providers score well for the
professionalism of their staff, their
knowledge of the customer and the
organisation’s services – and importantly
how they handle complaints and customer
issues. In doing so they rival the best
performers in the Index as a whole, such
as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Marriott
Hotels and other similar giants.”
So, small is beautiful. Large organisations may
have big training budgets but theirs is a constant
struggle to deliver consistently good customer
service, to ensure that every customer gets the
same standards of service across all their outlets.
Smaller organisations may not have the financial
About the Institute of Customer Service
The Institute of Customer Service is the professional body for customer service and is the first
port of call on all aspects of customer service, delivering tangible benefits to organisations and
individuals. Our aim is to ensure that our customers can improve their business performance and
their customers’ experience.
The Institute is a membership body with a community of more than 320 organisational members
- from the private, public and third sectors - and around 6,000 individual members.
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advantages but through selecting and training the
right staff they can develop a consistent customer
experience much more easily.
While we must acknowledge the importance
of customer service we should also celebrate it.
National Customer Service Week, taking place
from 3rd-9th October, run by the Institute, is
nearly upon us. Last year over 1,700 businesses
and organisations took part to acknowledge the
role the customer plays in their activities. It is free
to join in and you don’t have to be a member of
the Institute. See below for details.
National Customer Service Week
You and your organisation could get involved
in the annual celebration of customer service
that is National Customer Service Week,
which runs this year from 3rd -9th October,
2011. Join thousands of other organisations
spreading the word about the importance of
customer service. It’s not only fun it is free!
You don’t even have to be a member of the
Institute to join in.
For further information please go to
www.nationalcustomerserviceweek.com .
The message is that it is no longer good enough
to simply satisfy your customers or to deliver a
service that works. No longer can you merely
deliver a service within the timescale you have
set. All these are important and we have to do
them. But what will really make the difference is
when the customer asks: when I went through
that experience, did they really engage with me,
did they understand my needs, did they think
about what was best for me? Does this approach
run through the whole of your organisation?
Would I recommend them to a friend?
There should always be a constant striving for
improvement, never settling for the routine just
because it’s always worked for you. Successful
organisations are those that are prepared to
innovate and if necessary, take a risk. $
Contact
The Institute of
Customer Service
www.instituteofcustomerservice.com
Selling – what works
& what doesn’t
Clive Harper, managing director of Yankee Candle® Europe has been with Yankee Candle® Europe since its
first day, taking the company successfully on to over 4,000 wholesale trading accounts and 220 concessions
nationwide. Here, he shares his expert knowledge on what works in sales and more importantly, what doesn’t
Preparation is key
Whether you are considering opening a retail
outlet or looking to improve a long-standing
business, be it in a high street location, the heart
of a residential village, tourist destination spot or
on the world wide web, preparation is key. The
six Ps - “perfect preparation prevents pretty poor
performance” - are a good guide to follow. A well
established retailer would benefit from regularly
taking time out to consider their preparation and
presentation, scrutinising their business from
the eyes of a customer, standing back and being
honest with themselves.
Doing the maths
A good approach is to begin with understanding
the money you need to make from your outlet
in order to have a viable business. Once you
have removed the initial set up costs, wages and
utilities, how much money do you need to bring
in to have a successful retail outlet?
Does this need to be increased because you are
looking at expansion or are you not creating as
much as you initially thought?
Selling space
Once you have established this figure, you need
to consider how much retail space you need in
order to achieve this goal and how you are going
to maximise this space. The type of shelving and
displays you use are highly important as this will
affect how much stock you can physically sell and
promote to your customers. You need to utilise
all the space you have, so consider if there are any
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types of displays you don’t already use, such as
table displays, spinner stands and even counter
top displays for add-on sales at the till.
Understanding your brands
Understanding the brands you sell and allocating
the correct amount of space to them is key to
success. Use your sales information to discover
any brands you need to allocate more space to. In
some instances by doubling the amount of space
you currently dedicate to a successful brand and
therefore offering your customers more choice in
their favourite products may see you increasing
your profits.
Focal points
There are key focal points in every store which
generally attract customers’ attention over other
areas, so keep these in mind when looking at the
positioning of products in your outlet. When a
customer enters the store they generally turn left.
Keep the area where they enter clear as this is the
area they use to get comfortable and acclimatise
themselves. The right wall is where most of your
customers will look and stop first so this should
be a key focal point in your store for creative but
clear displays and affordable products.
All four corners
You also need to consider how you are going
to attract customers to all four corners of your
outlet. Is there a particular collection that is not
selling well and is this because it is in an area
where customers rarely visit. By positioning
essential items at the back you will encourage
customers to walk all the way through, browsing
other products in order to reach the item they
initially entered for. You can use displays to create
a ‘path’ and therefore guide customers around the
floor, in essence planning where you want them
to walk and which products you would like them
to stop and view.
The till
By taking an unbiased look at the layout of
your store, or by effectively planning before you
launch, you can make a huge difference to how
customers shop. One consideration to make is
the positioning of your till - the most successful
position has proven to be on the right of your
entrance. This is an area customers generally fail
to stop in after they have browsed. By placing
your till here you are utilising prime selling points
for the important factors - your products!
Once you have considered all these areas,
without realising you will have put the six Ps into
practice and, if answered honestly and from fresh
eyes, you will ensure ‘pretty poor performance’ is
not a factor in your store. $
Further information
For further information on Yankee
Candle® and advice about business success
telephone+44 (0)1454 454 500 or visit
the website www.yankeecandle.co.uk.
To See Our Full Range of Fashion Led Designs
Visit Us at The Top Drawer London Olympia
11 - 13 September – Stand P15
For Further Information & Our price List
Please Call or Email
Importers and Wholesalers
Visit our new Cash and Carry Showroom
56-58 Constitution Hill, Hockley, Birmingham, B19 3JT
0121 212 2294
Or buy online at www.impulsefashionaccessories.com
Buy Online Now
SPANGLISH
ȃȣȨȃ
What did you do before
opening the boutique?
I’ve been involved in the
retail and fashion industry
since the early ‘90s, but my
mum says that I’ve wanted
to work in a shop since I
was a little girl, because my local supermarket
fascinated me! Over the years, I’ve worked in
both the West End and at local shopping centres
– two very different environments – followed
by a spell in what is one of London’s nicest craft
markets, Merton Abbey Mills. My last position
was as a retail administrator at Smythson on
Bond St, where I gained invaluable knowledge
and understanding of the ‘ins and outs’ of retail.
What was it that prompted you to launch the
store alongside your wholesale business?
It was just a matter of time, but being diagnosed
with breast cancer at the age of 28 made me focus
on what I really wanted to do – which included
spending more time with my loved ones. I am
passionate about unusual hand-made products,
which combined with my love for fashion, led
me to work with some fabulous Spanish fashion
accessories designers. I originally sold these wares
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Poltsa’s proprietor, Yolanda Artal realised
a childhood dream by opening her own
boutique. She speaks about how a combination
of Spanish and British offerings has proven
popular with the local community
at my craft market stall and it was here that Poltsa
was born. I later started supplying beautiful
Spanish hand-made accessories to local gift shops
and boutiques. As the wholesale business grew,
and we introduced new lines, it was only natural
to open our own bricks-and-mortar shop, as an
extension to an already successful business. I now
work many more hours that I used to, but I really
love what I do, and most of the time I forget that
I am really working.
How did you decide on the concept and
location of your store?
Stoneleigh has a village feel to it, and a small
community that is very supportive of local
business. It took us over two years to find the
perfect location; a space where I could run a
wholesale business and a shop at the same time.
The building was a supermarket for more than
30 years before I took it over, but within a few
months we had redesigned and transformed it,
and now the shop has a very inviting atmosphere.
What accessory lines do you offer, and how
does this support Poltsa’s other products?
We of course offer the whole Poltsa range of
handbags, belts, pendant scarves, coin purses and
handbag hangers – which we complement with
other eclectic pieces, such as jewellery hand-made
in Spain and the UK; locally-made Heyland &
Whittle bath products; lovely cards; notebooks;
mirrors and umbrellas.
How would you describe the presentation of
the shop?
The shop is designed to be like a heaven for girls.
Our customers can try on jewellery, experiment
with belts, choose a handbag or scarf, and even
leave with soft hands – courtesy of our hand
lotion testers. Most products are grouped in
families and colour-coordinated to a certain
extent, creating striking displays. A central island
in the middle of the shop floor helps customers to
make their way around the space. Most products
are within reach and we are always here to help.
What do you consider to be your core
customer base?
Our customer base is anyone between nine
and 109, chiefly female, but we have noticed an
increase in men coming in looking for the right
present. Most ladies come in looking for gift
ideas and end up treating themselves too. Many
customers have told us they love ‘just being in
Retailer interview
Contact
Poltsa
Yolanda Artal, Owner
T: +44 (0)208 393 6010
www.poltsashop.co.uk
www.poltsa.co.uk
the shop’ and compliment us on the window and
shop displays, which is really great.
What are the key factors you consider when
sourcing new product lines?
Colour is very important, as well as quality
and design. I like to know as much as possible
about product origins and the way they’ve been
made, as I’m going to recommend them to my
customers. But that doesn’t mean that everything
needs to be hand-made. I am always on the
lookout for new ideas, anything quirky and a
bit different is a possibility, but if it’s a practical
design as well, it goes to the top of my list.
How important is product knowledge and
customer service in store?
Product knowledge and customer service are
paramount to the success of the business. We
offer a bespoke service on our leather handbags,
which has already proven to be popular amongst
our customers. We also offer a free gift-wrapping
service, which is very much appreciated.
How important is an online presence to your
plans for the business?
We have two websites that are linked to each
other, one for our retail customers and another
for our trade. Traffic to both websites is
constantly increasing, which is likely to mean
that an online presence will be essential in the
future. Several of our international customers
found us online. Social media is also vital if you
don’t want to be left behind – but I am still trying
to get to grips with Facebook and Twitter!
How do you view the state of the market?
We are clearly experiencing uncertain times, but
thankfully there still are many customers who
appreciate good quality products and look for
something that little bit more special. And what
better way to save some money and upgrade a
wardrobe than with some new accessories?
Do you ever run any special events to attract
new customers?
So far we have only had one special event and
that was on our opening evening, but I am
currently organising a charity night in support
of the Royal Marsden Hospital. We will of
course invite customers old and new to join us to
celebrate our first birthday.
What advice do you have for other retailers?
Know your market well, but don’t be scared to
try new products or suppliers. And above all,
be prepared to listen to your customers’ needs
and even advice, as they are an invaluable source
of information.
What has been your proudest moment since
opening the shop?
The opening evening was obviously very special.
Many customers that had seen us doing the refit
joined us for a glass of wine. However, every time
a customer calls in to tell me that the person
they bought a present for loved it, or when we’re
praised for products or displays – I’m also very
proud. Another landmark for me was when I
could finally show my mum the shop that I could
only have dreamt of in my childhood.
What are your future plans for the business?
We definitely want to increase our UK handmade offerings, as it is very important for me
to support local talent. I am also working on a
new jewellery collection that will be launched at
the shop, and offered as wholesale to our trade
customers too, but that is in the very early stages.
In the meantime, I plan to expand our customer
database, and of course, continue looking after all
our customers as best as we can. $
$77,5(
Profile
LEADER
of the pack
Jacci Alderham, the designer behind
Handbag2Handbag, explains how her
accessories brainwave has become
both a practical everyday mainstay
and a coveted fashion piece in itself
What challenges were
overcome when the company
was starting out?
Handbag2Handbag came
into being in 2009. My
husband gave me a handbag
and shoes for my birthday,
and around two weeks later, he asked me if I
didn’t like the handbag. Confused, I told him
that I loved it, and asked why he thought that.
He said that he had seen me wear the shoes, but
never the bag. I explained to him that it was such
a chore to change between handbags – having to
sort through the contents, and transferring them
to the new one. I also outlined the frustration of
leaving something behind, probably secreted in a
pocket of the previous bag for safe-keeping.
He asked if it was just me (I was going through
a course of chemotherapy at the time and wasn’t
very well) or did other women have the same
issues. I hadn’t really thought about it before, but
I had to concede that it was probably a common
problem among women, especially with the busy
lifestyles that everyone leads now – although
my case was most likely exacerbated by my
condition. I asked my friends and realised that I
wasn’t alone in feeling this way.
So I sat down and thought about what
solutions there could be. I decided that what was
needed was something that was really easy to
load up and that everything would stand up in,
rather than a horizontal heap – like the contents
of mine and every other woman’s handbag!
With the help of a friend who had product
manufacturing experience, I measured each
essential item that I carried, and then we put it
together like a jigsaw puzzle. That was how the
Handbag2Handbag prototype was created.
What was your aim when setting up
Handbag2Handbag?
The aim was to make life easier for women,
especially those who change their handbag
regularly for different occasions: such as ladies
who like to wear matching handbag and shoe
sets, or who travel regularly. It is an ideal travel
companion, as it has a pocket specifically
measured for boarding passes and passports to fit.
How were the initial products developed and
what was the response?
We started by selling retail ourselves, to ensure
that the end customer was happy with the
product. We then began to tweak the design,
by making a full lining, and branded the
range more.
Our main challenge was making people aware
of the product, and the service that it provided.
It was such a new concept that no one really
knew if they wanted to buy one, as they’d never
given much thought to it. That was quite a
difficult aspect.
What sets this brand apart from its competitors?
We measured every pocket so that it would hold
specific objects – essential items that we all need
to carry daily. The idea behind this was to make
sure that nothing could fall out, and also to
make it easy for you to remember where each
thing is stowed.
How has the product offering changed since
Handbag2Handbag was established, and how
would you describe your current collection?
We haven’t changed that much, we’ve improved
the look and finish, but that’s all really. The
material is the same 70 denier silky nylon with
very strong PVC back-coat. It’s incredibly
practical, as it’s machine-washable at 30C. At a
recent exhibition, the number of women who
came up to proudly show me that they were still
using their first generation Handbag2Handbag
was amazing. So now that we realised that
although there was little need to replace the
model, customers and buyers may want to update
the colours and patterns of the design. We have
added products to our range though, namely
light and ultra-thin mirrors, with covers that
match the corresponding bags, and also fit into
clothes pockets and make-up bags.
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Contact
Jacci Alderm
an
Designer
Handbag2H
andbag
+44 (0)134
4 291120
www.handb
ag2handbag
.com
How often are new lines launched?
We try to bring out new colour options every
quarter, so we follow fashion colour trends.
New products take a long time to develop, test
and then manufacture, so we usually only do that
every six months, usually in time for Christmas.
What are the current best-selling designs, and
tell us about the recent campaigns?
The best-sellers at the moment are the purple
model with the peacock pattern lining, and
the hot pink bag with the leopard print lining.
They are classically girly, as well as being fashion
colours of the moment. Our leopard, which is
made usine a different material altogether – a PU
(polyurethane) material more akin to handbags,
is also a huge seller, despite being the most
expensive piece in the collection. Our recent
campaigns have been directed towards newer
designs like this, as well as the launch of our
glamorous sparkle organiser.
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Which trade shows do you attend, and which
ones work best for Handbag2Handbag?
This year, we have done three – Top Drawer,
Spring Fair and Pulse. I think that they were all
good for us, but Spring Fair probably brought in
the most revenue. We had a great position, with
two open sides, which really made a difference.
When you are in a small booth, it is difficult to
draw in the visitors. Sometimes they’ll glance
in, think “what on earth’s that?” and just pass
by. This is not good for us, as our product isn’t
obvious. If you don’t know the concept, we need
to be able to engage and explain.
When was the website launched, and how does it
support the business?
Our website is being updated at the moment.
Soon, we will have a full stock control and
ordering system combined, which will make such
a difference. Our trade customers will be able to
order and pay online. Our account customers
will automatically be put into the system, have
their goods delivered, and then be invoiced for
them. I am sure that we don’t have a fool-proof
system at the moment, so it will be good to avoid
missing some orders through human error. Our
new website is also our new umbrella name of
Go-Organise, as we have some good new travel
and organisation products, which we will launch
towards the end of 2011.
How do you view the current market and what
trends, both in products and business, do you see
emerging over the coming months?
The current market is difficult. Retailers are
struggling, and need a lot of support from us
manufacturers. Differentiating your products,
and offering something that is both practical and
a great present is always going to be a good idea.
After all, people want to feel that they are getting
more for their money at a time when it really
does matter.
What have been key milestones for
Handbag2Handbag?
We were awarded the prize for design innovation
from the Deutsche Bank Retail team in 2009,
and that was amazing. I think after that, reaching
the first £100,000 and £250,000 worth of orders
What are the future plans for
Handbag2Handbag?
We are expanding the range, bringing out a larger
version and also a very practical luggage range.
We will also be collaborating with some new and
innovative companies in the coming months. $
were big landmark moments. Also, being copied
is a milestone! They say imitation is always
flattering, but it was annoying in this instance.
WIN
NER
Deu
ts
Reta che Ban
il aw
k
Inno ard for
vatio
n
®
Make your handbag
g happy
The award winning handbag organiser
from Handbag2Handbag®
Designed by women for women
11 pockets measured to fit your essentials
Silky and strong but adds no weight
Tel: 01344 291120
www.handbag2handbag.com
NEW
Retail Q&A
All the answers
Our experts tackle your retail-related queries
Kevin Harrington has advised a number of top
companies including Argos, Boots, Comet, Harrods,
House of Fraser, Waterstones and WH Smith. He
is now managing director of the Global Prepaid
Exchange, the widest reaching prepaid industry
organisation world’s. His mission is to help all sectors
of the economy understand the potential of prepaid.
Stephanie Jerome is a founder of the Intelligent
Retail Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
programme and has optimised many retail websites
over the years. She is closely tapped into the UK and
worldwide SEO community and conducts her own
research into SEO techniques as a specialist in SEO
for e-commerce and retail. She can be contacted on
+44 (0)1635 517923 or at
[email protected].
Barbara Aspin is the business development manager
at SiteWizard.co.uk. She has 10 years' experience
within the website design industry. SiteWizard.
co.uk has been trading for 15 years and has designed
websites for thousands of companies. She can be
contacted on +44 (0)1622 200 045 or at
[email protected].
Jo Causon has been chief executive of the Institute
of Customer Service since March 2009, moving from
the Chartered Management Institute, where she
had been director of marketing and corporate affairs
since July 2005. She previously held director roles in
brand and business consulting and prior to that was
both head of group marketing and strategic executive
to the director-general at City & Guilds. She has over
11 years experience in the financial services sector.
Smartphone payment
Q
What does the introduction of Smartphone payment mean for
retailers? Do I need to pay for new terminals? Is it worth it?
A
Kevin Harrington says: Smartphone payment will become
a reality in the UK this year. The iPhone 5 is expected to
incorporate payment technology when it launches in July and
MasterCard already offer watch2pay (the first watch that can be used to
make payments worldwide). In the US, Starbucks has been one of the
first to announce that they will accept payment via a mobile app. The app
then deducts the purchase from their prepaid Starbucks account.
Smartphone payment will allow your customers to avoid queues and
ensure that they don’t have to have the right amount of cash on them.
I think it will consequently catch on really quickly. The only issue that
might hold it back is around security. However, I think that people will
quickly become reassured that it offers no more risk than other payment
methods. Sophisticated encryption technology helps safeguard personal
information, and providers that offer a direct connection between a
mobile device and point of sale system offer minimal risk by cutting out
as many intermediaries as possible.
Smartphone payment also has huge advantages for retailers, as it
allows them to serve many more people per hour without the need for
more shop staff. The cost of introducing the technology is similar to
card payment methods. Whether you should be an early adopter, or
wait a while, I think depends on the volume and size of the individual
transactions you make in your shop. If you sell high volume/ low value
goods, I think you will find the small initial investment well worthwhile,
particularly if you have pronounced peaks in customer volumes (such as
those experienced by shops near stations and at events).
Further information on this subject can be gained from American
Express, MasterCard and Visa (all Global Prepaid Exchange members).
Advertising budget
Q
Should I spend my advertising budget online or in print?
A
If you have a question about any aspect of your business, simply
write to: Q&A, Attire Accessories Magazine, Broseley House, Newlands
Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2UL UK. Alternatively, send your queries to
[email protected].
Barbara Aspin says: The answer is that you should spread
your advertising budget across all mediums available to you.
Publications in relevant trade magazines (if you are business to
business) can be rewarding and a great way to let the right businesses
know who you are. If you operate business to consumer, then trade
magazines aren’t necessarily the best for advertising, although they
are still an important read to keep up-to-date with industry movements.
You need to advertise in the magazines or papers your clients read.
Remember; don’t give up if your first advert doesn’t flood you instantly
with enquiries. As any company with experience knows, these can trickle
through, and appearing in a series of editions is more likely to provide
$77,5( ·
more traffic to your website or more calls.
One of the most important things about the advert is what to include.
Nearly all adverts now include a website address. This is your online,
24/7 business representation and a reference to send people to out
of hours. Not only is it there for your existing customers but is vitally
important in letting new customers know you exist. The search engines
now are dramatically increasing in their popularity. The convenience and
speed of the internet makes it one of the easiest ways to research your
purchase or service choice and it’s only going to get more popular. With
technology improving and people (of all generations) now using the
internet, it seems unlikely that any business should do without one. Every
company is selling something, be that a physical product or a service,
therefore, every business can ‘sell’ online.
Every company should have a presence online so that customers and
business associates can quickly and easily find out more about your
business and the products/services you have to offer. Your website must
co-ordinate with any other advertising and be professional if you want to
be taken seriously.
Mobile retailing
Q
With the current explosion in new innovations and
applications for mobile phones, how can I tap into this
to drive my marketing and retail strategies?
A
Stephanie Jerome says: While mobile phones seem like a
relatively new concept for retail, there’s no ignoring the fact
the market is growing very rapidly, especially with the rise of
smartphones. Smartphones are mobile phones with more advanced
computing ability and connectivity. Already, there are over 12 million
smartphone users in the UK; this expansion was sparked by the launch
of the iPhone four years ago.
As there is now the capability for potential customers to browse the
internet on their phone, there is also a traffic source that retailers can and
need to tap in to. So how do you do this?
The first step is to ensure that you have a mobile-ready version of your
website that will be clear and easy to read for mobile users. You want to
present a smart website for mobile users so they don’t have to enlarge
every bit of text they’re trying to read. It should be a smooth experience
that not only makes it easy to buy items there and then, but also entices
them to visit your website again while on their phone.
There are many services that allow you to easily create a website which
is mobile-ready. Have a search around, but beware of the word ‘free’ –
you don’t want your mobile website to become advert-ridden.
Once you have an attractive mobile website, you need to create a
buzz around your shop. There’s a very popular location based on a
social networking site called Foursquare, which is where users ‘check
in’ to places they’re visiting. It works via apps for smartphones such as
the BlackBerry and iPhone. Foursquare can be described as a bit of a
game, because the objective is to earn points for checking in and to
become the ‘Mayor’ of different places. Becoming the ‘Mayor’ basically
means that the person has checked in to that place more than anyone
else. Go to https://foursquare.com/business/venues to read more about
it, and claim your shop location to get started. By being a part of this fast
$77,5(
growing social networking tool, you can encourage more people to visit
your physical shop and boost the popularity of your website on mobile
phones. Install a Foursquare widget on your website, and you’ll show
your customers that you’re an active shop and keen to get involved and
stay connected with people. Cross promote your Foursquare presence
on your Twitter and Facebook profiles, as well as with e-marketing, and of
course, inside your real shop too! Not everyone knows about it, so part of
your job will be to show your customers how to put Foursquare on their
mobile to discover places. By showing how fun and useful it is, they’re far
more likely to get involved and help your marketing efforts.
Handling customer complaints
Q
I have just opened my own gift shop and am keen to make
sure I offer great customer service. One of the things I’m
worried about is how to handle customer complaints. I’m
hoping there won’t be any but just in case I want to know how to
achieve a positive outcome. Can you advise?
Jo Causon says: Complaints are inevitable, in any form of
service industry, no matter how careful you are.
The key issue is not that you receive them, but how you deal
with them. It is a surprising truth that a complaint well-handled can result
in a greater degree of customer loyalty than would be the case if that
complaint had never occurred in the first place.
There are three main elements to handling complaints. The response
time; the response itself and finally how this is received and viewed by
the customer. All are, of course, intrinsically linked.
In terms of response time, it is important that the complaint is acted on
quickly. Don’t delay, or let your staff prevaricate, in the hope that it will go
away. It might, but that customer is lost and may have negative things to
say about your service. With the growth of social media, that information
is now not just shared with friends but can be broadcast widely, badly
denting your reputation. The other issue with ignoring a complaint is that
it may recur, causing you further loss of business. So you need to identify
the root cause of the problem. Is it about product quality, or is it more to
do with the way the service was delivered to the customer? Is it an issue
about staff knowledge or training? If you stop complaints being repeated,
your organisation becomes more efficient as a result, as you will spend
less time handling the complaints and more time on the business.
The response to the complaint should be swift. It should also be
appropriate, which means understanding both the impact the problem
had on your customer and what it will take for the customer to retrieve
the situation. Sometimes, this will be about the value of the transaction,
but on other occasions, the cost may be outweighed by the impact the
service failure had on the intended recipient – if it was a gift for a special
birthday for instance. So you, and particularly your staff, need to have
the freedom to react appropriately, using your knowledge of worth of the
customer to find the solution to the problem. Having acted both quickly
and appropriately the customer will – hopefully – already be some way
towards recognising that you value their custom. You need to ensure that
you are meeting their needs, and if for some reason this is not possible,
then you have to be in a position to explain this to the customer in very
clear terms. $
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Tel: 0207 739 0398
www.wholesalefootwear.co.uk
www.laceysfootwear.com
,17(51$7,21$/'(6,*1+$76
Uniquely British and beautifully made hats
and accessories for both town and country
Available in a large variety of designs,
colours and sizes.
Also come and see our new range
of “ VINTAGE” accessories
,1)2#,'+$76&20_:::,'+$76&20
Tel: 01162 599939 · Email: [email protected]
www.stream2stream.com/boo
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Stunning Costume Jewellery
Showing at Autumn Fair Hall 4 L21
Tel: 01227 283 482
Email: info@funkyfingswholesale.co.uk
www.funkyfingswholesale.co.uk
$YDLODEOHDW-RKQ/HZLV+RXVHRI)UDVHUDQGRWKHUOHDGLQJ7UDYHO*RRGVVWRUHV
8.'LVWULEXWRUV9LFWRULQR[7UDYHO*HDU/WG3DUNHU'ULYH/HLFHVWHU/(-38.7HO
Hats & fascinators
Launched in winter 2010, the latest
collection from Heading Up features simple,
classic, affordable designs. Demonstrating
sophisticated aesthetics and craftsmanship,
the headpieces are available in luxurious silks,
sinamay and crinoline. The company debuted
its newest creations at Moda in August. The
collection is an extension of the classic chic
look achieved in the previous range, with ontrend tones and crystal trims resulting in hats
and fascinators that are ideal for any formal
social commitment, from Mother of the Bride
duties to Ladies Day at the races.
www.headingupveils.com.
Vivien Sheriff has unveiled a new
contemporary range for autumn/winter 2011.
Named Vixen, the capsule collection was born
out of an overwhelming demand for affordable
daywear for the younger generation of millinery
fanatics. With ladylike elegance being a trend
that shows no sign of waning, the designer
drew on her love of vintage fashion to create
a selection of original, modern and affordable
designs. The headpieces are multifarious in
appearance, with button berets in sumptuous
leathers, sharp trilbies and sophisticated
feathered confections. With colours ranging
from butterscotch and sage, to sapphire blue
and royal purple, each design is a hand-made
one-off, embellished with brocade, velvet and
vintage brooches.
www.viviensheriff.co.uk
HATɜɑȨȃȰɕ
Whether you want to stand out at a special occasion,
or add a flourish to your favourite outfit, hats and
fascinators are having a fashion moment. Here are
just some of the best pieces on offer this season...
Anna Lou of London is
already known for her
irreverent, colourful
jewellery collections. So
it comes as no surprise
that her latest offerings
include a selection
of plastic floral and
butterfly headbands.
Already a hit with fashionconscious celebrities and
style bloggers, the statement
headpieces are ideal for the height
of summer, as well as a wardrobe boost for the chillier months.
Coming in an array of shades, and ranging from classic white
daisies to exquisitely-detailed roses, the headbands offer a playful
alternative to an ornate fascinator, and will almost certainly be
available in shades to complement wedding attire. Already a
staple collection that features prominently season-on-season,
these beauties show no sign of losing their bloom.
For more information, visit www.annalouoflondon.com.
For autumn/winter 2011,
The Boutique Collection by
Richard Designs is centred
around the twin themes of
‘vintage lady-like decorum
and cinematic elegance.’
With knot constructions,
deconstructed elements,
drape details akin to classic
turban headwear, and retro
trims, the pieces are loosely
influenced by the ‘40s
millinery silhouette. Eclectic
without appearing too fussy,
the range combines unusual
textures with tonal black
shades to complement busy
prints. Meanwhile, for spring/
summer 2012, there will more
focus on ‘50s detailing and
shape; with organic forms and colours contrasting with comforting
textures and luxurious fabrics. With a palette that brings together
soft pastels and mid-tone accents, the collection aims to re-invent
quirky classics for contemporary hat-wearers.
For more information, visit www.richarddesigns-boutique.com
$77,5( ·
Bronté is the name of the women’s collection at ID Hats, named
after the daughter of the company’s owners. Established in 1992,
and with an emphasis on innovative, fashion-oriented design,
the vision of the label is not focused on a specific age bracket,
preferring to embrace the individuality of the wearer. This season’s
collection is especially versatile, with styles that are an appropriate
fit for any occasion, with a sense of both elegance and casual
ease. Whilst directional style statements are essential, production
is also of vital importance, which is why ID Hats uses only the
highest-quality materials. For the label’s spring/summer 2012
collection – and 20th anniversary – there will be a wide range of
shapes introduced, in a host of neutral muted hues.
For more information, visit www.idhats.com.
Victoria Shearing’s autumn/winter 2011 collection, Fluoro and
Feathers, continues with block colours – this summer’s hottest
trend. Despite the mainstream use of chic colours and playful
brights, the hats are set apart from the millinery pack with oneof-a-kind trims and high-quality blocking felts. There is also a
glamorous line of cocktail ‘perchers and polos’, miniature hats
for formal events. In rich royal purple, cream, burgundy and
shocks of canary yellow, the designs are ideal for weddings
or a day at the races. The distinctive style of the pieces is
down to the designer’s use of vintage and hand-made hat
blocks, ensuring a highly original selection of exclusive styles
and shapes. She produces a number of bespoke couture
headpieces, as well as seasonal designs twice a year for
boutiques and millinery departments.
For more information, visit www.victoriashearing.com
$77,5(
Rock n’ Rose is adding to its accessories range with
the limited edition Libertarian collection, a selection
of luxe hand-made headwear. With a choice of seven
kooky styles, from a top hat birdcage fascinator to an
artist’s paint palette with brushes, these designs are
not for special occasion wallflowers. Other out-there
creations include an ultra-feminine over-size pink corsage
headband and a giant hummingbird-adorned alice band.
Established by sibling design duo Emily and Jessica
Lathan, Rock n’ Rose is fast becoming the go-to brand for
highly-original, humorous keepsake accessories.
For more information, visit www.rocknrose.co.uk.
Over the past eight years, milliner, Joy Devine, and daughter Liz
have developed Simply Devine into a standout label. Despite
having launched a line of pashminas and womenswear in the
past two years, the company still finds that the run-up to Ascot
is the busiest time of year for them. They offer a selection of
textured, floral, and ivory bridal fascinators fit for any occasion,
as well as formal hats in an array of sugary pastels and bold
shades. The single recurring feature of the headpieces is a
decorative flourish, varying from demure petal blooms to quirky
feathered arrangements.
For more information, www.simplydevine.co.uk.
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Inspired by the current popularity of vintage
50s shades and styles, Nancy Hayes goes
back in time as she pulls together a mixture
of classic pieces with a modern twist.
Gloves, Etre
+44 (0)207 100 7188
www.etreshop.com
Leather stitch up lace shoe,
£49, Marks and Spencer
+44(0)113 213 0307
www.marksandspencer.com
NW3 Bernie bag, £199, Hobbs
+44(0)845 313 3130
www.hobbs.co.ukk
Roberts Revival Dab radio, £149, Leekes
+44 (0)845 050 8240
www.leekes.co.uk
Lo Ray sofa, £1900,
By Jet Baker for Rume
+44 (0)1273 777810
www.rume.co.uk
$77,5(
Window dressing
Two layer chiffon bow
headband, Matalan
+44(0)845 330 3330
www.matalan.com
Wash bag, £14.95, Nicky James
for Hunkydory Home
+44 (0)191 645 4004
www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk
Stolen Kiss canvas, £60, Next
+44(0)844 844 8939
www.next.co.uk
All clothes, Debenhams
+44(0)844 561 6161
www.debenhams.com
Dandelion silk lampshade, £85,
Berry Red
+44 (0)1432 274805
www.berryred.co.uk
Gold heart ring,
£17.50, White Stuff
+44(0)207 735 8133
www.whitestuff.com
Watch, £25,
Marks and Spencer
+44(0)113 213 0307
www.marksandspencer.com
Tan fringe loafer, £25,
M&Co
+44(0)207 087 8150
www.mandco.com
Porcelain vases, £27.50, Berry Red
+44 (0)1432 274805
www.berryred.co.uk
$77,5(
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It’s all about choice
It’s all about location
It’s all about timing
It’s all about The Essential Collection
Retail strategy
Combining merchandising
and IT within retail
Using experience that she has gained from working in both
departments, Frances Thomas explains how better aligned
strategies and closer co-operation between merchandising
and IT departments can improve the performance of a
retail business as a whole
In any large business, there
is always the likelihood
that, at best, certain internal
teams are not aware of
the nuances of the tasks
fulfilled by other teams
and, at worst, that they are
completely unaware of any
areas of work to which they are not directly
exposed on a day-to-day basis. Due to the
wide array of departments that make up most
retail businesses, there are rarely exceptions to
the rule.
Historically, it was the merchandising teams
that were the key contacts for IT within buying
and merchandising departments. The need to
maximise profit through stock management
was responsible for driving the development
of sophisticated merchandise management
and management information systems. As
customers became more demanding and
trading conditions more difficult, merchandise
teams relied upon IT solutions to provide
flexible, responsive systems that supported
fast delivery of product to market and provided
product performance data in a timely fashion.
My merchandising background and IT
experience mean that I am in the unusual
position of appreciating the key drivers for
both areas. When transferring from fashion
retailer Karen Millen’s merchandising team to
its IT department, I was immediately struck by
a difference in pace. Merchandisers in fashion
retail work in a high-pressure environment,
to a routine of deadlines. Certain tasks and
information have to be completed within set
time-scales, in order to make informed buying
and trading decisions. These, in turn, drive
sales and maximise profit.
There is only one opportunity to sell a product
at that product’s first price. After this, every
action erodes margin. Preventing this erosion
is vital, and this is reflected in the working
environment of the merchandising team. IT
teams need to understand what is important
to the merchandising team, and respond with
the same sense of urgency and priority to truly
work in partnership. Merchandising teams can
assist IT by explaining their priorities and giving
context to the tasks IT perform for them.
In contrast, IT is divided into several
departments each of which works to different
deadlines and pressures, but all impact the
merchandising team in some way. The diversity
of roles within the realm of IT is not always
fully understood by merchandising teams.
Desktop, help desk and development teams
all play a part in supporting and underpinning
the business. Understanding what IT does and
what it can provide is a major advantage to a
team competing for the customer and the sale..
IT teams are involved in all aspects of
the supply chain and of the wider business,
resulting in an in-depth knowledge of
processes and systems as a whole. Tapping
into this knowledge offers merchandising teams
an opportunity to ensure an holistic approach
to resolving issues and improving systems.
IT aids merchandising when any system
change requests are made, and any systems’
training is required. However, it is important for
merchandisers to recognise the challenges
that developments pose, alongside the
opportunities they create. The highly-logical
and process-driven nature of IT departments
can be invaluable for merchandisers when
planning user groups, reviews and planning
future best practice.
Equally, understanding the business from the
merchandising perspective means a greater
understanding of the wider trading challenges.
Ensuring that IT strategy is aligned with the
needs of the business and its key drivers is
crucial in ensuring that the developments
support the growth of the company, and its
ability to trade competitively.
Due to the highly-seasonal nature of the
retail industry, IT departments must also
recognise the life-cycle of products and how
this drives and influences process. They must
also appreciate that this cyclical environment
affects merchandising strategy and the way in
which the team works, meaning that some of
the demands it makes on the IT department
will be high priority, and require an immediate
response – again, this is something which must
be communicated.
Merchandising teams are usually driven
by departmental performance, sales and
margin, and IT applications need to facilitate
visibility of this. The IT team is tasked with
providing systems that cater to external
customer expectations, such as purchasing
through multiple channels, as well as other
internal requirements.
In conclusion, many merchandising and IT
departments at large retailers are already adept
at recognising each others’ key requirements
and motivations. However, the more the teams
are able to work together and the more closely
their strategies are aligned, the more joined-up
and ultimately more successful a retail business
can be as a whole. $
Frances Thomas is a IT Business
Development Manager at Retail
Assist – Aurora Fashions. For more
information, contact Frances on:
T: +44 (0)207 452 1000
E: [email protected].
$77,5(
LɤǾɕȃɑȨǾȐ
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PɄɉұɑȐǸɕɄȽɕɜɄɕɤǾɕȃɑȨǾȐ
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$77,5( Online
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ȨȽȇǸLɤɉɉȵȨȐɑ
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LɉȐȃȨǸȵȐǸɜɤɑȐɕ
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$77,5(
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Next Issue
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Bag the look
Get a handle on the
latest arm candy
Up up and away
We showcase the newest travel goods
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Put your best foot forward with a
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In the
frame ar
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$77,5(
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ISSUE 29
October/November 2011
Available from: 26th September, 2011
Advertising deadline: 9th September, 2011
LQIR#FRFRURVHORQGRQFRP
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Crafty
cases
Williams Handmade evolved from a promising university
project into a successful fashion artefact label. Sarah Williams
introduces us to her vision of traditional design skill and
subversive shapes
What is the inspiration behind the company
and its products?
Traditional craftsmanship is at the heart of all
of my designs, and my aim is to challenge the
fashion world’s view on craft, by producing
something wholly unique, yet still respectful
to its artisanal origins. There’s this commonlyheld view that hand-craft is not of the quality or
beauty that it once was, and I felt inspired to
prove that the necessary skills are still alive and
well in our culture, but that a curiosity about the
material in hand is essential. I take influence
from heritage methodology when creating
exciting modern shapes in fashion artefacts.
How was your initial collection developed?
I designed my first collection whilst I was
studying an MA in Fashion Artefact at the
London College of Fashion. During the course,
I had time to concentrate on developing my
concept, which stemmed from my passion for
hand-craftsmanship.
Were there any problems when setting up
the business? If so, how did the company
overcome them?
Setting up a business is very difficult. I have
had to work another job alongside working
on my label to be able to fund it – I’ve taken
up a position at the traditional leather goods
company Daines and Hathaway whilst I
develop the Williams Handmade label. I
was also lucky enough to win the ITS#NINE
Accessory Collection of the Year award, which
$77,5(
enabled me to fund my second collection. The
ITS (International Talent Support) initiative gives
visibility, support and a voice to young talent all
over the world, and assists creativity through
financial opportunities, work placements and
also offers designers opportunities to show
their work to a ‘jury’ of real experts.
How would you describe current Williams
Handmade collection?
My new collection is a natural progression from
the Crafted Fashion collection, and it holds
the same values at its core: craftsmanship,
heritage, and a quirky aesthetic. I’m
preoccupied by the idea of the three ways in
which a craftsperson can change something:
metamorphosis, anthropomorphism and
presence; and these are all applied to the
designs in this collection. As always, each
piece is stitched entirely by hand.
How often will the company be launching
new lines?
At the moment my plan is to launch a new
collection once a year, as I produce bespoke
pieces. However, I plan to produce new
individual designs throughout the year.
Are you exhibiting at any trade fairs over the
coming months? If so, which ones and why?
I exhibited my new collection at ITS#TEN in
Trieste in July, because of my success in last
year’s competition. I also have one piece on
display in “The Power of Making” exhibition at
The Victoria and Albert Museum in September.
Previously, I’ve been chosen to show at London
Fashion Week by Fashion East.
When did you launch the website and how
important is it to the business?
I launched the website alongside my first
collection when starting the label up. It
has been an extremely useful tool in that
anyone who is interested in the products
and collections can contact me with ease,
regardless of whether they are press, buyers
or private commissions. I believe that
communication would be much more difficult
without a website.
What are the long-term plans for the brand?
The core of my business is craftsmanship,
so I hope to continue to produce bespoke
pieces. However, I feel that I would also like to
expand by producing affordable pieces which
are accessible to a larger market, whilst still
maintaining the same level of craftsmanship. $
Contact
Sarah Jane Williams
Williams Handmade
Designer
+44 (0)7792 419454
www.williams-handmade.com

Autumn Fair - Attire Accessories magazine

Transcription

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