UBM realigns New York fashion trade show calendar; launches debut dual-gender event

UBM Fashion, the company behind fashion trade shows Magic in Las Vegas and Coterie in New York, has realigned its New York fashion trade calendar for 2018 in order to keep up with retail’s evolving landscape.

The shift sees two key changes taking place in the New York trade show lineup, which are geared to ‘create new and more efficient business opportunities for both brands and retailers,’ said the organisation in a statement. After consulting with the Accessories Council, industry influencers and customers, UBM Fashion aims to launch a new women’s New York fashion trade show calendar that is in line with the changes occurring within New York Fashion Week and New York Market Week.

UBM Fashion realigns its tradeshows to match industry changes

“As the global leader in fashion tradeshows, UBM Fashion has been seeing firsthand the dramatic changes in the retail landscape,” said Mike Alic, Managing Director, UBM Fashion. “From the growth of e-commerce and fast fashion and changes in consumer buying patterns to the importance of delivering lifestyles and experiences – we at UBM Fashion realized there was an opportunity, in fact, a duty, to make real changes for our industry.”

As New York’s women’s spring and fall fashion weeks continue to grow, UBM is set to launch an additional pre-collections show in June. Running from June 10 to 12, 2018, Coterie, Fame, Moda, AccessoriesTheShow and Pooltradeshow, will take place, offering the sector a local point to capitalise on the key market period. In addition to this new event , UBM Fashion is set to unite men’s and women’s contemporary apparel, accessories, and footwear communities by launching the first dual-gender fashion trade show in New York.

The decision to unite the two comes as more and more fashion companies serve both men’s and women’s markets. By creating a single, inspiring event which allows brands and retailers room to connect and grow their businesses more effectively, the organisation hopes to fulfil both parties demands. UBM Fashion’s first dual-gender New York trade show is set to take place in July 2018, with Project being the marquee show for both men’s and women’s.

However the men’s and women’s market weeks in January 2018 are set to remain separate, with the women’s taking place from January 7 to 9 and men’s January 21 to 23, 2018. Women’s wear fashion trade shows for FW’ 18 Coterie, Fame, Mode, Sole Commerce and Children’s Club are set to take place from February 26 to 28, 2018. The dual-gender trade show, which includes Project, Fame, Mode, MRket and Children’s Club will then run from July 22 to 24.

“As the world of retail shifts, it makes perfect sense that our market week and tradeshow dates would better align to meet the changing needs of our retailers and brands. We know there is not a ‘perfect’ date for everyone, but the logic behind this move makes a lot of sense for most. We plan to realign some of our event dates for 2018 to reflect this new schedule,” added Karen Giberson, President, Accessories Council.

The Jacob Javits Centre will continue to serve as the home base for UBM Fashion. Magic in Las Vegas will remain unaffected by the change, running in February and August 2018 as per usual.

Photos: NY Women's Sept, courtesy of UBM