Margin's Olympia Move Well Received

Margin London, the independent trade event for new and emerging labels, took place on the 4th & 5th

Margin London, the independent trade event for new and emerging labels, took place on the 4th & 5th August at a new location in Kensington Olympia. Margin has been providing an affordable platform for young brands since starting in 2002 and for the 24th edition the exhibition moved to the Hilton Olympia.

Without a clear dateline for August, as all events were scattered throughout the calendar, and following a survey of buyers and press, who expressed an overwhelming preference that Margin should take place at the same time as Pure, Margin moved to the Westminster Suite in the Hilton London Olympia, to which visitors were able to make the 4 minute walk from the Olympia Exhibition Centre without having to take taxis or public transport to visit the show.

The move was unanimously praised by visiting stores before and during the event who appreciated the convenient location and comfortable air-conditioned space.

Visitors came from across the UK and Europe to support and discover new designers. A strong presence of Belgian stores, including Kusje, Mieke, Paleis, and Pop, joined European buyers from Karl Smart, Kluns, Goodvibes, Der 7 Himmel, Bouman Mode, and Karltex, to name a few. Stores from further afield, such as Fitzroy in Toronto and Rose Bud in Tokyo, joined UK visitors, including buyers from Ark, ASOS, Eden, Eternal Envy, Fonda, Joy, Lilac Rose, Mayhem, Modiste, Swish, Thread, Thunderegg, Way, Qetty Bang Bang, and Original Native.

New international labels launched at the show included Wrong Weather, Schmatta, Romy Rory, Bijouxellery, and T-Republic, alongside many UK debuts such as Thfkdlf, Holly & Ruby, Jeanne & Jane, Afonteyne, and Seven Lives.

Debut label Cheek LDN said of the show, "Thank you for putting together an amazing show that allows for young, independent designers to gain more exposure! It was an exciting time and a great first-time tradeshow experience. Your promotional posts on upcoming brands went above and beyond what any other organizer may do. For Cheek LDN, it was an excellent opportunity for press and getting orders!"

Polish label Dream Nation, with their range of ethical printed clothing, added "Thanks to Margin I made good connections in the UK and took part at IFF in Tokyo. Show was good, learnt a lot and have great contacts now." and new British brand Karmica, who uses Liberty-print fabrics for the pockets and labels on their t-shirt range, said they made "great contacts at the Margin London trade show over the weekend."

As well as the new launches that Margin is well known for, many previous exhibitors returned to showcase their latest ranges at the show in August 2013, including Get Cutie, The Illustrated Mind, Out of Print, PalmerCash, and Fairytales & Hidden Notes.

Since the first edition in 2002, Margin has introduced many new brands to stores looking for a point of difference from the High Street, and can lay claim to launching Sugarhill Boutique, Lazy Oaf, Ruby Rocks, My Yard, Long, Ashley Marc Hovelle, Rum Knuckles, Supremebeing, and Emily & Fin, to name a very few.

Margin has also been the jumping-off point for international brands looking to introduce their ranges to the UK and European market, such as Upper Playground, Gentle Fawn, Ayame Socks, Loreak Mendian, Camo, Diamond Supply Co, and Stereo Sound Agency, who all made their UK tradeshow debuts at Margin London.