Moda fair: new exhibitors to know about - Makki

In a new mini series in the lead up to the host of internationally recognised trade fairs happening across the UK over the next couple of months, FashionUnited is looking at some of the emerging designers exhibiting at these events for the first time.

Founders and creative directors from across the continent are giving us insight into their labels and why they decided on a specific trade fair. Here we talk to Makki founder and creative director of ethically conscious, eel skin focused accessories label Makki, who will be at Moda for the first time.
 
Who is

Makki – what’s the design direction, how did the label come about?
Makki was born in 2003 with the concept of providing a luxury brand made with finest by product skins. Makki optimises Class, Luxury and Design, ensuring we offer on trend classics that inspire an heir loom quality.Joanne the founder and main designer for Makki lived and worked in South Korea where Makki is produced prior to the launch of Makki. This gave us an in depth knowledge of the culture, business ethics and design process as a result. This means we work very closely with our factory and can respond to the fast pace of the fashion industry. From a small seed, the branches of Makki have now extended world-wide and Makki is now known as the UK’s Eel Skin Handbag Specialist

What fair are you at and why did you choose Moda?
We heard good things about Moda so went to visit last season and had to agree. Having spent the afternoon talking to fellow exhibitors, watching the catwalk and getting a feel for the show (a luxury as we're usually on the exhibitor side of things!) we decided to meet with the organisers and arrange a stand to launch Makki at Moda in August.

What makes Makki niche and to know about in the market?
We work with skins that are by products of the wider food industry and have a strong eco fashion policy that extends across Makki. We offer an in house designed collection made with ethical skins.

Makki knows its customer, knows its supplier and most importantly knows the market and the direction for the following season. We extensively travel to ensure we are up to date with what is happening across the world in fashion and using our talented in house British and Italian designers translate this into a look that is distinctly Makki. This look has created a loyalty amongst Makki customers and there is always a buzz in the run up to the next season about what is coming next.

Most importantly, we design solely for Makki and do not design and sell under the names of high street stores or under pseudo names on internet auction sites. Our loyalty is with our trade customer and it is to this end Makki focuses entirely.

Who is your target customer?
Design conscious customers who appreciate quality and longevity who care about the impact on the environment. They can be any age or background, from young to old.  

What do you expect of your first participation at Moda?
New customers, a chance to see existing customers, a presence on the catwalk and an opportunity to show our brand at a new show.  

What is going to be your bestseller this coming season?
Our Liberte Satchel is creating quite a stir. Designed with Eel Skin and featuring 3 block colours in one satchel, we are sure this will be a popular choice for many.

In our new digital days, why do you think trade fairs have stayed strong presence wise?
For 2 reasons, people still are touchy feely and it is important they can pick up the product and get a feel for it, rather than just see an image. Also, we are social beings and by exhibiting at trade fairs we build invaluable relationships with buyers and have the social interaction with our customers and fellow exhibitors.