Stitch teams up with Pure Spirit

New young trade show Pure Spirit has joined forces with menswear and accessories event Stitch to produce an unmissable trading event on the international buying calendar. The two shows will co-locate at London’s Earls Court for the February

edition where over 250 brands will showcase alongside catwalk shows, trend presentations, business seminars, DJ’s and parties. Speaking to FashionUnited about the new partnership, Brian Duffy, Managing Director of Stitch, said: “We have a common goal to put London on the map as a fashion city for menswear.”

Asked whether he thinks the collaboration will spark competition, Duffy asserted that it is “better to compete with foreign cities like Paris and Milan than amongst each other.”

It was announced only back in August that Pure London - the highly successful womenswear, footwear and accessories buying event - would be investing £1 million into Pure Spirit as part of its expansion plans to, among other things, boost visitor numbers and create an even stronger identity with young fashion retailers. The new partnership should shed some light on how it intends to do exactly that.
 
Samantha Bleasby, Event Director of Pure Spirit, commented: “We’re very excited to have Stitch come on board for February. The strategic decision behind launching Pure Spirit alongside Pure London was to create the biggest and best buying event the UK as seen in decades. Stitch just further strengthens this offer for buyers who will now have over 1200 brands to source from.”

Duffy added: “The natural progression now for Stitch is to develop an event that can further excite the fashion industry. Bringing Stitch to Earls Court and co-locating with Pure Spirit will further enhance London’s reputation as a key influencer within menswear and womenswear.”

Pure Spirit will be split into two sections – She, which will house feminine and energetic womenswear labels reflecting the hottest trends of tomorrow, and Label, offering unisex lifestyle brands with an urban attitude.

Brands confirmed for Pure Spirit include Mina, Forever Unique, Jovanna, Jarlo, Sugarhill, Bedroom Athletics and Rare.

Stitch, now in its third edition after launching in February 2010, will continue to host a strong collection of new and established menswear and accessory labels. Some of the brands confirmed for Stitch include Luke, Weekend Offender, Two Stoned, Nathan Palmer and Emma Ashford.

Stitch and Pure Spirit will be held in Earls Court One from 13th – 15th February 2011, the same dates as Pure London, which will continue to take place at Kensington Olympia.

Brian Duffy and Steve Newbold (managing director of Pure) are hosting an event in Manchester on 12 October and an event in London on 14 October to discuss the co-location plans with the industry. Email alexandra.hanly@emap.com if you would like to attend.