UK trade shows keep growing

The trade season is in full swing, and London is the playground of several trade shows including Pure London, Margin, Moda and LondonCentral. No official numbers are published or shared with the media as yet, but the spirits are up and the

number of exhibiting brands are increasing.

In its 21st edition, Margin London made name for itself as the longest running independent fair offering a platform to new designers and budding brands. The fair is focused to offer the best products that meet today’s savvy consumers. Especially emerging and directional brands decide to present their product and collections at Margin, as they appreciate the fair for its expertise, and wide reach of buyers and press. Margin is often selected to introduce brands to the trade industry, and this season, Chili by M4E made its European debut, Being Equal made its global introduction, and B.Loose presented its collections for the first time in the UK.

As reported earlier this week, Pure London celebrated its 30th anniversary and offered a selection of 1,000 contemporary fashion brands. Taking over Olympia and Earls Court 2 for three days, Pure has been attracting UK and international visitors, and presents collections varying from womenswear to footwear, and from Accessories to Spirit Young Fashion. Highlights of this season include Custo Barcelona, Sam Ubhi, House of Harlow 1960, and Lee Jeans. To make sure buyers started the day fresh and early a complimentary breakfast was hosted, and in between network session one could enjoy a manicure or hair makeover.

Offering womenswear, accessories, menswear, footwear and lingerie and swimwear, Moda started this season with an interesting announcement and inked a partnership with Scoop International. With the venture, Moda now is the largest shareholder, and will work alongside Scoop founders Karen Radley and David Moran. Moda is yet to take place from 14-16 August in Birmingham, and signed several new brands including Zandra Rhodes, Björn Borg, Pringle, Farah, and Superga – of which Alexa Chung is the new face.

Premium trade show Scoop took place for the second season at the Saatchi Gallery, and wants to establish itself on the international high-end fashion calendar. The fair featured over 150 brands, nearly 50% more then last season, and seems to be the answer to the quickly growing premium fashion market in the UK.

On a whole, the moods are positives, portfolios are growing, and the fair organisers try their best to make a trade show visit as pleasantly as possible. May it be a manicure or a Ltd-edition CD it is all on offer for free to stand out from the crowd, and distinguish the trade fair from the rest. This overall optimistic spirit at the UK trade shows is a welcome conclusion, especially whilst retailers are currently under attack in another night of rioting and public disturbances.

Image: Pure London, Contemporary Catwalk, Olympia