Attire Accessories - Mar/Apr 2018 (Issue 69)

ATTIRE 9 EDITOR’S LETTER A s we head further into the year, show season well and truly upon us, it’s likely you might be taking a slight breather, while perhaps looking to the future with some trepidation. Indeed, there’s little doubt that independent retailers such as yourselves will be feeling the pinch as the ‘Brexit effect’ starts to take hold and affects buying decisions and, perhaps, even order quantities. Uncertainty about the future is certainly weighing on everyone’s minds as we enter unchartered territories, with the face of the British independent accessories market looking likely to change going forwards. However, what we’ve noticed from our own experience at shows such as Spring Fair, Pure London and Moda, is that what hasn’t changed is the quality of product being brought to market by Britain’s independent brands. Flying in the face of adversity, designer makers have undeniably adopted the good old British saying of ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ and are continuing to unveil quality goods that are fashion-forward and innovative. And it’s safe to say that the same will be showcased at Harrogate’s British Craft Trade Fair, where quality design is always assured, while INDX Accessories will whet the appetite of the more alternative buyer with indie product being a mainstay of this Cranmore Park-located show. What makes these shows what they are is, of course, the quality brands that are showing their wares. This issue we have put the spotlight on a few companies have the wow-factor; check out our interviews with Maasai Women’s Art, Helen Moore and David Hampton on pages 40, 55 and 64 respectively. Of course, we also have our regular round-up of features, and in this issue we put the focus on women’s jewellery, eyewear, clutch bags, leather goods and – my personal favourite – beach accessories. I compiled this feature with thoughts of sunny days and balmy nights, complimented by a good ol’ Cosmopolitan cocktail of course! MARCH/APRIL 2018 ATTIRE Accessories The best of British Attire Accessories is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions.The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Attire Accessories is published six times a year. Subscription rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Attire Accessories, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP. ACTING EDITOR Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 535 613 louisep@attireaccessories.com MARKETING MANAGER Michael Richards +44 (0)1376 514 000 ACCOUNT MANAGER Katie Taylor +44 (0)1376 535 600 PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@attireaccessories.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Chloe Edey, Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor, Sarah Young PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Charlotte Potter WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley SUBSCRIPTIONS Beth Varney +44 (0)1376 514 000 KD Media Publishing Limited Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP www.attireaccessories.com ISSN 1758-0919 Cover image courtesy of helenmoore.com Editor’s pick Travelling with two small children, a husband, and a fashion- obsessed wife (me), our trips to the beach when on holiday require nothing short of a Mary Poppins-style bag. Hence my magpie-like eyes being drawn to this beautiful MOWGS beach bag, as showcased in our Beach Accessories feature on page 70. I reckon I could easily fit in all the essentials: suncream, Spiderman figure, hair oil, towel, Peppa Pig book, the latest Attire Accessories mag – you get the jist. #wedonttravellight Louise Prance Acting Editor Clutch bags, page 82 Louise