Attire Accessories - Sep/Oct 2018 (Issue 72)

TOP DRAWER SPOTTED 41 Fresh out the box We shine the spotlight on Top Drawer’s Spotted section Spotted is Top Drawer’s curated showcase of innovative, market-ready, design-based businesses new to the trade fair market. Specially designed within the UK’s longest-established and most highly regarded trade events. Spotted’s curator, Charlotte Abrahams, said: “The showcase is a fantastic launch pad for emerging brands looking to break into the trade fair market. I have been delighted by the quality and professionalism of the applicants to this edition. Buyers are in for a treat.” Highlights this season include stationery designer Ben Langworthy, leather bag makers Hirsch & Kirsch, home accessory designer Kesemy Design, interactive children’s wallpaper manufacturers Playroom Interiors, giftware company Hashtag House and wellbeing brand Aequill. Each Spotted brand receives a three-year plan discount programme and is also eligible to enter the Spotted Award, a prestigious new prize judged by a panel of industry professionals. Awarded to the three most original, best-designed and most promising brands at the showcase, the prizes include a free stand at Top Drawer Spring for the winner and a series of mentoring sessions with key designers, retailers, brand consultants and PRs for the three finalists. “Spotted is the perfect place to discover an edited selection of UK talent that is both ready-for- market and taps into key design trends.” Buyer, Science Museum ALICE ACREMAN SILKS Where: SP001 aliceacremansilks.com What: Inspired by the infinite complexities of nature, Alice Acreman Silks was initially created as a hobby to share. Using well-practiced watercolor, sketching, collage and digital software skills, Alice creates the intricate motifs by hand. Vivid colour palettes and unexpected combinations of weird creatures and bold tropical florals are contrasted with delicate blooms. Intertwining undersea creatures with wild flowers and intriguing insects, the designs are full of life and unlike those of any other brand. HIRSCH & KIRSCH Where: SP211 hirschandkirsch.com What: Hirsch & Kirsch make contemporary leather accessories and lifestyle products, incorporating beautiful materials, traditional techniques and directional design. The label focuses on a “modern craft” aesthetic through minimalist shapes paired with bold graphic details, surface pattern and contrasting colours, producing visually striking pieces. Each product is hand-crafted in her studio in Somerset using the best Italian leathers and British hardware.