Attire Accessories - Nov/Dec 2018 (Issue 73)

ON WITH THE SHOW 17 SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR PUTS CRAFT JEWELLERY FRONT AND CENTRE Scotland’s Trade Fair takes place from 20 th -22 nd January at SEC Glasgow. This season’s craft gallery will be situated at the front of the show, where specially selected producers will showcase textiles, jewellery and fashion accessories. The popular gallery is almost full, and exhibitors will include Warped Textiles, Tessuti Scotland, BAKKA, Beastie Assemblage, Carla Edwards, Collingwood Norris, Jane Adams ceramics, Tasteful Tartans, Pick One, Olive Pearson Designs and Green Thomas. “Retail in Scotland has mirrored the rest of the UK,” says Mark Saunders, show director. “However, it has been another successful tourist season, and this has kept footfall steady throughout the shops and stores that cater for a slice of these customers. If the last quarter performs well, then we anticipate a good turnout in January and confident demand for new stock.” The Launch Gallery is the first stop for many visitors. It and places new young exhibitors at the centre of the show. Companies will include Kushboo Soaps, Blue Ranchu gifts, Wild Rose Interiors, Wee Book Company, Coppertop Croft, The Moffat Perfume Co, Botanic Isles, Gallery Art Publications, Silver Sparrow Jewellery and Black Cat Soap House. “This is our main buying show as it is so good,” enthuses Michelle Teago from Carron Pottery & Crafts. “We see many existing suppliers, as well as picking up new ones. It is not to be missed.” Retail experts will also be on hand in the event’s Seminar Theatre, providing advice and tips on all aspects of running a business. Subjects covered will include taking on large retailers, visual merchandising, social media for business, working with influencers and maximising the tourist market. New for 2019, exhibitors will also be given a chance to pitch their products to key buyers in Nessie’s Den. The show’s Best Product Awards will also be judged by retail experts on the opening day. For details, go to scotlandstradefairs.co.uk PLANS IN PLACE FOR SECOND EDITION OF HARROGATE FASHION WEEK Plans are coming together for the second edition of Harrogate Fashion Week, with dozens of new exhibitors – including Bitte Kai Rand and Harley of Scotland – confirming for the show, which takes place between 27 th -28 th January, 2019. In addition to new signups, the show organisers were delighted to receive a high level of rebookings from the inaugural July show. Among those rebooking is leading womenswear brand James Lakeland, which echoes the support and enthusiasm being shown by a large section of the womenswear industry. James said: “Harrogate is one of my favourite places, as it is a beautiful English spa town, full of character and charm. We have a loyal customer base here and feel that Harrogate Fashion Week is an obvious exhibition for us and one we wouldn’t miss.” Speaking about the show’s early date, Harrogate Fashion Week director Sarah Moody says: “The overall feeling seems to be that the dateline works for collections and allows brands to get the selling season off to a better and earlier start. We are particularly proud to have received such warm praise from fashion leaders such as James Lakeland, and we are receiving a lot of positive comments from exhibitors and buyers alike.” Other confirmed exhibitors include Sahara, Orientique, Foil, Brodie Cashmere, Lizabella and Passioni, with more signing up on a daily basis. Visit harrogatefashionweek.com