Attire Accessories - Dec 2017/Jan 2018 (Issue 67)

16 ATTIRE On with the show CHECK OUT ALL THE IMPORTANT NEWS AND DATES FOR YOUR BUSINESS DIARY... A successful Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn reflects a buoyant retail year As autumn draws in, Scotland’s gift industry can look back on a successful summer, particularly if you own a shop on the famous North Coast 500 route or the Isle of Skye, where both saw record numbers of visitors. Partly due to the low value of the pound and partly due to a vigorous campaign by Visit Scotland, the industry has enjoyed a buoyant year, so retailers were in a buying mood at Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn, which took place this week. With 175 exhibitors, of which 50 were new, most stands reported steady orders and healthy enquiries.Those that faired especially well were the new, innovative companies, offering original gifts or new, exciting ranges that retailers were clamouring to stock. For those retailers not capitalising primarily on the tourist market, it’s more challenging, but it’s clear that by offering local customers original gifts, many well-organised, marketing-savvy independent shops have had a positive summer season. The Launch Gallery attracted great interest with a new trend for men’s toiletries emerging. Nutdust, made for men wearing kilts, and Bangin’ Beards brought not just a smile to visitors’ faces but gave an indication of what direction this niche industry is going in. Mark Saunders, Director of Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn said, “Visitor numbers were steady throughout the two days and most welcomed the great range of high quality, innovative products on offer and the chance to snap up some exciting new products and place orders for the Christmas season.” Yvonne Carr, Buyer for Visit Scotland added, “Scotland’s Trade Fairs in September and January provide a great opportunity to catch up with existing suppliers, refresh existing ranges, and also to look for innovative new products to the gift industry.” The intimacy of Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn and the fact it is the only gift trade Show north of Birmingham in the Autumn always makes it popular for independent retailers. Lesley Locket from new company Slated said, “This is my very first trade fair and I have met so many people and got some great orders, as well as finding out from the retailers what they’d like from me in terms of new products and ideas.” For information on Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and to register, visit scotlandstradefairs.co.uk All of the research and curatorial work for Ambiente’s 2018 trends is handled by the bora.herke.palmisano Trend Bureau.The trend scouts have been filtering the relevant seminal influences in design, art, architecture, fashion and lifestyle.This involves selecting products of Ambiente exhibitors and showcasing them in the form of trend worlds. As a heading for its trend message, its chosen the phrase Fusion, Link and Connection. “This is because each of the four thematic areas comprises several and sometimes even seemingly contradictory aspects,” says Annetta Palmisano from the bora. herke.palmisano Trend Bureau. “It’s increasingly about a quest for well-being, meaning and alternative options.The focus will be on everyday things, handmade items, sustainability and being future- proof.”This will be specifically reflected in four stylistic directions: Modest Regenerations, Colourful Intentions, Technological Emotions and Opulent Narrations.The design that will be presented has been impacted by numerous influences, ranging from rustic simplicity to hints of Baroque opulence. The trade fair will include exclusive guided tours and talks by the design studio, offering intensive glimpses of the four trend worlds. On each day of the show, at 11:30 and 14:30, Annetta Palmisano will give a talk on the presentation platform of the Ambiente Academy, with plenty of examples of tomorrow’s design language. After each session, she and Claudia Herke will take the audience on a guided tour of the trends showcased at Galleria 1. Ambiente Trends will be supported by a brochure with a clear presentation of the research, using colour palettes as well as sample products and materials. Fashion retailers will thus receive valuable stimuli for the coming year. For more details and to register for February’s show, visit ambiente.messefrankfurt.com