Attire Accessories -Jul/Aug 2018 (Issue 71)

96 ATTIRE In May at London’s Olympia, Pulse welcomed a discerning audience of enthusiastic visitors seeking the latest design trends and cutting-edge products. Pulse 2018 offered an unrivalled edit of product from emerging designer-makers and new launches from well- loved brands – and buyers were not left disappointed. Retailers were presented with the next must-haves and the freshest new design talent. Big-name buyers were out in force, including Arcadia, Aria, ASOS, Bentalls, British Museum, Debenhams, Fenwick, Harrods, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Liberty, Heal’s, National Trust, Notonthehighstreet. com, Oliver Bonas, Scribbler, Selfridges, The Conran Shop, The White Company and The V&A. Exhibitors’ expectations were exceeded and buyers were said to have gained more orders than expected. Kate Stewart, a designer at Factory Floor Jewels said of the show: “Literally, within the first 10 minutes of the show opening, I’d taken an order, and the order was twice the size of what I had anticipated to get so that was really amazing, as it put me on track for my target straight away.” Adrian Allen, OFFDN, agreed: “It’s my first trade show; I’ve found 20 new retailers, which has exceeded my expectations. It’s been a fun and rewarding experience. I would definitely show at Pulse again.” At the heart of Pulse is Makers, a unique area dedicated to emerging creative talent. It was well-received by big retail names, with hundreds of designer-makers exhibiting, including Animaro, Keeler and Sidaway, Eleni Malami and Meylor Goods. A popular new addition to Pulse 2018 was Makers Live, a showcase of live demonstrations and interactive workshops from designer- makers. It proved a great way for visitors to understand the creative process behind the products from Catherine Lewis Designs, Rosa Pietsch, A-Laise, Glorious Mud Ceramics and Scribble and Daub. The Brands section brought together an edited selection of favourite global brands in one easy-to-shop location and featured heavyweights like ALSOHOME, Bronte by Moon, Cubic, Eva Solo, Iris Hantverk, Madam Stoltz, Sagaform, Thornback & Peel and Yod & Co. All brands showcased new launches and the next season’s best sellers. PULSE AWARDS A highlight at the end of the first day’s trading was the announcement of the annual Pulse Awards, celebrating the best in innovation and design. These awards were judged by leading retail experts, including Sarah Sevier, head of retail at the V&A, Kris Manalo, senior buyer at Heal’s, Katie Law, deputy literary editor of The Evening Standard, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, Mini Moderns and Barbara Chandler of The Evening Standard. These awards were given to exhibitors with outstanding products and exceptional stand design. The winners were Best Newcomer: Lucy Tiffney and OFFDN; Best Brand Presentation: Yod & Co and One We Made Earlier; Best New Product (Brands): XD Design, PR Home, (Living) Gedigo OY Ab and Ark Colour Design; and Best New Product (Fashion): ROKA and Jessica Wilde Design. INSIDER INSIGHTS The daily ShopTalk conference was presented by 5X15 – curators of inspirational talks and workshops. ShopTalk provided visiting retailers with invaluable business advice and support from a lineup of high-profile speakers. Keynote speakers included Kris Manalo from Heal’s, discussing the story of how new products are made, and celebrity designer Sophie Conran in conversation with journalist Katie Law. Also topping the bill were Sarah Servier, head of retail at the V&A, who shared her top tips for merchandising, and Alex Schlagman from SaveTheHighStreet.org, who shared his insight into successful modern retailing. The biggest buzz around Pulse 2018 were two special areas that offered visitors a chance to meet future design stars. UAL showcased the next generation of creative talent in partnership with the University of the Arts London, with highlights being colourful homewares brand OFFDN, Mean Mail stationery, textile design brand LAR Studio and slipcast ceramics from JPD Ceramics. Meanwhile, the Jewellery Emporium brought together an exciting selection of unseen jewellery designers. Featured in the Jewellery Emporium were Tribe + Glory, Wild Fawn Jewellery, Regia London and Stockholm Rose Designs. Working with world-class trend agency Unique Style Platform, Pulse offered up exclusive and expert trend predictions for the seasons ahead. The trends were presented at the show on special stylised plinths. Future retail trends launched were the sickly sweet Candied, luxurious Library, homespun Crafted and spiritual Inner Balance. There were also two hot of the press Christmas trends announced called True Love and Carnival. A Pulse point We take a look at what made Pulse London such a successful show on the accessories-buying calendar In brief Show: Pulse Next edition: 12 th -14 th May, 2019 Venue: Olympia, London Website : pulse-london.com Twitter: @PulseLondonShow