Attire Accessories - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 74)

UP AND COMING 107 FIREHOUSE T: +44 (0)1844 208 565 W: firehorse.fashion firehorse.fashion All of this has helped to develop my understanding of the luxury goods sector and bring a really strong fashion label to the market. In terms of location, I have also always been passionate about excellence in design and manufacture, which are two things we do exceptionally well in Britain. When setting up Firehorse, I knew I wanted to showcase and celebrate the very best that we have to offer, hence my brand’s “Made in England” tag line. How has the product offering changed since you started, and how would you describe your current collection? We launched Firehorse in July 2018. Our launch collection designers were chosen for their fresh approach to textile design and high level of originality. The result is a debut collection that is diverse, sophisticated and universal while also managing to be modern yet timeless. How often do you launch new lines? We’re already working on the Firehorse Collection 02 – watch this space! What trade shows do you attend and why? We have not attended any trade shows so far but are researching several for the coming year, including Top Drawer and Pulse, Spirit of Christmas, The National Wedding Show and Autumn and Spring Fair. What retailer is the brand best suited to and why? We are targeting quality department stores seeking to trial exciting new British brands that complement their established company offers and to help them maintain a fresh and dynamic image in the minds of their customers. The brand is also suited to high-quality independent boutiques seeking out beautiful premium brands that offer an element of exclusivity to customers who value luxury and quality craftsmanship. Finally, we are developing relationships with luxury hotels wishing to offer premium-quality fashion accessories for their customers. What are your current bestselling designs? Currently, Solena, Atlantis Vivid Lima, Origami and Arabesque. It is early days, though, so the picture is changing all the time. When was the website launched, and how does it support the business? The website was launched in July 2018 to provide an online shop, as well as a high-quality showcase for the brand, for both consumers and retail buyers. What have been the key milestones in the business? Key milestones to date have been developing the brand concept and positioning, identifying the launch collection designers, appointing the final silk printer, launching the brand and website and making our first sales. Do you have any thoughts on how Brexit will affect your business? Our focus at Firehorse is on developing our home UK market, and given we are also a “Made in England” brand, we expect the impact of Brexit to be less for us than the brands that rely on European supply and trade. When it comes to focusing on export, our priority markets are likely to be outside Europe, including the Middle East and Asia. We are also optimistic that the trading arrangements with Europe will be more settled by the time we’re ready to hit key European markets. What are your future plans for the business? As I mentioned, scarves are just the starting point for Firehorse. Having established the brand, mastered the quality we dreamed of and received such positive feedback from the marketplace, the next step will be to extend our range of scarves in terms of design, fabric and finish. From there, we intend to explore other clothing products and potentially extend further into homeware. We’re taking it one step at a time, though – developing nothing short of excellent products for our customers sits at the heart of our brand ethos! Is there anything else you’d like to add? As an energetic newcomer to the fashion market with bags of vision, we’re very keen to team up with great partners, be it new design talent or retailers who can help bring beautiful Firehorse products to the market and share in the growth and success of the brand. For all partner enquiries, please email Finella directly at finella@firehorse.fashion .