Buyer confidence in A/W13 shows as exceptional business is written at Pure London

Pure London, organised by i2i Events Group, closed its doors yesterday following three days of good business as high calibre buyers and retailers attended from across the UK and overseas. Now in its 33^rd season, the show is one of Europe’s leading transactional exhibitions, making it an excellent barometer for how retail is fairing in the current climate. A buoyant, confident mood was reported at the show with positive feedback from both exhibitors and retailers alike.

 

The 'who’s who’ of fashion buying attended Pure London, including many retailers found on this year’s Drapers Inspiring Indies shortlist, and winner ‘The Dressing Room’. Key independent retailers such as Anne Furbank, Attic, Black White Denim, Diffusion, Doodie Stark, Lewis Yates, Love KR, M&Co, Okeefe, Richmond Classics, and AB10 were joined by etailers such as ASOS, Amazon, Figleaves, and BrandAlley. This season saw an increase in department store buyers with the likes of Fenwick, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Debenhams, Selfridges and Hoopers, whilst the high street was out in force with names including Author, Berties, Dune, Joy, Mango, Monsoon, New Look, Next, Oasis, Office, Top Shop, Urban Outfitters, and Warehouse all visiting the show.

 

‘It’s been great to see so many new and diverse brands, I thought I was coming to see brands I already stock, but there is such a great atmosphere, buzz and excitement at Pure London, that I picked up a new jewellery brand and niche clothing brand, who I want to keep under wraps.  Pure London is a great platform to discover new and exciting brands, I can see them in their studios but it is great to see them next to each other.’  Enthused Sarah Clare, Owner of What Sarah Did, Hertfordshire.

 

Exhibitors reported plenty of orders being written by quality retailers from all sectors. Fiona Freeman, Production Co-ordinator of womenswear brand Darling, commented; ‘We have had an amazing show; it has been consistently busy across the three days and we have taken lots of good orders. This season has been a lot better for us than the last, we have all really enjoyed being at the show, there is a great atmosphere.’

 

 

 

 

This season over 1,000 brands were presented including directional fashion, footwear and accessories. Underlying the importance of Pure London on the international buying calendar, the show played host to buyers from Europe including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and as far afield as Hong Kong, Japan and Australia. Mark Ashton, Managing Director of Little Mistress, commented; ‘The reaction to our new collection has been really strong. We came with a target of signing 60 new accounts for Little Mistress and we achieved 75% of that figure by the end of the first day. New accounts have been opened in new international markets including South Africa, Spain, Cyprus, Belgium and Luxemburg.

 

Pure London focuses on bringing key international retailers and brands to the show and this season presented 320 international labels, a year on year increase of 6%. Amongst these were 63 French brands, 35 Italian brands, 49 Spanish, 12 Portuguese and 18 German.  An international team is now in place headed by International Sales Director, Hans Stoter, with representatives in key markets including France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

 

Footwear saw a big increase in interest from buyers as Pure London now presents the strongest and most directional offering of branded footwear in the UK. Brands included Kat Maconie, Melissa, French Connection, Hudson Shoes, J Shoes, Moda In Pelle, and Julian Hakes.

 

The feedback from the floor was overwhelmingly positive. Claire Bank, Managing Director of Moda in Pelle, commented; ‘We have attracted a lot of new buyers both from the UK and internationally, our collection has been received really well. We have had an excellent show and love the expansion and new layout of the Gallery Level, it works perfectly with our brand and our positioning.'

 

While Alex Chupin of K By Karston stated, ‘This is our first time at the show; we love the environment and atmosphere. We have had lots of great interest with quality buyers, we can’t fault Pure London.’

 

Kelly Baker, Assistant Buyer of Dune Group, commented, ‘We come to the show each season and today we are on the lookout for accessories. Pure London is a brilliant resource for us; right on our doorstep and fantastic for new ideas and inspiration.’

 

Buyers and retailers visit Pure London to write orders and source new collections, but are also using the show as a vital live resource for business advice. Over 50 hours of insight from 75 top industry experts was showcased over three stages. Speakers included Julie Deane, Founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company, British designer Zandra Rhodes and CEO of People Tree Safia Minney, Richard Pollin, Head of Business at Google, and James Barnett, Production Coordinator of Selfridges.

 

In particular there was an increased interest in ‘clicks and bricks’ with a hunger for knowledge of online retailing. Draper’s Editor in Chief, Caroline Nodder, chaired a discussion panel about ‘The Future of the independent fashion market’ on Sunday to a full theatre, while David Walter, CEO of Little Black Dress, discussed the importance of staying ahead online to an audience on Monday.

 

Deryane Tadd, Owner of award winning store The Dressing Room, St Albans, commented; ‘We have had appointments with existing brands and have written orders. We always come to Pure London to have a look for new brands and to see what is out in the market. The seminars and content at the show are amazing!  As an indie I can’t always afford to take time out to go to seminars, Pure London offers great business advice and product all under one roof.’

 

Jan Shutt, Owner of Sunday Best in Rossendale, commented; ‘Pure London is a great venue to catch up with some inspirational indies and share notes as networking is such an important part of any business. By listening to others it can give you an indication of what’s hot and what’s not!’

 

Taking the show forward, the Pure London team has seen a restructure to bring additional expertise into a strong retail portfolio, which includes Pure London, The Jewellery Show, Jewellery Show London, Spring Fair and Autumn Fair. New appointments include Louise Young, Managing Director of Retail, Julie Driscoll, Portfolio Director for Fashion and Jewellery, and Katie Nicholls, Brand Manager for Fashion and Jewellery. 

 

Julie Driscoll, Portfolio Director for Fashion and Jewellery, commented; ‘We have had a fantastic show! It is an exciting time for Pure London. We are listening to buyers and exhibitors and held focus groups on-site on what we can do to make this the best show in the market. I look forward to implementing the feedback and taking Pure London forward for seasons to come.’

 

Pure London is set to take over London Olympia once again this August for its Spring/Summer 2014 edition. From the 4^th-6^th August 2013, over 1,000 brands will be welcomed to the show as they debut their latest collections for S/S14.

Buoyant Mood Results in Great Business at Pure London

The 'who’s who of fashion buying attended Pure London this weekend and exhibitors reported plenty of orders being written and good business being done. The show closed its doors on Tuesday having maintained visitor numbers year-on-year and key buyers were committed to spending more time than ever at the show with a sharp increase of 16% returning for a second and third day of buying.

Visitors included Darkroom, Donna Ida, Browns, Black White Denim, O’Keefe, Bank, Harrods, Next, Elisabeth May Shoe Boutique, ASOS, Amazon, Choice, Snooty Frox of Harrogate, Arnotts, Hoopers, Figleaves.com, Selfridges, Pretaportobello.com, Start Boutique, Sunday Best, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Fenwick, Net-a-porter, Black Truffle and The Dressing Room.

With over 1,000 brands, including 250 new to the show, and the addition of new sections including Pure Body showcasing lingerie, swimwear and shapewear, Pure Junior housing top childrenswear, and the French Boulevard with a selection on French accessory brands; Pure London has expanded in size opening up into the new West Hall Level 1.

‘It has been a huge show this year, it’s a show I cannot miss, I have visited every day there is just so much to see. I have found three new exciting collections, and the French Boulevard has been an interesting addition the show. Pure London is a must for buyers; it gives a great overview of the market, and is the best place to find new up and coming brands’ commented Jan Shutt, Managing Director, Sunday Best.

Exciting content on stage at Pure London has been key to a creating a positive visitor experience, with better buying and better business high on the agenda. This season saw seminar attendance at an all-time high with the unbeatable line up of speakers attracting more than 2,550 buyers over the three days. Sixty industry experts took to the three stages including founder of MJM International, Michelle Mone OBE who spoke to a packed audience on building her empire, while Brix Smith-Start took to the stage to discuss her top trends for spring / summer 13. The addition of the new Gallery Stage allowed buyers to see the accessory, footwear, lingerie and swimwear trends translated for the season and the Queen of British Fashion, Zandra Rhodes presented the launch of her handbag range.

 

 

‘I always come to Pure London, I come twice a year and I’m always very excited about it! What a show it is this season! The stands are all looking so beautiful and I think everyone has really gone for it this year! This season I was so excited about coming to see the seminars. The WGSN forecasts are always amazing! It really inspires you for the next season’ commented Janine O’Keefe from O’Keefe’s.

Tracie Charity, Merchandise Manager of Fenwick commented ‘At Pure London we are able to get inspiration, ideas and it’s always on trend. Today we have seen fantastic brands and a wide range that are a perfect fit for us! ‘

International attendance was strong with visitors attending from over 72 countries including Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Scandinavia and the US and from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong and UAE. Seth Prezioso, Commercial Director of Angels Never Die commented ‘ We have opened lots of new accounts in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong and France.'

 Buyers saw the biggest selection of womenswear, footwear, accessories, premium brands, young fashion, intimate wear and childrenswear all under one roof, with many brands choosing to present their S/S13 collections exclusively at Pure London. Womenswear brands included Almost Famous, Fenn Wright Manson, Pamplemousse and Fever alongside top young fashion brands Little Mistress, Kat Von D Los Angeles, Glamorous.

Danielle Butter, Wholesale Manager at Mina commented ‘ It has been a great show. We have had some new customers both internationally and from the UK . Monday was very busy for us, this is the only show we come to at the moment, it is great to see all our clients here.’

Footwear and accessory brands included Jeffrey Campbell, Becksondergaard, Melissa, House of Harlow 1960, French Sole, Tatty Devine, Sultanesque and Christian Lacroix.

Pure Junior launched this season in the National Hall, with selected childrenswear brands including Yumi Girls, More Stories, Crew, Little Marc Jacobs and French Connection Kids. Ally Tayler, Director of childrenswear brand Kite commented ‘ We have seen a lot of buyers and have had lots of new leads from people we would normally not see. We have spoken to lots of womenswear buyers who are considering placing orders with us.’

Within the new hall, the Pure Body section dedicated to lingerie and swimwear has been a great success. Huge demand and fantastic feedback from visitors means this section will grow significantly in 2013. Laura Fuser, Export Manager of Cosabella confirmed ‘ Pure Lingerie has been an excellent show for us, much better than we expected. We have met with some great retailers. The atmosphere that been created around the new Gallery Catwalk has been superb.’

‘I have been thrilled to spend three days in such a positive environment, despite all the challenges in the industry right now the atmosphere has been buoyant. We have had a great show with both the clothing line and the launch of footwear, writing orders with all the right buyers’ commented Mark Hackney, Kat Von D.

 

Sarah Lawrence, Event Director of Pure London summed up the mood at Pure: ‘The overall vibe of Pure London has been extremely positive amongst both exhibitors and visitors. The combination of exciting features, catwalks, seminar content and brands have all contributed to an exciting and inspiring event. We are already looking forward to the next show 10-12 February 2013.’

Pure London Expands for August 2012

The 'who’s who of fashion buyng' attended this season’s Pure London, with a positive and buoyant atmosphere throughout the three days. As Spirit Young Fashion returned to Olympia, buyers had their pick from over 1,000 brands from the biggest selection of womenswear, footwear, accessories, premium brands and young fashion in the halls of Olympia. International attendance was strong, with high presence from Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Scandinavia and the USA, and from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong and the UAE.

Andre Laufer of Isabel del Pedro commented “The show has been brilliant! We have opened new accounts with lots of independent boutiques. This is the best season we have had in the last six years.”

Jan Shutt, owner of award winning retail store, Sunday Best commented “I love having everything under one roof, it makes is so easy for buyers! There are loads of great brands on show.”

Visitors included AB10, Anthropologie, American Pie, Author, Black Truffle, Black White Denim, Coggles.com, Debenhams, Donna Ida, Fenwick, Fortnum and Mason, Hambledon, Hub, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Joy, Jules B, Lewis Yates, Kurt Geiger, Topshop, Office, Selfridges, Williams & Griffin, Start, Urban Outfitters and Wish. Online stores included Amazon, ASOS, My-wardrobe, Getmyfashion.com, Net-a-porter and international names included Dunnes, McElhinneys and El Corte Inglés.

Womenswear brands Mina, Almost Famous, Fenn Wright Manson, Carling, Sticky Fingers, Pamplemousse, Fever, Ian Stuart London, Darling and Anoushka G all showcased their Autumn/Winter 2012 collections alongside top young fashion brands Quiksilver, Kat Von D Los Angeles, Desigual, Yumi, Little Mistress, Molly Bracken and Mina.

Alnifa Hackney, creative director of Kat Von D Los Angeles commented “It has been a great show for us to launch at. The flow of buyers has been constant and there is a really nice atmosphere. We have seen lots of department store buyers. Kat was really impressed with the show, meeting the buyers and press!”


Buyers were looking for exciting new brand and fresh ideas, and the accessory and footwear halls completed the buying experience, with exhibitors such as Love from Australia, Fly London, French Sole, Vamp, Orelia and Oililly.


Janice Briggs, managing buyer at Pebbles in Tredegar commented “We always visit Pure London for the variety and choice of accessories and footwear. We spend at least two days at the show as there is so much to see!”

Olivia Rollins, brand coordinator at Ruby and Ed commented “We have had a fantastic show and seen lots of key buyers. We only ever show at Pure London, it’s the best trade show! We have really felt a buzz this season and have been so busy, none stop for three days!”

Tom Turton, account manager at J Shoes commented “This has been the best show we have had in a long time. There was a great buzz and atmosphere, and a really good flow of buyers writing orders. We have seen a number of key accounts.”


Pure’s Premium Womenswear section upped the fashion ante for Autumn/Winter 2012 with a host of established design heavyweights. Returning to Olympia’s Pillar Hall, collections from Wondaland, Winter Kate, Jofama, TBA, Lounge Lover, Goat and Tara Jarmon accompanied premium accessory brands Sam Ubhi, Zandra Rhodes for Adele Marie, Becksondergaard, Matt & Nat, Ally Capellino and Lulu Guinness Luggage in the Gallery Level.


Kam Harris, UK sales agent for Becksondergaard commented “We have had an amazing show! We have opened new accounts including Fenwick Newcastle, and seen all the key buyers!”

Deryane Tadd, owner of The Dressing Room, St Albans commented “The mix of collections at Pure London is excellent this season with great ideas in accessories and footwear. I feel all the content and seminars are really important, they are very informative for all types of businesses.”

This season saw an impressive line up of industry experts including leading fashion gurus from the world of TV, online, high street and independent retailing. Guest speakers included stylist and fashion presenter Antonia O’Brien, designer Zandra Rhodes, trends commentator Khabi Mirza, editor of Retail Jeweller Laura McCreddie and senior retail editor of WGSN, Lorna Hall. WGSN presented daily inspirational womenswear trends for Autumn/Winter 2012 while Drapers provided essential buying advice for maximising profit.

Sarah Lawrence, Event Director commented, “This Pure London has been our biggest ever with over 1,000 brands on show. It is known for being a show where people pick up new brands, write orders and enjoy informative seminars that are a source of inspiration for boutiques.”


New for 2012

The show is set to expand next season, increasing its footfall by at least 700 sq m to expand current areas and create new sections. An extra hall on the first floor of Olympia will open up allowing more space for accessories including a French Accessories Pavilion, as well as a new section Pure Body, a destination for buyers looking to source lingerie, swim wear, hosiery, leggings, loungewear and casualwear. In Spirit Young Fashion, the introduction of a kids section will showcase trend-led childrenswear brands.

Another addition, Pure Expert will bring expert business advice to life. A dedicated seminar and workshop programme will focus on retailing, visual merchandising, cashflow, bricks to clicks and more. Plus, fellow professionals will take to the stage and share their experiences, what solutions they have employed and with what results.

Pure Britain will also be introduced, ensuring that ‘Made in Britain’ ranges are highlighted to UK and international buyers looking to buy British.

In line with the Olympics and Paralympics, Pure London has moved its August show to a new date line, 19th - 21st August 2012. With the Olympics running from 26th July to the 12th August 2012 in London, Pure London has strategically planned this new dateline to ensure brands and buyers alike are not travelling to the show during one of the country’s busiest ever periods. Pure London will be positioned perfectly to compliment the buying schedule of the independent fashion retail market and the multiples, during the Spring/Summer 2013 buying season.

PURE LONDON EXCLUSIVELY INVITES YOU TO AFTERNOON TEA WITH ZANDRA RHODES AND ADELE MARIE

Monday 13th February 2012 at 3pm
Fashion Cafe, Gallery Level, London Olympia

The countdown to Pure London has begun!

Taking place 12th -14th Feb at London Olympia, don't miss the Queen of British fashion, talking about her latest collection with fellow British jewellery designer Adele Marie.

Join Zandra Rhodes and Adele Marie in the Fashion Café as they are interviewed by Laura McCreddie, Editor of Retail Jeweller.

Don’t miss this very special afternoon tea in the Fashion Café where you can enjoy tea and cakes whilst exclusively viewing a fabulously stunning array of jewellery from Zandra and Adele.

If you would like to attend the afternoon tea please RSVP to Kate Stafford on kates@goodresults.co.uk

View the full Zandra Rhodes and Adele Marie collection on stand J33, Premium Accessories.

BUYERS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS AT PURE LONDON

7th - 9th August 2011

The 'who’s who of fashion buying' attended Pure London this weekend and the show closed its doors on Tuesday with a record number of exhibitors already committed to the show next February.

On track for another increase in total visitor numbers the riots in London affected the last day’s attendance resulting in the overall unique visitor numbers being down by 3%. Not deterred key buyers were committed, writing orders and spending up to 3 days at the show. 13% more visitors’ year on year returned for a second day of buying.

'Pure London is amazing, it is very well organised and there is so much to choose from. We need more than 3 days to get around! It is my first time at the show and we will definitely be coming back.' commented Loubna El MKaour owner of Primrose boutique in Morocco.

Visitors included Fenwick, Harrods, Selfridges, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Debenhams, Urban Outfitters and Hoopers; as well as key independent retailers such as American Pie, Choice, Sarah Coggles, Sunday Best and Village Bicycle. Online stores included Amazon, ASOS, Figleaves, My Wardrobe, Net A Porter, Play and Very.

International attendance was up by 3 % with visitors from Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Scandinavia and the US with buyers visiting from over 70 counties and from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong and UAE.

Mark Ashton, Managing Director of Little Mistress commented 'The show has been fantastic for us we’ve seen lots of new customers and we’ve opened 90 new accounts across 6 countries – UK, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Canada and Germany. Our clothes are going to be stocked in 500 shops in Canada which is amazing! Bank, Littlewoods and USC are all stocking our products across 36 stores so we’ve done incredibly well! Footfall has been quality not quantity but we still ran out of order pads and had to get more staff in!! We will definitely be rebooking.'

Celebrating its 30th season, Olympia saw the biggest selection of womenswear, footwear, accessories and premium brands while Earls Court 2 was home to the energising young fashion section, Spirit. This season over 1100 brands exhibited across both venues. Womenswear brands included Olivia Rubin, YaYa, Almost Famous, Sandwich, Ian Stuart, Selected Femme, Darling, Charming, Fenn Wright Manson and Anoushka G alongside top young fashion brands Quiksilver, Day 22, Desigual, Yumi, Molly Bracken, Only, Vila, Dahlia, Lavand and Mina. Footwear and Accessory brands included Cleo B, Love from Australia, Fly London, French Sole, Sam Uhbi, Matt & Nat, Zandra Rhodes, Patrick Cox and Adele Marie.

Stitch co-located with Pure London for the second season, with brands such as Pretty Green, Original Penguin and Duck and Cover.

Mindy Dully, Sales Agent for footwear brand Redfoot commented ‘The show has been really busy! We have been very successful and found lots of new customers. It has been nonstop all day and we have seen a broad mix of buyers from a range of countries.’

Pure Premium upped the fashion ante for Spring/Summer 2012 with a host of established design heavyweights. Returning to Olympia’s Pillar Hall, collections from Wondaland, Katyakatya Shehurina, BLAK, Jofama, Totem, TBA, Baby Ceylon and D.Efect sat alongside premium accessory brands The Branch, Sam Ubhi, Ally Capellino and House of Harlow.

‘We have been really busy! The show is improving each season, it is the place to write orders, you see every key buyer at the show! We have seen everyone from My Wardrobe, Richmond Classics, Hoopers....the who’s who of fashion buyers!’ Commented Bridget Boakye, Director of Maverick Agency.

'We have been introduced to lots of new brands; the show is very on trend and fashion forward. I loved the premium section especially the brand Wondaland. The show is so big I think I will have to come back tomorrow.' Lawandad Wallace, Owner of Lu's Bazaar in New York

This season saw an impressive line up of industry experts with 43 speakers including leading fashion gurus from the world of TV, online, high street and independent retailing. Guest speakers including Caryn Franklin, Eric Musgrave, Zandra Rhodes, Thea Green of Nails Inc and Selfridges Window and Concept manager Sarah McCullough; all offered top advice across 86 sessions. WGSN presented daily inspirational womenswear trends for Spring/Summer 2012 while Drapers provided essential buying advice for maximising profit.

‘The show is great for picking up ideas. I love the whole experience of the show; there is so much to choose from. I love the catwalks and seminars they create a great atmosphere and our very insightful. I can’t wait for February!’ commented Janice Mallalied, owner of Stage One Boutique in Ashton Under Lyne.

Hilary Cookson owner of Maureen Cookson in Lancashire commented ‘I would never miss Pure London; I come looking for interesting new collections and have found exactly what I am looking for. I am delighted that Spirit Young Fashion will be moving back to Olympia, with everything under one roof next season. Even though Spirit brands are not core to what I buy the whole section adds to the overall buying experience.’

Steve Newbold, Managing Director, Pure commented “It is a real credit to the exhibitors and visitors who come to Pure London that the show was positive and buoyant right up to the last day despite the problems in London this weekend with minimal effect on visitor numbers. There has been great enthusiasm and commitment for our plans for next season with Pure Spirit Young Fashion returning to Olympia. The development of a new double-decker hall and other improvements at Olympia will enable Pure to provide the additional space and facilities that exhibitors and visitors want under one roof. Pure London will continue to work with Stitch as a co-located event.”

Pure London will take place from 12 – 14th February 2012 in Olympia.

Pure London’s new show, Pure Close to Season, will take place from October 23 – 24th 2011. Held in Olympia the show will give buyers an opportunity to top up their current forward order collections, buy short-order for autumn 11 and source new on-trend product for Spring/Summer 2012.