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 Lochside press day in Urban Retreat at Harrods

Beauty press were invited along to the Urban Retreat at Harrods to meet Pure Lochside Founder Fiona Tutte.

Accompanied by tasty Scottish treats including oatcakes with smoked salmon pate, raspberries, hand made chocolate and tablet (a tradidional Scottish sugary delicacy a bit like fudge), journalists were introduced to the therapeutic organic skin care range and its benefits before being treated to a tailor made spa treatment in one of the trend rooms.

Pure Lochside will be launching their new Pure Eye Serum exclusively with Urban Retreat at Harrods in September.  Spa-goers will be able to indulge in a Pure Lochside Scottish spa experience in one of the Trend Rooms with specially created treatments using the skin care and body care products.

Counting down to Christmas already!

We may still be awaiting the arrival of the summer, but in the PR and media world thoughts are already turning to autumn/winter - and Christmas!  So last week we hosted All Present & Correct - the destination press day for niche and luxury brands.

Held in The Music Room on South Molton Lane, 24 brands showcased their forthcoming collections and launched new products to the press with exhibitors including fashion, accessories, footwear, homes and gifts, hair and beauty.

Names, names, names… fashion from leading designers included Bambi and Manson, Becksondergaard, Eleven Paris, Emma J Shipley, Emma Louise London, Linzi, Luisa Cerano, the award winning boutique The Dressing Room , Twist and Tango, Zandra Rhodes bags and Zandra Rhodes Jewellery.

Gorgeous home and gift ranges were on show from Hoopers, MAD’s range of boudoir beauty gifts, the gift service Not Another Bill, Oilily bags and luggage, hand made notebooks from Paper With Spirit, the iconic Pure Radios, glamorous accessories from Ruby + Ed and stunning floral arrangements (including some fabulous floral Christmas trees!) from Wild About.

As well as lots of new beauty  products from D&L Hair including their fabulous Agadir Argan Oil, natural skincare from Elizabeth’s Daughter and hair styling appliances from YOGI Hair there were much welcomed pampering treatments including mineral makeup makeovers from Bellapierre, manicures from TOMA Nails and hand massages from Pure Lochside therapeutic organic skin care.

All in all a very busy – but very worthwhile day!

For further information visit www.apandc.co.uk

DAISY LOWE AND IGGY POP > FACES OF ELEVEN PARIS AW12 CAMPAIGN

Parisian brand, Eleven Paris, unveil British model Daisy Lowe and punk singer Iggy Pop as the faces in their new Autumn Winter 2012 campaign. The iconic label, fronted by Ash Stymest for the past four campaigns, now want grow their rock image even further.

Sterile and minimalist, the Autumn Winter 2012 womenswear collection offers oversized tailoring with clean geometric shapes. Two tone materials and striped knits are seen in the menswear collection giving basic wardrobe staples an energized update. Cultural Norwegian influences and Indian prints are seen across jacquard patterned knits, shirts, trousers and jackets in both the menswear and womenswear collections. De-constructed silhouettes, military parkas and carrot fitting trousers give an ultra rock edge.

Their signature t-shirts are seen with a range of legendary rock groups from past to present including Queen, David Bowie, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Kanye West and Lady Gaga. HISTORY Eleven Paris was established in Paris in 2003 and opened their first store in the 10th district of Paris.

There are now 10 stores in the trendiest areas of Paris. Season by season, the brand continues to develop its international network and is now present in over fifteen countries: Canada, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Israel, Dubai, Morocco, Russia, Hong Kong and more. Eleven Paris is now stocked on ASOS, Urban Outfitters, Cruise, Plumo, Flannels, Fenwick and independents across the UK.

 Life is a joke!

ULTIMO, CHANTAL THOMASS AND VELDA LAUDER CHOOSE PURE LONDON LAUNCH

19th-21st August 2012 London Olympia

This August sees the hottest names in intimate wear unveiling their collections at the launch of Pure London’s brand new section, Pure Body. Housing the very best in directional and designer lingerie, swimwear, shapewear and loungewear, Pure Body will be located in the newly opened West Hall Level 1, upstairs in Olympia from 19th – 21st August.

Image from Made by Nikki

Brands not to be missed include Ultimo, the underwear brand launched by Michelle Mone OBE in 1999, which will be showcasing its latest collection. Since its launch, Ultimo has become one of the most well-known lingerie brands in Europe due to its high-profile media campaigns and famous celebrity models, having risen to fame thanks to its innovative use of silicone gel in its bras.

Their Spring Summer 2013 collection draws inspiration from the iconic 70’s Charlie’s Angels, creating a beautiful fusion between true femininity with the slight scent of peril. The collection borrows vintage glamour by using muted pinks, blues and nudes. It is edged with bold piping, bright corals, and chiffon animal, finished with acid lime to entertain the intrepid season of summer! Founder and co-owner of Ultimo’s MJM International, Michelle Mone OBE is also confirmed to deliver a keynote speech at the show on Monday 20th August where she will be divulging her top tips on how to carve a multi-million pound empire and overcome adversity.

Also showing is Velda Lauder Corsetiere, favourite among celebrities including Dita Von Teese, Pamela Anderson, Tulisa Contosavlos and Courtney Love, and a brand which has devoted nearly two decades to sculpting the female form into beautiful hourglass proportions. Designer Velda Lauder’s love of 40's and 50's cinema ignited her infatuation with curve-creating garments that intensify and empower. Velda has refined and evolved the traditional craft of corsetry to comfortably reduce the waist of her clients by four inches without oppressing the ribs or hips.

Image from Velda Lauder

Swimwear brand, CrisBerry will be showing its bright and cheerful collection inspired by the freshness of the Californian coasts. The range consists of colourful motifs and patterns, each of which are conceived and designed entirely by the two creators, Cristel and Romina Carrisi. The collection finds inspiration in 1980’s cartoons, dreams, Roald Dahl’s books and vintage music stores in Hollywood.

Other brands to watch include one of Britain's most luxury lingerie and body wear brands, Made by Niki, which will offer some of the world's most covetable pieces, created by a team of underwear obsessives in the heart of the English countryside.

Image from CrisBerry

The ResultWear collection, which was created to meet the demand for beautiful shapewear that creates a smooth silhouette without the need for bra or underwire, features contoured bands and breathable performance fabrics that firm and shape problem areas while enhancing a woman's best assets, whilst maternity brand, HOTmilk brings a range of sensual nursing bras, camisoles and nightwear.

Other unmissable labels joining the line up include Claudette, Doro Design and, one of the leading proponents of glamorous lingerie, French name Chantal Thomass. Pure Body will also be launching a series of show-stopping lingerie, swimwear, shapewear and loungewear catwalk scenes on the new dedicated catwalk in the West Hall Level 1.

 A must-attend for all, these will provide buyers with an opportunity to discover the trends first-hand and brought to life on stage.



White Gallery London

White Gallery London hosted a fabulous party in association with Brides magazine at The Collection in Kensington to celebrate its third edition!

Guests sipped on fruity cocktails, champagne and delectable canapés. The main attraction of the night was undoubtedly the photo booth courtesy of Brides magazine, where guests took snaps in the booth with props, wigs and fun paraphernalia which kept everyone entertained all evening.

The bridal a-listers were out in full force with Ian Stuart, Anoushka G, Stewart Parvin's team and the Amanda Wakeley team in attendance and of course retailers and press from both the UK and Europe.

See some snaps below:



Visit to Scotland to see Pure Lochside at the Spa at Fairmont St Andrews

An inspiring trip up to Scotland with Pure Lochside to visit the spa at Fairmont St Andrews on the very picturesque (if a little windy on the day we visited!) Fife coast.


With amazing views over the golf courses (and the clubhouse!), towards the picturesque town of St Andrews and out to sea, it's all about location, location, location!

Inside is an oasis of Scottish-inspired calm - suites we'd like to stay in, an amazing airy atrium which forms the centre of the hotel (you'd never guess from the outside it was there!) - and of course the spa - the perfect place to realx and experience one of the signature spa treatments using Pure Lochside's Therapeutic Organic Skin Care products.

The spa cocoons you from the outside world with gorgeous aromas, subdued lighting and an over-all feeling of calm. Cleverly designed touches like the driftwood on the walls and the snuggly tartan throws all add to the relaxing atmosphere.


There's an extensive, locally themed spa menu from which you can choose one of the wonderful truly pampering treatments on offer - including the St Andrew's Golfer's Treatment designed by Pure Lochside to help loosen muscles and retain posture during the back swing movement! (male golfers can even indulge in their spa experience in the specially designed treatment rooms which include a flat-screen TV and wireless headsets!).

All in all a great first trip - we look forward to returning! (with a little golf perhaps?!)