Boutique Magazine June 2023

JUNE 2023

BUSINESS SENSE FOR FASHION RETAILERS

ISSUE 151

Pride fashion Just Around the Corner Inside Lifestyle Battle SS24 collections

At Scoop 16-18th July and London Showroom

Asia House. 63 New Cavendish St. London. W1G 7LP. E: diane@dianesykesfashion.com M: 07906 070081

EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR Gemma Ward gemma@bpmedialtd.co.uk PRINT AND ONLINE SALES Julie Neill – julie@bpmedialtd.co.uk Tel 01795 515288 Tel 07960797383 DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jack Witcomb – jack@bpmedialtd.co.uk CREDIT CONTROL Jilly Barker - Jilly@bpmedialtd.co.uk PUBLISHERS Julie Neill, Beccy Wells MANAGING DIRECTOR Julie Neill © 2022 Boutique Professional Media Ltd, Office 2, The Old Stable Block, Crescent Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 7GU. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope.

Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to Boutique Professional Media. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

ON THE COVER:

Image courtesy of Campo Marzio; Tel: 07973 718 301 campomarzio.uk

Summer planning

S

tepping outside of your comfort zone can be a frightening prospect. And that’s especially true for small business owners trying to navigate challenging times. One independent that’s taking a leap of faith in more ways than one is new Sussex-based boutique Lifestyle Battle. The shop only opened its doors on Good Friday, but is already creating a buzz among shoppers. Its co-owner sisters Saara Rootes and Karen Hadley had absolutely no retail experience before its launch. But what’s probably most impressive is how quickly they managed to get their idea off the ground. Their initial concept was only discussed at Christmas - and in a few short months they’d signed a lease, completely refurbished the shop, sourced suppliers and opened the front door. Turn to page 55-58 to find out more about their journey so far.

The arrival of warm summer weather, holidays and special occasions is providing a muchneeded boost to fashion sales. So, if you’re looking for short-order top ups, we have some great ideas throughout this issue. You may have spotted our colourful logo on the front cover in honour of Pride month. Over on pages 32-33 we also pick out some of our favourite rainbow-themed fashion, charity collaborations and equality-led designs in support of the movement.

Of course, with buying season now upon us, it’s also time to start preparing for next year. And with that in mind, this issue is also packed with the latest launches to help you kickstart your SS24 planning. Turn to pages 24-25 and 40-41 for a first look at some of the best new collections. We also reveal some essential showroom dates for your diary on pages 34-35.

Lastly, if you haven’t already submitted your entry, there’s still time to take part in this year’s Boutique Star Awards. We know times are tough for many retailers and putting an entry together can be a great way to boost morale and remind yourself of all your achievements over the past year. There are seven categories for independent retailers including Fashion Independent of the Year and Sustainability Advocate of the Year. Entering is completely free and there are so many advantages to taking part. Find out more about each category’s criteria on pages 50-51.

Gemma Ward, Editor Follow us on Instagram @boutique.magazine

STOCK STOCK UP UP

STOCK STOCK UP UP

Wear Wearwith withPride Pride

Shop Talk

CELEBRATE CELEBRATE PRIDE PRIDE MONTH MONTH WITH WITH OUROUR EDITEDIT OF RAINBOW OF RAINBOW ANDAND EQUALITY-THEMED EQUALITY-THEMED FASHION FASHION ANDAND ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES

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Here’sHere’s an edit anofedit some of some of ouroffavourite our favourite buys to buys to stock stock up onup this onsummer… this summer…

MUG, MUG, RAINBOW RAINBOW & CO, & CO, £POA £POA

EARRINGS, EARRINGS, COEUR COEUR DE LION, DE LION, £POA £POA

RAINBOW RAINBOW RING, RING, MOUSHE, MOUSHE, £POA £POA

RECYCLED RECYCLED SHOPPER, SHOPPER, KIND KIND BAG, £POA BAG, £POA

RETRORETRO PRIDEPRIDE TEE, TEE, RAINBOW RAINBOW & CO, & £POA CO, £POA BLAZER, BLAZER, GR LONDON GR LONDON PARIS,PARIS, £POA £POA

RAINBOW RAINBOW LOVE LOVE NECKLACE, NECKLACE, SCREAM SCREAM PRETTY, PRETTY, £18.50£18.50

JUMPER, JUMPER, SUGARHILL SUGARHILL BRIGHTON, BRIGHTON, £19.30£19.30

INDUSTRY OPINION

PRIDEPRIDE BRACELET, BRACELET, JOMAJOMA JEWELLERY, JEWELLERY, £POA £POA

TOP, SUGARHILL TOP, SUGARHILL BRIGHTON, BRIGHTON, £17.50£17.50 DOG COLLAR, DOG COLLAR, ROSEWOOD ROSEWOOD X JOULES, X JOULES, £POA £POA

SHINESHINE SOCKS, SOCKS, PANTHERELLA, PANTHERELLA, £POA £POA

RAINBOW RAINBOW BANGLE, BANGLE, YAA YAA YAA LONDON, YAA LONDON, £POA £POA

Scandi living SEQUIN SEQUIN JUMPER, JUMPER, ANY ANY OLD IRON, OLD IRON, £POA £POA

HOXTON HOXTON TRAINERS, TRAINERS, COCOROSE COCOROSE LONDON, LONDON, £POA £POA

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PRIDEPRIDE BRIEF,BRIEF, MODIBODI, MODIBODI, £POA £POA PRIDEPRIDE FLIP-FLOP, FLIP-FLOP, HAVAIANAS, HAVAIANAS, £POA £POA ANY OLD ANY IRON OLD IRON E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, COCOROSE COCOROSE LONDON LONDON Tel: 0208 Tel:829 0208 8919, 829COEUR 8919, COEUR DE LION DE LION E: Lucinda.brock@coeur.de, E: Lucinda.brock@coeur.de, GR LONDON GR LONDON PARISPARIS E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, HAVAIANAS HAVAIANAS Tel: 0203 Tel:932 0203 4749, 932JOMA 4749, JOMA JEWELLERY JEWELLERY wholesale.jomajewellery.com, wholesale.jomajewellery.com, KIND KIND BAG E: BAG hello@kindbag.co, E: hello@kindbag.co, MODIBODI MODIBODI modibodi.co.uk/pages/wholesale-enquiry modibodi.co.uk/pages/wholesale-enquiry MOUSHE MOUSHE E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, PANTHERELLA PANTHERELLA E: info@pantheralla.com, E: info@pantheralla.com, RAINBOW RAINBOW & CO & rainbowandco.uk/pages/wholesale, CO rainbowandco.uk/pages/wholesale, ROSEWOOD ROSEWOOD X JOULES X JOULES E: enquiries@rosewoodpet.com E: enquiries@rosewoodpet.com

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2023 2023

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SAARA ROOTES, LIFESTYLE BATTLE

pen for just three months, Sussex indie Lifestyle Battle specialises in cosy clothing and homewares inspired by the ‘hygee’ way of life. Here we meet Saara Rootes, one half of its founding duo, to discover the story behind the new launch…

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JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 3

SpSrip nrginSgum Sum mem r e2r42C4oClleocllteioctnion Leeds Leeds & London & London Showrooms Showrooms Harrogate Harrogate Fashion Fashion Week Week 0800 0800 6129009 6129009 www.carolccollections.com www.carolccollections.com

SpSrip nrginSgum Sum mem r e2r42C4oClleocllteioctnion Leeds Leeds & London & London Showrooms Showrooms Harrogate Harrogate Fashion Fashion Week Week 0800 0800 6129009 6129009 www.carolccollections.com www.carolccollections.com

UK’s largest Festival of Fashion. A trade collective of global designers, brands, buyers, creative minds and inspiring trends.

Register at: purelondon.com

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JUNE 2023

boutique.

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Summer ‘24 available to view by appointment London Sun 16th July – Thu 10th Aug APT Collections Int

+447734942382

|

Manchester Sun 13th Aug – Thu 17th Aug claudia@aptcollections.ltd.uk

www.aptcollections.co.uk

aptcollections

FASHION FIX

Fashion Fix

ESSENTIAL NEWS FOR FASHION INDIES

2022 WINNERS’ PARTY

Boutique Star Awards winners’ party to return to London’s iconic May Fair Hotel

T

he Boutique Star Awards will return to London’s May Fair Hotel this year with a winners’ party to celebrate the nation’s best fashion indies and brands. Taking place on Thursday 9 November, guests will be treated to welcome drinks in the hotel’s vaulted Atrium before sitting down for a three-course feast with wine in its luxurious Danziger suite. Following an awards ceremony and crowning of the ultimate winners, the party will continue into the night with a DJ and dance party.

This year’s competition includes 17 different categories to recognise the industry’s best fashion indies and suppliers. Retailers can enter seven categories including Fashion Independent of the Year, Independent Group of the Year,

Social Media Strategy of the Year and New Independent of the Year.

Meanwhile, supplier categories include British Brand of the Year, Accessories/ Footwear Brand of the Year and Fashion Agency of the Year. Three nomination-only awards – Lifetime Achievement, Newcomer and Outstanding Business – are also open to retailers and suppliers to recognise exceptional individuals. Three new awards have also been added to the line-up including Sustainability Advocate of the Year, Community Hero of the Year and FemaleFounded Brand of the Year.

“Last year’s winners’ party really was a night to remember, so we’ve chosen the iconic May Fair Hotel once again as the backdrop for our celebrations,” says Boutique magazine publisher Julie Neill.

“Attendees can expect great food and drink as well as an unmissable opportunity to meet other likeminded retailers and brand representatives. We’re so excited about hosting this special event for the third time and we hope indie retailers and brands of all shapes and sizes will join us to toast their amazing achievements.”

The Boutique Star Awards 2023 is open to all fashion and lifestyle independents operating at least one bricks-and-mortar store as well as brands, suppliers and industry insiders. Entries are open now via boutique-magazine. co.uk/submit-an-entry and will close on Friday 28 July. Turn to page 50-51 for more information on categories and entry criteria.

Tickets for the winners’ party will go on sale this summer.

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 9

FASHION FIX

Pomodoro announces departure of two longstanding agent duos It’s the end of an era for Pomodoro as the British brand bids farewell to two couples who have represented its collections for the past three decades.

Michael and Penny De Vaux, who were agents in East Anglia since the label’s conception in 1992, have now retired. They are joined by Midlands sales representatives Brian Devalle and partner Maggie Lawther who have also closed their order books to begin retirement.

“We are naturally sad to see them go, but happy they will now have more time to pursue new interests after devoting their working lives to the industry,” says brand director Noreen Puri. “They have been instrumental in the brand’s growth and success and real stalwarts of the industry.

The entire team at Pomodoro wishes them the very best for the future and thanks them for their unwavering loyalty, hard work and friendship over the years. They will be greatly missed.”

Taking over the reins with immediate effect are Stephen Nunn and Sarah Pickett for the Midlands and Jonathan Ward for East Anglia.

MICHAEL AND PENNY DE VAUX

BRIAN DEVALLE AND MAGGIE LAWTHER

Visionary designer and brand founder Frank Lyman dies Canadian fashion designer and brand founder Frank Lyman has died surrounded by his family.

The team behind his eponymous womenswear label shared the sad news recently across its international social media accounts. The announcement read: “Not only was Frank a great family man with three children and four grandchildren he adored, he was also a visionary in the fashion industry. Throughout his career spanning over five decades, he garnered numerous awards and accolades, and was recognised as a brilliant fashion designer and business leader. He will always be remembered for his passion, generosity, and his exceptional ability to motivate and mentor…We will honour his name and continue 10 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

what this great man accomplished.

Of course, we will miss him enormously.”

Frank Lyman began a career in fashion over 50 years ago, launching his own brand in 2001.

The collection, which has been short-listed for Drapers’ Brand of the Year seven times, offers daywear, luxe casual coordinates, embellished and embroidered denim, eveningwear and wedding wear across three separate divisions. Its womenswear is sold by thousands of indie retailers in more than 65 countries.

The designer passed on his passion for the industry to his children, who have gradually taken over the business over the last year. The team includes his daughter and the company’s co-

founder and president, Stephanie Lyman; his son and vice president of business development, Patrick Lyman; and Johanne Baron, vice president and head of design, who collaborated with Frank Lyman for over 30 years.

VIEW THE LATEST COLLECTIONS FROM ALL THESE BRANDS AT HFW THIS SUMMER: 5 HEARTS - ACCESS - ADINI

- ALICE COLLINS - ALISON SHERI - ALLISON - ALPE - AMAZING

ANA ALC AZAR - ARCTIC STORM - ARGGIDO - AVALON - BAGATT - BAR RAFAELI - BARILOCHE BELLA PREMIUM - BEREK - BIANC A - BIBI BIJOUX JEWELLERY - C ALLAGHAN C ARLA RUIZ -

- C APRICE

C ARMEN MELERO - C ARRE NOIR - C ASSANDRA - CHARLOTTE WEST - CIVIT

CLAIRE DESJARDINS - CLAUDIA C - COCO DOLL - COCO Y CLUB - COUTURE CLUB - CULTURE D.E.C .K BY DECOLLAGE - DIBIA

- DOLCEZZA

- DORIS STREICH - DREAM HANDPRINT

APPAREL DRESS ADDICT - DRESSED UP BY VEROMIA - EB&IVE - ECO SC ARVES - ELENA WANG ELISA C AVALETTI - ELIZA GRACIOUS - ELLA BOO - EMIS - ENVY - ESC APE BY ORIENTIQUE ESQUALA - EVER SASSY

- FABER WOMAN - FAILSWORTH - FASHIONE - FEE G - FELY C AMPO

FOIL FRANK LYMAN - FUEGO - FYNCH-HATTON - GABRIELA SANCHEZ - GARDEUR - GEORGEDE GILL HARVEY COLLECTION - GIORGIA-JO - GODSKE GROUP - GOLLE HAUG - GOOSE ISLAND HARIS COTTON - HATLEY - HAVEN - HOPE & IVY - INCO - IRRESISTIBLE - J BEES - JESSIC A GRAAF JOHN CHARLES - JUNGE - K DESIGN - KAFFE - KATE & PIPPA - KEVAN JON - LAURA VITA - LE COMTE LEGERO - LEO & UGO - LEWIS HENRY - LILY & ME - LIZABELLA - LORETTA VITALE - LOTUS - LUCKY LU LUIS CIVIT - LUNAR SHOES - LUXY LONDON HATS - LYMAN - MALISSA J COLLECTION - MANSTED MARBLE - MARIA BELLENTANI - MELINE - MERI ESC A - MJUS - MY FASHION HOUSE - NINA MURATI NISSA - NYDJ - OCHRE - ONE SUMMER - OPHELIA MELITA - PARAMOUR - PAZ TORRAS PASSION ACCESSORIES - PASSIONI - PERUZZI - PINNS - POMODORO - PRETTY VAC ANT - PROPRESS QUI PRIVE - RAINBOW CLUB - RED & ROYAL - RINO & PELLE - ROSA CLARA - RYDER SADDLES SAHARA - SARAH TEMPEST - SEE YOU - SMF - SMITH & SOUL - SNOXELL & GWYTHER - SURKANA SUZIE

BLUE

-

TARA

VAO

-

TERESA

RIPOLL

-

THANNY

-

THE

BAMBOO

WARDROBE

THE KANDLERS TABLE - THE NICHE COLLECTION - THINK! - TINTA - TIRELLLI - TRAFFIC PEOPLE TRIBAL - UBU - UCHUU - UP! - VEROMIA OCC ASIONS - VIA VENETO - VICTORIA ANN MILLINERY VICTORIA CHARLES HEADPIECES - VILAGALLO - WALK IN PITAS - XTI - YAUVAN - YEST - ZERRES ZHRILL - ZOE

Correct as of 1.6.2023

To join this impressive line up of exhibiting brands contact us now on 01423 623701 www.harrogatefashionweek.com

FASHION FIX MOO LIKE A MONKEY

Boutique barometer INDUSTRY SALES FIGURES APRIL 2023 (VERSUS APRIL 2022)

Applications now open for Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100 A nationwide search for the UK’s 100 most inspiring independent firms has begun as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday celebrations.

Organisers are calling on brilliant small businesses from around the country to apply to be included in this year’s SmallBiz100 line up. The initiative highlights the best of Britain’s small business community as part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday on 2 December.

Since launching in the UK in 2013, over 1,000 small businesses have been featured in the SmallBiz100 including fashion indies DJV Boutique in Ipswich and Chloe James Lifestyle in St Albans. Folkestone children’s clothing store Moo Like a Monkey was also included in the list in 2020.

“Small Business Saturday highlights the UK’s incredible small businesses and celebrates the extraordinary contributions they make to the UK and our local communities,” says director Michelle Ovens CBE. “It continues to be a vital campaign, particularly given the ongoing challenges faced by small firms.

“We are delighted to be kicking off the next decade of the campaign with this year’s search to find the most fabulous small businesses from across the UK. So, if you run an exciting small firm that brings something special to the world around you, we invite you to share your story with us!”

Indies are invited to submit a video application throughout this month via smallbusinesssaturdayuk. com/small-biz-100 for the chance to feature in this year’s line-up.

Leicester footwear brand Heavenly Feet takes first steps in US market Leicester-based footwear brand Heavenly Feet is dipping its toe into the US market after appointing several new agents across the country.

The vegan-friendly brand is well known for its timeless footwear that marries style with comfort while utilising the latest technology to create the perfect fit. Since its launch in 2002, it has built a network of over 350 UK-based retailers and suppliers.

12 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Its move into the US comes as the business celebrates year-on-year sales growth and adds to its stronghold of independent retailers in the UK. “This is really exciting news for Heavenly Feet, and we are so thrilled to be able to offer our wonderful range to customers in the US,” says director Ken Gray. “We hope this is the start of more growth for the brand following on from a really strong period in recent years and we hope to expand into more markets in the future!”

-13.83% Average sales quantity

+ 3.51% Average selling price

-1.41% Profit margin These figures represent findings from a cross section of independent online and bricks-and-mortar retailers around the UK. Total stock management and EPoS provider Top to Toe has compiled this industry index to offer Boutique readers an insight into what’s happening on the high street and online. Tel: 0203 376 5888 E: info@toptotoe.com Toptotoe.com

THE VERY BEST OF FASHION UNDER ONE ROOF B THREE (New) • ERFO • FRANK WALDER • JUST WHITE • KRIS FASHION • MANISA • MARINA V • RELAXED BY TONI • TONI

SHOWING SUMMER 2024 17th JULY – 31st AUGUST 2023 Open Sunday’s 23rd July & 30th July THE COLLECTIONS WILL ALL BE IN OUR LONDON SHOWROOM AND WE ARE VERY WELL EQUIPPED FOR VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS IF YOU ARE NOT COMING TO LONDON.

35 Percy Street, London W1T 2DQ T: 020-7636-4207 • E: sales@partnersinfashion.co.uk

www.partnersinfashion.com

FASHION FIX

Beach babe

Created by Tess Daly and friend Gayle Lawton, Naia Beach offers stylish swim and resortwear boasting luxury fabrics, glamorous designs and ultra-flattering fits. £POA; E: melwood@thebellaagency.co.uk

Night fever

Landing in stores in November, Notes Du Nord’s sparkling Jill mini Dress is the perfect party season must-have for dancing queens. £POA; E: sales@ notesdunord.com notesdunord.com

Boutique loves…

FASHION TO FALL FOR THIS SUMMER

Expertly woven

Handcrafted by artisans in Colombian communities, The Colombia Collective offers sustainable one-of-a-kind accessories such as this chic Nariño Woven Tote. £POA; E: contact@thecolombiacollective.co.uk

Prints charming

The brainchild of former Alexander McQueen designer Jessica Kayll, her eponymous resortwear collection features intricately hand-painted prints and 100 per cent silk fabrics. Its versatile pieces can be worn from day to night and are designed to last a lifetime. £POA; E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk 14 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Modern elegance

Modest luxury swimwear brand Turana Atash creates its collections for every woman. Its resortwear range features beautiful kaftans, kimonos and dresses that will effortlessly transition from beach to bar. £POA; E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk turanaatash.com

SS’24 Collection - Showing Dates 24th July - 6th August Showroom Address 4th Floor, 40-44 Newman Street, W1T 1QD Email: beau.scarlett-pitt@gerryweber.com Telephone: +44 (0) 207 436 8383 +44 (0) 777 592 3353

FASHION FIX

Colour pop

Perfecting the mismatched jewellery trend, Hannah Martin x Scream Pretty’s Colour Pop Butterfly Earrings will brighten up shop floors this SS24. Each pair is crafted in sterling silver or 18ct gold plated silver and finished with bold fuchsia, cooling aquamarine and pretty pink and violet cubic zirconia stones. £14.95; tradescreampretty.com

Pool-side chic

Bring some nautical magic to your summer holiday edit with French label Saint James’ updated wardrobe classics. Its bright orange finest cotton long shirt dress is the perfect choice for sipping cocktails around the pool. SS24 appointments available now, £51.50; Tel: 07539 228 041 E: marc@doublehagency.com

THIS MONTH’S STANDOUT WOMENSWEAR AND ACCESSORIES

Happy days

Best known for its zingy dopamine-boosting womenswear, Sugarhill Brighton’s short order AW23 collection will bring positive vibes to your boutique, guaranteed. Rashina jumper, £24.65; Tel: 01273 911 393

Arm candy

Bring joy to your boutique’s product line-up with Campo Marzio’s vibrant bags and accessories. The Italian label’s luxury bag collection includes a style for every occasion – from trendy shoulder and tote bags to functional yet stylish backpacks. From £20-50; Tel: 07973 718 301 campomarzio.uk 16 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Off the chain

British female-founded brand Coti Vision has revolutionised the glasses market with its trend-led necklace reading glasses and chains. Its range includes chunky acrylic chains in numerous colours and designs as well as smaller bead-style necklaces. Each features silicone ends that attach easily to most frames. From £7.50 - £35 each; E: info@ cotivision.com cotivision.com

Curated by buyers for buyers

featuring womenswear, footwear and accessories

Visit or Exhibit 23-25 JULY 2023 Scan and secure your place Sunday 23 July 09:00 - 17:00 Monday 24 July 08:30 - 18:00 Tuesday 25 July 08:30 - 16:00

Brought to you by

FASHION FIX

Made to order

Danish slow-fashion brand by basics cuts and sews its linen and poplin styles in plain natural fabric before garment dying each piece to order. This innovative approach helps reduce waste while giving buyers the flexibility to order the exact styles, colours and sizes they need. £POA; bybasics. com £POA; bybasics.com

Summer rain

Made from recycled rPET fabric and sustainable birch wood, Original Duckhead umbrellas bring conscious style to everyday adventures. Each design is made to last while there’s a myriad of bold hues and prints to choose from. £POA; originalduckhead. com/pages/wholesale

Eco chic

Beach bound

Innovative swimwear brand Poetry

by Locals produces stylish bikinis in the UK using recycled materials.

Expect breathable fabrics, ethical manufacturing and 100 per cent recyclable packaging. £POA; E: hello.poetrybylocals@outlook.co.uk

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS AND BRANDS

Lovely in linen

Sustainable shopper

Strong and versatile enough for everyday use, Chalk’s Ramie linenlook cotton shopper is designed to stand the test of time. £POA; wholesale.chalkuk.com

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Má + Lin’s French-inspired blouses are ethically crafted in Portugal using 100 per cent certified European linen. Each garment is fully traceable from the field to the garment warehouse with a transparent supply chain map available to view on its website. £POA; E: yue.jiang@ma-lin.uk

AW23 launches @ Home & Gift

Fashion Jewellery | Silver Plate | Accessories Homewares | Display

FASHION FIX

#Grid goals TOP POSTS WE’VE LIKED ON THE ‘GRAM THIS MONTH

@the_clever_dresser

@modarosafashion

“We are over the moon to be in the top 20 boutiques in the UK & Ireland. WOW! And of course we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our amazing customers, thank you!”

“…It has been just over a week since the Coronation…

The decorations may be down but we are still celebrating a new chapter in the monarchy’s history…”

@smallbizsatuk

@d.a.y_boutique

“…#SmallBizSatUK is once again highlighting 100 small businesses, one a day for 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday on 2nd December 2023!”

“On Sunday morning we woke up to the best surprise! D.A.Y had been in the Guardian, in an article that included us in the 20 Best Independent Boutiques in the UK!”

Social butterflies @hariscotton

Greek womenswear label Haris Cotton gives followers a daily dose of its dreamy linen resortwear inspired by sandy beaches, ancient ruins and the Aegean sea.

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@homeandgift harrogate With its next edition taking place in Harrogate from 16-19 July, Home and Gift’s Instagram account posts regular updates on its event and exhibitors.

THREE INSPIRATIONAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW NOW

@moolikeamonkey Eco-conscious childrenswear shop Moo Like a Monkey is run by husband-and-wife duo Naveed and Charlotte Khan who share inspiring reels and product photography.

Featuring at SCOOP 16-18 July - Olympia West Indx Intimate Apparel 30 July - 1 August - Cranmore Park - Solihull +44 (0)1423 885374 - info@patricia-eve.co.uk - www.patricia-eve.co.uk

Stock Up

WHAT TO BUY NOW

JUST WHITE

Sunny delights

S

S24 has landed! Here we round up some of our favourite launches while sharing some essential dates for your new season buying schedule...

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 23

SHOW PREVIEW

Showstoppers

UNMISSABLE BRANDS TO SEE AT SUMMER’S LEADING TRADE SHOWS

GUSTAV DENMARK

SHOWING AT: Scoop International and Asia House 1st Floor, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1 With a clean and pared back Scandi-style aesthetic, Gustav Denmark finishes every piece with extra magic. Expect signature details on each garment from exquisite embroidery and unique design features to beautiful tactile fabrics and head-turning exclusive prints. Its new SS24 line-up features feminine cotton pastels showcasing stunning embroidery and pin-tuck details as well as the label’s hero smocked sleeve. Standouts include silky long-sleeve maxi dresses, crisp cotton embroidered shirts and a luxe gold leaf jacquard blouse.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: from €45 for shirts and €70 for dresses CONTACT: Tel: 07906 070 081 gustav-denmark.com

GODDIVA

SHOWING AT: Pure London (stand F79) and Who’s Next, Paris Offering its collections on short and forward order, Goddiva offers elegant occasion and eveningwear that can be ordered online via its user-friendly e-commerce platform. Its ethos is to empower women to look and feel their best no matter their style, size, background or budget. The brand’s team is constantly seeking to offer the very best aspirational fashion and red carpet looks at a fraction of the cost. For AW23, its collection showcases a variety of luxurious fabrics, exquisite designs and striking details.

Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, expect burnout velvet, patterned sequins, lurex and chiffons in elegant shades such as wine, emerald, navy, champagne and black.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £28-35 MINIMUM ORDER: £150 CONTACT: Tel: 0208 597 2744 E: support@citygoddess.co.uk citygoddess.co.uk

ISKIN SISTERS

SHOWING AT: Home and Gift, Moda and Top Drawer Created by half-Brazilian half-Argentinean siblings Gabriela and Karina Iskin, accessories brand Iskin Sisters produces contemporary designs for modern women. The duo draw inspiration from architecture, modern art and natural landscapes to produce unique headturning designs. Each is handmade using unconventional jewellery materials such as leather, suede and acrylic. The range includes various striking collections such as the art-inspired Stone range decorated with colourful brushstrokes and the stunning Kate Leaves line featuring bold foliage shapes. Each piece is comfortable, wearable and lightweight and can be dressed up or down.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £30-70 for necklaces, £25-30 for bracelets and £15-25 for earrings.

CONTACT: Tel: 01784 482 888 E: sigal@sigaldistribution.com iskinjewelry.com 24 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

SHOW PREVIEW

AQUA BLUE

SHOWING AT: Scoop, INDX Intimate Apparel and London Swimwear Show With its bold take on swim and resortwear, Australian label Aqua Blu offers modern confidence-boosting holiday essentials.

Since launching in 2002, the label has built a cult international following thanks to its use of quality fabrics, expert craftsmanship and glamorous styles. Led by creative director Kristian Chase, its designers work with lush fabrics in a kaleidoscope of prints to create maximalist bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups that stand out from the crowd. Its team prides itself on its thorough and synthesised understanding of the industry - from manufacturing, design and fabrics to wholesale and commercial sell-though.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £28-35 for swimwear and £46-90 for apparel MINIMUM ORDER: no minimum order requirement but delivery charges may apply CONTACT: Tel: 01423 885 374 E: info@patricia-eve.co.uk patricia-eve.co.uk

CHALK

SHOWING AT: Home and Gift (stand DP1 – B118), INDX Woman (P210), Autumn Fair (20H30) and Top Drawer (C79) British label Chalk offers quality womenswear, homewares and accessories in natural fabrics and chic neutral hues. Its products can be ordered anytime throughout the season with deliveries received by stockists in an average five to seven days. For AW23, the brand’s interiors collection includes throws, cushions and hot water bottles in plush furs and tactile sherpa fabrics. Its predominantly one-size clothing collection, meanwhile, features elegant knits and party pieces with standouts including its best-selling Vicki Jumper and new Piper Trench.

There’s also a new statement jewellery line to complement the range.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £15-30 MINIMUM ORDER: £300 for new customers/ £200 for existing stockists CONTACT: Tel: 01843 231 300 E: info@chalkuk.com chalkuk.com

SOAKED IN LUXURY

SHOWING AT: Just Around the Corner Part of the DK Company, Danish label Soaked in Luxury offers urban glamour at its best. Buyers can expect high-end contemporary fashion with a Scandi aesthetic at affordable price points. From smart tailoring to chic casuals, the brand’s collection provides feminine and vibrant styles that indie retailers can rely on season after season. Meanwhile, with a conscious approach to design and production, its range is perfect for modern shoppers. For SS24 its line-up embraces timeless elegance with vibrant hues, tailored suiting, playful dresses and flowing silhouettes. Key colourways include turquoise, tangerine and soft brown.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £20-34 per piece on average MINIMUM ORDER: £1,500 CONTACT: Tel: 0161 273 7898 E: laura@jamagent.co.uk jamagent.co.uk JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 25

SHOW PREVIEW

Summer faves

MUST-SEE WOMENSWEAR COLLECTIONS AT NEXT MONTH’S JUST AROUND THE CORNER

EB&IVE

Australian lifestyle brand Eb & Ive embodies effortless style and a relaxed way of life. Its high impact summer staples will bring vibrancy to boutiques while shoppers will be drawn to its accessible prices and highly wearable garments. For SS24 its collection serves up a flourish of bold colour and striking floral prints in rich kiwi, candy pink, sapphire and caramel. Key fabrics include cool linen and super-soft cupro. With an extensive collection of flowy maxi dresses, stylish co-ordinates and lightweight knitwear, its SS24 line-up provides a one-stop-shop for easy summer style. Wholesale prices are around £24-36 per piece on average while the minimum order requirement is £1,500.

CONTACT: Tel: 0161 273 7898 E: kally@jamagent.co.uk jamagent.co.uk 28 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

HAVEN

Eb & Ive’s sister label Haven will bring boutiques and shoppers a dose of Australian sunshine all year round. Through its expert use of bold colour and vibrant prints, this eclectic womenswear brand is designed to bring holiday happiness to everyday life. For SS24, its striking prints and bright colours promise to bring newness to shop floors and websites.

Botanical florals sit alongside bold stripes to create a playful edit of summer essentials with broad commercial appeal. Expect easywear throw-on dresses in eyepopping prints and colourways alongside super-stylish coordinates.

Wholesale prices range from £2032 on average while the minimum order requirement is £1,500.

CONTACT: Tel: 0161 273 7898 E: kally@jamagent.co.uk jamagent.co.uk

SOAKED IN LUXURY

Danish label Soaked in Luxury offers urban glamour at its best. Buyers can expect high-end contemporary fashion with a Scandi aesthetic at affordable price points. From smart tailoring to chic casuals, the brand’s collection provides feminine and vibrant styles that indie retailers can rely on season after season. For SS24 its line-up embraces timeless elegance with vibrant colours, tailored suiting, playful dresses and flowing silhouettes. Wholesale prices are around £20-34 per piece on average while the minimum order requirement is £1,500.

CONTACT: Tel: 0161 273 7898 E: laura@jamagent.co.uk jamagent.co.uk

SHOW PREVIEW

SUGARHILL BRIGHTON LILY AND ME

Gloucestershire-based label Lily and Me creates colourful, casual and conscious womenswear boasting one-of-a-kind prints and timeless shapes. Its SS24 collection is its most responsible to date and features linen blends, woven and jersey viscose fabrics made from sustainable Lenzing, Eco-Vero and Eco-Tang. With a line-up of wardrobe staples that shoppers will turn to season after season, bespoke printed fabrics and textured knits sit perfectly alongside plain jersey and woven outfitters. Key pieces include its organic cotton Frieda print pull-on Spring Midi Dress, pretty Camelia Cardi available in coordinating pop colours and its Ecovero Lenzing Viscose Magnolia midi dress with fluted sleeves.

Wholesale prices are £18 per piece on average while the minimum order requirement is £1,000.

CONTACT: Tel: 01452 207 766 lilyandmeclothing.com

ICHI

Danish label Ichi creates high quality yet affordable fashion that is brave, creative and feminine. Its collection encompasses a complete wardrobe offering bold and statement pieces alongside everyday basics and timeless classics. For SS24 its range draws inspiration from nature with floral prints sitting alongside basic knits and neutrals highlighted with pops of vibrant colour. Key pieces for the new season include its heart print Camino tee and Brielle Jumper.

As well as introducing new styles, the label has also reworked best-sellers such as its basic jersey Kate blazer available in over 20 colours, Tai rain mac and Dusty knitwear programme.

Wholesale prices range from £17.99 for basics to £189.99 for outerwear while the minimum order requirement is £1,000.

CONTACT: Tel: 0207 739 7620 ichi.biz/en-eu

Established in 2002, family-run brand Sugarhill Brighton designs fun, stylish and affordable clothing.

Its range include exclusive handdrawn conversation prints, embroidery and extra special details, resulting in a one-of-a-kind feel. In recent years the brand’s focus has turned to creating its products as ethically and sustainably as possible while supporting social and environmental causes. The label works with concept retailers, lifestyle stores and womenswear boutiques looking for something unique. For SS24 buyers can expect light, bright and fun pieces in highly saturated colours grounded by mustard, sage and teal. Keep an eye out for its rainbow toucan print, rainbow emblems and bold pops of cerise and tomato red. Wholesale prices are around £24.50 per piece on average while the minimum order requirement is £800.

CONTACT: Tel: 01273 911 393 E: wholesale@sugarhillbrighton.com sugarhillbrighton.com JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 29

ACCESSSORIES

Fashion Extras

COLOURFUL ACCESSORIES TO BRING EXTRA SUNSHINE TO YOUR BOUTIQUE THIS SUMMER

Perfect pets

Combining Rosewood’s pet product expertise and Joules’ iconic designs, the duo’s collab collection includes colourful accessories for stylish cats and dogs. £POA; E: enquiries@rosewoodpet.com

Back to nature

Made from leftover fabric from its shirts, Saywood’s Ode To Earth collection features outdoor essentials such as a Garden Tool Belt and trendy Bucket Hat. £POA; Tel: 07745 245 512 E: info@saywoodstudio.co.uk 30 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

A close shave

Packed with nourishing organic shea butter and grapeseed oil, Mallow Beauty’s Unicorn Shave Butter promises to prevent shaving rashes for the smoothest legs in town. £POA; E: hello@mallowsbeauty.co.uk

She’s a rainbow

Create a dazzling ear stack with Scream Pretty’s Rainbow Baguette Huggies. Each is made in recycled 925 silver with the option of 18-carat gold plating. £14.95; tradescreampretty.com

It was all yellow

Crafted in a sustainable alpaca and merino blend, Samsøe Samsøe’s bright yellow Anour sweater will instantly lift womenswear edits when it lands in stores from July. £POA; E: vitus@samsoe.com

Summer living

Bring joy to everyday living with Kit Kemp for Spode’s Calypso tableware collection. The colourful range includes quality bowls, plates and accessories that are perfect for eating alfresco. £POA; faire.com

Star gazing

Made from soft natural fibres, Chalk’s giant Ramie cushion features the brand’s signature star to add interest to any interior. £POA; wholesale.chalkuk.com

Zero waste

Handcrafted by an indigenous community in the Amazon, Bottle Top’s Leda Mini Zero-Waste Tote is made from Açai Seeds that would have otherwise been thrown away. £POA; E: info@morrisfyfe.co.uk

ACCESSSORIES

Back to basics

Available in five colourways including Sea Spray, Musk, Coral, Chambray, and Papay, Modibodi’s Basic Mid Rise Brief is its cheapest leak-free underwear option yet. £POA; modibodi. co.uk/pages/wholesale-enquiry

Beach ready

Stay chic in the sunshine with By Malina’s timeless raffia hat. Style it with a kaftan and your favourite swimwear for an easy and stylish beach day look. £POA; E: info@bymalina.com

In full colour

Accessories brand Campo Marizo brings vibrancy to everyday occasions with its pop bright luxury handbags that boast quality craftsmanship and Italian design flair. £POA; Tel: 07973 718 301 campomarzio.uk

Added sparkle

Coordinating perfectly with the partywear in its pre-spring 2024 collection, Notes Du Nord’s Jolene scrunchie will bring added sparkle to Christmas edits. £POA; E: sales@ notesdunord.com notesdunord

Pearl perfection

Crafted in sterling silver and finished with cubic zirconias and pearls, Moushe’s dreamy Crescent Moon earrings will instantly elevate outfits this SS23. £POA; E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk

Rainbow bright

Combining sparkling crystals with multi-coloured beads, Coeur De Lion’s Classic Geocube necklace will bring a rainbow of hues to boutique jewellery edits this summer and beyond. £POA; E: Lucinda.brock@coeur.de

Sunny side up

Brighten up boutique homeware lineups with Cook Serve Enjoy’s porcelain rainbow egg cups. The design is dishwasher safe and comes gift boxed in recyclable cardboard. £POA; lifetimebrandseurope.com

Happy shopper

Available in four striking designs, Flore Quo’s reversible cotton tote bags will house everyday essentials while bringing elegance to summer outfits. £POA; E: florence@florequo.com

Think pink

Made in Italy using the region’s best materials, sustainable trainers brand D.A.T.E mixes modern shapes and finishes with vintage-inspired colourways. £POA; Tel: 07816 893 902 E: claire@goldfinchagency.com JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 31

STOCK UP

Wear with Pride CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH WITH OUR EDIT OF RAINBOW AND EQUALITY-THEMED FASHION AND ACCESSORIES

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une has been officially known as Pride Month for almost 25 years. And as the movement grows, more brands and retailers are showing their support for the LGBTQIA+ community with rainbow-themed products, charity collaborations and equality-led designs. Here’s an edit of some of our favourite buys to stock up on this summer…

RETRO PRIDE TEE, RAINBOW & CO, £POA BLAZER, GR LONDON PARIS, £POA

JUMPER, SUGARHILL BRIGHTON, £19.30

RAINBOW BANGLE, YAA YAA LONDON, £POA

SEQUIN JUMPER, ANY OLD IRON, £POA

32 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

HOXTON TRAINERS, COCOROSE LONDON, £POA

STOCK UP

MUG, RAINBOW & CO, £POA

EARRINGS, COEUR DE LION, £POA

RAINBOW RING, MOUSHE, £POA

RAINBOW LOVE NECKLACE, SCREAM PRETTY, £18.50

RECYCLED SHOPPER, KIND BAG, £POA

PRIDE BRACELET, JOMA JEWELLERY, £POA

TOP, SUGARHILL BRIGHTON, £17.50 DOG COLLAR, ROSEWOOD X JOULES, £POA

PRIDE BRIEF, MODIBODI, £POA

SHINE SOCKS, PANTHERELLA, £POA

PRIDE FLIP-FLOP, HAVAIANAS, £POA

ANY OLD IRON E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, COCOROSE LONDON Tel: 0208 829 8919, COEUR DE LION E: Lucinda.brock@coeur.de, GR LONDON PARIS E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, HAVAIANAS Tel: 0203 932 4749, JOMA JEWELLERY wholesale.jomajewellery.com, KIND BAG E: hello@kindbag.co, MODIBODI modibodi.co.uk/pages/wholesale-enquiry MOUSHE E: sofia@blackpr.co.uk, PANTHERELLA E: info@pantheralla.com, RAINBOW & CO rainbowandco.uk/pages/wholesale, ROSEWOOD X JOULES E: enquiries@rosewoodpet.com

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 33

DIARY DATES

Curated collections

KEY DATES AND DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR SS24 BUYING SCHEDULE

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ummer buying season is almost here and brands and agents are busy preparing to unveil their latest collections. Here we round-up some key showroom and exhibition dates for indie retailers and buyers…

SALLY DAWES AGENCY SHOWING AT: 4th Floor, Wimpole Street, London, W1G 0AE (19 July – 3 August); Scoop, Olympia West, London (Sfizio only – 16-18 July) CONTACT: Tel: 07769 970 387 E:sally@sallydawes.com sallydawes.com

APT COLLECTIONS INTERNATIONAL

BRANDS: Alembika, Alquema, Elsewhere, Igor, Ozai N ku, Philomena Christ, TKS and Urban by Alembika SHOWING AT: Apt Collections, London (16 July – 10 August; by appointment only); Manchester (1317 August; by appointment only) CONTACT: Tel: 07771 597 166 aptcollections.co.uk

CAROL C COLLECTIONS

BRANDS: Foil, Orientique, Escape by Orientique, One Summer, Ubu, Dress Addict, Tara Vao and Tirelli SHOWING AT: Leeds showroom by appointment (24-27 July); Harrogate Fashion Week (30 July – 1 August); London showroom by appointment, Asia House, New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP (14-20 July); Leeds showroom by appointment (3 August – 1 September) CONTACT: Tel: 0800 612 9009 E: info@carolcollections.com 34 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

MDA INTERNATIONAL

BRANDS: Mama b, THING, Mes Soeurs et Moi, Kedziorek, Papucei and Blueberry SHOWING AT: Pure London, Olympia (Papucei only, stand F64 – 16-18 July); Fitzrovia Hotel, London, W1 (30 July – 3 August); Clifton, Bristol (6-8 August); Civic Quarter, Manchester (13-18 August); East Sussex (21 August – 8 September) CONTACT: Tel: 0207 971 1084/ 07813 925 975 E: office@ mdainternational.co.uk mdainternational.co.uk

TATE FASHIONS

BRANDS: Lizabella, I.nco, Ella Boo, Bella Premium and Daisy May SHOWING AT: Asia House, New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP (16-20 July); Harrogate Fashion Week (stand M1; 30 July – 1 August); Harrogate Bridal Fair (10-12 September); agent showrooms (10 July – 14 September; please contact Tate Fashions for full details) CONTACT: Tel: 07712 398 549/ 0113 245 9064 tatefashions.com

PARTNERS IN FASHION

BRANDS: B Three, Erfo, Frank Walder, Just White, Kris Fashion, Manisa, Marina V, Relaxed by Toni and Toni SHOWING AT: 32 Percy Street, London, W1T 2DQ (17 July – 31 August including Sunday 23 July and Sunday 30 July); virtual appointments also available CONTACT: Tel: 0207 636 4207 E: sales@partnersinfashion.co.uk partnersinfashion.com

TOR FASHION

BRANDS: Frank Lyman, Cream, Orientique, Ispirato, Tirelli, One Summer and Coco Y Clu SHOWING AT: Park Farm Hotel, Norwich (6-7 July); Exeter Court Hotel, Exeter (9-10 July and 17 September); The Mercure Hotel, Swansea (12-13 July); Asia House, London, W1 (16-19 July and 2-3 August); The Connaught Hotel, Bournemouth (27 July and 30 August); later dates to be added - please contact agent for details CONTACT: Tel: 07855 481 651 E: tor@torfashion.co.uk torfashion.co.uk

DIARY DATES OLADIMEJI ODUNSI ON UNSPLASH

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 35

BRAND PROFILE

Summer florals

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR STORE WITH LILY AND ME’S VIBRANT SS24 COLLECTION

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olourful, casual and conscious, Lily and Me’s womenswear injects joy into everyday wardrobes. The Gloucestershire-based label blends one-of-a-kind prints with timeless shapes to create quality wearable garments. With a commitment to reduce its environmental impact, its team works closely with global fabric suppliers to deliver more sustainable options every season.

Its SS24 collection is its most responsible to date and features linen blend, woven and jersey viscose fabrics made from sustainable Lenzing, Eco-Vero and Eco-Tang. There’s also slub jersey, woven cotton and Chambray made using organically sourced cotton from India and Tencel Lyocell. With a line-up of wardrobe staples that shoppers will turn to season after season, expect bespoke printed fabrics and textured knits that

sit perfectly alongside plain jersey and woven outfitters. The mood of femininity continues with considered shapes and pretty details, resulting in everyday clothes that make every occasion special. Key pieces include its organic cotton Frieda print pull-on Spring Midi Dress, pretty Camelia Cardi available in coordinating pop colours, signature linen and viscose blend Evie Trousers and Alicia Vest, and its Ecovero Lenzing Viscose Magnolia midi dress with fluted sleeves and buttoned v-neckline. Showing at Pure London (stand F43), INDX Woman (P400), Harrogate Fashion Week (M12); wholesale prices are around £18 per piece on average while the minimum order requirement is £1,000.

CONTACT: Tel: 01452 207 766 lilyandmeclothing.com

Better together

STRENGTHEN YOUR PRODUCT RANGE WITH DUTCH LABEL B THREE’S EUROPEAN-MADE WOMENSWEAR

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ow available in the UK via Partners in Fashion, Dutch label B Three offers stylish womenswear for modern and self-confident shoppers.

The brand’s small team works with European manufacturers and suppliers to create longlasting slow fashion with minimal environmental impact.

Its forward order range includes high quality jackets, dresses and shirts offered at commercial price points. Central to the collection are its impeccable-fit jackets and blazers, available in EU sizes 36-46, offered in

various shapes, colourways and prints. The range also includes coordinating dresses and separates - meaning buyers can create complete outfit options and story edits for their specific customer base. Each of the label’s pieces is crafted in premium quality fabric sourced from across Europe. Meanwhile, the production of its garments takes place at workshops in Poland to maximise quality and reduce its carbon footprint.

SS24 collection showing at Partners in Fashion, 35 Percy Street, London, W1T 2DQ from 17 July – 31 August.

CONTACT: Tel: 0207 636 4207 partnersinfashion.com 36 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Contemporary cool

BRAND PROFILE

ISKIN SISTERS’ HEAD-TURNING HANDMADE JEWELLERY IS INSPIRED BY ARCHITECTURE, NATURE AND MODERN ART

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stablished in Buenos Aires in 2004, Iskin Sisters creates contemporary handmade jewellery for stylish women.

Its striking pieces have featured in prestigious museum shops across the globe from the Tate Modern in London to the Guggenheim in New York. The brand is the brainchild of half-Brazilian half-Argentinean sisters Gabriela and Karina Iskin who draw inspiration from architecture, modern art and natural landscapes.

Their unique pieces are handmade using unconventional jewellery materials such as leather, suede and acrylic. The range includes various

head-turning designs such as the art-inspired Stone collection featuring earrings and necklaces decorated with colourful brush strokes. The stunning Kate Leaves range, meanwhile, offers sophisticated statement earrings, chokers, bracelets and necklaces with bold foliage shapes crafted in suede and acrylic (pictured). Each piece in the collection is comfortable, wearable and lightweight and can be dressed up or down for every occasion. Showing at Home and Gift, Moda and Top Drawer; wholesale prices range from £30-70 for necklaces, £25-30 for bracelets and £15-25 for earrings.

CONTACT: Tel: 01784 482 888 E: sigal@sigaldistribution.com iskinjewelry.com

Sartorial elegance

FROM SUMMER SUITING TO FLIRTY DRESSES, TAIFUN BRINGS SOPHISTICATION AND GLAMOUR TO EVERYDAY WARDROBES

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ith dynamism and modernity at its core, Taifun creates daring and sophisticated womenswear for dynamic shoppers.

The label’s design team mixes quirky statement pieces with everyday staples to create a versatile collection with strong appeal. Each garment is made special with playful details, feminine shapes, joie de vivre prints and vibrant colourways. Best known for its tailored pieces, coordinates and dresses, the brand’s collection takes the wearer effortlessly from everyday to all-out glamour.

For SS24, its design team draws inspiration from sartorial elegance,

offering playful prints and bold bursts of lime, pink and purple highlight colours. The return of tailoring as a trend plays to Taifun’s strengths, allowing its designers to experiment with feminine silhouettes, sophisticated details and bright colours. Encompassing different edits within each delivery drop, each story showcases texture and colour as well as fluid shapes and silhouettes. Prints, meanwhile, draw their inspiration from nature, showing great fluidity and offering multiple outfit building options. Wholesale prices range from £70 for tops and blouses and £190 for coats while there is no minimum order requirement.

CONTACT: Tel: 0207 436 8383/ 0777 592 3353 E: beau.scarlett-pitt@gerryweber.com gerryweber.com/en-eu/brands/taifun JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 37

www.Lizabella.co.uk

SHOW DATES: London Hotel Show - Asia House - 16th-20th July.

Harrogate Fashion Week - Stand M1 - 30th July-1st August.

Harrogate Bridal Fair 10th-12th September.

Agents Showrooms 10th July-14th September.

Tate Fashions 64B Roseville Road Leeds LS8 5DR +44 7712398549 +44 1132459064

Tate Fashions 64B Roseville Road Leeds LS8 5DR +44 7712398549 +44 1132459064

www.ellaboo.co.uk

NEW COLLECTIONS

New releases

PREPARE FOR SS24 WITH THESE HOT NEW-SEASON COLLECTIONS

EVA KAYAN

Manufactured in Europe using the same factories as Versace and Max Mara, French label Eva Kayan specialises quality fashion at affordable prices. Its collection blends edgy elements with feminine details, resulting in casualchic womenswear for every occasion. With a focus on accessible luxury and the latest trends, the label’s pieces appeal to women of all ages that want to look effortlessly stylish without compromising on quality. Standout pieces in its SS24 collection include leather-look fluid skirts and trousers, soft shirts, floaty dresses and cool oversized knitwear.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: €42/ £37 per piece MINIMUM ORDER: three per style and colour; free shipping on orders over £1,200 SHOWING AT: In-store by appointment only from 30 July – 15 September and Harrogate Fashion Week CONTACT: Tel: 0161 713 1803 leapnlink.co.uk

TAIFUN

Gerry Weber’s sister label Taifun mixes quirky statement pieces with everyday staples to help shoppers create a versatile wardrobe. Every one of its garments is special and features playful detailing, feminine shapes, joie de vivre prints or vibrant colourways. Best known for its tailored pieces, coordinates and dresses, the brand’s collection takes the wearer effortlessly from everyday to glamorous. For SS24, its design team draws inspiration from sartorial elegance with playful prints and bold bursts of highlight colours. Expect flirty dresses, contemporary tailoring in feminine silhouettes and playful knitwear.

AVERAGE RRP: from £70 for tops and blouses and £190 for coats MINIMUM ORDER: none SHOWING AT: 4th Floor, 40-44 Newman Street, London, W1T 1QD (24 July – 4 August) CONTACT: Tel: 0207 436 8383/ o777 592 3353 E: beau.scarlett-pitt@gerryweber.com gerryweber.com/en-eu/brands/taifun

GUSTAV DENMARK

Scandinavian label Gustav Denmark produces effortless womenswear collections with a clean and pared back aesthetic. Expect extra-special details on every one of its garments from exquisite embroidery and unique design features to beautiful tactile fabrics and head-turning exclusive prints. For SS24 its vibrant collection features feminine cotton pastel pieces showcasing stunning embroidery and pin-tuck details as well as the label’s signature smocked sleeve. Hero pieces include crisp cotton shirts with full embroidered sleeves, silky long-sleeved maxi dresses and a luxurious gold leaf jacquard blouse.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: from €45 for shirts and €70 for dresses SHOWING AT: Scoop International, Olympia West; Asia House 1st Floor, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP CONTACT: Tel: 07906 070 081 gustav-denmark.com 40 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

NEW COLLECTIONS

SAINT JAMES

Creating luxury womenswear for more than 130 years, French label Saint James reinvents timeless staples each season to help shoppers create the ultimate casualchic wardrobe. The brand has built a long-established reputation for designing beautifully crafted essentials from its famous Breton stripe tops to beautifully tailored pea coats. Its classic collection is extremely versatile and offers the perfect outfit for everyday dressing. For SS24, standout pieces include a unisex 100 per cent linen sailor shirt crafted in locally grown and produced fabrics, holidayinspired garments that evoke summer sun, as well as pastel-hued pieces influenced by Los Angeles.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £40 MINIMUM ORDER: £2,000 CONTACT: Tel: 07539 228 041 E: marc@doublehagency.com doublehagency.com

ICHI

Founded in 1999, Danish label Ichi creates high quality yet affordable fashion that is brave, creative and feminine. Its collection encompasses a complete wardrobe that mixes bold and statement pieces with everyday basics and timeless classics. For SS24 its range draws inspiration from nature with floral prints sitting alongside basic knits and neutrals highlighted with pops of bright colour. Key pieces for the new season include its heart print Camino tee and Brielle Jumper. As well as introducing new styles each season, the label reworks best-sellers including its basic jersey Kate blazer available in over 20 colours, Tai rain mac and Dusty knitwear programme.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: from £17.99 for basics to £189.99 for outerwear MINIMUM ORDER: £1,000 SHOWING AT: London and Manchester showrooms, pop-up showrooms in Exeter, Bristol and Glasgow (contact agent for details), INDX Woman and Just Around the Corner, London CONTACT: Tel: 0207 739 7620 ichi.biz/en-eu

GODDIVA

Offering its collections on short and forward order, Goddiva offers elegant occasion and eveningwear that can be ordered online via its user-friendly e-commerce platform. Its ethos is to empower women to look and feel their best no matter their style, size, background or budget. The brand’s team is constantly seeking to offer the very best aspirational fashion and red carpet looks at a fraction of the cost.

For AW23, its collection showcases a variety of luxurious fabrics, exquisite designs and striking details. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, expect burnout velvet, patterned sequins, lurex and chiffons in elegant shades such as wine, emerald, navy, champagne and black.

AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £28-35 MINIMUM ORDER: £150 SHOWING AT: Pure London (stand F79) and Who’s Next, Paris CONTACT: Tel: 0208 597 2744 E: support@citygoddess.co.uk citygoddess.co.uk JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 41

PROMOTION

Without delay

CUSTOMS AGENT UKP WORLDWIDE OFFERS CROSS-BORDER SOLUTIONS FOR RETAILERS ORDERING DIRECTLY FROM SUPPLIERS IN THE EU

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he fallout from Brexit has been tough for some UK-based retailers receiving goods directly from suppliers in the EU. Customs agent UKP Worldwide (UKPW), which ships thousands of parcels internationally, specialises in bulk clearance (BIRDS) of goods. Multiple low-value parcels worth £135/€150 or less for each consignor can be cleared on a single customs entry – saving retailers time and money. High-value goods can be covered too with a full customs clearance and delivery service for goods worth over £135.

Whether receiving low or high value goods (or a mixture of both), UKPW offers end-to-end delivery including customs clearance of your goods to prevent delay. All shipments are processed using its in-house HMRC accredited system, taking care of all mandatory GB and EU customs declarations and requirements on the retailer’s behalf. This ensures duty and VAT are accounted for and that goods flow seamlessly across the borders.

UKPW has also been managing the client returns process for several years and has automated the duty reclaim process with its in-house developed

customs clearance software. Returns are inevitable for online retailers and managing the process can be quite a costly process. What’s more, highvalue goods where duty has been paid means cash is tied up for an extended period. UKPW can receive returns and initiate the refund process for the retailer, with duty usually refunded within 90 days of submitting the claim.

CONTACT: For more information visit ukpworldwide.com

Exporting to the UK? We are customs agents specialising in eCommerce parcel clearance Tracked final mile delivery solutions BIRDS (Bulk clearance) Low & high-value eCommerce goods Returns duty reclaim Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) Please contact us for further information

ukpworldwide.com 01844 398880 | info@ukpworldwide.com ECOMMERCE PARCELS • POST CUSTOMS SOLUTIONS RETURNS • DUTY RECLAIM

42 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Next at H&G Harrogate stand C29 01784-482888

Sigal Distribution sigaldistribution@gmail.com

www.sigaldistribution.com

BRAND PROFILE

Seperate ways

BRING SOME SUMMER FUN TO YOUR SS24 LINE-UP WITH GREEK WOMENSWEAR COLLECTION OZAI N KU

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thically sourced and made to order in Europe, Greek label Ozai N Ku produces soft and relaxed separates for effortless everyday dressing. Its design signature includes clean lines, striking prints and soft textures while comfort is also a high priority for its designers.

Building on the success of last summer’s highly commercial collection, the brand’s SS24 range includes easy-wear separates in tactile textures, elegant silhouettes and clean

colours. The collection appeals to smart-casual shoppers of every age and size who are looking for fun and playful pieces to update their current wardrobe.

Standouts include a soft multicoloured wide-legged pant suit from a group of mix and match separates in an aurora borealis print. There’s also a line of fluid viscose options in a print inspired by the colours of the Caribbean Ocean with an added dash of lime. Wholesale prices range from €20-85 while the minimum order is negotiable.

CONTACT: Tel: 07771 597 166 aptcollections.co.uk

Dressing up

BRING MODERN GLAMOUR TO YOUR OCCASIONWEAR EDIT WITH AUSTRALIAN BRAND ALQUEMA

CONTACT: Tel: 07734 942 382 aptcollections.co.uk 44 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

S

ydney-born occasionwear label Alquema creates stunning special event wear for every occasion. Its designers adopt ancient Japanese Shibori pleating techniques blended with modern fabrics to create distinctive and timeless silhouettes.

Available in an array of colourways each season, its elegant garments are perfect for shoppers looking for something unique to wear to weddings, race days and special events.

For SS24, the collection is available to view by appointment in London and Manchester via Apt Collections International. Standout styles include its best-selling three-quarter sleeve Smash Pocket Dress, which can be dressed up or down, offered in a large selection of prints and colourways. Meanwhile, its long Estrella ombré dress and long Collare ombré coat offer an elegant outfit combination for special occasions with a choice of myriad print options and plain colourways. Existing stockists can opt to receive four different product drops throughout the year including two mid-season top-ups. Wholesale prices are around £75 per piece on average while the minimum order requirement is 28 pieces.

Apt Collections Int

+447734942382

www.aptcollections.co.uk

Down to Business

INSIGHT FOR FASHION INDIES

OMAR RAM ON UNSPLASH

Brexit blues

S

ome fashion indies importing stock directly from Europe have overpaid import duties and tax. Here’s how to find out if you’re one of them (and how to claim it back)…

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 47

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Call of duty SINCE BREXIT, MANY FASHION INDIES ORDERING COLLECTIONS DIRECTLY FROM EUROPE HAVE BEEN OVERPAYING DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES. HERE’S HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU’RE OWED MONEY

BY SAM BALLARD ROBINSON

T

he aftermath of Brexit has been a real headache for fashion indies importing products from Europe. Not only is there much more paperwork to fill out, there’s also additional customs duties and border taxes to pay.

But worst of all, many fashion indies sourcing collections directly from brands in countries such as France, Italy and Denmark have been overpaying. HMRC estimates there was at least £750 million overpaid customs duty and import VAT in 2020 alone. Some fashion indies have paid thousands of pounds more than what they were obligated to when importing European stock.

The good news is that businesses can claim it back. Retailers in the UK can reclaim overpaid duties and import VAT for up to three years after they’ve received the goods. So, this is a huge area of hidden cost for some fashion indies and a great opportunity to claw back some lost margin.

As a director for a customs and global trade advisory specialist, I help fashion indie owners navigate the Brexit process. My company provides clear advice on making overseas purchases, handling suppliers, agents and hauliers, and how to manage border taxes from HMRC. 48 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Spend or speed?

Boutique owners have told me they’ve found their relationships with Fast Parcel Operators (FPOs) such as DPD, DHL and UPS become increasingly strained over the last two years. FPOs have often misinterpreted their contractual agreement as getting goods from A to B as quickly as possible rather than considering cost. This has led to FPO customs agents clearing goods with incorrect forms, resulting in inflated border taxes for retailers.

Some indie retailers have received swollen and ambiguous invoices from FPOs. Perhaps you’ve even had an argument with a delivery driver when demands for payment have been made before taking receipt of the goods?

Over the past two years, we’ve clearly seen a significant increase in the overpayment of customs duties. Based on our own client data, almost 14 per cent of all consignments have a customs duty overpayment. One small Yorkshirebased boutique we work with had overpaid duties worth £12,500 in FY21 alone.

Through extensive research with our clients, we’ve found that 94 per cent of traders have likely overpaid customs duties and import VAT between 2020 and 2022.

Even HMRC is aware there's a significant overpayment problem.

In an ONS publication from Summer 2022, the organisation estimated they’d received almost £750 million more than expected in border taxes in 2021.

Why is this happening? Many of the instances of overpaid duties are caused by one, or a combination, of factors. It could be time pressure on clearing and customs agents as well as hauliers and couriers. Or perhaps some agents are inexperienced and are making human errors or overseas suppliers don’t have a good enough understanding of the process. Because the new Free Trade Agreement came into force relatively quickly, it’s taken a while to iron out issues and for the system to catch up.

Faced with significant challenges during the pandemic and new Brexit import procedures, it’s not been possible for some FPOs to wait for the correct supporting documentation. Many haven’t been able to pursue responses to the nature of an import or its intended use. Instead, FPOs have cleared goods at the highest rate of border tax, allowing them to ensure warehouses did not fill with goods without customs clearance.

All goods reached their end client in good time. But that often came with a greater economic cost for the receiver.

DOWN TO BUSINESS

To compound the logistical challenges, the FPO’s relationship with HMRC clouds the picture.

Border taxes can include customs duty, excise duty and import VAT. If these charges are payable, the FPO collects this fee on behalf of HMRC and the Border Force. The FPO then will then add this charge plus their own handling fees to a commercial invoice. Where I’ve seen the greatest stress for retailers has been in obtaining responses or reimbursements from FPOs. Unfortunately, if you feel you have overpaid border taxes, you need to go straight to HMRC.

Have you overpaid?

There's really only one way to find out if your business has overpaid customs duties and import VAT since Brexit – and that’s to request your MSS Data from HMRC. MSS Data is a log of all import declarations made on your business's behalf throughout the UK and is key to understanding your border tax exposure.

By analysing a matrix of product, origin, dispatch, value and tax in an MSS data report, retailers can understand the border taxes paid against the border taxes that were actually due.

Unfortunately, tax authorities administer complex processes for customs duty and import VAT reclaims. However, retailers can

process MSS Data with support online via gov.uk.

Similarly, there are a number of tools on the market that can support this task. But for many retailers, the administrative time burden of navigating the duty reclaim process does not result in a good return on investment.

That’s where our Duty Management Tool (DMT) comes in (falsum.co.uk/ services/analytics/duty-managementtool). It can quickly establish your border tax over-exposure in minutes and begin the automated duty reclaim process on your behalf.

How does it work? Falsum requests the MSS Data for you and pays HMRC directly for access. The Duty Management Tool runs a fully automated customs duty analysis and notifies us of any overpayments.

This managed service means you can focus on your business while we find out if you’re owed money.

It’s a game changer for indie retailers importing directly from brands in Europe and further afield, too. Of course, boutique owners can also help themselves moving forward by requesting MSS Data from HMRC either monthly or periodically to keep a regular check on overpayments. You can also ensure suppliers are generating the correct documents pre-export to try and minimise the risk of paying too much tax for their goods.

Brexit has generated so much more work and inconvenience for some independent fashion retailers. But with Falsum’s Duty Management Tool, it’s possible to claim back what you’re owed without getting your head around even more paperwork.

Sam Ballard Robinson is director at Falsum, a UK-based customs and global trade advisory specialist. Visit falsum.co.uk/services/analytics/dutymanagement-tool to find out more.

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 49

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Your time to shine

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ENTERING THE RETAILER AND SPECIAL CATEGORIES IN THIS YEAR’S BOUTIQUE STAR AWARDS

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he Boutique Star Awards 2023 are well underway as we shine the spotlight on the nation’s best independent fashion retailers and brands. There are so many reasons to enter the competition from gaining mountains of free publicity and nationwide recognition to boosting team morale and reaching new customers. Taking part is absolutely free and you can submit your entry online via our secure website. Here’s a rundown of this year’s retailer and special awards with some key criteria to keep in mind while fine-tuning your entry…

RETAILER AWARDS

Fashion Independent of the Year CRITERIA: Recognising multibrand fashion indies, the winner of this award will stock a perfectly curated product range while offering an outstanding shopping experience. To enter, retailers are required to outline a solid business plan, buying strategy and future growth plan as well as signs they’ve remained agile amid recent 50 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

market challenges. The winner of this award will be a great allrounder with a good social media presence and inspiring e-commerce business. Retailers entering this award can stock several product categories but womenswear, menswear or childrenswear must command its largest percentage of sales. Entrants must operate at least one bricks-and-mortar store in the UK or Ireland.

Independent Group of the Year CRITERIA: Celebrating the industry’s leading fashion and lifestyle indie groups, entrants for this award must operate more than one multi-brand bricks-and-mortar store in the UK or Ireland. The winner will be an outstanding retail group with commercial success online and across each of its stores.

Judges will be looking for an expert buying strategy and business plan with brands that are perfectly tailored for its target customer base.

The winner will offer an excellent shopping experience and customer service and demonstrate how this

is cohesive across each of its stores and website. Retailers must also show how they have overcome recent economic challenges.

Indie groups entering this award can carry any category including womenswear, menswear and lifestyle.

Creative VM Independent of the Year CRITERIA: Rewarding a fashion or lifestyle indie with outstanding visual merchandising, the winner of this award will demonstrate creative excellence in all areas of their bricks-and-mortar store.

Entries should outline how they use visual merchandising to enhance the overall shopping experience, generate sales and attract in-store footfall. The winning store will have VM as an integral part of its strategy and will regularly produce inventive store windows and a visually enticing shop floor that appeals to its target market. Retailers entering this award must stock several brands and only one store can be entered per business/ group.

DOWN TO BUSINESS Social Media Strategy of the Year CRITERIA: This award recognises fashion and lifestyle indies running an outstanding social media channel. The winning retailer will be outshining its competitors on social media across one or several platforms. Its social media content will be perfectly tailored for its target customer base with posts, images and videos that spark engagement and attract new followers. The winner will need to demonstrate how it uses social media to boost sales as well as offering an online community for its customers. It will also be one step ahead of other indies, jumping onto new social media trends in a fast and effective way. Multi-brand independent retailers carrying womenswear, menswear, fashion accessories or lifestyle products can enter this award.

New Independent Retailer of the Year CRITERIA: Open to multi-brand independent retailers that launched after January 2022, this award celebrates the industry’s most promising start-ups. The winner will have a solid business plan and USP in place alongside a carefully curated range of products that perfectly suits its target customer base. Judges will be looking for a new indie retailer already armed with a strong buying strategy and future growth plan. The new business will need to demonstrate early success despite the challenges of the past 12 months. Multi-brand independent retailers carrying womenswear, menswear, fashion accessories or lifestyle products can enter this award.

Sustainability Advocate of the Year CRITERIA: New for 2023, this award celebrates independent fashion and lifestyle retailers making positive steps towards operating more sustainably and/or ethically. The winner will stock a selection of brands that are sustainable and/or ethical and appeal to its customer base. The retailer

can be at any stage on its journey to becoming more sustainable/ ethical (or it could have had sustainability as its focus since opening). Judges will be looking for indies that are considering as many aspects of operating more ethically/ sustainably as possible, including opting for ‘green’ suppliers as well as recycling, minimising waste, reducing their carbon footprint and helping shoppers consume more responsibly. Entrants should also outline their environmental commitments and action plan for a more sustainable future. Retailers entering this award can stock categories including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and lifestyle.

Newcomer CRITERIA: This award will recognise an exceptional individual who joined the independent fashion retail community in 2022 or 2023.

The winner will be passionate about the industry and contributing to its future success. They will already be a shining star in their current employment and will be eager to play a significant role in the overall industry. The award is open to any individual working on the retail or wholesale side of the industry including retail staff and owners, trade show teams, designers and those working for agencies and distributors.

Community Hero of the Year CRITERIA: This award recognises the independent retailer owners and teams who are going an extra mile to give back to their local community.

Entrants should demonstrate how they have created a strong identity among the local population whether that’s for the shop itself or the people behind it. This could have been achieved through in-store events, charity fundraisers, involvement in local groups, introducing innovative services or by going above and beyond for people in their community. The judging panel will be looking for retailers that bring something extra special to the area, whether they’re supporting local causes, delivering an outstanding public service or bringing people together in a positive way.

Retailers entering this award can stock categories including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and lifestyle.

Outstanding Business CRITERIA: The Outstanding Business award is open to exceptional fashion and lifestyle independents, suppliers and industry events. The winner will be a remarkable business that excels in every area. The finalists for this award will be independent retailers, agents, brands, distributors and trade shows/ events that truly go above and beyond for their customers. Please nominate your favourite retailers, suppliers or trade shows that you admire or are a joy to work with.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement CRITERIA: Open for nominations only, this award is for an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the industry throughout their career. They will be an industry veteran, championing independent retailers and aiding the sector’s growth and development. This award is open to anyone working in the independent fashion retail and wholesale sector.

SUPPLIER AWARDS British Brand of the Year International Brand of the Year Fashion Agency of the Year Fashion Distributor of the Year Accessories/ Footwear Brand of the Year Sustainable Brand of the Year NEW: Female Founded Brand of the Year

HOW TO ENTER Submit a free online entry now via boutique-magazine.co.uk/star-awards/ DEADLINE: Friday 28 July 2023 JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 51

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENT FASHION RETAILERS AND SUPPLIERS

Entries open now

17 awards / 3 new categories RETAILER AWARDS

SUPPLIER AWARDS

Fashion Independent of the Year Independent Group of the Year New Independent of the Year Creative Visual Merchandising Independent of the Year Social Media Strategy of the Year NEW: Sustainable Advocate of the Year NEW: Community Hero of the Year

NEW: Female-Founded Brand of the Year Sustainable Brand of the Year Accessories/Footwear Brand of the Year Agency of the Year British Brand of the Year International Brand of the Year Fashion Distributor of the Year

NOMINATION AWARDS Lifetime Achievement Newcomer Outstanding Business

Enter online via boutique-magazine.co.uk

54 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Shop Talk

INDUSTRY OPINION

Scandi living

O SAARA ROOTES, LIFESTYLE BATTLE

pen for just three months, Sussex indie Lifestyle Battle specialises in cosy clothing and homewares inspired by the ‘hygee’ way of life. Here we meet Saara Rootes, one half of its founding duo, to discover the story behind the new launch…

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 55

SHOP TALK

Simple pleasures

INSPIRED BY DANISH BOUTIQUES AND THE HYGGE WAY OF LIFE, NEW SUSSEX INDIE LIFESTYLE BATTLE BRINGS HAPPINESS TO SHOPPERS WITH ITS CURATED PRODUCTS AND WELCOMING IN-STORE EXPERIENCE

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fficially opening its doors on Good Friday, East Sussex indie Lifestyle Battle is already surpassing its founders’ expectations. The 500sq ft pure play bricks-and-mortar store is centred on the Scandi lifestyle, offering cosy clothing, footwear and homewares in neutral tones and natural tactile fabrics. Inside shoppers can find jersey tops and knits by Chalk, Superga sneakers, sheepskin slippers

by Shepherds of Sweden and Elä Life home fragrances. There’s also an artfully arranged table of faux flowers by Hills Interiors, Abigail 56 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Ahern’s naked lady sculptures, Newgate clocks, London Mole reading glasses, Melt and Embers candles, Garden Trading homewares and Chic Antique furniture imported from Denmark.

For co-owner Saara Rootes, who runs the business with sister Karen Hadley, it’s about offering shoppers the Scandi lifestyle experience: “Our concept is based on the hygge way of living, which is all about cosiness, comfort and relaxation,” she says. “We wanted the shop to feel warm, welcoming and cosy so shoppers feel instantly relaxed from the moment they walk in.”

High achievers

The idea behind Lifestyle Battle was formed over mince pieces during last year’s festive period. As avid shoppers with similar tastes in fashion and interiors, the business-minded sisters began to wonder if they could pool their expertise and open a shop.

“We’re very close and it just makes sense for us to work together,” says Saara. “While we have no prior retail experience, we each have our own unique skillset that collectively make us a powerful force.”

From the very beginning both agreed to continue working on their separate business interests

SHOP TALK Perhaps one of the biggest challenges faced by any new indie retailer is securing the right selection of brands. However, the co-founders were able to source their first-choice suppliers in just three months, visiting Top Drawer and Spring Fair as well as contacting brands they already knew: “We stock products we would wear or have at home ourselves,” says Saara. “In fact, we were already customers of most of Lifestyle Battle’s brands.”

Opting for short order suppliers was a conscious decision given the short turnaround of opening the shop. And it’s a strategy that’s working well: “It means we can buy in low volumes and reorder regularly,” says Saara. “We have new stock arriving every other day, which keeps it exciting for customers.”

Scandi haven

while planning the opening and ultimately running the shop. Saara is based locally to the store and co-owns her own media company while Karen spends over half of the year working as a project manager in Majorca. Currently, Saara works in the shop full-time merchandising and serving customers while Karen looks after the finances and general business operations behind the scenes. Both sisters are equally responsible for buying.

While many new start-ups can take months to come into fruition, Saara and Karen had gone from discussing the idea at Christmas to signing the lease on 1 February.

Their chosen location, the historical town of Battle, is a tourist hotspot thanks to its Benedictine Abbey and links to the great war of 1066. Plus, they both have personal connections with the area. “We’re both local and have always shopped here, so it made perfect sense for the location of our shop,” says Saara. “It’s a brilliant town

steeped in history and it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside too. We knew Easter would be a really busy time in the area so we decided to plan the opening for that weekend.”

Community spirit

Battle town centre is well populated by indies, which are bolstered by a supportive community of small business owners. Right from the start Saara and Karen agreed to bring something completely different to the area to complement what was already on offer. “It isn’t about competing with other retailers,” says Saara. “All the traders in Battle town centre work well together and we have a joint vision to bring people to the high street. We stay in touch via a Whatsapp Group and attend regular meetings at the town’s Chamber of Commerce. We definitely don’t stock the same products as each other and we’ll happily send customers to other shops if we don’t carry what they’re looking for.”

As well as product sourcing, Saara and Karen had another big job on their hands before they could open: “The shop was previously a newsagent so it needed a total refurbishment,” says Saara.

“We wanted an interior that complemented our products, so we chose Farrow and Ball paint shades, natural flooring and accent shelving in white, dark grey and stripped wood. The team of builders we worked with were fantastic.”

To bring extra magic to the space, Saara uses the store’s range of diffusers and candles to fill it with fragrance: “People walk in and comment on the amazing aroma,” she says. “We mostly use aromatherapy blends from Elä Life, which create a beautiful spalike ambience. This helps with sales too as so many customers will ask about it and then make a purchase.”

When preparing for the grand opening, Saara’s media and events background came into play to create drama around the launch.

For this the shop’s concept was purposely kept under wraps until the very last minute to generate JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 57

SHOP TALK intrigue and excitement in the town: “We covered the windows completely during the refit so no one had any idea how the shop looked inside or what we were going to sell,” she says. “Then, on the evening before we opened, we had a big reveal and removed the coverings. It created quite a lot of buzz in the local area and it meant lots of people came to see what we were about as soon as we opened.”

Creating an experience

To celebrate the launch, Saara and Karen hosted an invite-only shopping event for friends, family and local businesses. “The opening night was absolutely brilliant,” says the co-founder. “We really didn’t know what to expect and it was so successful it blew us away. We served champagne and canapés and everyone had a great time. People stayed for hours!”

So far the reaction from shoppers has been unanimously positive, too.

Saara says she works hard to create an uplifting shopping experience with thoughtful merchandising and absolutely no hard sell: “We’re friendly and attentive but I won’t stand over someone while they’re browsing; there’s no pressure to buy from us at all and people can stay as long as they like. With the merchandising my aim is to create an enticing space that isn’t too cluttered. Customers will often walk around the shop once and then go back again as there’s a lot to see. We keep it very organised so it isn’t off-putting or overpowering.”

That said, Saara is the first to admit she’s still learning about retail and what’s best for Lifestyle Battle’s growing customer base.

And there have already been a few surprises along the way: “We wouldn’t have predicted it but our reading glasses have been popular.

We only got a few pairs in at first to offer to customers who couldn’t read our product labels and they’ve turned out to be a big seller. Now we just order their prescription!”

58 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Loyal shoppers

Currently, Lifestyle Battle’s stock ratio is around 60 per cent clothing and 40 per cent homewares. Its products are sold in-store only and the co-founders have no immediate plans to venture into e-commerce: “I just don’t think you can replicate the same experience and customer service online as you can when shoppers visit the store,” says Saara.

“We have a presence on social media which is growing, but we’re not thinking about e-commerce as part of our future.”

When it comes to hopes and aspirations for the business, Saara

is razor-focused on her vision: “I want Lifestyle Battle to be the go-to shop that people come into town for,” she says. “It’s already happening; I see people walking onto the high street and heading over to see our windows and what we have in stock. So, for us, the next year will really be about raising awareness and building up repeat business. We’ve had such positive feedback already and so many comments that the shop is just what was missing from Battle high street. It’s exciting and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Featuring at SCOOP 16-18 July - Olympia West Indx Intimate Apparel 30 July - 1 August - Cranmore Park - Solihull +44 (0)1423 885374 - info@patricia-eve.co.uk - www.patricia-eve.co.uk

SHOP TALK STAVRIALENA GONTZOU ON UNSPLASH

“Businesses who embrace diversity are likely to prosper where others might fail” BIRA’S ANDREW GOODACRE ON STAYING POSITIVE AND CREATING AN INCLUSIVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

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fter two years of Covid and 12 months into a cost-of-living crisis, I was beginning to wonder what other challenges indie retailers might face. Unfortunately I didn’t have to wait too long as the late, cold and wet spring began to play against us. Unseasonal weather is incredibly difficult when trying to sell new season stock – particularly for fashion retailers. Plus, consumer confidence has been suppressed due to rising inflation, so the poor weather did little to motivate shoppers to go out and buy new summer clothes.

These are difficult times without nature working against us, and yet I still see independent retailers showing their creativity and resilience to keep moving forwards.

Talking to our members who own clothing shops, the unseen problem with unseasonal weather is the impact on cash flow. Money remains tied up in stock, which would have ordinarily sold. Monitoring the flow of cash is so important to a small 60 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

business and definitely a topic of discussion with your accountant if you have any doubts. In my experience, most businesses fail due to a lack of cash - not a lack of profit.

Hopefully this recent spell of good weather will make up for the past few weeks. Of course, businesses ideally shouldn’t rely on the sunshine and instead focus on other opportunities for sales.

Our society is diverse and yet all too often retailers across all sectors focus on able-bodied customers with regular cognitive ability.

Recently I worked with a society for the ageing population and there are some startling figures within this group. For instance, households with people aged over 65 are spending twice as fast as those under 50. It would seem that the older generation has more disposable income and is willing to spend, but some shops have to do more to attract them.

Shopping while on crutches, in a wheelchair, pushing a buggy,

wearing a hearing device, living with a cognitive impairment or any other hidden disability can be challenging. And retailers that don’t consider the needs of different customer groups may make them feel unwelcome and less likely to spend. Yet this could also be such a great opportunity as these customers are also incredibly loyal to businesses that cater for them.

Let’s also remember June is Pride Month. The movement has rightly grown over the years to become a great celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. A recent Yougov poll showed that seven in 10 people in Britain support Pride – a clear message that our society welcomes diversity. It’s also a sign that businesses who embrace diversity are likely to prosper where others might fail.

Finally, when times are tough, it can be difficult to focus on the positives – not just for business owners, but also for staff. Now is the time to focus all your optimism into entering the many business awards that are now open this year. I find that entering for an award reminds me of the positive achievements which are often forgotten when ‘fire-fighting’.

Entering awards is also a great way to motivate employees by asking them to be involved and reminding everyone of all the successes of the past few months, if not years. So if you have a spare moment, submit an entry - you may just surprise yourself.

Harrogate STAND B1 - For Appointment Call: C:: Pierre & Bhavna T:: 0161 713 1803 M:: 07976 264 618 E:: info@leapnlink.co.uk W:: www.leapnlink.co.uk

SHOP TALK

“Are rental and pre-loved fashion sites damaging for indie retailers?”

INDUSTRY INSIDERS WEIGH UP THE PROS AND CONS

Yes

Amanda Slattery, founder, Maya Maya in Kendal

“The move towards buying and renting pre-loved fashion is gaining momentum daily and that’s not a bad thing. We all have to be conscious of the negative effects of fast fashion. As a boutique owner selling new clothing, I still believe there’s a place in our world for both new and pre-loved womenswear. At Maya Maya (mayamaya.co.uk) I offer a complete circle experience. I have created a private Facebook group called Veni Vidi Amari where our customers (and others) can buy and sell pre-loved goods. It’s a free service that we earn nothing from; I simply facilitate the process by authorising the posts.

“In some instances, however, pre-loved is moving onto another level. Some consumers will now openly visit boutiques, such as mine, and try on a number of outfits with no intention of buying anything. Instead, they’ll take pictures of their favourites and then post on certain Facebook groups asking members if they’re available to buy ‘pre-loved.’ Often these outfits

No

are being pre-ordered before they’re even worn, sometimes for a second or third time. One such group is less than a year old and already has 135k followers. Obviously, this will reduce the new market considerably and occasionwear retailers need to be aware and act accordingly.

“If brands want to protect the new market, they need to start controlling it. Many well-known labels such as Mint Velvet offer a pre-loved section on their websites, giving shoppers the opportunity to re-sell their goods. I’m doing my small bit by monitoring the posts that come through my pre-loved group and attempting to control what’s bought and sold. I have also contacted some brands to discuss this but there has been very little interest shown so far.

“Our plans? We are dropping mother-of-the-bride outfits for a more multi-functional approach to event dressing. My advice to other boutiques is to take the mirrors out of your fitting rooms.”

Abi North and Mandy Weetch, co-founders, Neon Leo

“In 2022, clothing sales doubled from 100 to 200 billion units a year while the average number of times an item was worn decreased by 36 per cent overall.

When you look at the impact on the environment, fast fashion generated more CO2 emissions than aviation and shipping combined. So, it’s not really a case of ‘why should we be using rental sites?’ But, rather, ‘why aren’t we doing it more?’

“Our rental site Neon Leo (neonleo.co.uk) was born out of the need to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious in our fashion choices.

We have always felt strongly that both independent fashion retailers and rental clothing companies can coexist side by side. It definitely doesn’t need to be an ‘us and them’ scenario.

“People will always want to own their own clothes. Owning possessions is a human behaviour that we can trace back to the stone age – and that’s

62 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

definitely not going to change. But as fashion trends now move so quickly, we need to make sure shoppers have the option to rent and not just buy.

We would always encourage our customers to buy from independent boutiques for staple wardrobe items and pieces they’ve fallen in love with. But we ask consumers to think twice before buying a dress for a single event, for example, and then never wearing it again.

“Renting an amazing outfit brings our customers joy - they can borrow items they wouldn’t usually be able to afford, while simultaneously saving the environment. Most of the clothes on our site have had previous lives from a vintage Burberry trench coat from the 1960s to a 2010 Rixo occasion dress.

“We feel that investing in slow fashion through renting, reselling and making carefully thought-out boutique purchases, really is the future.”

BUYER’S GUIDE Accessories Capri Clothing T: +44 203 819 0819 E: sales@capriclothing.co.uk W: www.capriclothingonline.com Euroleathers Euroleathers are a supplier of premium shoe and leather care products and accessories.

HQ: Ibex House, Ferrofields, Brixworth, Northampton NN6 9UA T: 01604 881 097 E: sales@euroleathers.com W: www.euroleathers.com From My Mothers Garden Contact name Penny Callaghan T: 07825 148040 / 01308 426517 E: info@frommymothersgarden.co.uk W: www.frommymothersgarden.co.uk Scream Pretty Company name - Lily Charmed Ltd Brand names - Scream Pretty Contact name - Lucy Lee T: 01753 424160 E: trade@screampretty.com W: tradescreampretty.com / screampretty.com Tempest Designs Fashion Jewellery, Handbags & Accessories Contact: Sarah Tempest T: 01656 842102 E: enquiries@tempestdesigns.co.uk W: www.tempestdesigns.co.uk

Business Futura Retail Solutions Ltd The Old Forge, The Street, Tidmarsh, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 8ER T: 01189 841925 E: sales@futurauk.com W: www.futura4retail.co.uk 64 | boutique. | JUNE 2023

Top To Toe Lyonsdown House 23-29 Hendon Lane, London, N3 1RT Software Systems T: 020 3376 5888 E: info@toptotoe.com UKP WORLDWIDE UKP Worldwide (UKPW) are a customs agent specialising in customs clearance of low and high value eCommerce parcels including fully managed returns logistics and duty reclaim.

UK Office | Unit 18‑19 Wornal Park | Menmarsh Road | Worminghall | Aylesbury | Bucks HP18 9JX T: +44 (0) 1844 398 880 W: ukpworldwide.com

Events and Exhibitions Boutique Star Awards Organiser : Boutique Professional Media Ltd T: Tel 01795 515288 E: Julie@bpmedialtd.co.uk Harrogate Fashion Week Harrogate Convention Centre W: harrogatefashionweek.com T: +44 (0)1423 623 701 / 07551329675 E: sarah@harrogatefashionweek.com Show Dates : 30th July - 1st August Home and Gift Harrogate Convention Centre Organiser: Clarion Events W: homeandgift.co.uk Indx womenswear and footwear Cranmore Park Exhibition Centre Organiser: indx shows W: www.indxshows.co.uk INDX Woman- 23rd-25th July

Just Around the Corner Manchester - Love Factory 10 – 11th July, London Tobacco Dock 16 – 18th July Contact: Juls Dawson E: juls@justagroup.co.uk Messe Frankfurt France E: visitorservice@france. messefrankfurt.com Moda/ Autumn and Spring Fair Organiser: Hyve Group Website: www.moda-uk.co.uk Pure London Organiser: Hyve Group Website: www.purelondon.com T: +44 (0)203 855 9550 E: visitor@purelondon.com Show Dates: 16 – 18th July Scoop Organiser: Hyve Ltd Website: scoop-international.com Show dates: 16-18th July Top Drawer Olympia – London Organiser: Clarion Events W: topdrawer.co.uk Show Dates: 10 - 12th September

Footwear Caprice Shoes T: 07734 247 669 E: Capriceshoes@gmail.com W: www.capriceshoes.co.uk Facebook: /capriceshoes Extravagance Brands: Marco Moreo shoes Contact: Nazma Chaudhry T: 07881 622 888 E: nazmachaudhry@gmail.com Lofina Agent: Joanna Edwards Agency T: 07989014141/ 07512550346 W: www.shoebox.dk

BUYER’S GUIDE Womenswear Apt Collections: Brands: Alembika, Alquema, Elsewhere, Igor, Ozai n Ku, Philomena Christ Contact: Nigel Hughes T: 020 7580 3202 W: www.aptcollections.co.uk Capri Clothing T: +44 203 819 0819 E: sales@capriclothing.co.uk W: capriclothingonline.com Carol C Collections Brands : Foil, Orientique ,Tirelli, Oopera , Moke , Tara Vao Contact : Carol ,Andrew and Lisa T: 0800 6129009 E: info@carolccollections W: www.carolccollections.com City Goddess/Goddiva/ Goddiva plus T: 0044 208 597 2744 E: sales@citygoddess.co.uk W: www.citygoddess.co.uk Double H Agency Brands: Eden Park , St James .

Contact: Marc Querol Linkedin - Facebook - Twitter Instagram W: www.doublehagency.com T: 02034326387 Extravagance Brands: Sarah Pacini, Thanny, Caraclan, Marco Moreo shoes Contact: Nazma Chaudhry T: 07881 622 888 E: nazmachaudhry@gmail.com W: www.sarahpacini.com W: www.ny77design.com From My Mothers Garden Contact name Penny Callaghan T: 07825 148040 / 01308 426517 E: info@frommymothersgarden.co.uk W: www.frommymothersgarden.co.uk

Joseph Ribkoff Contact: Mark Rowe London showroom: by appointment only 1st floor, 40-41 great castle street, london w1w 8lu Jrdl uk ltd Addlepool business centre, clyst st george, exeter, devon ex3 0nr T: 01392- 876390

Partners In Fashion (2019) LTD Brands: Erfo – Franks Walder – Just White – Kris Fashion – Lecomte -Manisa -Maria Villalobos – Marina V – Relaxed by Toni – Toni 35 Percy Street London W1T 2DQ Contact: Cathy Vandeputte T: 020 7636 4207 E: cathy.vandeputte@ partnersinfashion.co.uk W: www.partnersinfashion.com

Leap N Link Ltd Brands: Pause Café , Fuego Woma – Oliver Philips – Bleu d’Azur Contact : Pierre & Bhavna T: 0161 713 1803 E: info@leapnlink.co.uk W:www.leapnlink.co.uk

Pomodoro Contact : Noreen and Hemant E: info@pomodoroclothing.com W: pomodoroclothing.com T: 0208 961 4000

Lily & Me Amari Designs Ltd, Unit 15, Gabwell Business Park, Quadrant Distribution Centre, Hardwicke, Gloucester, GL2 2JH T: 01566 779477 / 01566 772121 E: enquiries@lilyandmeclothing. com info@lilyandmeclothing.com W: www.lilyandmeclothing.com MDA INTERNATIONAL Brands: Blueberry, Mama B, Mes Soeurs Et Moi, Kedziorek, Thing, Papucei.

E: office@mdainternational.co.uk T: General: 020 7971 1084 Hannah: 07813925975 W: www.mdainternational.co.uk Instagram: mdainternational Nomads 9 Western Road, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7AR Contact: Shallon and Jo T: 01566 777 338 E: info@nomadsclothing.co.uk W: www.nomadsclothing.com Olivia Darcy Luxury Womenswear, designed and made in Yorkshire E: info@oliviadarcy.co.uk W: www.oliviadarcy.co.uk/

Sally Dawes Agency Brands: ESTHEME CASHMERE, SFIZIO, INDIES, BLEU BLANC ROUGE, PRET POUR PARTIR T: 0776 997 03 87 E: sally@sallydawes.com W: www.sallydawes.com Tate Fashions Brands: Lizabella, I.nco, Ella Boo, Bella Premium & Gracie B E: tatefashions@hotmail.com T: 07712398549 01132459064 Tempest Designs Brand names: Sarah Tempest Fashion Jewellery, Handbags & Accessories Contact: Michael Webster T: 01656 842102 E: enquiries @tempestdesigns.co.uk W: www.tempestdesigns.co.uk Tor Fashion Brands: Cream, Frank Lyman, Orientique, Tirelli, Condici, Ispirato, MOKE T: 07855 481651 E: info@torfashion.co.uk W: www.torfashion.co.uk Instagram: torfashionltd

JUNE 2023 | boutique. | 65

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