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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories
Shining The Spotlight On Accessories Fashion accessories have become a core product for many gift retailers, with scarves and bags selling by the armful. "At Caroline Gardner, we're seeing sales of fashion accessories soar with independents, whether it’s a metallic clutch adding a bit of sparkle to an outfit, or a bag charm to personalise and give a bit of personality to a handbag," says the company's sales manager Katie Finegan. "We are therefore really moving our accessories forward, and expanding our offer once again for Spring/Summer18. New products include our pom pom clutch bag, our smart, organisational travel wallet and glasses cases, as well as a fun, waterproof bikini bag." Continues Katie: "Many of our accessories have an ‘on the go’, travel related theme aimed at the 21st century girl who wants both function and fashion rolled into one."
Shruit's MD Michaela Davies is predicting a fashion season using soft pastels, matte silver, natural fabrics, and oversized bags, with the company's Spring/Summer 18 fashion ranges dominated by fresh, crisp neutrals across bags and co-ordinating scarves. "Bags feature in the softest pastel shades, some lifted by silver star motifs, while scarves feature funky pompoms, and subtle silver threading, oversized polka dots and geometric designs which all create a classically
Above: Stars will be a big feature for Shruti this Spring. Above right: The best selling flamingo scarf from Wrendale Designs. Below left: Among the striking new collection of fashion accessories from Caroline Gardner. Bottom left: Among the new scarf designs from PoM. Bottom right: Puckator's portable charger features a trendy mermaid design. Right: A selection of bags in Joe Davies' new Spring/Summer Equilibrium fashion accessories range.
understated yet modern fashion collection to suit the season." Adds Michaela: "In addition, flora and fauna are still featuring, with our RHS licensed scarf ranges showcasing some authentic RHS inspired designs, created exclusively by Shruti Designs." At PoM, design director Chris Holden says that Spring will see the company's fashion accessories range blossom, with a selection of scarves and ponchos in an array of colours, patterns and fabrics. "On trend totes, cross body bags, clutches and pouches, in midnight blues, raspberry suedes and leathers, together with metallic prints, will all add a touch of glamour," she highlights. Staying with scarves, Hannah Dale, founder and creative director of Wrendale Designs, says that the company is still seeing a strong demand for all things exotic, with the flamingo and the sloth continuing to do well for the company. "Plus, anything with
a flash of colour has been a winner for us too," confirms Hannah. "In fact, our scarves were our top selling product line last year. They have a lovely soft feel, and come with a gift bag, so they are very giftable and very popular with retailers and their customers alike. We will be introducing new designs in 2018 which will definitely include some more exotic designs alongside our signature patterns which are inspired by the British countryside." Equilibrium scarves and bags have also been winners for Joe Davies. "As with our new jewellery collections, unicorns also feature strongly in our Equilibrium fashion accessories Spring/Summer collection, both in bags and
scarves," comments buyer Mary Richards. "Foiled unicorn scarves and quirky unicorn handbags are just a snapshot of this range!” At Puckator, designer Lauren Billingham reveals that the company will be kick starting the ‘new year, new me’ hype with the hot off the press Gym & Her range of inspiring fitness accessories. "There’s been a real shift in the graphic community towards '80s inspired bold prints and pastel shades, and we have tried to incorporate the classic styling of '80s TV giants such as The Fresh Prince of Bell Air and Saved by the Bell, integrating them with motivational yet humorous slogans. Another hot trend we saw emerging in the last quarter of 2017 was mermaids, along with Kawaii culture which is fast becoming one of our favourite themes for 2018." Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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