WWB MAGAZINE FEBRUARY ISSUE 253

WOMENSWEAR BUYER wwb-online.co.uk FEBRUARY 2016/ ISSUE 253/ £6.95

SHOW BUSINESS PARISIAN CHIC Cacharel’s designs on retail growth MEET AT MODA Everything you need to know about this season’s edition of the national trade show.

A STEP UP Autumn/winter footwear in the spotlight.

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THE SIMPLE LIFE

Contemporary womenswear sports a clean Scandi direction

88/ T H E P I C K O F S C O O P LONDON WWB previews the second edition of the boutique trade show

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ANY OCCASION

Evening and occasionwear trends in the spotlight

102/ S T E P F O R W A R D

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The footwear brands not to miss for a/w 16

106/ L I F E W I T H C H A R A C T E R WWB catches up with J Shoes head of design Katie Ridges

108/ R E T A I L F O R U M 111/ E - T A I L C L I N I C

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Expert e-commerce advice

114/ T H E L A S T W O R D With Manny Kohli, president and CEO, Matt & Nat

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The other side of womenswear

26/ TALKING POINT

Your views on the issues shaping the industry

28/ I N T E R V I E W With Kara Groves, commercial and international wholesale director, Joules

33/ T H E F R E N C H C O N N E C T I O N Cacharel’s international expansion plans unveiled

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STYLE FILE

The latest directional product news

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FASHION RADAR

WWB’s brand to watch

45/ A U T U M N / W I N T E R A T MODA WWB’s in-depth guide to this month’s national trade event

72/ T H E I N D U S T R Y ’ S B I G NIGHT OUT

The charity that inspired The Intimate Ball

FRONT COVER: BLAZER SILVIAN HEACH £34 020 34 32 6385 DRESS ALMOST FAMOUS £14 5 020 7637 2622

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Editor Isabella Griffiths isabella@ras-publishing.com Contributors Christina Williams christina@ras-publishing.com Victoria Jackson victoria@ras-publishing.com Laura Turner laura@ras-publishing.com Writer Rebecca Jackson rebecca.jackson@ras-publishing.com Design & production Michael Podger mick@ras-publishing.com

Editor’s comment Isabella Griffiths

Clive Holloway clive@ras-publishing.com James Lindley james@ras-publishing.com Richard Boyle richard@ras-publishing.com Sales manager Sam Chambers sam@ras-publishing.com Editorial director Gill Brabham gill@ras-publishing.com Portfolio director Nick Cook nick@ras-publishing.com Marketing director Stephanie Parker stephanie.parker@ite-exhibitions.com Managing director Colette Tebbutt colette@ras-publishing.com Reprographics & printing ImageData Group 01482 652323

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As I’m writing this, I have just returned from a vibrant Scoop, which kicked off the UK trade show season in style. The show once again took up residence in the beautiful Saatchi Gallery in London, with this season marking the fifth anniversary of the chic and elegant boutique fair.

Having seen its strongest opening day to date on the Sunday, Scoop continues to go from strength to strength and inspires visitors with its exclusive and original mix of brands and products.

The quality turnout of buyers at Scoop was not only down to the show’s unique concept of fashion and art, but it also demonstrates that retailers are increasingly focusing on domestic shows instead of overseas fairs. Fashion destinations such as Berlin, Paris or Copenhagen, though still weighty platforms, have seen less and less footfall from UK independents over the last few seasons, with only a small contingency of store buyers making the journeys abroad. And it’s understandable why – the cost of travel, the time away from the business and sometimes the lack of UK representation by some brands can be big factors against overseas travel. On the flipside, our domestic shows are gaining in significance, with ever more new names and a bigger, better product mix offering viable and appealing alternatives. At Scoop I caught up with a number of indies, and they all attested the importance of trade shows for their business, mainly to discover new names, to see trends and to be stimulated for the season

ahead, all in one place. One indie told me that it was vital for her to get out and about and to sample what brands and designers have come up with for the next season, and that she always holds budget back for that surprise must-have label she discovers – “because that’s the essence of indies, to bring our customers the most original product that they can’t get anywhere else,” as she said.

On that note, we turn our attentions to the next big event on the seasonal calendar, national trade show Moda. With a fresh layout, the launch of a new outdoor and lifestyle category, as well as a contemporary fast fashion section, Moda offers its most diverse product portfolio to date, and its adjacency to Moda Footwear, Moda Accessories (which has also been bolstered with an enhanced footprint) and Moda Lingerie & Swimwear once again provides a one-stop-shop for independents and stores looking for that winning brand or formula. Don’t forget to visit the many seminars and presentations on pertinent business topics, which are hosted throughout the three-day event.

For more information and our comprehensive run-down of this month’s edition, turn to page 45.

The WWB team will be out in force, and of course we hope to bump into many of you there!

WWB is a fashion business publication produced by RAS Publishing Ltd. Other titles include MWB and CWB. RAS Publishing is an ITE Group PLC company

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UK RETAIL SET TO BE BOOSTED

BY INTERNATIONAL VISITORS Forecasters predict overseas tourists will contribute to significant uplift in retail sales throughout 2016.

The UK retail sector is expected to be boosted by an increase in international visitor numbers throughout 2016, new research has revealed. Despite a low average growth in spend overall for 2015, analysts predict that the UK will remain top of international visitors’ travel lists, and that spend from affluent tourists will benefit the UK retail sector.

VisitBritain has forecasted a 3.8 per cent year-on-year increase in visitors to the UK for the year, up to 36.7 million, who are expected to spend 4.2 per cent more than in 2015.

These figures are backed by retail tourism experts Global Blue, who agree that several changes, including the recent China visa reform and continual growth from the US and the Middle East, will impact the way international visitors choose to spend their time and money in the UK. “Across Europe in 2015, visitor arrivals are expected to have risen by 5 per cent, nearly 30 million more than in the previous year. For Europe’s most valuable long-haul market, the USA, the Eurozone remains exceptional value for money as a result of euro weakness, so we can expect retailers to benefit from visitors’ higher spending power, especially in the premium retail centres of cities such as Paris, Rome and London,” says research consultant Paul Rickard. “Chinese arrivals continue to remain buoyant across Europe, and in spite of the slowdown in the Chinese economy, we don’t expect this to have a marked impact on visitor demand.”

Research also suggests that the proposed change to a two-

year visa for Chinese visitors announced this January will further support Chinese tourists and their shopping drive in the UK. Gordon Clark, head of commercial at Global Blue UK and Ireland, comments, “The recent change to the UK visa for Chinese nationals is positive news for UK retailers. Chinese shoppers will be able to travel to the UK more frequently and with more ease assisted by the two-year multiple entry allowance, making their £742 spend per transaction even more accessible and powerful.”

The continuing strength of the USA and Middle East is also expected to continue. Middle Eastern spend has significantly overtaken Chinese in the UK, with the USA crawling up the table as third behind China, suggesting retailers should not focus their futures purely on Chinese potential.

Looking further ahead, the decision to be made this year in the debate over the new runway at one of the UK’s international airports is another positive proposed change that will benefit UK retailers and international shoppers.

“No matter where it is agreed, the need for increased access routes through an additional runway at one of our international airports is clear. Last year was a record one not only for Heathrow, but for Gatwick and Stanstead. The growth in passengers coming through these gates is evidence enough that we need to support our visitors with the best facilities – an initiative that is only beneficial to our economy,” says Clark.

FOR DAILY NEWS, ANALYSIS AND UPDATES, VISIT WWB-ONLINE.CO.UK

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NEWS IN BRIEF

STRONG EDITION MARKS SCOOP’S FIVE YEARS

NEW DESIGN DIRECTION FOR STEILMANN

Five years on from its launch, Scoop delivered another strong edition, once again attracting a high calibre of buyers from independents and stores in the UK and overseas throughout its three days. Buyers and exhibitors praised the high standard and curated edit of the show, which presented more than 250 exclusive labels at London’s Saatchi Gallery.

“We’ve had a great show and were taking orders right from the start. We are always extremely pleased with the amount of orders we take at Scoop for our labels and it is a fantastic show,” says Palladio Showroom founder Ian Campbell-Smith.

Sofia Strazzanti, owner of Innocenza agency, says: “The quality of buyers has been brilliant, and we enjoyed connecting with existing clients as well as new contacts. The reaction to the collections has also been fantastic. Scoop continues to be an essential platform for us.”

German womenswear brand Steilmann is launching its a/w 16 collection with a strong focus on sophisticated, luxurious and ageless design that appeals to the lifestyle market. The handwriting of the entire collection has become more relaxed, with softer styles which are easy to coordinate but also stand on their own. The brand has also benefited from more luxurious fabrics while maintaining accessible price points and a mark-up of up to 3. “The design input has been paramount and the team have been working hard to convert what was once renowned as a strong separates collection into a lifestyle brand,” says UK general manager Cristina Kehoe. “Through the opening of own Steilmann stand-alone shops in Germany, as well as shop-in-shops throughout Europe, including 25 in the UK, we have been gaining invaluable knowledge directly from the end consumer and have been trying to translate it into our ranges.”

MICHAELA LOUISA FINE-TUNES LOOK FOR A/W 16 UK womenswear brand Michaela Louisa has refreshed its collection for a/w 16 with the introduction of more daywear pieces and younger styling in response to customer demand.

The collection offers a number of shorter length tunic dresses designed to be worn in a variety of ways. A larger selection of separates, in particular wide leg jersey trousers, has also been integrated. “Our look is constantly evolving and this season we have listened to our customers even more to fine-tune the ranges to their needs,” says managing director Cos Costi. The a/w 16 collection, which will be shown at this month’s Moda, also features textured jerseys and metallic knits, as well as an array of styles for evening and occasions.

WOLFORD ESTABLISHES NEW UK MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE Luxury hosiery and lingerie brand Wolford has restructured its UK operation following the 2015 departure of its UK and Ireland managing director, Angela Blundell. A new management structure for the UK subsidiary of the Austrian company has been created, splitting the sales channel responsibility for wholesale and retail business. Helga Meersmans now oversees all UK wholesale clients in addition to heading the wholesale markets in The Netherlands and Belgium. Gustavo Prestes joined Wolford in November last year and will be managing the retail business in the UK and Ireland.

LORNA JANE TO LAUNCH FIRST EUROPEAN STORE Australia’s leading activewear and sportswear brand Lorna Jane is set to open its first European store in St Martin’s Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden next month. The 1,700 sq ft store will span two floors, with ultra-modern furniture to complement the clean lines and open surroundings of the shop, as well as using the latest Apple payment technology. Lorna Jane already operates 190 stores in Australia and the US, with European growth a key target for expansion.

LONDON’S WEST END WELCOMES CHINESE VISA TRIUMPH New West End Company, which is the voice for 600 businesses across Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street, has welcomed news that the standard visa for Chinese visitors is to be extended from six months to two years.

As a founding member of the UK China Visa Alliance (UKCVA), a group focused on increasing Chinese tourist numbers to the UK, New West End Company has been leading efforts to persuade the Home Office to improve the visa application process.

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NEWS IN BRIEF WACOAL EUROPE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO STEP DOWN Wacoal Europe CEO Tracy Lewis is to leave the global branded lingerie specialist after 13 years, 11 of which she has spent at the helm of the business.

Lewis will step down at the end of March, handing over to current financial director Geoff Embley, who has been with the business since 2006.

CAPRI CLOTHING BUILDS ON SOLID GROWTH

MATCHESFASHION.COM MOVES TO THE SHARD

Capri Clothing is set for further growth for a/w 16 following record s/s 16 pre-order volumes and strong sell-throughs in-stores for a/w 15. The brand achieved a 30 per cent sales increase yearon-year for s/s 16 orders, with the brand forecasting similar growth for a/w 16. The increase has been driven by a number of key brand developments, including a stronger emphasis on repeat stock based on bestselling styles, faster deliveries in-store and no minimum orders for new customers.

Croydon-based Capri Clothing currently supplies around 400 customers, 70 per cent of which are in the UK. The brand specialises in high-quality, creative ranges with fluid styling and casual elegance. The a/w 16 collection, which will be exhibited at this month’s Pure and Moda, features a range of jacquard jerseys, statement dresses, tunics and tops in a colour scheme of ruby, sapphire, gold and mocha.

Luxury retailer Matchesfashion.com is among the latest high-profile signings to take up residence at London’s iconic The Shard building.

Matchesfashion.com will occupy a 35,000 sq ft office space over Levels 7 and 8, taking the office space let at London Bridge Quarter to over 1 million sq ft, being 85 per cent of the estate.

Matchesfashion.com is The Shard’s first letting to be confirmed this year, following 12 lettings in 2015, and its second major fashion brand located there, taking the total number of office occupiers in The Shard to 26 across 15 business sectors with 50 per cent of the businesses drawn to the building from the West End. Only five full levels remain available in the 72-floor building. “This move will see us connect over 300 of 500 employees over two floors and 35,000 sq ft of light, dynamic space. We will see our five London offices come together and strengthen the interconnectivity between departments, from buying to tech, e-commerce and content,” says Tom Chapman, co-executive chairman, Matchesfashion.com.

INDEPENDENT SALES SANK AS 2015 ENDED A dramatic reversal of fortunes brought to an end an 18-month run of turnover growth for small shops in the last three months of 2015, the latest sales monitor from the British Independent Stores Association (Bira) has revealed. While local conditions varied across the country, unseasonally warm and wet weather, falling footfall, falling prices, deeper discounting in sales and a rising tide of non-store retail in what the organisation describes as “internet Christmas” all contributed to the first quarterly drop in sales since the beginning of 2014.

The north-east completed a welcome full year of growth, but the flood-hit north-west suffered a disastrous 8.5 per cent drop in the Christmas quarter. The story was less consistent across product subsectors where furniture, floorcovering and bed retailers kept their heads above water – although on a sinking graph – as did gift and book shops. For department stores, fashion shops, DIY and Cookshop retailers the period saw good runs of growth earlier in the year submerged as all fell below zero.

KAMIK APPOINTS UK DISTRIBUTOR Canadian footwear brand Kamik has appointed Hej International as its distributor for the UK and Ireland, a move that will see the brand’s extensive range of adult and children’s outdoor footwear made available to UK and Irish consumers for the first time. As well as presenting Kamik to its network of specialist retailers, Hej International will support the brand’s UK and Irish launch with a comprehensive marketing and brand development campaign to include PR, social media and attendance at key UK trade shows.

JOHN LEWIS LEEDS SECURES HEAD OF BRANCH John Lewis has confirmed that James Prince will become head of branch at its department store in Leeds, set to open in autumn 2016. John Lewis will invest £37 million in its 255,000 sq ft Leeds department store, which will be one of the largest outside London. Prince will lead the team of 550 staff, the recruitment of which will begin in the next few months. Having started his John Lewis career eight years ago as an operations manager at John Lewis Liverpool, Prince has been head of branch at John Lewis Sheffield for the past four years. Over the last two years he has also been chair of the Sheffield BID Board and will remain in post until a chair of the newly elected BID Board has been selected.

W H E R E FAS H I O N CO M E S TO G E T H E R

2 1 - 2 3 Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 NEC Birmingham Find out more and register for your ticket at moda-uk.co.uk

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NEWS IN BRIEF

GROWTH FOR JOANNA EDWARDS AGENCY

JOULES SALES CONTINUE TO SOAR

The Joanna Edwards Agency, which represents a diverse portfolio of contemporary ready-to-wear and accessory brands, has reported strong growth among its brands, including Xenia Design, Amara, Lily White, Le Cashmere, Butterfly Jewellery, Carla Ruiz, Arggido, Paola Collection and Valentinas.

The latter in particular achieved 40 per cent growth over the last season, with existing stockists reporting 80 per cent sell-throughs in-stores. The Croatian brand specialises in architectural designs with casual luxury. The increase in sales is also mirrored across Polish modern occasionwear brand Paola (pictured), which achieved 20 per cent growth last season, with Edwards confident that a/w 16 will build on the strong performance of all her labels. “I’m optimistic about the season ahead as all of my brands have been showing strong growth, proving that it’s important to offer something new and exciting to customers. My brands offer great repeat service, exclusivity, marketing days in shops and more, all of which contributes to great sales,” says Edwards.

British lifestyle brand Joules delivered another strong sales performance over the Christmas period (6 week period to 3 January) with total revenue up 11.3 per cent against last year’s comparable period and growth across all channels.

Total retail sales grew by 13.1 per cent, demonstrating the strength of the brand’s multichannel capability, in particular following the September relaunch of its e-commerce site Joules.com.

The Christmas period saw strong growth in gifting products across all genders, as the brand increased the breadth of its offer. The trading period continues the strong performance of the financial year to date, with total revenue up 17.4 per cent for the period 1 June 2015 to 3 January 2016 against the comparable time frame last year.

This reflects continued growth across all channels, both in the UK and internationally, as well as being attributed to the continued expansion of Joules’ retail presence, with the brand having recently opened news stores in Harrogate, Dublin, Sheffield Meadowhall, Birmingham Grand Central and Milton Keynes.

H&M TO OPEN COVENT GARDEN FLAGSHIP Swedish fashion chain H&M is set to open a new flagship store in Langley Court, Covent Garden, London later this year. The store will occupy a historic 19th-century warehouse building within Mercers’ Yard, a major retail development due for completion this autumn, with H&M one of the anchor signings. “We are delighted to secure H&M as the anchor retailer for Mercers’ Yard. It is important to the company that the redevelopments retain the Covent Garden character and this refurbished warehouse building does just that. It forms the centrepiece not just for Mercers’ Yard but our entire Covent Garden Estate, providing a superb retail flagship store,” says Bill Scarborough, Chairman of Long Acre Estates. H&M’s Langley Court store will offer womenswear, menswear, beauty and Divided, with more details to be revealed closer to opening. H&M has been present in the UK since 1976 and currently has 257 stores in the UK and Ireland.

LEADING RETAILERS JOIN FEEFO Feefo, the purchaser-verified reviews platform, has announced that the fashion retailers French Connection, Gant, Jane Norman and Peacocks have signed up as new merchants, joining the brand’s existing list of retail clients.

Since its inception in 2010 Feefo has provided its users with reliable feedback by verified and genuine customers who have made a purchase and are invited to leave feedback.

MEET THE MANUFACTURER SECURES HEADLINE SPONSOR Meet the Manufacturer, a conference and sourcing event specifically for British manufacturers of clothing, textiles and leather goods, has announced Segura as its headline sponsor for this year’s event in May. Segura provides software that enables businesses to understand, monitor and control their supply chains and works with customers across a range of industries, including textile manufacturing and retail. The next edition of Meet the Manufacturer takes place on 25-26 May at The Old Truman Brewery, London.

CHLOE STORA JOINS INNOCENZA Womenswear agency Innocenza has added Parisian brand Chloe Stora to its brand portfolio, which also includes Gestuz, Munthe and Ilse Jacobsen Hornbeak. Chloe Stora sits alongside the likes of Acne, Isabel Marant and Essentiel, with prices ranging from ¤20 to ¤145 wholesale. Current UK stockists include Doyles, Lynx, The Mercentile and The Jacksons, with a further roll-out across contemporary independents and department stores planned for a/w 16, with around 40 targeted accounts in total.

21-23 FEBRUARY 2 016 DURING LONDON FASHION WEEK SAATCHI GALLERY, LONDON SCOOP-INTERNATIONAL.COM

Autumn/Winter 2017 SIZE RANGE: 8-30 GODSKE KIRSTEN KROG DESIGN JORLI HABELLA ROBELL FRANDSEN OUTERWEAR TIA I’CONA Q NEEL QUÉ REFA THAT’S ME BY JAGRO — Pure Exhibition - Olympia 14 Feb - 16 Feb 2016 Stand No M88 London Showroom also open Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Feb 2016 Weekend of Pure MODA UK - NEC Birmingham Sun 21 Feb - Tues 23 Feb 2016 Hall 20 - Stand U41, U51, U61 Dublin Showroom - Fashion City with a Special Event on Sun 28 Feb to Tues 1 March 2016

LONDON SHOWROOM: Godske Group UK. Showroom: 65 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SP Tel: 0207 636 3063 Fax: 0207 636 3863 Email: pug@godske.com DUBLIN SHOWROOM: Godske Group Ireland, Unit 5, Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin 24 Tel: 00353 1 4295042 Fax: 00353 1 4295043

Autumn/Winter 2017 SIZE RANGE: 8-30 GODSKE KIRSTEN KROG DESIGN JORLI HABELLA ROBELL FRANDSEN OUTERWEAR TIA I’CONA Q NEEL QUÉ REFA THAT’S ME BY JAGRO —

Pure Exhibition - Olympia 14 Feb - 16 Feb 2016 Stand No M88 London Showroom also open Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Feb 2016 Weekend of Pure MODA UK - NEC Birmingham Sun 21 Feb - Tues 23 Feb 2016 Hall 20 - Stand U41, U51, U61 Dublin Showroom - Fashion City with a Special Event on Sun 28 Feb to Tues 1 March 2016

LONDON SHOWROOM: Godske Group UK. Showroom: 65 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SP Tel: 0207 636 3063 Fax: 0207 636 3863 Email: pug@godske.com DUBLIN SHOWROOM: Godske Group Ireland, Unit 5, Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin 24 Tel: 00353 1 4295042 Fax: 00353 1 4295043

LONDON SHOWROOM: Godske Group UK. Showroom: 65 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SP Tel: 0207 636 3063 Fax: 0207 636 3863 Email: pug@godske.com DUBLIN SHOWROOM: Godske Group Ireland, Unit 5, Fashion City, Ballymount, Dublin 24 Tel: 00353 1 4295042 Fax: 00353 1 4295043

Autumn/Winter 2017 SIZE RANGE: 8-30 GODSKE KIRSTEN KROG DESIGN JORLI HABELLA ROBELL FRANDSEN OUTERWEAR TIA I’CONA Q NEEL QUÉ REFA THAT’S ME BY JAGRO —

Pure Exhibition - Olympia 14 Feb - 16 Feb 2016 Stand No M88 London Showroom also open Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Feb 2016 Weekend of Pure MODA UK - NEC Birmingham Sun 21 Feb - Tues 23 Feb 2016 Hall 20 - Stand U41, U51, U61 Dublin Showroom - Fashion City with a Special Event on Sun 28 Feb to Tues 1 March 2016

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Backstage

The events, campaigns and parties not to miss 01/ CHAMPIONING YOUNG DESIGNERS Spring 2016 sees the launch of a new shopping site which champions emerging fashion and lifestyle designers. Students of Design (SODS) is the brainchild of three young businesswomen, Lindy Staadecker, Anoesjcka Gianotti and Michelle Parekh, who pooled their combined experience and skills in fashion, design and business. SODS offers students the chance to meet with buyers, learn from industry professionals and work in an environment that enables them to start or enhance their own business. To industry buyers, the site (www. sods.co.uk) offers a one-stop shop of new design talent with trusted productions and delivery times.

02/ THE REAL MARIGOLD HOTEL Jewellery designer and expat Emma Chapman, who lives and works in Jaipur, has made an appearance in new BBC 3 series The Real Marigold Hotel. The three-part series, which aired earlier this month, was inspired by the popular movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and features six celebrities, including singer Patti Labelle, news broadcaster Jan Leeming and darts player Bobby George who travel to Jaipur to see what it’s like to live there. Chapman, who has been living in Jaipur for seven years, provided the celebrities with first-hand insights and a behind the scenes look at life in the Indian metropolis.

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03/ BRANDS OF TOMORROW REVEALED Walpole has revealed the 2016 selection for its esteemed Brands of Tomorrow programme, which provides 12 chosen brands with bespoke learning under the mentorship of dynamic leaders from some of Britain’s finest luxury brands, including Thomas Pink, Harrods, Bremont, The Savoy, Rolls Royce and Alexander McQueen. Among this year’s winners were the likes of contemporary womenswear label The Fold, luxury London handbag brand Milli Millu, Cubitts handmade spectacles and sunglasses and British activewear brand Monreal.

04/ CELEBRATION OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS The 13th NatWest Everywoman Awards once again celebrated business success by female entrepreneurs, shining a spotlight on Britain as a hotbed of enterprise talent. Judged by a panel of esteemed businesswomen including Cath Kidston MBE, Amanda Wakeley OBE and Higgidy founder Camilla Stephens, the event was held in the regal surrounds of The Dorchester Hotel and attended by leading figures in business and politics, including Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins and Caroline Dinage MP. Tamara Arbib, founder and CEO of Rebel Kitchen, was presented the Inaugural Everywoman Brand of the Future Award by White Company founder and sponsor Chrissie Rucker, MBE (pictured below).

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Talking Point

Your views on the issues shaping the industry The most important factor is relationships

One of the most challenging aspects of the fashion industry is that it is constantly changing. We at Latte Clothing adapt to these changes in order to provide our clients with the best possible options in terms of stand-out product. We always try to understand what our clients want for their boutique or store and help to provide fresh ideas with all the little extras that make buying a more enjoyable experience. At Latte we have a combined

experience of over 30 years, so we would like to say we have seen it all before but we do have to admit that we get thrown the occasional curveball.

The single most important factor, however, is relationships; a strong and successful relationship with our clients is paramount. These relationships are built through communication, knowledge, experience and trust. If you have that, the sales will come. We also place great emphasis on having a buzzy working vibe, both here in the UK and in Italy, where we design and produce. We are a team of like-minded individuals who love what we do.

We are proud of the customer service we offer; our team always makes sure that you are looked after every step of the way. We know how frustrating it is when you call the same number but speak to a different person each time.

People can sometimes have a tendency not to listen; human nature is to verbalise what’s on our own mind first. In terms of building relationships, it’s important to really listen to the comments and feedback received. Sometimes that curveball may mean you have to take it on the chin that you could have done things better or perhaps differently. When you listen and react to feedback, it usually secures and strengthens relationships

further. We have found that by asking our clients what’s on their wishlist actually gets us excited and creative. It’s about asking the right questions to understand where success has been achieved, where there is an appetite from the consumer, and understanding the problems retailers have at the grassroots level. This, in turn, helps us follow a path in terms of constantly bringing a freshness and relevance to our collection.

In social media, your customers are literally at your fingertips. Whether you are B2B or B2C, you have the opportunity to engage with your customers every single day. It’s not just about being social, it’s about reacting to their posts, comments, likes and shares. Emailing with strong images on a regular basis also helps us to build relationships.

We must not forget, however, that real relationships are still built offline. You can tweet or Instagram all day long but we find that it’s not until we actually talk to our clients, either by phone or in person, that you can truly get to the heart of the matter and build a strong relationship.

In the words of Seth Godin: “Don’t find customers for your products, find products for your customers.”

Embracing the seasons of change

ARABELLA BROWN Owner of Marianna Boutique and a member of the Fashion Association of Britain (FAB)

predict the weather, as is so often the case, it’s important to constantly have a varied offering for customers.

As we come to the end of January and what feels like neverending Sales, I am looking forward to the new brands that will launch soon, Fashion Week and a/w 16 buying trips. One of my favourite colour trends for this coming season will be rose quartz and serenity blue for their cool, calming influence. I will be sporting them come rain or shine! The 70s have also made a comeback and while I may not stretch to a pair of flares, I will definitely be embracing the colours and prints this fun era had to offer.

I have just passed the one year marker as a boutique owner and I am so excited about what’s to come in 2016. We are fortunate now to be in such a digital age where we can communicate globally with brands, fashion bloggers and customers, so it is just down to us to be as creative as possible and capitalise on this ever-changing market. The last 12 months have been such a learning curve for me and I have a lot of ideas and visions to implement this year. www.fashionassociationofbritain.co.uk

ADELE BLACK Creative director at Latte Clothing

Here in the south-east of England, as with other parts of the country, we experienced a very mild winter and have only seen odd days that have called for serious outerwear. With the fashion industry being so ‘forward’ – in that we as buyers are ordering so far in advance – how can we ensure we have the right stock at the right time? Luckily a lot of the brands I stock offer Pre or Resort collections which enable me to bridge the gap between spring/summer and autumn/winter by investing in great transitional pieces that typically arrive in stores around May and November time.

For me, it’s important to always have a turnover of new stock in store. Pre collections are ideal for me to supplement existing collections and freshen up the rails. The latest Pre collection from By Malene Birger was great for us at Marianna. It arrived in November and consisted of party dresses for Christmas/New Year, knitwear and the Lanoa blazer, which was such a classic cut and style it could be worn all year round. When we can’t

See us at Moda Hall 19, Stand P41 21-23 February 2016

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Last year, lifestyle brand Joules celebrated its 25th anniversary with record financial results and its 100th standalone store opening. Laura Turner speaks to the company’s commercial and international wholesale director, Kara Groves, to discover the strategies behind this iconic British brand’s success.

Laura Turner: What was your background prior to joining Joules?

Kara Groves: I’ve always worked in fashion. I worked my way up through merchandising at Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Topshop and River Island, before joining Joules as commercial director in 2011. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be at Joules; the brand’s performance is going from strength to strength and I love being a part of that.

LT: Joules recently opened its 100th standalone store. Can you reveal more about the brand’s retail developments?

KG: Opening our 100th store in Dublin in November was a milestone achievement for us, topped off by the opening of a further two stores a few days later in Sheffield and Harrogate, making it the biggest retail week in our history.

Our retail plan does go against the grain of many of our competitors; instead of reducing our retail estate, we’re actively working to grow it. We’ve also segmented our retail channel to meet our customers’ needs, creating specially designed and stocked ‘travel stores’ at locations such as St Pancras Station in London, John Lewis Heathrow and Birmingham’s Grand Central Station.

Alongside this, we also have our ‘Beside the Seaside’ coastal stores at locations including Southwold in Suffolk, and St Ives and Padstow in Cornwall, again with a suitably tailored product offering. No matter the town or city, we want our stores to be at the heart of the local community, so their designs are bespoke to fit their surroundings, and the products on offer reflect what we think our customers will be looking for.

KARA GROVES COMMERCIAL AND INTERNATIONAL WHOLESALE DIRECTOR, JOULES

LT: Are there criteria for store locations?

KG: The main criteria have to be the potential demand in the area and the fit for the brand. A mix of locations is also vital to ensure we’re servicing all of our customers as well as possible.

Market towns are where Joules first saw its retail store growth. The demographic in these areas has always been a great fit for the brand and continues to be so. We, of course, also have our tailored store design approach to make them locally relevant, demonstrated by our travel and coastal stores.

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LT: Where is Joules targeting next for retail openings?

KG: We’re not focusing on any particular region, but we are always looking for good locations that feel right for the brand and have an appetite for Joules and what we have to offer.

LT: Other than retail, has investment recently been put into any of Joules’ other operations?

KG: We recently launched a new, fully responsive and contemporary website for greater customer satisfaction and engagement. There is a stronger focus on the visual appeal of the site, together with detailed imagery to put the products front and centre, highlighting quality and allowing customers to see detail and colours up close. We continue to invest in our international offering and last year increased our credit facility to enable us to meet the growing demand for our products in our main markets: the US and Germany.

LT: How many wholesale accounts do you have?

KG: Currently, over 500 stockists across the UK, a figure that continues to grow. In the US, we are, surprisingly, already stocked in over 300 independent stores as well as some key retailers such as Nordstrom.

LT: What support does Joules provide to its independent stockists? How do you balance Joules’ own-store retail presence with the wholesale operation?

KG: We have great teams in place to ensure our stockists receive as much support as necessary, whether it be through guidance on product performance to help during season selection, or simply providing assets and marketing support to enable them to capitalise on partnering with us.

Our wholesale operation allows us to reach a far greater audience and provide greater accessibility and convenience for our existing customers. We recognise it’s a hugely important area of our business and continue to place a great focus on supporting and growing this area alongside our own-store retail presence. We have quite a few locations where we have a retail and wholesale presence operating alongside each other and we find that both continue to see the same levels of success, which some may find surprising.

LT: What are the plans for wholesale, both in the UK and internationally?

KG: Over the last year we’ve refined our forward-selling wholesale product ranges, offering tailored collections to ensure a point of difference. Short order options have also been introduced for key partners. We intend to develop this going forward to ensure we support our partners as much as possible.

Equally, we work hard to ensure that relevant product is available early in the season when our stockists want it.

LT: Joules recently enjoyed record financial results. To what do you attribute this strong growth?

KG: The record performance shows that we understand our customer. Even though many other lifestyle brands are reducing their retail estate, we know that customers still want to be able to see the product and feel its quality or try it on for size. The success that has followed our strategic increase in store numbers is testament to this, with retail sales representing more than 34 per cent of total sales. The international side of our business is also flourishing, with sales up 66 per cent.

LT: How will Joules continue developing as a lifestyle brand?

KG: Our products are always designed with our customer in mind, and as they evolve, we evolve with them. So, although we are always on the lookout for opportunities to extend our offering, we’ll only do it if there is a need and demand.

At the moment, we’re really happy that we’re able to deliver not just clothing, but also eyewear through our partnership with Mondottica, as well as homeware and pet beds. All of these collections are doing really well and it’s great to see such appetite amongst our customers.

LT: How would you sum up what Joules today is all about?

KG: Joules is a quintessentially British lifestyle brand that celebrates its style and uniqueness. We’re all about the ‘five-tonine’, when you can spend time with your friends and family, be it a Sunday brunch or a refreshing walk. From the very first bright pink wellies, Joules has always offered something colourful, different and unexpected, and I think that is what makes us stand out from the crowd.

www.jshoes.com #lifewithcharacter For all enquiries please contact +44 (0) 1858 468123

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...stylish in every way We are proud to present our eclectic portfolio of brands, carefully selected to give you a total look and exciting choice, all under one roof.

KAPALUA Kapalua’s autumn 16 collection has returned back to its knitwear roots.

Simplicity and elegance are the keywords for this season.

An assortment of fluid line pieces. Graceful, incorporating 70s retro trends, fringes and suede.

High waisted, covered up neck lines. Oversized masculine tailoring styles but with a feminine twist. The colour palette is a comforting mix of calming, warm hues: latte, cappuccino, mocha and cream. Soft, subtle smoke blues and navy.

Neutrals also include soft greys and charcoal grey.

Additional strong style influences include long duster coats and waistcoats and cold dye effect knits and T-shirts. Prices have also become more mainstream but quality and styling have not been compromised in the process.

UNQ What sets UNQ (Unique) apart?

It is the focus on natural fibres within each and every one of the fabrics used and therefore awareness of our environment.

It is the attention to carefully designed details, whilst retaining simplicity and wearability.

It is the high standards of quality in both the fabrics and the finishing of the garments.

Guided by these strong values, the UNQ team design timeless pieces, which are aimed to become favourites in every modern woman’s wardrobe. Ones that she will want to put on every day, over and over again. They highlight a woman’s personality and femininity whilst being very comfortable and practical. The cuts are simple and clean, surprising in their ability to combine and to transform.

UNQ loves to reinvent itself every season, while always staying individual – Unique!

STEILMANN The handwriting of the entire Steilmann collection has become more relaxed, with softer and more feminine styles, easy to coordinate in an understated way. Affordable luxury and cosiness are at the forefront of our collections, whilst retaining very competitive price points.

The autumn/winter 16 collections aim to dress the modern woman for every occasion and for the right time of the year, with very soft, neutral colour palettes and the emphasis on wearable, timeless pieces.

Whilst presenting itself as a more fashionable, more sophisticated and fully coordinated brand, Steilmann remains, as always... simply stylish!

SHOWING DATES: Launching the STEILMANN Programme 2 for AW’16 at the INDX Show, Solihull, February 10th - 12th Launching the KAPALUA Programme 2 for AW’16 at The Place Hotel, Manchester, from February 10th to 12th Showing all collections at The Grange Fitzrovia, The Portland Suite, 20-28 Bolsover Street, London W1W 6NB from February 13th to February 26th. We are open by appointment over the Pure weekend.

Please contact: For Steilmann and UNQ: Cristina Kehoe/Lisa Williams on 0207 291 0522 For Kapalua: Maria Las on 0207 291 0531

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V I S I T U S AT M O DA . STA N D P 5 1 To a r r a n g e a n a p p o i n t m e n t e m a i l : s a l e s @ r e g a t t a . c o m or call our U.K sales direct: 0844 811 2322

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The French Connection Parisian brand Cacharel is unveiling a new design and retail repositioning for a/w 16, with more accessible price points and an ambitious store rollout at the centre of the strategy. Isabella Griffiths quizzed president Jean Bousquet about the plans for the brand ahead of its appearance at this month’s Scoop London.

Iconic French fashion house Cacharel will be making its show debut at Scoop London this month, a move which not only reinforces the brand’s commitment to the UK market, but also introduces a strategic repositioning of the label for a/w 16.

With a new design at the core and with more accessible price points that have been reduced by 20 per cent – and 35 per cent when compared to other brands providing similar fabric quality – Cacharel is aiming to attract a new audience whilst building on its distinctive heritage.

“The market has evolved dramatically since the 90s, when the brand was at its peak and with the luxury and mass market driving sales at both ends today, it was apparent that as a brand there was an opportunity for us in the contemporary sector,” says Cacharel’s president Jean Bousquet. “From analysing the current market, we have noted that the luxury sector is currently being driven by the growth of accessory ranges and fast fashion

is becoming more and more competitive. Cacharel’s main focus is recovering its place in the RTW market that [the brand] used to successfully sit in. Our main objective is to merge the creativity and price accessibility that the brand was once famed for in the 1970s.”

Created by a new team of young designers under the label Cacharel Studio, the main emphasis of the collection is on the use of luxurious fabrics, top-spec manufacturing and expert tailoring. “For the repositioning, Cacharel has focused on sourcing luxury fabrication and trimmings at competitive prices. With this as the brand’s main focus, we really see Cacharel as doing something different. When looking at the contemporary marketplace, there is no one else really offering the same attention to detail, quality and luxury design. We really feel that Cacharel can offer all of this at an accessible price point,” explains Bousquet.

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The second tier of the strategic repositioning sees the strengthening of Cacharel’s international distribution in highend department and concept stores, as well as a rapid global rollout over the next two years. The UK has been identified as an important territory, with exposure at events such as Scoop London an important strategic step. “The UK market is very important in regards to visibility of the brand. British customers are very fashion conscious and very familiar with the Cacharel name,” says Bousquet. “There is a great brand awareness in the UK that we need to amplify. The repositioning of the brand will help to reassert the trans-generational appeal of Cacharel, which is reflected in the new look.”

Currently there are no immediate plans to open a UK subsidiary; instead sales will be handled directly through trade shows and own brand showrooms, which will take place during London, New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. “Our main focus will be key UK department stores which we will be partnering with to host shop in shop retail spaces. In addition, Cacharel aims to target very selective independent stores across the country,” adds Bousquet.

Kicking off in July, Cacharel will start re-establishing its retail presence – the brand closed its last standalone store on Rue Bonaparte on the Left Bank in 2008 – by opening two flagship stores in Paris. The new standalone locations will unveil the blueprint for future store openings and franchise partners globally, with the brand planning to open 24 standalone stores and 30 concessions across the globe by the end of 2018.

It’s an ambitious retail target, but Bousquet believes it is essential to creating the right exposure and market penetration for the label. “We plan to open two stores in Paris in July, both will be in the city centre and unveil our new design and architectural concept. Location one will be in the Paris Saint-Germain-Des-Prés district, and we also plan store openings in Lille, Marseille, Avignon, Nimes and more over the course of 2016,” he says, revealing that a UK store is also

earmarked for 2017. “We feel as a brand it is important to reestablish our retail presence, to maximise our visibility and fully communicate our new brand direction. Our aesthetic has evolved significantly and it is important to have retail spaces that reflect and embody this new chapter of the brand.”

It is a chapter that embraces innovation and a fresh take on design, while also building on and staying true to the heritage and iconic status of the brand, which has been much loved and admired by generations of women since it was launched back in 1958. Dresses, shirts and blouses featuring exclusive prints have always been part of the style DNA, with femininity at the core.

“Our aim is to reconnect with our existing fanbase whilst attracting a new audience to the brand. We want to keep our pricing accessible without compromising on design. If anything, our main focus is to raise our level of production quality season on season,” says Bousquet. “Cacharel as a fashion house will endeavour to add more complete looks to the collection. We have a clear understanding as a brand that we have to move forward. We have to predict what younger consumers want without losing our core. It’s about presenting collections that are different from what their mothers wore, although in the same spirit,” he adds.

For a/w 16 the collection takes roots in a simple femininity inspired by a 90s woman. A 70s influence is unveiled as well, while silhouettes are draped, knotted, easy to wear but always elaborate. Clean cuts are part of the brand’s new vocabulary.

The collection is contemporary, using contrasting textures and materials, including fur and leather, velvets, maxi herringbones or cut threads with a focus on double faced fabrics.

Autumn/winter 16 may be the season where Cacharel is unveiling a new direction, but it is not a departure from the brand’s core values and philosophy. And Bousquet is determined to develop the brand to its full potential and strength: “Fundamentally, we want to grow to re-establish the brand as a household name and communicate Cacharel as the leader in the contemporary fashion market.”

“ THERE IS A GREAT BRAND AWARENESS IN THE UK THAT WE NEED TO AMPLIFY. THE REPOSITIONING OF THE BRAND WILL HELP TO REASSERT THE TRANSGENERATIONAL APPEAL OF CACHAREL, WHICH IS REFLECTED IN THE NEW LOOK.”

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Style File

The hottest brands not to miss this month u NEW SIMPLICITY Multifunctionality, effortless elegance, true self-confidence and holistic comfort are the dominant features of the Wolford look for a/w 16. Function, comfort and style characterise the three collection themes: Second Nature, Pure Comfort and Effortless Sophistication.

Simplicity with avant-garde appeal is evident where graphically vivid patterns and figure-hugging cuts meet extra-soft, natural materials and where edgy see-through optics transform classic items into statement pieces.

u VEGAN CHIC Matt & Nat (standing for MAT(T)erial and NATure) sources vegan and sustainable materials such as cork and rubber during the design process of its chic and versatile handbags. A variety of vegan leather alternatives are used throughout, such as the lining, which is created from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles. Over 90 per cent of the a/w 16 collection is made in SA8000 credited factories in China and India, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainable chic.

FANCY FEET

Popular scarf and handbag brand BecksĂśndergaard is adding patterned socks to its product range. The collection includes checked, dotted and striped versions, available in many colours with metallic lurex threads: fun items in any wardrobe which add a little sparkle to a pair of classic jeans or boyfriend pants.

t THE STUDY OF CLOTHES Drawing inspiration from the triptychs of the painter Francis Bacon, Swedish label 5 Preview also heavily features slogans adapted to different themes, each with its own typographical expression. The collections are inspired by military items, vintage and unisex looks and show a strong DIY characteristic, with patchworking based on cutting apart and sewing together different pieces in silk, fleece and knitwear.

q STEPS AHEAD Founded by two friends, Henrik Standerth and Patrik Lakso Svensk, Swedish sneaker brand Jim Rickey is now well established as a pioneer in premium footwear and accessories, offering a unisex feel led by creative collaborations with both designers and world-class retailers.

www.tcashowroom.com

SINCE 1957 General Enquiries 01392 876390 l Customer Service 0800 294 3373 JosephRibkoff.com

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Fashion Radar

SKUNKFUNK Spanish brand Skunkfunk combines ethical values with directional fashion to form a complete lifestyle offer.

Skunkfunk is a contemporary womenswear brand which prides itself as much on its ability to trace its supply chain back to the source as it does on its high fashion design and diverse product mix. Family owned and designed in Bilbao, Skunkfunk is the only GOTS certified fashion brand in Spain, with a handwriting that is focused on independent boutiques. The brand offers a selection of women’s lifestyle products alongside a large offer of bags and accessories, using a unique pattern cutting process which aims for zero waste.

For a/w 16 the brand has been inspired by nature, art, music and the Basque country, with key themes centred around technical outerwear fabrics, innovative small-scale textures, fine jacquards and bright, wintery colours. Longline bomber jackets and culottes are predicted to be among the bestsellers. Wholesale prices range from £13.95 for a T-shirt to £41.50 for a jacket, with a 2.8 mark up.

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Romantic Lace From daytime casual to evening glamour, fashion has always fallen for lace. WWB selects the key trend pieces to order for in-store delivery now.

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1/ RUBY SHOO £19.60 01992 769612 • 2/ LITTLE MISTRESS £23.40 020 3617 7668 • 3/ BELLFIELD £10 0844 477 4856 4/ HONOR GOLD price on request 07780 680529 • 5/ SECOND FEMALE £35 07890 000789 6/ STANCE £6.52 www.stance.com • 7/ PEOPLE TREE £30.80 020 7042 8920 • 8/ ASH FOOTWEAR £60 020 7323 1020 Unless stated otherwise all prices are wholesale

AW16 collection showing at Moda Birmingham Stand X21 and INDX Birmingham.

Love Brands Ltd. www.lovebrandsuk.com UK showroom: sales@lovebrandsuk.com Tel - +44 (0) 20 7702 0203

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Autumn/ at

winter 16

Moda As the national trade event returns for another season with the introduction of a host of new sections and product groups, WWB takes a look at the must-have styles, brands and trends.

Moda Woman u 46 Moda Loves u 54 Moda Footwear u 58 Moda Accessories u 62 Moda Lingerie u 66 What’s on at Moda u 70

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Moda Woman From exciting new faces to established big names, Moda Woman presents its strongest line-up of contemporary and mainstream womenswear brands to date. WWB sums up the key brands not to miss.

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ATELIER GARDEUR Wide leg shapes featuring soft volumes and flares are a key trend at Atelier Gardeur, alongside front pleats, turn ups and tuck details. Sports influences are evident, with zip details and elasticated waists that have their roots in the activewear sector. Grey and black with white patterns are key to this understated look.

Showing Moda Woman Stand Q60

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TARA VAO Tara Vao is a Paris–designed ready to wear collection produced in Bali. Feminine French style mixed with a touch of island charm characterises the collection, with easy-to-wear clothing encompassing flattering shapes and soft fabrics for casual and comfortable chic.

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LAUREN VIDAL Soft, luxurious knitwear is one of the conducting threads of Lauren Vidal’s winter collection. Tie dye imprints in coffee, haze and pearl grey tones reveal themselves as a major theme of the season. The collection includes immaculate soft tailoring coupled with unstructured knits and easy yet elegant dresses – a timeless image that has evolved delicately over 20 years.

Showing Moda White, Stand W50

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FRANDSEN This season outerwear brand Frandsen offers luxurious wool and cashmere coats referencing the key season’s trends. Glamorous techno silks with intricate, fashionable detailing take centre stage, not forgetting a selection of real down coats and jackets with or without fur in an array of colours. Key shades include champagne, midnight blue, bordeaux, grey melange, pearl, hunter green, copper, chianti, gold and black.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand U41

I AM A COMMITTED MODA FAN AND HAVE VISITED FOR THE FULL THREE DAYS OF MODA SINCE IT STARTED. IT’S FAR EASIER TO SEE WELLDISPLAYED, COMPLETE RANGES AT THE SHOW RATHER THAN AT OTHER LOCATIONS; IT’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO RESEARCH NEW BRANDS AND TO CHAT TO AGENTS AND SUPPLIERS WITHIN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. ELSPETH LIVINGSTON, OWNER, SONIA OF BEAUMARIS, ANGLESEY

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RINO & PELLE Joining the Moda line-up this season, Dutch brand Rino & Pelle introduces a directional range of outerwear.

Leather continues to be at the forefront, though stylish and on-trend wool coats also feature. Look out for faux fur trims for interest and detail.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand T20

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INTELLIGENT LEGGING Another Moda debutante is Australian brand Intelligent Legging. Both trendy and wearable all day, the leggings use graduated compression to improve circulation while an extended waistband supports the entire mid section, strengthening the core and relieving back pain.

The brand utilises a stylish matte spandex textile which is cool in summer and warm in winter.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand U60 uuu

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JAMES LAKELAND Bold primary hues and monochrome geometric prints define the season at James Lakeland. Statement looks are at the core, with a strong emphasis on dresses, luxurious knits and sumptuous outerwear. A regular and popular Moda brand, James Lakeland successfully walks the fine line between referencing key trends and staying true to its own signature and creative flair.

Showing Moda White, Stand V39

I ATTEND MODA WOMAN TO OBTAIN AN OVERVIEW OF BRANDS AND TRENDS. THE SHOW IS A MORE RELAXED ENVIRONMENT THAN THE TRADITIONAL SHOWROOM WHERE BUYERS CAN VISIT AND RE-VISIT STANDS, WHICH IS IMPORTANT FOR A CALM BUYING EXPERIENCE. RICHARD BROADBENT, DIRECTOR, BROADBENTS, KNUTSFORD AND STOCKTON HEATH, CHESHIRE

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DIDRIKSONS Swedish heritage brand Didriksons is among the newcomers to Moda this season. The outerwear brand is designed around a philosophy of adapting to the elements, rather than challenging your surroundings.

Clean, contemporary Scandinavian style, timeless and durable designs and performance properties characterise the range.

Showing Unisex Lifestyle, Stand P41

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CHRISTINA FELIX Autumn/winter at Christina Felix will feature the brand’s modern classic take on wool cashmere coats and jackets, which have been proving very successful for the company for many years. Highlights in the collection include wool cashmere coats, three-quarter length jackets and full length coats, with fake fur trims and an array of colours available.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand Q58

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LATTE Latte focuses on its signature vintage colour palette this season, where deep hues are brought to life with a luxury edge across the brand’s knitwear collection. The outerwear offer has also been strengthened this season, reacting to industry demand and buyer feedback. New silhouettes evolve Latte’s contemporary styling, with each piece made in Italy.

Showing Moda White, Stand W49

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ANYA Anya is the more directional sister label to popular brand Jessica Graaf, and will be making its debut in the Moda line-up this season. Targeting a younger, more contemporary consumer, Anya maintains the hallmarks of quality associated with Jessica Graaf, while carving out an identity all of its own.

Comprising must-have knits and outerwear, the collection features a muted and modern colour palette and subtle textures for a commercial, effortless look.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand V60

COLLECTIONS CAN VARY FROM SEASON TO SEASON, SO ATTENDING A TRADE SHOW IS THE BEST WAY FOR US TO ASSESS NEW STYLES AND ADJUST BUDGET ACCORDINGLY BETWEEN LABELS. WE DO AROUND HALF OF OUR BUYING AT MODA WOMAN AND, BEYOND THE BUYING, WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET UP WITH OTHER BOUTIQUE OWNERS. MODA IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT SHOW. STEVE TAYLOR, DIRECTOR, FAB FROCKS, WESTBOURNE, BOURNEMOUTH

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BIANCA German brand Bianca returns to Moda this season with an immaculately crafted and coordinated collection comprising smart and casual wear for the modern discerning woman of 35-plus. Prints once again feature heavily, as do sumptuous knitwear and versatile dresses.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand Q50

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EMRECO Effortless dressing defines a/w 16 at Emreco. Soft merino sweaters are layered under boiled wool and textured yarn jackets, whilst ribbed knitwear and cotton tops are the perfect pairing for elegant shawl collar cover ups. The brand draws on its depth of experience and celebrates the tactile nature of knitwear, with textures ranging from sheer stripe, lambswool and feather yarn to luxurious alpaca blend intarsias.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand R50

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FABER German brand Faber specialises in high quality knitwear and coordinating tops, and this season sees a continuation of the label’s expertise with a collection centred around wearable knits that will take the wearer from day to evening. Muted winter colours such as greys, blacks and subtle beiges are at the core, with rollneck jumpers, coatigans, cardigans, twinsets and knitted dresses among the highlights.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand R60

I ATTEND MODA WOMAN TO GET AN OVERALL VIEW OF THE COMING SEASON AND CAN EASILY SPEND HALF MY BUDGET OR MORE AT THE SHOW. MODA GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY LABELS ONE AFTER THE OTHER, MAKING SURE I GET THE RIGHT MIX OF STYLES AND COLOURS AND COMPLEMENTARY STYLES. DEE BRAIN, PROPRIETOR, SERENDIPITY FASHIONS, GUILDFORD, SURREY

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MATTI MAMANE Matti Mamane is a Los Angelesbased label and has been sold in high-end boutiques throughout Europe and the US for over fifteen years. The brand’s signature design ethos is characterised by soft, feminine shapes and cuts. While maintaining a fashion statement, the label creates garments that flow, caress the body and give a feminine, fun, and fresh look.

Showing Moda White, Stand X50

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MARBLE At Marble, clean shapes, simple styling and surprising detail combine for a modern take on autumn dressing. Knitwear once again is a key focus for the brand, with luxurious tactile yarns forming the basis for relaxed shapes, stitch detailing and an understated look. The brand’s figure-flattering jeans are also going from strength to strength and make a welcome return this season.

Showing Moda Woman, Stand R40

MODA GIVES US THE CHANCE TO SEE THE MAJORITY OF OUR SUPPLIERS FACE-TO-FACE, AND WE DO ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF OUR BUYING AT THE SHOW. IT’S REALLY GREAT TO CATCH UP WITH ALL OUR SUPPLIERS AND WE CAN CHAT ABOUT DEALS FOR CLOSEOUT STOCK, FUTURE PLANS AND IDEAS AND ALSO CASUALLY GO AROUND TO SEE IF ANYTHING TAKES OUR EYE FROM NEW SUPPLIERS. JAMES ROBINSON, BUYER, PRIMODA

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POMODORO Pomodoro’s a/w 16 collection encapsulates modernity in unstructured shapes, opulent textures and exquisite quality.

Luxe layers of soft knits featuring a cashmere blend and faux fur gilets teamed with figure flattering jeans are among the key looks. Also look out for contemporary jacquard designs, timeless graphic prints and subtle lace detailing which provide daytime glamour in easy-to-wear silhouettes.

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CIRCLE OF TRUST Circle of Trust is known for its style, fit, attention to detail and affordable price. The brand started out in 2005 as a denim collection for men and women but has since expanded into a full ready-to-wear range with a sexy, tough and fashionable edge.

Showing Moda White, Stand X21

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GIBSON AND BIRKBECK Scottish brand Gibson and Birkbeck specialises in women’s shirts which are versatile, timeless and will suit a wide range of customers. Flattering cuts and impeccable craftsmanship are at the forefront of the range, while patterns and prints, from abstract graphics to pretty florals or butterflies, create interest.

Showing Moda White, Stand W28

MODA WOMAN LETS US SEE BRANDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD IN ONE PLACE AND ALLOWS US TO SEE THE GENERAL TRENDS AND COLOURS BEFORE WE DECIDE WHAT WE WILL BUY INTO. WE BUY ACROSS THE SECTORS, SO WE COULD SPEND A HUGE AMOUNT OF TIME BUYING IF WE DID NOT HAVE A SHOW LIKE MODA. VICKY FACY, DIRECTOR AND BUYER, FACY, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, OXFORDSHIRE

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PASSPORT Greys and dusky pinks dominate the colour palette at Passport this season. The brand is referencing key trends in the collection, from poncho knits through chunky coatigans to masculine influences. The look overall is clean and understated, but with a luxurious and sumptuous touch.

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NÜ Nü is breaking all boundaries this season and favours dressing beyond limits with strong styles of futuristic sequins and 3D print effects on feminine dresses. The colours are inspired by metal green and orange masala in a strong combination with black and greys. Another style story is centred around rock’n’roll, combining a softer bohemian vibe with an edgier look.

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Moda Loves This season will see Moda Woman introduce a new dedicated platform for contemporary in-season collections. Moda Loves will debut as host to the sector’s most on-trend collections for the s/s 16 season. WWB takes a look at some of the brands on offer.

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CITY GODDESS On-trend label City Goddess will reveal a flirty and fashionable collection of spring styles for the girl about town. Having evolved into a key player in the sector since its inception in 2003, City Goddess is best known for reacting quickly to catwalk trends to target the modern consumer. The brand’s spring collection focuses on feminine dresses for day-to-evening wear in figure-flattering styles and statement summer colours.

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ROCKABELLA Rockabilly inspired dresses are at the heart of Rockabella, which offers a huge diversity of styles for every customer taste. Strong colours, graphic and cutsy prints, as well as 60s inspired petticoat styles bridge the gap between retro, vintage and on-trend looks.

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STYLE GRAB Having already established a successful nationwide presence selling directly to consumers, Style Grab will make its foray into the trade following an appearance at The Clothes Show last year. Characterised by uptown culture and edgy, on-trend styles, the brand offers retailers new lines every three weeks.

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INNOCENT Innocent’s collection consists of trendy and easy-to-wear dresses, graphic tees and vests as well as tattoo print inspired knits and tops. Versatile and flattering, the collection brings together bestselling separates at affordable price points, perfect for last minute in-store top ups.

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AW16 Preview Pure, Hall H1, Q188 | Micam, Hall 2, K36 | Moda, F20 E sales@jacobsongroup.co.uk T 01706 212512 W www.ravel.co.uk

Elegance and quality since 1980

“You put the coat on the customer, you point her at the mirror and it’s sold” Ryans of Galway

“Beautiful quality, excellent price.

We’re very pleased” Anne Furbank, Buckden

“The best coat brand on the market for quality and price” Cousins of Cheltenham

The coat pictured is 70/20/10 wool/poly/cashmere @ £63.30

In four years, Christina Felix has established itself as core product in 70 of the best independents in the UK and Ireland. Between them they run all the major brands. Most do not commit on coats until they have seen Christina Felix. Several have placed orders in excess of £50,000 for AW16.

— Now available in the UK in London at the Holiday Inn Regents Park and at MODA through John Pearce Fashion. Details below: — Holiday Inn Regents Park, Carburton Street, London, W1W 5EE 14-19 February 2016 Moda NEC Birmingham Stand Q58 21-23 February 2016 — National advertising is planned for September as we deliver. All UK customers will be listed. Individual local advertising support will be offered to all UK customers for AW16 based on a percentage of their order values.

Please note we have no minimum order requirements.

T: 07504 117954 E: johnpearcefashion@gmail.com

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Moda Footwear As the shoe trade’s national exhibition, Moda Footwear offers a comprehensive selection of footwear labels with a convenient proximity to Moda Woman. This season also sees the launch of new area Boutique, hosting contemporary and directional womenswear and footwear brands.

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HUSH PUPPIES Last season saw Hush Puppies make a welcome return to Moda Footwear, redefining its six decades of heritage for the contemporary sector. The brand will present a bolstered presence for autumn, revealing a collection of wearable styles for effortless day to evening wear.

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AIGLE French heritage label Aigle continues its evolution into a lifestyle concept with its latest offer for a/w 16. Each style is designed to perfectly target the contemporary and fashiondriven lifestyle consumer with the performance attributes that make the brand unique. Established in 1853, Aigle brings longevity into each of its designs, through both durable manufacture and styling which transcends the seasons.

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Capturing the essence of contemporary fashion season after season, Ravel maintains its hallmarks this autumn with a collection targeting the young, trend-aware woman. Boots in various lengths, classic courts and party heels are key, while a range of flats offer the signature Ravel style in a more casual format.

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EL NATURALISTA Spanish footwear label El Naturalista celebrates 10 years and 20 seasons at Moda Footwear this month. The brand attributes its success to its combination of innovation and tradition with an environmental and social awareness which sees it donate a percentage of its profits to social projects. This season sees the introduction of the brand’s first vegan line for autumn, building upon the success of its vegan summer sandals.

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WE ARE BASED IN A SMALL MARKET TOWN AND I BELIEVE IT IS VITAL TO GET OUT AND MEET UP WITH BOTH SUPPLIERS AND FELLOW RETAILERS FROM ACROSS THE FOOTWEAR SECTOR. I HAVE BEEN GOING TO MODA FOR MANY YEARS AND ALWAYS FIND THAT IT IS VERY EASY TO GET TO. ANNE COTTON, OWNER, R C COTTON & SONS, OUNDLE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

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CAPRICE Caprice expands its offer once again this season, adapting its signature innovations for the sporty, casual and fashion sectors without any compromise to its high standards of style and comfort properties. Boots are a key focus for autumn, with sleeker designs being complemented by more relaxed, slouchy silhouettes in the casual line.

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PEDRO MIRALLES New to Moda Footwear, Pedro Miralles arrives from Spain with an autumn collection set to redefine femininity.

Silhouettes are unashamedly daring, with over-the-knee styles and stilettos forming the hallmarks to the range, while lower-heeled shapes within the Weekend by Pedro Miralles line offer a more casual option.

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SHEPHERD OF SWEDEN Sheepskin specialist Shepherd of Sweden returns to Moda Footwear with its latest designs in qualitycontrolled sheepskin. Offering both daywear styles and slippers targeting the ever-popular lounge wear sector, the brand has evolved into a lifestyle concept for the winter season.

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CHATHAM Chatham builds upon the success of its first Made in Britain collection – which launched last season – with an autumn offer designed to combine function and style. The brand has expanded beyond its marine roots to offer a more comprehensive, all-terrain lifestyle offer, and this season sees the women’s collection diversify with more boot silhouettes alongside the brand’s signature shoes.

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PETER KAISER Unveiling an ethereal collection of fairytale-inspired designs, Peter Kaiser returns for a/w 16 with sumptuous textures, a dreamy colour palette and the wearable shapes that have become the brand’s signature. Muted shades of berry, petrol blue and grey offer versatile alternatives to black and brown, while wide heel units combine height with practicality.

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UNLESS I AM PLACING ORDERS FOR MID-SEASON REPEATS, I DON’T BUY ONLINE. I SEE EVERYTHING IN ONE PLACE AT MODA FOOTWEAR AND CAN SEE WHAT BRANDS’ UNIQUE SELLING POINTS ARE, WHICH MEANS I AM LESS LIKELY TO INADVERTENTLY PICK UP A DUPLICATE. TANYA MARRIOTT, OWNER, SOLELUTION, BRISTOL

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S.OLIVER Building upon a strong spring show, S.Oliver will make its autumn debut this season with a collection of footwear designed in line with its hugely successful wider lifestyle offer.

Designed around a philosophy of effortlessly capturing trends for easy everyday wear, the German brand is a global leader in both apparel and footwear, creating designs for the modern-day family.

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Moda Accessories returns with a new look this season, maximising the adjacencies of each of its key product sectors with complementary collections within Moda Woman. From directional jewellery and handbags to elegant millinery, the exhibition presents a comprehensive range of essential add-ons for the womenswear buyer.

DENTS As one of the accessories sector’s most recognised labels, Dents is unrivalled when it comes to British heritage and high quality designs in fine leather. This season sees the brand return with its latest offer of gloves, handbags, hats and scarves, with an extended textural palette that incorporates faux fur, tweed and velvet in addition to its signature fine leather.

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GABY’S Offering easy-to-wear statement pieces that enhance the key colours of the season, Gaby’s is an established name on the accessories scene. This season sees the brand unveil a range of spring designs in soft greys and pastel hues through to stronger floral designs, all of which are available from stock.

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SPIKES & SPARROW Arriving at Moda under the Love Brands umbrella, Spikes & Sparrow makes its show debut this autumn. Already a global presence, the Dutch brand is best known for a leather look that improves with age, and timeless designs that are created in line with the philosophy that a bag is much more than a disposable product.

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THE MIGHTY PURSE The Mighty Purse is an Australian innovation that charges the wearer’s mobile phone from inside her handbag. Powered by a discreet lightweight battery which can be charged via a USB port, the product is combined with on-trend, contemporary designs for the ultimate meeting of fashion and function.

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MY CUSTOMERS EXPECT GREAT STOCK FROM ME, AND I HAVE TO DO THE HARD WORK IN SELECTING IT. THIS IS WHY IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR US TO ATTEND MODA AND SEE MANY OF OUR BRANDS IN ONE PLACE. THE SHOW IS EASY TO GET TO, WELL LAID OUT AND MORE COSTEFFECTIVE TO ATTEND THAN OTHER SHOWS. LYNN CLARK, OWNER, FINALE SHOES AND ACCESSORIES, CORBRIDGE, NORTHUMBERLAND

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POWDER New to Moda, Powder bursts onto the scene with a vibrant collection of colourful and distinctive accessories.

The brand was established in Edinburgh in 2009, and has evolved to offer a range of socks, hats, gloves and jewellery, each characterised by its young and directional, carefree styling.

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PILGRIM APPAREL Making its Moda debut this season, Pilgrim Apparel brings a carefully curated selection of Spanish labels to Moda Accessories’ Adorned platform. Pictured is leather label Sacs Barcelona, which will be joined by Madrid leather brand Bahban and newly launched footwear brand Magro Cardona.

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One of the most respected brands in the UK, Dante have been supplying fashion jewellery to independents, multiples and department stores for over 25 years.

Each season we design a brand new collection of items that compliment the season’s fashion trends.

For more information or a catalogue www.DanteJewellery.com or 01260 226 588

STOP PRESS

We have a great opportunity for an experienced Agent to represent us in the Midlands.

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Moda Lingerie & Swimwear Forming the foundations of fashion, Moda Lingerie & Swimwear brings together the entire spectrum of the intimate apparel industry from global leaders to niche boutique labels.

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CURVY KATE Following its phenomenally successful spring edition, Curvy Kate returns with a new autumn offer designed exclusively in cup sizes D to K. The brand was launched in 2009 to give larger cup sized-women the same choice of lingerie available elsewhere in the sector, and is committed to using real models and real curves to help create and market each of its designs from concept to promotion.

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HUIT Part of the Wacoal Europe portfolio, Huit is a Parisian label that is designed around the philosophy of exulting the female form. The brand will showcase its latest range of lingerie and swimwear on the Wacoal Europe stand, within a portfolio which also includes leading labels Wacoal, Fantasie, Freya, Elomi and b.tempt’d.

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Established since 1947, Rosy combines a wealth of Parisian heritage with contemporary designs for the modern-day consumer. Fit is the focus this season as the brand returns to Moda with a range of sculpted designs created to add an element of luxury to everyday wear.

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MAISON LEJABY French lingerie label Maison Lejaby will reveal a new design direction at this season’s Moda Lingerie & Swimwear.

Unveiling five new lines inspired by the brand’s native Paris, the collection focuses on a subtle colour palette and exquisite design that takes its extensive heritage to the next stage of its development.

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PASSIONATA Showcasing its autumn offer amidst a blaze of design and colour, French label Passionata returns to Moda with a vibrant and directional collection of lingerie, which bears all the quality hallmarks of longerestablished sister label Chantelle.

Both brands will offer buyers free gift bags and the chance to win a spa day for two with orders placed at Moda Lingerie & Swimwear.

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I LOVE THE BUZZ AND EXCITEMENT OF THE NEW SEASON’S COLLECTIONS, AND SEEING THEM ALL IN ONE PLACE MAKES FOR A GREAT BUYING EXPERIENCE. MEETING AT ONE, NATIONAL INDUSTRY SHOW DEFINITELY BEATS LOOKING AT SQUASHED SAMPLES OUT OF A SUITCASE; MODA LINGERIE HELPS ME TO FOCUS ON THE SEASON AHEAD WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS. IT’S MY TIME TO STEP OUT OF MY BUSINESS, TO FOCUS ON MY BUSINESS. NANCY NELSON, DIRECTOR, SOBRIQUET, EASTBOURNE, EAST SUSSEX

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MEY Opening the next chapter in its Lovestory Lounge collection, Mey relaunches with a new look this season. Exclusive lace elements refine the offer, while sporty influences bring each style firmly up to date without any compromise to its signature elegance. Muted shades are key, with Wild Rose, Champagne and Sense – an earthy green – adding depth to the range.

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PANACHE British label Panache offers a collection in four phases this season, starting with an ethereal range inspired by winter orchids and moonlit styles. The brand has resurrected some of its best-selling styles – including Jasmine – and has redesigned its signature shapes such as Clara in new colourways, combining its history and heritage with contemporary and relevant design.

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WE HAVE STARTED TO PLACE ALL OF OUR ORDERS ON THE ACTUAL STAND, BECAUSE YOU CAN LOSE YOUR INITIAL GUT FEELING ABOUT CERTAIN ITEMS AFTER YOU HAVE WALKED AWAY. AS THE OWNER OF A SMALL, INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, I NEED TO BE VERY PRODUCTIVE WHEN BUYING, AND I ALWAYS LEAVE MODA FEELING POSITIVE THAT I HAVE SEEN AND SPOKEN TO EVERYONE. SINEAD SANDERSON, OWNER, PEACHES & CREAM, COUNTY DUBLIN

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AUBADE Aubade will launch its collaboration with iconic designer Christian Lacroix at this season’s Moda Lingerie, revealing a capsule collection designed as a tribute to all things Parisian.

The luxurious French brand will also unveil a new extended sizing structure within its main collection, including some styles which are now available up to a G cup.

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MIRACLESUIT Having revolutionised the swimwear market with its ‘look 10lbs lighter’ designs, Miraclesuit is a firm favourite for lingerie and womenswear buyers alike. The label’s swimwear collection (pictured) echoes the performance of its shapewear counterpart; both can be seen on the Patricia Eve stand this season within a portfolio which also includes fellow shapewear labels Naomi & Nicole and Cupid and newcomer Secret Weapons.

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Pure London Stand M100 Moda Birmingham Stand S60 +44 203 819 0819 sales@capriclothing.co.uk www.capriclothing.co.uk

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What’s on at Moda Beyond the business of buying, Moda offers a comprehensive programme of catwalk shows, seminars and social events designed to help visitors network and progress. Don’t miss out on everything the show has to offer this a/w 16. t

RUNWAY ASPIRATIONS See autumn style brought to life this season as key trends are presented in a real-time fashion showcase.

Get inspired for the new season, spot the trends and leave armed with a wealth of merchandising ideas from the fashion catwalk in Hall 20.

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ACCOLADES OF THE TRADE Moda Woman and Moda Lingerie will host the debut edition of the Intimate Ball this season, an elegant black tie event organised in aid of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!. Bringing together suppliers and retailers alike, the event – sponsored by Wacoal Europe – promises an unforgettable evening of fine food, drink and entertainment.

BBC Breakfast host Steph McGovern will host the evening, introducing fundraising events including a silent auction, as well as an elegant three-course meal and dancing.

The Intimate Ball will take place at the brand new Vox venue within the Resorts World complex. Offering guests the chance to get away from it all, the venue features lakeside views from its elevated position and will provide the perfect setting for a truly glittering event. Book your tickets at http://www.theintimateball.co.uk/buy-tickets/ t

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NEW TALENT FIRST Discover the footwear direction of the future as De Montfort University’s footwear design students battle it out to be announced as the winner of Moda’s History in the Making competition. The Leicesterbased university is home to the UK’s only dedicated footwear design course, and is the starting point for many of the sector’s stars of the future. The winner will be revealed in a presentation on the catwalk in Hall 17 at 6pm.

EXPERT ADVICE Delivering a range of relevant and engaging advice, Moda’s line-up of seminar speakers has been carefully selected to enhance the visitor experience.

Gain an exclusive insight into the season’s trends and essential business matters from leaders in their field and those on the inside of the industry.

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RAISE A GLASS Gather with friends and network with like-minded professionals at Moda’s ever popular drinks reception at the end of day one. Complimentary drinks will be served in the atrium after the end of a busy day’s trading, immediately after the close of the show.

CATWALK THEATRE HALL 17 Sunday 21 February 10.00 – 10.30 Gent catwalk 11.15 – 11.45 Footwear & Accessories catwalk 12.30 – 13.00 Gent catwalk 13.30 – 14.00 Footwear & Accessories catwalk 14.45 – 15.15 Gent catwalk 16.00 – 16.30 Footwear & Accessories catwalk 18.00 – 18.30 DMU presentation and Gent catwalk Monday 22 February 10.00 – 10.30 Gent catwalk 11.30 – 12.00 Footwear & Accessories catwalk 12.45 – 13.15 Gent catwalk 14.00 – 14.30 Footwear & Accessories catwalk 16.30 – 17.00 Gent catwalk 17.15 – 17.45 Footwear & Accessories catwalk Tuesday 23 February 10.30 – 11.00 Gent catwalk 12.45 – 13.15 Footwear & Accessories catwalk 14.30 – 15.00 Gent catwalk CATWALK THEATRE HALL 20 10.00 – 10.30 Lingerie & Swimwear catwalk 11.15 – 11.45 Moda Woman catwalk 12.30 – 13.00 Lingerie & Swimwear catwalk 13.30 – 14.00 Moda White catwalk 14.45 – 15.15 Lingerie & Swimwear catwalk 16.00 – 16.30 Moda Woman catwalk 18.00 – 18.30 Moda Woman catwalk and drinks SEMINAR PROGRAMME CATWALK THEATRE HALL 17 Sunday 21 February 10.30 – 11.00 Luan Wise: Top tips to build your online presence 11.45 – 12.15 Jim Jordan, The Coaching Solutions Toolbox: Rethink your marketing 13.00 – 13.30 Stephen Gunn & Kevin Mason, Amazon: Improve your fashion photography 14.00 – 14.30 Nathan Rous: Generate media interest for your new launch 15.15 – 15.45 Warren Knight: Build a social media plan for success Monday 22 February 10.30 – 11.00 Ian Rhodes; Stand out from the retail crowd 12.00 – 12.30 Jon Tromans, JTID: Blogging for the fashion business 13.15 – 13.45 Keri Sheehan, Tribe Creative London: Why visual merchandising matters in retail 14.30 – 15.00 Alison Lewy, Fashion Angel: Let’s get down to business – plan it, fund it 15.45 – 16.15 Panel discussion: Starting out, moving up – expert advice for new retailers Tuesday 23 February 11.30 – 12.00 Stefan Maurel, Style Pilot: Menswear trends 12.00 – 12.30 Rob Fay, Shackleton Property: Setting up Shop – getting your store open and trading 13.15 – 13.45 Stefan Maurel, Style Pilot: Menswear Trends HALL 20 Sunday 21 February 10.30 – 11.00 Ash Allibhai, Trend Council: womenswear trends 11.45 – 12.15 Stephen Gunn & Kevin Mason, Amazon: improve your fashion photography 13.00 – 13.30 Panel discussion: Retailers’ changing approach to social media 14.00 – 14.30 Jim Jordan, The Coaching Solution Toolbox: Rethink your marketing 15.15 – 15.45 Elizabeth Hitchens, Kidsontalks: Start a cost-effective e-commerce business Monday 22 February 10.30 – 11.00 Warren Knight: Do your social media in 30 minutes a day 12.00 – 12.30 Ash Allibhai, Trend Council: Womenswear trends 13.15 – 13.45 Jon Tromans, JTID: Blogging for the fashion business 14.30 – 15.00 Ian Rhodes: Stand out from the retail crowd 15.45 – 16.15 Keri Sheehan, Tribe Creative London: Why visual merchandising matters in retail Tuesday 23 February 12.00 – 12.30 Jon Tromans, JTID: Social media: making it work for you 13.15 – 13.45 Rob Fay, Shackleton Property: Setting up shop – getting your store open and trading

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The industry’s big night out Launching this month, the Intimate Ball is the new industry bash for the womenswear and lingerie sectors and promises to be a fabulous night, all in aid of CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity. WWB takes a look at the incredible work the organisation does and shares how you can be part of one of the key events on the seasonal calendar.

This month will see the launch of a brand new event for the lingerie and womenswear sectors. The Intimate Ball will bring their best retailers and leading suppliers together for a glamorous evening of food, drink, entertainment and fundraising at what is set to be one of the biggest nights of the industry calendar.

In being part of this spectacular new event, guests will also be helping to raise money for a cause close to many people’s hearts, with all proceeds from the evening going to breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!.

The charity was founded by Kris Hallenga (pictured) who, aged just 23, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. With her twin sister Maren, Hallenga set up the charity CoppaFeel! a month after she was diagnosed – eight months after a GP dismissed concerns about a lump in her breast because of her age. Upon being diagnosed, doctors told Kris that the cancer had spread to her spine; it is now at stage four and has reached her pelvis, hips, liver and brain. There is no stage five.

Now at the age of 30, and having recently received a DFS Women of the Year Outstanding Young Campaigner Award, Kris dedicates her life to campaigning to stamp out late detection of breast cancer with the help of the small team at CoppaFeel!.

Awareness is at the core of CoppaFeel!’s operation, ensuring that young people check their boobs and know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to improve early diagnosis rates. The charity wants to encourage women to check their boobs regularly throughout their lifetime and have the confidence to see a doctor if they notice anything that doesn’t feel right for them. To do this, they make use of donations in a number of ways:

• £2 enables CoppaFeel! to send a breast-checking SMS reminder message to 40 people every month.

• £50 allows CoppaFeel! to send one of its Boobettes into a school or workplace.

• £1000 covers the cost of going to a music festival to target about 50,000 more people.

If you would like to support this inspiring charity, then make sure to grab tickets for the Intimate Ball, which takes place on Monday 22nd February at the new state-of-the-art events space The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham. The Intimate Ball will take place during the forthcoming edition of Moda, placing the industry’s biggest night alongside its most essential trade exhibition. For more information visit www.theintimateball.co.uk and www.moda-uk.co.uk

SEE INSIDE FOR:

MANNEQUINS PROPS FA B R I C S HANGERS CHRISTMAS POINT OF SALE PRINT GRAPHICS LIGHTING LIFESTYLE DESIGN C R E AT I V E N E S S IDEAS AC RY LI C S AND MUCH MORE

VISIT TH E H OM E OF VISUAL M E R C H A N D I S I N G & D I S P L AY Showcasing the best talent from all corners of the industry, the VM&D Show returns to the Business Design Centre in London from the 20th to 21st April 2016

For free entry register today at www.vmanddisplay.com or call 01945 420 068 or email enquiries@rvmww.com

THE SIMPLE LIFE Clean lines, refined silhouettes and a muted colour palette – meet this season’s Scandinavian twist, where comfort meets contemporary styling.

Jumper Emreco £16 0345 345 1914 | Cardigan Brodie Cashmere £89 0113 250 8680 | Bottoms Brodie Cashmere £89 0113 250 8680 —

Jumper Dress Marble £24 0141 882 6743 | Socks Stylist’s own —

Coat Steilmann £51.95 020 7291 0522 | Jumper Marc Aurel £47.50 07906 070081 | Trousers Marc Aurel £47.50 07906 070081 Pumps Stylist’s own | Shirt Stylist’s own —

Top James Lakeland £33 020 7636 7130 | Trousers Silvian Heach £24 020 3432 6385 | Shoes Stylist’s own | Necklace Stylist’s own —

Coat Christina Felix £86 07504 117954 | Jumper Turnover £57.50 07906 070081 | Culottes Silvian Heach £20 020 3432 6385 Hat Stylist’s own —

Poloneck Brodie Cashmere £49 0113 250 8680 | Skirt Guess £30 020 7608 9100 | Necklace Stylist’s own | Ring Stylist’s own —

Coat Silvian Heach £92 020 3432 6385 | Top Braintree Clothing £17.95 020 7607 1173 | Trousers Monari £30.50 020 7636 4207 Snood Stylist’s own | Pumps Stylist’s own —

Coat Christina Felix £61.50 07504 117 954 | Dress James Lakeland £55 020 7636 7130 | Tights Stylist’s own —

Cardigan Steilmann £18.50 020 7291 0522 | Dress Pomodoro £27 020 8961 4000 | Pumps Stylist’s own —

Credits | Photographer: Chris Harvey www.iamharvey.co.uk | Stylist: Victoria Jackson Make-up artist: Laura Howley www.lauramariamakeup.com | Model: Melissa Mae www.bossmodelmanagement.co.uk —

Blazer Silvian Heach £34 020 3432 6385 | Dress Almost Famous £145 020 7637 2622 —

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The

pick of

Scoop

London 21 TO 23 FEBRUARY

SAATCHI GALLERY – LONDON

Returning for its second edition and once again running concurrently with London Fashion Week, Scoop London prides itself on its handpicked selection of new talent, directional designers and international labels, a large number of which are exclusive to the show and cannot be seen elsewhere. WWB introduces some of the many exciting labels not to miss.

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Launched in Copenhagen in 2013, Garment Project focuses on producing high quality classic sneakers, taking inspiration from both contemporary and traditional styles.

Designer Kent Madsen draws on his background at Nike to create highly stylised collections, which maximise comfort and amplify wearability using the finest quality leathers. Fellow Danish brand Libertine Libertine has quickly established a reputation for its clean minimalist style, crafting the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.

Hailing from the Faroe Islands, Gudrun & Gudrun is a knitwear company specialising in hand-knits. With environmental and ethical principles at its heart, the collections are made in knitters’ homes and in Jordan and Peru as part of the label’s women’s empowerment projects. Over at Cacharel, the collection is influenced by the 70s with a contemporary twist, featuring contrasting fabrics such as hair textures, fur, leather and velvets. Prints incorporate bold flowers, scribbled collages and abstract patterns in an autumnal palette.

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A GARMENT PROJECT B LIBERTINE LIBERTINE C GUDRUN & GUDRUN D CACHAREL

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A MING RAY B THEN PARIS C FELDT

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Ming Ray is a brand of luxury shoes and bags founded by Mingrui Wang, a Chinese-born London-based designer. Sophisticated playfulness, or, as the designer describes it, “Haute Cute� characterises the signature of the range, which features pumps and heels made of exotic leather and Swarovski crystals. Specialising in cashmere pieces centred around luxury, simplicity and authenticity, Then Paris puts cosy knitwear styles in minimalist styling at its core. Feldt is a London-based brand inspired by the authenticity found in nature, people and places, which is channelled into clothing for everyday wear suitable for all seasons. The clean aesthetic caters for almost any occasion, often tailoring masculine shapes for a feminine frame.

As the name suggests, Danish brand Rains specialises in modern and comfortable rainwear.

The brand has developed a lightweight and yet very strong polyester fabric with an added flexible polyurethane coating. The fabric is ultrasonic welded together to ensure its is waterproof and all fittings, zippers and trimmings are made of materials optimised for a wet environment. Over at Maison Baluchon, the brand celebrates English elegance. By combining sophisticated patterns with noble materials, the a/w 16 collection is an invitation to travel through profound colour tones featuring bordeaux, navy blue and tawny. Meanwhile, elegant shapes and distinctive design elements sum up collections at MOS London. Luxurious fabrics give a sharp look to all collections, whilst linings are made of natural fabrics and colourful stitching adds nuance to the designs.

Hailing from Toulouse, jewellery brand Nach Bijoux uses porcelain as its main material and offers trendy and unconventional styles that are exported the world over.

D RAINS E MAISON BALUCHON F MOS LONDON G NACH BIJOUX

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Designer Dahlia Razzook was born and educated in Houston, Texas, before moving to London to study fashion at the London College of Fashion. Her background includes working for the likes of Marchesa, Ralph & Russo Couture and Beulah London, experience which now feeds into her own eponymous womenswear brand. Her expertise in haute couture fabric and embroidery also drives her boutique collection of dresses, tops, trousers and shorts, with many items made from stretch silk and trimmed with ostrich plumes and exquisite beading.

Iconic footwear brand Terry de Havilland, meanwhile, dates back over 50 years, with many of its celebrated styles having cult status, such as the Margaux wedge. The brand is making its Scoop London debut with a new edit of its luxury footwear range aimed at premium buyers. Over at contemporary designer brand Ardent & Co, the emphasis is on the combination of innovative technologies and sartorial craft. The a/w 16 collection features an array of impeccably tailored dresses featuring jacquard-weave fabrics as well as duplex faux fox fur jackets and coats.

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A DAHLIA RAZZOOK B TERRY DE HAVILLAND C ARDENT & CO

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A glimpse of what visitors can expect this season from the art on display at the Saatchi Gallery during Scoop London.

CHAMPAGNE LIFE For the first time ever, and to mark their 30th birthday, the Saatchi Gallery will showcase works of diverse contemporary artists in an all-female exhibition.

Running until 9 March, Champagne Life will be a celebration of the rich and varied practices of female artists.

Over the last three decades, Charles Saatchi has collected the work of emerging and established talents including Jenny Saville, Paula Rego, Tracey Emin, Alice Anderson and Phoebe Unwin.

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Occasion WWB takes a look at the key trends across evening and occasionwear for a/w 16, and uncovers a mix of striking styles, eye-catching detail and dramatic silhouettes. Luxurious fabrics dominate this season’s offering; however, collection pieces maintain a versatile nature that’s fitting for a number of occasions.

PAOLA COLLECTION SHOWING AT MODA STAND W40

MANU GARCIA COSTURA

MICHAELA LOUISA SHOWING AT MODA STAND T31

IRRESISTIBLE BY VEROMIA SHOWING AT MODA STAND T2

OPPOSITES ATTRACT Black and white creates the ultimate contrast this season, though pastel hues such as pale pink are introduced for a twist on the trend. Whether seen through dramatic lines positioned side-by-side or in delicate patterns, the popular colour choice adds a level of instant sophistication to any look. uuu

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CHRISTINA WU OCCASIONS

CARLA RUIZ

ETERNITY PROM

MASCARA SHOWING AT MODA STAND T11

TIA SHOWING AT MODA STAND U41, U51

ALL THAT GLITTERS For a/w 16 glitter returns in a versatile way. Whether it’s a subtle smattering found in the attention to detail or an all-over covering, sparkle dominates collection pieces. Diversity is offered across collections, with an abundance of choices that range from refined beading to full sequin coverings and large coloured jewels.

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VERA MONT

LINEA RAFFAELLI SHOWING AT MODA STAND U7

IRRESISTIBLE BY VEROMIA SHOWING AT MODA STAND T2

JOHN CHARLES SHOWING AT MODA STAND T21

RONALD JOYCE SHOWING AT MODA STAND U19

LOOK SHARP Once thought of as a trend only for the brave and the bold, this season’s metallic shades are toned down and are often paired with other colours. Seen in a fresh versatile light, chic midi-skirts keep the look ladylike and steer the trend away from its ultra-glam connotations. uuu

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ETERNIT Y PROM

PROM FROCKS

MASCARA SHOWING AT MODA STAND T11

CARLA RUIZ

CHRISTINA WU OCCASIONS

UNDER THE SEA Serving as a perfect choice to raise the high-glamour stakes, the fishtail skirt is well suited to after-dark parties and events. Paired with luxurious fabrics, this flattering dress shape is the perfect way to achieve multiple results with minimal effort. This season, a touch of sparkle adds another eye-catching dimension. uuu

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PROM FROCKS

ETERNIT Y PROM

CHRISTINA WU OCCASIONS

CARLA RUIZ

MANU GARCIA COSTURA

FULL SKIRT Full, flowing skirts are featured across collections this season, with light materials used to create a dream-like effect. Fairytales and fantasy spring to mind when looking at these floor-length designs, which are available in a colour palette that ranges from light vintage pink to dark and dominating shades such as black and navy.

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Step forward WWB looks at the footwear brands, collection news and seasonal updates not to miss for a/w 16.

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B4BALLERINAS For a/w 16 b4Ballerinas launches a range of smoking slippers in a large variety of customisable colours and features. All details including upper, sole and finishing are changeable upon ordering via the brand’s website (www.b4ballerinas.com). Produced in Tuscany, Italy, the new line will run alongside the current La Ballerina style, a timeless ballet shoe design.

The range is currently available in UK sizes 2.5-7.5 and in a variety of finishes including suede, printed and nappa leather.

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RUBY SHOO For a/w 16 a strong silhouette is seen across Ruby Shoo’s collection.

An array of tactile fabrics including jacquard, brocade and printed velvet combine with technical processes such as embossing, branding and bonding to create intricate detailing.

Bright colours, including deep, warm tones, reds and oranges and highlights of ochre, create a playful 60s feel, aided by bold floral and geometric patterns.

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PRETTY BALLERINAS

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SEBAGO With Sebago’s 70th anniversary in full swing, the brand’s a/w 16 line presents new designs that represent an investment in craft. In addition to hand sewn styles brought back from the archives and a focus on the first-ever product creation, the classic penny loafer, new designs have been created to cater for the contemporary, on-trend consumer. Updated styles in the Campsides and Drysides collections provide the line with a versatile element for the new season.

For a/w 16 Pretty Ballerinas returns with its trademark range of flat shoes and ballerina styles. Mustard is a key collection tone, combining with a typically winter-themed colour palette of black and grey. The brand promotes two main design features this season: pom-poms and a bold giraffe print.

Overall, bright styles with contrasting colours and prints make a big statement, with differing finishes on offer.

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J SHOES This season, J Shoes releases a varied collection of heeled boots, rustic brogues and relaxed, premium leather low profile styles. Textures are inspired by rugged and organic elements, complemented by a colour palette drawn from nature. Exclusively for a/w 16, J Shoes is introducing a 20th anniversary update to the Cari winter high boot. Modelled after the brand’s bestselling Empire style, the boot serves as a winter staple.

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SOREL The Sorel a/w 16 collection is the largest offering from the brand to date – nearly double the size of previous seasons.

Demonstrating a strong heritage in winter boots, Sorel expands its collection with different designs, materials and heel heights for the new season, further blurring the lines between luxury and outdoor footwear. Styles are feminine yet ‘city proof ’, boasting features such as a sleek silhouette and waterproof full-grain leather on the same shoe. One such style, the Addington knee high boot with suede panelling, brings a 70s inspired style element to the range.

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CARA The a/w 16 collection boasts a luxurious line which utilises leather and suede materials, artisan design and silhouettes influenced by the 70s.

Textured nubuck finishes feature on everyday styles, with a rich colour palette standing out from the classic offering. Updates on the ankle, tall and biker boots are seen, with chunky, crepe and feature heels making a stand.

Over the knee styles have been refreshed with a more refined appearance and new heel heights, without compromising on comfort.

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CLOUD FOOTWEAR Cloud Footwear offers nine different finishes and a variety of new uppers in its latest collection. For a/w 16 the brand welcomes fantasy-themed detailing, with fake fur, knitwear and fringe finishes. Vibrant hues of blue, red, green and camel complement the staple colours of black and brown. Also seen this season is the introduction of a new heel style, a wedge variation of the bestselling Adeline shoe. uuu

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LACOSTE Lacoste focuses on life in the city for its a/w 16 collection. Taking inspiration from curious explorers who choose to experience all of the city’s landscape, the Explorateur collection is a range designed for urban discovery. Infused with the tennis heritage and design philosophy of the original 1963 René shoe, the Explorateur combines the traditions of the past with the demands of modern life. A premium leather finish and Ortholite footbed with memory foam padded collar provide an essential style finish.

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CROCS For a/w 16 Crocs introduces its most robust collection to date.

Several designs for women are set to debut this season, with new styles such as the Lina, Eve, Sarah, Leigh and Olivia II presenting a slimmer, more feminine shape than previously seen. Styles are available in new fabrics such as suede and are available with a soft lining for added comfort. Additionally, Crocs introduces a new shape of slipper for the season.

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SARGOSSA The Sargossa a/w 16 line presents edgy styles and designs, emphasising an overall theme of confidence. Created with women on the move in mind, each style features the brand’s patentpending technology alongside sleek, on-trend silhouettes.

Recognised for her ambitious and intricate laser-cut designs, designer Nanna Liv introduces further innovative detailing including hand stitching, metal hardware and sequin embellishment coupled with lush leathers and eye-catching metallics for a luxurious final product. Key styles include the returning classic Redefined model and the Fairytale, a peep-toe suede shoe featuring a delicate geometric structure.

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RED WING SHOES Red Wing Shoes started making boots for women in the 20s, a decade rich with social change. Aiming its range at female pioneers of the time, styles were made to liberate its wearer through a versatile and comfortable footwear product. With a goal to provide the wearer with the same level of quality as found in its range of menswear shoes, the brand celebrates its legacy and high level of craftsmanship through its women’s Red Wing Heritage Line.

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Life with character J Shoes’ head of design and creative director Katie Ridges shares her inspiration and reveals exciting plans for the brand’s milestone 20th birthday.

What is your professional background?

I started my journey at the prestigious Cordwainers college in London. In my second year I visited Lineapelle in Italy, where I met a footwear designer from Shanghai. We got on instantly and after the show she said that I should come and work with her. I initially dismissed this offer as a wild notion, but six months later I found myself on a flight to Shanghai and spent the next year designing, sourcing and living the high life in China. This was the start of my journey and opened many doors thereafter, from working on brands such as Ben Sherman, Firetrap, Boxfresh and Brakeburn, to becoming head of design and creative director at J Shoes.

What inspires you as a footwear designer?

Everything! It’s difficult to pinpoint. I’m not consciously being inspired; I just soak up what’s around me. Living in London is a constant source of inspiration: the people, the shops – you can’t get away from the city’s expression of style. This for sure works its way into my design. Having said this, I have a strong influence from found treasures; I spend time with my father and brother (both of whom are antiques dealers), trawling Brocantes in France for my next find. It may be a vintage trunk, lamp, piece of beautiful designer furniture or indeed a pair of someone’s much loved shoes. I love objects that have faced the test of time and are still relevant today. This is what I strive for in my design.

What is your creative process like?

Constant! I am always looking at footwear, what’s happening in fashion and what’s going on around me. It is what I love to do, so it never stops. Research is my favourite part of my process, so I spend a lot of time on this. I find that to create a successful range you need to identify all areas of a collection at the initial stage, so the design will be much more focused.

What are your criteria for a well constructed and well designed shoe?

Practicality and style combined together. A shoe that you return to season after season. The little black dress of shoes.

What are your thoughts on the footwear industry today and where do you see it in the future?

Without a doubt it’s tough out there. For a long time the smaller brands have been pushed aside by the high street and mass product. I think now, though, this is at a turning point; people want something they can’t get so easily, something that they can trust, something that has a little soul! Independent brands are making a comeback; that’s why J Shoes is such a great company to work with. We are a small team and independently owned, we have a rich history, and the product is timeless.

What’s next for J Shoes?

It’s our 20th birthday this year, so we have a lot of celebrating to do!

We have a very exciting collaboration with the English company Sanders, offering a small capsule collection of shoes made in their factory in Rushden, Northamptonshire. This is one of the last running factories in the country. The collection is the pinnacle of English craftsmanship and features materials from British Millerain and Hainsworth. There is a lot more to look forward to with J Shoes for a/w 16 – you are going to have to watch this space.

To what do you attribute the success of the brand?

J Shoes has always been a brand that is true to its core values: timeless British design with a modern crafted edge. Our reputation has grown organically; through word of mouth and fan loyalty, we developed a cult following. Our shoes stand the test of time in quality and design. This is why people have stuck with us for the last 20 years.

How would you describe the signature of J Shoes, both across women’s and men’s footwear?

Unfazed by fads and disposable fast fashion, J Shoes speaks to individuals who seek footwear that’s enduring, understated and crafted with passion.

Creatively, which collection is more challenging to design, men’s or women’s?

That’s a difficult question. I think that this season, we had some work to do on really defining our aesthetic in the women’s line.

The men’s collection has always been very solid and set in its look; seasonally it’s just about refreshing that and refining. For the women’s collection however, we had more avenues to explore. Although this may have been a challenge, it’s been a very enjoyable one. We have developed beautiful leathers, highly wearable styles and classic silhouettes that are sure to be used in seasons to come.

What are your plans going forward for the brand, in terms of product development, distribution and growth?

Our distribution is growing for this season, already having connected with partners in France and additional agents in the USA. This is set to expand further still next season. And the plans for the J Shoes range are vast. One area in particular is that we would like to expand the casual end of our line, still retaining that classic J Shoes twist and creating a ‘life with character’, just like our brand philosophy.

KATIE RIDGES

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Retailer spotlight: INDIE JOINS FLOOD RECOVERY SCHEME CHELSEA BOUTIQUE GETS FRESH LOOK Last month luxury holiday shop Heidi Klein launched its refurbished flagship Chelsea store.

The updated boutique is designed to reflect a typical Hamptons home. Panelled with whitewashed wood, the beach house-style store is decorated with fresh palm leaves and bleached coral. Heidi Gosman, Heidi Klein’s co-founder and creative director, says, “We are beyond thrilled with the new look of our flagship Chelsea boutique. London shoppers can now stop by and feel completely transported to a fresh, elegant and truly luxurious holiday environment.”

Independent store Rubyshoesday has joined Calderdale Rising, a crowdfunding campaign to help support a number of the 1,250 businesses across Calderdale that were heavily affected by the 2015 Boxing Day floods. The shoe retailer based in Hebden Bridge is in one of the worst affected areas, though hopes to get back on its feet with help from the Government’s match funding scheme. So far, fundraising for the 2,573 residents, co-ordinated through Community Foundation for Calderdale, has exceeded £700,000.

Retail Forum The latest in-store news from the industry

HAVE YOU OPENED A NEW STORE , LAUNCHED A TRANSACTIONAL WEB SITE , ORGANISED AN EVENT OR HAVE ANY OTHER IN-STORE NEWS? THEN LET US KNOW BY GETTING IN TOUCH AT REBECCA . JACKSON@RAS-PUBLISHING.COM.

Web watch:

WWW.LN-CC.COM

The online concept store LN-CC – aka the Late Night Chameleon Cafe – presents its offering of high-end designer labels as a platform of curated ideas. The online space is organised into menswear, womenswear, music and books, reflecting how the bricks and mortar store based in London is divided into product rooms across similar categories: a library, record store, gallery and club space for private events. Customers can browse the site’s offering of key brands – which include the likes of Acne Studios, J.W. Anderson, Alexa Stark and Rick Owens – by designer, product type or through the Feed tab. By clicking this option visitors are taken to a number of features and gift guides, with the ability to shop for the products.

DANIELLE ROGERS-CLARK

Owner of Believe in...

Boutique, Buckhurst Hill, Essex What is your current bestseller in-store?

We have done very well with accessories, in particular. Bobbl, a hat brand designed and made in the UK (from one of our favourite showrooms, Palladio) has been selling well. The brand produces a collection of lovely merino wool ribbed hats with a choice of coloured interchangeable fur pom poms – quirky, lovely, fun and they made a great Christmas present.

We have also recently introduced a range of activewear into our mix and have been doing very well with an LA label, Varley.

How have you found trading recently?

December was a little bit of a slow starter, with Christmas kicking in literally at the last minute.

However, when it did, it ended up being our best Christmas on record trade-wise. We found that this year many new customers discovered us for the first time. We also saw a rise in web sales.

What have you been doing to drive traffic in-store?

Social media, Instagram in particular, is key to helping drive traffic in-store. We find that many of our customers use Instagram as a tool to see what we have in store before coming in. We try to keep it fresh and upload pictures every day.

We also find local magazine features very helpful and try to do something with West Essex Life every month, as well as holding regular events in-store.

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SOLID LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR BATH IN FASHION 2016 A STRONG LINE-UP OF DESIGNERS AND FASHION EXPERTS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR BATH IN FASHION 2016. THE EVENT – WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE DURING 18 - 24 APRIL – PROMISES A RANGE OF DISCUSSIONS AND DEBATES FROM EXPERT SPEAKERS INCLUDING DESIGNERS ERDEM, JULIEN MACDONALD, ZANDRA RHODES AND NICHOLAS OAKWELL; VOGUE ILLUSTRATOR DAVID DOWNTON AND LIVIA FIRTH, FOUNDER OF ECO AGE LTD. NOW IN ITS SEVENTH YEAR, THE WEEK-LONG PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE CATWALKS AND A NEW ELEMENT FOR 2016, BATH IN FASHION LIVE . TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE FROM THIS MONTH.

EYEWEAR BRAND TAKES TO CARNABY Independent eyewear brand Moscot will open its first standalone store in Europe on Beak Street, Carnaby. The iconic brand will open as an 800 sq ft space over two floors. The shopfit will take inspiration from the brand’s current stores based in New York. Harvey Moscot, owner of Moscot, says, “We look forward to opening our UK flagship shop, as the area is a perfect fit for our brand with its mix of American heritage brands and fashion forward retail.”

Retail therapy: Share your retailing bugbears

JEN GARRITY

Co-owner, Coco Marie, Amersham, Buckinghamshire “Something that makes my staff feel really uncomfortable is customers who ask for a discount, often when they are buying two or three small items amounting to less than £30. I doubt they would do this in John Lewis! I blame lots of the TV ‘gurus’ who encourage consumers to never pay full price for something. We introduced a loyalty scheme over a year ago for our regular customers (they are the real ones we’d like to reward, as they never ask for money off ), which stipulates that for every £50 spent in one purchase you get a stamp. Once you have six stamps you get £30 off your next purchase. This has stopped customers getting too pushy for discounts and allowed us to build a 700-strong database filled with loyal customers.”

Q&A:

How has online retail affected you during the post-Christmas period?

GAIL NIVEN

ALEXANDRA BOARDMAN

ANNAMARIA QUINN

DEBRA MCCANN

Director, Just g Boutique, Edinburgh

Owner, Alexandra’s of Keswick, Cumbria

Owner, The Mercantile, Spitalfields, London E1

“At Just g Boutique we have an online presence that helps drive footfall into the shop: it acts as another shop window. However, the grim weather we’ve experienced has driven a lot of my customers online to shop with the main high street retailers who are offering a big discount.”

“It’s a bit different this sales period as flooding has affected Keswick. Though I have noticed footfall is down probably in part because more customers are turning to online as a result of the terrible weather. I had to go into Sale a bit earlier to match the online competition.”

Owner, Katwalk Casa, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire

“It’s affected trade negatively. This January I’ve seen fewer customers come into the store and a large decrease in sales. I’ve had customers come into the store, try a pair of shoes on then tell me they will buy it online.

It’s a change in culture and the way we buy things – I think this sales season has been a real indication of this.”

“It’s not affected us too much – maybe because our own website sales have been strong. We’ve also seen a large number of full price items ordered at the same time as sales items, so we have had a great start to the season.

The brands that have delivered early are really benefiting from increased footfall in-store during the sales period.”

Britains only stock supplier of rainwear spring & winter garments.

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Join us and them in London and at MODA. Details below.

David Barry & Kesta/ showing Venues & Dates Holiday inn Regents Park Carburton Street London W1W 5EE 14-19 February 2016 07504 117954 John Moda NEC Birmingham 21/23 February 2016 Stand U40 Hall 19/20 Larry@davidbarry.com WWW.DAVIDBARRY.UK 0208 500 0643 07802 640 900 Larry David Barry Limited 21 Fowler Road Hainault Business Park Essex IG6 3UT Parking available

Kesta coats & jackets, stock in many luxury fabrics always available inc cashmere/wool plus British tweeds.

A D V I C E / 111 wwb-online.co.uk

E-tail Clinic

Web chat:

Essential e-commerce advice The expert view: Using social media to revolutionise the customer experience Social media is a powerful tool for e-commerce brands looking to engage and build long-term relationships with customers. Thirty per cent of the world’s population is now on social media, and the average user spends 2.5 hours a day using social networks and microblogs. The way people access social media has changed too, with one third of all web pages now viewed on a phone. Research from this time last year found that 66 per cent of the UK population had bought something online within the past month – more than in any other country.

What does all this mean for UK e-commerce businesses?

Social media is a brilliant tool for e-commerce brands. Here are just some of the ways it can help you improve your customer experience and build brand loyalty: •C ustomer service – Social allows you to reply quickly to customer queries.

Also use search functions to find any negative brand mentions and quickly respond to turn grumpy customers into happy customers.

•M arket research – Use your social networks to better segment your audience and understand your target demographics, so you can find out in real time what your customers care about. You can then tailor campaigns accordingly.

•C ustomer acquisition – Think of your social media profiles as an extension of your shop window. Ask existing customers to write Facebook, Google or Yelp reviews. Optimise your profiles with keywords and ensure important information is easy to find.

•C ustomer engagement – Rather than focusing on sales, use social media to share what is unique about your brand, demonstrate your value and validate your marketing efforts.

How do big brands use social?

Topshop: content tactics The Topshop ‘Insideout’ blog has music and culture sections and features fashion news, styling tips and cultural tip-offs. Both are supported by an active presence on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Tumblr, YouTube and LinkedIn, through which Topshop shares carefully crafted content, tailored for each audience.

Topshop never shouts about its products, but instead shares related content of interest to its young customers – on everything from Glastonbury to careers in the fashion industry. The aim of social is to become the place that your customers seek out as a source of useful information and entertainment.

John Lewis and M&S: where online meets offline Social media is now fully integrated into people’s lives – on their phones, in their pocket and immediately accessible on the go. John Lewis and M&S use Facebook check-ins to give free coffees in their cafe. This drives people through the store and towards additional purchases, while check-ins reach a wide audience online.

Consider how you can bring online and offline together, creating an omnichannel experience for your customers. By connecting actively and regularly with your customers through social media you will reap long-term rewards through the lifetime value of each of them as brand ambassadors.

Jonny Ross, founder, Jonny Ross Consultancy. For more free e-commerce and social media tips visit www.jonnyross.com/blog

PAMELA SHIFFER

Owner of Pamela Shiffer, Primrose Hill, London NW1 www.pamelashiffer.com When did you launch your website and is it transactional?

I launched our transactional website in spring 2015.

What percentage of your business does your site constitute?

At the moment we only have a very small selection of our stock on the site and it’s been difficult to keep it updated because I’m buying stock all the time. Therefore we only put on approximately10 per cent of our actual stock.

Are you selling the same stock online as in-store?

Our website only carries items that are sold in-store.

Is your e-commerce arm growing, and what is driving this growth?

Website orders are slow. However, we find that many of our in-store customers like to view what’s on the site then come into the store and then try them. To drive sales forward we find Facebook and Instagram are the best social media sites and we’ve taken direct orders from both.

What are your plans for the site and how would you like it to develop?

I would really like to develop the website and drive sales forward, though we’re limited at the moment in terms of staff and good images that represent the brands we stock. I would like to develop this into a serious addition to our bricks and mortar store and I’m making inroads into this as we speak; however, if there’s anyone out there who could give us some tips, we’re all ears.

GROWTH IN ONLINE RETAIL PARCEL VOLUMES FINISHED 2015 UP 15.7% FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE, AHEAD OF THE +13% FORECAST AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. SOURCE: IMRG ONLINE SALES OF NON-FOOD PRODUCTS IN THE UK GREW 15.1% IN DECEMBER VERSUS THE 2014 FIGURE OF 7.0%. DECEMBER’S ONLINE SALES PERFORMANCE EXCEEDED ITS RESPECTIVE 3-MONTH AND 12-MONTH AVERAGES OF 12.3% AND 12.4% .

SOURCE: BRC

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Names and Numbers

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Aigle 01608 813860 www.aigle.com Almost Famous 020 7637 2622 www.aflondon.com Anya 00353 14295111 www.jessicagraaf.com Ash Footwear 020 7323 1020 www.ashfootwear.co.uk Aubade 01327 811289 www.aubade.co.uk B4Ballerinas 020 7720 2073 www.b4ballerinas.com Bellfield 0844 477 4856 www.bellfieldclothing.com Bianca 020 7580 0085 www.bianca.de Braintree 020 7607 1173 www.braintreeclothing.com Brodie Cashmere 0113 250 8680 www.brodiecashmere.com Caprice 0049 633127372 www.caprice.de Carla Ruiz 01892 614000 www.carlaruiz.com Chatham 01392 822981 www.chatham.co.uk Christina Felix 00351 252330500 www.christinafelix.com Christina Wu Occasions 0870 770 7670 www.eternitybridal.com Circle of Trust 020 7702 0203 www.circleoftrust.nl City goddess 020 8599 5544 www.citygoddess.co.uk Cloud Footwear 00351 255312867 www.cloud-footwear.com Crocs 0031 237411703 www.crocs.co.uk Curvy Kate 020 8861 3111 www.curvykate.com Dents 020 7491 9231 www.dents.co.uk Didriksons 0046 33127120 www.didriksons.com El Naturalista 0034 941403393 www.elnaturalista.com Emreco 0141 424 1914 www.emreco.co.uk Eternity Prom 0870 770 7670 www.eternitybridal.com Faber 020 8441 6305 www.faberknitwear.de Frandsen 020 8504 6554 www.godske.com Gaby’s 01985 212291 www.gabysfashion.com Gibson & Birkbeck 01738 582267 www.gibsonandbirkbeck.co.uk Guess 020 7608 9100 www.guess.eu Honor Gold 07780 680529 www.honorgold.co.uk Huit 0033 811368888 www.huit.com Hush Puppies 020 7860 0100 www.hushpuppies.co.uk Innocent 0141 766 0905 www.innocentclothingltd.com Irresistible by Veromia 020 8502 2257 www.veromia.com J Shoes 01858 468123 www.jshoes.com James Lakeland 020 7636 7130 www.jameslakeland.net John Charles 020 8888 8833 www.johncharles.co.uk Lacoste 01962 312803 www.lacoste.com Latte 0141 204 0699 www.latteclothing.com Lauren Vidal 01825 733330 www.mdainternational.co.uk Linea Raffaelli 0032 13771476 www.linearaffaelli.be Little Mistress 020 3617 7668 www.little-mistress.com Maison Lejaby 0033 472014696 www.maisonlejaby.com Mama b 01825 733330 www.mamab.it Manu Garcia Costura 0034 9577127820 www.higarnovias.com Marble 0141 882 6743 www.marblefashions.co.uk Marc Aurel 07906 070081 www.marc-aurel.com Mascara 020 8965 1522 www.mascaracollection.com Mey 0049 8914367152160 www.mey.com Michaela Louisa 020 8888 7000 www.michaelalouisa.com Miraclesuit 01423 885374 www.patricia-eve.co.uk Monari 020 7636 4207 www.monari.de Nu 020 7702 0203 www.lovebrandsuk.com Panache 0114 241 8839 www.panache-lingerie.com Paola Collection 01892 614000 www.joannaedwardsagency.co.uk Papucei 0040 232242232 www.papucei.eu Passionata 07767 276992 www.chantelle.fr Passport 0049 70316423 www.passport.de Pedro Miralles 0034 966630911 www.pedromiralles.com People Tree 020 7042 8920 www.peopletree.co.uk Peter Kaiser 0049 6331716246 www.peterkaiser.co.uk Pilgrim Apparel 01394 823059 www.pilgrimapparel.com Pomodoro 020 8961 4000 www.pomodoroclothing.com Powder 0131 331 2908 www.powder-uk.com Pretty Ballerinas 020 7224 3225 www.prettyballerinas.co.uk Prom Frocks 01942 238643 www.promfrocks.co.uk Ravel 01706 212512 www.ravel.co.uk Red Wing Shoes 020 7831 1210 www.redwingshoes.com Rino & Pelle 07747 23383 www.rino-pelle.com Rockabella 0141 766 0905 www.innocentclothingltd.com Ronald Joyce 0845 561 5522 www.ronaldjoyce.com Rosy 0033 390292173 www.rosy.fr Ruby Shoo 01992 701832 www.rubyshoo.com s.Oliver 0049 523160505 www.soliver-shoes.com Sargossa 020 7938 3527 www.sargossa.com Sebago 01489 893777 www.sebago.com Second Female 07890 000789 www.secondfemale.com Shepherd of Sweden 01455 891711 www.shepherdofsweden.se Silvian Heach 020 3432 6385 www.silvianheach.com Smashed Lemon 0800 612 9009 www.smashed-lemon.com Sorel 080 8234 0228 www.sorelfootwear.co.uk Spikes & Sparrow 0031 488420860 www.spikesandsparrow.com Stance 0094 93919030 www.stance.com Steilmann 020 7291 0522 www.steilmann.com Style Grab www.style-grab.com The Intelligent Legging 0061 755729684 www.blackpants.com.au The Mighty Purse 020 7702 0203 www.lovebrandsuk.com Tia 020 8504 6554 www.godske.com Turnover 07906 070081 www.turnover.com Vera Mont 020 8097 3016 www.bettybarclay.com

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The Last Word with...

Manny Kohli President and CEO, Matt & Nat

Name: Manny Kohli Job title: President and CEO, Matt & Nat From: India Lives: Montreal/Quebec, Canada

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

I still vividly remember playing dress-up. I have always had an interest in fashion and dressing up was something I enjoyed doing as a child.

Which song sums you up?

Any song from Sam Smith gets my day going. If I had to choose one, I would say Latch.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done?

That was probably sneaking out of my house at night as a teenager.

What are the top three things on your bucket list?

1) Travel to the Himalayan mountains.

2) Spend an entire month at a meditation retreat and spa.

3) Visit the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, India.

What’s your favourite tipple?

A glass of red wine.

What could you cope better with, no internet or no mobile for the day?

Both would be tough, but no internet for the day would be easier for me to cope with.

Would you rather rewind life or pause it?

I would rather pause life than rewind it.

What makes you laugh?

Finishing off a good season of great designs always puts the biggest smile on my face.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Eating too much dark chocolate!

What’s your secret talent?

My secret talent is definitely making friends. I love meeting new people and learning more about them.

What achievement are you most proud of?

My greatest achievement to date in terms of Matt & Nat has been introducing our Hope Charity Bag. The bag launched in July 2015 and was developed in order to support five different charities across the world. Money raised through this bag has achieved a lot for the charities involved already and I’m very proud of that.

If you didn’t run Matt & Nat, what would you be doing?

I would be working in the fields of public relations or marketing in the fashion industry.

NEW CollECTIoN

autumn/winter 2016 Please call your local sales agent or email, to book an appointment: South East Helen Groom: 07986 434346 Wales and Midlands Nick Sturmey: 07976 700312 South West Joanna Sturmey: 07792 280617 North East Susan Hardcastle: 07718 037262 Scotland Richard Kaye: 07825 187574 Ireland Jimmy Burns: 07740 794461 891 Great West Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5PD. Call: 020 8560 2323 Email: sales@adini.co.uk www.adini.co.uk