Moda Preview
Brands gather for Moda THIS season’s Moda will be showcasing the largest gathering of footwear brands seen anywhere in the UK. Many new names, including contemporary lifestyle and kids’ footwear brands will be appearing at the show, as well as established companies. The latest brands to join up include British women’s brand Strutt Couture, presenting its main range of cutting edge footwear as well as a new collection designed by Zandra Rhodes and London-
inspired label Feud. The show has been divided into five sections – Essential, which brings together mainstream and comfort brands; Life, which includes all unisex and lifestyle brands; Boutique, for women’s fashion lines; Express, showcasing in-season collection and finally the CWB Kids’ Zone, a specialist area dedicated to children’s footwear. The event will also be providing a host of networking events, catwalk shows and a free seminar programme.
Strutt Couture is set to exhibit its new collection designed by Zandra Rhodes at this season’s Moda. The world renowned designer has teamed up with the British footwear brand to create a collection of shoes for spring/summer 2010 and is now set to work with the brand for the next five years. Ian O’Connor, Strutt co-founder, said: “Moda is a growing show which is encouraging more premium-placed brands. “I’m sure there will be a lot of interest in these collections, and showing Strutt Couture gives buyers who wish to up their offering the opportunity to discover what the brand is all about.”
Lollipop re-brand LONDON’s Lollipop boutique is undergoing a re-brand following the successful launch of its own footwear label. The London business opened its footwear store in Islington in 2006 and sells brands including Chie Mihara, The Jackson Twins and Miss L Fire. The specially designed shoe range Laura J London was released in September and has been selling so well in store that the decision has been made to rename the company after the new line. All parts of the Lollipop London brand, from the store to the online boutique, will now operate under the Laura J name.
Seminars to offer recession advice MODA’S seminar programme is set to offer retailers advice on how to beat the economic downturn. As part of the two day free seminar programme at the show, Dennis Reid, chairman of Retail Performance Specialists, will be providing guidance on how the independent retailer can ‘beat the downturn in trading’. He will be offering advice on maintaining a competitive advantage, and exploring how sharpening up on
key issues such as sales and service can help you win in an increasingly tough climate. Also appearing this season is visual merchandising expert and managing director of Shopworks, Craig Phillipson, whose seminar ‘The Customer Journey Through the Store’ will illustrate how a clear understanding of customer needs should be the driving force behind effective instore design and can lead to increased sales.
13 ISSUE 54 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009