Thursday 23 August 2012

London trip part two



Own photographs

On the second day during our London trip we headed over to Pure Tradeshow in Kensington Olympia where we enjoyed plenty of talks from the likes of WGSN covering topics such as social media, creating a fresh brand mix, making your store a household name, effective transactional sites, turning new customers into regulars and driving footfall which were all fantastic research for my third year project! Besides this there were tons of catwalk shows showcasing a host of future trends and fashion style inspiration, again great references from a buying perspective.

I caught the WGSN Wonderlab Macrotrends forecast report and runway show for 2012-13 and it seems that in terms of womenswear that the peplum trend we are seeing at the moment is set to continue and evolve into softer and more universal shapes and silhouettes. Texture experimentation in the form of laser cut lace, layering and structured frills and ruffles will dominate garments. Tonal wise metallics are going to be huge, think pinky bronze gold, also sea hues of green and blue mist in micro-biotic and geological prints on products like slim leg trousers. Gone are the maxi skirts and replacing them are slightly drop waisted full skirts to be accessorized with colour blocked heels and perspex jewellery. Another womenswear macro trend will be grungy capes for festival-wear, a new more sportswear feel to the traditional trench coat and the infamous shirt dress takes on new lease of life in luxurious fabrics like suede. Also, 60's modernism will have a come back with primary colour blocking, framing of angular shapes, patterns and detailing which creates asymmetric lines - something which will return to fashion again is the asymmetric shoulder dress. Function and form play a huge role with simple garments driven by practicality and subtlety. So, if you see any of these things around the shops at the moment buy into them now knowing they will be investment pieces for later this year and next year.

There were a mass of brands exhibiting at this year's event in the white hall, some stood out more than others using more inventive visual merchandising like Glamours's stand (shown in image 12) made using raw, unvarnished wood panelling, creating a distinctive space that imposed over the surrounding exhibitions. There were many amazing products on display but some of my favourites came from brands like House of Harlow, (just look at how beautiful their shoes are!) Part two (shown in image 1 and 2 - just love that mint green sheer shirt) and in particular I found myself drawn to Charli (shown in image 10) and their subdued palette in soft fabrics like cashmere, jersey and linen, a brand I remember from Bread and Butter earlier this year. Their mantra is maintaining 'an easy-luxe aesthetic at its core, continuing to work with softly draped shades and knitwear as well as experimenting with high-end washing treatments and finishes'. They certainly seemed to evoke this through highly wearable, contemporary and versatile stock that could be worn truly by all ages. I managed to grab the attention of three guest speakers (Helen Hindley owner of Beach Hut, Nikki Raraport director of Bernard Boutique and Giulio Cinque owner of Giulio Man and Woman) and do a small interview with them backstage for my third year project which I am sure will be invaluable research. It is always great to discuss ideas and questions with people in the business who know their stuff. I also met and interviewed a lovely girl we met on the way to the event called Emma Hamshare - she is a freelance designer and you can find her website here! She has the most wonderful bespoke laser-cut collars. 

So, all in all Pure was a worth while day, we came away with a host of Draper magazines and it was made all the more enjoyable catching up with Nichola at the House of Harlow stand and spending the day with my friend's.

7 comments :

  1. Great pictures

    Z
    http://areweontime.blogspot.com

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  2. Omg the house of Harlow shoes are to die for! Tey are so cute! What an amazing opportunity for you :) lovely blog btw!

    UnwrittenDetails.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. I know I love them too! Thank you love xxx

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  3. Great pictures, looks amazing! x

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rebecca, not spoke in awhile, hope your well!
      X

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  4. This event looks amazing :)
    Your blog is gorgeous, and I love the detail in your posts.
    You have a new Follower!

    I have just started Blogging myself, and it would be great to get some feedback and support.
    Let me know what you think!

    Katelilydaze.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete

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