Attire Accessories magazine
OUT NOW
October/November 2011
Find out more about the latest industry news and product launches in the current issue of Attire Accessories. Why not download the magazine in PDF format from www.attireaccessories.com?

October/November 2011
 
Chain reaction
The spring/summer 2012 jewellery trends to look forward to

Unique boutique
An official show preview of Boutique Manchester

Looking good
The freshest eyewear products on the market

Walking on sunshine
Step out in style with our pick of next summer's footwear

Win products worth £750 RRP courtesy of Earth Squared


It's in the bag
A round up of the bext arm candy on offer for the forthcoming season

Getting carried away
We take a look at the latest innovations in travel goods

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
12th December 2011

Reader's poll
 
What we've learnt from the latest reader poll at www.attireaccessories.com

We asked: As we move between seasons, which accessory is the most important transitional purchase to update your look?

You said:

Boots 33%
Scarf 22%
Handbag 45%

New Pure event for the trade show calendar
 
New Pure event for the trade show calendar
 
Launching in 2012, Pure Close to Season aims to provide buyers with the best opportunity to top-up collections, invest in pre-collections, and source new brands mid-season. It was conceived as a response to the ever-changing buying patterns of retailers, and as a way to help buyers meet consumer demand for on-trend products.

Featuring an inspiring range of footwear, accessories, womenswear and youthful fashion brands - as well as catwalks and trend briefing seminars - Pure Close to Season will be the place to hear about confirmed trends. The first edition will focus primarily on quick-response and in-stock products for spring 2012, as well as showcasing updates to autumn 2012 forward order ranges.

Regent Street becomes a style playground for Vogue Fashion's Night Out
 
Regent Street becomes a style playground for Vogue Fashion's Night Out
 
Regent Street retailers were in the party mood for Vogue Fashion's Night Out on 8th September, 2011. Along with other retailers, restaurants and bars from major international cities, they embraced late-night shopping, culinary experiences and entertainment. Over 40 of the Regent Street retailers, bars and restaurants, took part in the event this year, and most of the shops remained open until 11pm, offering customers a relaxed evening to enjoy the new collections from many of the Regent Street brands.

Participating flagship brands included Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Jaeger, Armani Exchange, Penhaligon's, Tommy Hilfiger, Kirk Originals, Ferrari, Calvin Klein, Karen Millen, COS, French Connection, Mango, The Organic Pharmacy and Oliver Sweeney.

Restaurants such as Sketch in Conduit Street and The Living Room and Aubaine in Heddon Street, joined in the fun by offering special promotions to customers.

Armani Exchange played host to a DJ session, whilst US brand Anthropologie offered a 20 per cent discount on all full-priced fashion and accessories. Molton Brown used the special night to launch its newly refurbished Regent Street store. Penhaligon's held a '20s inspired evening to launch its new fragrance, Juniper Sling, inspired by London Gin; and The Organic Pharmacy indulged shoppers with a complimentary mini-manicure when they purchased the Gold or Silver Vogue approved shades.

Vogue Fashion's Night Out 2011 kicked off on 6th September in Russia. Spain followed on the 7th while Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, UK, Brazil (São Paulo) and USA all held events on 8th September. Brazil held a further event on 9th September in Rio de Janeiro. Taiwan and India joined in on 10th September, China on the 11th, and the fashion tour drew to a close in Greece and Turkey on 15th September.

Future forecasts
As the autumn run of trade shows draw to a close, thoughts turn to the forthcoming season. As London Fashion Week led the way with new spring/summer 2012 silhouettes, details and shades, Autumn Fair, IJL and Top Drawer demonstrated the sea changes in accessories, with new heel shapes, jewellery materials and handbag features. In the calm after the storm, I find myself excited to see how the looks outlined by the world's catwalks shows will be interpreted, and which looks will make their way onto the high street.

The exhibition circuit continues into October, with the freshly revamped Boutique Manchester set to take place this weekend. Showcasing a number of British and European brands, Boutique Manchester is back with a bang, so this issue we are providing a bumper show preview starting on page 39, complete with floorplan, exhibitor profiles, and much more.

Happy reading,

Laura Sutherland, Editor
 
Make sure you email editor@attireaccessories.com to keep us up to date with all your news

Win products worth £750 RRP courtesy of Earth Squared
 
Win products worth £750 RRP courtesy of Earth Squared
 
Since the conception of ethical fashion accessories label, Earth Squared nine years ago, the market for fair trade and eco-friendly design has evolved a lot, with the outlook for the continued growth of the company remaining extremely positive. Earth Squared design all product lines in-house; working with Fair Trade-accredited partners in Vietnam to bring the collections to fruition. The leap from retailer to wholesaler was made just four short years ago, and since then, the brand has grown significantly, with over 500 accounts in the UK alone, and new overseas stockists from the USA, Europe and South Africa taking up new accounts in 2011.

Earth Squared's autumn/winter 2011 product range has expanded to include some sophisticated new designs to appeal to a broader customer base. The stylishly quilted Charlie and Sarah collection heralds a new direction for Earth Squared - with sumptuous fabrics, the purse and scarf mix and match options, and intricate detailing ensuring the range's huge success. Other fresh ranges for 2011 include the Ava and Lily collections, in a winning selection of cords and felts - all available with matching scarves and purses. Classic designs such as the Emily bag and Jersey Spot scarves return this season in a range of great new shades. These key pieces continue to be best-sellers, with sales of the Jersey Spot scarves already 25 per cent up on the same period last year.

Earth Squared is proud to be a registered importer with BAFTS (the British Association of Fair Trade Shops). Given the current consumer-led trend towards a more ethical approach to fashion and with RRPs ranging from £4.99 to £34.99, Earth Squared is in a prime position to provide fashionable, affordable and functional accessories to the market and anticipates continued growth in 2012.

To order, or find out more information about the company, call +44 (0)1620 824392 or visit www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk.

Earth Squared are offering one lucky winner a selection of products worth £750 RRP
 
Enter here

IJL 2011 dazzles with increased visitor and exhibitor numbers
 
Exhibitors at International Jewellery London 2011 reported on the success of the show as the event closed, with IJL revealing an increase in visitors compared to the year before - a 2 per cent increase to 9084 (unaudited). Exhibitor numbers were also high this year, with 580, including sharers.

The Diamond Club brought more key figures from leading retail jewellers to the event, with 198 members hosted (an increase of 26.11% from last year). The Club is the most senior level, and largest VIP programme at a UK jewellery trade event, and attracts members from across the UK. Nominated by the IJL Advisory Board, they are invited to join this exclusive club.

Event Co-Director Syreeta Tranfield commented: "The IJL team were thrilled with the response following the 2011 event. IJL is such an important event for our industry and we do our absolute best to create an excellent environment in which to do business. Visitors commented on the luxurious look and feel of the show, and many exhibitors were pleased about the amount of interest and orders they had received." Sam Willoughby, Event Co-Director, noted the positivity at the show: "There was a tangible excitement on the show floor. The Great Debate and highlight seminars were extremely well attended, and it was fantastic to see so many key buyers and retailers at the show".

IJL is seen as a barometer for the industry ahead of the autumn/winter 2011 period, and many exhibitors commented positively on the high level of business being done. Featuring jewellery and some watch brands, there is something for everyone in the industry at the show. Silver brand MURU were still taking orders as IJL closed at 4pm on the final day. Director Phil Barnes said: "We have had a fantastic response to our new collections at this year's show. There was a real buzz about the hall, and we have met a great mix of buyers from the UK and overseas."

Fiorelli times three
 
Fiorelli times three
 
It's all change at Fiorelli for the forthcoming spring/summer 2012 season, as the brand has decided to separate its offerings into three distinct lines.

The main collection - Fiorelli - will include Fiorelli's fast fashion and inspiring trend-led designs. For the 2012 designs, the Cruise collection will be available in November, spring/summer 2012 will be available in January and the summer collection will be available in March.

The Fiorelli Est. 1988 goes back to the label's roots, with classic handbag shapes and hues for the sophisticated style of everyday and transitional workwear bags. This collection will be available from November this year and has drops during both January and March.

The third collection, which launches in January of next year, will be Fiorelli London, an exciting label for a younger audience of 15 - 24 year olds. This range will take key trend shapes and play with texture and colour.

For all accessory retailers...
 
Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from all our current magazine advertisers.
 
For all accessory retailers...
 
For all accessory retailers...

Zatchels to be sold in Liberty London
 
Zatchels to be sold in Liberty London
 
Fledgling accessory brand Zatchels has just announced its Liberty London account win. After a highly-commended launch, the Leicester-based label is thrilled to add the iconic heritage department store to its portfolio of retail stockists. Synonymous with luxury and ground-breaking design, award-winning Liberty is the leading destination store in London, an emporium where the latest fashions sit alongside timeless design collectibles.

Renowned for the stylish update of a true British classic, Zatchels combine traditional hand-crafted leather techniques with the allure and design of a practical yet fashionable must-have accessory for a variety of tastes.

In a matter of weeks, the collection - available in a series of classic colours, reptile prints, metallic silver, cracked floral and polka dot styles - will be hitting Liberty's shop floor. Miranda Rose Woods Williams, Buying Assistant in the Accessories and Jewellery department at Liberty, says of the collection: "I am very excited for the bags to come in. I absolutely love them."

Zatchels collections are available through the majority of Fenwicks stores, and several other leading independent retailers across the UK.

For more information on the brand, visit www.zatchels.com

Radley collaborates with the V&A
 
Radley collaborates with the V&A
 
This winter, leading British accessories brand, Radley, has collaborated with the world's greatest museum of Art and Design, the V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum), to create an exceptional collection of hand-painted and crafted leather accessories. This range highlights the very best in original British design and craftsmanship. Radley was granted exclusive access to this iconic British institution's vast Art and Design archive - a selection of world-class textiles, graphics, photography, jewellery and fashion.

Radley's design team lovingly re-worked four iconic V&A prints, capturing the distinctive spirit of the brand, Wey by William Morris, Dancing Ladies, Champagne Bubbles and Fab India; adding Radley's playful handwriting to each design and an explosion of colour. The beautiful textured leathers have been expertly hand-painted in a berry purple, rose gold, black, teal and fuchsia colour palette. Detailing can be seen from every angle, with rose gold hardware and leather finishes.

The hand-painted leather collection includes a range of bags in a variety of silhouettes and shapes, including totes, circular, bowling and classic handbags, plus further accessories comprising of hats, gloves, diaries, small leather goods and a non-leather range of styles. Radley take pride in its British heritage, and is delighted to have been granted access to these historical designs. Find the designs at any of the 23 Radley stores and nationwide stockists.

For more information, visit www.radley.co.uk.

Toywatch launches its first online store
 
Toywatch launches its first online store
 
Leading timepiece manufacturer ToyWatch has launched its UK online store, using Colony Commerce as its integrated e-commerce platform.

ToyWatch - whose high-profile list of clients includes Alicia Keys, Madonna, Michele Obama, Owen Wilson and Katy Perry - has a strong presence in the UK retail market, distributing its products through Selfridges and other resellers.

The e-commerce site promotes its rich product offering in a clean, stylish, consumer-friendly way, and is designed to stimulate direct sales, as well as increase awareness of the brand as a whole. As a platform, Colony Commerce aids scalable growth and will allow ToyWatch to grow organically with expansion into social commerce to come later in the site's timeline.

Rob Blake, Marketing Manager at ToyWatch, says: "ToyWatch customers have very high standards, and as a brand it is vital that we live up to them. I believe our new site delivers on all levels - sleek design, first-class user experience and an easy buying process. Thanks to Colony Commerce, we have a solid platform which is flexible enough to see us into an exciting future."

Colony Commerce Managing Director Paul Bidder says: "It has been a pleasure working with ToyWatch on its first official UK e-commerce site. It is a visionary brand, and we are working together to develop a very strong partnership - ensuring that we deliver end-to-end quality to customers for years to come. ToyWatch is in an ideal position to capitalise on its position as brand leader, with an online presence which sets it ahead of the competition."

For more information, visit www.toy-watch.co.uk.

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