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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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| Cover image provided by www.bebaroque.co.uk |
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| 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? |
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Lost and found
Jewellery designer Zara Taylor explains how her love of trinkets evolved into a collection of celebrity-friendly gems
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If the shoe fits
Key footwear trends for 2012
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Sheer genius
The best hosiery on the market
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It's a man's world
We put the spotlight on menswear jewellery
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All laced up
Michael Ridgway of Laceys London explains how the East End heritage brand stays cutting edge
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Rain check
Wet weather accessories ideal for the unpredictable British weather
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In full bloom
Nancy Hayes gathers together a bouquet of diverse florals for a window display that's pretty as a picture
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Work it out
Office fashion extras to show you mean business in the workplace
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Green fingers
We look at the people and practises behind three ethical accessories labels
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 4th May 2012 |
| Exciting developments announced for IJL 2012 |
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Exciting new enhancements and developments have been announced for International Jewellery London, the UK's most established jewellery trade event, ahead of the show in September.
Event Director, Syreeta Tranfield commented: "We received so much positive feedback as the show closed last year, but that doesn't mean we can relax. One of the reasons IJL remains the key premier UK show is because we believe in constantly improving and refreshing it, introducing new exciting features and opportunities for visitors and exhibitors.
"The new runway for example, provides exhibitors with an exclusive opportunity to host their own branded catwalk show and networking event, a fantastic way to interact with key buyers and showcase their new collections, really bringing them to life."
The IJL website has unveiled a great new look for 2012, as part of a full new IJL creative which has just been launched as the result of a collaboration with renowned photographer Coneyl Jay. The website's visitors can now view IJL TV, find out the latest news from exhibitors, and keep up to date with industry developments. It also allows the industry to plan ahead for IJL 2012, from highlight seminar speakers to popular features such as KickStart, Bright Young Gems or Editor's Choice.
To find out more about the plans for IJL and see the striking new IJL website, visit: www.jewellerylondon.com. |
| Jamie Rae Hats now available in the UK |
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In a continued expansion of the Jamie Rae Hats brand, the US children's headwear manufacturer has appointed a new UK distributor to service the needs of the growing market.
K&C Retail (UK) Ltd has secured the UK distribution rights of the brand, offering children's headwear to both trade and consumer markets. Award-winning online boutique www.topsytoesy.co.uk will be the first official UK consumer stockist for the brand, which is the brainchild of Lisa Kingsnorth who felt that the UK market was lacking an outlet that specifically provides desirable headwear for babies and young children for every occasion. She explains: "Whilst there appears to be an abundance of beautiful clothing available for babies and young children, I struggled to find suitable headwear for my daughter, particularly styles which would not only provide protection from the elements but also had the 'wow' factor." |
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| Fashion flux |
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Craft has always been a major influence on British fashion, and in 2012 this is more apparent than ever, with crochet, embroidery and hand-made design all present on the London catwalk. As it is a landmark year for the country with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics both taking place this summer, there is no better time to celebrate our national craft talent. The British Craft Trade Fair aims to make this a stand-out year for UK-based designer/makers, and Attire Accessories is proud to be sponsoring the new Best Fashion Accessory award at the event. A comprehensive show guide, complete with exhibitor profiles, can be found on page 33.
As well as the usual features, we've put the spotlight on a diverse selection of products, including hosiery, workwear, ethical production, belts, men's jewellery and wet weather wear. This issue, our competition prizes are courtesy of children's footwear brand, SKEANIE (page 19).
Happy reading,
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| Laura Sutherland, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@attireaccessories.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Moda Accessories reports another successful show |
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The February 2012 edition of Moda Accessories sent out an encouraging message to the industry, with new and established exhibitors alike reporting three days of solid trading and a positive response to the autumn/winter 2012 collections.
Buyers from key department stores including John Lewis, Fenwick, Debenhams, Bentalls, McElhinney's and Arnotts were among the retailers attending the show, as well as multiple retailers including the Clinkard Group and Pavers. Key independents also in attendance included Finishing Touches in Sheffield, the Hat Box Boutique in Scarborough, Author Shoes in London, Plum Soles in Derby and Donaghy's in Northern Ireland. Overall attendance at Moda, which also includes Moda Woman, Moda Menswear, Moda Footwear and Moda Lingerie & Swimwear reached the same level as the event's busiest ever show in February 2011.
Due to the difficult trading climate, newcomers were understandably cautious about the reaction to products from retailers but Irena Vajagic from womenswear and accessories label urbancode was pleasantly surprised: " The show has been very good, we picked up some really interesting new accounts that you certainly wouldn't find in London, that was definitely a bonus. Moda is a new venture for us and it's great as the right buyers come to us."
Many established Moda brands also reported outstanding sales as Deborah Moore, Creative Director at Dents confirmed: " The enthusiasm shown for our new collections was the highest I have seen for some years and this translated into sales levels in excess of our expectations."
Nick Cook, Commercial Director of Moda organiser ITE Moda Ltd, comments: " The positive atmosphere at this season's show and the fact that attendance reached the same level as our busiest ever show was a clear indication of the continued strength of our industry and of the Moda show. It also underlined that it's never been more important for buyers to source new and innovative brands."
The next edition of Moda Accessories will take place between 12th-14th August, 2012 at the NEC Birmingham. Visit www.moda-uk.co.uk to find out more. |
| RedDog Design Ltd one of the winners of Local Business Accelerator |
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Owner of RedDog Design Ltd, Marianne Sparrenius Waters, is delighted after being announced as one of the local winners of the prestigious Local Business Accelerators, a regional scheme that highlights the role of the local newspaper industry in supporting British business. Backed by high profile figures including the Prime Minister, CBI's John Cridland and Business Growth Fund Chief Executive Stephen Welton, the campaign has seen the local newspaper industry come together to deliver a shot in the arm for British business.
Prime Minister David Cameron extended his congratulations to all regional winning businesses which will receive a substantial allocation of free advertising in their local newspaper and mentoring from local business leaders. He said: "Entrepreneurship, creativity and ambition are essential for our economic recovery and through Local Business Accelerators, newspapers are supporting some great new British businesses to grow, and helping them boost their local economy." Later in the year, one business will be crowned the overall Local Business Accelerators winner and receive a mentorship from the campaign's national ambassador, Deborah Meaden of Dragons' Den. |
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| 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. |
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| For all accessory retailers... |
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| Win one of three prizes of products worth £200 RRP courtesy of SKEANIE |
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The footwear brand SKEANIE, which is renowned for its stylish and healthy shoes for children, launched its autumn/winter 2012 collection at Moda this February, with a range of new colours, styles and designs on display.
There are a number of seasonal additions to the line, including the funky riding boot and the stylish winter boot as well as a number of new colour variations of other timeless styles. All of the new pieces in the SKEANIE junior range include the acclaimed and innovative flexible rubber sole, designed to enable small feet to grow and move naturally. The infant collection is also designed with practicality and comfort in mind, thanks to the suede sole and elasticated collars.
Founded in 2007 by Natasha Barber, SKEANIE's philosophy is based around her own soft-soled shoe research which was conducted following the birth of her first child. After her second child was born, the company was launched. Its infant range is suited to pre-walkers and early-walkers, consisting of Mary Janes, Sporty Sneakers and Snugs. The junior collection features SKEANIE's innovative rubber sole that provides flexibility for youngsters as they are walking, running and exploring.
The company's clever approach to children's footwear has already earned it great success in Australia, where it was named the preferred provider of the Australian Podiatry Association. Health is a priority in all of SKEANIE's designs and they each feature a wide toe section to provide additional room for movement when a child walks. The shoes are made from ultra-soft buttery leather that enables feet to breathe. Style is also paramount to the label, so fashion-forward designs are the ideal way to kick off a trendy autumn wardrobe.
Children's podiatrist expert Tracy Byrne, who recently joined SKEANIE as a consultant, says: As well as providing room for natural growth, SKEANIE's soft-soled shoes allow sensory feedback from the ground, which is especially important for little ones learning to walk and getting to know their surroundings. Research shows that youngsters who wear flat, soft-soled shoes have improved proprioception, balance and foot and ankle strength.
Brand Manager Mel Hearn says: The great thing is we take orders for all our products at any time, so it's never too soon to start planning your stock for later in the year. SKEANIE's beautiful riding shoes are all made from the softest leather to protect small feet and make sure children are comfortable all year round.
For more information about SKEANIE and its footwear collection, call +44 (0)161 374 0713 or visit www.skeanie.co.uk.
SKEANIE is offering three lucky winners a selection of products worth £200 RRP each. |
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| Enter here |
| Patrick Cox for Geox |
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Geox, the premier Italian brand famous for the innovative use of breathable technology and renowned British shoe designer, Patrick Cox, have teamed up to create a capsule footwear collection for spring/summer 2012 fusing city chic and sportswear luxe.
The line marks the start of what will be an ongoing collaboration between Geox and Cox, which will see the development of footwear collections for men and women that bring together elements of active sportswear, big city living, innovative materials and cutting edge design. In a statement about the collaboration, the designer said: "I want to create pieces that are casual in spirit and reflect London's cool urban vibe, while building on Geox's advanced shoemaking technology."
Patrick Cox became a global household name following the launch of his Wannabe loafer, which is considered to be one of the most commercially successful launched in recent years. Famous for shoe design that skilfully mixes tradition with avant garde, he creates must-have pieces for the fashion-conscious footwear market.
Chairman of Geox, Mario Moretti Polegato said of the union: "I'm very pleased with this collaboration which will further increase the value of our respective strengths and excellences."
For more information on the range, visit the website, www.geox.com. |
| Reader's poll |
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What we've learnt from the latest reader poll at www.attireaccessories.com.
We asked: Other than product sourcing, what is your main reason for visiting a trade show?
You said:
Trendspotting: 86%
Business advice: 14% |
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