15 minute read
BUYING TRIP Standout exhibitors showing at this season’s Harrogate Fashion Week
Fresh finds
HEAD TO HARROGATE FASHION WEEK THIS SUMMER TO DISCOVER THE LATEST WOMENSWEAR AND ACCESSORIES COLLECTIONS
Set to open its doors on Sunday 31 July, summer’s edition of Harrogate Fashion Week will be its largest presentation to date. Exhibitors will be spread over three halls on one level of the purposebuilt Convention Centre, which is situated in the centre of the popular spa town. Harrogate itself has great transport links and is easy to access from anywhere in the country.
Harrogate Fashion Week continues to grow every season, offering the latest womenswear and accessories all under one roof. The show is within walking distance of popular hotels, bars and restaurants – making it a great place to do business and network after hours.
Brands only showing at Harrogate Fashion Week this season include Troy London, Foil, Orientique, Tirelli, Frank Lyman, Bianca, Faber, Taifun and 5 Hearts by Eugen Klein. A plethora of new brands have also signed up to the show including Luella, Olivia Darcy, Rosa Clara, Fuego, Olivier Philips, Sani Blue, Saint James and Brodie Cashmere. They will join regular exhibitors Marble, Rino and Pelle, Pomodoro, Tilley and Grace, Ella Boo, Capri and John Charles.
Harrogate Fashion Week’s footwear offer is also growing each season as more fashion indies add shoes to their product mix. Buyers can expect a diverse offer this season from brands including Menbur, XTI, Carmela, Caprice, Lotus and Bugatti. Meanwhile, there will be an inspiring selection of accessories such as jewellery by Envy and Zsiska, scarves by Diana Wilson Arcana and bags by Aspire Eco and Kris Ana. Last but not least, the show will also present a range of millinery brands including Snoxells, Niche Collection, Failsworth, Victoria Ann Millinery and JBees.
To celebrate the new season, all buyers and exhibitors are invited to a drinks party in the Fashion Café at the close of the show on Sunday 31 July.
CONTACT: Register now for free fast track entry via harrogatefashionweek.com
Stand Number C10
For more information www.doublehagency.com
Book your appointment at sales@doublehagency.com t.+44 (0) 203 432 63 87
Book now for London appointment in our Islington permanent Showroom
Fashion forward
LEADING WOMENSWEAR BRANDS SHOWING AT THIS SEASON’S HARROGATE FASHION WEEK
MARBLE
STAND: C2 Established for 14 years, Glasgowbased brand Marble creates ageless womenswear to the highest standard with a focus on longevity and perfect fit. The brand is the brainchild of co-owners Nick and Lynne Williams who boast more than 70 years’ collective experience in fashion wholesale and indie retail. For SS23 its collection includes a range of vibrant colour combinations that will help create flexibility with in-store merchandising. Expect modern hues, bold abstract prints and flattering silhouettes with new shapes in dresses, skirts and trousers. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £12 - £35 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: £2,500 CONTACT: Tel: 0141 882 6743 marblefashions.co.uk TATE FASHIONS
STAND: M1 and M2 Showing five different occasionwear and daywear brands, Leeds-based multi-brand agency Tate Fashions is a must-see exhibitor for boutiques offering special event dressing. Its collections are available on both short and forward order, with labels including special occasion and day dress brand Lizabella, daytime label I.nco, occasionwear label Bella Premium and Gracie.B, which specialises in easy-fit jersey styles. Finally, if you’re looking for in-season stock, the Ella Boo collection boasts bright and beautiful dresses available for immediate delivery. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: from £29.99 for daywear up to £205.99 for occasionwear MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: £1,000 CONTACT: Tel: 01132 459 064/ 07712 398 549 E: tatefashions@hotmail.com E: info@lizabellafashions.co.uk lizabella.co.uk CAPRI LONDON
STAND: M47 Family-owned British womenswear brand Capri London produces ethical fashion that embraces print and colour. Its pieces feature exclusive in-house prints, relaxed silhouettes, flattering shapes and natural fabrics whenever possible. For SS23 its collection is inspired by its design team’s travels to Croatia and India. Bursting with fresh vibrant colours and eye-catching prints, hero pieces include its signature tunics, dresses and separates in sophisticated linens, breathable cottons and silky viscose and rayon. Colourways include fresh tones of turquoise, cobalt, papaya, tangerine and lime. Buyers will also be able to order Capri’s short order AW22 collection at the show. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £25 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: none for new customers CONTACT: Tel: 0203 819 0819 E: sales@capriclothing.co.uk capriclothingonline.com
ORIENTIQUE
STAND: M24 Featuring exclusively designed hand drawn prints, Australian label Orientique offers a real point of difference for boutiques. Its focus on trends, quality and attention to detail make it a great choice for discerning buyers. Meanwhile, the range is only stocked by independents and offers a great size range of UK 8 – 24. For SS23 its collection is teeming with vibrant colours, fun patterns and trendy silhouettes to liven up summer wardrobes. There’s also a range of plain coordinating basics for easy merchandising. With a focus on natural fabrics, this season marks the brand’s third year offering premium organic cotton, which is created by its fabric mills and dedicated team in India. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: dresses £29 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: £1,500 CONTACT: Tel: 0800 612 9009 carolccollections.com POMODORO
STAND: M10 Drawing inspiration from global trends and adding its own unique twist, Pomodoro’s SS23 collection has been created to celebrate the British brand’s 30-year anniversary. With a focus on everyday chic, its designs are stylish and comfortable with its signature dresses designed for all occasions taking centre stage. Full sweep tiered skirts and its best-selling cotton shirt dress sit alongside playful tunics and hi low shirts. Elsewhere, a Safari story mixes crisp linens, printed kaftans and drawstring trousers for an easy laid-back look. Lastly, its standout Puccini print brings glamour to the range with turquoise hues reminiscent of the Amalfi coast. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: from £23 CONTACT: Tel: 020 8961 4000 E: info@pomodoroclothing.com pomodoroclothing.com DOLCEZZA
STAND: M9 Designed in Canada and manufactured in Europe, Dolcezza creates elegant womenswear using natural and breathable fabrics. Central to the range are its one-off art prints, which it combines with exclusive finishes and quality craftsmanship. The brand’s pieces are designed with comfort in mind, offering impeccable fit while remaining stylish and unique. Since launching in 2003, the label has now expanded into 30 countries and boasts more than 2,000 stockists worldwide. For SS23 its collection is inspired by artists from the around the world with hero pieces including its signature jeans, a linen wrap dress and its Tie and Dye line in lavender, red, blue and yellow. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £25-50 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: 30 pieces or £1,000 CONTACT: Tel: 0035 321 203 8019 E: sales@dolcezzaeurope.ie dolcezza.ca
EVERSASSY
STAND: M11 Founded in 2019 by Ercan Indap, Canadian womenswear brand EverSassy offers contemporary fashion for confident women. Its forward order collection is designed in Montreal by Turkish designer Kübra Ekmekçioğlu to the highest quality. The label’s quirky and individual styles are expertly crafted using natural and breathable fibres - ensuring they’re made to last. Although it is a relatively new brand, EverSassy exports to many major international markets including the US, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £25-£50 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: 30 pieces or £1,000 CONTACT: Tel: 0353 212 038 019 E: sales@dolcezzaeurope.ie eversassy.com AMANDA KNIGHTS FASHION
STANDS: M54, M56, and M52 Manchester-based Knights Fashion Agency is showing five of its collections at Harrogate Fashion Week for the SS23 season. Buyers will be able to see the latest collection from Allison (stand M54) offering 100 per cent silk womenswear for all occasions; tailored suits, dresses, super fitting trousers and vintage-style blouses by Bariloche (M56); colourful womenswear in an array of feminine prints by popular collection Tinta (M56); and edgy but classic separates for the trendy 30-plus woman by German label Doris Streich (M52). AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: from £20-£100 per piece CONTACT: Tel: 0161 236 4455/ 07801 979 682 E: sales@knightsfashion.co.uk knightsfashionagency.co.uk OLIVIA DARCY
Handmade in Yorkshire using the finest ethically sourced fabrics, Olivia Darcy produces sustainable limited-edition womenswear with standout details. The label’s designers use unconventional patterns, creating flattering designs for a range of shapes and sizes. Its timeless pieces are ideal for special events such as weddings, award ceremonies and race days while the brand will soon be introducing coordinating headwear and men’s ties and pocket squares. Key pieces for AW22 and SS23 include its signature dresses with various sleeve and length options, chic playsuits and jumpsuits as well as a cape sleeved halter neck top with coordinated sheer wrap trousers. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £100 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: £1,000 CONTACT: Tel: 07392 992 997 E: info@oliviadarcy.co.uk oliviadarcy.co.uk
MARIE MÉRO
STAND: C39 Belgian brand Marie Méro creates sophisticated womenswear that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort. Each season it creates a complete mix and match collection combining vibrant prints and exciting colour combinations with flattering silhouettes. Its pieces are made to last using the highest quality fabrics and craftsmanship. For SS23 its line-up features a wide range of textures, volumes and colours that radiate joy. For example, linen, broderie anglaise, jacquard or chunky knitwear combined with a voluminous dress, a pencil skirt or palazzo pants creates a feminine and on-trend silhouette. Key colours include pastel hues of blue, yellow and pink mixed with vibrant tones of terracotta, turquoise and cherry. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: £50 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: 60 pieces CONTACT: Tel: 0032 937 41171 E: info@mariemero.be mariemero.be FROM MY MOTHER’S GARDEN
STAND: C64 Created by boutique owner Penny Callaghan, From My Mother’s Garden is a celebration of the joy we derive from nature. Bold in both its colours and sentiment, the wearable art collection is focused on sustainable fabrics and exclusive prints. The range is both feminine and timeless with colourful kimono jackets and long robes in silky viscose and velvet at its heart. The collection also includes a growing line of womenswear and fashion accessories. For AW22 the collection is based on two themes: romantic florals in deep and opulent jewel colours and a nature-inspired camo print. New additions to the range include tulle dresses, semi-sheer tops, handbags and trousers. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: From £8 - £49 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: £300 CONTACT: Tel: 07825 148 040 E: info@frommymothersgarden.co.uk frommymothersgarden.co.uk CARLA RUIZ
STAND: M48 Family-run occasionwear brand Carla Ruiz is designed and made in Spain. The label fills a gap in the market for modern event wear and encompasses show-stopping dresses in vibrant hues and stylish prints. Known for its attention to detail, the brand translates designer trends into commercial garments with a competitive price tag. For SS23 the collection includes tropical inspired prints, luxurious textures and dramatic sleeves and shoulders. Its designers have reworked its number one best-selling green pleat dress from last season as well as creating a designer suit with ruffled taffeta shoulders, flowing jumpsuits in various colourways and its signature A-line dresses in numerous eyecatching prints. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE: €80-€150 MINIMUM ORDER REQUIREMENT: 30 pieces/ €3,000 CONTACT: Tel: 07512 550346 / 07989 014141 E: joannaedwardsagency@gmail.com carlaruiz.com
Amanda Knights Fashion Agencies was born over 20 years ago and began when i took over from my late father Michael Knights, a “true gentleman” who is deeply missed. I launched in Dale Street, Manchester City Centre and stayed there for many years but moved premises to the outskirts 3 years ago which has proved to be a very successful decision.
Our 3 beautiful Showrooms are based 5 miles from the City on East Lancashire Road, within easy reach of surrounding motorways or a short taxi ride from Piccadilly station. We have ample free parking outside with a lovely garden/patio area for lunches and refreshments.
Myself and my team pride ourselves in offering a relaxed sales atmosphere and enjoy very much our liaison and friendships with our loyal customers.
We have a varied selection of UK and International brands in the showroom offering ranges to suit all ages, sizes, styles and budgets.
If you would like to come along and see us or receive more details/brochure images on any of our brands please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
Warmest wishes from Amanda and the Team
N SCIOU S C LOTHIN G O C
AMANDA KNIGHTS FASHION AGENCIES
338 East Lancashire Road, Swinton, Manchester M27 0LJ 0161 236 4455 | 07801 979682 sales@knightsfashion.co.uk www.knightsfashionagency.co.uk
For more details or to arrange a viewing of these beautiful collections, please contact:
Amanda Knights Fashion Agencies - Manchester Showrooms 0161 236 4455 or email sales@knightsfashion.co.uk (Midlands, Wales, North & Scotland)
Summer ‘23 available to view by appointment in
Fashion evolution
LONDON-BASED AGENCY APT COLLECTIONS IS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Since starting the business in 1997, Apt Collections founders Nigel and Claudia Hughes have created a successful agency supplying the industry’s best fashion indies. Today their roster includes international brands Alembika, Alquema, Elsewhere, Igor, Ozai N Ku, Philomena Christ and Urban by Alembika as well as TKS (Trine Kryger Simonsen) from Denmark.
Here they explain how the business has evolved over the years and what they’ve learned about the industry along the way…
“Having both enjoyed successful careers in the industry, we started to feel like it was the right time to start out on our own. We set out to introduce individual and exciting collections to the UK and to run a personal but professional agency that championed independent boutiques and businesses.
“Since then, we have witnessed a few recessions and general ups and downs, but we’ve always loved what we do and surrounded ourselves with people of the same attitude. Despite technology and all its advances, we’re in the people
CONTACT:Tel: 0207 580 3202 aptcollections.co.uk business and the relationships with buyers and suppliers are at its core.
“Our journey has been shaped by the changes in our sector – from one label and one showroom, we quickly grew to multiple labels and ever-expanding premises. Now we’ve come full circle and are thoroughly enjoying the more efficient and personal way of working, which we’ve developed over the past five years.
“It’s fair to say that age and experience have led us to work with wonderful and reliable familyrun suppliers that take huge pride in their product, look after their workforce, and respect the planet we live on. The saying ‘buy less, choose well and make it last’ really underpins our whole outlook.
“More recently, Brexit and the lockdowns have challenged us yet again to introduce new ways of working. We are agents as well as distributors, which allows us to make the import process for our shops as (hopefully) easy as possible. We have also sought to introduce lesser-known brands to the UK, and this has proved to be a great success with our customer base, which is largely made up of independent boutiques.
“All our labels champion effortless and individual styling for the twenty-first century, with quality and fit at their heart. We thoroughly enjoy working with suppliers from around the world and the richness of their respective backgrounds that shines through in every collection.
“Styling evolves, trends and attitudes change - sometimes very quickly - and we’ll continue to do our best to offer shops the outstanding collections they expect to see from us.”
Showing at Devonshire House, 1st Floor, 1 Devonshire Street, London, W1W 5DS (30 July – 11 August); Elliott House, The White Room, 2nd Floor, 151 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WD (14-18 August).
Summer ‘23 available to view by appointment in
