October 2013
ISSUE 36
LITTLE MISTRESS
The go-to label for occasion wear
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October 2013
ISSUE 36
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN 30 party season pieces to buy now The ultimate Christmas gift guide Festive marketing inspiration The SS14 trends you need to know
Spring/Summer 2014 Preview womenswear
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ON THE COVER: Image courtesy of Mascara; Tel: 0208 965 1522 Mascaracollection.com
Christmas wishes
W
ith just two months to go until Christmas Day, we’ve been working hard this month to find ways to help you deliver your store’s best festive season ever. For retailers, November and December can be one of the busiest times of the year. But with internet shopping becoming increasingly popular, indies must be competitive in their offer in terms of product, value and – above all – service. For that reason this month we caught up with some of the most successful boutique owners in the industry to find out how they plan to pull in the crowds this year. So from launching your own footfall-building competitions to organising parties and personal shopping events, find out how to engage your customers from this month and beyond in our feature 10 ways to create a buzz this Christmas, on pages 38-40. Likewise, we’ve also been on the hunt for the best short order party wear to help you create an inspiring edit for your customers. Occasionwear is a key area for boutiques at this time of year, whichever categories you cover. However, glitzy daywear is also popular for customers that want to look extra special throughout the season. So with that in mind, we’ve also found some standout daytime alternatives that will ensure they look chic whatever plans they have for the period. See our top picks from page 24. But the Christmas theme doesn’t
stop there: we’ve also uncovered some covetable gift options available on short order now to help inspire your customers’ presents wish lists. Forget the usual socks and slippers (although we have found some chic versions of those too!), turn to page 34 to discover the sparkly, hi-tech or adorable present ideas you could be offering in your store. Elsewhere in the issue, we couldn’t fail to report on our Fashion Month highlights. For us, next season really is about two extremes: in one camp we have sugary sweet and über-feminine collections while in the other corner, dark and macabre fashion makes a refreshing option for SS14. Find out which looks we think will be the most commercial of the season in our feature 4 trends to buy now, starting on page 18. Gemma Ward, Editor gemma.ward@boutique-magazine.co.uk Follow me on Twitter @ gemmagemmaward
October 2013 | boutique. | 3
CONTENTS
07
37
18
boutique.
October 2013
NEWS 07 FASHION FIX
34 THE SEASON OF GOODWILL
56 TALKING TO...
The latest fashion industry news and views
Short order gift ideas to stock up on right now
12 BOUTIQUE LOVES…
BUSINESS
Olivia Burton co-founder Jemma Fennings reveals why the brand’s vintage inspired watches make the perfect Christmas gifts
The great buys we’ve got our eyes on
14 TREASURE TROVE
37 THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
Key labels, collections and pieces for your store
How to plan for your most successful Christmas ever
BUYING
42 VISUAL PARTNERS
18 4 TRENDS TO BUY NOW
The merchandising equipment specialists to have on speed dial
Gemma Ward dissects the more commercial SS14 catwalk trends
Melissa Wheeler meets Lyn Wiltshire, owner of successful Leigh-on-Sea indie Loula Lingerie
SHOP TALK
20 FASHION EXTRAS
55 INDIE CONFIDENTIAL
This month’s best bags, shoes, jewels and accessories
Gemma Wards meets Chocolate’s David Conaghan to talk Christmas and online selling
24 PARTY PERFECTION
58 UNDER WORLD
Christmas party wear buying for modern day consumers
34 THE SEASON OF GOODWILL October 2013 | boutique. | 5
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08/10/2013 12:06
FASHION FIX
Essential news
Deryane Tadd is named a Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Ambassador and announces plans to unveil a fresh brand identity for her award-winning store The Dressing Room
D
eryane Tadd, founder of The Dressing Room in St Albans, has become the first womenswear boutique owner to be named a Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Ambassador. The industry spearhead is one of 12 women working in the retail sector selected by a panel of judges for their “resilience, hard work and contribution”. Tadd and her team joined over 200 senior women from the retail industry last month for a celebratory event hosted by Everywoman in London’s Covent Garden. There she accepted a trophy alongside her ambassador peers, which include Martha Ferguson, owner of North London kitchenware indie Papylon, Jill Bradley, buyer for Feelunique.com and HMV’s head of music and merchandise, Melanie Armstrong. The Specsavers Everywoman in
Retail Ambassador initiative aims spotlight women that are maximising the opportunities offered by a career in retail. Everywoman says that the chosen women – who are of all ages, disciplines and positions – demonstrate that retail is a sector full of diverse roles “where anyone with drive and ambition can excel.” Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of Everywoman, comments: “It is a business imperative to unlock the talents of all women in the workplace. Our 12 Everywoman in Retail Ambassadors are all role models who are playing a vital part in unlocking the potential of other women. When they experience the passion they have for their work and see the success they are achieving they will know just how rewarding a career in retail can be.” Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, adds: “These Retail ambassadors will
help increase awareness of the myriad of opportunities for women and hopefully drive more to consider a career in retail.” Since opening its doors in 2005, Tadd’s store The Dressing Room has gone from strength-to-strength – expanding three times and venturing into the world of etail. This month the indie is set to unveil a new visual identity – created in conjunction with Beyond Communications – that includes a fresh logo, shop front, colours and packaging. The store’s web partner Doc.net will also give its already-successful e-commerce site a complete overhaul. This will include the implementation of a new responsive design to provide “the best viewing experience across desktop browsers and smart phones” alongside improved functionality such as e-vouchers, a wish list function and clearer search and refine options. October 2013 | boutique. | 7
FASHION FIX GIACOMO TONOLI
Nadia Minkoff accessorises Nico Didonna’s SS14 collection at London Fashion Week Following a successful collaboration last season, London-based fashion house Nico Didonna and accessories designer Nadia Minkoff joined forces for September’s London Fashion Week to showcase their SS14 collections. The show, which was held in London’s West End and attended by a crowd of celebrities, bloggers and buyers, paid tribute to the Cubist movement with sharp tailoring, accentuated lines and a fresh palette of white, navy and emerald injected with yellow, gold and blue. Nico Didonna delivered dynamic silhouettes, fluidity and sharp lines via dogtooth print trousers, layered Kimono style shift dresses, sequinned Palazzo trousers and his signature cowl back draped dresses. Nadia Minkoff accessories, meanwhile, completed every look with oversized laser cut clutch bags, statement necklaces in clear glass and matt gold, crescent shaped earrings and refined short strap tote bags. 8 | boutique. | October 2013
Planet Aspects launches Italy’s ABC Mannequins range at The Sanderson Hotel Visual merchandising specialist Planet Aspects held a unique event during last month’s London Fashion Week to launch its Italian-made ABC Mannequins range. Held inside the Billiard Room at The Sanderson Hotel, the event showcased the latest models in front of a striking backdrop of stain glass windows and plush upholstery. Guests – which included creative teams from Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Debenhams and the Arcadia Group – were treated to champagne and canapés at the five-hour party while viewing the collections and networking with industry insiders. Key mannequin models on show
included designs from ABC’s Ophelia, Valentina, Carole and ST3 ranges, which are all available in a variety of colours and poses. “We wanted to present the most dramatic mannequins at the event,” explains Planet Aspects’ Kwan Pitman. “We showcased the brightest and most fashion-forward, but they are also available in natural colours and demure poses to suit all stores. There’s something for everyone in this line.” Planet Aspects is now the sole distributor of ABC Mannequins in the UK and supplies fashion retailers of all sizes with a vast range of visual merchandising equipment.
Carolyn Franklin joins People Tree to launch its SS14 Atelier Collection Carolyn Franklin was among the fashionistas that joined People Tree last month for the launch of its SS14 Atelier Collection. Hosted by London Fashion Week head Anna Orsini inside Somerset House, they joined the label’s founder Safia Minney alongside Zandra Rhodes and John Hillary for a discussion about ethical
fashion. Guests, which included journalists, bloggers, buyers and model ambassadors, were treated to champagne and live music while they viewed the new line. The Atelier Collection is made from hand-dyed and hand-woven Fair Trade fabrics and boasts contemporary silhouettes in a variety of bold styles.
FASHION FIX
Independent designer doubles business size after investing in e-commerce
Fyodor Golan’s SS14 London Fashion Week collection features exclusive embellishments by Tresor Paris
The devil was in the detail for fashion house Fyodor Golan this season when it enlisted Tresor Paris to add the finishing touches to its SS14 collection. Entitled ‘Electric Children’, the show was held inside 280 High Holborn on the main schedule of London Fashion Week with guests on the front row including Laura Whitmore and Dionne Bromfield. The collection itself focused on the reinvention of sportswear luxe – turning the concept of masculine motorcycle wear into feminine style statements with the use of leather, snakeskin and sheer fabrics. Ceramic Tresor Paris beads were sewn onto various tops and dresses adding another layer of texture to the collection. The label, which is the work of Latvian and Israeli design duo Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman, launched in 2010 and has since found fame among fashion insiders after winning the Fashion Fringe as well as a host of international stockists. 10 | boutique. | October 2013
A Shropshire-based jewellery designer has seen her sales figures double after linking with online marketplace retailers and investing in e-commerce. Anne Reeves gave up her career in sales 10 years ago and enrolled on several silversmith courses before creating her own eponymous brand in 2005. She began selling her handcrafted solid silver creations to friends and family before setting up stalls at local craft fairs and events. However, taking advantage of the rise in popularity of online shopping, the designer now sells exclusively online. Today Anne Reeves Jewellery pieces are sold through transactional site Annereevesjewellery.co.uk. Meanwhile her range makes around £60,000 each year on Notonthehighstreet.com and at least one order comes through every day on Amazon. “The latest collections have gone down a storm and I’m not only
buzzing with ideas for new designs, but I’m also excited about using online marketing to engage with people looking for that special gift for a loved one or choosing a small treat for themselves,” she says. “The internet plays a vital role in my business because – as well as opening up new opportunities – the flexibility and control it brings has enabled me to achieve a positive work-life balance.”
One Wish named Fashion Jewellery Collection of the Year at BTAA awards The Balagan Group’s One Wish range was named Fashion Jewellery Collection of the Year at the BTAA awards at last month’s Autumn
Fair. Now in its third year, the awards scheme celebrates original, innovative and eye-catching design alongside quality manufacture and commercial viability. Five gongs were up for grabs in categories ranging from Luggage and Travel to Small Leather Goods. Other winners included Smith and Canova and Powder Design in the Fashion Handbags and Fashion Accessories categories respectively. One Wish designer Rachel Parkin comments: “ Winning Fashion Jewellery Collection of the Year for our new One Wish range was a delightful accolade, we are so thrilled. The collection is delicate, pretty and captures thoughts, sentiments and emotions that are universal – creating a perfect gift or self purchase.” The winners won £500 towards exhibiting at the show next year along with an engraved glass award.
Genese is a luxury designer fashion brand for women who desire to integrate elegance, style and panache into their dress code. Genese’s exclusive designs are synthetic to our well established, award-winning brand of 21 years. Our elegant high quality garments channel passion with sophistication, hand tailored by our in-house designers ensuring that only the highest standards are met. Genese has now arrived in the fashion capital London, our showroom which is open to wholesale is situated in Mortimer Street, offering first class service to prospective clients. 46 Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7RL Tel: 0203 583 2126 | genese.london@hotmail.co.uk www.geneselondon.co.uk Wholesale prices from £30 - £70
FASHION FIX
Prom dresses…
Nude courts…
Ultra flattering on a range of body shapes, Voodoo Vixen’s green prom dress is a stylish alternative to the obligatory sparkly Christmas frock. Style it with killer heels and red lips for instant festive glamour. £19.95; Tel: 0207 702 3155 E: info@onedirectionclothing.com
They make a smart alternative to open-toed summer shoes so it’s no wonder that nude courts have become a staple for women of all ages. This pair by Nicola Sexton combines style with comfort making it the perfect heel to complement special occasion outfits. Available in a variety of colours and leathers, £57.42; E: wholesale@nicolasexton.co.uk Nicolasexton.co.uk
Sparkly accessories… Perfect for customers that are frightened of sequinned festive fashion, this crystalencrusted clutch from Jadeland is just the thing to ensure they still sparkle all night long. Tel: 0161 833 1166 Jadelandenterprises.co.uk
Boutique loves… Find out what we’re lusting after this month Everyday luxuries… Made from knitted cotton with a soft velvet trim, the Saskia Arwen Coatigan (£34.30) and Josephine faux fur scarf (£15) are all customers need in AW13 to feel special everyday. Tel: 01843 579 000 Saskia.co.uk
Tassels… Great for summer festivals, tasselled pieces are also coming into their own as a cooler autumn alternative to fur trims and feathers. Stocked by London’s Browns, this pastel knit fringe jacket by Tim Ryan is on our definitive AW13 wish list. £545; Tel: 0207 987 0414 12 | boutique. | October 2013
FASHION FIX
CUFF LINKS Fashion magpies will love these on-trend gold cuffs by jewellery brand Tokyo Jane. Style alone or layer on top of each other for a super-cool high fashion look. From £5.50 each; Tel: 0207 481 2418
BOHEMIAN BEAUTY Masai’s bohemian-inspired styles are perfect for creating a laid back aesthetic. The label incorporates natural materials and drapes them elegantly around the female form to suit all shapes and sizes – from slender to body conscious. £POA; Tel: 0207 385 9273
Treasure trove This month’s top fashion and accessories picks
FLOWER GIRL Floral prints are going to be huge for SS14 and Amari’s Beth Cardigan offers an easy way for anyone to wear the trend. Available in blue and light green in a lightweight rayon knit, get it in store from early January. £12; Tel: 01566 779 477 Amariuk.com
PERIOD CONVERSION WRAP STARS Head to Y London’s showroom in the capital this month to view its latest short order collection for AW13. Incorporating catwalk trends and high fashion styles, customers will be able to wrap up and look on-trend in its knitwear all season long. Tel: 0207 580 3015 Ylondon.co.uk
14 | boutique. | October 2013
Heavily inspired by the Art Deco era, British fashion jeweller Alexander Thurlow has produced an array of statement necklaces and traditional matt and shiny silver bracelets for AW13. Reporting strong sales since launching in August, indies are able to order new stock on repeats round-theclock via its convenient online shop. Around £6 each; Tel: 0208 766 6466 Alexanderthurlow.com
Josephine Faux Fur scarf with Blanche cotton Faux Fur trim gloves shown in graphite. Also available in Winter White and Chocolate. Our new Faux Fur collection also includes Faux Fur trimmed stoles and capes. Contact us on: 01843 299689 or .email:
info@saskia.co.uk for a catalogue
October 2013 | boutique. | 15
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What to buy now
Star of the show
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s soon as the last flame dies out on Bonfire Night, shoppers all over the UK will begin turning their thoughts towards the festive season and one thing in particular: a standout party season outfit. So whether your focus is on daytime chic or fullon occasionwear, finding the perfect pieces for the office party, the big day itself and everything in between should be at the top of your buying wish list. Because if there’s one time of year that everyone wants to look truly special, it’s Christmas…
October 2013 | boutique. | 17
SS14 TRENDS
trends to buy now Gemma Ward dissects high fashion’s most commercial looks for SS14
PINK LADIES
Well known for being one step ahead of the trend game, fashion editors went bananas this season for coats in the defining shade of SS14: pink. Inspired by last season’s shows from the likes of Mulberry and Celine, they were all lined up at Fashion Week looking like they’d raided Penelope Pitstop’s coat stand. And it seems that the designers have taken note because demand for the girly hue is set to continue well into the spring/summer season, emerging across dresses, separates and accessories too. Key London designers ranging from Burberry to Eudon Choi and Temperley to Antonio Berardi included pink in their collections while Preen by Thornton Bregazzi experimented with a neon version of the shade. But the look isn’t for everyone. As Rizzo points out in Grease: some girls are “too pure to be pink.” And dressing head-to-toe in bubble gum is difficult to pull off, especially if you’re over the age of 25. So how can you make the look commercial? Separates in varying colours of the shade will mean there’s something to suit a range of ages, shapes and skin tones while teaming trousers and skirts with every woman’s musthave summer staple – a basic grey tee – will ensure the look is stylish instead of twee.
GILES
GRAPHIC MONOCHROME
JEAN-PIERRE BRAGANZA
18 | boutique. | October 2013
When will high fashion designers fall out of love with monochrome? The answer is probably never, since it’s so versatile and looks great on absolutely everyone. And the fact that this highly commercial trend is going nowhere is great news for retailers. The look started making waves as a major trend back in SS09 when Agyness Deyn was the model of the moment. But back then most designers played it safe with block colours and easy-to-wear checks, stripes and dots. Today, however, the trend has evolved – most definitely alongside the power print – into a bold fashion statement. This season we saw graphics take over with designers packing a punch with strong lines and daring patterns. Edun favoured mismatched geometric print shapes across masculine tailoring and summer leathers while Diane von Furstenburg delivered a contemporary take on gingham across a full-skirted prom dress and ‘70s inspired jumpsuit. Not to be outdone, Ralph Lauren teamed a monochrome three-piece block-lined suit with a black and white floral tie – modernising the look in an instant.
SS14 TRENDS
CUTE AS A BUTTON
Building on the sugary-sweet pastel looks from the past two seasons, designers turned the trend up a notch for SS14 with a new brand of über-femininity. Some emblazoned everything from dresses to bags and jewellery with super-cute prints, slogans and motifs – a look that will no doubt trickle down to the high street come February. Meanwhile, others took the idea one step further and let childlike themes run throughout their entire collections. LFW’s Fam Irvoll used fabrics covered in cartoon-esque ants, birds and roses in muted tones of turquoise and mauve while Christopher Kane was more literal about the trend with his lilac sweater emblazoned with the word ‘PETAL’. Over in London – a fashion capital wellknown for its experimental element – designers really bought into the kitsch aesthetic. The models at Ryan Lo for Fashion East wore furry animal ears and tails while one even wandered down the runway (to Whitney’s I’m Every Woman) carrying a small plastic dolls’ house. Giles, who is known to dance to the beat of his own drum, even jumped on the trend by using fabrics decorated with painted pouts alongside mini embroidered lip motifs across tops and netted sleeves. Over in Milan, Moschino took the cutesy theme to another new level when one of its models stomped down the runway wearing a headdress and necklace made from entirely from teddy bears.
FAM IRVOLL
THE DARK SIDE
YONG KYUN SHIN
It’s a trend that’s been budding for a long time but trans-seasonal spring/summer dressing is showing no sign of slowing down – despite the glorious summer of 2013. The dark and moody colour palette at Bottega Veneta provided an antidote to all the sickly-sweet cutesy pieces doing the rounds elsewhere on the catwalks. And if you can’t see your customer base wearing cherry prints and pastel pink next season, its structural pleats and Japanese manipulation is a great way to do grown up chic for SS14. Elsewhere on the catwalk, there was a lot of black for a summer season – from Yves Saint Laurent’s smartly tailored suits to Marc Jacob’s macabre final collection for Louis Vuitton. Summer leather in a variety of colours including black was also a strong contender, turning up at Mulberry, Burberry, Haizhen Wang, Daks and Tom Ford. But some of the most commercial looks appeared when designers cleverly combined pink with black and toughened up the über-feminine aesthetic with dark, graphic prints. Antonio Marras’s show was a case in point where powder pink and blue skirts, dresses, shirts and jackets were teamed with dark graphic lines and abstract shapes to produce an edgy twist. Because injecting an element of winter into your SS14 buying is a shrewd way to ensure your collections will appeal to customers when they land in the middle of February. October 2013 | boutique. | 19
ACCESSORIES
Fashion extras The best scarves, shoes, jewellery and gifts
FAIR PLAY Produced by local artisans in India, Shared Earth’s Fair Trade ikat print cotton scarves ensure that craftsman in need of work can make a living. £5.41; Tel: 01904 670 321 E: sales@sharedearth.co.uk
BROOCH THE SUBJECT Inject some colour into any jewellery display or outfit with Konplott’s bright and beautiful brooch from its Bubbling Daisy collection for SS14. £36; Tel: 01304 224 288
OPEN YOUR HEART
TRAVEL COMPANION
TRULY GIFTED
A best-selling design by Norwegian jeweller Arts and Crafts, this Open Heart bronze ring with black Swarovski crystals will put some sparkle into any store. £10; Tel: 01245 360 949 E: lorraine@acnorway-uk.com
British label ShuSac has launched a new range of luxury high-heel bags that feature two asymmetrical compartments that keep each shoe separate to prevent scuffing. £12.50 each; Tel: 0207 018 7193 Shusac.com
These super-cosy Cerise Leopard Bow Ballet Slippers by Ruby and Ed are just the thing that every fashionista wants to find under the tree on Christmas day morning. £15.60; Tel: 01664 452 904
PERSONAL ORGANISER
HOME SPA
ROYAL BLUE
Full of quotes, historic dates and quirky illustrations, the Dodo Pad desk diary has an impressive fan club that includes members of the British royal family. £5; Tel: 0845 634 6272 Dodopad.com
The VitaBella Spa Treatment in a Box contains everything your customers need to carry out a professionalinspired facial treatment in the comfort of their own homes. £11.67; Tel: 0844 877 0178
Said to be one of Pippa Middleton’s favourite footwear labels, Chatelles Paris has given its Slipper Shoes a modern on-trend twist by adding striking neon tassels. €68; E: Fduchastel@mychatelles.com
20 | boutique. | October 2013
ACCESSORIES
INSTANT GLAMOUR
ALL OF A TWITTER
POCKET FRIENDLY
Part of Suzie Blue’s 2013 Glitz Collection, this Grey Multi-Strand Bead and Crystal Necklace can be worn anytime for instant day-to-night glamour. £8.90; Tel: 01664 823 261 Suziebluejewellery.com
Tapping into the fashion pack’s love affair with owls, Talbot Fashions’ enamel and beaded birds of prey pendants offer an affordable way to rock the trend. £4.95; Tel: 01273 776 415 Talbotfashion.com
Fullspot’s O Chive sees the pocket watch get a fresh update with a splashproof silicone cover in colours ranging from traditional black to fluorescent yellow. £16; E: sales@fullspot.uk.com Tel: 0845 519 6161
THE PERFECT GIFT
GUARDIAN ANGEL
BUTTER SOFT
Created especially for children, this Silver Key Pendant by D for Diamond will make the perfect grown-up gift idea for your customers’ daughters, grandchildren and their friends. £12; Tel: 01376 532 000 Geckojewellery.com
Perfect for Christmas or anytime customers want to feel angelic, these costume gold and crystal Angel Wings earrings are one of Belle and Flo’s winning designs for AW13. £3.50; Tel: 01732 864527 Belleandflo.co.uk
Inspired by the natural beauty of summer, this Frieda shopper bag from Ochre Blue’s SS14 collection has been crafted in soft leather for a luxe finish that will appeal all season long. £76.54; Tel: 07884 491 802 Ochreblue.com
INDIAN SUMMER
BABY STEPS
PLAYFUL PROMISE
Esska’s chic India sandal features a simple and contemporary design with an ergonomic foot bed and adjustable ankle strap. There’s no wonder it’s the brand’s best-selling flat summer shoe. £30; Tel: 01675 475 838 E: lee@yumyumshoes.com
If you’re looking for the ultimate baby gift this Christmas, Vevian’s handmade shoes come in a lined wooden box and are designed to be the perfect keepsake. They even come in a range of seasonal colours too. From £42; Tel: 0778 397 5155
JB by Joubi’s cute and quirky Kosey Ring is handcrafted in gold plated silver and enamel. Available in a range of bright shades including neon pink and saffron, customers will want to own every available colourway. £27; E: sales@joubi.co.uk October 2013 | boutique. | 21
Exclusive stretch lace handmade dresses - sizes 8-24 - with a choice of 65 colours
Contact Maine Trading: 01625 529529 info@mainetrading.co.uk SHOWING IN LONDON & MANCHESTER www.olvistrend.com
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METALLIC MAGIC
ALBA JACKET Jovonna London, £32; Tel: 0208 969 3385
NUDE GOWN Little Mistress, From £23.07; Tel: 0207 436 8332
modern party season pieces Give Christmas dressing a fresh update with these high glamour stock ideas
PURPLE SKIRT Marc Cain Glam, £POA; Tel: 01704 82 3005
EARRINGS L’Dezen Jewellery, £POA; Ldezen.com
SEQUINED JACKET Marc Cain Glam, £POA; Tel: 01704 82 3005
CASI TROUSER Ingenue London, £24; Tel: 0207 978 2038
EMILY DRESS Eucalyptus, £32; Tel: 0207 740 6323
AVA DRESS Allium B, £50; Tel: 01273 617 105
JEWELLED JUMPER Marc Cain Glam, £POA; Tel: 01704 82 3005 24 | boutique. | October 2013
IRONHIDE BOOT Cleo B, £144.29; Tel: 0203 397 7082
STOCK UP
LEOPARD CLUTCH Missco Girl, £20; E: Mduffyuk@ misscogirl.com
LACE DRESS Olivi’s, £278; Tel: 01625 529 529
MARIE DRESS Nancy Dee, £32.80; Tel: 0207 183 3658 KELLY DRESS Grace, £18.50 (sizes 14-32); Tel: 01482 820 654
GOLD PLATED BRACELET JB by Joubi, £309; E: sales@joubi. co.uk
26 | boutique. | October 2013
CASI TROUSER Ingenue London, £24; Tel: 0207 978 2038
ADELE DRESS Friday on my Mind, £26; Tel: 0207 740 6323
MODERN PIN-UP
MOKKA TOP Vero Moda, £3.75; Tel: 0206 650 2021 ELINOR DRESS Ronen Chen, £60; Tel: 0207 402 5292
FARRINGDON SHOE Cocorose London, £POA; Tel: 0208 829 8919
TEL: 0161 834 6509
EMAIL: PARTY21.LOUD@GMAIL.COM
WWW.PARTY21UK.COM OFFICIALPARTY21
PARTY 21 UK
OFFICIALPARTY21
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SEQUIN MATERNITY DRESS Bibee, £27.50; Tel: 0207 267 3442
SEQUIN TOP James Lakeland, £34; Tel: 0207 636 7130
EMBELLISHED PARKA Replay, £POA; Tel: 0039 0423 9251
FESTIVE SPARKLE
FAUX WOLF FUR GILET Ruby and Ed, £64; Tel: 01664 452 903
GLITTER SKIRT PIT Fashion, £19; Tel: 0031 0575 469 129
FEATHER PRINT SKIRT Almost Famous, £39; Tel: 0207 637 2622
PROM DRESS Little Mistress, From £19.23; Tel: 0207 436 8332
STAR RING Belle and Flo, £6.50; Tel: 01732 864 527
SEQUIN MAXI Frank Lyman, £96; Tel: 01412 040 699 28 | boutique. | October 2013
SEQUIN TOP Noisy May, £12.66; Tel: 0206 650 2021
INGENUE LONDON
AW13 STOCK AVAILABLE, PRICES FROM £24 TO £42 TEL +44 (0)207 978 2038 INFO@INGENUELONDON.COM WWW.INGENUELONDON.COM
PROMOTION
All night long Little Mistress’s in-season occasionwear pieces are perfect for Christmas parties and year-round glamour
G
litzy party wear specialist Little Mistress has become renowned for its catwalk-inspired creations designed for women aged 18 to 30. The British-born label launched after its creators spotted a gap in the market for a low price, high quality occasionwear with a short lead-time and limited distribution. Today its growing popularity has been strengthened by celebrity endorsements, regular appearances in the consumer press and its strong network of stockists, which include the likes of Psyche in Middlesbrough, Choice in Essex, Diffusion in the Midlands and Accent in Leeds. Little Mistress’s short order collections are designed in-house by its team of designers and feature a distinctive handwriting of multi-textural details, hand-sewn embellishments, statement colours and flattering silhouettes. With sequins as a key feature in the range, eveningwear is the label’s staple category and customers can choose from mini body-con and prom dresses, full length gowns and playsuits that are ideal for nights out on the town. Perhaps less well known, Little Mistress also offers a strong selection of day-to-evening dresses that still nod to its high glamour signature. Whether customers are looking for the perfect wedding guest outfit or a smart-yetsexy look for work, its range covers a variety of options from demure pencil dresses and shifts to long sleeve tunics and body-con styles. More recently it has also launched into the plus-size market with its Curvy range, which offers its glitzy pieces in sizes 18 to 24. Meanwhile, its Paper Dolls line focuses on tailored dresses made from stretch fabrics for a 30 | boutique. | October 2013
grown-up look. For the AW13 season, Little Mistress is combining day-to-evening and party wear pieces based on a “vintage opulence” theme. Key to the collection are delicate lace and ‘fit and flare’ cut dresses alongside flowing skirts and sculpted contours. The colour palette has been inspired by the natural glows and fades of the changing seasons and includes deep pinks, reds and midnight blues. New for autumn, the brand has also introduced a line of coats featuring fringing, elegant faux fur collars and clinched in waistlines that fuse style and practicality. The average wholesale price for dresses is £23 each while the minimum order is seven styles per collection. CONTACT: Tel: 0207 436 8332 Littlemistress.co.uk
Be ready for the
Party session with the
Gatsby Ball Collection NOW IN STOCK
WHOLESALE ENQUIRIES TEL: 0207 436 8332 STYLE FEATURED 20701-20907 SILVER/BLACK
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FOOTWEAR FOCUS
On your feet! The latest shoe collections to complement your clothing offer
LACEYS LONDON
The new short order AW13 collection by Laceys London is teeming with autumnal gems. Its handcrafted and hand-finished jodhpur-style ankle boots are the perfect new season buy that will last customers all the way to spring. Traditional Goodyear welting processes during production adds to their authenticity while allowing boutiques to buy into the resurgent heritage styling trend. Chelsea boot Jonas has firmly established itself as core stock item for year-round sales and the newly launched Laney is sure to follow suit (pictured right). Best of all, both are available for under £30 wholesale – offering retailers great profit potential. CONTACT: Tel: 0207 739 0398 Laceysfootwear.com
JEFFREY CAMPBELL
If you’re looking for fashion-forward footwear, Jeffery Campbell can always be relied on. Its inseason AW13 collection offers shoppers a myriad of options: are they going for urban glamour or sophisticated elegance? With the all bases covered, the choice is their own. For a new spin on the sports luxe trend, opt for the Adams Hi-Top, which is not only dripping in embellishments but urban attitude to boot. Alternatively, the brand’s pointed leopard print Charming pumps are one of the hottest shoe styles of the season and are sure to be on every fashionista’s lust list. CONTACT: Tel: 0207 739 0398 Jeffreycampbelluk.com
NICOLA SEXTON
Nicola Sexton has made a dramatic entrance as a new brand in the footwear market since arriving on the scene in SS13. With each piece handmade in Italy using premium materials, the British boutique label is becoming renowned for its quality and stylish take on the season’s trends. Sixteen independent retailers now stock the brand across the UK from Scotland down to Devon while its creator is in contact with buyers globally following its launch to the North American market in Las Vegas. Best-selling style the Nicola Sexton Wedge (pictured) is a hit will all ages and is available for SS14 in a variety of colours including striking orange suede and patent. CONTACT: Tel: 01284 760 011 E: wholesale@nicolasexton.co.uk Nicolasexton.co.uk 32 | boutique. | October 2013
PROMOTION
Spring into action Have every summer footwear eventuality covered with Cara London’s SS14 line
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ootwear label Cara London has got the entire SS14 season covered with a diverse range of wearable-yet-on-trend shoe styles. Kicking off the start of spring, its everyday ankle boots Halo Sage and Firefly Sasso in light leather and suede shades boast on-trend shapes and flashes of gold hardware, zip details and soft materials. Teamed with everything from jeans and trousers to maxi skirts, playsuits and shorts, both
styles – which offer a choice of small heels or flats – will be coveted until the summer sun makes an appearance. Seen all over the SS14 catwalks, trainers are another key style staple set to take centre stage next season. With this in mind, Cara’s Neutrino sneakers in khaki and platinum colourways featuring gold trims and textured hide finishes offer a great off-duty look. Moving into high summer, the label has combined the ankle boot and sandal with its hybrid design Electron.
Alternatively, its bow block heeled Cosmic fuses fashion and wearability for instant style and comfortable. Last but not least, Cara has given the slipper flat a modern update with soft metallic materials, neutral suede and flashes of tactile texture for a fresh look. Wholesale prices for the collection start from £15 each. CONTACT: Tel: 01491 872 044 E: info@carawholesale.com Carawholesale.com
October 2013 | boutique. | 33
STOCK UP
The ultimate Christmas gift guide Deck the halls with these irresistible short order stocking fillers Chic slippers you can wear outside. Diana pumps, Butterfly Twists, £14; Tel: 07522 231 299
This Beagle Art is the mutt’s nuts. Rupert’s House, £9.75; Tel: 07831 768 971
The Ultimate Gift Set for beautiful skin. Pure Light Botanics, £19; E: info@ purelightbotanics.com
This Silver Pendant is a Christmas star. Fiorelli, £35.20; Tel: 01376 532 000
Perspex meets wood in these uniquely chic Drop Earrings. Wolf and Moon, from £10.83; Tel: 07789 488 174
Damage the planet? Not on my Callisto Watch. We Wood, £44.95; Tel: 01202 901 626
Because DIY presents are always the best. Lamb Rucksack Kit, Herdy; £16; Tel: 01539 739 202
Make bird the word with this pretty painted Notebook. Lola Rose, £6.25; Tel: 0207 372 0777
Beauty sleep is guaranteed with this Japanese Eye Mask. Keiko Uchida, £8; Tel: 0208 960 6216
34 | boutique. | October 2013
STOCK UP Dazzle customers with this Black Sparkle Watch. Olivia Burton, £22; Tel: 01277 365 446
Add a touch of luxe with these Shimmer Gloves. Corlette, £68; E: sales@ corlettelondon.com
Man up with the Bee Sting Facial Kit for Him. Heaven, £154; E: sales@ heavenskincare.com
Forget modern technology with the Lacca Classic Fountain Pen. Tateossian, £60; Tel: 0207 384 3303
The Islington pump is perfect for tired party feet. Cocorose London, £POA; Tel: 0208 829 8919
Give Oyster Cards a high fashion update with Cleo B’s Robot Card Holder. £4; Tel: 0207 824 8666
Drinks are on you with the G and T Gift Bag, The Littlecote Soap Co, £6.25; Tel: 01525 240 927
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the obligatory pair of Socks. Happy Feet, £POA; Tel: 0207 494 9635
Stay out of the cold with this Hot Water Bottle Cover. Ruby and Ed, £11.95; Tel: 01664 452 904
A perfect post party season pick-me-up. Nevis Black Cuff Bracelet, Rosa Red, £8.95; Tel: 0141 572 7297
Offer the Lucky Charms Necklace for a prosperous New Year. Cabbage White England, £32; E: info@ cabbagewhite england.com
This luxe leather clutch the Mighty Purse charges mobile phones on the go. From £38.95; Tel: 01889 571 225
October 2013 | boutique. | 35
DOWN TO BUSINESS A helping hand for fashion indies
Step into Christmas
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hile it’s a great start, ordering in the year’s best party wear and gift ideas isn’t enough to guarantee a fantastic festive period. As any successful retailer knows, it takes careful planning and consideration to maximise the opportunities the season of goodwill has to offer. So from clever visual merchandising to customer events and promotions, we’ve got every angle covered…
BLACK WHITE DENIM October 2013 | boutique. | 37
DOWN TO BUSINESS
ways to create a buzz this Christmas Follow our expert guide to planning the perfect festive promotions and incentives Launch a festive competition Finding ways to engage customers is important any time of the year. But with so many retailers and etailers vying for consumer spend at Christmas, it’s imperative that you find ways to stand out from the crowd. Hosting a competition offering product giveaways or free styling advice can be a great way to get everyone talking. Pippa Sandison, owner of Boudoir Femme in Cambridge, is already planning to use this tactic come December: “We’ll be launching one of our regular competitions in the lead up to Christmas where customers will be entered when they visit the store,” she says. “We will be promoting this through our regular mail outs and social media in the coming weeks to ensure maximum results.”
one step ahead this year by turning the concept into a unique and private event for the store’s best customers. “We’ll be running personal shopping events for small groups of customers and their friends,” she says. “We’ll also be asking suppliers to help us offer
Join forces with a local college
Organise personal shopping events Every boutique’s secret weapon – personal shopping advice – is a great service to promote around Christmas. Not only can you help customers find their perfect party outfits and up-sell accessories to match, but it’s also the perfect excuse to promote any gift ideas you are offering to a captive audience. Jo Davis, owner of Black White Denim in Wilmslow, is going 38 | boutique. | October 2013
can be invaluable for picking up merchandising ideas and sales tips. Moreover, many companies – particularly those selling accessories – offer indies free or reduced price POS materials to help drive extra interest to their brand. Melissa Wheeler of Ambiance of Colchester, says the store will be HOMESENSE making the most of assistance from its top selling labels: “Some of our suppliers have been very supportive this year and have helped us with point of display, merchandising gifts and freebies to give to our customers,” she says. “I think anything that can help you offer added value is going to be good for business, particularly during the competitive Christmas period.”
gifts with every purchase alongside increased loyalty points to really offer something enticing.”
Ask suppliers for help Asking key brands for help around the festive period
Making an impact with your window display is of course essential for pulling in extra footfall. But how about teaming up with a local college to raise even more interest among a wider market? “We are partnering with students from Cambridge School for Visual and Performing Arts where they will be designing eye-catching displays for the store windows in our area,” says Sandison. “ The exercise will gain PR for both the college and the stores
Shoes and matching handbags for all special occasionals Buy in cartons or single pairs Internet traders welcome, let us hold the stock For more details contact us: Tel: (+44) 01902 456800 Email: sales@lexusinternational.com
www.lexusinternational.com
Simply gorgeous Award winning costume jewellery 01905 622509 www.missmilly.co.uk
Capiz .....
Christmas 2013 Order your accessories online or call for our winter brochure T: 01449 775566 E: sales@capiz.co.uk W: www.capiz.co.uk
October 2013 | boutique. | 39
DOWN TO BUSINESS as well as entering into Cambridge city’s annual window competition.” Davis is also adopting the idea for her store: “Last year we enlisted the help of a specialist firm who showcased what they could do in our windows. This year we are looking to run a competition for fashion students with the winning ideas being activated in the window space.”
Maximise space After you’ve created your perfect festive window display it’s essential to make the most of the entire shop floor to keep the customer journey fresh, unique and interesting. This is a trick used by all the major players and not only keeps customers in the store for longer, but will also keep them coming back every week. “We move stock around constantly, putting new stock at the front and rear of the store to engage on entry and then encourage customers to shop the entire floor,” says Davis. “We make extra space available for gifts also.”
with The-counter.com so we are concentrating on getting that in place well in time for the Christmas sales,” says Sandison. “We are also planning a brand new look for our own website Boudoirfemme.co.uk, which we hope to be able to share more details about in due course. We see online as a very important part of future growth of the store going forward.” Tadd, meanwhile, also famously ploughs a lot of her attention into the online side of The Dressing Room. She says: “We’ll be focusing on social media outreach, email campaigns and wish lists this year. We always focus a few key promotions in the lead up to Christmas too – such as faster
Perfect your visual merchandising Deryane Tadd, owner of The Dressing Room, also puts a strong emphasis on strategic visual merchandising to ensure that every customer visiting the store JOULES buys as much as possible. “Visual merchandising is a huge part of our day-to-day strategy throughout the shipping and a free gift with purchases. entire year,” she says. “We spend time All of these add value to the shopping and energy on this and understand the experience and give people a reason to difference that great merchandising choose to shop with us over the high makes to sales. We will be focusing on street.” making gifting items appealing and Create a fun destination easy add-on purchases this year while It’s often the simple ideas that we’ll also make sure that our gift-wrap are the best. And by ensuring is clearly visible.” your team is friendly, happy and Get online helpful when the rest of the high street If you don’t already operate a is in a frenzy, your store will turn into transactional site, it’s not too a happy haven that customers will late to get online if you partner with want to return to. “We hope to boost marketplace style websites. And if your footfall simply by being a jollier and store already sells via the internet, fabulously festive version of ourselves,” it’s imperative that you make the says Wheeler. “Hopefully this will most of the opportunities Christmas ensure that the shop remains an brings. “We are just about to launch attractive and fun destination during 40 | boutique. | October 2013
our customers’ Christmas shopping excursions. The music and atmosphere in the boutique help enormously.”
Host a Christmas party The festive season is the perfect excuse to throw a celebration – and pick up some extra sales to boot. The Dressing Room always starts the season with a festive in-store soirée where owner Tadd and her team unveil the store’s party wear edit. This is followed by another event at the beginning of December, which she says: “creates a great buzz and excitement and really kicks off the season.” Likewise, Boudoir Femme will also be hosting its own Christmas shindig to encourage more sales. “We host an annual Christmas launch party for our customers on 21 November with an DJ in store, complimentary body art, drinks and nibbles as well as running a Christmas discount promotion on the AW13 collections,” says Sandison. “We’ll also have some representatives from our best selling Christmas brands attending the event to introduce some gift ideas.”
Open for late night shopping Lastly, don’t miss out on extra sales by closing your store early in December. Join the other retailers in your area in their late night shopping plans and make sure you’re available at times when it suits your customers. This goes for Sundays too. Ambiance of Colchester will be bolstering the appeal of its open evenings with a extra incentives to create a celebratory atmosphere: “During the week before Christmas we plan to hold a few late evening shopping events where we’ll offer our customers Prosecco and mince pies,” says Wheeler. “This is always a high-octane week at Ambiance and if we approach it effectively it has the potential to increase our overall takings. Further to this, our VIP customers will also receive a 10 per cent discount on specific dates to improve sales and build loyalty.”
JUST ARRIVED!
The VM Source 01780 761947 info@thevmsource.co.uk www.thevmsource.co.uk
Mannequins & Display Accessories
October 2013 | boutique. | 41
COMPANY FOCUS
Festive focus Make the most of your stock this Christmas with the help of the these top visual merchandising specialists
E W MORRIS
Long established visual merchandising supplier E W Morris has been creating display cards and printing price tickets for over 100 years. The company began life as a printer and then moved into manufacturing tickets for the jewellery trade. Today it has moved forward into the twenty first century with new technology, however its aim to provide a complete printing and pricing service to enable retailers to display a clear message for their customers remains. Its core product line includes price cubes, sale banners, sale tickets and pricing tickets while indies can order online and via mail order. CONTACT: Tel: 01235 543 993 Ewmorris.co.uk
SHOPFITTING WAREHOUSE
Shopfitting Warehouse offers independents a variety of solutions for all their display and storage needs, with a huge range of shop fittings, display equipment and retail accessories at great value. The company offers a ‘five-star experience’ (as rated by customers on independent review website TrustPilot), with an easy-to-use website, fast delivery service and friendly team. Its product line includes a wide choice of fittings, equipment, mannequins and accessories that can be used to maximise any retail display. Key accessories include its black heavy-duty clothes rail, which comes in a range of sizes and is a popular choice for shops and exhibitions. Its Lotus Wood Hangers range, meanwhile, is another top seller and indies can take advantage of a 15 per cent discount on bulk ordering boxes of 100. Lastly, its slatwall panels and accessories come in 19 different finishes alongside matching shop counters and shop gondolas. CONTACT: Tel: 0800 834 782 Shopfittingwarehouse.co.uk
GRAHAM SWEET STUDIOS
Display specialist Graham Sweet Studios offers a wide range of decorative products to enhance stores and windows at Christmas and beyond. They also produces high quality 3D letter models that can be used for a variety of occasions from announcing the January sales to wishing shoppers a merry festive season. Recently the company launched a range of decorative merchandising shelves that provide retailers with a cost effective way to promote products at Christmas. A decoration and merchandiser all-in-one, the eye-catching units will draw your customers’ attention without outshining the products. But the jewel in the crown for 2013 is the company’s window in a box range. This enables retailers to view a series of window display options online before purchasing their own bespoke design at the click of a button. CONTACT: Tel: 02920 522 510 Grahamsweet.com 42 | boutique. | October 2013
Kind on your hair Cute on your wrist Popbands are delicious soft, stretchy ‘no dent’ hairbands that hold hair up tight and still leave it fresh and kink-free when you take it down! Popbands won’t: • leave dents/kinks in your hair after wearing it up • rip or slip out of your hair • flirt with your man Popbands will: • be gentle with your hair and give it a little cuddle • look great on your wrist unlike other hair bands/bobbles • be the envy of your family and friends
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PROMOTION
Working wardrobe Ingenue London’s flattering dresses are every woman’s wardrobe staple
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lattering and utterly wearable dresses play a starring role in every Ingenue London collection. The label’s inseason garments are designed for women that want to look effortlessly chic and sophisticated for every occasion while appearing stylish without being a slave to trends. Central to the line are its longsleeved dresses, which are available in around 30 styles with new colour and prints arriving every month. For AW13, its design team has also introduced more separates, which include the Edel skirt and the Perfect blouse. Meanwhile, for the Christmas party period, the label is offering an evening dress with sleeves in soft sequins alongside a range of full-
length dresses with sleeves. “We are very excited for this AW13 collection,” says founder Mena Ryan. “Our clients have loved it and most importantly their customers are buying and buying it.” The line was inspired by femininity and features some longer lengths than previous seasons as well as cinched-in waists. “We wanted to show women that you can be sexy without showing too much skin,” she says. “But above all, we wanted our dresses to be empowering.” Ingenue London works in-season and offers next day delivery on most styles. Prices range from £24 to £42 while the minimum order requirement for new customers is £750. CONTACT: Tel: 0207 978 2038 Ingenuelondon.com
Knit picking The Alpaca Collection is branching out with knits that appeal to a wider market
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s the largest UK-based wholesaler specialising in pure Intarsia knitwear from the Andes, The Alpaca Collection’s head designer Alice Sievier is concentrating on widening the label’s demographic for AW13. Although the collection’s target market will remain the over 40s, its latest line of pattern cardigans, capes and coats, matching accessories, lined jackets and menswear are sure to appeal to wide range of stylish customers. Wraps and capes are among the brand’s best sellers with its Silvia and Tamora styles reoccurring most years with slight colour refreshes to reflect the season’s trends. This season Sievier has re-designed the brand’s core lined jackets giving the Titania and Timoria 44 | boutique. | October 2013
styles a fresh look by introducing hoods and fitting them to the body. “With Intarsia cardigans we have introduced some new patterns,” adds the designer. “I have taken the trend of the Fair Isle knit and produced Lucetta to distinguish the Christmas look.” She has also retained basic plain cardigan Angelica, which has been a key seller for several years, but introduced the season’s colours. She says: “I think colour is an important part of my work across the range in the regeneration process while retaining the quintessential elegance inherent in all Alpaca garments.” Wholesale prices range from £50 to £275 per piece and the collection is available on short order now. CONTACT: Tel: 01789 209 229 Thealpacacollection.co.uk
PROMOTION
Hot on their heels Get one step ahead for SS14 with Marco Tozzi’s fashion footwear
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erman shoe specialist Marco Tozzi creates affordable young fashion footwear based on the latest trends. Focused on delivering high quality women’s shoes, its designers strive to create “everything that a woman’s heart desires” with its trend-led, cost-conscious styles. Available on forward order, its SS14 collection features a variety of covetable styles for summer from stylish ankle boots to trainers and boat shoes. Its boots come in a choice of soles ranging from comfort versions through to high heels. For flat shoe fans, its super-soft moccasins are both on-trend yet practical. Moreover, the label is breaking new ground in the running scene with a new athletic collection in trend-led fashion colours
including summer brights and metallics. Marco Tozzi’s classic loafers, pumps and ballerinas have also been given a new season update with laser cuts and embellishments. Meanwhile, its ankle-flattering Roman sandals are the collection’s pièce de résistance. CONTACT: Tel: 0049 523 160 501 Marcotozzi.com
Foldable ballet pumps
www.cocoroselondon.com 2247 COCO SS13 Press Ad v1.indd 1
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October 2013 | boutique. | 45
PROMOTION
On perfect form Lafei Nier enhances curvier figures with its standard and plus-size clothing
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lying the flag for standard and plus-size fashion, Lafei Nier creates elegant-yetcomfortable clothing for women in dress sizes 12 to 30. The label was established 18 years ago in Eastern Europe with the aim to produce fashion to suit a variety of body shapes that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for trends. Its focus is on the use of premium fabrics and cuts that complement curvier figures alongside the use of clever fastenings that minimise gaping. Moreover, the label completely avoids unforgiving polyester lining. Lafei Nier is currently showing its SS14 collection in its Maida Vale showroom, which will land in stores this February. Key pieces include its signature feminine dresses that come
in a variety of prints alongside a range of flattering printed jeans. “At the moment we are promoting our form-fitting dresses to our stockists,” says UK brand manager Tetiana Ivanova. “Some have been reluctant to try them since they are quite a snug fit and culturally people are used to curvy ladies wearing baggy clothes. However, as we have been explaining, baggy clothes are frequently very unflattering and can make the wearer look a lot bigger than they really are – particularly if they are not very tall.” She adds: “The unique quality of our dresses is that they are made in a heavy but soft fabric, which has a gentle shaping effect, but due to its weight does not fold and drape in an unattractive manner. This has turned out to be a winning
Standard and plus size womenswear www.lafei-nier.co.uk For distribution and wholesale queries please contact Tetiana Ivanova t.ivanova@lafei-nier.co.uk +44 (0) 7824 3232 55 46 | boutique. | October 2013
combination and our buyers are very happy with the sell-through rates of this collection.” CONTACT: Tel: 07899 789 789 / 07824 323 255 Lafei-nier.co.uk
PROMOTION
Seeing stars Visit Belle and Flo’s newly updated website to view its latest fashion jewellery collections at the click of a button
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hic fashion jeweller Belle and Flo has unveiled a revamped website this month that makes buying its collections easier for boutique owners. The freshly designed site was created under the guidance of founder Julie Rainer-Seath and reflects the brand’s contemporary and trend-led jewellery designs. “Belle and Flo has grown from strength to strength over the past year and we felt it was time to invest in a new website,” she says. “Having the right design was a major priority for the company but it also had to be functional for the customer.” With this mind, the new online showcase space boasts a plethora of features that are sure to appeal
to indies. Julie trawled the internet for three months and worked with a team of designers to help create the perfect site for her customers. It now features a gallery of images for customers to use for their own personal sites and social media, a colour palette under each picture to aid the selection process as well as a ‘think pad’ so users can start building and viewing their own edits. Moreover, it also features clearer imagery alongside a related products bar and bestsellers tab. Indies looking for jewellery for AW13 can view Belle and Flo’s latest pieces now on the site. The brand has split its collection into two and buyers can choose from jewel and autumnal
coloured pieces or a new sparkle collection with cocktail rings, earrings and bracelet that are ideal for Christmas. CONTACT: Tel: 01732 864527 E: info@ belleandflo.co.uk Belleandflo.co.uk
Belle & Flo
Fashion Jewellery
Designed in New York info@belleandflo.co.uk 01732 864527 www.belleandflo.co.uk October 2013 | boutique. | 47
PROMOTION
Body talk I
Everyone can wear the latest denim trends with Wizard Jeans’ stylish and flattering AW13 collection
nnovative British denim brand Wizard Jeans took the fashion scene by storm when it launched three years ago with its figure-enhancing fashion for men and women. Created by founder Sally Allen-Gerard, its body-shaping jeans feature sculpting technology and a superior cut to give the wearer a svelte silhouette and enhanced derrière. Now with all new styles made in the UK, the label offers a range of cuts and rises including smart straight legs, ankle-skimming skinny jeans, leglengthening boot cuts plus the highly successful Wizard evening diamante range. “Ever since we started Wizard Jeans we have constantly been developing our styles to ensure that customers can 48 | boutique. | October 2013
look the best they possibly can at any type occasion,” says Allen-Gerard. “We offer a range of styles and categories and have also developed a range of coordinating jackets and accessories in the Sally Allen London Collection.” Consumers and indies can view the label’s full range of jeans styles online at Wizardjeans.com where each has been split into three categories to reflect varying price points: The Luxe Collection, The Signature Collection and The Originals Collection. Among its latest styles is the highly requested long leg 34-inch inside leg Gina Indigo Blue, which also comes in a standard 32-inch. And for those customers who are vertically challenged, the brand has also added some shorter styles with a 27-inch inside leg, which can also be
worn as a crop by taller customers. Available now on short order, Wizard Jeans’ AW13 collection features a range of hero styles that offer its sculpting technology while nodding to high fashion trends. Key pieces include diamante jeans in jet black and midnight blue that will make an ideal Christmas party dress alternative, a burnt orange tan denim design with leather trim created in homage to Hermès as well as a stonewash pair with leather panels and silver studs (pictured above). Wholesale prices range from £37 to £62 while there is no minimum order requirement and free delivery with 10 or more pairs. CONTACT: Tel: 01803 873 985 / 07768 816 420 Wizardjeans.com
PROMOTION
A ray of light Luella Fast Fashion helps indies create a more profitable business
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or the very first time in the UK, Luella Fast Fashion promises to enable indies to adopt the same highly successful buying and selling strategies as large high street stores. The range has been expertly created to put indies and multiples on a level playing field with services including: Short order: Luella stipulates a first order minimum of £150, and thereon a minimum order requirement of just three garments made-up from any line (but the company will refund unsold stock within 14 days). Frequent style changes: Fast sell-through coupled with limited in-store time availability of garments is key to the success of major fashion retailers. Luella introduces new styles on a monthly basis, which allows indies to follow
Fia Silk and lace top WSP£18
this ever-changing sales tactic. Stock on demand: Indies can order from Luella whenever they want during each season. Fast delivery: The company guarantees to deliver orders in three days or even overnight if required. Increased profits: Its recommended retail prices give scope for a minimum 350 per cent margin. Cash flow: Less long-term stock investment and fast sell-through results in a positive upturn in cash flow. Control: One of the most important aspects of stocking Luella is that the buyer has complete control over what and when they buy. So if you’re looking for a new way of operating the buying side of your business, Luella’s fast fashion approach could be the answer. CONTACT: Tel: 01454 238 940 / 01454 238 751 E: luellafastfashion@gmail.com
Kristina cable edged cardigan £18
Chunky knit scarves WSP£15
T: 01454 238940/238751 www.luellafastfashion.co.uk October 2013 | boutique. | 49
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Realistic mannequin
NEW
collection
autumn/winter 2013
Over 40 stunning NEW mannequins now in stock Faceless • Abstract • Sculpted • Headless • Natural • Stylised • Torsos
morplan.com • Freefone 0800 451122 • Visit our 4 regional stores
SHOP TALK
Industry opinion
Party feet
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s we progress further into AW13, it’s time to put your best foot forward to organise the best party season in history. So whether you decide to host a sparkling event or hit customers with a dazzling promotion, make this season your time to shine‌ October 2013 | boutique. | 51
PROMOTION
A touch of glamour Sprinkle some sparkle on your stock this Christmas with Stroppy Cat’s short order party wear pieces
C
reated at the beginning of this year by a former Topshop concessions designer, London label Stroppy Cat is a trend-led brand inspired by vintage design. The London label’s high glamour signature combines flattering shapes and figure-hugging silhouettes to create dresses and separates that boast affordable prices that rival the high street. Moreover, with every collection available on short order all through the season, boutique owners are given access to ever-changing womenswear whenever their stock needs a fresh update.
Perfect for indies looking for Christmas party dresses and statement separates for the coming months, its AW13 collection features a range of styles that are ideal for glamorous nights out. Hero pieces include a navy party dress with a sequin top and flattering skater style cotton/polyester blend skirt (pictured) alongside a line of faux fur jackets for customers that want to stay warm and chic in the cold weather. Wholesale prices for the collection range from £8 to £16 for dresses and £10 to £20 for jackets. CONTACT: Tel: 07950 888 150 Stroppycat.co.uk
Daytime classics Jumping Ships produces effortless clothing to help women look great everyday
J
umping Ships is a new familyowned British womenswear brand that offers versatile, stylish and comfortable clothing on short order. Driven by the belief that “it is
52 | boutique. | October 2013
always possible to look good everyday”, its designers create effortlessly elegant clothing in England that is easy to wear. The brand offers two ranges: EverydayElegance and ConfidentlyClassic. These versatile collections are designed for work, casual and eveningwear and combine quality fabrics with current trends to offer unique and tailored garments that customers will be proud to wear. With 20 years’ experience in womenswear wholesale and retail, founder Gaynor Lewin created the Jumping Ships brands to fill the gap in the market for women looking for unique fashion, high quality and affordable prices. She says: “We are an English company proud to manufacture here in the UK. Our
traditional approach to creating fashionable clothing ensures all our products are honestly produced to the highest standard. That mix of traditional values and modern cutting edge design is why Jumping Ships is able to provide stylish clothing at prices the high street cannot match.” With new styles entering the collection on an ongoing basis including five jersey tops and tunics set to launch this week, indies can top up their stock with fresh designs whenever they need to. Wholesale prices for the collection start from £8 while Jumping Ships stipulates no minimum order quantity and offers free shipping on all orders over £500. CONTACT: Tel: 07770 623 485 E: gaynor@jumpingships.com
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Tel: 0207 993 5451 54 | boutique. | October 2013
Email: sales@firelogltd.co.uk
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shop talk
“You must be pro-active, positive and adapt to the changing shopping habits of your customers while being innovative in all areas of your business to succeed” Gemma Ward catches up with David Conaghan, co-founder of Northern Ireland’s Chocolate Clothing What’s the story behind Chocolate Clothing? My brother Barry and I launched the store in the summer of 2007. The other independent stores in the local area mainly stocked all the big European denim brands, so there was a gap in the market for a boutique selling more niche and heritage labels.
What do you offer your customers? Chocolate offers the very best in catwalk and celebrity inspired fashion and heritage brands. We stock brands we love and are passionate about, brands with history, up-and-coming labels with great ideas and brands with great quality. Since opening, Chocolate has provided a friendly, personal service in comfortable surroundings and has developed a very unique style through its various collections that allows customers to express their own individual taste and personalities.
How has the business evolved? In 2008 we brought our original values to a wider audience with the launch of the store’s first website. We expanded the offer again in 2011 with a new web store offering a wider product choice. Today Chocolate Clothing is a global online fashion etailer delivering to over 60 countries worldwide.
How successful is your online store? The transactional site is growing yearon-year and is the real driving force in the business but at present the bricksand-motar store is still the big brother
of the two. However, we estimate that within three years the online store should count for 70 per cent of overall sales.
Which categories are most popular? The most popular category on the womenswear side of the business is definitely party dresses, which we offer in every shape and form. This is the biggest department on our website and attracts the most traffic every month. We are expanding our womenswear offer this season alone by 15 new brands of party wear dresses.
What are your best selling labels? Essex girl brands Amy Childs and Jessica Wright and our long-standing dress label TFNC always delivers every season.
How has the financial climate affected your business? Our business strategy has changed somewhat since we first launched six years ago from concentrating on more premium brands suited for local consumers. Nowadays we now operate our womenswear business in a more fast fashion online model where we buy in affordable quick turnaround party wear brands that carry fresh stock every week. This has paid off with increased sales and profit.
What is it like running a store in Northern Ireland at the moment? The word ‘tough’ must be the most overused word in fashion at the moment. But it is true, it’s hard out
there for a lot of reasons, but you cannot just wait about for things to get better and complain that it was easier years ago. You must be pro-active, positive and adapt to the changing shopping habits of your customers while being innovative in all areas of your business to succeed.
What are consumers like in Ireland? I believe Ireland has been slow on the uptake of online shopping. While it’s still a fast grower, it’s nowhere near where the UK is. Young Irish women still like to shop the old fashion way for that extra personal touch. And when it comes to dresses and occasionwear, Irish women just love to dress up and will go all out for an extravagant dress for a wedding, night out and special occasion – regardless of the cost.
What will you be doing to boost sales this Christmas? This Christmas season we will be doing lots of party nights in store with DJs, drinks and discounts. We have also planned out marketing with all the local papers and magazines. For online we are launching with Amazon this month so this will increase traffic and sales to the site. We are also relaunching our Facebook modelling competition, The Face Of Chocolate, in November, which attracted over 100,000 hits in two weeks earlier in the year. We have many new exciting brands coming on board too. If the weather is kind to us it should be a happy Christmas. October 2013 | boutique. | 55
SHOP TALK
“Indies need to embrace the world of online if they want a successful future” Jemma Fennings is the co-founder of watch brand Olivia Burton with partner Lesa Bennett
“M
y business partner Lesa and I both worked in fashion for a number of years before launching Olivia Burton in AW12. We knew each other from our university days and always spoke of starting our own business one day – we were just waiting for that unique idea to come along. I started my career in fashion buying working for Selfridges, the House of Fraser and Tesco Clothing. More recently I moved into the production side and worked for a high street supplier managing manufacture for New Look and Debenhams. Lesa, meanwhile, ended up as a watch buyer for ASOS. It was there that she realised there was a huge gap in the market for a brand that offered affordable, vintage-inspired timepieces and Olivia Burton was born. “I think our experience in so many areas of the fashion world has really helped us with our business. We’ve already built up a solid network of stockists including major players like Harvey Nichols, ASOS and John Lewis. But we’re also sold through 60 amazing independents like The Dressing Room in St Albans and Jasmine in Bury St. Edmonds. “Oliva Burton watches appeal to a wide range of consumers – mother, daughter and grandmother can literally all buy into the brand. 56 | boutique. | October 2013
Our watches have an element of vintage nostalgia to them that really resonates with a lot of people, but we also tweak catwalk trends so they’re modern at the same time. I think watches in general are a great item for boutiques to stock because they’re an easy purchase: unlike clothing, the size doesn’t have to be just right for customers to buy them because one fits all. “This benefit is of huge importance around Christmas time, which is why our watches make the ideal gifts. Opting for fashion presents can be quite a concern for people in terms of choosing the right size so this option removes any worries customers may have. Our entry retail price is also quite accessible; the pieces range from £55 to £125, so they’re an option for a cross section of people whether that’s a young boy looking for something for his girlfriend or a parent that wants to spoil their daughter. This is all in addition to the appeal of our watches – they’re a real talking point for any store as each tells a story. For example, some of our designs feature photos of real 100-year-old butterflies, which always sparks interest. “We’ll be doing a lot of our own Christmas shopping online this year but we’ll be supporting independents as much as we can while we’re doing it. We’ll also be visiting Aida in Shoreditch, which is one of our
favourite boutiques. It’s a beautiful store with a hair and make-up parlour as well as tea and cake shop, so it’s a great place to browse and relax. The owner also hosts amazing in-store events. We went to a vintage tea party there recently where hairdressers were offering ‘20s-inspired styling. Things like that always go down well with customers. “We’re very supportive of our stockists and especially pro-active when it comes to social media. It’s an area that we really excel in and I think indies need to embrace the world of online if they want a successful future. We recently joined forces with The Dressing Room and offered one random person a watch if they followed both of us. The incentive worked out really well and we picked up lots of new fans as a result. “Customers are so demanding these days and it’s imperative that boutiques constantly engage their audience. This is why online is so important and why many of the major players in independent fashion retail are ploughing so much money into e-commerce instead of buying more physical stores. With so many people buying online now, I think it’s essential for all boutiques to make the jump whether that be through a transactional site or an online showroom. Like it or not, this is the future of retail.”
Tel: 020 7371 6554
Email: info@centraltrade.co.uk
SHOP TALK
The perfect fit From coffee cups to D-cups: the story behind Loula Lingerie is a salutary example of what can happen when serendipity meets many years of retail experience. By Melissa Wheeler
T
here can’t be many lingerie retailers who cut their teeth in the cook shop sector, never mind chaired the Cookshop and Housewares Association (CHA, a division of bira) before launching themselves across the sector-divide into the world of bras and briefs. But then there are few individuals as modest and erudite in all things retail-related as Lyn Wiltshire, who now owns awardwinning boutique Loula Lingerie in Leigh-on-sea. “I had retired from EDES Homewares beforehand but still sat on the CHA committee,” she says. “It was a great time and I had good fun, but then there came a time when I felt I needed a change.” So armed with a ‘can do’ attitude and clear understanding of the local area, Wiltshire was well positioned to seize a new opportunity when she and a friend found themselves at the same career crossroads: “My dear friend Claire felt much the same as I did
58 | boutique. | October 2013
having recently been made redundant. So one day over coffee we discussed how Leigh-on-sea was missing a lingerie shop.” Having lived in the town all her life, Wiltshire knew exactly where the new shop should be based. And as fate would have it, another friend was setting up a boutique in the same area and suggested that she looked at the empty unit next door. “I then bumped into another friend of mine, Graham Newton, who was redeveloping a beautiful Victorian arcade in the area I had my sights on,” she says. “I mentioned my idea to him and he said: ‘that’s funny because I was just discussing the arcade with my wife and we were saying that it needed a lingerie shop’. So when he said that he was about to propose the last remaining site to another lingerie shop owner who was looking to relocate, I quipped in: ‘No, I’m having it. We’re moving in’.”
Getting changed They say that if you want to get a job done, ask a busy person to do it. Indeed, busy-ness and business are two things that can readily be applied to Wiltshire, who was busy sourcing stock at Moda just four weeks after conceiving the idea for the store in January. Loula Lingerie opened its doors two months later in April ’11. Wiltshire had the creative and retail edge while her partner, Claire, had the practical and logistical nous after her time as CEO of a local company. As with many success stories, this was a case of a strong partnership of shared skills. Unfortunately, however, Claire passed away less than a year later in February ‘12 after losing a battle against cancer. In retail as in life,
circumstances change and the ability to adapt becomes an underrated asset. Today Wiltshire runs the business herself, despite having no prior experience in the sector – which might raise the question of how one can enter such a specialised niche sector with no previous experience. “I was actually asked this at a seminar last year and I said that in all honesty it’s just about listening to your customers,” she says. “Just as with everything at Loula, we soon found out that 70 per cent of our ladies are sized DD plus. As a result, our ranges now go up to sizes HH – K.” The entry price at Loula is a Lepel t-shirt bra at £19 with Aubade topping the range at £90-plus. Many of the reps have asked the owner why, when the store is located amidst ‘Essex money’, she bothers with the lower price points: “I have a number of ladies who work locally and who don’t want to go to M&S or Debenhams, but they need everyday bras that actually fit,” she explains. “They are not going to come in here and spend £50-60 on a bra, so I’d be silly to lose that market. I have a huge captive audience in Leigh where
SHOP TALK these ladies haven’t got anywhere else to buy a bra.” As ever, Wiltshire’s natural pragmatism shines through: know your market and give the customers what they want. This no-nonsense approach coupled with Loula’s inviting and friendly ambience has clearly made an impression beyond its home inside Clement’s Arcade, with the store being nominated as a Best Newcomer Finalist by Underlines in 2012. Wiltshire and her team have all attended various fitting training courses held by the brands it stocks which, she explains, is the key to the store’s point of difference: “Panache runs a good one that I’ve sent the girls on, which is free of charge,” she says. “You need to pay for the Royce course but it’s far more in-depth. I find that customers have more confidence if you’ve got the certificates.” More than any other division of fashion retail, selling lingerie is largely about the service and critically about the fit. A shop can carry the most sumptuous, high-end lingerie brands – but if the customer is not fitted well, a £150 bra is no better than its £20 counterpart. And with this in mind, Wiltshire has ensured that Loula is well recognised as the lingerie destination for those that wish to be properly fitted.
The right support But more than stock and service, Wiltshire believes the value of business communities and the mutual benefits of networking are essential components of independent retailing. Indeed, her journey with Loula is testament to what an individual can do with the support of a business association and the inspiration of fellow retailers. “At the 2012 Underlines show, I sat with Robert Jarrett (Professional Services and Special Projects Director of bira and FAB) and ‘Sadie the Bra Lady’ (a highly successful lingerie retailer). Sadie told me that until fairly recently there were only five sizes of bra, so you just had to fit into one of them. What she doesn’t know about
lingerie really isn’t worth knowing and it was such a bonus to spend that time chatting with her.” Moreover, contrary to the current tone of much industry talk, the support she’s received from suppliers tells a positive story. Wiltshire credits her reps with supporting her in those early day by agreeing to very reasonable minimums and allowing her to experiment with brands for a season or two. She says that they are always honest about what is right for Loula and have also been loyal in terms of exclusivity. “A fellow retailer opened last summer and contacted some of my suppliers, but they were very clear that they dealt with me. I try to reciprocate that loyalty.”
One size doesn’t fit all Just as important as the fitting expertise at Loula is the understanding of local consumer behaviour. Wiltshire explains how the people in Leigh-onsea have the money but can be very discerning about where they spend it. Moreover, “if the size is not hanging on the rail they won’t ask, so stocking a full size range is really important. 32FF is the most popular size here.” This can obviously present display challenges in a 40sq ft retail space. “That’s why I always have a sale rail,” she says. “It can’t get too ‘bitty’ for visual reasons so the fashion collections tend to move onto the sale rail and then the £5 bin.” The owner admits it’s a valuable skill in business to learn what works and what doesn’t. An experiment to include body care toiletries was not a triumph, evincing the fact that Loula customers just want great fitting bras. Equally, “our swimwear has exceeded our expectations and has been an enormous success. We’ve now found our identity and are sticking to it. We are identified with selling lingerie and that’s that!” Another learning curve has been how customers buy bikinis. “I have learned that those who have boats – quite a few in the case of Leigh-onsea – tend to buy bikini tops and wear them with a pair of shorts. I sell tops and bottoms separately otherwise I’d end up with a basket of briefs. I would
lose far more sales by selling them as two pieces because, let’s be honest, how many of us are that perfect size? Plus, being Essex, we do have a few augmented customers.” With the launch of a brochure website this autumn, Wiltshire is conscious that some customers will be comparing Loula’s offering to online sales. However, she knows that price is not the main draw: “I don’t want a transactional website – it’s all about the experience here and the fit,” she says. “Plus, the bane of my life is fake tan. I always offer a black bra to fit someone who appears unnaturally bronzed and you can’t do that with mail-order.” As with so many small Indies today, price comparison with online brands is also a concern: “Some brands can be a little naughty with prices online and others may run a style or colour that is only available online. However, most are very helpful and I can sincerely say that I do trust my reps.” Recently asked by a customer how her prices compared with online, the owner was quick to reply: “Well, it depends upon what you want.” She will tell you that 70 per cent of the population are wearing the wrong size bra. And just as you can’t have your hair cut online, nor can you be expertly fitted from your iPad. Lyn Wiltshire is a committee member on the Fashion Association of Britain (FAB) Fashionassociationsofbritain. co.uk October 2013 | boutique. | 59
www.fcwholesale.com eaonplus presents our new arrivals of lovely Batik Prints and Embroidered Tie-Dye Sundresses and Airy Tunics in many styles and contrast colours. 3 Sizes to fit 14-to-20, 22-to-28, 28-to-34 Sold in small packs of 3 pieces per style per colour
Visits to our showroom by appointment Tel. 0121 243 9683 Unit 225 & Units Rear of 229-231 Lakey Lane, Hall Green, B28 8QT
If you would like to advertise your new season collections, please call Julie on
01795 509106 or email
julieneill@cimltd.co.uk 60 | boutique. | October 2013
Boutique magazine October 2013.indd 1
07/10/2013 14:33:52
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From the Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection the ‘Rococo’ trend featuring this opulent Sapphire Blue Gem set in luxury Lambswool and Angora, also available in Grey Marl. For the full collection visit our new web site at www.alicehannah.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9383
October 2013 | boutique. | 63
SUPPLIER DIRECTORY Alice Hannah Accessories Ltd Brand - Alice Hannah 7 Plough Lane, Teddington, Middlesex, TW1 9HX T: 020 943 9383 W: www.alicehannah.co.uk
Amari Designs Ltd Brands: Amari, Lily & Me 12A Newport Industrial Estate, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8EX T: 01566 779477 / 01566 772121 E: sales@amaridesigns.co.uk enquiries@amaridesigns.co.uk W: www.amariuk.com www.lily-and-me.com
anneodowd agency Brand: Ronen Chen T: 020 7402 5292 E: anne@anneodowd.com W: www.anneodowd.com
Bestseller Wholesale UK Brands: Vero Moda, Vero Moda Very, VILA, ONLY, Selected Femme and Pieces T: 020 3205 03112. E: sian.nuttall@bestseller.com W: www.bestseller.com
Boutique Agency UK Memento for you jewellery – www. mementoforyou.com Deriva Jewels – www. derivajewels.nl YAYA – www.yaya.nl T: 0208 349 5234 E: contact@boutiqueagencyuk.com W: www.boutiqueagencyuk.com
Capri Clothing T: 0203 490 8361 E: sales@capriclothing.co.uk W: www.capriclothing.co.uk
Clamor Fashion Agency Brands: Eva Tralala, Eve in Paradise (for North of England,Scotland and Wales), Krinès Berlin, and Simclan. Contact: Clare Morgan T: 07770 66 49 77 W: www.clamorfashion.com
Crea Concept Contact: Paulette Cohen and Jade Hofmayer T: 020 7436 0631 E: paulette@creaconcept.co.uk W: www.creaconcept.com
Easton Design Studio Handbags, Travel Bags, Business Accessories, Wallets & Purses, Cosmetic Bags T: 01483 272309 E: info@eastonddesignstudio.com W: www.eastondesignstudio.com
64 | boutique. | October 2013
Essay Collections Limited Brands: ART, HEART and Ioanna Kourbela Contact: Momi T: 020 8675 6293 E: sales@essaycollections.com W: www.essaycollections.com
Essential Collections Ltd Brands: Pause Café, Les Fées Du Vent, Epicéa, Un Point C’est Tout, Gantebs T: +44 (0)1625 539281 E: info@essentialcollections.net W: www.essentialcollections.net
Eucalyptus Clothing T: 0207 740 6323 E: enquiries@eucalyptusclothing.co.uk W: www.eucalyptusclothing.co.uk
Eurostop Limited Contact: Phillip Moylan T: 020 8991 2700, E: Phillipm@eurostop.co.uk W: www.eurostop.co.uk
Extravagance Limted T/A Sarah Pacini Brand: Sarah Pacini Contact: Nazma T: 020 7636 1280 E: nazmac@sarahpacini.com W: www.sarahpacini.com
Fashion Closet West Midlands Range of Womenswear. Plus Size. Stock Clearance. T: 0121 243 9683
Funky Jewellery Ogmore Vale T: 01656842102 E: vikrevelle@funkyjewellery.com
Hangers Of London Bespoke high-quality custom hangers 159 Garman Road, London, N17 0UR T: 020 8885 3055 W: www.hangersoflondon.com
Ingenue London T: 0207 247 7424 E: wholesale@ingenuelondon.com W: www.ingenuelondon.com
Joules T: 01858 435261 E: trade@joules.com W: www.joules.com
Jayley Collection Offers superior quality faux fur coats, gilets and accessories including huffs, cuffs, collars and ponchos. We also carry a range of ethically sourced real furs. With stock available and Immediate delivery. Showroom visits by appointment only. T: 01782 658947 E: sales@jayleycollection.com W: www.jayleycollection.com
Kamuflage Brand: German Brand E: info@kamuflage.de W: kamuflage.fashion123.de
Komodo 77C King Henrys Road, London Womenswear T: 02077223523 E: tony@komodo.co.uk W: www.komodo.co.uk
Konplott Konplott is now one of the leading international fashion jewellery labels and continues to set world-wide trends. Konplott’s distinctive design signature appeals to women of all ages with each and every piece made by hand in limited numbers, every collection is exclusive. T: 01304 224288 E: seward@sales.konplott.com W: www.konplott.com
Laceys Footwear T: 0207 7390 398 E: michael@laceysfootwear.com W: www.laceysfootwear.co.uk
Leap N Link Ltd Brands: Leslie Monte-Carlo, Aventures Des Toiles Contact: Pierre and Bhavna T: 0161 713 1803 E: info@leapnlink.co.uk W: www.leapnlink.co.uk
Lesser & Pavey Ltd Suppliers of Quality and Original Products - V&A Bags, Travel Mugs, Keep Calm products, Trendy Quality Reading Glasses, Fashion Eye Lashes, Foil Nails and Sparkle Lips, Social Stationery. T: 01233 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk
Mali Lacia Mali Lacias offers an exquisite range of precious and semi precious jewellery. All products are handmade in the UK. T: 01923 750 333 E: dipalipatel0301@gmail.com W: www.mali-lacia.com
SUPPLIER DIRECTORY Marco Tozzi Shoes & Accessories. W: www.marcotozzi.com
Mayfair Trunk A beautiful collection of leather handbags T: 0844 556 5530 E: debbievenner@mayfairtrunk.co.uk
MDA International Brands: Lauren Vidal, Angels Never Die, Myrine, Indi & Cold, Just Be Yourself, Uno Piu Uno Contact: Martin, Jacq, Hannah or Kate T: 01234 782900 E: office@mdainternational.co.uk W: www.mdainternational.co.uk
Michael Dawson Fashion Agency Brands: KJ Brand, Mona Lisa, Reichart Blusen, LauRie, See You by Biggi M Contact: Michael Dawson T: 0161 236 1976 E: michael.dawsonfa@ntlworld.com W: www.mdfa.co.uk
Nancy Dee Pioneering womenswear label combining strong ethical philosophy with an uncompromising emphasis on style 50 Melgund Road London N5 1PT T: 07719 379 248
Nomads Contact: Shallon and Jo T: 01566 777 338 E: info@nomadsclothing.co.uk W: www.nomadsclothing.com
Olvis - The Lace Collection Olvi’s The lace collection is a mixture of modern classic and bridal fashion. T: 01625 529 529 E: info@mainetrading.co.uk W: www.olvistrend.com
Partners In Fashion Brands: Michele, Michele skirts, Just white, Innovazione, Monari, Diktons, Erfo, Seda, Murek, Frank Walder, Kirsten, Schneiders Women, Schneiders Men T: 020 7636 4207 E: sales@partnersinfashion.co.uk W: www.partnersinfashion.com
Paraspar eCommerce Solutions Brands: Firetrap, White Stuff, Crew Clothing, Sweaty Betty, New Era Caps and Foot Asylum T: 0845 2305665 E: info@paraspar.co.uk W: www.paraspar.co.uk
Pia Rossini Womenswear & Accessories T: 02891 467999 E: sales@piarossini.com W: www.piarossini.com
Purlfrost Ltd Purlees is an online store supplying seasonal and festive themed shop window stickers. Brand: Purlees T: 020 8992 4024 E: info@purlees.com W: www.purlees.com
Retail IT T: 020 8605 9768 E: robert@retailit.com W: www.cegid.retailit.com
Robert Ross International Brands: Luis Civit, Aldo Martin Barcelona, Lewis Henry London Contact: Stanley or Amanda T: 0207 323 2012 E: robertrossint@tiscali.co.uk
Ruby Rocks Footwear Beautiful shoes inside and out! Contact: Nadene Stevenson T: 07758 591995 E: info@uksole.co.uk W: www.rubyrocksfootwear.com
Sigal Distribution Fashion Jewellery. T: + 44 1784 482 888 M:+44 7958 446 208 E: sigaldistribution@gmail.com
TCA Showroom One of the UK’s largest fashion wholesale agencies with a large selection of brands for men and women Brands: Style Butler, Culture, Coster, Copenhagen, Silvian Heach, Stefanel, Fairly, Gaudi, Sistes, IKKS, Sinequanone and Axara Contact: Kinsie Sidolle T: 0203 432 6385 E: kinsie.tcashowroom@gmail.com W: www.tcashowroom.com
The Business Octopus The right small business insurance at the right price, business insurance experts T: 0161 968 2041 W: www.thebusinessoctopus.co.uk
The VM Source T: 01780 761947 E: info@thevmsource.co.uk W: www.thevmsource.co.uk
Tina Taylor Brand : Tina Taylor Bradstock, Underway, Combe St Nicholas, Chard, Somerset, TA20 3NS T: 01460 65803 E: info@tinataylor.co.uk W: www.tinataylor.co.uk
Top To Toe 2 Graham Road, London Software Systems T: 0845 130 3535 E: stephen@toptotoe.com
Voyage Paris Brands: Absolu, Amazone, Calzonie, Eden Rock, Etincelle, Evaline, Exetera, Extenso, Faust, Gregg-Alexess, Jeff Gallano, Jus d’ Orange, Maille Demoiselle, Rendevouz, Sagaie, Tensione T: 020 7636 1892 E: sales@voyageparis.co.uk W: www.voyageparis.co.uk
Wembley Collections Brands: Core, Follow me, King, Unit 15, Lockwood Industrial Park, Mill Mead Road, London N17 9QP Contact: Ash Shah T: 0208 808 0550 E: wembleyfootwear@hotmail.com W: www.wembleyfashions.co.uk
YM Fashion Co (UK) Ltd Brand: Yaccomaricard Contact: Pauline Wickens T: 0207 436 8576 W: www.ym-fashion.co.uk
The Absolute Group Luxury and E-Commerce Packaging – Gift and Product Boxes, Carrier Bags, Woven Labels, Swing Tickets and Garment Trims. Unit 7 Dorma Trading Park, Staffa Road, Leyton, London, E10 7QX T: 0208 988 5220 E: info@theabsolute.co.uk W: www.theabsolute.co.uk
To advertise on these pages please contact the team on
01795 509106 or email
boutique@cimltd.co.uk October 2013 | boutique. | 65
SHOWCASES
TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL 01795 509106 Advert 60mm wide x 80mm deep
Dragon Display Systems
Designed and Manufactured in the UK
QUALITY & EXPERTISE
W E T W E AT H E R
L E ATH E R PROTECTION F R O M E U R O L E AT H E R S P E R F E C T
P R O T E C T I O N
F O R
A L L L E AT H E R S , N U B U C K & S U E D E S
For more leather care tips please visit:
www.euroleathers.com tel: 01604 881097 sales@euroleathers.com
We produce 3 different systems for fashion, plus gondolas and island units.
Clothing stock to sell? If you have any liquidation, surplus, discontinued, or end of line clothing stock that you wish to sell. We buy and sell large quantities of clothing stock. RING US NOW! A FAST, EFFICENT, NO HASSLE SERVICE. T: 07811184433 E: Markmillar123@aol.com www.trademill.co.uk
RETAILERS Turn your overstocks into CASH We pay MORE, because we dont sell on
www.dragondisplay.co.uk Tel 01952 290055 • sales@dragondisplay.co.uk
100% Cloud Based
ePOS, Inventory and Loyalty in a neat, managed month-by-month, multi-branch solution.
Any quantity David Oliver Phone: 0208 736 0088 Fax : 0208 736 0089 Mobile : 07836 389399 Email: david@dofg.net
If you would like to advertise your new season collections, please call Julie on
01795 509106 or email
julieneill@cimltd.co.uk 66 | boutique. | October 2013
Display Systems Ltd
Online Demo: www.BlueBoxOnline.com Tel: 0800 7 10 10 35 or 077 437 035 74
Professional Steamers
Why do so many fashion manufacturers & retailers use and recommend Propress Steamers?
Simple - because there is no faster and safer way to make stock and window displays look their very best. For more information
Tel: 020 8417 0660
Use your smartphone to scan the QR code and go directly to our website
www.propress.co.uk
designed to flatter the female form
WHOLESALE ENQUIRIES TEL: 0207 637 7616 STYLE FEATURED B0142
WWW.MYPAPERDOLLS.CO.UK
designed to flatter the female form
WHOLESALE ENQUIRIES TEL: 0207 637 7616 STYLE FEATURED PD24309
WWW.MYPAPERDOLLS.CO.UK