An Introduction to the Show

From James Crabtree, Head of Fashion, AIS

[Bio: With a background in fashion wholesale, James started his career at AIS in 2002 where he progressed through the ranks, from Buyer, to Product Developer, to his current position as Head of Fashion – a role he’s held since 2021]

The AIS team and I are delighted to be welcoming you back to Cranmore Park for the February 2023 edition of INDX Man.

We have secured a fantastic line-up of exhibitors, and over the three days, you can look forward to exploring four exhibition spaces across two floors and discovering the latest trends from over 150 market leading menswear brands.

2023 is a big year for the INDX brand and we’re celebrating bringing the industry ten years of buyer and business focused, order-writing trade shows.

This year also represents an important milestone for some of our key returning exhibitors, and we look forward to commemorating some impressive anniversaries during the show: Skopes 75 years, Ben Sherman 60 years, Gabicci 50 years and Crew 30 years.

Without further ado, I’ll hand you over to our resident Menswear expert Annmarie Collie-King, for an overview of the season’s key trends and colours.

Thank you for your continued support, I look forward to seeing you soon and hope you have an enjoyable and successful show.

Say Hello to our New Brands

Annmarie Collie-King, Childrenswear & Menswear Buyer, AIS

[Bio: Before joining AIS in 2018, Annmarie’s previous buying roles have included Shop Direct Group (Very and Ladybird), Damart UK, Studio and TJ Hughes alongside lecturing in Fashion Buying and Marketing at Liverpool Community College]

The AW23 menswear palette features sand, khaki and neutral tones from taupe to cappuccino, plus dark green, port and navy as a rich back drop, and lilac for a pop of colour.

Workwear continues as a key theme with overshirts and shakets the new staples, denim in straight fits and grey tones, and combat styling in twill pieces - especially in sand and khaki.

Easy layering remains a strong trend throughout the collections, especially corduroy, statement Sherpa fleece, and gilets under wax and canvas outerwear, and knits are chunky and textured, with lots of cables and half zips in heavier wool.

Everyday tailoring moves towards a softer silhouette, so you’ll see plenty of unstructured blazers and smart chinos and look out for Harrington style jackets which are key here, as shirting becomes more casual and paired back.