OUR GUIDE TO BUBBLE LONDON AW18 28-29 JANUARY, BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE, ISLINGTON
CWB-ONLINE.CO | BUBBLE PREVIEW
BUBBLE LONDON AW18
28-29 JANUARY, BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE, ISLINGTON
What buyers are after at this season’s Bubble London. —
POPPIE & GEORGE - POP
ARTIMUS LONDON - POP
Bubble is always a great opportunity to meet our brands and see their newest collections, as well as for discovering new labels, both national and international. Many of our beloved brands were discovered at Bubble. For Childrensalon, the show is also a great networking hub; we can meet industry people, influencers, publications and brands all in one place. We don’t have a brand hit list this season, but we will be looking out for collections that surprise us. The Childrensalon buying team is always looking for beautiful products – our mission is to dress children beautifully and this is at the core of everything we do. — DINA MOON, head buyer, CHILDRENSALON, www.childrensalon.com
SHOESME - STAND D11
BENEDITA - STAND D9
BUBBLE PREVIEW | CWB-ONLINE.CO
MARMAR COPENHAGEN - STAND B56
Bubble was the first trade show we ever visited when we decided to launch LittleCircle. We immediately bumped into old contacts of mine from the fashion industry, as well as meeting many new faces who have since become regular fixtures on the scene. Bubble sets the tone for a wide working network. We are always on the lookout for new, undiscovered brands to champion and be part of our LittleCircle edit. We’ve found designers showcasing their very first collections at Bubble, so it’s certainly an exciting forum for fresh labels. The scale of the show is also appealing – big enough to find real jewels, but not so vast you inevitably miss out key stands. It’s also nice to support the home-grown talent that showcases there; the British childrenswear industry is on a roll, so exhibitions like Bubble are a must. Networking is absolutely key and another important element of our visits, both meeting new contacts and reconnecting with old. We’re proud to be part of such a supportive, creative part of the fashion industry, and it’s lovely to be in the thick of it at Bubble. On our hit list for a/w 18 is chic dress-up and beautiful accessories – the UK does whimsy and fantasy fashion pretty well, so we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled. Going to tradeshows marks the end of one season and the start of another, so mentally it helps clear the head and gets the creative juices flowing for a fresh season. — ANNA BROMILOW, founder, LITTLECIRCLE, www.littlecircle.co.uk
DOT DELICATE BABY CLOTHES - STAND VA15
BIBI - STAND D32
CWB-ONLINE.CO | BUBBLE PREVIEW
MOCCZ - STAND C14
LITTLE MOUSE - STAND C11
In past years, my visits to Bubble have resulted in the discovery and addition of quite a few brands to Childsplay Clothing’s portfolio. The show allows me to keep in touch with the agents and suppliers, which is something that has definitely been beneficial to our business relationships. This brings me on to networking opportunity, which is among the main reasons why, every season, I always make sure I schedule a visit to Bubble in my diary. As well as meeting suppliers that have worked closely with Childsplay Clothing over the years, it is also great to be able to catch up with other buyers and exchange opinions and feedback. Attending Bubble, and being in an environment where I can see different brands showing their collections all at once, gives me the opportunity to identify the key, leading trends of the season – an important aspect that I would miss out on if I didn’t attend. At this season’s show, we’re looking for something exclusive, special and luxurious, which is exactly what our customers want. The world of childrenswear is expanding at such a fast pace – I find it so exciting to see the trends that will lead a season and discover the upcoming brands taking over the market. This, essentially, is my main expectation from fairs like Bubble – to be inspired and thrilled by new offers. — ROBERTA TOMASSETTI, head buyer, CHILDSPLAY CLOTHING, Ilford, Essex
RACHEL RILEY DIFFUSION LINE - STAND B7
HUTTELIHUT - STAND B56
BUBBLE PREVIEW | CWB-ONLINE.CO
WILDCHILD LONDON - POP
HUNTER + ROSE - STAND VC35
On past visits to Bubble, I have discovered some fabulous new brands. I have always enjoyed visiting the new showcase areas and keeping a look out for small, independent designers. I would feel that I had missed out if I didn’t attend. I’ve missed trade shows in the past, and it does make forward ordering harder. It’s an important part of my buying to view my suppliers’ s/s and a/w collections, and Bubble gives me a chance to do this. I can make better judgements about quality of fabric and design if I can see the collections in person and it gives me a chance to have face-to-face contact with the brands too. I’d recommend other buyers visiting Bubble for these reasons; the show helps small businesses make better decisions. During my forthcoming visit, I’m excited to see some new exhibitors and make decisions on future buying choices. — HESTER SOULSBY, owner, TANTRUM, Ulverston, Cumbria
OGK - STAND VC1
MILK AND DAGGER - STAND VC15
CWB-ONLINE.CO | BUBBLE PREVIEW
WEX BABY - POP
My business primarily focuses on finding ‘under the radar’ brands that aren’t readily available elsewhere. There are always interesting collections to see at Bubble and a good mix of both established and new labels. I added two brands to my store portfolio from Bubble during my last visit, Freya Lillie and Wex Baby. I also found some others that I’m keeping an eye on, which I’m looking forward to seeing this season. Some of the brands I currently buy for the store show at Bubble, so it’s a great opportunity to catch up face-to-face and see the product in real life before placing orders. This is the main reason I attend the fair, but I would also like to check out the business seminars this season, as I ran out of time during my last visit. Dandydill Way is my top pick for a/w 18 and I’m also looking forward to seeing what’s new from Mori and Barn of Monkeys. — VICTORIA WILSON, owner, FINBERRY, www.finberryshop.co.uk
DANDYDILL WAY - POP
BARN OF MONKEYS - STAND C24
MORI - BUMP
32 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
BUBBLE PREVIEW | CWB-ONLINE.CO
KISSY KISSY - STAND A1
I’m based in Antwerp, Belgium, and I come to Bubble every season. As the fair isn’t too big, I can visit in one day. I like to discover new brands; at Bubble, I always find something different and, above all, not a mass-market product. What I really love about the show are the independent collections that are made with love, with lots of attention to quality and detail. As well as providing the chance to get to know the people behind new brands, the show also allows me to see some of my existing labels, such as Kissy Kissy. As well as buying, I also try to follow all of the show’s business seminars – I always learn something new and find it particularly useful hearing the experiences of other retailers. At this season’s Bubble, I’ll mostly be looking for lifestyle and accessory brands, preferably handmade. — ISABELLE DIERCKXSENS, owner, BIANCO BABY, Antwerp, Belgium
STITCH & STORY - STAND VC18
SELFIE CLOTHING - STAND B26
THE LITTLE SHOEMAKER - STAND VC51
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 - 33
CWB-ONLINE.CO | BUBBLE PREVIEW
THE FARAWAY GANG - POP
I’d recommend attending Bubble for something a bit different from the norm. It offers the opportunity to get a feel for trends and up-and-coming brands, as well as providing labels that are exclusive to the show and not available to see elsewhere. I’ve also found it to be useful for ideas to assist with my in-season marketing. On past visits, I’ve found new and exciting labels, so I’m keen to see more of the same for a/w 18. — GEMMA HIGGS, senior buyer, WHIZZ KID, www.whizzkid.com
WELL GROUNDED CO - POP
KIDULT & CO - STAND A21
SMALL STORIES - STAND VB26
EGG HELMETS - STAND A17
BUBBLE PREVIEW | CWB-ONLINE.CO
BLOSSOM AND BEAR - BUMP
Little People Store launched in spring 2017, so this is my first visit to Bubble. As it caters for my target market of clothing, toys and accessories for 0-24 months, it’s great to know that I can discover new brands to stock, all at one event. It’s important for us to keep up to date with new brands and designs, as we have a high number of customers who are scouring the web for innovative baby products, toys and clothing for baby showers and newborn gifts. At Bubble, I’ll be looking for a wide range of different suppliers to build great relationships with. As our store is exclusively online, we need to ensure that there is quality and passion behind the brands we stock, so to be able to meet with the labels and physically see the products is imperative to our business growth. I’m particularly excited to meet with Småfolk, as I love its bright, fresh and fun designs. I’m also looking forward to seeing the innovative Baby Elephant Ears neck support, which is such a brilliant idea and a useful accessory for new babies. — KATHERINE BOWN, owner, LITTLE PEOPLE STORE, www.littlepeoplestore.co.uk
SMÅFOLK - STAND C21
MUMMY LOVES ORGANICS - STAND VC7
BULLABALOO - BUMP
BABY ELEPHANT EARS - BUMP
CWB-ONLINE.CO | BUBBLE PREVIEW
WHAT’S ON AT BUBBLE? Bubble London isn’t just about buying. The show’s free Look Who’s Talking seminar programme is designed to helps retailers and brands alike to plug knowledge gaps, develop new skills and grow their businesses, while the schedule of special features is guaranteed to inspire. Here’s this season’s line-up. — Sunday 28 January 12.00-12.30: Gender-Neutral Fashion for Kids – here to stay? Chair: Jess Shaltout, Absolutely Mama. Panel: Amanda Constance, Editor of Education; Andrea Carter, Another Fox; Linda Gill, Kissy Kissy; Natasha Ascott, Muddy Puddles. Is gender-neutral fashion just a passing fad, or a defining moment in the future of childrenswear? Witness industry experts tackle the topic that has got everybody talking and join in the debate as to whether this is the season to ditch the pink and blue division in store. 13.45-14.15: Trend Update – Fiona Coleman Which colours, themes and key looks should you invest in this buying season? Find out with leading trend consultant Fiona Coleman.
Monday 29 January 10.30-11.00: In Conversation with Tamara Ecclestone Baby & Little London editor Kate Freud chats to Tamara Ecclestone about her babycare brand, Fifi & Friends, which was inspired by her daughter Fifi and her popular ITVBe reality TV show, Tamara’s World.
11.15-11.45: The Future of Retail – Katherine Westmacott, Trouva Successful shops go above and beyond being a simple space for selling. Join retail expert Katherine Westmacott as she explores the ways in which independents can diversify to offer a full buying experience both on and offline. Embrace the global potential of the internet with the personal element of a bricks-and-mortar store to create the retail theatre that guarantees you remain the first stop for customers, wherever they may be located. 12.00-12.30: Buyers’ Panel Chair: Fiona Coleman. Panel: Emma Mackenzie, NotSoBig; Inger Breitenstein, Breitenstein Agencies; Becky Elliott, Bababoom. Exclusive insights from some of the kids’ industry’s leading buyers and retailers. 13.00-13.30: Trend Update – Fiona Coleman Discover a/w 18’s most important kidswear trends with experienced consultant Fiona Coleman.
BUBBLE PREVIEW | CWB-ONLINE.CO
SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE: A/w 18 is set to mark the exciting return of BUBBLE RUNWAY, providing visitors with the opportunity to see the new season’s key collections brought to life. Catwalk presentations are scheduled to run throughout the two-day show – three times on Sunday and twice on Monday – with collections modelled by some special mini celebrity guests. The catwalk will also play host to a presentation on Sunday for the winners and finalists of the CWB INDEPENDENT RETAIL AWARDS 2017. Want to discover tomorrow’s best-selling kid’s brand ahead of the competition? Returning for a/w 18 is Bubble’s RISING STAR competition. Open to new signings showcasing their first wholesale collection and judged by a panel of industry experts, Rising Star provides a unique springboard for fledgling brands to boost their profiles, engage with retailers, gain invaluable feedback and potentially win a free stand at next season’s show. Meanwhile, Bubble’s a/w 18 programme of exclusive, exhibitor-only competitions will once again include the STAND OUT COMPETITION. An award for the show’s most creative, effective and well-designed stand, Stand Out will be judged by Bubble’s own expert team. Every brand will be in the running, with the winner receiving a full, seasonlong trade marketing package. This season’s edition of Bubble will also showcase JUNIOR’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS 2017, #JADA, representing 20 of the best brands and products for 2017, each selected from the year’s Junior Design Awards Platinum winners. Finally, grab your LIMITED EDITION A/W 18 BUBBLE BAG, hand printed by the HUDDERSFIELD SCREEN PRINTING team, on stand G7. All donations go to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
www.julietwiolandphoto.co.uk
See things differently... #discoverbubble 28 & 29 January 2018, Business Design Centre Register for your ticket now at bubblelondon.com