Attire Accessories - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 76)

FASHION SVP 81 Which are next year’s stand out newcomers for the accessories sector? As far as we are concerned there are several, and all for very different reasons; the modern design styling of a new Italian leather belt manufacturer, the quality of the leather and hardware used by a Turkish handbag manufacturer for example. However, one of the most impressive is an innovative, modern and design-driven trim and label manufacturer from Italy called Panama Trimmings. Sustainability and innovation are core to Panama’s values, and the company is constantly implementing leading designs and sustainable solutions such as 100% per cent recycled PET woven labels – an unassuming sector leading the way into the future. Which are the must-see returning manufacturers?  All of our accessory manufacturers are must see. Each has an individual speciality and design and manufacturing philosophies. The beauty of a show like Fashion SVP is that you will be able to find the sort of people that you know will match your brand philosophy perfectly, but you will also meet those who will challenge you to look in an unexpected direction. Are you introducing any new concepts this time?   Our most important change this year is really a reflection of the increasingly diverse range of brands and retailers that visit our show, and more specifically the actual physical numbers of items that they can sell to their clients. In response to this diversity we have re-imagined the show floor more efficiently and created categorisation designed to save both visitors and exhibitors time and effort. As well as our core show, and the denim sector we brought in a couple of seasons ago, we are now launching a luxury section specifically for manufacturers that cater to the high individual value but lower volume run clients, and at the other end of the scale a volume hall specifically populated by manufacturers who can cope with the very largest of production orders at very keen price points. We understand that time is precious, and we want our event to be effective for all types of visitor. We are also introducing a much more pro-active matching service for all our visitors – if you are looking out for a specific type of supplier then just let us know and we can make sure that we provide you with the information that you need. We are a key resource with years of knowledge and information built up behind us, we can be an effective information source so let us help you! We will also be having a brand-new list of seminar speakers, innovative workshops, and practical interactive sessions in some of our key feature areas such as The Sourcing Academy and The Fashion Station, along with some exciting feature guests! Which events at the show are most important to the accessories industry? All of them; the opportunity to meet fantastic manufacturers that you may never have heard of or seen before, the opportunity to learn new things to make your role better and more effective, and most importantly the opportunity to network with other individuals within your industry – share experiences, learn from other’s mistakes and get the chance to develop. What’s the biggest change being made for this year’s show?  Firstly the re-categorisation of the event is key for us this season with the sector specialisation and the introduction of the luxury and volume specialisations making the entire show more efficient and effective for all visitors. Secondly our improved matching and information services – we are here to support the industry throughout the year, not just when the show is on. What are your predicted visitor numbers? Fashion SVP experienced an increase of 34 per cent in visitor numbers across the 2018 season, and this year we are expecting a similar volume increase. Why should retailers attend the event?  It’s simple really – to meet some amazingly talented, innovative and committed accessory manufacturers, to evaluate the new offerings from this wide variety of manufacturers, to network with industry specialists and peers, to keep up-to-date on everything related to sourcing and supply, to enhance your own industry knowledge with our seminar and workshop sessions, to be inspired by our feature presentations and to get your questions answered! Is there anything else you’d like to add? Fashion SVP is the only dedicated sourcing show in the UK, we have been running longer than any other sourcing event in the UK and we are there to be your partner, key resource centre throughout the year providing you with intelligence, inspiration and hopefully some entertainment also!