Secondly, a big thank you for such an overwhelming response to the Netherlands exchange concept – wonderful news. We are just waiting for Jochem Geheniau from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce to confirm the exact labels and designers that will also be taking part in the exchange. Keep your eyes posted on the site this week – announcements will be made as soon as we hear.

Collection by Erny

We also had a fantastic response from childrenswear designers who would like to work in New York too. We are now compiling a list for the well established dress supplier that works with all the major US retailers. If you would like your name added to this list then please contact me at the office this week on 020 8462 1475. There has also been another turn of events too. The New York brand is also keen to sell UK childrenswear labels in the U.S. So if you have your own childrenswear collection and you would like to export to the States now you have a cost effective way of opening up the market. The company would take out a 10% commission off all sales as with any other agency agreement. This is a golden opportunity and already Melanka and Me, the winners of the Huw Williams Tribute Award (and £3,000 richer!), have applied.

Melenka and Me
The Clotheshow event collaboration is now full and we are delighted to be taking the following designers to the 5 day event commencing 2nd – 7th December at the NEC in Birmingham. The LFF have negotiated and subsidised half price stalls plus a showing for the designers on the Clotheshow catwalk.
Stand no 1 – Rebel Dogg
Stand no 2 – Isis Cashmere
Stand no 3 – Samantha Lapierre
Stand no 4 – Allude Designs
Stand no 5 – Screw You
Stand no 6 – 4 Real Design
Stand no 8 – Anisa & Co
Stand no 9 – Trend station
Stand no 10 – Collette Dutton
Stand no 11 – Mary tit-for-tat
Stand no 12 – Romeo Pires
Stand no 13 – Tonic T-shirts
Stand no 14 – Femini
Stand no 15 – Jatin Patel
Stand no 16 – Rufus
Stand no 17 – Clairey by Design
Stand no 18 – Mertle & George
Stand no 19 – Melenka & Me
Stand no 20 – Koru
Stand no 21 – Maria Cárdenas
FashionCapital will be taking a stand there too complete with plasma screen, free booklets et al so please pop along and see us.
Ever wondered where other countries hold their fashion events? In Toronto one of the hippest places in town is The Carlu, a perfectly restored 1930s Art Moderne suite on the 7th floor of the Eaton Building. The idea was the brainchild of Mark Roberts and partner and the restoration is one of the finest in the world today. Click here for further information:
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=5171/27/

Mark Robert’s

Toronto Fashion Show
Also, ever wondered what is happening to manufacturing in New York? It is interesting to draw the parallels between our two countries and review the projects and initiatives that have been set up by Sarah Creen, GIDC Executive Director from GIDC in New York. Click here to view article:
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=5162/27/

We have a similar situation here with production flying off shore and even to closer countries such as Lithuania and Hungry but the tide is turning. We have been working with Julie Anna Designs and networking them direct to retailers cutting out the middle man and providing fast track production. Julie Anna now produces directly for Burberrys, Oasis, Topshop and now liaising with Miss Selfridge. Svitlana Boutneska said “Without the involvement of LFF and FashionCapital we would not have had a hope of supplying the big retailers directly. Jenny helped us to set up the accounts and guided us through the sealing procedures. The help has saved our unit from closure.” Too kind….but Svitlana you and your unit are a 100% worth it!
Just a quick congrats to Nishat at Craven Gene who wrote “Further to my telephone call to the office this morning just to let you know the good news we have this morning received an order worth (an excellent four figure sum) as a direct result of our participating in Profileâ€. How brilliant is that! Well done Nishat and Roger. Here’s to the big time for both of you – just remember us when you get there!

Craven Gene
Finally we have the latest retail figures from TNS Fashion Trak kind courtesy of Rachel Argyle. They are interesting reading and clearly shows the force of current high street discounting and the power of the branded merchandise from non traditional clothing retailers such as Tesco and Asda. Please click here for a full set of figures.
https://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&Itemid=27&id=5190/27/
Ok that’s it for this weeks John Craven’s newsround (does anyone else remember this?!). Until next week.
Jenny Holloway
Industry Advisor
London Fashion Forum