Fashion Enter’s the Debate at Fashion SVP

Fashion SVP’s 2015 edition held 29th & 30th September at London’s Olympia is a unique event where garment and fabric manufacturers are able to meet the changing demands and high standards of Europe’s leading retailers, brands and importers.

Successfully launched in 2011, and now in its 4th edition, Fashion SVP offers direct access to buyers, from large European retailers to smaller chains, clothing brands, importers and wholesalers. The event attracted buyers from companies such as Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, G-Star, House of Fraser, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Duchamp, Figleaves.com, Henley, John Lewis, Esprit, New Look, Orsay, Ted Baker, Joules, Aurora Group, Diesel and many more.

As well as showcasing manufacturers Fashion SVP has also created an Advisory Board, a panel of leading retailers and brands, which advises and guides the organisers about the latest requests and demands of the fashion sourcing industry. This draws the industry and the event closer together in a co-operative working relationship.

Jenny Holloway was invited to share her views at a seminar entitled “Made in Britain: A true revival or a false dawn?” moderated by Eric Musgrave, Editorial Director, Drapers, and joined by Adrian Elliott, President, Apparel & Footwear, Coats, Philip Worrall, Sourcing specialist and former sourcing director of Musto & John Lewis.

The seminar covered:

• Are retailers genuinely supporting UK manufacturing?
• Will UK manufacturers expand beyond either Heritage production or fast fashion top-ups?
• How do we build a new working relationship and a profitable deal for all?

 

Jenny Holloway commented: “The debate got quite lively and I was delighted to meet Ralph Goodstone, Co-organiser of Fashion SVP, again. We used to work together at M&S when I was a selector and Ralph a merchandiser. It’s amazing how the values of M&S still hold true today and still binds many ex-employees together. Ralph besides a few grey hairs you haven’t changed a bit!”

(Jenny Holloway & Ralph Goodstone pictured right)

Ralph Goodstone responded: “On behalf of Buzz (event director) and I, many thanks for your (Jenny Holloway’s) contribution to the Fashion SVP seminars. The feedback has been terrific and the time and preparation demanded of you is much appreciated. The packed auditorium for your session and the enthusiasm of all participants helped achieve the aim of raising awareness and understanding of realistic UK sourcing and production possibilities and how best to achieve them –a very worthwhile result!”

FashionCapital editor JoJo Iles added: “Events like Fashion SVP are leading the way for manufacturers across the globe to come together and work for the interests of the industry as a whole, we look forward to the next edition.”

Related articles:

Turning the Corner – Bringing Manufacturing Back Home

Made in Britain – Why Is It So Important?

Meet the Manufacturer 2 – A Resounding Success