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London Turkish Fashion Fabric Exhibition 2005.

23-08-2005   



                                         


 


 


  


As a designer I know it is very important to have access to good reliable suppliers. And I like many other designers who are a relatively new label have struggled to come across these companies. Last season and this season coming I have been sourcing fabric manufacturers nationally and after visiting this exhibition I can safely say that I am looking forward to doing new business with international suppliers.


 


Initially I happened to be at this year’s Pure event at Olympia and I came across a Turkish stand that was promoting its design labels. As I was doing my own personal research I overheard that there was an exhibition going on at Olympia 2. I had done what I had to do whilst at Pure. I came across some amazing labels, it was good to see what my fellow competitors were up to. It sure gave me that something extra to do better. And the trends for next S/S 06 look very exciting!


  


Olympia 2 was just around the corner from the Pure event. On entrance you are swiftly taken through admission to the Turkish Fabric Exhibition, and you are supplied with a guide on each exhibiting company, and more further facts and guides on the event. I found this very useful. Here I was, as the Creative Director of my label ‘Emure’ at my very first fabric trade show, and bizarrely in London! When you first walk into the event you go through a long walk way which is almost like a catwalk stage. On each side there were fabric samples hanging from hooks of the exhibiting companies.


 


 


 


(Entrance  to Exhibition)   


        


Immediately after the entrance you are met with an interesting collection of trends and inspiration for Autumn/Winter 06/07. This exhibition was mainly for A/W 06/07 fabric but there were S/S 06 fabrics available too. The trend section was split into different moods. And each section was very inspirational. They had placed fabric swatches with each mood, and this was all placed onto different platforms/blocks. And within this area there were also hanging mannequins which were covered in fabric and this was part of the new designers section. Personally, I found this very useful, and it helped me to gain an insight into which fabrics I should be buying for my next collection.


 


   


 


                                                      (Autumn/Winter 06/07 Trends)


  


The exhibitors were split onto two floors. The ground floor was mainly to do with tweed, and suiting fabric. And the second floor was full of knitted and printed fabric. A section which I truly loved! I was abit apprehensive as this was my first trade show, but after seeking valuable advice from Jenny Holloway of the LFF I felt confident and eager to do business. I went through each supplier and in total there were over 30 to go through. I talked to each supplier. I explained who I was and what I did, and mentioned the work of the LFF, and this gave me that professional edge to bring to the suppliers to show that I am here to make business.


 


It was just a case of picking out fabric samples and requesting further samples which will be sent once the exhibition is over. It was easy. I was even asked to be a sales agent for one company and to represent them here in the UK. My ‘Emure’ label was being advertised and promoted extensively all in one day. It felt great to be sitting alongside buyers from Oasis and Escada, amongst others and ordering fabric from the same suppliers. I did a get a few raised eyebrows by a certain major high street company, they must have thought who is this guy asking 101 questions. I had to be sure I was going to order fabric from a company that fully understands my needs as a new label.


  


I felt so inspired, and it helped having my 12 years of retail experience behind me coupled along side my fashion training when speaking and ordering fabric. Just being upfront and honest about what your plans will be goes a long way. All the Turkish suppliers I spoke to wanted to help me the best way they can. And I am looking forward to receiving the fabric samples. The added bonus of free trade journals and a free lunch was just fabulous! Well done to the organisers. I recommend any fellow design label to go to the next event. Visit www.turkishfabric.com  for further details. Next stop for me is Premiere Vision in September!


 


       


 


Written by Munib Ur-Rehman


 


 


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