Trade Show Visit: Scoop and Pure London

With trade show season well underway Fashion Studio Manager, Agnes Szepligeti attended Pure London and Scoop. Both located in the capital the shows provided Agnes with the opportunity to network with new / start up brands as well as take in fashion trends promoted for the next two seasons.

Here Agnes talks about the experience:

‘Scoop, located at the Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea, was focused on the designer market along with bespoke and craftsmanship. Curated to include 250 exhibitors it provided lots of opportunity to meet and speak with upcoming designers and to also see the fabrics, prints and styles coming through.

‘However, quite a number of exhibitors were agencies that represented a range of brands, which is good if you are attending as a buyer, but in my case made it difficult to connect and introduce our services.

‘Pure London is named as the UK’s largest trade event for fashion buying and offers a broad selection of brands attracting buyers from high street chains to boutiques. 

‘I had the chance to speak with Thierry Bayle from https://www.globalfashionmanagement.com/, who gave a fascinating speech about buying habits. I also watched the AW 23/24 trend forecast from Promostyl: https://promostyl.com/

Drawing on three key trend concepts ‘Arty Campus’, ‘Updated Noble’s’, and ‘Soft Power Dressing’, Sebastien and Malaika from Promostyl took visitors though the subtlety’s of this trend. Sebastien explained, “When we’re talking about power in a fashion context, we also have to look at power in general; the very concept of power has changed giving way for this trend to blossom, there is not just one cultural notion of power and luxury, there are many. Nobleness reflects a more modern, more honest luxury market.”

Arty Campus observes a causal wardrobe that blends the aesthetic of varsity and preppy codes with slogans and graphics. Updated Nobles references ‘old money’. We find elements of English heritage in the aesthetic, but it’s bold and playful – those who wear this trend are anything but traditional. Soft Power Dressing brings a softer, more casual edge, pieces are more careful with sportswear and streetwear becoming staples. Women want to be comfortable, stylish, and elegant.

‘The Pure Catwalk presented four directional trend stories Arty Campus, Sounds of Fire, Artisanal Survivalist and Nostalgia plus an edit of key looks from brands showcasing at Pure. This provided a great way to preview the styles and the brands and it reflected the key themes from the Promostyl trend forecast. 

‘After this I spent the rest of the day speaking with the exhibitors, and found out that many of them already know about us, or had been a client before and were happy to pick up and reconnect. Of course, they were there to find new stockists, not new manufacturers but it was nice to see that they were open to chat about the advantages to produce and be a part of Made in Britain. 

‘More seminars and shows took place throughout the day, over the course of three-days, and this trade show, I believe, gives a really good overview of what is going on in the industry in terms of styles, fabrics, and trends, not only for buyers and retailers but suppliers and students too. The event felt busy and positive after what has been a few difficult years, while sustainability and in-season buying options displayed adaptation and new ways forward.’