Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear sees quieter environment

13 Mar '09

5 min read

Held at the Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England over three days using the four main exhibition halls, from Sunday 22nd – Tuesday 24th February, the Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition acts as a platform for 270 new and established intimate apparel collections to heighten their profiles and boost sales for Autumn / Winter 2009.

The exhibition is still the only show in the UK to offer a truly comprehensive showcase of both International and UK collections under one roof. The exhibition offers buyers the ideal arena to preview and buy ranges for the coming season.

Due to the current retail climate the show saw a decrease in footfall just short of 30% however exhibiting brands suggested that the calibre of buyer who did visit was good and the actual number of visitors was not so important. The quieter environment on the Tuesday was a direct result of retailers visiting for just one day and not two or three as in previous seasons. A number of buyers who were unable to visit in February due to budget constraints have suggested that Harrogate then becomes a must for August 2009.

Exhibition highlights include the Buyers Preview Catwalk Fashion Show where LeJaby, Panache Lingerie, Susa, Lingadore, Taubert Textile, Cake Lingerie, Yes Master, Marlies Dekkers, Vollers, AsdruMark, Karen Millen, Sally Jones, Shirley of Hollywood, Moontide, Lady Selena, Gossard, Hotmilk, The Lingerie Buyer Graduate Collections, Nancy Dell'Olio and Calvin Klein all showcased seasonal previews, in a stunning runway show.

Monday visitors enjoyed ITV1's X Factor and This Morning style expert Faye Sawyer's specialist seminar entitled 'B*Gorgeous'. Returning for her third season Faye reveals her tricks of the trade within a comprehensive guide to statement dressing and looking good. The key trick to 'A' list starlet status is all about the use of great underwear, starting from the legs up Faye revealed how!

Nancy Dell'Olio invited exhibition guests and members of the press to join her for a champagne reception as she celebrated the launch of her collection of glamorous 'Italian boudoir' inspired night and loungewear.

Exhibition organisers were thrilled to welcome first time exhibitors to the show. Keith Hyams, Cake Lingerie add's “The show has exceeded expectations. As a new brand we got a good quality of traffic, the stand was also in an excellent location”.

Kathleen Mc Bain, Sales Manager for Mosaic fashions, Karen Millen and Odile “It was our first season and have had a fabulous reaction, we are only sorry we didn't get to see everyone who showed an interest. We are looking forward to following up post show, as a result of Harrogate I will be out on the road all year!”

Jockey UK Marketing Manager, Ruth Stevens opted to use the exhibition to launch the new line of female ranges, Ruth commented “Our first time at the show and we are very pleased. Our best day was Monday andwe have picked up some good accounts. We have had lots of interest in the woman's y fronts as we celebrate 75 years of the y front.”

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