Pure London panel endorses new plans for February show

The panel has been set-up to provide advice and strategic direction on the new vision for the show, which will be implemented for the forthcoming February edition.

Those who attended the first panel meeting held in London included Eric Musgrave, editorial director of fashion industry magazine Drapers, sales agents Kam Harris of Brand National, Janet Thurston of the Mary Skinner Agency and Julian Sterck of BLD International Fashion Agency who between them represent brands including Becksondergaard, Twist & Tango, Creenstone, Save the Queen, Nissa and iBlues.

Independent retailers were also well represented with Deryane Tadd owner of award-winning boutique The Dressing Room in St Albans, Jan Shutt owner of Sunday Best in Rawtenstall, Lancashire and Janine O’Keefe owner of OKeefe in Esher, Surrey all on-hand to give their viewpoints on the future of the tradeshow. The indie retailers on the panel stock an impressive list of brands between them, including Almost Famous, Maison Scotch, S’Nob De Noblesse, MiH Jeans, 0039 Italy and Day Birger et Mikkelsen,

Footwear, jewellery and accessory brands were represented by Sam Ubhi, owner of the eponymous jewellery brand and Marcus Meyer owner of footwear distribution company Highline United Europe which distributes brands including French Connection and Julian Hakes.

All members of the Pure London Panel met for the first time in central London earlier this month for a meeting, chaired by Eric Musgrave, to discuss their initial thoughts on the proposed changes for the February 2014 edition of the show.

The panel gave their support to the plans for the next edition of Pure, which is set to make some essential changes to the February 2014 show, following major investment from parent company i2i Events Group.

Following research undertaken, one of the key changes being implemented is that the show’s editing will start to reflect a Pure London signature with the brand mix in the ready-to-wear sections organised under the new headings, Aspire, Allure and Agenda. Agenda will see the collaboration of premium brands, emerging designers and trusted sector expertise brought together to create a focused and inspirational buying experience.

Additionally, Pure London has confirmed that it is working with interior designer Justin Southgate to provide a stylish, sensory experience for the event going forward.

Julie Driscoll Portfolio Director of Fashion and Jewellery at Pure London’s parent company, i2i Events Group, said of the Pure London panel: “The panel gives us immediate customer insight. Quite simply we aim to bring together key industry influencers who will shape the future of the women’s wholesale market. The panel will provide a confidential forum to discuss current and forward market insights that will also help guide the future direction of the UK’s most important women’s wear trade show”

The Pure London Panel will meet several times in the lead-up to the February show, which takes place from 9-11 February, 2014 at London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre.

Pure London provides all brands selected to exhibit with access to a large, powerful buyer base. In August this year, over 9,000 fashion buyers attended Pure London, making it the UK’s largest trade event where over £152m of orders are placed at, or as a result of attending, the event.

Pure London