Steve Barth
HARROGATE FASHION WEEK TO OPEN FOR THREE FULL DAYS
Harrogate Fashion Week’s summer edition will now be extended to three full days from 30 July to 1 August at the Harrogate Convention Centre due to growing demand from both exhibitors and buyers. The event is now considered a major player in the fashion trade calendar with the largest collection of womenswear brands under one roof, alongside special occasion wear, footwear offerings and even more accessory brands, according to organisers Wendy Adams and Sarah Moody. The extension comes as trade shows bounce back strongly from the upheavals of the pandemic. The event’s popularity means over 90% of exhibitors have already rebooked their stands from February.
SPECIAL OCCASION BRANDS ON DISPLAY
The SS24 show will see special occasion brands launching their new collections, with John Charles, Gabriela Sanchez, Fely Campo, Veromia and Irresistible all confirmed. Although the show has had a history of being a little short on accessories, this is expected to change in July with new brands already confirmed, including Suzie Blue, Eliza Gracious, and Envy jewellery. The show will also have an increased selection of shoe brands, including Lotus, Loretta Vitale, Bagatt, and Emis.
TRADE SHOWS BOUNCE BACK
Initially, trade shows were expected to struggle to return to their former strength after the pandemic, with the industry having adopted digital buying and travel budgets cut. However, this does not seem to happen, as the event already receives enquiries from boutiques all over the UK wanting information on the show, with many visiting for the first time this season.
HARROGATE FASHION WEEK IS A POPULAR EVENT
Harrogate Fashion Week has grown in popularity, making it a significant event in the fashion trade calendar. Exhibitors have rebooked stands, and visitors are expected from all over the UK. Additionally, the new brands exhibiting their products indicate the show’s diversity and growth, even with concerns of the effect of the pandemic on the industry.
INCREASED FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORY BRANDS
Traditionally, Harrogate Fashion Week has been known for exhibiting womenswear brands predominantly, with minimal footwear and accessory options to choose from. This season, the organisers’ emphasis is on showcasing footwear and accessory brands, including Suzie Blue, Eliza Gracious and Envy Jewellery, paired with an expanded selection of shoe brands like Lotus, Loretta Vitale, Bagatt, and Emis.
CONCLUSION
Harrogate Fashion Week has become an essential event in the fashion trade calendar, with growing support from both exhibitors and buyers. The event’s popularity means it now has the largest collection of womenswear brands under one roof, with an extensive range of special occasion wear, footwear, and accessories available. Despite concerns, trade shows have bounced back strongly from the pandemic, resulting in Harrogate Fashion Week’s growth and diversity, eventual global reach, and the inclusion of different categories of products.
