Trade Show: Just Around the Corner moved to Tobacco Dock in Wapping, East London

Bravo to organisers of the Just Around the Corner (JATC)  fashion trade fair - which took place July 16 - 18 2023 for the SS24 season -  for picking a new location in the historical Tobacco Dock in Wapping, East London.  

The show was held at the same time as two other fashion events: PURE and SCOOP at Olympia London.  Though not quite round the corner from those events, Wapping is still easily accessible to get to by public transport, approximately 40-minute on TFL from Kensington.

The Tobacco Dock building complex offers ample natural light and presents a relaxing atmosphere, as much of the original charm of the architecture has been preserved.  

Organisers made good use of the complex which included a central courtyard, perfect for refreshments offered by the organisers and for networking.  This is surrounded by interconnected spaces (originally warehouses with high ceilings).  Exhibitors' stands were placed in an open plan format in connecting "rooms" franking the centre courtyard.  

As JATC has proven, the venue is a great place for exhibition and events, and would serve well as an adaptable space for conferences, concerts, cultural festivals, and even television and film shoots. 

The history of the dock was closely tied to the area's maritime past and the flourishing trade of tobacco in the 19th century. 

The revitalization of Tobacco Dock has not only preserved a piece of London's maritime history but also injected new life into the Wapping area. The complex serves as a reminder of Wapping's connection to the city's trading past and stands as a vibrant testament to London's ever-changing urban landscape.

JATC showcased a curated selection of 90 fashion brands, featuring sports and streetwear, contemporary fashion, denim and athleisurewear, as well as jewellery, lifestyle and beauty products, zoned under headings of Womenswear,  Menswear,  Together, Responsible, Footwear & Accessories and Lifestyle & Beauty.

There were more than 40 new brands to the event, including Mitchell and Ness, Beaumont Organic, Face Junkie, Margaret Dabbs, Great Plains London, Miss Sixty, P448, Mou, Nine West, Scholl, Sloggi, Free People.  Jewellery and beauty brands, included Milly Grace, Gemsa London, Maeva Rae and Toolally.

Fair creator and director Juls Dawson said they received high volume of positive feedback on the new venue's stunning aesthetics, spaciousness, abundance of natural light and accessibility for both buyers and brands.  The historical Tobacco Dock will certainly provide ample space for future growth.

The next JATC fair will take place February 11-13 2024 for AW24.

All photos by Lucia Carpio.