Retail news: Marks & Spencer announces FA Collection for the England senior women’s team

Marks & Spencer has announced its debut FA Collection for the England senior women’s team. 
The European Champions continue to inspire multiple generations and change historic perceptions of women’s football. 

UK's Marks and Spencer has been announced as the Official Tailor of the England Senior Women’s Football Team, as it launches the FA Collection. The partnership builds upon the retailer’s longstanding relationship with The Football Association, dating back  2007 when M&S became the Official Suit Supplier to the England Senior Men’s Team. 

The Womenswear collection sees an in-house designed range of versatile, re-imagined tailoring pieces, that will be worn by the England women’s team in the tournament and in their official England team shot.

The collection allows M&S to hero the European Champions as well as what the players and the concept of women’s football stands for and is a celebration of individuality, made to be effortlessly mixed and matched for work, play and everything in between, according to a press release by M&S.

The supporting marketing campaign launches online and in selected stores from 6th July featuring England players Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze and Jessica Carter seen wearing a selection of pieces from the collection.
Above, left to right, Alex Greenwood wears tailored blazer, ribbed crew neck cropped top, pleat front relaxed trousers; Lucy Bronze wears tailored blazer, waistcoat and pleat front relaxed trousers; and Jessica Carter wear ribbed scoop neck cropped top and zip-detail straight leg trousers.

Maddy Evans, Director of Womenswear,  says: “We’re incredibly excited and honoured to be dressing the talented and inspiring England Women’s Team on their journey to this year’s most talked about tournament. We wanted to ensure the collection delivered on style and versatility, creating timeless pieces with individual styling was at the forefront of our minds and something that I believe underpins the whole collection. The styling options - dressing the pieces up or down - are endless!”

M&S says its womenswear design team have worked hard to integrate both style and comfort when creating the collection. In a contemporary tonal colour palette of navy and white, the carefully considered collection features smart separates that challenge the traditional idea of ‘power dressing’, and instead encourages an individual approach, styling pieces however one chooses. 

Making the most of the menswear-inspired trend of the moment and layer a waistcoat into a look, the tailored pieces in this new FA Collection are cut in a refined tailored fit, with mock pockets and neat button fastenings. To complete the outfit is a sharp cut single-breasted blazer or on-trend bomber jacket to elevate casual outfits.

Luxe satin shirts and sporty ribbed knitted tops can be effortlessly paired back with slouchy wide-leg trousers, cut to give a flowing silhouette or smart high-waisted tailored shorts that feature practical side pockets. 

Available in-store and on M&S.com, the range provides outfit inspiration to give customers the confidence to style individual pieces for a more relaxed tailored look.

The supporting marketing campaign launches online and in selected stores from 6th July featuring England players Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze and Jessica Carter seen wearing a selection of pieces from the collection.

The launch will be supported by an omnichannel marketing campaign across stores, PR, media, digital and social channels.

Anna Braithwaite, Director of Marketing, comments: “The England Women’s teams’ success in recent major tournaments has captured the attention of the nation. Their performance has showcased skill, determination and teamwork inspiring a new generation of footballers – and that's only set to continue throughout the summer. We’re so thrilled to be launching this campaign and collection – the mix and match, versatile approach allows the players to embrace their own unique style off-pitch, creating a confident, empowering and effortlessly stylish look. We couldn’t be prouder to be partnering with the Lionesses. We’ll be behind them every step of the way.”

Images from Marks and Spencer.

Trade fairs: Sustainability and innovative textiles main focus of international textile industry fairs in Paris

This July, the international creative fashion and textiles industry community encompassing professionals from all sectors will come together in Paris to network and view the latest industry developments, especially in the area of sustainability.

Texworld Evolution Paris - July 3 to 5, 2023

Texworld Evolution Paris at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre
from July 3 to 5 2023

Opening in the heart of Paris at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre from July 3 to 5 is the Texworld Evolution Paris group of trade fairs, encompassing Apparel Sourcing, Avantex, Leatherworld and Texworld Paris.  Texworld will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.  

This is the first time that Texworld Evolution Paris is staged in the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre because its usual site at Parc des Expositions in Le Bourget has been given way to preparations of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Texworld Evolution Paris trade shows are also held concurrently with other fashion trade events taking place at the same location in the French capital, namely Curve Paris and Interfilière Paris lingerie products and accessories shows.

Texworld Evolution Paris - February 2023 event at Le Bourget, Paris.

Organisers say Texworld Evolution Paris is the largest European sourcing platform for textiles and clothing in terms of number of exhibitors, featuring more than 1,350 exhibitors from 26 countries, with a strong presence of exhibitors from China, Turkey, India, Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, as well as Bangladesh, Cambodia and Uzbekistan.

Texworld Evolution Paris - February 2023 event at Le Bourget, Paris.

Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communications Director at Messe Frankfurt France said: “Today the main supplier countries in our events are integrating sustainability as an essential element of their offer and are evolving rapidly on this subject, particularly due to the strong growth in demand from mature markets. This evolution is visible in our sustainable sourcing itinerary, where hundreds of certified companies stand out, in specific showcases, as do Pakistani and Taiwanese manufacturers with these pavilions dedicated to the sustainable offer".

Première Vision Paris - July 4 to 6, 2023

Première Vision Paris at Parc d'Expositions, Villepinte,
north Paris - February 2023 edition

Meanwhile taking place in north Paris at the Parc d' Expositions in Villepinte, from July 4 - 6, is Première Vision Paris which has been redesigned this season to meet the challenges of the sector’s transformation, driven by the transition to sustainability, regulatory changes, the impact of the pandemic on clothing consumption, the implications of the geopolitical crisis, the new needs of buyers within fashion brands, adaptation strategies for supply chains, and the new challenges facing manufacturers.

Organisers say the event has been completely revamped with a focus on 4 priority areas.

The first is Eco-responsibility - the new paradigm at the heart of the repositioning of the show and its offer, thanks to the new a better way programme.

Another area is a new layout and the creation of a PV Hub dedicated to innovation.

Thirdly, a (r)evolutionary approach to fashion information and the trend forums.

Fourthly, a new services policy for trade buyers.

Trade visitors will find inspiration, exchange ideas and build their new collections of ready-to-wear, accessories (fashion jewelry, leather goods) and footwear for the Autumn-Winter 24-25 season, previewing the collections and latest developments from 1,315 exhibitors from 47 participating countries.

Première Vision Paris 
- February 2023 edition

The fair covers eight product categories  serving all creative fashion markets, from Yarns (yarns and fibers), to Fabrics, Leather,  Designs (textile designs and motifs), Accessories and components), Manufacturing (including fashion and leather manufacturing of apparel, small leather goods, leather shoes manufacturing), Smart Creation (technical and technological innovations, sustainable materials).

Gilles Lasbordes, Managing Director of Première Vision said, "This second edition of Première Vision Paris on the new July calendar is full of new features.  A new step has been taken, and we are particularly pleased to support the sector in its environmentally responsible transition with the new PV programme, ‘a better way’. 

"This initiative, which we’ve been working on for over a year, aims to simplify buyers day-to-day work and help guide them, while decoding and promoting the real advances made by the textile industry and its investments in favor of more sustainable fashion.

Images by Lucia Carpio

Trade fair: Nurturing new generation designers' creativity a focus at Texworld Evolution Paris

The Académie Internationale de Coupe de Paris (AICP) is presenting an exhibition of young designers' work in collaboration with exhibitors from Texworld Evolution Paris during the trade fair at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre this week, July 3 - 5.

Texworld Evolution Paris, Porte de Versailles, Paris
July 2023

The fabrics for the creative garments of the AICP students have been provided by a number of select exhibitors. 

The students' work, highlighting the know-how of tomorrow, were produced under the supervision of the academy's artistic directors and teachers, expressing their creativity in the making of the garments.

Meanwhile, the International Fashion Design et Business School ESMOD is setting up a unique space to highlight the digitalisation of fashion, particularly through the metaverse, during Texworld.

Visitors can discover the unique creations made by the "metawear" class on the Esmod programme. The garments on exhibition will be joined by their digital aliases and much more, while viewing a range of services linked to the school's junior enterprise.

Separately, there will be a Texpertise Sustainability Special Event showcasing young fashion designers of South Africa  on Monday July 3 at Texworld.  There will be a roundtable discussion on "Young sustainable fashion from South Africa" and a virtual fashion experience.

Trade Fair: Scoop to take place July 16 - 18 2023

The July edition of Scoop, an established directional boutique designer trade show in London, will take place July 16 - 18 2023 at West Olympia in Kensington for the first time. 

Scoop will be hosting the industry's best contemporary apparel, accessory, jewellery, and lifestyle labels from the UK and abroad. 

This season the brands that will be showcasing their new collections will include Aqua Blu, Aspiga, AUBADE, Bindu Resort, BR-DR, Devotion Twins, Maurizio Mykonos, MISS JUNE, oneseason, Pearl & Caviar, Poupette St Barth, Rose and Rose, Scarlett Poppies, Wolford, Polo Ralph Lauren, Schiesser, Promise, Concrete London, Queens of Archive, Louise Misha, Trebarrabi, Agua Bendita, Poupette St Barth, Louise Hendricks, Michino Paris, My Dorris, Loom London, Pret Pour Partir, Its 9pm, Hanro, Nice things, East Heritage, Seated Queen.

For full details and listing of exhibitors, click HERE.

Images courtesy of Scoop International.

Trade fair: Romanian designer brands return to Pure London July 16 - 18 2023

Romanian fashion, textiles, footwear and jewellery industries have been making their mark on the international fashion scene due to its rich history of high quality craftsmanship, and their knack for blending traditional and contemporary influences.  In recent years, the country's industries and designers have gained recognition for their innovation and workmanship, contributing immensely to the country's economy. 

HAMZA

Now Pure London, the trade fair for fashion to take place July 16-18 2023 at Olympia Kensington, will once again see a delegation of Romanian companies participating, under the auspices of the Romanian Contemporary Jewellery Association (FRDVA).

Organisers say the Romanian delegation consists of 24 fashion, footwear and jewellery brands, including Bizar Concept, Carolina D, CHIC, Nissa, Desire Avenue, Maoro, Concept Nature, Ginette, HAIART, Hamza, Inga Valerie, Fena, Leonard Collection, Les Waves, Mark-Off, Monarh, MYSIMPLICATED, Narru, Diana Cojocaru, Nissa, Paisi, Papucei, Colloris and Stada Boutique.   

HAIART from Romania

Ligia Stan President of the FRDVA says, “2015 was the first-year Romanian fashion designers attended (the) international fashion exhibition Pure London. And since then, it has been quite a journey!  

"The UK market has always been attractive for the Romanian fashion designers who have been exhibiting in Paris, New York, Dubai, Shanghai, Amsterdam and all around the world and it was about time they entered the UK market.  The UK market has a steady growth every year, provides consistent revenue and most important once you have managed to form a customer base, they will more than likely become loyal customers. Even since our first exhibition at Pure London we have had success because Romanian designers are very creative, have cutting edge design products, fair prices and consistency and Pure London was the perfect place to show this to the world.”

Representing the diversity of the Romanian fashion industry Pure London will host sustainable luxury fashion brand Hamza with a collection crafted from organic cotton utilizing sustainable production. Chic by Vali Cioban will present a dramatic collection with its roots in costume design for the Opera. 

LEE WAVES

HAIART is known for its an eye-catching jewellery collection made from brightly coloured leather, while Diana Cojocaru's porcelain jewellery is sculptural, inspired by nature and beautifully feminine.

Les Waves swimwear is dedicated to surfing, using mainly recycled materials and is "effortlessly cool."   

Designed and produced in the North-East of Romania, Papucei celebrates the region’s expertise in footwear with high quality shoes steeped in style. 

MONARH

Gloria Sandrucci, Event Director at Pure London says, “I am thrilled that Pure London continue to partner with The Romanian Contemporary Jewellery Association to showcase the creativity and expertise of Romanian design. The length of the partnership is testament to the talent and appeal that Romanian designs have in the UK market, and we are confident that July will be another successful show for them and our visiting buyers.”

All images from Pure London, to take place in Kensington Olympia in London, 16-18 July 2023.

Menswear: Jan-Jan Van Essche 's PRĀNA SS24 collection presented in Paris

Timeless clothing inspired by the worlds collective culture continues to be Antwerp designer Jan-Jan van Essche's ethos as evidenced once again in his latest PRĀNA SS24 collection,  an energetic wardrobe of newly developed shapes for the individual mind, searching alternative ways of progress.

This year, Antwerp designer Jan-Jan van Essche purposely decided to keep things intimate. Together with creative artisanal platform LUCENTEMENT, Jan-Jan van Essche held a confidential cocktail, in which he brought his closest surroundings, retailers, other designers and a select number of editors together to celebrate his SS24 collection.

Centered around the things that matter, JJVE brought show attendees back to the core essence of his work as an act to stay true to his values, not by following trends while moving at his own pace. 

Attendees could experience JJVE's latest collection in his showroom in the  Paris Marais district where clothes are made out of natural fibers in a range of natural dyes, and hung on his hand-made bamboo racks, while enjoying a subliminally crafted cocktail. 

JJVE brought together a range of disciplines in order to celebrate craftsmanship and artisanal fashion.

Carefully engineered garments, inviting a new flow, ready to align with the current and future challenges we all face collectively. Subtlety, modernity and elegance as a path to a new manifestation, while staying true to the Jan-Jan Van Essche silhouette.

The designer opts for uplifting mid tones combined with deep blacks and a natural Indigo silk screen print, developed in Kyoto, Japan. Apart from Indigo, other natural dyes such as Ume (Japanese plum), Kakishibu (persimmon fruit) and Gall nuts are used to diversify the colour palette.

Once again refined fabrics are sourced and skillfully developed in various regions in Japan, from small artisanal weaving mills. Various structures and textures from washi (paper fiber), silks, hemps, linens and cottons are blend together, resulting into a variety of cloths of extreme comfort and tactility.

A knitted series of lightweight and transparent linen/cotton tops, function as cooling under layers, while heavier jacquard sweaters isolate the body during the spring months. 

The PRĀNA wardrobe is an invitation to explore the luxury of comfort of the Jan-Jan Van Essche’s contemporary and breathable shapes.

Images courtesy of Jan-Jan van Essche

Menswear: Walter Van Beirendonck 's DAWLEETOO the Legendary Lost City collection

Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck's SS24 DAWLEETOO collection delved into his discovery of memories, history and art, that have filled his research notebook with drawings, collages and pictorial images, blurring the boundary between real and surreal, presented during Men’s Paris Fashion Week. 

The designer had taken inspiration from DAWLEETOO -  the Legendary Lost City - turning to AI to explore the boundaries of reality at the edge of the Sumatran jungles, 

“I love to research. That’s how I always start,” said Walter Van Beirendonck.

The designer juxtaposed between hard and soft materials, Playing with voluminous versus body-skimming silhouettes. Protection versus transparency. Monochromatic versus bi-colours: red/white, black/yellow, a shot of lime green and multi-colours even.

Note the oversized see-through blazers, vinyl raincoats, and bomber jackets with over-padded shoulders covering soft garments worn underneath. 

There are also large ruffles and other funky shapes to bemuse the audience.  A delightfully fun collection that challenges the consumer of today.

Photos courtesy of Walter Van Beirendonck.