Moda is a place for businesses to make connections with international brands.
The words largest international trade show, Moda, saw some of the biggest names and emerging brands taking to the catwalk to display their new collections for 2014.
The popular trade show takes place every year, where potential buyers can network with potential clients and scope out the newest fashion trends.
The NEC in Birmingham was filled with buyers, exhibitor stalls and flurries of press, showcasing five specialist shows; Menswear, Womenswear, Footwear, Lingerie/Swimwear and Accessories.
Brands for Moda Woman included; Tara Vao, Tayberry, Alice Collins, Beau Monde and many more.
Menswear favourites like Farah Classic also attended along side Gabicci & Vintage, Hunt & Holdich and Peter Van Holland.
The well-respected trade show brings together all these international brands to mix and increase business, along with seminars on the latest fashion trends and how to be successful. DESIblitz took to this years Moda to find out why businesses see the show as so important and what they enjoy about being part of the large event.
Moda visitor research (March 2013) found 82 per cent of visitors agree Moda helps them make buying decisions and 80 per cent come with the purpose of sourcing new brands. From these high figures it can be seen how influential Moda is for buyers and exhibitors.
Rachel Lovett, exhibitor of the beautiful vintage inspired jewellery brand, Lovett and Co. said: “The collection was inspired by 1920’s style icons such as Audrey Hepburn and that attention to detail is important to create the realistic elegance of beauty back in that era.”
When asked why she chooses to exhibit at Moda, she said: “To increase exposure and sales for the business.”
Her response was typical of most, however it could be seen that exhibitors and buyers alike share a passion for new fashion trends and that each brand takes considerable pride in their collections.
Throughout the day, different catwalks took place around the venue showcasing women’s casual wear, men’s formal wear and footwear with creatively produced runways where models performed dance numbers with one another while showing off the clothing and accessories.
Colourful wellies paired with furry gilets were perfect for the cold and wet UK by mixing comfort and a pop of colour. The Great Gatsby influenced the accessories catwalk with elegant little black dresses, fur cover-ups and large statement pearls.
For men, white braces on top of black shirts and bowler hats were popular.
Socks were the accessory of the show, with dotted, stripped and printed pairs to match tailored trousers to create that business savvy look.
Seminars were conducted by industry professionals such as Simon Shepard from Client Marketing LTD and Sarah Golden from Italian brand Bira and Loaye Agabani. Talks were centered on helping businesses in areas such as sales, marketing and finances.
Anyone attending could listen to the seminar and watch these knowledgeable professionals give tips on how to be successful in the fashion and trading industry; which when asked, exhibitors said they found useful.
In addition, the ‘Big Live’ debates were a huge success as they discuss how much the industry for Footwear, Lingerie, Menswear and Womenswear has been evolving over the past year, and how to keep up with these innovative changes in the future.
For Spring/Sumer 2014, one trend that has come back from last year is soft pastel with delicate tones that create an instant summer pallet.
Retailers, Peter Scott, are a perfect example of a brand that blends soft and comfy materials with country styles such as baby cables and contemporary tartan. Alex Feechan, head of design said: “The collection was inspired by the beauty of life in New England.”
A sense of unity could be seen from workers on stalls and between buyers/exhibitors.
Twitter was filled with snapshots of hard workers on the stall smiling and posing with their stalls and animated chat filled the halls from the start of the day till the end.
Moda 2014 is seen as a very influential place for businesses to expand and make connections with international brands.
The biannual trade show will continue to get bigger and there is no doubt that the next trade show in 6 months time will see more emerging brands and exhibiting favourites present themselves at the NEC once more.
Moda’s next season trade show will take place between August 10-12, 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham.
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