Moda gears up for August show with strong focus on athleisure & occasionwear

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 2, 2017

Moda, the UK’s largest trade fashion exhibition, has confirmed a host of early signings to its S/S 18 edition, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 6-8 August.

Spotlighting some of the season’s hottest trends, this season will see the introduction of the new Body/Active area with a selection of athleisure and sports-specific collections for women. The new area will build on the success of Moda Active and highlight the sector as it moves into mainstream apparel.

This season will see a raft of new arrivals and returning labels come together under one roof. Moda Gent is set to welcome first-time brands such as Avenue 22, Pasquale Cutarelli and Bowler & Beach, while the show’s flagship labels also include Gibson, Ben Sherman, Digel, Tresanti, Tilley and Fynch Hatton.

The prom and wedding sector will be prominently featured with Moda Noir, where brands such as Paola Collection, Carla Ruiz, Red & Royal London, Prom Frocks, Envious Couture Prom and Mascara will present their show-stopping collections.

“Moda Noir is the only show for occasionwear,” says Avril Forbes, sales manager for the Veromia portfolio, whose labels include Irresistible, Dress Code, Dressed Up and Veromia Occasions. “It is the right show for our product, and the place where we can expand our customer base, as well as welcoming our existing clientele back to each of our collections.”

Elsewhere in Moda Woman, the line-up of brands also includes Steilmann Thought, Lily & Me, Michaela Louisa, Eva Tralala, Tilley & Grace and Peruzzi.

“Moda always brings us new clients,” says Clare Morgan, UK agent for Eva Tralala. “As well as being an opportunity to concentrate on writing orders with our existing customers, we meet lifestyle buyers who are tempted into buying clothing when they come across our stand.”

Moda Accessories will continue to complement the wider womenswear offer, while also evolving as a show within its own right, and Moda Footwear will focus on summer footwear.

New labels showcasing at the August show meanwhile include contemporary Italian women’s label Evaluna, elegant women’s brand Unisa and Spanish artisan label Pinoso’s, while returning favourites include Irregular Choice, Dr Marten’s, El Naturalista, Alpe, Chatham, Josef Seibel, Mustang, Lisa Kay, Lunar, Rieker, Ravel, XTi, Mephisto and Padders.