Here, director Marie Kinsella reveals her vision for the next edition of the event.
How many exhibitors are you aiming for in the next edition in February 2019?
As this is our flagship event we are expecting over 200 womenswear.. We are excited to deliver a larger event of quality brands that will be the ultimate buying experience for Australian independent fashion retailers.
What are some of the new or interesting additions to the program?
We will be introducing international country pavilions that will add a different element to the show. International brands and designers will now have an established and trusted platform to launch their brands into the Australian market.
What were the highlights of the previous event?
The February 2018 event was particularly positive for Fashion Exposed NOW. We launched the Beach & Body section, bringing together relevant brands with a large selling base and opening the buying opportunity for independent retailers. The Free Seminar Series was also a highlight for many visitors and exhibitors. After significant research we were able to create a speaker line-up that featured topical and thorough content for fashion retailers.
For the 2019 show we are really focusing on quality over quantity. We already have a high proportion of quality retailers set to attend as well as fashion boutique owners, key decision makers in large buying firms and international trade consultants who have registered.
What are your hopes for the event?
The February show is our flagship event. We want to bring together Australian and international fashion brands and reignite the face to face interactions involved in buying and selling quality apparel. An independent fashion trade fair is crucial for Australian brands and Australian independent retailers in order that both sectors are sustainable. I urge the Australian fashion industry, being buyers and brands to support this important industry event.