Designers showcasing at Moda, the UK’s longest running fashion trade show which has become an integral fashion destination at Spring Fair, celebrated a return of confidence in buyers from retailers including Next, TK Maxx, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Fenwick, Quiz Clothing, Harvey Nichols, Deichmann, Soletrader, Very Group, TruffleShuffle, Debenhams, Harrods, Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, and many more who flocked to the NEC Birmingham this week to view the latest collections from over 300 brands.
Nina White from EyeLevel commented, “Moda has a real buzz this year! We have met with many international buyers who are returning to UK trade shows for the first time since the pandemic and who are showing real confidence in meeting us, feeling and touching the product and ultimately making orders. Normal service has resumed at last which feels fantastic. We have had a very successful show and will leave Moda tomorrow feeling positive and optimistic for the season ahead.”
Sylvia Libicka from Amber Hall jewellery said, “Our first 2 days at Moda have been brilliant. The show is full of positivity and we have made wonderful connections. We are enjoying a steady stream of orders from buyers who appear to be enjoying Moda as much as us!”
The joyful energy continued on the Moda Catwalk which showcased new season trends with creativity and flair. One Hundred Stars caught attention with an inspirational scene flowing with effortless glamour. Illustrative and unique prints complimented flowing and feminine shapes in a beautiful presentation of the new season. Lisa Barlow from One Hundred Stars commented, “The catwalk looks fantastic and has really encouraged buyers watching the show to come to our stand. There is no replacement for seeing models wearing the collection. We came to Moda for the first-time last year and we’re so thrilled we decided to come back. Not only have we featured in the catwalk this season we have also brought our homeware collection for the first time and we have had a great reaction with everyone loving the Spring prints.”
Also taking to the stage were scenes from Jayley, Lighthouse, and Saloos debuting new collections, whilst trends ‘Sundial’ and ‘Basic Instinct’ brought together a host of jewellery and footwear brands including Sobo & Co, Lunar, Eloise London and FIKA.
Buyers attending Moda were optimistic about the season ahead. Shirley Leader from Velvet & Rose commented, “I left Moda feeling full of hope for SS23! It is a huge venue full of lots of different areas, and very well set-up. Looking forward to our next visit!”
Cherry Love from Lovely Looks, Limavady said, “Moda was much better this year with many more suppliers exhibiting after Covid. It was like pre Covid when the NEC was buzzing again with the excitement of everyone there! Both suppliers and buyers were happy with customers having great choices and suppliers getting great sales so a win win situation! It was great to meet many existing suppliers and get new ones! We’re delighted with all our new contacts and suppliers. I would love to see Moda continue to grow as it’s the best way to see all new products and fashion ranges under one roof. Well done to the team!”
The Moda Stage also hosted seminars from an impressive list of industry experts including BBC2 winner of All That Glitters Piers Carpenter, TV and Radio BBC presenter Nayha Ahmad and CEO, Author and Marketing Strategist Simon Kingsnorth.
Moda is leading the way in celebrating up and coming design talent. Two new initiatives put the spotlight on jewellery and footwear giving talent invaluable access to industry support. In a brand-new collaboration with the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) to support the next generation of jewellery designers, Moda’s New Jewels Bursary sponsored by Curteis Creates announced Liz Crow as it’s winner, who will receive mentoring sessions and marketing and PR exposure, a video interview recorded at Spring Fair’s state-of-the-art London-based studio, a complementary stand at the next show and discounts on the following consecutive editions.
In a vibrant showcase of up-and-coming footwear designers, designs by 16 final year BA (Hons) Footwear Design students from De Montfort University also culminated in an awards ceremony on the Moda Stage. The winning designer is Woosung Kim, whose hybrid design was inspired by orienteering with a Western aesthetic. Visitors also have the opportunity to choose their favourite by visiting the Footwear Design Initiative feature by the Moda Café, and the designer with the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award.
Alejandra Campos, Event Director at Moda says; “A new year called for a bold start to the season and that’s exactly what Moda at Spring Fair offered this week. Bringing even more of the exciting names, new products and exclusive launches that buyers wanted to see, showcasing the latest collections from over 300 brands, our fresh edit presented over four defined sectors: Womenswear, Footwear, Fashion Accessories and Jewellery & Watch, helped inspire visitors in their buying experience.
We are very proud to present and launch three initiatives which support new talent in the fashion industry. In Moda First, visitors discovered a dedicated area showcasing start-up fashion brands; we presented the finalists of the New Jewels Bursary (launched in partnership with the National Association of Jewellers and sponsored by Curteis) and were delighted to award the bursary to Liz Crow. And, our eye-catching De Montfort University Footwear Design Initiative showcased some of the most innovative shoe designs from final year Footwear Design students. A huge well done to winner Woosung Kim. It’s been a very inspiring four days and feedback from our visitors and exhibitors has been optimistic.”
