Londoncentrαl full of optimism

Buyers were pleased with the mainstream product on offer at streetwear shows Londonedge and Londoncentral last week. 

Attendance was 20% up on Sunday compared with the Sunday last season. A fifth of floor space was filled by new exhibitors, including denim brand Monkee Genes and Japanese label Kid Ninkimono, and buyers said they had picked up new labels as a result.

Tina Davis, owner of indie Pumpkinhead in Preston, said: "We have been coming to the show for years, mainly to see our regular suppliers, but this season we picked up a couple of new brands, which is exciting for us."

Exhibitors were also positive about the show. Anastasia Gaeva, managing director of Russian brand Vintage Queen, said: "This is our first UK trade show but is perfect for our alternative antique and vintage fashion. We've seen a good cross-section of buyers, and all have shown interest in our product."

Londoncentral managing director Carole Hunter said visitor reaction was positive. She said: "With all the doom and gloom, we're really pleased the show has attracted similar visitor figures to last season. The product mix is edgy mainstream, but I think there are more young fashion T-shirt brands at Londoncentral this season, which seem to have gone down really well."