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News
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London Fashion Week: the Drapers verdict
International buyers flock to London’s womenswear designers for a balance between creativity and commerciality.
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The UK fashion retail sector has faced several years of upheaval – the continued rise of ecommerce, momentous store closures, and declining profits – and the industry has had to adapt at a much faster rate than ever before to remain relevant and weather the storm.
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Retail
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Why Seasalt has the wind in its sails
As a Cornish brand through and through, womenswear retailer Seasalt is building an international reputation on its coastal charm.
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The UK fashion retail sector has faced several years of upheaval – the continued rise of ecommerce, momentous store closures, and declining profits – and the industry has had to adapt at a much faster rate than ever before to remain relevant and weather the storm.
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Product & Trade Shows
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Tikiboo: a brand with a powerful print run
Neon brights and bold prints are women’s activewear brand Tikiboo’s signature styles – and its eyecatching approach is driving soaring sales.
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Business Operations
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Time to celebrate: birthday brands weather the storm
Drapers marks its 132nd anniversary this week, and we’re not the only ones celebrating.
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The UK fashion retail sector has faced several years of upheaval – the continued rise of ecommerce, momentous store closures, and declining profits – and the industry has had to adapt at a much faster rate than ever before to remain relevant and weather the storm.
Book your ticket
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People
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Why Seasalt has the wind in its sails
As a Cornish brand through and through, womenswear retailer Seasalt is building an international reputation on its coastal charm.
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The 10 trends of London Fashion Week spring 20Subscription
From joyous jumbo dresses to a rainbow parade and fresh takes on layering, these are the trends to know from London’s womenswear catwalks.
Department store sales dipSubscription
Wolfson: Next cushioned by online 'head start'Subscription
Fashion businesses support Global Climate StrikeSubscription
Fred Perry to open in CamdenSubscription
Schuh hires new buying directorSubscription
Debenhams wins court battle over CVA Subscription
Online drives full-price sales at NextSubscription
Cost pressures hit River Island profitsSubscription
Valentino recognised for sustainable fashionSubscription
Toast launches clothes-swap scheme Subscription
Glamorous's sustainable collectionSubscription
London Fashion Week Spring 20
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News analysis
The Drapers Interview
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Business being done at steady Micam Subscription
The Milan sun shone as Drapers meandered through the throngs of buyers at the 50th anniversary edition of Italian footwear trade show Micam on 15-18 September at Fiera Milano.
The brands to know from the spring 20 edition of Micam Subscription
Drapers’ pick of the brands from the spring 20 edition of footwear mecca Micam
The high street's hot-ticket denim heroesSubscription
Leading buyers and designers reveal their top-performing denim styles from the season so far and give their thoughts on what is coming for spring 20.
The real deal: the rise of authenticity and sustainability in denimSubscription
Drapers discovers how some of denim’s leading names are riding the jeans trend wave and capitalising on their heritage and sustainable credentials to tempt shoppers back.
Sister Jane's new siblingSubscription
London-based Sister Jane’s romantic, dramatic aesthetic is resonating with customers and is now extending to a new premium line
Why steady Edinburgh is a retail magnetSubscription
Retailers describe the Scottish capital as a “bellwether”, relatively immune to the storm battering the UK market. Will the new Edinburgh St James scheme disrupt that stability?
London Fashion Week: day two, buyer diarySubscription
Lisa Aiken, fashion director at American online retailer Moda Operandi, shares her highlights from the second day of London Fashion Week.
London Fashion Week: day one, buyer diary Subscription
On the first day of London Fashion Week’s spring 20 womenswear season, Stavros Karelis, buying director of London store Machine-A, shares his highlights from the day.
London Fashion Week: the Drapers verdictSubscription
International buyers flock to London’s womenswear designers for a balance between creativity and commerciality.
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Debenhams debuts in Oman 2 comments -
Why Seasalt has the wind in its sails 1 comment -
Used returns costing retailers £1.5bn 1 comment -
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Next poised to reveal further growth 1 comment
The Drapers Quiz
Job of the week
Drapers branded fashion content section Brand Showcase brings you the collections you can't afford to miss
ISKO: creativity and responsible innovationSubscription
Carmel: a one-stop global solutionSubscription
Sorona: sustainability and performance without sacrificeVideoSubscription
Drapers' Industry Insight brings you the latest supplier and technological developments that you can't afford to miss
Where next for influencer marketing? Subscription
Upcoming features
Coming up: Drapers' features and specials 2019Subscription
Upcoming features and specials in Drapers magazine for the coming quarter
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London Fashion Week: the Drapers verdict
International buyers flock to London’s womenswear designers for a balance between creativity and commerciality.
Retailer Insight: How China became a key market for Radley
When Radley was bought by private equity firm Bregal Freshstream in 2016, the business was well-established in the UK, but under-represented internationally, writes CEO Justin Stead.
Editor’s Comment: Brexit déjà vu at London Fashion Week
Yet again we find ourselves in the strange position of celebrating London as an international stage for British design talent, less than two months before the UK leaves the European Union.
Industry Comment: Collaborate to overcome fashion's new challenges
New skills and collaboration are vital for fashion SMEs, writes Judith Tolley, head of creative business incubator the Centre for Fashion Enterprise, as it opens its new business hub
Editor's Comment: There's fight left in our independent retailers
Judging for the Drapers Independents Awards is always a lively debate, and one that reassures me that it’s not all doom and gloom on the high street – there is so much innovation and success to celebrate.
Editor's Comment: Panic autumn Sales cause lasting damage
Widespread discounting on autumn stock before the summer has even come to an end has, worryingly, become common practice for many UK fashion retailers – and has potentially damaging implications.
Comment: Apprenticeships have the power to transform fashion
Creative and technical skills are vital for a thriving UK fashion and textiles industry, but skills shortages and risks to the talent pipeline are among the most urgent challenges facing the sector, writes John West, director of skills and training at the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).
Industry comment: We need to be bold after Brexit
Agility, courage and determination will let businesses prosper after Brexit, despite the challenges, writes Lucy Reece-Raybould, CEO of the British Footwear Association.
Editor's Comment: Online profitability is a long game
Consumers are embracing online shopping, which requires fashion retailers to invest heavily in developing ecommerce – but an increasing number are questioning the return on that investment.
Editor's Comment: A pleasure and a privilege
When I joined Drapers in June 2005, I could not have imagined the challenges and opportunities the next 14 years would bring.
Retailer Insight: Breathe some lifestyle into footwear retail
Brands and retailers need to widen their view and delight their customers to remain successful, writes Gerard Levy, owner of independent footwear retailer Spice London and footwear agency Gil Agencies.
Editor's Comment: Still a lot to be proud of on the high street
This week Drapers celebrates an incredible 132 years. Looking back at the industry over that time there have been huge changes and challenges to overcome but there has also been plenty to celebrate.
Comment: Putting the preppy pep back into Jack Wills
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has acquired lifestyle retailer Jack Wills for £12.8m. What will it take to revive the flagging business?
Editor's Comment: HoF won't survive without strong supplier relationships
To say it has been a turbulent week for Sports Direct Group is an understatement.
Comment: Quality of buyers makes up for quantity at Jacket Required
In the sweltering heat of one of London’s hottest days of the year, the spring 20 edition of menswear trade show Jacket Required was judged by exhibitors and buyers alike to be relatively quiet.
Editor's Comment: Industry support must be Johnson's top priority
Consumer confidence is low, the high street is in the midst of one of its most challenging periods yet, Brexit is imminent, and the UK has a new prime minister, Boris Johnson.
Comment: Steady spring 20 at Pure London and Scoop
The spring 20 editions of UK trade shows Pure London and Scoop, which ran concurrently in London on 21-23 July, got off to a sunny yet slow start on Sunday, although both shows picked up across the three days.
Editor’s Comment: Make high streets local focal destinations
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the high street is not dead.
Comment: What does Asos's fall from grace tell us?
In the wake of Asos’s second profit warning in seven months, Stephen Springham, head of retail research at property consultancy Knight Frank argues that ecommerce is not a golden ticket to success.
Spotted: why Zara’s dotty dress went viral
It’s summer’s dress sensation – but why has Zara’s polka-dot maxi-dress taken the high street by storm?
Editor’s Comment: Retail visionary Arthur Ryan never forgot his roots
The industry is saddened this week by the loss of retail stalwart, Arthur Ryan, who has died aged 83. My thoughts go to all of his family, friends and colleagues.
Editor's Comment: Get the basics right – and then take a leap
Lately, not a week goes by without the mention of a CVA and this week is no exception – the latest being high street footwear staple Office, which has appointed restructuring advisers to assess its financial position amid “tough trading conditions”.
Editor's Comment: Footwear's finest step up to market challenges
When market conditions are tough, it is never more important to take time to celebrate the achievements, innovations and businesses pushing forward through turbulent waters.
Comment: The use of CVAs needs greater scrutiny
Company voluntary arrangements must be bound by stricter rules, says Ed Cooke, chief executive of commercial property body Revo.
Editor's Comment: 'Out of touch' government is failing industry and customers
The fashion industry contributes more than £32 billion to the UK economy, yet, once again, calls for support from the government have gone unheeded.
Givenchy’s Florentine takeover
As the sun set over the plush Florentine hills, the Pitti crowds made their way to the luxurious Villa Palmieri for British designer Clare Waight Keller’s first standalone menswear show at the helm of French fashion house Givenchy.
'CVAs are unexploded bombs for indies'
Large retailers entering into CVAs can have an unfair and heavy impact on independent retailers, says Martin Brighty, owner of central London menswear independent Peckham Rye.
Comment: Fresh perspective is just what John Lewis needs
The incoming chairman of John Lewis Partnership is certainly a leftfield choice.
Comment: Finding the future at London Fashion Week Men's
The spring 20 edition of London Fashion Week Men’s (LFWM), which took place on 7-10 June, officially kicked off the new menswear buying season with a strong and steady edition that focused the spotlight on fashion’s future.
Editor's Comment: Brands reboot for the new buying season
Product will always sit at the heart of any fashion business. As we move into June and the new buying season kicks off with London Fashion Week Mens and menswear trade show Pitti Uomo in Florence, retailers will be looking at how their new-season collections can offer something unique to drive customers in store and online.
Comment: Why my agency picks brands with no online presence
Sales director at independent fashion and distribution agency MDA International, Hannah Jordan, explains why the company chooses to work with independent brands that do not have an online presence.
Comment: Strategy refresh is just what Asos needs
Asos is one of many retailers that admits it has tightened its returns policy, as figures reveal that 26% of brands have recorded an increase in returns over the last two years.
Editor's Comment: Hard lessons for the once-mighty Arcadia
Arcadia was once the most powerful player on the high street.
Comment: What Arcadia is lacking on the high street
As Arcadia seeks to close stores in the UK and the US, Drapers assess the strengths and weaknesses of the high street heavy weight’s fascias.
Digital innovation lies at the heart of successful strategies
The growth of online sales continues to transform the fashion industry, and digital innovation has become a key driver of many success stories.
Comment: Building bridges with Africa's textile industry after Brexit
African fashion sourcing consultant and founder of the social enterprise Africa Fashion Guide, Jacqueline Shaw, discusses the Brexit effect and how a UK alliance with Africa could positively affect the fashion industry.
Comment: Retail disruption by 'Airbnb of fashion'
Combining the promise of rental with the popularity of resale, new peer-to-peer lending sites could be fashion’s next disruptor.
Comment: Fashion – the industry that never sleeps
Sales agent Diane Sykes discusses the fashion industry’s culture of “always on, never off”, FOMO and the perpetual working day.
Retailer Insight: independents must adapt to survive
As premium womenswear independent Pamela Shiffer celebrates its 30th anniversary, the owner of the eponymous store based in Primrose Hill, north London, says retailers have to keep changing their approach to satisfy shoppers.
Comment: Small businesses can rejuvenate the high street
Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday, believes building communities around small businesses can save the high street.
Editor's Comment: Thriving brands connect with their customers
Lord Rose famously said, “the customer is no longer king – they are masters of the universe” and never is that truer than in today’s market.
Comment: Why STEM roles are right for retail
Lee Lucas, principal of the Fashion Retail Academy, explains why retail leaders of the future will need to blend creativity with tech know-how.
Retailer Insight: Making sense of declining wholesale relationships
Elizabeth Hanley, owner of independent store Magpie’s Nest in Stalybridge, Cheshire, explains how she has identified a significant shift in wholesale relationships and brand loyalty.
Comment: Safety in Bangladesh is a joint responsibility
Today marks six years since the Rana Plaza tragedy. Mostafiz Uddin, managing director of Bangladeshi manufacturer Denim Expert, examines the progress that has been made.
Comment: Sustainability is gathering momentum – what are your views?
Last Wednesday evening, John Lewis celebrated the launch of the new festival-themed rooftop experience at its Oxford Street flagship, where guests were presented with an array of eco-friendly sunglasses from eyewear brand Parafina.
Editor's Comment: A tale of two store strategies
In the midst of several high-profile company voluntary arrangements (CVAs), retailers are fighting to prove that evolution is the key to survival – particularly when it comes to the high street.
Comment: Understanding the evolution of luxury
Luxury is not just about a hefty price tag any more – so what does the word mean for today’s fashion industry?
Comment: It is time for retailers to be bold
Retailers must take control to survive a perpetually postponed Brexit, says Mary Anderson-Ford, managing director of merchandising recruitment specialist Aqua Retail.
Comment: Death by design for Coal Drops Yard
The King’s Cross retail destination had a great vision – but may have overlooked customer appeal.
Comment: What does fashion’s gender pay gap data actually tell us?
Thousands of UK companies – including 139 fashion, footwear and accessories brands and retailers – have filed their gender pay gap figures for 2018/19, shining a spotlight on the issue of gender equality in the workplace.
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How sustainability is changing the fashion economy
Drapers has collaborated with Raconteur on a new report, the Fashion Economy, published in The Times today.
Webcast: Increasing profitability with automation
Our webcast explored how brands are using analytics and automation to increase profit.
Gen Z and Millennials
Between them, Generation Z and millennials – broadly, shoppers in their late teens, twenties and thirties – attract endless attention, and represent fashion’s consumers of both the present and future.
Five ways AI is working for fashion retailers
It’s not just a buzzword – artificial intelligence is changing how retailers do business in tangible ways. In our new report, we speak to some of the retailers using the technology about how AI is changing things for them.
Drapers multichannel trends report 2019
Drapers’ multichannel trends report explores the most important trends in cross channel retail this year. Download it here for interviews with River Island, M&S, Mango and more.
If you entered fashion to be creative, don't fear automation
Until recently, technology and fashion and may not have seemed natural bedfellows, and yet today, from design to marketing, from production to distribution, technology is influencing every facet of our industry.
What sold well online over Christmas 2018?
Drapers, in partnership with Ebay, provides a quarterly snapshot of data on online fashion retail’s KPIs and trends.
Coming up: Drapers multichannel roundtable
Drapers’ multichannel breakfast will explore how the cross-channel mix is evolving in fashion in 2019.
Webinar: Lessons from Christmas 2018
Drapers’ webinar explores key lessons and insights from Christmas 2018.
Drapers Guide: Customer Reviews
How customer reviews are changing fashion, and our step by step guide to making the most of them.
Personalisation for anonymous shoppers
Most of the visitors to a retailer’s website are anonymous. How can the experience be tailored to them without knowing who they are?
The opportunities of off-price fashion
As sustainability - and squeezed margins - continue to put pressure on retailers to improve management of excess stock, off-price fashion has become a hot topic. Drapers’ new report explores its opportunities.
The new rules of digital customer experience
What does the ideal digital customer experience look like today, and who are the retailers leading the way?
What Nike, Asos and Everlane have in common
Join us for a live briefing on what makes a great digital experience, and hear who’s getting it right.
Webinar: The future of data in online retail
Retailers are starting to learn more about their shoppers based on their online behaviour - something that is becoming more important in a post-GDPR world.
Where automation can help
Our new report pinpoints the parts of the customer journey that technology is improving.
Facing fashion's sustainable challenge
Sustainability in fashion is the hot topic of the moment, and was the subject of discussion at Drapers’ latest roundtable.
Mastering mobile as the 2018 peak approaches
The 2018 retail peak is nearly upon us, and mobile will be playing a more important role than ever.
Webinar: Next-generation digital marketing
How are retailers’ email strategies evolving?
Customer insight: How fashion’s multichannel consumers are evolving
Our annual survey of fashion shoppers provides in-depth insight into what shoppers want in a multichannel retail world.
Ecommerce Snapshot: Fashion's Q3 online performance
The Drapers Ecommerce Snapshot gives a comprehensive overview of fashion’s digital performance over the last quarter.
Building a continuous customer view
The single customer view is at the forefront of retailers’ minds, but GDPR and continuing customer concerns about privacy mean it is no easy win
Video: How 3D software is impacting design
Fashion retailers gathered at the Soho Hotel in June to discuss how 3D fashion is changing the industry.
Instagram's new tools for fashion retailers
In partnership with Instagram, Drapers explores the platform’s range of recent new tools - including the launch of IGTV last month - and how they are boosting consumer engagement.
Solving fashion's sustainability problem
Fashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries.
Digital snapshot: Fashion's Q2 online performance
The Drapers Ecommerce Snapshot gives a comprehensive overview of fashion’s digital performance over the last quarter.
Luxury's Digital Revolution
Despite the success of early trailblazers such as Net-A-Porter and Farfetch, the luxury sector has lagged behind the rest of fashion world when it comes to adapting to a digital future.
Taking the supply chain digital
3D sampling is here, and it is transforming the way companies design, develop and produce fashion.
Webinar: Why RFID is gaining momentum in fashion
Earlier this month Drapers hosted a live discussion with SML and Zebra on how – and why – fashion retailers are adopting RFID at an accelerating rate.
Making multichannel fashion fast, instant and seamless
Fashion consumers today want fast, easy and seamless. Drapers’ report on the growth of instant fashion explores how retailers should respond to this in a multichannel era.
