Bubble London celebrates record autumn/winter 13 show

Published: 06 February, 2013

Bubble London, the UK’s national children’s fashion trade show, closed the doors on a bustling autumn/winter 13 edition and announced a year‐on‐year visitor increase of 3% and a 20% increase of overseas visitors, when the show took place on 27‐28 January at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

Bubble London showcased over 280 collections with more than 90 brands making their show debut alongside the industry’s biggest players. Visitors were greeted to an impressive line‐up of brands such as newcomers Quiksilver, Animal, Gravel + Grass, Roxy, Gigi & Co, Quack Quack Moo, Time Machine, Slugs & Snails, Leopold & Livia, Alma Llenas and Billieblush. The industry’s most covetable labels at the show included returning favourites No Added Sugar, Rachel Riley, Rock N Regal, Il Gufo, Hucklebones and Aden + Anais to name but a few.

A number of new brands praised the high footfall at Bubble London and reported healthy orders across the two day show. Kathleen Redmond, owner of Slugs & Snails said, “The show has totally exceeded our expectations and we will definitely be back next season. Bubble is the best thing to happen to us – it has made us a brand and not just a concept.”

The childrenswear market continues to be one of the most vibrant sectors in the industry and this was reflected at the show with the positive and uplifting atmosphere.

Tracy Wilson and Emma Brown, owners of Two Mum’s Ltd said, “Bubble London is always such an enjoyable experience. Not only does it showcase fresh and interesting product, it also has such a fantastic and friendly buzz about it.” Liz Nankivell, owner of Binky Bear, highlighted the unique concept of the show saying, “Bubble London has an artisan look and almost bespoke feel to it. So many shows feel plastic but Bubble is so different and unlike any other show I have visited before.”

The event attracted a record number of overseas visitors cementing its position as a key buying destination on the international fashion calendar. And as the UK reigns supreme as the hub of design talent, this season’s Bubble Homegrown, which returned for its second edition to celebrate labels that design and manufacture their products in the UK, proved once again to be a success for brands and buyers alike.

Carol Kearne, owner of Trumpets & Tiaras said, “As a small retailer, it’s brilliant to see so many British manufactured brands. It’s great for us to be investing back into the economy and it’s a fantastic selling point to our customers. We found so many new exhibitors this time and there seems to be lots of small, niche labels showing, which is great.”

As well as the autumn/winter 2013 collections of clothing, accessories, interiors and lifestyle products being showcased, the January show also saw the launch of Nest, the area for some of the most exciting and eclectic mix of product entering the UK market place. Bubble London event director Lindsay Hoyes shared her thoughts on the show’s success,

“Bubble London has come a long way since its inception and now, in its 11th edition, I am so proud of how integral a part of the industry the show has become, which is reflected in not only the quality of UK and overseas retailers it attracts but also the variety of exciting and innovative labels that take part and offer so much inspiration for the childrenswear market.“

The spring/summer 2014 edition of Bubble London will be held on 16‐17 June at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.