First Avenue is an Associated Independent Stores Member-only exclusive womenswear range, and the team headed off to the London Textile Fair last month for some inspiration. It was a very inspiring day and our fashion team enjoyed exploring the show, gaining valuable insight into the latest fashion trends and networking with likeminded people. Read on to find out more about the day from start to finish.
6:00am
Ciara - (Fashion Administrator)
My Day started at 6.00am with morning greetings from my furry niece Coco and finding the warmest outfit for a cold day out in London. Start my skincare routine after my shower, remembering to apply SPF even on cold days. I popped on my comfiest trainers and headed out the door to my first train of the day at Chester Road Station for a 15-minute journey into Birmingham City centre to meet Miah.
Miah - (Junior Category Manager)
I started my day off with the perfect cup of coffee from my new SAGE coffee machine made by my personal Barista/Boyfriend. After a quick shower i proceeded to change my outfit 10 times landing on a cute bright orange Arket jumper and a pair of Levi jeans. I grabbed my coat and made my way to Grand Central walking through beautiful St Paul's Square, on my way the sky looked incredible.
8:00am
Ciara & Miah then made their way to Grand Central Birmingham to meet ahead of their departure. Both grabbed their morning fix of caffeine and headed to platform 3 for their direct train to London Euston. Whilst on board they discussed a plan of action for the day, what to look out for… New colours, fabrications and textures as SS25 preparations get underway!! As the team are still so busy getting ready for the launch of the AW24 range for the upcoming January show they was trying to get into the mindset of pretty florals and BRIGHT colours which is exciting when the weather is so dreary and cold.
10:00am
We arrived in London Euston amongst the busy morning commuters heading off to their London based HQ's. We used citymapper as our way around the city, the perfect app if you want to know how to get from A - B in London town. So we made our way to the northern line to hop the tube to our next destination.
10:30am
We arrived in Islington walking past many independent shops and bakery's where the sky was clear blue but still very cold and headed toward the Business Design Centre where the London Textile Fair was being Held. After scanning in our badges we walked into a hall bustling with suppliers, buyers, designers, fabric mills and met up with our freelance designer Susie.
11:00am
We headed straight to the BDA London SS25 Trend presentation to get us ready for a busy day ahead of meeting with suppliers. The presentation covered colours, fabrics, trims, prints and key over all trends for the SS25 season.
The Trends
COLOUR - Softened Whites I Lemon Cream I Putty Tones I Delicate Grey I Slime Green I Vegetal Green I Bud Green I Floral Blue I Cobalt I Sandy I Golden I Clay Toned I Burnished I Coral Reef I Hot Reds I Claret I Lilac
FABRICATION - Patchworking I Denim I Lightweight Linen I Simple Sheer I Summer Knits I Graphic Stitch I Performance Casual I Summer Velour I Glossy Silk I Sheer Glamour I Cotton Poplin I New Broderie I Untreated I Texured Knits I Natural Structures I Well Worn I Crafted I Structured Pleats I Goddest Effect I Liquid Blend I Subtle Florals I Light Stripes I Bold Geometric I Digital Blur I Gradient Glow I Altered Floral I Laidback Checks I Bold Stripe I Mottled I Enlarged Checks I Layered Elements
There was also mention of single composition fabrics to encourage sustainability and how they are becoming more popular within industry.
12:00pm
After the trend presentation we headed off to view the TREND HUB section which was a selection of fabrics selected by BDA London from across the entire show. There was a wonderful mixture of bright colours, lace and prints to choose from. It was a great section for suppliers to have their swatches on display in another part of the hall and the chance for buyers to not miss out on these with a vast selection to choose from.
1:00pm
After viewing the swatches on the TREND HUB we headed off to make our fabric and print selections.
It was successful day with plenty of beautiful prints, colours and fabrications to choose from. We look forward to an exciting 6 months ahead getting SS25 under way and seeing the new range come together for the July 24 show.
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Designed by AIS fashion experts, and exclusively available to our members, First Avenue is a highly commercial collection. It delivers high margins and seasonal newness plus offers quality and style.
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