First time and returning exhibitors found the show an ideal platform to launch new concepts and brand collections to a wide audience of key independent boutique owners, store groups, on-line / high street retailers, and a selection of press/media guests. The overall feel during the three-day exhibition was positive and a general understanding that there is a light at the end of this recessionary tunnel! More than 1,200 buyers attended over the three days with about 300 returning for a second or third day at the show; a good sign that buyers are making the most of their visit.

Organisers feel the new exhibition layout, the return of many high profile exhibiting brands, the introduction of professional specialist fit and fuller figure presentations, and the launch of the Carlin trend prediction seminars offered an extended reason to visit Harrogate this season.

Jo Smith, event director, commented: “It was encouraging to see such a positive outlook from both visitors and exhibitors at Harrogate. The industry was well represented over three packed halls and the educational seminars were well attended throughout. I am looking forward to building on this to re-enforce Harrogate as the one and only national show for this industry in 2010.”

An exquisitely stylised catwalk showcase repeated three times daily in Hall B presented exhibitor collections within a professional runway production. Scenes included The De Montfort University Graduates, The London Fashion Week Preview, The Harrogate Boutique, and international branded collections including Karen Millen, Panache, Lejaby and more.

Leading international trend agents Carlin presented complimentary seminars within the Harrogate Royal Hall (adjacent to the exhibition halls). Offering buyer audiences a key insight into the forthcoming season’s trend influences, style, colour, and market predictions, they were standing-room-only throughout.

On Monday 17th, the newly crowned Miss England 2009 (Rachel Christie, niece to Linford Christie) took centre stage on the catwalk for a press photo call, modelling a stunning yellow swimwear piece by Jantzen. Rachel visited the exhibition to get a sneak preview of forthcoming swimwear collections and to choose pieces for her trip to Miss World in South Africa in December.

The Sun & Swim London Show collaborated with the Harrogate Exhibition to host a special preview for swim, beach and resort brands during a Monday night BBQ soirée, held at Harrogate’s beautiful Sun Pavilion. The evening included an art deco style fashion show with brands such as Valery Blu, After Eden, Mendels, Mya Blue, Naturana, Agua Bendita, Cyell and Chaslyn.

The strength of Figlevaes.com has always been their huge stocklist, and their sleepwear stock is continuously growing… Big names such as Eberjey, Elle Machperson intimates, Bodas, PJ Salvage, … but also a lot of smaller labels!

No images, just two links: FIGLEAVES UK and FIGLEAVES US Sleepwear!