London Edge unleashes on the Business Design Centre with there 37th show!
48 hours of anarchy, fashion and mayhem from 11th-12th February 2018 as the Business Design Centre was transformed into an alternative fashion mecca for LondonEdge. The team were really pulling the punches with their 37th show in the series delivering a cocktail of new exhibitors, seminars and industry insights, breath-taking catwalk shows and the ultimate opening party alongside countless other extra-curricular activity. Showcasing brands such as YRU, Queen of Darkness, Collectif and Sourpuss, the list of exhibitors was packed with eccentricity.
In true LondonEdge spirit, the show was proud to introduce their brand-new Makers and Designers area. As massive advocates of brands in their infancy, Team Edge created the area to allow new labels to exhibit on a commercial platform without the high price point of a full stand but still take their product to market. Popular with visitors, influencers and buyers alike, the Makers and Designers area produced a few Cinderella stories for SS18.
This year, the show’s Sunday attraction had matured into an influencer’s event held at the show’s press office for the show’s Edge Influencers who had been involved throughout the shows’ SS18 marketing campaign. The elites of the alternative fashion world came together for an hour of fizz, fashion and networking as social media figures rocketed and engagement went through the glass ceiling of the 19th century venue.
So, how could this show get any better? Obviously with the ultimate opening party! This season’s Dis-Grace event with the Suicide Girls truly smashed it. Held at the Islington Metal Works the show team, visitors and exhibitors proved they know how to rock. Over 300 exhibitors, buyers, influencers, bloggers and industry guests piled in and duly fought for the right to party!
The girls celebrated feminism and fetishism with an array of performances that were nothing short of spectacular. Guests danced the night away as DJ Flik Renee took to the decks and delivered a nostalgic collection of rock, metal and alt tunes. Supported by sets from the rest of the Suicide Girls, the floors rocked as the evening hosted by Rebecca Crow accompanied by performances from Linzi Belle, Bambi Blue, Rebecca Lotus, Talitha, Bea Dux and Mimi Cee. With a complimentary bar on arrival, looked over by a statue of Jesus Christ himself, this Sunday evening was the ultimate form of worship for the alternative fashion mecca!
Then, out came the big guns … for LondonEdge #37 the team continued the legacy of the LondonEdge Awards to celebrate their brands and exhibitors in all areas of the industry. LondonEdge devised a set of accolades to congratulate their efforts across the board from newcomers to established heritage brands. Judged by key press, influencers and buyers in the field, SS18 marked the third ceremony in the series for the team and this seasons winners from a selected shortlist were:
• Best Women’s Fashion Brand – Fearless Illustration
• Best Menswear Brand – On the Sunny Side
• Best Dark Wear Brand – Crime City Clothing
• Best Reproduction Vintage Brand – Hell Bunny
• Best Reproduction Vintage Footwear Brand – La Veintinueve
• Best Rock Footwear Brand – YRU
• Best Jewellery Brand – Little Pig Jewellery Designs
• Best Newcomer – Frilly Industries
As if we could pack anything else into this jaw-dropping weekend! The 37th LondonEdge show also saw the continued appointment of Production Element as the guardians of the catwalk. This season the fashion game was strong as crowds were treated to a spectacular display of garments from exhibitors including Vixxen, Queen of Darkness, Jawbreaker, Hell Bunny, Retrospect’d and Collectif plus ‘The Stylists Edit’ of handpicked, up and coming brands. With incredible choreography, first class styling and sleek production the shows were named as the best yet.
Great reports, business transactions and a stunning exhibition equals a happy team. LondonEdge Director, Carole Hunter, had the following to say about show 37:
“What a brilliant show! With 37% overseas attendance representing 27 different countries it’s most certainly been an unforgettable celebration of international alternative fashion.”
The next UK LondonEdge will run, fully loaded, from 2nd-3rd September 2018 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London N1. Register to visit LondonEdge
www.londondedge.com