PORTUGUESE CHILDREN'S FASHION BACK TO LONDON
During two days, the 12th and 13th of July, the Business Design Centre will host the second annual edition of the Bubble London Fair. The British city will become again the capital of children's fashion, where the main players of this industry will be gathered. Eight Portuguese companies - Chua - DOT - Dr. Kid - Gloop - Knot - Picola Speranza - Sissonne - Vandoma - that will participate in this event with the support of the Selectiva Moda Association as part of the From Portugal internationalisation project, will be highlighted.
During two days, the 12th and 13th of July, the Business Design Centre will host the second annual edition of the Bubble London Fair. The British city will become again the capital of children's fashion, where the main players of this industry will be gathered. Eight Portuguese companies - Chua - DOT - Dr. Kid - Gloop - Knot - Picola Speranza - Sissonne - Vandoma - that will participate in this event with the support of the Selectiva Moda Association as part of the From Portugal internationalisation project, will be highlighted.
The main fair dedicated to the universe of children in London will gather, for two days, approximately 300 leading children's fashion brands, emphasizing the Portuguese brands Chua - DOT - Dr. Kid – Gloop - Knot - Picola Speranza – Sissonne – Vandoma, the eight companies making up the Portuguese delegation that will be attending Bubble London with the support of the Selectiva Moda Association.
The Portuguese brand Knot is making a début with its participation in Bubble London, presenting its SS16 collection which is characterised by its refinement and ethnic inspiration. The embroideries are the key elements in this collection. Africa is the inspiration, the smell, the light, the texture, the colours, all that is felt and experienced while visiting this continent. The highlighted raw materials are cotton, linen and twill. "We had several interesting contacts, which later on turned a customer relationship (wholesale) into a sales representative for the English market; therefore, it seemed fundamental to us to be present at the fair not only to support the marketing efforts of the sales representative, but also as we already have a minimum structure in the United Kingdom, it makes sense for us to focus on an investment/promotion of this kind", states Sara Lemos, the company's international sales manager.
Sissonne, which is making its début at Bubble London, is presenting its first Spring/Summer 2016 collection. "Our sales strategy covers export and participation in international fairs. We will present our sample collection and check how our brand is accepted", unveils Inês Ramos, who is in charge of the brand. A collection composed of clothing for children, from 3 months to 6 years, that is designed and produced in Portugal and the raw materials are natural fibres. "The concept of this collection is a reinvented classic, always raising elements from the historical and cultural Portuguese heritage. It is divided into two ranges, in which one of them is inspired by the tram, and the other one by the contemporary life in the countryside", adds Inês Ramos.
Vandoma, a usual presence in this exhibition, presents its top trends in ties, bows, and vests for the next warm season. "Our participation in this fair is important due to the relevance of the English market, as well as the foreign clients which mark presence in this exhibition" explains Ana Sousa, a company representative.
Bubble London, runs twice yearly in January and July and is the only fair that is dedicated to children's fashion in the United Kingdom, where about 300 exhibitors fill the Business Design Centre with colour and new trends for Spring/Summer 2016. Since its creation, this exhibition has been an important launch-pad for promising new brands. The event includes in all of its editions the contest "Bubble Rising Star", which is directed to the new participating brands, based on innovation, quality, originality and marketing criteria.
The participation of the eight Portuguese companies in one more Bubble London edition is an initiative promoted by the Selectiva Moda Association, co-financed by the EU Structural and Investment Funds as part of the Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), Portugal 2020, and COMPETE 2020. The FROM PORTUGAL project is made up of approximately 81 international activities which take place in the second half of 2015 and in 2016, covering the entire textile and fashion industry and spread over four continents, with a total investment of over 13 million euros.
