Janika Mazjane Job : Buyer Company : Baltic Designer Showroom Based : Russia Who do you think are the most important fashion retailers and why ? Major UK store groups such as Topshop , Burton , Dorothy Perkins and Burburry have successfully diversified , including mail order and e-retailing . Middle mass market is extremely overcrowded with fashion retailers , though I would say Zara is the most successful in terms of “ product vs price ”. Independent fashion online retailer Netaporter ’ s one of the most successful online retailers in luxury segment . Children retail multiple “ Detsky Mir ” running over 250 stores in Russia , offering a wider product range than “ Toys R Us ”, including nursery products , fashion , furniture , books and stationery . Why do you think UK fashion buyers like to work internationally ? I find that UK designer fashion businesses have unexpectedly strong international links , with many examples of the overseas sourcing of manufacturing and fabrics . They enjoy excellent relationships with the international fashion press , employ international sales and PR agents , and take part in international trade fairs . As a result , their international sales are rapidly growing . What do you wish for the domestic international fashion industry ? My wish is more for designers to believe that profit and turnover is not only in the segment of “ luxury ” Do not try to be a “ freelance “ and the merchant in one . Stop creating a blueprint collection with brands and stop paint something left , then the right hand , but instead to have his own style and stick with it . What do you think are the key issues to affect the Retail Industry in the next 5 years ? Consumer and demographic trends ( spending habits , buying behaviour , trends ), Price deflation vs rising costs ( rent , property taxes etc ), human resources issues , development of online retail . Luxury market is turning into a mass market and fashion today is more about sociology and economics , not a unique way of consumption ( it ’ s like skimmed milk in a porcelain cup ).
Paloma LoLo Karamel Job : Buyer Company : LoLosKloset Based : London What do you think about the UK fashion market ? I feel the UK is always embracing retailing , clothing and fashion as well as beauty products . The UK fashion markets are continuously changing , however always remaining current , new and fresh . What is your intake on British heritage brands ? On our very own British soil , we have an extensive history based around classic , rural pieces ; an aesthetic that has always remained strong and relevant . When I think of British heritage the first thing that comes to mind is English Classic . I believe that some British designers still stick highly to their roots in terms of producing their collections . What do you think makes British fashion so desirable ? The UK is renowned as the birthplace of some of the world ’ s most creative and innovative designer fashion labels . These labels have an important economic impact on the UK , particularly London . People from outside the UK are attracted to our excellence as well as our high quality goods . London is a huge Fashion capital , which is seen as very exciting and new . It ’ s a place that people want to keep coming back and forth to just for the Fashion . Why do you think overseas buyers are attracted to UK based retailers ? London Fashion Week is seen by most designers to be very influential , receiving substantial press coverage , introducing new designers and setting new trends and styles in the fashion industry as a whole . London is viewed as the UK ’ s designer fashion capital . The capital is seen as an influential hub for talent , trends , and creativity . London also hosts many of the leading fashion colleges and specialist fashion service providers . Most designers recognise London ’ s importance , regardless of their own location .
The UK market is extremely popular towards international buyers ; they are fascinated by the high quality standards that UK produces . London itself being one of the capitals of fashion attracts thousands of people from all over the globe . Britain is constantly developing and growing in terms of fashion . From shows that can be seen at London fashion week which present the upmost amazing talent to the everyday street style that we see all around Britain