UK fashion and footwear trade exhibition, Moda, will deliver an all-new show in February 2020 to meet the changing needs of brands and buyers.
The relaunch will include a refreshed image, a new shell scheme and an improved floor plan. The event will also have new dates, new halls within Birmingham’s NEC, a re-edit and newly curated sectors.
Furthermore, as the UK’s national footwear show, Moda will see the largest gathering of footwear brands in the UK. A new edit of contemporary, classic, sports, fashion, office and kids’ footwear will be available for a/w 20.
Commenting on the developments is Moda’s event director, Adam Gough. “59% of buyers have been attending Moda for over 20 years. Additonally, 41% spend over £150k and 90% of visitors return every season and are owners with sole purchasing power. The show has this incredible heritage and is the heart of UK fashion.
“However, retail is changing and the show needs to adapt. A refreshed edit will ensure that Moda remains a leading hub for contemporary, diverse and inspirational brands to cement their presence in the UK market.
“Much of our plan is dedicated to drawing in the key names in fashion retail; from online retailers, multiples and department stores. With this in mind, we have altered our datelines for the a/w 20 edition to avoid clashing with Milan show, MICAM. In our new halls 6,7 and 8, Moda will now be taking place on 23-25 February 2020.
“We are extremely excited to showcase our re-edited vision and the newly curated sectors Edge, Luxe, Fusion, Occasion and Life in February, alongside the finest in footwear and sourcing.”
New show sectors
Edge will offer an edit of contemporary ready-to-wear collections from UK and international womenswear labels targeting 18-30-year olds. Occasion will stage a curated selection of eveningwear and occasionwear brands from around the world. Luxe will showcase premium womenswear collections. Visitors will also discover a clear edit of diffusion collections at affordable prices within Fusion.
Moda Life, meanwhile, will introduce a selection of leading ethical and eco-labels across the womenswear, accessories and footwear sectors. Moda Accessories will also receive a revamp, with a/w 20 offering a line-up of accessories, jewellery and lifestyle brands.
Launching at this season’s show with a focus on footwear, Moda Sourcing brings the entire supply chain under one roof, with manufacturers and suppliers meeting directly with buyers on site.
Moda Sourcing unites the show’s line-up of finished footwear collections with the manufacturers and suppliers who bring them to life. This is while providing a new gateway for global manufacturers to enter the UK market.
Commenting is Myriam Carnot Osbourn, director of International and Sourcing at Moda. “With over 20 successful years as the UK’s leading trade show welcoming visitors from over 40 countries, we’re proud of our capacity to continually adapt and evolve. This new focus area highlights the new products and manufacturing capabilities of exhibitors from some of the world’s key fabricating regions.
“Why now? As one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, the UK is still an important platform for global brands, and the UK consumer is as purchase-ready as ever.”
Moda is also putting investment into its Buyer Acquisition Programme.
“The value of trade shows lies first and foremost in the connections and networking opportunities they provide,” continues Gough. “As well as increased investment directed towards the targeted VIP buyers’ programme, the February show will also boast a bigger catwalk and more inspirational content; both areas that visitors have stated add value and interest to their visit.”
The a/w 20 edition of Moda takes place on the 23–25 February 2020. It will be located in halls 6, 7, and 8 at the NEC Birmingham. Click here for further information and highlights from the latest show.
