Topshop and Hobbs to sponsor FashionExpo 2008

Retail giants Topshop and Hobbs show their commitment to home-grown fashion with their support of FashionExpo, the industry’s showcase of emerging talent in the capital. FashionExpo makes its eagerly awaited return on November 19 2008 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. As the UK’s most innovative and directional high-street fashion brand, Topshop is an ideal partner, waving the flag of fashionable London. Hobbs too is a powerful force in the industry, representing the very best of high-street fashion for career-minded women.

At FashionExpo Topshop will support London’s fashion manufacturers while Hobbs is helping to nurture London’s talented young designers.

FashionExpo will play host to the capital’s hottest new talent, providing a glamorous but affordable platform for over 75 London-based designers and manufacturers to promote their collections and quality of production skills to retailers and designer brands. Retailers benefit from sourcing locally, reducing their carbon footprint and ensuring quick supply for in-season buying and production suited to small runs. Organised by the City Fringe Partnership, with funding from the London Development Agency, the one-day exhibition will include catwalk shows for both designers and manufacturers, a Business Support Zone and workshops led by industry experts.

Stephen Mongan, Sourcing and Technical Manager, for Topshop comments, “Topshop is delighted again to confirm their ongoing support for the FashionExpo event. This season we are looking for the Most Promising Sampling Unit which is a key part of our production process. We would like to wish every unit applying and exhibiting a successful event and look forward to reviewing each exhibitor individually.”

Nick Samuels, non-Executive Director of Hobbs adds, “Hobbs is delighted to confirm its ongoing support for FashionExpo and the designer show Profile. They have proved to be a resounding success, not only to Hobbs but also for the new and emerging designer talent within London. The collaboration of Profile with FashionExpo in November at the Business Design Centre is an excellent match. This is just what London has been waiting for - a trade event showcasing the best of the capital's designers with the quality of manufacturing today.”

Sarah Purvis, Deputy Director for exhibition organisers the City Fringe Partnership, says, “With around 21,000 people employed in the industry across London, we see FashionExpo as a new, collaborative and ethical way of doing business in the capital. FashionExpo unites the different segments of the industry - design, production and retail - making them more productive, providing new routes to market, promoting local production and sharing insider tips for small business growth.”

Find out more at Fashion-expo.com.