Harrogate Fashion Week closed its doors yesterday at 5pm after a successful 2 days. Brands exhibiting reported great sales with a significant increase on last year. The show organisers reported an increase of over 35% more buyers than last year.

This show is now a major player in the fashion trade calendar with the largest collection of womenswear brands under one roof, a substantial amount of special occasion wear, great footwear and new this season there were a few lingerie collections giving great add-ons for the boutiques.

Buyers came from all over the country, as far North as Orkney Island and from Devon in the South. Irish shops flocked into Leeds Airport only a short taxi ride from Harrogate and most came for the 2 days to make the most of their trip.

Organisers, Wendy Adams, and Sarah Moody were thrilled with the comments from both buyers and exhibitors and announced at the show that for the S/S show this year they have extended to 3 days due to demand. Sarah commented “Buyers can do a complete buy at HFW with great daywear, eveningwear, shoes, and accessories all in an easy to navigate layout so there is no need to go anywhere else.”

Pennita from Pennita, Helmsley commented “We could go elsewhere but why? It is all at HFW under one roof. The extra day next season will make the buying experience more relaxed and enjoyable. It will allow me to spend a little more time with each brand and not feel rushed. I love the show.”

John McElhinney from McElhinneys, Donegal told us “We had a great show and love coming here.   Lots of the brands we stock are exhibiting, and 3 days would be beneficial and help to spread out the buying.”

Buyers were thrilled to visit this beautiful spa town and many commented that it was like the “good old days when fashion took over the town.” They love the great mix of business and pleasure that Harrogate offers, in addition to easy access to the venue from all the hotels, bars and restaurants.

Brands who are big supporters of HFW including Isabella, Orientique, Marble, Pomodoro, Veromia, Rino & Pelle, Dolcezza, Lily & Me, John Charles, Bariloche, Tilley & Grace, NYDJ and Kevan Jon. Many of them commented how they love the atmosphere in the venue, the additional extras the organisers offer and the friendly personal service given. They feel valued which is important when investing time and money in a show.

Newcomers this season included Kate & Pippa, Amazing Woman, Brenda Zaro, Vilagallo, Flufie, Sabbot Headwear, Patricia Eve, Sahara, Red & Royal, Ochre Knitwear, Mjus Footwear, Nila Rubia, and many more. Wendy explained that the 3rd hall which was opened last season had an additional 1000sqm of stand space and that it was expected to be completely full for the summer edition, with a possibility of going into a 4th Hall.

Chris from Amazing Woman said, “We had a fantastic show, saw lots of new buyers and returning customers. We have already reserved our stand for the Summer and taken on more space.”

Louise from Alice Collins expressed the same, “We saw customers travel from as far as the Orkney Islands to see the show and had a non-stop stream of customers. We have reserved for next season and added on more space.”

Tommy from Kate & Pippa who was showing for the first time continued the theme “Had an amazing show and confirmed HFW would be their only show in the UK. The stand is rebooked for next season and additional space has been secured.”

Sarah commented “The growth of the show is the main reason for extending to 3 days, as buyers would find it too difficult to cover the show in 2 days. We have confirmed re-bookings of just over 85%, and already received new enquiries from brands wanting to join us.”