Blueprint fashion show silk dress -by Chic n Cheap Living

What Happens at a Fashion Trade Show

May 22, 2013

For many of us that don’t work in fashion, it comes across as an exciting, glamorous, and chic industry.

Since I have always worked in the corporate world, I also wondered – what does it take to make a brand?  How does a store like Anthropolgie source new designers and products? How do designers and stores meet each other?

I had the opportunity to answer those questions and more when I worked as a buyer host for Blueprint – an Asian fashion trade show.  A fashion trade show is basically a huge marketplace for emerging and established designers to meet buyers for different retailers (Anthropologie actually was there and I’m sad I didn’t get to meet the buyers!)
Blueprint designer lookbooks -by Chic n Cheap Living
I worked with Smeshstyle from Australia (lovely people and they carry such edgy fashion and accessories!) to guide them through the show. The show was in a large hall and each designer had a booth to highlight their wares.

First, the buyers were given a short list of designers whose products may match with their store. I mapped out a route and then set about to have the buyers meet the designers’s newest collection.
Blueprint purses by J Apostrophe -by Chic n Cheap Living Blueprint Religion booth -by Chic n Cheap Living Blueprint shoes by -by Chic n Cheap Living Carrie K ink splotch rings group - by Chic n Cheap Living Blueprint CristianHabana jewelry-by Chic n Cheap Living Blueprint Depression stripes -by Chic n Cheap Living
Then initial discussions take place as stock, availability, style options, minimum order sizes, and pricing are negotiated.
Blueprint SabrinaGoh and Smesh buyers -by Chic n Cheap Living
A few fashion shows may be set up so that the designs may be seen in action. Get your smart phone or camera ready!
Blueprint fashion show silk dress -by Chic n Cheap Living Blueprint fashion show model on phone -by Chic n Cheap Living
Don’t you love how people can have such different styles?
Blueprint fashion show front row -by Chic n Cheap Living

Finally, the buyers and designers may network away at parties or events set up at the trade show.  Isn’t everyone a little friendlier when there is great music, conversation, and snacks?
Blueprint mannequin with Swarovski close up -by Chic n Cheap Living

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  • FASHION TALES May 22, 2013 at 03:44

    I love those black and white shoes! I go to a lot of fashion trade shows for work, yes, the industry as a whole is very different from what most people perceive it to generally be. Enjoy your week! /Madison

  • Blond Duck May 22, 2013 at 07:06

    I’ve always wanted to work at a fashion show!

  • Cafe Fashionista May 22, 2013 at 08:04

    This is actually incredibly interesting – the perfect look-behind-the-scenes of the fashion world.

    P.S. The images here are GORGEOUS! I basically want everything pictured! 😛

  • Krysten May 22, 2013 at 09:56

    Very interesting, thanks for sharing with us!

  • Kim of A Very Sweet Blog May 22, 2013 at 16:26

    That’s what I always enjoy hearing about. The story behind the story. The process. So thank you for this. It’s really something how they choose the different things that are sold. It’s not easy. I read your email. I’m trying to put together a small list of things I want him to get 🙂

  • honeymyheart May 23, 2013 at 01:58

    having participated in a trade show, it is very interesting to hear things from another perspective. there’s so much interaction and style and work that goes on!

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