Show Report: Dot to Dot, London SS18

There were over 45 labels exhibiting and 400 visitors through the door to this summer’s edition of Dot to Dot London. It was a busy Sunday morning for early bird buyers and press. During other trade shows I was asked multiple times by press and brands what I thought of Dot to Dot and this was my answer.

Yes, Do to Dot London is a small UK trade show but in my opinion it’s a good launch pad and conduit for young labels starting out looking to gain covertable press exposure and brand awareness. Something very important in my view. Plus it has a nice boho feel (think Monica’s apartment from friends) for buyers to view new collections by old friends and discover new lines.

I bumped into stylists, other press (some international) and UK based multi-brand boutique owners all walking the show. Last season off the back of exhibiting for the first time brands like Mini Stitches (Pirouette One to Watch Fashion Winner Aw17)  and Otti (Dot to Dot best new comer winner) secured a number of orders enabling the fledgling labels to start their very first production runs. Obviously, there is a mix of new brands and established exhibitors with much loved brands The Bonnie Mob, Tootsa and this season Bang Bang Copenhagen exhibiting at the show. You might describe it as a tasty and nourishing starter before the larger shows in Europe.

Interestingly I discovered at the show that at least 6 UK independent multi brand store owners attending Dot to Dot were choosing to stay on home soil and not to cross the water to Europe for the buying season. Whether this is part of some Brexit effect it’s difficult to tell but it suggests some independents are maybe taking a more conservative approach to their buying this season.

So let’s introduce you to some of the products and new collections at the show:

OTTI

Paler shades of denim for Otti ss18 using the same shapes, keeping it unisex with the addition of a dress this season(why not). Great use of colour in their photography, fun and staying true to their already strong brand identity. Great young brand.

Mini Stitches

Bold graphics and colour by Mini Stitches (Pirouette One to Watch AW17 winners) for their second collection. Loved the shape of the jumpsuit pictured above with the same print. Tricky though to get a good image of the whole collection with the lighting. But advise you go check out the collection, really strong. Loved it.

Amy & Ivor

Amy & Ivor have a great new service for their buyers. They have taken their 4 best selling classic styles and given them an extensive range of colours for buyers to select from so to create their own tailored Amy & Ivor collection for their store. So for example if you ordered more blues & reds from Bobo Choses you can now choose the specific colours from the Amy & Ivor collection to compliment. They can do this because Amy & Ivor have their own production facilities in the UK and can make to order. No surplus, clever. In addition to this they will be releasing 2 seasonal collections each year. Also did I say the colours are gorgeous!

Ana-Moly

A new discovery, kids home line collection by Ana-Moly. The spotted donkey graphic is a favourite and  there is real quality to the Ana- Moly products which I loved. The ceramic feed set with the smiley faced spoon is really beautiful and a lovely quality gift. Lovely line, I can see them doing very well.

Kiki Crafted With Love 

We have had a baby kimono in our family for years it’s seen us through my sister’s two girls and my two girls as babies and now after those 11 years service it has made it’s way over to Melbourne to my niece. It’s true to say I’m a big fan of a baby kimono, they are so functional and Kiki Crafted with Love’s kimonos are especially gorgeous. The patterns are delightful, lots of love for this lovely label.

Selfie Clothing 

A unicorn power colouring super cape! The cape is by UK based company Selfie Clothing. My youngest unicorn loving little one who is just as likely to deliver you a karate chop, loved this. Hesitated to get her one as I wasn’t sure what mischief she’d get up to with the addition of unicorn power. Joking aside this is a really nice interactive product for children in giftable packaging.

Stay and Bird 

A collection inspired by the nature on your doorstep, 100% organic cotton with printed illustrations on the front and back of the sweatshirts. I liked the snail and munched leaf. The illustrations some what reminiscent of old ladybird book drawings. These could really spark a little one’s imagination, both funny and cool to be wearing a snail, and his lunch on your back

Our Pirouette One to Watch Winners in Fashion and Design

Winners Fashion
Knit Planet

 

Wonderful palette of colours in light weight summer knits, with simple wearable lines. Stunning collection and machine washable knitwear for kids. What’s not to love about Knit Planet !

Winners Design
Goodordering Mini

 

Their cool retro style and super functional bags made them stand out at the show but the new range of magnetic sunglasses really was an added bonus and surprise. Such great fun style for cool kids !

Tibits London 

Introduced to me by Florence, this is the healthiest and yummiest chain of restaurants. Fantastic for Sunday lunch when visiting the show, check it out if you are visiting. Just be aware not to take a plate help yourself to the buffet and sit down like I did first time…you need to have it weighed and paid – lesson learnt and shared ;-)