Katie's Monday Mini Memo #003

It’s been quite the week in our fast-scrolling, ever spinning world of news, and honestly all I want right now is a little escape. So this Monday we’re pressing pause and diving head first into some unapologetic escapism… shopping for high-fashion sparkle, mood lifting metallics and a touch of street style with an imaginary no limit budget for fun. Our inspiration – the super cool mini french fashion influencer @niky.naya.pic who kindly shot a selection of looks for our recent Pirouette directory print zine. Glitter with attitude, cool kids wear chrome.

Sparkle and shine like mini French fashion influencer @niky.naya.pic we love his playful standout style. Niky curated some fun looks for our recent Pirouette directory print zine, Merci Niky!

As applications open for the Fall/Winter 2026 selling season many brands are asking the same big question:

Which trade show is right for me ? 

With multiple shows to choose from, each with it’s own vibe, buyer profile and geographical pull – it can feel overwhelming trying to decide where to invest your time, energy & budget. The truth is, there’s no easy answer. It depends on your brand and your goals and where you are at in your business journey.

So how do you make the right call?  Should you go where your competitors are? 

It’s tempting to gravitate towards shows where similar or aspirational brands are exhibiting. There’s logic to this: buyers looking for brands may also be looking for complementary collections like yours. It can position you in the right neighbourhood.

But there’s a flip side: if you’re surrounded by too many similar brands, it can be hard to stand out. In some cases, being the unique collection in a more diverse show may give you more visibility and impact.

Consider the stage you are at in your business development

Where you’re at in your brand journey matters.

• Newer brands may benefit from more curated, boutique -style show where storytelling and discovery play a bigger role.
• More established brands might aim from high traffic, international trade shows in order to reach a wider range of buyers and markets.

Ask yourself:

• Are you looking to build brand awareness?
• Are you in a position to scale up production for volume orders?
• Or are you wanting to test a new market?

Know your target market…

What types of stores do you want to be stocked in…

• Kids boutiques and concept store throughout Europe?
• Multi-brand US department stores?
• Trend – forward Asian retailers?

Different shows attract different types of buyers. Understanding who you want to attract and which shows they attend will focus your options.

What Next?

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into the subject, we know it’s a big decision and Pirouette is here to give you the facts.

Back to school means…nits might be back too! Here’s a simple , natural remedy to help keep them at bay.

Rosemary & Lavender Nit Treatment.

This gentle yet effective formula is free from harsh chemicals like organophosphates and uses easily sourced ingredients. Perfect if you find them in the evening, the pharmacy is closed, but you have the ingredients for a bolognese at hand.

Pirouette Home Grown Remedies: Head Lice Treatment 

Much loved NYC based children’s boutique YOYA has opened a beautiful new brick & mortar location. A longtime friend of Pirouette, we are thrilled to see Christina – and now her daughter, who recently joined the business continue to grow this iconic kids fashion & lifestyle business. Congratulations to the team: the new store looks absolutely wonderful!

Read Pirouette’s YOYA Parent & Child Interview &  Christina’s 2018 interview from Pirouette archives.

With the world feeling a bit shaky – geopolitical tensions… it’s a real escape to dive into the sparkle and shine of kids’ fashion. Little fashionistas like Niky remind us of the joy in creative play and self expression. It’s refreshing, fun and full of possibility. My dream edit? No budget limits, of course because why not dream big!

Keep an eye out for our next episode about CBME Turkiye this week – we can’t wait to share more.

Katie
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