New Trade Show Brings British Brands Stateside

Los Angeles--The British may have voted to Brexit last summer, but some Brits are still thinking global.

A new trade show from exhibition organizer Upper Street Events, called Source British, is coming to Los Angeles this March, with the goal of introducing British brands to American buyers.

Source British will co-locate with LA Fashion Market, scheduled for March 13 and 14, 2017 at the California Market Center.

The show will focus on womenswear and lingerie, shoes and accessories, menswear, childrenswear and home, gifts and crafts.

National Jeweler chatted with Source British’s founder and show director, Olivett Asare, about his American dreams.

National Jeweler: Tell me about the concept of Source British.

Olivett Asare: Source British is a new trade show dedicated exclusively to British brands. This exciting new launch will feature distinctive British brands showcasing a range of heritage and contemporary collections across fashion, jewelry, accessories, home, gift and crafts.

NJ: Why have you decided to exhibit in Los Angeles?

OA: We chose L.A. for many reasons. First, we have managed to secure space during L.A. Fashion Market, the West Coast’s premier trade show to meet U.S. West Coast retail buyers, agents, distributors and press. Research to this audience showed 97 percent were interested in attending a trade show exclusively dedicated to British brands.

Secondly, our research has pointed to a rapidly developing fashion scene in L.A., and with L.A. recently cited as the fifth largest economy in the world it was a no-brainer.

NJ: What types of brands will be represented at Source British?

OA: We are targeting heritage and contemporary collections across fashion, jewelry, accessories, home, gift and crafts with an aim of between 70 and 80 brands in year one.

NJ: What appeals to you about the American market?

OA: It’s a market that understands and appreciates British design so it made sense to have a show that was purely focused on showcasing great British brands to U.S. buyers.

NJ: Any plans for future shows?

OA: We’re looking to do two shows in L.A. in 2017 (an additional October show), and looking at further expansion for 2018.

For information on exhibiting or attending Source British, visit their website.