The new Pulse was unveiled to some of the UK’s most discerning buyers from the 10-12th May at its new home – Olympia, London. Cutting-edge products were launched and exclusive brands revealed over the three day show to a great reception from buyers.
Claire Foster, fashion trend consultant, says: “As a trade show attendee veteran I was so impressed with the energy, lightness and contemporary feeling at Pulse. From the show design to the selection of exhibitors I felt that there was a lot to discover and be inspired by.
"We’ve been coming to shows for 20 years and this is the most exciting show I’ve been to,” explained online retailers Anthony and Sheila Cooper from Have a Nice Day."
Some of the finest emerging designers such as Maya Magal Jewellery, Gail Bryson, Dazzle & Jolt, Paige Cartledge, Jolie Lola and Tessa Metcalfe showcased their cutting-edge products to a wide array of buyers from Fenwick, Tate Enterprises, Archica, Fortnum & Mason and thousands more.
Retailers discovered exciting new collaborations including edgy fashion brands in Secret Emporium, exceptional upcoming designers in Selected by University of Arts and Launchpad, and innovative Hungarian designers in Hothouse Hungary.
Independent retailer Caroline Danziger-Webber from Present in the Laine commented: “I really enjoyed visiting Pulse this year. I was impressed by how many new and upcoming designers there were, many of whom were showing at a trade show for the first time. Pulse is lovely with a carefully edited selection of brands perfect for my buying needs as I stock a wide variety of categories."
Tatty Devine founder Rosie Wolfenden MBE, kicked off the inspirational Pulse ShopTalk programme to a packed audience on the opening day of the show. Rosie has become an inspiration for creative entrepreneurs, with her London based business that still designs and manufacturers in the capital. Retailers were also eager to hear from Design Writer for the Evening Standard, Katie Law who shared her top tips of how to make tomorrow’s headlines and gain maximum press exposure.
The coveted Pulse Awards 2015 returned and were held on the opening day of the show to celebrate the very best in innovation and commercial design. Five award categories were revealed, judged by an independent expert line-up which included Barbara Chandler, Design Writer, Evening Standard; Clare Foster, Fashion Trend Consultant; Katie Law, Design Writer, Evening Standard; Philippa Stockley, Arts and Architecture critic for Homes & Property magazine, and Nigel Carrier, Retail Consultant.
Philippa Stockley, journalist, novelist and artist, says: “Britain has a huge resource of commercial talent and Pulse really showcases the inspiring effort and skill displayed by our native designers well. This is an invigorating show in a great venue, one of the historic glass-roofed exhibition halls of London.”
Show director Louise Wallace commented: “We’re really pleased with the warm reception the new Pulse has received from both visitors and exhibitors alike. We’ve repositioned Pulse to offer buyers exclusive and cutting-edge products that will put them ahead of the competition, and it was great to see how it all came together in Pulse’s new home Olympia London.”
Pulse will offer invaluable expert retail insight, trend updates and new launches all year round to keep retailers abreast of latest industry developments.
