Margin, renowned for its upscale streetwear and directional tailoring, has been one of the best platforms for new talent for the last four years. WGSN reports from London.
Attracting a host of new names, Margin had the biggest show to date covering 9,000 sq ft. The show made the move to the new venue of the Horticultural Halls to accommodate growing ranges of labels that have been exhibiting at Margin since its beginning.Not only is the number of exhibitors increasing, labels such as Dephect and Lazy Oaf, which used to manage with only one rail as a stand, have successfully grown their business and ranges accordingly, consequently requiring more space. Hopefully this won’t jeopardize the intimacy normally praised at Margin shows, and we continue to see fresh directional brands showcasing and debuting.Over 60 exhibitors attended, with at least half making their debut at Margin. This season, five new Finnish brands had chosen the show for their first UK appearance. These included Annukka Takala, Keto, and Zukale & Huoviala, which are all recent graduates or students of the University of Art and Design, Helsinki.WGSN loves directional, sultry womenswear label Tiia Vanhatapio and the designer’s baby range Quelle Jolie Bebe. Vanhatapio’s two ranges were undoubtedly one of the highlights of the show.Margin has also organised an exchange program with International Fashion Fair (Tokyo) and chose Japanese menswear label Agent Knock Peaceful to exhibit in London. London-based womenswear streetwear brand Girlgang showed at IFF Tokyo in July.Margin is held at the same time as TBC each season, falling on Sunday and Monday of a designated week. Margin is great for attracting international buyers to London.

The overall impression for the show this year as it continues to increase in size with its great new venue, is that it is slightly more commercial than previous years but is still gaining the enthusiasm that makes it so special. FULL REPORT HERE