Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - November/December 2024

Industry news Find out about all the latest from the fashion accessories industry in our regular news roundup FASHION INDUSTRY VETERANS LAUNCH THE BRAND GROUP The Brand Group has been co-founded by fashion industry veterans Damian Hopkins CBE, owner of PDS Radius Brands, and Sunny Malhotra, owner of Hong Kong-based fashion supplier Simple Approach, which forms part of the $2bn global fashion infrastructure platform PDS Limited. The Brand Group is an innovative force within the fashion sector, supporting an exclusive roster of leading creative fashion brands through its deep expertise in brand development and operational excellence. The Brand Group (also known as TBG) started with a big bang at London Fashion Week, and has quietly acquired majority stakes in three brands this year already. The portfolio includes renowned brands such as the luxury award winning womenswear brand Roksanda, with TBG also owning a majority share in contemporary womenswear brand Vivere, as well as adaptive fashion brand Unhidden by Victoria Jenkins. The Brand Group excels in managing and expanding brands on a global scale, their expertise encompasses everything from design and production to distribution, retailing, and licensing. Damian Hopkins CBE and Sunny Malhotra said: “We’re thrilled to launch The Brand Group at a time when the fashion industry is both challenging and full of opportunity. By combining our deep industry knowledge with an unwavering commitment to creativity and operational excellence, we are confident that we can help brands like Roksanda, Unhidden, and Vivere reach new heights on a global scale. Our goal is to foster innovation while maintaining the integrity and unique identity of each brand in our portfolio.” www.the-brandgroup.com NEW ONLINE MARKETPLACE LAUNCHES FOR CREATIVE AND INDEPENDENT RETAILERS Aberston, a brand-new online marketplace for creatives and independent retailers, has been launched. Aberston is an online B2B wholesale marketplace that connects independent retailers with independent brands selling unique, unusual and creative products. Serving as a bridge between talented artisans and local gift and homeware stores, Aberston offers a curated selection of handcrafted goods ranging from artisanal jewellery to bespoke fashion pieces and everything in between. With a focus on celebrating craftsmanship and individuality, Aberston aims to create a thriving ecosystem for independent makers and retailers. Founder and Director of Aberston, Djamel Benziane, says: “We’re proud to provide a space where makers and retailers can come together to celebrate craftsmanship and build thriving businesses. Every maker and small brand deserves a platform to showcase their talent and connect with buyers who appreciate the beauty of unique and considered pieces for their homes and lives.” Aberston simplifies the wholesale process for sellers, enabling them to list products for free, manage their inventory, and process orders effortlessly. By joining Aberston, sellers gain access to a wider audience of buyers both in the UK and Ireland, but also internationally, facilitating market expansion and customer base growth. Committed to fairness and transparency, Aberston ensures competitive pricing, clear terms, and ethical business practices, providing sellers with a reliable platform to conduct their business with confidence. Aberston is inviting makers, artisans, designers, and independent retailers in Ireland and UK to join its growing community and participate in a movement that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. For more information about Aberston and to sign up as a seller or buyer, please visit www.aberston.com 4

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