ImagesMagUK_Digital-Edition_January2018

AskAdy... Adrian Burton of South East Workwear runs the popular AskAdy site, which hosts independent reviews of workwear garments. This month, he’s discussing FXD workwear When Images magazine asked me to choose and write about the best up-and-coming workwear brand that I have seen this year, the choice was easy: FXD, a workwear brand from Australia that has hit the UK with a bang. For me this brand sticks out not only because of its products, but also because of its branding. I first met Bruce, our FXD area sales manager, when he came into my shop in Oxford to see if we would be interested in stocking his products. We never normally see reps without a prior appointment as the shop is so busy, it just causes chaos. What Bruce showed us, however, was what we have been looking for. We have had many workwear companies come in and show us their new and revised products and so many talk about slim fit or tapered work trousers. In most cases though the trousers are still the same style; they just have a reshaped leg to make it look less baggy and are not particularly innovative. FXD, however, has approached slim fit trousers from a completely different angle. I know some decorators might have a little trouble embracing FXD’s super stretchy, 100% cotton trousers as this style can seem on first appearances more suited to a high street environment, but if you are willing to invest in this product and get it on the shelves, you will be ahead of the curve. Not only have my reviews on these trousers had a fantastic response on YouTube, but also from my point of view as a reseller, it has been an amazing hit not only with the youth but with everyone. The bestselling non-kneepad version of the trousers, the WP3, does not have a kneepad pouch, nor does it have nail pockets, but it is a very strong, very stylish and extremely comfortable pair of work trousers – so much so that my sales team now wear them. If your customers feel that they are not quite right, get them to try them on: in most cases these guys end up buying two pairs or coming back very soon for more. The FXD range of products is expanding as they introduce more products into the UK. Check out their new jackets – I like the double breast pocket – and safari-style work shirts for starters. These products are all fantastic for embroidering a company’s logo onto. We have found that the products are easy to logo as the strong, stable material ensures that the logo looks great on the jackets. With the shirt, I would recommend using a cut-out backing when embroidering a large, filled, densely stitched logo to ensure it does not curl. Get on board and embrace the change; the workwear revolution is happening and FXD Workwear is one of the brands at its forefront. www.askady.com INDUSTRY NEWS www. i mages-magazine.com 08 images JANUARY 2018 WORKWEAR REVIEW To see AskAdy’s FXD video review, visit www.images-magazine.com . [Right] The W P 3 trouser from Australian brand FXD [Below] The n e w super soft FXD hoo d ie being embroidered The Print Show 2018 reports key signings The Print Show 2018, which is moving back to Birmingham NEC for its show on 18-20 September, 2018, has announced a number of big name exhibitors have already signed up. HP, which exhibited for the first time in 2017, will be making a return, as will Signmaster Systems, and Intec Printing Solutions. Intec’s MD, Ian Melville comments: “It seems that The Print Show is now recognised as the annual UK print event to attend. Intec was able to use the Print Show as a platform to announce and launch new products, and we took some orders on the stand; this is always a positive.” www.thep r intshow.com The Print Show 2017 took place at the International centre in Telford, but will return to the NEC in 2018 Helly Ha n sen acquires M usto Technical outdoor w ear brand Hell y Hansen si g n e d a definite agreement toward s the end of 2017 to acquire M u sto, the British specialist sailing and country apparel brand, fro m Phoenix Equity Partners and other shareholders for an undisclosed sum. Helly Hansen said the acquisition will see it become “ a global leader” in professional saili n g apparel as well as en h anc i ng i ts pr e sence in the UK outdoor market. The company reported it will “invest in Musto’s i n t erna ti ona l grow th ambitions as well as deepen its t e chnological and sourcing capabilitie s .” At present there is no information as to how, if at all, t he acquisition will affect either c o mpanies’ approach to the im print market; a spokesperson sai d it is not current l y pr o v idi ng further comment on futur e strategy. www.hel l yhans e n.com www.mu s to.co m