Images Magazine November 18

KB INDUSTRY EVENT www.images-magazine.com 22 images N0VEMBER 2018 shirts and blouses collection. Historically, the company has supplied both easycare and more premium non-iron products; however, following consolidation of the collection, it now offers only shirts and blouses in premium quality non-iron fabric, but at great value ‘easycare prices’. Other developments included the launch of the new Junior Tartan Skirt and Pinafore range in three patterns, (building on the success of the company’s senior tartan skirts – now also available in the new Pendle pattern), plus its new Junior Boys Slim Fit Trouser with contemporary slim-fit leg styling. The company was exhibiting its Akoa specialist technical sportswear brand on a separate stand where the new made-to- order Vortex range was setting the pace. Comprising seven modern sportswear styles featuring a new mesh fabric, the collection can be specified with up to four colour options (main body, shoulder panel, mesh side panel and side trim) from a palette of 17 colours for ultimate mix and match versatility. School sportswear Falcon Sportswear launched its new Fusion range of made-to-order T-shirts, which merges two-process cut-and-sew with sublimation printing. The garments, in unisex and girls’ styles, are made from the same micro mesh 100% polyester fabric with moisture management T he Schoolwear Show 2018 took place at Cranmore Park, Shirley, over three days in mid-October. Even torrential rain and gusting winds couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the nation’s schoolwear retailers who travelled from far and wide to attend the opening of the newly rebranded event. The show’s new organisers had promised changes and (rain) hats off to them for doing just that, injecting a new sense of energy and purpose into the exhibition, which was evident from the moment one set foot in the venue. This was helped enormously by the revamped layout of the exhibition floor, which felt more open, modern and inviting and which was complemented by creative stand builds from some of the larger exhibitors. Rebranding Trutex was one of several exhibitors that also unveiled a new identity at the show. Its new, more sophisticated, branding revolves around a crest/shield-style castle icon that proudly proclaims the company’s 153-year history and heritage, and reinforces its values of strength and made-to-last quality, explained Rowena Allen, marketing manager. A large display showcasing the new logo took centre stage on the company’s stand, along with several new product developments. Chief amongst these was the relaunched Trutex Images braved torrential downpours and dicey driving conditions to visit The Schoolwear Show 2018 and found a revitalised event with plenty to shout about Review: The Schoolwear Show2018 technology used in Falcon’s Encore garments and provide 40+ UPF protection. As Dan Blair, business development manager, revealed, the new Fusion styles feature a chest panel that’s designed for sublimation printing: customers can use the company’s online kit builder to specify the garment’s base colour, panel colour and accent colour(s). There are four panel designs to choose from in each style and logo printing is included in the price (logos are easily uploaded online as part of the build process). Dan reported that the new product had met with a very positive response from visitors. Also showing new sportswear ranges for the first time were Banner and Gymphlex. Banner describes its new Aptus Essentials range as “modern, stylish sportswear in an array of colours and sizing options that drive full sport participation”. Sarah Robins, marketing manager, explained that the range is designed to complement the premium Aptus Performance styles, while offering customers a lower price entry point into the Aptus collection. The complementary styling allows Essentials and Performance styles to be easily mixed and matched. (See the September 2018 issue of Images for more details of the Aptus Essentials styles.) Sarah added that 2018 has been Banner’s best ever year for service with a stock holding of over £18m at its highest point (3.6m garments) and 97.7% stock availability all year round. The new GForce Essentials sportswear range launched by Gymphlex is aimed The Trutex stand displayed the company’s new branding Rowena Allen with examples of the new Akoa Vortex sportswear styles Falcon’s Dan Blair with the new Fusion sports shirts featuring a panel for sublimation printing