ImagesMagUK_Digital_Edition_Feb18

MARKET INTELLIGENCE www.images-magazine.com 50 images FEBRUARY 2018 technique is needed, and expects high standards. “We are really as vigorous as we can be in vetting any of the companies that we work with to ensure they are able to produce the standard and reliability that we are looking for. As with everything at Walk the Walk, we seek quality, attention to detail and good value, and it is amazing how many manufacturers this excludes. “Design is also very important to us – we are always looking for innovative sportswear designers that can create garments that you can feel good in no matter what size you are. Ultimately we look for creativity and teams that we can trust to deliver the same quality, time after time.” For decorators looking to approach charities, she advises that quality and durability will be key deciding factors. “There is an enormous amount of cheap, poorly made clothing out there, but we would never touch [it]. We would only look at garments that can take the regular wear and tear of our sport and still look good.” www.walkthewalk.org Having a branded T-shirt at events is hugely important A bespoke style and an eye for quality underpin the branded sports clothing sold to raise funds for Walk the Walk charity Stepping into the charity sector Branded clothing and items raise vital funds – and awareness – for Walk the Walk The MoonWalk London 2018 will take place on Saturday 12 May, 2018. To join the thousands of men and women taking part, sign up now at www.walkthewalk.org T he Walk the Walk charity is the largest grant-making breast cancer charity in the UK. It runs The MoonWalk night-time walking event that began two decades ago and is known for its participants wearing decorated bras. The charity raised more than £7 million in 2017, and more than £121 million since it began. Founder and chief executive Nina Barough explains that the charity aims not only to raise money to grant to other organisations and charities to help them reach their aims in treating breast cancer: “We are also passionate to encourage women, men and children to start walking as a means to getting fitter and realising that with small lifestyle changes, it can increase your chances of prevention against disease.” One of the ways in which the charity raises funds as well as its profile is through selling branded goods in its online shop. All the clothing is made specially for the charity from different suppliers, explains Nina. “All the Walk the Wear garments are created specifically for their need and functionality for power walking. Our clothing is not fashion-led, but based on a more classic style that is created to last. I really love technical fabrics and clothing, but it must be very wearable even under hardwearing conditions. We look for high-spec, technical fabrics that will not only do the job, but will last, and still look good after many, many washes. We aim to keep costs as competitive as possible without diminishing quality.” When it does buy in ready-made T-shirts, the charity looks for a good fit and quality, with Gildan being the preferred choice. Size range Nina continues: “I think having a range of clothing is an asset as it is specific to what we do, and of course having a branded T-shirt at events is hugely important not only in promoting the charity and the cause, but also in uniting people that are like-minded.” As expected with a large charity, a wide size range is a prerequisite. “It has been noticeable over the years that the range has increased; so whilst 10 years ago L or XL were the largest sizes we did, we have now expanded to 2XL and 3XL. I think it is encouraging to see that larger people are paying attention to lifestyle and taking on challenges as a means to getting fitter.” Before starting Walk the Walk, Nina ran her own styling and production company for 20 years, with most of the work being in the fashion and interiors sectors, and so all the garments both in final design and production are overseen by her. Decoration includes embroidery, screen printing and laser-cut vinyl. “The decision of what application is used is very much in line with the design and purpose of the garment,” she explains. The charity uses different suppliers depending on what decoration Training gear is available from the charity’s online shop