Tuesday 9th December 2008

Manchester Fashion Network present:

Fashion USA? – How to break into the US Market

Where and When?
6.30pm, Tuesday 9th December
The Northern, 56 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1LX

The Panel:

• Lauren Stone - Vice Consul of US Consumer & Industrial Goods at UK Trade & Investment
• Frances O'Gara - Director - Burn 'n' Violet
• Karen Holden - International Trade Adviser - UK Trade and Investment
• Vince Tavani - Head of Apparel, Europe - Reebok

The Talk:
Clothing, footwear and fashion together form one of the UK's larger export sectors, totalling about £9bn worth of goods. The UK is a centre for excellence in creativity and design, and the UK companies and brands that expand into the US are well-received and recognised for that excellence.

With the anticipated opening of the first US TopShop and UK designer Matthew Williamson opening a store next year, it seems the strong presence of UK brands in the US will not be slowing any time soon.

While the US fashion industry has many opportunities for UK design, from the classic to the most avant-garde, it is also a highly competitive and complex market. It is important to understand that while the UK and US share a common language, there are still numerous differences between the two countries. Any company preparing to enter the US market should be prepared and informed on how to best approach it and where its product should be positioned within the market.

This panel is intended to give a brief overview of the US fashion market, outlining the structure of the industry, and giving practical guidelines for researching, entering, and succeeding in the US. It will also provide a general overview of how the US apparel and retail industries are being affected by the economic climate.

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or £10 on the evening but please RSVP to reserve a ticket – rsvp@manchesterfashion.com stating your name, company and position.

Students - £6 on the evening with valid NUS

Free to Full MFN Members: if you’re not a full MFN member and would like to be please email michael@manchesterfashion.com or call 0161 819 2145 for more information.

Reserve your place