From the Sector

Over 300 brands have spent three months showcasing their offerings at the world’s first digital trade show. PREMIUM+SEEK Passport, in collaboration with JOOR, provided the industry with a digital addition to the physical trade shows that were unable to take place at all this summer, due to the current situation. The virtual event concluded yesterday.

Summary
“The event was a success: it reached a network of 200,000 buyers, logged over 20,000 visits, and over 80,000 products were sold. The brands that achieved especially good results were those that engaged their own buyer contacts and networks and introduced them to the platform. Things are actually the same as always, the principle remains the same. Success doesn't just happen by itself,” says Anita Tillmann, Managing Partner of the PREMIUM GROUP. “There was a strong focus on communicative value at this digital event. We feel that creating visibility for new potential brands and customers is the best thing we can do to add value for our customers in the current situation. We have worked intensively on how we position ourselves in this crisis, which services we can deliver, and how we can offer our customers and partners support of lasting relevance.”

Outlook
It is not yet possible to announce a final, definitive decision on the PREMIUM GROUP’s January events. The market analysis carried out with exhibitors, partners and retailers is currently being evaluated. The current developments in the number of infections and forecasts by the Federal Government also have an influence on this. These provide reliable data that can serve as the basis for a well-informed and representative assessment of whether and how the trade shows and conferences will be able to take place. Further information on the PREMIUM GROUP events will follow at the end of October.
    
What is certain is that, for the first time, the PREMIUM GROUP and Messe Frankfurt will be putting on their SEEK, PREMIUM, FASHIONTECH, Neonyt and FashionSustain events – along with a host of other highlights – from 6-8 July 2021 as part of Frankfurt Fashion Week 2021. New business platforms, glamorous events, innovative formats and content hubs will be unveiled to the fashion industry – not just in a new setting, but in a totally new guise.

• The PREMIUM GROUP in Berlin is cancelling its PREMIUM and SEEK trade shows for this summer season, as well as the FASHIONTECH conference – in collaboration with the leading global digital B2B marketplace, JOOR, there is still a guaranteed trading option.

Due to the coronavirus crisis, in April the dates of the PREMIUM GROUP’s events were provisionally moved from the original schedule of 31 June-2 July 2020 to 28 -30 July. Now, the Federal and State governments have decided to cancel large-scale events with over 1,000 visitors until 31 August 2020.
     
A statement from Anita Tillmann, Managing Partner of the PREMIUM GROUP: 

“We greatly regret the decision of course, especially after the success of our January events. The ban on large-scale events has been around for some time and has been publicly discussed. It hurts us to do it, but we are also conscious of our responsibility. If cancelling our trade shows, conferences and parties contributes to the safety of our customers and visitors, then we have to take this step.
 
We are in close contact with all our brands and partners and have spent the last four weeks discussing possible approaches, concepts and new focal topics for the summer. The bottom line is that digitalisation is clearly the focus. It’s all about using the time over the next few months sensibly. The timing for brands and retailers is now right – all market participants are aware of the necessity of this.

We have been working closely with JOOR, the leading B2B marketplace globally, for around a year, after successfully integrating our own digital platform, Veee.com. JOOR has digitalised the entire procurement process and ensures a seamless, functioning wholesale process on an international scale – both for brands and retailers.
 
We shall shortly be offering webinars on this and can offer our customers an optimal, digital ordering solution so as to use this time of the pandemic efficiently. We are very happy with this option and our year-long investment in the topic of digitalisation. This has come good for us now.
 
Our trade show formats have been about more than just ordering for a long time now. They are about encounters, emotion, inspiration, communication and, finally, the fashion community getting together. Although lots can take place digitally nowadays, it doesn't replace physically meeting up in person. We have seen this more than ever in the present situation.
 
We are going to work on new concepts for 2021, and we will liaise with the key stakeholders in Berlin and with all others too to ensure we hit the ground running again. We’re taking on the challenge and will come back to the industry when we have news.”

Sustainability is part of SEEK’s internal make-up and has always been part of the team and community experience. Over 80 sustainable brands make up the brand portfolio, including players like Veja, Dedicated and Kings of Indigo. Experts will be sharing their experiences on this market-defining topic as well, with a host of live podcasts, talks and panel discussions, and will be shaping SEEK’s programme of content.
 
BIG PLAYER: the new SEEK Culture
 
SEEK is Europe’s most successful trade show for pop, street and sneaker culture. This is where the key players meet, where the looks of tomorrow are showcased, modelled and retold, where classics are celebrated, authenticity rules the roost and where icons take their positions alongside shooting stars. SEEK is essential participation for anyone looking to curate a modern, youthful and relevant range.

The shift from a niche event to a large trade show is now complete with a new logo and campaign design. SEEK has emerged from its transformation to reveal that its content and visual look are as relevant as ever!  

Together with creative agencies Karl Anders and Haebmau, the SEEK team has been working for weeks on the brand’s new branding. The result: a visual concept with a strong message.

“The handshake is the right imagery and commitment to our stance and that of the SEEK community.”

“SEEK stands for strength and business just as much as for communality and good vibes! ‘Get Along’ articulates a feeling of agreement, of moving forward and getting to grips with things. We all want to shape a positive future for our industry – as partners and by joining forces.”, explains Fashion Director Maren Wiebus.

CREATIVE CONNECTION: Karl Anders and Haebmau
 
The Hamburg-based agency Karl Anders, which was established by Claudia Fischer-Appelt and Lars Kreyenhagen, was commissioned to come up with the creative concept and design language for the logo and campaign.

“With the new look we are entering a new era for SEEK as a brand. Lots of brands have chosen a design using Helvetica in recent years,” says Claudia Fischer-Appelt, Creative Director at Karl Anders. “We are now signalling a clear shift in another direction. Confident, bold and independent. With the logo we are inviting the viewer to play with the linear layout in their head; we are breaking viewing habits, making a statement and revving things up a gear. SEEK, there it is.”
 
The artwork is the result of a process of in-depth debate with the SEEK brand that took place over several weeks both within the team and also with the support of lifestyle agency Haebmau. Workshops, research and analyses ultimately led to a new, strong brand identity. SEEK is focussed on both established and new players and stands for the WE.

“I have known SEEK since it was in its infancy, so to me it was always like a little brother of the large, successful PREMIUM. Quirky and different, always interesting but somehow not quite so imposing,” says Markus Bublitz, Executive Creative Director at Haebmau. “SEEK today is more grown-up, confident and sharper. Thanks to its position in the market, which it has conquered over the years, it no longer needs to please everyone but can afford to be controversial. This can offer space for new, creative ideas.”

SEEK is edgy, clean-cut and unpolished.

We are all about statement design, new classics, denim and sportswear. SEEK is the trade show event for the fashion community. SEEK knows who calls the shots; it boosts sales and is the place for the next generation of decision-makers to get together. Unlike all the others, SEEK is unconventional and the antidote to boring.

• Performance assurance program for textiles with advanced moisture management technology

Huntsman Textile Effects has extended its HIGH IQ® performance assurance program to help mills, brands and retailers meet consumer demand for garments with durable moisture management. HIGH IQ® Cool Comfort performance program is built on the industry’s broadest and most advanced moisture management agents to deliver durable, long-lasting performance.
As consumers around the world adopt more active lifestyles and outdoor activities, the need for cool, dry and comfortable sports and athleisure wear is on an upward trend.
HIGH IQ® Cool Comfort performance program allows garments to breathe, while at the same time, transports moisture away from the body. This ensures consumers can stay cool, dry and fresh throughout. The unique technology supports accelerated evaporation, ensuring garments dry quickly for long-lasting comfort.

“Today’s consumer seeks comfort and performance in their active lifestyle. With Huntsman’s HIGH IQ® Cool Comfort performance assurance program, we offer durable moisture management so your garment remains breathable, stays cool and attains the comfort of cotton. Unique quick-dry properties created by the natural microclimate of the garment help to reduce post-exercise chill, making the effects highly suitable for sports and active wear,” said Lee Howarth, Global Marketing Manager, Huntsman Textile Effects.
Only mills that meet Huntsman’s stringent requirements earn the right to use the HIGH IQ® performance assurance hang tags as point-of-sale product branding. Updated hangtags and promotional materials are available to support mills and brands in communicating the benefits of the HIGH IQ® Cool Comfort performance assurance program.

The technology that drives the HIGH IQ® Cool Comfort program complies with the requirements of bluesign® for safe and sustainable textile production. Furthermore, fabrics produced with HIGH IQ® Cool Comfort moisture management are suitable for STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified textile products. The global leader in intelligent effects, Huntsman Textile Effects developed the HIGH IQ® global performance assurance program to help mills, brands and retailers produce high-performance textiles with built-in sun protection, freshness, friction protection and water repellence, in bright whites and color that lasts. The program is based on innovative dyes and effects and unparalleled technical support and application know-how from Huntsman Textile Effects to help mills improve their productivity and competitiveness.
 

Following its successful beginnings in summer 2018 and its expansion in January 2019, TRADE UNION will be developed yet further as a dedicated space for selected brands and agencies.
 
“TRADE UNION is very close to our hearts,” explains SEEK Director Maren Wiebus. “Being able to work together to fill a space with life, interact with customers and products, and tell authentic stories in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere – this open-minded, collaborative approach is ultra-modern and of the minute in its simplicity. We are all in the same big boat and can consider ourselves lucky that colleagues and customers are and have become friends. Together, we can achieve a lot this way.”

It has always been integral to SEEK’s DNA to continually work with partners and friends to develop new concepts that are perfectly suited to the demands of the market. The carefully curated setting of TRADE UNION, featuring brands such as Eat Dust, Porter-Yoshida & Co and Knickerbocker, is especially popular with the top buyers.
 
Felix Engelmann has supported the concept right from the off through his marketing agency Haptiques, and is full of passion and on board again with the concept this season.
“The TRADE UNION concept really came off for us in January. We worked well with our partners; the vibe was positive and nicely relaxed. I’m expecting the atmosphere in the summer to be just as fantastic and I’m sure it’ll be a good occasion with friends, partners and employees.”
 
In July, buyers can look forward to an expanded portfolio including Red Wing Shoes, a brand from Minnesota. European Marketing Manager Rik van Dijk comments:
“We can't wait to attend the inspiring setting, because our buyers really feel at home there. We need a location where you can take a step back, find a quiet place to sit and talk to everyone. The extra space at the TRADE UNION guarantees this. We’ve only heard good things from friendly brands and we’re really looking forward to the trade show.”

"The atmosphere at all four shows and also the #FASHIONTECH BERLIN Conference was more successful than last summer. The exhibitors repeatedly praised the range of visitors – international buyers, well-founded fashion experts, people that love experiencing new trends and with a high level of awareness for our beautiful world. All of them took the chance to exchange and get inspired by the shows and events. Our strength is the concept of creating content, commerce and community – we connect the right people at the right time and at the right touchpoints. The entire network benefits from that. Furthermore the new digital b2b platform veee.com was featured on the PREMIUM and SEEK and received a very positive feedback."
– Anita Tillmann, Managing Partner PREMIUM GROUP

On three days the PREMIUM GROUP once again showed and linked the most important international brands with buyers, influencers and other media representatives. Outcome: The real face-to-face exchange 2.0 is and remains important.
 
A total of 1,038 brands exhibited on the four formats. On top the #FASHIONTECH BERLIN offered the group's extensive and varied program as a conference. In addition to networking and trend scouting, the main focus was also on points of experience – an important aspect for the fashion industry, to which the PREMIUM GROUP increasingly relies. The halls of STATION Berlin, the Kühlhaus and the Arena Berlin were filled accordingly throughout the three days. The terrific summer weather contributed to the constantly positive atmosphere and invited all guests to enjoy all outdoor offers.

Zur kommenden Saison präsentiert die SEEK im Juli 2018 zum ersten Mal ein Leitmotiv: Destination – Berlin als Destination, SEEK als Destination.
Zwei Mal im Jahr trifft sich die internationale Community in der Hauptstadt, um die neuesten Kollektionen zu sehen, aber auch, um die neuesten Restaurants, Bars und Clubs zu besuchen – ein bisschen wie im Urlaub.
 
Neben den Events und dem Look der Hostessen und Hosts zum Thema Destination lädt die Außenlocation, das Badeschiff, zum Netzwerken mit „Club Tropicana“-Flair ein. Der Eingang zur SEEK steht unter dem Motto „Enter Through the Gift Shop“ und bei der limitierten SEEK x Merch Kollektion, mit u. a. T-Shirts à la „My colleague went to SEEK and all I got was this lousy T-shirt“, wurde auch an die Zuhausegebliebenen gedacht.
 
Gemeinsam mit dem in Berlin ansässigen Fotografen und Künstler Johannes Böttge entstand die aktuelle SEEK-Kampagne. Gezeigt werden ironisch übersetzte Touristenfoto-Motive mit Sehenswürdigkeiten wie dem Brandenburger Tor, dem Alexanderplatz oder der Siegessäule.

„Die analoge Fotoserie „Tourist Sculptures" (2018) stellt mit unvollkommenen Skulpturen und Personen ein stereotypes Spektakel dar. Diese Fotografien, als zeitgenössische Interpretation bekannter Haltungen, umfassen die allzu bekannten visuellen Phänomene des nicht-orchestrierten Spiels eines Souvenirs oder einer Erinnerung. Touristen machen Spaß, Unvollkommenheit macht Spaß – beides ist gut für uns!", so Johannes Böttge zur Fotostrecke der aktuellen Kampagne.

Die SEEK heißt Johannes Böttge im Kreis der SEEK-Familie willkommen!

Seit Straßen- und Pop-Kultur mehr und mehr ineinander übergehen, wird es immer schwerer Leader von Followern zu unterscheiden. Es braucht eine Stimme, die klar zeigt, wer wofür steht – und die Leader brauchen eine Plattform, damit ihre Stimme gehört wird.

Da kommt SEEK ins Spiel.

Noch mit der Energie der letzten Saison in den Adern, startet die SEEK in die Berliner Modewoche vom 16. bis 18. Januar – alles im Namen der Voice of Street Culture. In der ARENA Berlin schafft SEEK Raum für kreative Brands, die das Straßenbild bestimmen. Auf der großen Ausstellungsfläche der ARENA Berlin können Besucher aktuelle Strömungen der kommenden Saison erleben – eingefangen und gefiltert durch den Blick der Community.

Führende Brands aus dem Bereich Menswear begegnen aufstrebenden Labels der Womenswear, während Unisexkollektionen für großes Umdenken stehen, indem sie das beste aus allen Welten kombinieren. Schuhe, Accessoires, Gadgets, Kosmetik, Papeterieartikel und Homewares, runden das Angebot originell ab und geben einen umfassenden Einblick in den Lifestyle der SEEK Community.

HEADTURNERS

In einer Welt, die immer eintöniger erscheint, möchte man ganz besonders herausstechen. SEEK's selektive Auswahl von Labels mit unverkennbarem 'Signature Look',  gibt den Besuchern eine exklusive Preview  auf die Kollektionen, die den Ton für die nächste Saison angeben.

OUTDOOR & SPORTS

Nur weil die Temperaturen sinken, bedeutet das nicht, dass beim Kleidungsstil Abstriche gemacht werden müssen – das gilt vor allem für die Athleten unter uns. In der Herbst/Winter 2018/19 Saison statten die führenden Outdoor- und Sportswear Brands jeden mit Bewegungsdrang mit dem richtigen Equipment gegen alle Witterungen aus. Für cleane Looks und funktionale Styles stehen Brands wie Snow Peak, Filson, Topo Designs und Black Mountain Clothing Company. Ihnen zur Seite steht die endgültige Rückkehr der 90er Jahre sowie die frühen 2000er Jahre in Form von Karl Kani, Ellesse, FILA, Russel Athletic, FUBU, Champion Reverse Weave, Helly Hansen, Mitchell & Ness und vielen mehr.

BRAND NEW

Die SEEK hat sich dazu verpflichtet neue Strömungen so effektiv, effizient und aufregend wie möglich zu gestalten und so verspricht auch diese Saison zahlreiche Highlights. Zum Beispiel eine thematische Aufteilung der Halle. Die Bereiche werden farbcodiert und kennzeichnen unterschiedliche Bereiche. Unter der Überschrift Green Force finden die Besucher Mode- und Lifestyle Marken mit einem grünen und nachhaltigen Bewusstsein, wie Veja, Ecoalf, Kowtow, Maska und Mud Jeans. Daneben werden die Classics and Icons präsentiert mit zeitlosen Produkten wie denen von Armor Lux, Oliver Spencer und Porter-Yoshida Co. Im Bereich Craftsmanship werden Tradition und ehrliche Handwerkskunst groß geschrieben: mit dabei zum Beispiel Novesta, Norwegian Rain, Eat Dust, Filson, Pendleton Woolen Mills und Blue de Gênes. Strong Zeitgeist hingegen legt den Fokus auf marktstarke Helden des Alltags, wie Eastpak, Herschel Supply Co. und Rains. In der Kategorie Sports and Streetwear trifft man auf Kappa, Fila, Helly Hansen, Ellesse und viele andere.

Außerdem grenzt an die in der letzten Saison lancierten SEEK Houses, nun die Fläche der Trade Union, einem Areal, in dem der Fokus auf der konzentrierten Order in ruhiger Atmosphäre liegt. Die Besucher der SEEK Houses finden das Neueste von Birkenstock, Han Kjøbenhavn und Clarks Originals in umfangreicher Präsentation, während in der Trade Union Area die Vertreter von Porter-Yoshida & Co, Filson, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Monokel Eyewear und Shinola sich auf ihr Business fokussieren.

Vom 4. bis 8. Juli 2017 bringt die SEEK zur Fashion Week einen Pop-up-Shop auf die Straße. Die SEEK transformiert den Hotspot Fechtner Delikatessen – bekannt für ein umfassend gesundes Food-Angebot bestehend aus regionalen Produkten höchster Qualität – in ein Retail-Konzept. Fashion In- und Outsider finden hier zusammen, um zu inspirieren und sich inspirieren zu lassen. Die Berliner Torstraße, wo das erste Pop-up-Format der SEEK aufschlägt, ist ein Zentrum der Offenheit, Inspiration und Individualität. Die SEEK als offizielle ‚voice of street culture’ begibt sich mitten hinein ins Leben.
Marke, Einkäufer, Presse, Konsumenten – die Grenzen verschwimmen von Saison zu Saison mehr. Als zeitgemäße Antwort auf die Herausforderungen des Handels präsentiert der Shop eine kuratierte Auswahl von Mode, Food und Lifestyle. Mehr noch: Der Einkauf wird zum Erlebnis, indem ein Konzept entsteht, an dem jeder teilhaben will, und das jeder teilen möchte.
Das Konzept Super Natural ist gleichermaßen das Dachthema der sechsten Ausgabe des SEEK Magazines. Im Pop-up-Shop werden ausschließlich weiße Produkte angeboten, in einem klaren und auf das Wesentliche reduzierten Umfeld. Am 3. Juli wird dann zum Launch der aktuellen Printausgabe in den Pop-up-Shop eingeladen.
Super Natural ist in Zusammenarbeit mit Daniel Padilla Werner (Brand & Retail Consultant/Buyer Denim & Urban bei der KaDeWe Group) entstanden.