Jacket Required reviews use of space after ‘transitional’ SS20 show

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jul 30, 2019

Jacket Required only closed its latest edition at the Truman Brewery four days ago, but organisers are already planning next season’s event.

Held on 25-26 July, the UK’s only contemporary menswear and streetwear trade exhibition showcased a curated international line-up of brands across menswear, womenswear, footwear, accessories and lifestyle products, including Tretorn, Oliver Sweeney, Peregrine, Guess, Religion, Kangol, Lefrik, Hymn, R.M. Williams, Glacial, Yogi Footwear, Lacoste, Toms, Teva, Hartford and Fjӓllrӓven.

Buyers from award-winning indies Psyche and Albion Stores as well as Goodhood London, Asos, Topman, John Lewis, Aria, Idle Man, JD Sports, Office, Harvey Nichols, Manière De Voir, The Curated Man, Zacci Menswear, Zee & Co, Fenwick, and Amazon Fashion attended the show to see the latest collections. 

The event provided an insight into the hottest trends for the SS20 season, with bold colour combinations, neon, vibrant tropical prints and abstract patterns appearing throughout. Sustainability and zero waste collections were also prominent, and the trade fair put the topic under the spotlight with its ‘Discussion Required’ content sessions. 

But the event was hit by last week’s heatwave, which sent temperatures soaring to a record high on Thursday and caused chaos on the UK’s transport network. The continued uncertainty surrounding the UK’s effective departure date from the European Union and its economic consequences are also having a damping effect on the UK fashion sector, with most businesses remaining cautious until there is more clarity.

Speaking about the show, Adam Gough, event director at Jacket Required, hinted at a number of changes for the upcoming edition. 

“This season has been a transitional season, the new team and I have an exciting strategy for the show’s future,” he said on Tuesday. 

“We will be back at the Truman Brewery next season where we will better utilise the amazing space. The brand edit will be tighter, and the content will be unrivalled. Look out for information on a few new projects we will be incorporating into the show next season, Jacket Required 20.”