A Soho-institution for 25 years, American Retro consistently keeps local creatives, as well as tourists, in quirky unique gifts and accessories, alongside an offering of established and new mens brands +

With a sharply edited selection of witty gifts & homewares, and clothing from the likes of Fred Perry, Armor Lux, Lee Jeans, Eleven Paris, Kangol, Bailey Hats, AMH and Humor, American Retro has been the retail heartbeat of Old Compton Street for a highly-successful quarter of a century +

http://www.americanretrolondon.com

“I really enjoyed it, fantastically good show… It’s young and vibrant and everyone’s friendly as well so that’s a really good positive thing about it” + American Retro, London +

Margin, London. 9th-10th February 2003

Young Fashion Event, Margin saw a successful second season last month. Spread over 2 days during Menswear Autumn/Winter buying week, the event was held at the Music Rooms on South Molton Lane. This space was chosen for its central London location, close proximity to Bond Street tube & for the space itself. The Music Rooms is a popular venue chosen by artists & fashion designers to exhibit & show their collections. Parquet floors & white walls make a stylish blank canvas to dress & individualise the location.Margin was created out of a necessity. London is globally known for its young, cutting edge independent designers, who usually have little or no financial backing. Event founder, Odysseas Constantine wanted to create a platform for his own Rainbow Knitwear range and Block Headwear where he works as a consultant & sales associate. “Established London trade events are un-justifiably costly. Smaller, cutting edge brands who are trying to get off their feet simply cannot afford the stand prices being charged.” Brands showing at Margin can save between 50-75%, compared to more established events. Costs are kept low by keeping the profit margin realistic. Odysseas and business partner Laurent Roure, of Bond International have their own brands to show each season and therefore do not rely solely on the profits of Margin to survive.Over the course of 2 days, 500 buyers and distributors came to check out 45 brands including well-respected labels such as Broke, Bitter & Twisted, Electonic Sheep, Gama-Go, OK47, Upper Playground and of course Odysseas’ & Laurent’s own brands.As well as UK stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Urban Outfitters, American Retro & Joseph, Margin saw a big international interest. From Japan, they welcomed Ships, Agosto, Beams & Baycruise to name a few and influential Italian departments such as Fiorucci, Eight Ball & Daisy Age. Also present were individuals from Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland & the USA. A total of 17 magazines & press, including Wad, France, Sportswear International & Arena Homme Plus also attended.Next season the shows will divide into two categories showing at different trade weekends.