Moda x Pure at Autumn Fair set new standards for fashion buying this season, drawing strong visitor numbers and driving exceptional cross-category sourcing across Home, Gift, and Fashion.
Retailers in attendance included Fenwick, M&S, Tesco, NEXT, The Very Group, Matalan, F Hinds, TX Maxx, Morleys Stores, Frasers Group, Sainsbury's, Wilkies, Baldwins, Bradbeers, WM Nicholls & Co, Just Lily, Rutherford & Co, Oberon, Sister, Shirley Allum, Lilac Rose, Accessorised By Elite, Leaf Clothing, Alligator Pear and Justina, demonstrating the destination's growing relevance and reach across the full fashion landscape.
Jeff Banks CBE PPCSD, Renowned fashion designer said, "The big stand-out moment for me at this show is jewellery. The jewellery and accessories here are exceptional. Normally I veer towards homes and interiors but walking around the show I'm just amazed by the quality and design of the jewellery."
Jo Senior, Owner at MOJO in Twickenham commented, "The show is great for the coming season. We have two stores, fashion and lifestyle, and we came to Autumn Fair to find womenswear, menswear, kids and home. There are so many collections in one place, and with Pure merging with Moda and moving to Autumn Fair it's even more important to visit."
Katie Gibbs, OSO Boutique in Salisbury shared, "Autumn Fair has been fantastic. One thing I've really enjoyed today is not only looking at all the collections and products that I can potentially buy for the store, but also taking some time out to listen to the content and learnings in the Retail Corner, the presentations and networking opportunities. It's easy to just focus on buying, but spending a bit more time on those things is beneficial. There is so much I've learnt from these sessions that I'll be taking back to the business. The golden rules on how to visual merchandise your store were brilliant! Speaking with the founder of Save the High Street and discovering all the free resources they offer independents like me, both at the show and beyond, has been wonderful."
Exhibitors were equally enthusiastic, praising the high quality of buyers, strong order volumes, and the unique opportunity to connect with both new and existing customers in a dynamic, cross-category environment.
Louise Collins, Sales Manager at Alice Collins commented, "Our collection is stocked in independent stores all over the UK, including independent department stores. We offer a smart-casual collection that brings something unique compared to the mainstream. We're showing predominantly Spring/Summer but have also brought a top-up of Autumn/Winter and Festive pieces, which have sold really well. We started doing Moda and Autumn Fair after Covid, but we think the merging of Moda x Pure has been very beneficial, with customers attending from all over the UK. The show this year has been very good for us, we've met with people we had appointments with, as well as new customers, and everyone is buying."
Mark Hunt, Sales Manager at Ashwood Leather said, "Everything we sell at the show is for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season. The show has been busy and consistent- we haven't stopped! Our existing customers come here to see the collection, and we've also met new customers, so it's a nice mix. A real variety from fashion boutiques to stately homes and garden centres. The full breadth of retail."
Browdy Rowland, Senior Wholesale Executive at Lisa Angel commented, "This is our first time back at Autumn Fair since 2023, and from the very start it's been busy and a wonderful show. Since day one, we've smashed all our targets. We've been extremely busy, meeting lots of new customers as well as returning ones who haven't placed orders with us for a year or two, and now they're coming back."
Lesley Rock, Sales Manager at Nomads said, "Nomads is an ethical, sustainable brand, and this year we've launched an off-shoot, Saige, which is wholesale-only and aimed at a younger market. It's now in its second season and proving very popular. Moda x Pure has been great for us, with both in season and forward orders. We have seen lots of the customers we were expecting, and some we weren't. We have noticed a rise in customers buying in season which makes Moda x Pure perfectly timed for retailers purchasing for Autumn and Christmas."
Manpreet Bhamra, Head of Wholesale at Nova of London commented, "It's been a great Moda x Pure at Autumn Fair, and better than previous years we've attended. We have seen lots of new independents as well as Garden Centres and we've secured lots of new orders. We showcased the Autumn Winter collection, for seasonal top ups, and it has been very well received."
Visitors also enjoyed a vibrant content programme, which added depth and inspiration beyond product sourcing. Many attended trend presentations from Autumn Fair's official trend partner, Trend Hub by BDA London, who offered valuable insight into the key styles, colours, and consumer behaviours set to shape the upcoming season.
Emily McCarthy, Senior Creative at BDA London, began the with Big Ideas shaping the season: Revised Classics (heritage redefined), Enchanted Fashion (sensory design amplified by AR and AI), and Agelessly Empowered (age-agnostic products responding to the spending power of older generations). Trend Hub by BDA London unveiled five key micro-trends for the season:
Salvage - slow, radical fashion with reclaimed materials, luxe utility, and sculptural silhouettes.
Masquerade - kitsch nostalgia with playful layering, exaggerated femininity, and creative accessories.
Origin - bohemian cocoon dressing, artisanal touches, and soft, layered winter comfort.
Nocturne - hedonistic after-hours style, sensual draping, jewel tones, and AI-inspired brights.
Extra-Ordinary - investment dressing redefined with versatile foundation pieces, plush textures, and sculptural forms.
The overarching message for buyers was clear: focus on new classics, future archival quality, hyper tactility, and confident layering - with the 80s revival, tailored sophistication, and hi-low dressing providing key commercial opportunities for the season ahead.
"AW25/26 is about consumers wanting more than seasonal throwaways," Emily noted. "It's about rediscovering classics, celebrating craft, and building wardrobes that empower self-expression while standing the test of time."
Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Autumn Fair, said, "Moda x Pure at Autumn Fair has truly set a new benchmark for fashion buying. We've seen exceptional engagement, strong order writing, and a fantastic mix of established and emerging brands connecting with influential buyers from across the UK and beyond. The energy across the halls has been incredible, and it's clear that this dynamic fashion destination is now an essential part of the buying calendar. We're proud to be supporting the growth of the fashion industry by creating a space where inspiration, innovation, and community come together."
Moda x Pure has once again confirmed its role not just as a fashion buying hub, but as a dynamic destination where inspiration, learning, and meaningful connections shape the future of fashion.
