2024 WRAPPED

Here we are again - it’s that time of year when we start thinking about the new year and the exciting plans awaiting us in 2025. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a moment to reminisce and appreciate the incredible milestones that 2024 brought us. So, without further ado, here is Oldstrom’s 2024 recap!

 

THE YEAR OF NEWNESS:

In response to the competitive nature of the fashion industry, we diversified our portfolio to bring a unique point of differentiation and fresh energy to the agency. This year we welcomed Edblad, Glas, Vivere and Isabelle Blanche to our lineup. Watching these individual brands grow over the past year has been so rewarding. Their distinct aesthetics have infused a sense of innovation and provided a competitive edge in the marketplace.

 

POSITIVE MARKET REACTIONS:

There’s no denying that 2024 was a year of uncertainty across the fashion landscape. The economic, environmental and socio-cultural instabilities created a volatile market. Despite this, we’re proud to share the outstanding reception to MeiMeiJ’s debut season in stores! Our contemporary Italian brand thrived in the UK market, with the SS24 collection receiving exceptional commercial success.

 

SUCCESSFUL SCOOPS:

No year-end recap would be complete without a nod to our seasonal appearances at Scoop. The trade show provided an invaluable platform to showcase our brands, strengthen relationships with our community, and connect with exciting new prospects. A standout moment this year was when Valérie Khalfon stole the show during the SS25 Scoop season, earning widespread acclaim. Seeing our clients resonate with our brands as much as we do is always a deeply fulfilling achievement.

 

OLDSTROM GOES TO IRELAND:

This year we hosted our very first-ever showroom popup in Ireland! The team had a hugely productive trip, meeting with our Irish clients on their home turf and showcasing some of our exclusive collections. We also conducted in-store visual merchandising training for local retailers, further strengthening our relationships. The trip was a resounding success, and it’s always a pleasure connecting with our Oldstrom community across the pond.

 

PROUD PRESS DAYS:

Amid our busy wholesale seasons, we hosted two buzzing Press Days at our Shoreditch showroom. Welcoming members of the press, stylists and influencers, we offered an exclusive preview of our upcoming collections. These events are always a highlight, allowing us to connect in person with the wider Oldstrom network and continue growing our community!  The turnout of both events were a hit, with a combined reach of 5.6 million - a result we are incredibly proud of!

 

WINNER WINNER:

This one may be our proudest moment of the year: Edblad was nominated as Best New Jewellery Brand of the Year, and Oldstrom itself was nominated for best agency of the year at the Boutique Magazine Star Awards. We could not be more delighted with the outcome as we walked away with not one, but two wins! Ending the year on such a high note has been deeply gratifying, and we’re endlessly grateful for the unwavering support of our community.

Here’s to a fruitful 2024 and cheers to a prosperous 2025!

OLDSTROM CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2024

Unwrap the magic of style this season of giving with our curated Christmas gift guide - a chic selection of fashion-forward finds guaranteed to dazzle your nearest and dearest.

 

THE TRENDY ONE

These are the unique pieces that will keep the fashion-obsessed people in your life looking fabulous and staying ahead of the trends.

1. Isabelle Blanche Coat 2. Bitte Kai Rand Coat 3. Glas Eyewear Chain 4. Kennel & Schmenger Greta flats in Rosso 5. Edblad - Gallant Necklace, Gallant Earrings and Gallant Ring 6. GLAS Eyewear Elara reading glasses

 

FOR THE TIMELESS

We love investing in chic, high-quality items that will stand the test of time and we know that you do too! So here are a few of our favourites from the current season’s collections.

1. Caroline Svedbom Paloma Earrings 2. Caroline Svedbom Lily Necklace 3. Vivere - Adele Blazer and Vivienne Trousers 4. Sand Copenhagen Cashmere Coat 5. Kennel & Schmenger Cleo loafers 6. Dea Kudibal Jasmina Blouse 7. Van Kukil Reese sweater 8. Karl Donoghue Mittens

 

READY FOR THE OUTDOORS

From the path to the pub - we’ve got you covered. Stay adventurous. Stay chic.

1. BRGN Duskregn Short Trench 2. GLAS Eyewear Chloe Sunglasses 3. Bitte Kai Rand Fukkura trousers 4. BRGN Black High Boots 5. Campomaggi Kura Backpack

 

THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

For the glamorous, social butterflies and the life of the party this Christmas- these are the stand out styles that will get heads turning!

1. Dea Kudibal Olivia Jacket 2. Isabelle Blanche Dress 3. Caroline Svedbom Diana Earrings 4. Kennel & Schmenger Greta flats in Schwarz 5. Campomaggi Afrodite Bag 6. Valérie Khalfon Sequin Gilet

 

STOCKING FILLERS

AN INSPIRATIONAL 48 HOURS AT CPHFW

Exploring CIFF trade show, an evening with the Dea Kudibal team and trend spotting at the CPHFW shows…

The Oldstrom team outside of CIFF trade show.

We had such a wonderful time in Copenhagen this week, attending CIFF · Copenhagen International Fashion Fair, where our brands MEIMEIJ, Isabelle Blanche, Edblad & Co, Campomaggi, BRGN and BITTE KAI RAND were exhibiting.

Oldstrom sales executives- Gemma and Freya at the Edblad jewellery stand.

As well as exploring the trade show, meeting with brands and customers, and attending a showcase event hosted at the beautiful Dea Kudibal showroom, we also had time to get lots of style inspiration from the runway shows and amazing street style looks!

As our Director Caroline told Drapers: "It is very inspiring to be here. It is a melting pot of fashion – you get a full 360 of fashion [due to the trade show and catwalks taking place at the same time] and it is very inclusive that way.”

We can't wait to return to Copenhagen for the next edition of the show!

Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/evsbFr2p

EVERYTHING WE HAVE BEEN UP TO IN MAY

In-store events, exciting new collections, a showcase in Milan and a road trip to Scotland. Take a look at everything we have been up to in May over on our socials and in the highlights below.

AN EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EVENT

Caroline and Beanie were thrilled to be a part of the exclusive shopping event at the lovely Moda Rosa Boutique, back at the beginning of May.

It was such a wonderful event showcasing Oldstrom brands including Dea Kudibal, Valérie Khalfon and Caroline Svedbom.

WINTER 24 AND PRE-SPRING 25 COLLECTIONS

This month we have been introducing our customers to beautiful new collections from both Dea Kudibal and Mei MeiJ. Both collections include transitional pieces that will help to refresh rails between the Christmas and early New Year period.

A TRIP TO MILAN

Caroline and Julie got to preview the Mei MeiJ Pre-spring 25 collection during a flying, 24-hour trip to Milan. They also managed to fit in a little sight-seeing and of course, stopped long enough to sit and enjoy some pizza and Aperol Spritz.

A SCOTTISH ROAD TRIP

Lois and Julia spent a week up in Scotland, visiting our lovely stockists and lots of new stores. It was a very productive trip and the girls thoroughly enjoyed their time up in such a beautiful part of the UK.

A 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

The team at Gunnel’s Fashion Marbella had their 20th Anniversary this May. They celebrated the milestone in the best way possible, with a big party including a presentation from Caroline Svedbom and a fabulous, multi-brand fashion show.

Caroline was excited to attend the event in Marbella and saw so many of our brands highlighted throughout the day!

THE AW24 - END OF SEASON ROUND-UP

The start of 2024 was a super busy period for the Oldstrom team - Another successful selling season of showroom appointments, trade shows, brand visits and road trips. But now we have had a moment to rest and reflect on everything we have achieved, we wanted to highlight some of the most exciting events of the last few months.

Take a look at what we have been up to recently over on our socials and in the highlights below.

LAUNCHING GLAS EYEWEAR AT TOP DRAWER

Back in January, we attended our first trade show of the year, launching a very exciting new brand as part of the Oldstrom portfolio - the premium eyewear brand GLAS Eyewear. We also took our popular Swedish jewellery brand Caroline Svedbom to the show and showcased their beautiful Spring and Summer collections. This was a great way for us to jump into the new selling season with momentum and introduce the new GLAS brand to UK customers.

MEETING BITTE AND MICHAEL KAI RAND

At the beginning of the year, Julie and Freya travelled to Copenhagen for the AW24 kick-off meeting with Bitte Kai Rand. On this trip, they got the chance to meet the founders- Bitte and Michael, (Who we have to say are the loveliest people ever) as well as preview the new collection at the brand’s head office. A very fun and insightful trip overall and they can’t wait to visit again for the SS25 kick-off.

SCOOP TRADESHOW - AW24 EDITION

In February, we were back at Scoop, showing off all of the amazing new collections from our brands: Caroline Svedbom, BRGN, Bitte Kai Rand and Sand Copenhagen. We also took this opportunity to launch Edblad Jewellery to our customers and new potential buyers. The Swedish jewellery brand was a massive hit, with everyone loving the chunky, trendy, statement style of jewellery that Edblad is known for. (We love being able to offer customers new, unique and exciting product offerings!)

ROAD-TRIPPING AROUND IRELAND

At the beginning of April, Julia and Freya took Oldstrom on the road, visiting 36 stores in various towns all around Ireland. From Dublin to Kilkenny to Cork to Galway, the girls visited key existing stockists like Ellen B, Venezuela, Gallery 9 and Macbees, as well as introduced themselves to new, potential buyers and stores.

Key takeaways from the trip and all of the lovely chats they had along the way include a very positive reaction to the first season of Mei MeiJ, with stores experiencing great feedback on the brand and great initial sell-through. Another super positive product category for Ireland was accessories, with stores selling current brands very well and looking to introduce new names like Edblad and GLAS Eyewear to the mix.