ean Gabriel from French company Eska will be introduced to the UK and Irish market for the first time this coming August at Pure London. Having appointed Pierre Curtet from Manchester based agency Leap N Link, the label is now available to boutiques across the country.

The long established company launched its ready-to-wear label Jean Gabriel 30 years ago. With a sales team of eight covering the whole of France where the label currently supplies over 350 indies, the company has chosen the UK and Ireland for its first steps in export.

An expert and hands-on approach to creating fashionable garments that look and feel just as good in a size 10 up to a size 30 is the ethos behind the company's designs.

"Fabrics are like a living matter with unique properties which evolve and behave differently from one fabric to another," says owner Mr Luc Bourgade. "Especially as today's fashion trends call for garments to incorporate sometimes up to five different fabrics, it is essential to test all of our designs as the size grid increases. 

Our initial prototypes are created in a size 14 from which we produce our pattern-grid from size 10 up to a size 20. At this point we make up a prototype to be tried on a real size 20 model, where the pattern is revised to ensure correct upwards sizing and we repeat this whole process at size 26."
He adds: "Despite the fact that our sales are predominantly in the smaller size range, we take pride in ensuring that our collection will be just as fashionable and comfortable when worn on a fuller figure."

Production is entirely European and processed in the label's own factory - enabling fast reaction to in-season demand. Meanwhile, essential marketing materials such as catalogues, posters and branded bags are offered to independents with their delivery.

The collection itself is designed in-house together with the input of some free-lance designers,

which help to keep the collections fresh and up-to-date.
It bears a strong French signature, which the company says is proving to be a winning strategy for so many indies in today's difficult market conditions.

Moreover, with beautiful, colourful prints, comfortable materials and designs that are both stylish and individual, Jean Gabriel offers a real alternative to the options available on the high street.

So scribble this down on your buying agenda as a label to watch out for at Pure London.

CONTACT:Tel: 0161 713 1803 Leapnlink.co.uk