ASBCI Interactive Sizing & Technology Workshop at Leicester Tigers Conference Centre 17th & 18th May 2011
Many of the UK’s leading fashion brands and high street retailers, including local firms, George, Joules and Next, assembled at Leicester Tigers Welford Road conference centre to use groundbreaking technologies that are set to change the shape of high street fashion. The Interactive Sizing & Fashion Technology Workshop, the first of its kind to be held anywhere in the world and organised by the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry, ASBCI, was designed to let fashion professionals get hands-on with the most advanced 3D body scanners and garment development tools available in the industry.
Three full size laser, optical and radio wave body scanners were installed for the event and delegates were encouraged to get their bodies scanned; even Geordan Murphy, captain of Leicester Tigers, took time out from his busy training schedule to have his body scanned. Delegates were then shown how the body shape data generated by the 3D scans can be used by the fashion industry to design and make clothes that fit ‘real’ consumers better.
Malcolm Ball, chairman ASBCI, explained: “This has been a hugely successful experience for everyone who has participated. Fashion retailers, brands and manufacturers are under enormous pressure to make clothes that provide a better fit for more of their customers and when consumers come in every shape, size and age this is no easy task. The workshop has allowed them to use and learn about the very technologies and tools that will help them achieve more consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty.”
Julie Sanderson, senior garment technician at Joules Ltd added: “This has been a really useful experience that has given us plenty of food for thought and really good ideas to take back to the Joules Design & Technical team. Fit is a crucial element of garment development & we work closely with our design & buying teams whilst considering feedback from our customers.”
The ASBCI is the UK’s foremost and most active trade association for suppliers within the fashion supply chain. Its 120 corporate members include such high street retail giants as Burtons & BHS menswear, Dorothy Perkins, George, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Peacocks and Topman; e-tailers including ASOS.com and Shop Direct Group; brands including Aquascutum, Barbour, Berghaus and Jaeger; technology companies such as Lectra UK Limited and logistics companies including the Elite Group.
Since opening our new stand at the end of last year we now host the largest venue of its kind in the East Midlands. The Caterpillar Stand, home to the Premiership Suite can accommodate 1000 guests for Dinner and 1500 delegates Theatre Style for a conference. The stand is also home to 900sq meters of Exhibition space with vehicular access.
Alongside our new facilities we have 9 additional rooms and 26 Executive boxes which can be used for a variety of events. We have 220 complimentary on-site car parking spaces plus 30 VIP spaces in front of the new stand. We are just a 10 minute walk from Leicester Train station for those travelling by rail. Leicester offers a variety of accommodation from budget to 4* luxury.
So whether it be a Conference or Meeting, Exhibition, Product Launch, Wedding, Dinner or Private Function Leicester Tigers has a room for the event. Small or large our versatile rooms can cater for all, business or personal related.