Christopher Raeburn: making it in Japan
Fashion designer Christopher Raeburn now sells to Japan with help from UKTI's Tradeshow Access Programme
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has supported Christopher Raeburn as he makes a name for his fashion brand in Japan. He took part in trade missions to Japan with help from UKTI’s, Passport to Export and Tradeshow Access Programme.
Kent-born designer Christopher Raeburn launched his fashion label in East London in 2008. Today his designs are sold through 30 stockists worldwide, including in Paris, Moscow, Milan and Beijing.
Exhibiting at London Fashion Week in September 2010, Christopher met a Fashion Sector Specialist from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) who invited him to join a trade mission to Japan that November.
He received a grant through UKTI’s Tradeshow Access Programme towards the cost of the trip, which saw him exhibiting alongside 20 other British designers at the GREAT Britain showcase in Tokyo.
Two further trade missions to Japan followed in 2011 and 2012 and UKTI’s Fashion Sector Specialist provided hands on support along the way.
Christopher Raeburn has now secured a number of partnerships and wholesale accounts in Japan, and is in advanced stage talks with a potential local agent.
The company is also working in collaboration with Japanese bag manufacturer Porter on Remade in Japan, a small range of bags from UK-sourced fabrics.
The support we have had from UKTI’s staff in both the UK and Japan has been outstanding,
says Christopher
Not only does our association with them give us credibility and open doors for us, but we can use them as a trusted sounding board.
Arrange a face to face meeting with an ITA
Fast facts
Company: Christopher Raeburn
Sector: Creative
Target Market: Japan
UKTI Services: Trade Missions; Passport to Export; Tradeshow Access Programme
Website: www.christopherraeburn.co.uk