How Scoop's landmark partnership with Italy is bringing a new generation of designers to the UK
When Karen Radley talks about the upcoming edition of Scoop, she returns repeatedly to one idea: discovery.
For more than a decade, the show has built its reputation on introducing buyers to collections they might not otherwise encounter, carefully curating a mix of emerging talent, established names and international designers that reflects the changing landscape of fashion retail. This season, however, that commitment to discovery has taken on an even greater significance through a landmark new partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), the Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in London.
The collaboration will see an exclusive collective of 32 contemporary Italian designers make their debut at Scoop this July, spanning womenswear, knitwear, accessories and lifestyle collections. Crucially, none of the participating designers have previously exhibited at Scoop or within the UK market, creating a rare opportunity for buyers to discover a new wave of Made in Italy creativity.
"In all the years I've been running Scoop, one of the things that still excites me most is introducing buyers to designers they have never encountered before," says Radley. "Retailers are constantly looking for something fresh, something distinctive and something with a genuine story behind it. This collaboration gives them exactly that. These are collections that are entirely new to the UK market, many from family-owned businesses with incredible heritage, craftsmanship and authenticity."
The partnership represents one of the most significant international collaborations in Scoop's history and reflects the show's growing influence as a platform for global fashion discovery. It also signals a wider shift within the industry, where buyers are increasingly looking beyond established labels in search of originality, provenance and meaningful product differentiation.
"What makes this collaboration particularly exciting is that it isn't simply about bringing Italian designers to London," Radley explains. "It's about introducing a community of designers who embody everything buyers are looking for today; quality, creativity, craftsmanship and a strong sense of identity. These are collections with real substance behind them."
The showcase itself spans an impressive cross-section of contemporary Italian design. Within accessories, buyers will discover collections ranging from jewellery and handbags to footwear and artisanal accessories, each reflecting a different facet of Italy's creative landscape. Heritage jewellery houses Angela Caputi, Ornella and Polina sit alongside handbag specialists Ripani, Carboti and Hibourama, while footwear designers Acanto, Fiorentini + Baker, Lorenzo Masiero and Sayyou demonstrate the enduring strength of Italian shoemaking. Completing the accessories edit is Pasotti, the iconic umbrella maker renowned for transforming a practical accessory into an object of artistry.
In womenswear, the story is equally compelling. Collections such as Nina Leuca, Lavi and 120% Lino celebrate Italy's rich tradition of craftsmanship and natural fibres, while Casa Mastro Positano and Feel'O capture the relaxed elegance associated with Mediterranean dressing. Avant Toi, Handcashmere and Wychi reflect the country's expertise in knitwear and textile innovation, while Nine in the Morning brings a contemporary perspective to tailoring and wardrobe essentials.
The wider edit highlights the breadth of creative talent shaping Italian fashion today. Designers including Alessandro Aste, Francesca Geraci, Goodmatch, Jei's Letizia, Karma, Opalina, Ploumanach, Pour Moi, Recupero, Sereinumerica, Soho T and Tandem each bring their own distinctive perspective, creating a showcase that reflects the diversity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of contemporary Made in Italy design.
For Radley, what connects these seemingly diverse collections is their shared commitment to authenticity. "Italian designers have a remarkable ability to balance heritage and innovation," she says. "Many of the collections we're presenting are built on generations of knowledge and expertise, yet they feel incredibly relevant for the way women want to dress today. There is a confidence and authenticity to Italian design that resonates strongly with both buyers and consumers."
Importantly, the collaboration extends far beyond a traditional country showcase. Throughout the July edition, Italian creativity will be woven into the wider Scoop experience, including a dedicated immersive installation created in collaboration with renowned knitwear collection Avant Toi. Curated interiors, furnishings and textiles sourced from Milan will transform part of the show environment, creating a distinctive Italian design narrative that reflects the craftsmanship and creativity underpinning the partnership.
The initiative arrives at a particularly interesting moment for the fashion industry. As retailers navigate changing consumer priorities, there is growing demand for collections that offer more than trend-led product alone. Provenance, quality, craftsmanship and storytelling have become increasingly important purchasing drivers, particularly within the premium sector.
"Buyers are increasingly looking for collections that stand for something," says Radley. "There is a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and for products that have longevity. Consumers want to know where things come from, how they are made and who is behind them. Many of these Italian designers have extraordinary stories, whether that's a family business that has been passed down through generations or artisans preserving traditional techniques while bringing a contemporary perspective to their work."
The collaboration also aligns closely with Scoop's wider evolution. This season's circus-inspired campaign celebrates a sense of wonder, discovery and imagination, themes that Radley believes are increasingly important within the trade show environment.
"I've always believed that Scoop should feel like stepping into another world," she says. "Fashion is about emotion, inspiration and storytelling as much as it is about the collections themselves. Everything we do is designed to create an environment where buyers can discover something unexpected, where designers can share their stories and where meaningful relationships are formed. This partnership with ICE reflects that philosophy perfectly, bringing together creativity, craftsmanship and a genuine spirit of discovery."
For the designers involved, the collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to introduce their collections to a highly influential audience of British and international buyers. For retailers, it offers access to a carefully curated edit of contemporary Italian design that is entirely new to the UK market. Above all, the initiative reflects the spirit of discovery that has long been central to Scoop's identity, bringing together exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and storytelling within a carefully curated environment designed to inspire.
"As the industry continues to evolve, our role is to keep introducing buyers to the unexpected," she says. "That sense of discovery will always be at the core of Scoop. This partnership with ICE is a wonderful example of what can happen when you bring together exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and a shared vision for the future."
Scoop takes place at Olympia National Kensington, London, from 19-21 July 2026. Further details of the participating designers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Registration is now open - secure your place at fashion’s most charming show on earth.
For more information, visit www.scoop-international.com.
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