Redefining the Trade Show: Karen Radley on turning Scoop into "the most creative buying experience in Fashion"

With its signature blend of cutting-edge fashion and curated elegance, Scoop has become a must-visit on the industry calendar. As the July 2025 edition approaches, Founder and Managing Director Karen Radley shares her vision for this season’s show, from the inspiration behind the curation to the stand-out designers set to make waves. Radley reveals what buyers and visitors can expect when the doors open this summer.

What is your approach to curating the designer line-up for Scoop, and how do you ensure it stays fresh and inspiring each season?

I have always been driven by a passion for discovery. Each season, I’m on the lookout for designers who bring something distinct; whether it’s an international perspective, a fresh material innovation, or a twist on lifestyle which hasn't yet been seen in the UK.

I’m selective, I personally travel to showrooms across the UK and Europe, scouting collections with a genuine point of difference all of whom might have a story which resonates with our audience. That dedication to thoughtful selection is what keeps Scoop feeling fresh and inspiring. It’s about creating a journey for buyers through creativity, discovery, and emotion.

Karen Radley

How do you strike the right balance between emerging designers and established names to appeal to both independent boutiques and department store buyers?

It’s very much about understanding the needs of our buyers and creating a space that reflects the way they want to shop now. Visitors to Scoop expect to see fresh and original designers whom all feel special.  For me, the sweet spot is in the edit. I want the show to feel dynamic and unexpected, so we champion emerging designers who are ready for the market, but we also bring in established collections that still have something new to say. The mix creates a kind of energy, each designer elevates the next. It gives buyers confidence to take risks because they can see how it all fits together and could sit within a store. That’s the power of a well-curated show.

This July, Scoop will showcase around 200 designers. What criteria do you use when selecting who makes the cut?

It’s about three key elements: originality, suitability for our audience, and readiness for retail. Every designer must bring something new, with a collection that tells a story yet offers commercial potential. We ensure every one of our designers brings value for buyers and contributes to an overall sense of discovery and trust.

Scoop has expanded to include home, beauty, and fragrance alongside fashion. What drove that decision, and how have buyers responded?

Scoop has always been more than a fashion show. Rather than separating fashion and lifestyle, we present them together, placing, for example, a beautifully made fragrance collection next to a ready-to-wear brand that shares the same values of craftsmanship and creativity. It creates a sense of cohesion and inspiration.

With so many trade events on the calendar, what makes Scoop a must-attend for today’s fashion and lifestyle buyers?

Scoop is more than a trade show, it feels like a curated experience. It’s intimate and inspiring. We don’t overwhelm with volume. We edit. Every designer is there for a reason, and the space is designed to make the buying process feel calm, considered, and enjoyable. Buyers know we’ve done the work for them and come to discover something they wouldn’t find elsewhere.

CAHU

This season, there are some truly exciting collections to discover, Flabelus with their effortlessly joyful silhouettes, Lott Gioielli’s modern statement jewellery, the Parisian charm of Cacharel, and the bold minimalism of Cahu Paris. I’m also particularly excited about Nomad Noe, Psophia, V De Vinster, and Noirnine, all brands with strong identities and the kind of creative depth that really resonates with our buyers.

V De Vinster

Scoop, The Magical Edition, 13-15 July, Olympia National Kensington. 

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