Mastering Wholesale

Doors open – 19:00

Talk duration – 19:30 - 20:30

Q&A – 20:30 - 20:45

Launching a brand is no small feat. You’ve tackled the creative direction, expertly crafted your pieces, managed press exposure and actualised your vision. But what comes next? The pivotal step: getting your product into the customers’ hands.

Expert consultants Alexander Giantsis and Nayla Touma are here to guide you through the intricate world of wholesale, addressing key topics such as what buyers look for, what to negotiate, the costs of going to market, reaching out to stores for the first time, distribution strategies, managing expectations and much more.

Whether you specialise in fashion, accessories, or jewellery design, this session will address all your burning questions, helping you establish your strategy and solidify your next steps.

About our speakers

Alexander Giantsis, a seasoned Wholesale and Buying consultant with 15+ years in luxury fashion, served as Commercial Director at Mary Katrantzou for 9 years. There, he spearheaded global expansion, securing 250+ wholesale accounts and partnerships with leading brands like Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, and Bulgari. Currently, he heads sales at Craig Green and serves as London Market Specialist for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman's European buying office. Additionally, he lectures at LCF and Porto Business School while mentoring emerging brands.

Nayla Touma boasts nearly 20 years of experience in retail. She has held key roles at Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman, driving significant growth by acquiring luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Prada. She later served as Global Buying Director at Net-a-Porter and MatchesFashion, driving significant expansion. Currently, Nayla runs her own consultancy agency and mentors brands through the Saudi100 program while serving on the board of RaiseFashion, a nonprofit supporting BIPOC designers.

About Sarabande Foundation

Sarabande was set up by the late designer, Lee Alexander McQueen, who left the majority of his estate to support creative and visionary talent. In addition to providing scholarships and studio space for artists, Sarabande produces a number of events, from the practical to the inspirational.

Sarabande operates from a listed Stable Block conversion in Haggerston, where 15 studios form a creative community with designers and artists from multiple disciplines. Immersed in the hub of East London’s rich creative spirit, Sarabande exudes all that encompasses the creative sphere. The building is home to a plethora of artisans reflecting the multifarious span of Lee’s talent and the variety of craftspeople he worked with his own collections. Amongst others, our tactile artists include sculptors, fashion designers, jewellers, textile designers, painters, performance artists, silversmiths, costume designers, ceramicists, and dancers. Alongside these, Sarabande also houses filmmakers, animators, photographers, digital designers, and visual artists.

Please note that these events are being filmed and photographed for internal and commercial purposes.

Sarabande events are non-refundable and credits from your ticket purchase will be transferred to an event of your choice.

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