London fashion designer setting the trend in the US

A London fashion designer, has increased clothing sales to the US by 600 per cent.

Kensington-based Clio Peppiatt, based in Kensington, specialises in creating individual, custom-made beaded dresses and has had her work worn by celebrities including Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner and Miley Cyrus.

The designer is a regular at London Fashion Week and her unique designs have been featured in major fashion and lifestyle publications including Vogue, Elle and I-D.

Clio contacted DIT International Trade Advisers (ITAs) to look at ways to improve her website and ordering experience for international customers.

DIT worked with Clio to address issues they had found, such as adding a currency convertor and offering free returns, which would help overseas customers feel more confident when purchasing her high-value designs.

International orders through the website have now increased, from one per cent of all sales to more than half. Sales to the US have seen the biggest increase, up 600 per cent in the last six months.

Clio now exports to 14 countries including the US, Australia, France and Germany.

Clio said: “Recently there’s been more global attention on the brand, particularly after being featured in international fashion magazines. At first, this was overwhelming as I had no real experience in exporting and wasn’t sure where to start.

“Working with the ITAs has helped me to take the brand to the next level. Tiny things, like adding exact measurements and currency converters to the website and starting to offer free returns, has had a huge impact on overseas sales.

“This has helped to build more trust between the brand and customers, who now have more confidence to make a purchase. It may seem obvious, but for a small independent brand, it’s things like that you might not be aware of.”

Parveen Thornhill, head of London region at DIT, added: “Being from London definitely gave Clio Peppiatt an edge when speaking with press and customers in the US.

“Clio’s success demonstrates the opportunity that’s out there for London businesses globally. If she can, so can others. I’d encourage any business to get in touch.

“DIT can offer a range of support, including workshops and support for selling products and services online, as well as introductions to valuable business contacts overseas.”