How it works

Trunk shows are mainly hosted by friends, family and a growing number of customers, who will, during an agreed time and time frame, open up their homes and address books. We do an email invitation for each host with a nice image and some wording about where, when, what’s on offer and a rough price guide which we or the host can email around to all their friends and existing customers in the area. The shows can go on for any length of time but they are usually for a day, a day and an evening or 2 days. They can be super busy at times and fairly quiet at others. By way of payment and thanks, the hostess receives a coat or jacket of her choice absolutely free of charge. That usually works out to be about 10% of sales.

We have about 40 or so samples which cover the best selling styles in a variety of sizes. All of the fabric and trimming combinations are represented in the samples that we bring. For example you may decide that you like the Tali jacket but in the fabric combination show on the Opera coat. We take this order down which is paid for on the day and we email it back to London where it is processed and made up by our team. We will send the garment to you within 6-8 weeks.

In terms of size and fit, we are fully aware that female bodies can be very different! So you may well fit a standard size sample that we have with us. But for ladies with big busts, wide shoulders, or long waists, we may need to cut outside the pattern to ensure a better fit. We charge a small additional fee for this service. Either way, we like to make customers aware that some small alterations may be required once your garment arrives, due to the unique nature of each fabric. Our styles are designed in such a way that they lend themselves well to post alterations which you can do independently with your preferred local tailor.

With regards to where the trunk shows should be held, when and by whom, we’ve learnt to be fairly relaxed and have the trip half to two thirds planned as things tend to happen along the way. For example, quite often customers offer to hold trunk shows once we arrive so it’s always a good idea to leave some time free. If you are reading this and would like to host a show, have a home with enough space for two 5′ rails and a mirror and of course a hopping address book full of potential customers as well as the desire for a coat or jacket absolutely free of charge in exchange for getting your friends over, we would be very happy to discuss it. This is a great way for us to reach more customers but we always want it to be as good for you and we really suggest it by way of being accommodating. In other words the trunk shows do gather a momentum of their own anyway. If this is an idea that might appeal to you, we can be contacted at info@katherinehooker.com.