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Buying with a plan (but without the pressure to stick to it); discovering brands by accident; networking with friends old and new; a well-earned Prosecco break and unwinding over a delicious Sukothai… Dotique have their Harrogate trips down to a fine art! We caught up with Dorothy and Sophie from Dotique, who have three boutiques: in Chesterfield, Peak Village and Witney, to talk all things HFW, from must-see brands, to buying tips, and why comfortable shoes are non-negotiable!

What makes HFW a must-visit for you each season?

Harrogate Fashion Week is always a highlight for me and my team. It gives me a really good feel for what our customers will be drawn to next, and it’s always such a friendly, welcoming show. Everything is so well put together, and the brands are lovely. I really enjoy being able to speak to the people behind the collections, too, it makes such a difference. It’s one of those shows where you walk in and instantly feel inspired.

How would you describe your boutique and your customers?

For me, the most important thing is that everyone who walks through our doors leaves feeling better than when they came in, whether they buy something or not. Each of our stores is built around that personal touch. We get to know our customers so well: what they like, what suits them, and what they’ll genuinely wear. And we’re always honest, because we want every piece they take home to be something they truly love for years to come. I may be biased, but our customers really are the best. Their loyalty is incredible, and they’re always cheering us on. They get just as excited as we do about new arrivals and new brands, and they trust us to help them find things that fit their real lives, work, weekends, holidays or special occasions.

Why do you think it’s important to see collections in person?

For me, seeing the collections in person is absolutely essential. As an independent, every single item we choose has to earn its place in the shop, whether it’s the fit, the fabric, something a bit different, or a timeless piece our customers can rely on. You just can’t judge those things properly from a screen. Our customers care about comfort as much as style, so we need to feel the fabric, see how it hangs, and check the quality up close. It also helps us picture how the pieces will sit together on the shop floor and how we’ll style them. Seeing it all in person always leads to a much better edit.

What trend are you most excited about for AW26/27?

I’ve always felt that autumn and winter are the seasons where you can really have fun with your outfits, the layering, the jackets, the mix of textures. For AW26/27, I think we’re going to see an even stronger focus on combining contrasting fabrics in a really wearable way. Think soft knits with structured tailoring, velvety finishes with clean denim, and those rich, tactile textures that instantly make an outfit feel more considered. I’m especially interested to see how our brands interpret this by taking those bolder, high-fashion ideas and turning them into pieces our customers can easily slot into their everyday wardrobes.

What’s your favourite thing about Harrogate?

My favourite thing about Harrogate is simply getting to see everyone – the other independents, our suppliers, all the familiar faces. There’s such a lovely sense of community. And I have to say, the prosecco hour is second to none, it’s always such a fun moment in the day to catch up and chat about what collections we’re loving. I also love that feeling of excitement about the next season, seeing what’s coming and imagining how it will all come together in store. I always leave Harrogate feeling inspired.

Do you have any tips for new buyers attending in February to help them make the most out of the show?

Go with a bit of a plan, but don’t feel pressured to stick to it too rigidly. It’s really helpful to know what gaps you want to fill, but some of our best brands have been discovered by simply wandering around and seeing what catches our eye. We always use day one just to wander, take everything in and enjoy the show, no pressure, no rushing. And comfortable shoes, absolutely essential.

How do you stay organised and maximise your time during the event?

Lots and lots of photos! I take pictures and notes throughout the day so we can see clearly where each brand will work best, especially as each of our Dotique stores has its own feel and brand mix.

Do you have any networking tips for newcomers?

Just say hello! So many of us follow each other on social media, so if you recognise someone, introduce yourself. Harrogate is lovely for that, you’re in a room full of people who understand exactly what you’re going through, and it’s such a nice way to feel part of the community.

Where is your favourite place to eat or drink in Harrogate?

We do always love Sukothai, great food, great atmosphere, and the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. It’s often where we end up with Debby and Tony from Velvet Ramsbottom, chatting through the day’s finds.

What are you most excited to see at HFW in February?

Honestly, everything! We love Harrogate. It’s a gorgeous city, it’s always so well organised, and it’s brilliant catching up with brands and friends from other boutiques. There’s nothing like that feeling of spotting colours, fabrics and styles and thinking: “our customers are going to love this”.

What is one thing that HAS to be in your bag for HFW?

A battery pack, no question. Between photos, notes and ticking off brands, your phone works harder than you do.

What’s something you’ve learnt from another buyer at the show?

If you don’t love it, don’t buy it. It’s such a simple rule, but so easy to forget. You have to feel excited about what you’re buying, if you’re not inspired by it, it won’t sell.

What is one brand you first discovered at HFW and still love?

HV Society is a fairly recent discovery for us and we fell in love with it straight away. We ended up stocking it in all three stores which is rare for us, and our customers absolutely adore it.

What makes HFW different to other trade events?

It’s fun. There’s such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and because it runs over a few days, you don’t feel rushed. You can take your time, revisit stands and really enjoy putting your collections together.

What trend are you most excited about this summer?

Colour, colour and more colour. We’ve really embraced dopamine dressing for summer, clothes that make you smile when you put them on. Summer is the perfect excuse to have a bit more fun with your wardrobe.

What’s one styling rule you live by?

Dress for how you want to feel. Clothes have such an impact, on days I’m feeling a bit flat, bright colours can completely change my mood and how I carry myself.

If your boutique and HFW were cocktails, which would they be and why?

Dotique would be a pink gin and tonic, timeless, fresh and dependable (with a bit of personality). HFW would be a champagne cocktail, celebratory, inspiring and a real treat.

Who would be your dream celebrity customer and why?

Amanda Holden. She’s Sophie’s dream customer, lives not far from our Witney store, and always looks fabulous while still having fun with her clothes.

Dotique stock many sought after brands, including Joules; Dolcezza; Robell; Elisa Cavaletti; Vilagallo and many more who will be exhibiting at HFW in August. Discover more about their boutique at dotique.co.uk and follow them on instagram @dotiqueuk.

Feeling inspired? Register to attend HFW in February now and bag yourself fast track entry to the show!