PARIS – With a plethora of new labels and edgy styles, the most recent round of boutique apparel shows confirmed Paris’ stronghold as the epicenter of creativity and freshness, buyers said.
Retailers who attended the events, which included the Vendôme Luxury Trade Show, Paris Sur Mode, Atmosphère d’Hiver, Tranoi and Rendez-Vous, and ran in tandem with Paris Fashion Week, lauded the shows for creativity. They wrapped up their four-day runs March 5.
“The Paris trade shows are the place where young creative brands are the most efficient, as well as New York and Tokyo,” said Cedric Charbit, general merchandise manager of women’s fashion at Printemps.
French contemporary brands such as Les Prairies de Paris, April May, Iro and Eurythmic were highlights, while foreign labels like New York’s Milly, Issa and Italy’s Golden Goose offered solid collections, Charbit said, adding that knitwear and dresses would continue to be a winter staple.
“The Paris shows offer a creative edge you don’t see elsewhere,” said Janet Wong, accessories and ready-to-wear buyer for New York’s Atrium.
Wong said bubble skirts and dresses, as well as shift dresses, would continue into next fall but noted that the increase of American labels at the shows was not necessarily beneficial.
For complete coverage, see tomorrow’s issue of WWD.