Curve Paris and Interfiliere which kicked off last weekend in their new venue of Hall 5 at Porte de Versailles should really have had a lot going for it (despite the Paris riots). Unfortunately under the new umbrella of WSN, the event had a dramatic makeover which did not prove a commercial success.
Curve Paris Trend Boards
The Paris Show in summer has always a heavy emphasis on beachwear, swimwear and cruisewear and although there were many resources in the Exposed section, the show did not serve up the calibre of major brands that we have come to expect – Furstenberg, Maryan Mehlhorn, Raffaela d’Angelo and Lenny Niemeyer were present but others were notable by their absence – Gottex, Adolf Riedl, Pain de Sucre, Miraclesuit, Mey, the Wacoal Group etc etc – these are the heavy hitters that draw in the crowds and they were simply not there. Many preferred to open their Paris showrooms rather than take part.
Lascana
So too for lingerie and nightwear – except for Huit and Chantelle (who were only showing their new swimwear line – Pulp) none of the French corsetry houses were displayed and without them the Curve show definitely lacked both soul and elan. Only Lascana bucked the trend stating that they were happy with the level of international visitors and had had two good days at the event. Grumbles of high prices, falling buyer numbers and a general feeling that the show had lost its direction were repeated time and time again.
Chantelle showed only their new one-size swimwear – Pulp
Upstairs on the second floor Interfiliere fared better but still suffered from the lack of visitors and many exhibitors wondered where the fair’s future lay. One of the high spots was the Hyosung stand which was reminiscent of past glories but generally the event was low key and very understated.
The Conferences at least delivered on content and Jos Berry regular forecast trends were as always well attended but the whole event definitely lacked panache – no catwalks which are a hugely popular feature and which were sorely missed by the visitors.
Hyosung – one of the highlights of Interfiliere
The forward dates are 20-22 January 2024 and it is to be hoped that the organisers can draw in the major brands of intimate apparel and nightwear/loungewear and bring back excitement and flair! We miss it.
