Coming off the most recent Intefilliere Lingerie and Swim show a couple of weekends ago in Paris, we are reflecting this week on what a brilliant opportunity it is for designers to have a full-industry experience. One of the most interesting aspects of this show is that it houses both the development side of the process as well as the brand facing wholesale aspect. Without starting on the back end, seeing raw material vendors and the like, you will never get to the other end which is creating a compelling vision and execution to show your brand’s collection.
It is also a space to build community and collaborate with your peers-something many of us creatives thrive on. Often being able to discuss our visions further crystalizes them, and as often the natural challenges that come from others, makes them even better.
Photograph: Salon International de la Lingerie
Some of the highlights we found at this season’s show;
- Concepts Paris founded by Jos Berry, is always the standing room only 8.30 am Sunday timeslot, is one of the highlights of the Fair.
- Eurotextile is a vendor who can and does get anything made to package your garments in, from soft bags to hard shell jewelry holder, or baskets, they can be the throughline for your creative vision for your product. Their booth was particularly engaging and the team very helpful
- Mackent-Group was once again a standout of innovation. For anyone who doesn’t know they are the world leaders in a sustainable fabric development called Spacer technology. In addition, their team full of innovators and high-taste designers serves up the most beautiful versions of this combination. While it is an expensive material overall, the sustainable and fashion possibilities across categories make it one worth using.
- FeinJersey out of Austria stood out as an example of a company continuing to push the boundaries of sustainability and innovation around casual fabrics, which do not need to be pedestrian or boring as was shown in their offering. Their cutting-edge use of what has been traditionally innovations in the beauty or hardgoods space was much appreciated in their sumptuous fabrics
- Lastly there were quite a few self made co-ops of vendors that suggested a changing ethos on the forefront related to emerging brands. One such interesting partnership was the Link Union/Hannice group sharing a booth with Triple A, a multi-faceted garment vendor. This alliance allows new brands to get the benefit of a factory’s verticality without the large scale partner that is typically out of their reach in this space.
TIP OTW- We come to you with our favorite tips for networking, a skill set that is incredibly helpful whether you are at a show or in your studio.
https://www.suzy-wakefield.com/post/connecting-for-creatives
For even more clarity on the roles within a team check out our post on the blog all about it.
https://www.suzy-wakefield.com/post/blurred-lines
