Denim Première Vision focuses on innovation in Paris, attendance figures flat

By

Olivier Guyot

Translated by
Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
May 9, 2017

Last season, the tradeshow's return to Paris had been somewhat unsteady. For this springtime edition, which closed out April 27, Denim Première Vision regrouped and enhanced its offering, which took place inside the Paris Event Centre, in the north of the French capital. 

In looking at the exhibition area, the most recent edition broke the conventions of last season with a diagonal artery, mapped out like a meeting spot with high tables and a space for lunching. Some 84 exhibitors -- manufacturers of textiles and accessories, as well as weavers, washers and finishers -- were spread out around the area, with many taking part in the event to showcase new innovations and techniques, including Jeanologia and Artistic Fabric Milliners.
 
While it's spring on the calendar in Paris, Denim Première Vision highlighted its forward-looking vision by presenting the major trends for the fall-winter 2018-19 season, allowing visitors to access information with the new smartphone application developed for the occasion. The tradeshow also highlighted technological innovation and new approaches to eco-sustainability. Both topics were reinforced by several master classes and the event's very first Hackathon, which saw groups of design and technology students take place in a futuristic denim jean project, over 48 hours. 

With innovation the crux of the edition, more than 2,000 visitors walked through the doors of tradeshow, with organisers announcing that attendance figures were stable compared to the last edition. However, the event has not returned to the visitor levels of its first edition in Barcelona, nor even the last springtime edition in Paris, before relocating to Spain, where more than 3,000 people attended.

"This also corresponds to the evolution of company practices," said a Première Vision spokesperson. "With the return to Paris, we touch on the entire sector, from high-end to large-scale retailers as well as young designers. But they come in smaller numbers and with a shorter time schedule."

The tradeshow saw 65% of its visitors come other countries, with Turkey, the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany being the most represented. Next season, the tradeshow will celebrate its 10th birthday; an anniversary which will take place November 14 and 15, still inside the Paris Event Centre.