New Women’s Trade Show Set to Debut During Paris Fashion Week
As the fashion industry gears up for the highly anticipated Paris Fashion Week, a fresh initiative is poised to make waves in the realm of women’s fashion. The Clothette, a well-known ready-to-wear sales agency, is launching Clothette Edito, a new trade show dedicated exclusively to women’s wear. This event will take place from September 29 to October 6 at 339 Rue Saint-Martin in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, coinciding with the bustling activities of Fashion Week.
A Long-Awaited Vision
The inception of Clothette Edito is the culmination of years of aspiration from The Clothette team. Historically focused on menswear and lifestyle products, the agency has now set its sights on the women’s market. Antoine Leneuf, the CEO and majority shareholder of The Clothette, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, stating, “We have wanted to create an event of this kind for several years.” The trade show aims to attract buyers from around the globe, showcasing a carefully curated selection of around 20 brands.
A Diverse Line-Up of Brands
Clothette Edito will feature a mix of both French and international brands, including notable names such as Danish labels Stella Nova, Stel, DawnxDare, Gestuz, and Opéra Sport. The event will also showcase American brand Degen, Spanish labels Thinking Mu and Rita Row, Argentine shoemaker Dubié, and French brands Solène, Chou², and Béton Ciré. Leneuf clarified the focus of the event, saying, “These are not designer labels; they have a primarily commercial profile.” The brands selected for this trade show are characterized by their contemporary styles and slightly elevated price points compared to more mainstream offerings.
A New Fixture in the Fashion Calendar
Clothette Edito is not just a one-off event; it is designed to become a recurring feature in the Paris trade show calendar. Leneuf confirmed that the trade show will take place during every edition of Paris Fashion Week, both in October and March. “The objective is to grow it,” he stated, indicating a commitment to establishing the event as a staple in the fashion industry.
Standing Out in a Competitive Landscape
With numerous fashion events occurring simultaneously during Paris Fashion Week, Clothette Edito faces stiff competition. However, Leneuf is confident that the trade show will carve out its own niche. He noted, “We’re more textile-led than Première Classe, and our brands are more contemporary and commercial than those at Tranoï. We’re closer to Woman.” This positioning aims to attract a diverse array of attendees, including French department stores and multi-brand retailers, all navigating the vibrant yet crowded landscape of Fashion Week.
Beyond the Showroom
One of the distinguishing features of Clothette Edito is its intention to extend beyond the traditional showroom model. The brands showcased at this trade show will not be part of The Clothette showroom, which has recently undergone a transformation. A year ago, the agency was taken over by three sales managers, and it now represents 25 brands. Leneuf has assured that this cap will not be exceeded, emphasizing a focus on quality over quantity. When he joined The Clothette eight years ago, the agency was representing only 11 brands, highlighting significant growth and evolution.
Conclusion
As Clothette Edito prepares to make its debut, it represents a significant step forward for The Clothette and the women’s fashion sector. With a carefully curated selection of brands and a commitment to establishing itself as a key player in the Paris Fashion Week landscape, this new trade show is set to attract attention from buyers and fashion enthusiasts alike. As the fashion world continues to evolve, Clothette Edito may well become a pivotal platform for contemporary women’s wear, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry.
