The autumn Paris fashion event, known as «Who’s Next,» kicked off on September 2 for a three-day fair. The event, with the theme «Back to School,» attracted crowds of visitors eager to explore offerings from over 1,200 clothing, footwear, accessories, and jewelry brands.
This year’s edition embraced the school theme with creativity. Visitors entered Hall 1 at Porte de Versailles through a tunnel constructed from paper pellets. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in activities like skipping rope and karaoke in an American school bus. The event fully immersed visitors in a back-to-school atmosphere, complete with the scent of bubble gum.
The exhibition space was thoughtfully organized, with clear partitions, allowing exhibitors to showcase their unique styles and products. La Petite Etoile, a women’s brand, expressed their satisfaction with the attractive stands and distinctive brand presentations.
This year marked a change from the previous format, as the event now spans three days instead of four. While some brands have appreciated the increased dynamism, others have noted that prices have not decreased. However, this adjustment has allowed for more daily traffic, which some exhibitors find beneficial.
Notably, the first day of the event welcomed Olivia Grégoire, the Minister Delegate for SMEs and Trade, who visited alongside presidents of women’s ready-to-wear and leather federations. She expressed her support for the industry, acknowledging the challenges it has faced in recent years.
On Sunday, most brands reported a successful Saturday with high footfall, although Sunday was slightly less active. Despite this, international visitors from the Middle East and other overseas locations were observed, indicating a resurgence of interest in the event.
The show also featured a «Fashion China» area for the first time, showcasing Chinese brands in collaboration with the major Chinese clothing fair Chic. Visitors from China, India, Ethiopia, and Turkey attended, fostering international connections and discussions.
The event offered a range of attractions, including the ‘Docteur Love’ stand by ‘l’Écosystème de la Mode,’ designed to connect brands and service providers. Additionally, visitors could explore the Smiley stand and witness demonstrations of custom motif printing on clothing at the Atelier Amelot area.
The Who’s Next event concluded on September 4, and the Première Classe show at the Tuileries is scheduled for September 29 to October 2.
