PREMIERE CLASSE – 3-6 September 2011

PREMIERE CLASSE at the Jardin des Tuileries is the essential event in the creative world of Paris. In twenty years and twice a year, PREMIERE CLASSE sets up at the heart of the French capital, when Paris becomes the stage on which the creators' catwalks are set. PREMIERE CLASSE presents a selection of cutting-edge, top of the range creators, who influence the purchasing of an exclusive international distribution.

Last March 4-7, 348 accessory designers (29 of which were first-time participants) came together in the heart of the Tuileries garden for the PREMIERE CLASSE trade show. Although the 2011-12 Winter accessories collections enjoyed an atmosphere of brisk buying and a large sales volume boosted by the presence of key Paris Fashion Week buyers, attendance was down compared to March 2010. With 11,524 admissions, the global attendance closed with a 17% decrease compared to the equivalent session.

This decline is mainly due to the exceptional results of the March 2010 session which recorded a dazzling leap of 24%. A return to normal seems only logical, especially in times of economic difficulty for certain European countries and international export. With 60% international visitors, PREMIERE CLASSE confirms its global influence and continues to establish itself as the reference in fashion textile accessories worldwide.

This season, in response to the main entrance of PREMIERE CLASSE being moved to across from Rue Cambon, the organizers rethought the show lay-out and regrouped the key fashion accessory sectors: footwear, handbags, jewelry and scarves. This new grouping was hailed by exhibitors who felt very comfortable in this more coherent brand environment.

The new grouping was also unanimously praised by the buyers. They found the offer more legible and easier of access, welcome assets in this period when their schedules are packed.

Since the French and foreign visitors who regularly attend the second session made an impressive showing at the first session in January, the buyers at the Tuileries Garden in March, more than ever, turned to new brands and willingly surrendered to impulse buying, even for exclusive products with a strong added value. In other words, they were eagle-eyed and expecting to be surprised. As the South African a brand, presenting their first collection of luxury small leather goods, can testify: "Our very young brand charmed many boutiques, notably in Hong Kong, China, New York, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and even England," rejoices Benedikt Sebastian, in charge of the marketing for the brand.

Further insights:

http://www.premiere-classe-tuileries.com/