After a 40 + year career in merchandising, you can imagine that I have been to more trade shows than I care to count. Both internationally and here in the USA, I have attended these expositions in the role of retailer, product developer and as a manufacturer presenting product. There have been times that I arrived at the purview wondering why I came: overwhelmed with projects back home, wallet tight, trends seemingly irrelevant to my particular goals. So why do I continue to return? Simple answer: by the end of my first day, creative juices are turning on, ideas are bubbling to the surface and away from the daily drone, I find my imagination rejuvenated. I am outside the big white bread box of price driven reality and just for a few hours, I can allow myself to be inspired. It is very true that all this input will have to be put into perspective upon my return. But still, here is a place where innovation in our industry will emerge.
That is why this summer; I have decided to attend Mode City: The Salon International de la Lingerie and Swimwear in Paris. Previously, I skipped this event in lieu of other trade shows focused on swim and intimates. But this July 4,5,6 at the Porte de Versailles, Eurovet, international trade show experts governing the fair, have transformed the traditional Intimates and Swim venue by creating a new layout that gives visitors a panoramic overview of the wide range of exhibitors both at Salon and Interfiliѐre. At its core, will be the Limited Edition section for young designers, the Trends forum created with Trend Union and a personalized consulting service to lead 15,200 visitors from 40 countries through the 450 brands available to review. Using a cutting-edge blue line architecture to enhance navigation buyers will move seamlessly through a refreshing arena of Intimates, lingerie, corsetry, swimwear, menswear, beach accessories, loungewear, and homewear.
Beyond the obligatory appointments and serious review of merchandise offers, the aspect that I believe will make this trip not only a source of inspiration, but also a “true measure of the market” are the many added features that set Mode City apart from any other trade shows I have previously visited. These include the aforementioned Trends Forum powered by personalized trend coaches, archetypal store windows providing new insight, daily round table discussions with consumers, retailers and bloggers and an on-site photo studio where collateral for stores can be created. And, the piece de resistance: The Beach Lounge. This carefully curated Summer Shop is replete with exotic jewelry and accessories , limited edition French designs, and summer trinkets culled from international travels, all available for sale to exhibitors and buyers. Shopping in Paris: its a requisite venture and one need never leave the building.
In case you do want to leave the building, Mode City will provide mini-guides to help visitors negotiate the Paris landscape with exclusive tours of key tourist sites, and special offers for restaurants and shows. And to top it off, everyone will be welcome to a special July 5 event hosted by Eurovet to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Interfiliѐre. Stay tuned for the surprise location and entertainment.
No one can really define the source of a new idea. Ideas are everywhere if you open your eyes, and your ears and your mind. But sometimes we become complacent, spinning our wheels just to get it all done. We stay isolated when interaction is truly a more stimulating recipe for success. It’s a fact that getting away from it all and interfacing with new people informs creative vision. Paris for the July 4th weekend: what a great way to celebrate this holiday. You might not see fireworks, but you will certainly feel them.
“The Power Of Human Interaction Is The Core Of Business Development
and Industry Innovation” ~ Eurovet Network
