Paris show continues to grow

This show does not generate the type of crowds to be found in China and India but some of the most important buyers/designers regularly attend the show (Gucci for instance) so it is a case of quality not quantity. Quite apart from the rich selection of interesting leathers, colours, textures and patterns, there was plenty to see at the show. In addition to the 289 exhibitors there was the usual trend selection area plus a designers’ village and a fur atelier which had been set up on the stand of the Central Ostrobothnia University fur design department, Finland. Next door, the other four designers occupied an open plan space which featured their products. In the case of Cueros Latinos there were piles of cushions and other items of interior décor from Uruguay and Argentina. Nuria Nehari was showing examples of book binding and leathergoods; Valerie Saïd creates accessories and leathergoods in quirky shapes;and Wiktoria Guzelf,with her architectural background,specialises in geometric wall art. Acexpiel, the Spanish tanners association, chose Le Cuir A Paris to present their first ever couture collection ‘Inspiration 2008’. This is a joint venture between Spain’s top tanneries and the association of Spanish designers Asociación de Creadores de Moda de España. Some of the participating designers are already used to including leather in their collections but for some of the designers this was the first time they had worked with this ‘natural and versatile material’.The next collection will be presented in spring 2008 in Pasarela Cibeles,Madrid,and later shipped to different international events. In all there were 13 Spanish tanners with their own stands. This included Curtidos Parera and Tenerias Omega who were new to the show. Altogether there were 32 new exhibitors and not all of them were tanners. In fact there were some textile suppliers who thought that Le Cuir A Paris was the right show for them because their materials are often teamed with leather in the manufacture of bags and luggage. The contingent from Italy continues to grow: Anaconda; Ausona; Conceria Genesis; Conceria Makers; Conceria Stratos; Conceria Tre G; Conzorzio D & Co; Fratelli Nazzi; Fattori; Flash Dari Fur; Gruppo Mastrotto; Ingropelli; Italven Pellip; Madraspelli; MPG Cuoificio; New Pelli; Rino Mastrotto Group; Suolificio Magonio; Tuscania Industria Conciaria. New Zealand Light Leathers and Aplic Colour, Brazil, had the furthest to travel while Anet Leather Company were listed as being not only a tannery based in South Poland but also a brand of leather garments with several retail outlets. Kardersan Deri,Marmara Deri and Odabasi Deri from Türkiye put in an appearance for the first time and on their home turf,the French contingent were joined by Jocqueviel & Cathala and ATC France (the first time a chemicals company has been included in the show).