Springtime in Paris

If a preselection can be judged by the quality of the visitors, then Le Cuir A Paris was, indeed, a success. While smaller than the original autumn edition, the visitors were of the very highest quality with representatives from top companies such as Hermes, Chanel, Galliano, Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Rolex, Peugeot Citroën, Jean Paul Gaulthier, Swarovski, Harley Davidson, Charles Jourdan and Cardin. With Japan currently importing 75% of their leathergoods, the only realistic way to ensure your leather is sold in Japan is through indirect exports in the form of branded goods. And France is rich in famous design houses. Of the 250 original exhibitors, one hundred expressed their intention of only showing on an annual basis. However, there was still sufficient demand for a spring show from the 150 remaining exhibitors and these were augmented by thirty new exhibiting companies. It would be wrong to assume that this was predominantly a French show. In terms of visitors it most certainly was, but there were more Italian participants than French. Remember, preselections are not intended for volume, bread and butter production. This is an early show for top class leathers and for innovative ideas to capture the interest of designers. And, let's face it, Italy is very good at eyecatching and innovative leathers. France is a specialist when it comes to quality leathers and the third most prominent contingent of tanners at Le Cuir was from Spain whose tanners' association Acexpiel work very hard to raise the profile of the Spanish leather industry around the world. In addition there was one tannery each from England and Portugal plus Saga Furs of Scandinavia.