Le Cuir A Paris still showing growth

Published: 16 October, 2006

The Paris show grew by 12% in exhibitor terms at the September edition. This compared with the previous autumn show which, traditionally, is bigger than the spring show. Le Cuir A Paris is organised by the SIC Group and is now part of a combined fashion industry group of fairs at the Paris Villepinte showgrounds, Premiere Vision Pluriel.

This was the eleventh edition and with each show Le Cuir A Paris becomes more sure of itself. Exhibitors have come and gone as the trade comes to realise the innovative and fashion requirements needed to appeal to the fashion trade as designers and range builders search for inspiration. Heavy leathers are out. Creative and quirky leathers are in. Brazilian tanneries were in evidence once more, showing under the CICB umbrella. Some very eye-catching handworked decorative leathers were being shown by Berlonzi.

There were also four German tanners showing, including Weinheimer Leder, a new company with four partners which took some of the Freudenberg production after their closure. They are concentrating on some of the classic lines such as box calf.

There was also an American delegation who are taking a close look at the show to see whether there is an opportunity for other US companies in the future. The largest contingent of tanners (45%) came from Italy and their growing number accounted for most of the growth. France represented 24% of exhibitors and Spain 14%.

On the first day of the event, the Conseil National du Cuir announced their generic leather advertising campaign which kicks off on French television on October 25. CNC are the parent organisation for the French leather and associated industries. The campaign will last for three years.

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