For the edition of Première Vision Pluriel that just closed (8-10 February 2011), attendance climbed by 6.5% compared to the February 2010 session, with 55,792 visits by fashion professionals from over 100 countries.

Organisers say the remarkable vitality was driven by the dynamism of each individual show, with all six events (Expofil, Première Vision, Indigo, Le Cuir à Paris, ModAmont, Zoom by Fatex) registering increases. The rise in numbers was also said to be accompanied by a very positive business climate at all the shows.

“Beyond the enthusiastic reception for the season's new creations and innovations, discussion in the aisles and stands focussed on the soaring prices of raw materials and supplies. This is an issue of uncertainty and often concern for fashion sector businesses, and will surely play a major role in the markets in the coming months,” a spokesperson for PV said immediately after the shows.

Double-digit increase for Première Vision / Expofil

A notable increase in pre-registrations had already pointed to a successful show for Première Vision / Expofil and the three days of the show are said to have confirmed and amplified on this early positive indicator. With 45,135 professional visits, Première Vision and Expofil together registered a 10.3% increase over February 2010.

The shows organisers say the double-digit growth testifies to a certain recovery in the markets, and underlines the draw that the world's premier fabrics' show has on the fashion world.

Franco Lay, head of exports for the Italian company Giolica srl, participating for the first time in the show, said:  "The show brought us results that were above our expectations, and our clients liked our fashion proposals. Thanks to Première Vision, the number of clients able to view our collection was very high."

All major geographic zones reflected increases

International visitors, one of the show's matchless assets, continue to register remarkable scores, and now represent over 72% of total visits, organisers said.

“Americans crossed the Atlantic in significant numbers to be here at the Paris event. The United States alone accounted for some 1,500 visits, a rise of close to 10% over the comparable 2010 session,” PV said.

South America also showed a strong increase of 10.3% for the whole of the sub-continent. Brazil, the leading country in the South American textile industry, where Première Vision has recently established a joint venture, showed a rise of 13.7%.

A similar growth dynamic was found for Argentina (+ 30%), Venezuela (+ 18.2%), Colombia (+ 8.7%) and Mexico (+ 6.8%). A similar vitality was manifested on the other side of the globe, with Asian visits as a whole rising by 30.4%. Attendance by Japanese professionals picked up 28%, to reach 1,253 visits.

As for China, in spite of an overlap with the Chinese New Year celebrations, the country strengthened its presence with a growth of more than 41% in number of visits.

Chinese professionals are said to be currently pleased with the welcome extended to them at the exhibitors' stands. Mrs. Zhou Hong, chief designer at Sunfed (Beijing) noted that, "Today we are well received by the majority of exhibitors. We feel the situation is evolving and European weavers are interested in our market."

Along with China, Hong Kong (+ 44.7%) and Taiwan (+ 131%) also showed strong advances. South Korea, meantime, registered an increase of over 23%. The number of visitors from South Asia also increased, up 12.3% for India, and up 30% for Pakistan.

Closer to home, the European Union as a whole was also in the positive column, up 8.9%. Among the most notable increases were Italy (+ 18.7 %), now second in the ranking of visiting countries (not counting France, and following the United Kingdom), Spain (+ 31.5 %), Belgium (+ 22.6 %), Germany (+ 8,3 %), and France (+ 6.7 %). Eastern European countries scored well, in particular Russia (+ 32.3%), the Ukraine (+ 37.8%) and Belarus (+ 20%).

PV syas that these rising figures reaffirm the leadership of Première Vision and its essential place for international fashion professionals, who took the opportunity in meetings and conversations to express their satisfaction to the show’s organisers:

"If Première Vision weren't there, we would not have known where to find the ultimate in inspiration." Said Ninive Rodriguez, designer at Desigual (Spain).

And Jane Ibarra, Director Fabric, R&D, Club Monaco (USA) added: "Super inspiring - a good way to see fabrics from all over the world for Club Monaco’s needs."

Adi Wollaston, design director, AAK (United Kingdom) said that in his opinion: "...This is the best show that I have seen in two or three years. I think everyone is working a lot harder since the recession hit and it seems to have brought the buzz back."

Diego Steinberg from Argentina, a wholesaler in Buenos Aires for the top-range market, never misses the show: "Première Vision Paris remains an essential show for us. The offer and the organisation are unique."

Success for TrendVision

Among the initiatives at this edition, TrendVision, the new daily seminar proposed by the Première Vision Fashion Team, played to a full house. According to the organisers, more than 300 visitors took advantage of this summarised presentation, presenting the season's trends in key words and images. By creating TrendVision, Première Vision sought to provide buyers with a new time-saving tool to increase their work efficiency. A bet that is said to have paid off.

Successful premier for the Jean Colonna pop-up shop

Première Vision's first ever pop-up shop, a Jean Colonna boutique, caught the eye of numerous buyers. They came to shop for the famous ultra-fine silk knit tees by the celebrated designer, including one in ash lavender - one of the colours from the Première Vision range for spring summer 12.

Supporting tomorrow's creative talent, with Hyères

A window in to the world's most creative textiles, Première Vision is genetically wired to showcase the value of creativity. It also has a longstanding history of accompanying and supporting those who will be making the fashions of tomorrow.

In this spirit, Première Vision has partnered with the prestigious Hyères International Festival of Fashion and Photography, which now features a Première Vision Prize. But the commitment of Première Vision goes well beyond the simple awarding of a prize.

In addition, the 10 finalists of the Festival's 2011 Fashion Competition were welcomed at the show to help them forge contacts with the producers and other professionals at Première Vision Pluriel.