Premiegrave;re Vision Preview Has Strong Turnout
Exhibitors were pleased with the business that turned out for the July 13–14 run of Premiegrave;re Vision Preview New York at the Metropolitan Pavilion and Altman Building in the Chelsea neighborhood.
“The show was pretty busy, especially the first day,” said Phil Fox, owner of Los Angeles–based Phil Fox Fabrics, which brought three lines to the show—Italian mills Texapel and Efilan and Japanese mill Debs Corp.
“We met with many great brands. From L.A., J. Brand, 7 For All Mankind, Black Halo, BCBG [Max Azria], Nordstrom, AG [Adriano Goldschmied] Jeans, Guess, Mycra Pac and several more—more than I expected. From New York, we had so many—Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Chico’s, Polo—a lot. Debs met with 88 clients in two days, so we are all pleased with the turnout.”
Kevin Maldonado, co-owner of Studio Bert Forma, based in Los Angeles and New York, brought several European lines and one Turkish collection to the show but said French print line Philea and its sister collection, upscale corduroy mill Velorex, were the busiest.
“PV was much better than in the previous season—but Fall is always busier,” he said.
Karen Sedell, Studio Bert Forma’s New York sales rep, said there seemed to be fewer small companies walking the show. “The customers were bigger,” she said. “They didn’t come in with the strollers.”
Sandrine Bernard, executive vice president of Solstiss, the U.S. division of the French lace maker, agreed that the show was well-attended. “The show was really busy—a lot of contacts, orders and appointments following the show in our [New York] showroom,” she said.Designers were looking for “last additions for Spring,” as well as pre-Fall and Fall fabrics. Bernard credits the strong business to the ongoing lace trend, her pre-show outreach and the show organizers’ efforts. Solstiss also made one of the laces in Kate Middleton’s wedding dress.
Solstiss met with several West Coast clients, including Monique Lhuillier, Levi’s and Naked Princess, Bernard said.
In addition to Solstiss laces, the New York company represents Denis&fils, Tissages Carret and Bouton Renaud.
With 102 exhibitors, Premiegrave;re Vision Preview New York highlighted an international mix of upscale textile and trim collections. This season, show organizers brought in additional menswear resources and added a menswear section to the Trend Forum.
Among the attendees were representatives from John Varvatos, Barneys New York, Oscar de la Renta, Elie Tahari, Ports 1961, Geoffrey Beene, Neema Clothing, Chico’s and Polo Ralph Lauren Menswear.
This season’s show also featured a cocktail reception sponsored by Ubifrance and an exhibition of the work of the finalists of the 2011 Hyegrave;res International Festival of Fashion and Photography, including pieces by Celine Meacute;teil, the winner of the Premiegrave;re Vision Prize.—Alison A. Nieder
