Interfilière Paris, the  international showcase with a comprehensive range of fabrics, accessories and haberdashery for intimates and beachwear, in conjunction with Mode City saw a total of 26,384 visitors, celebrating wellbeing, the topic that dominated the three day show last weekend.

On an international level, the event was popular among US and Eastern European participants, particularly Ukraine, Belarus, Romania and the Baltic countries. However, the top visitor countries were France, UK, Italy, Germany, US, Hong Kong, Spain, China, Russia and Switzerland, a new entrant to the event.

Showcase for textile finishers

Textile finishing services work hand-in-hand with weave or knit specialists to jointly develop new fabrics that are more attractive and more technical. This sector involves all the different operations that contribute to the finished appearance of a fabric, namely pleating, embossing, printing, dyeing, bonding, transfers, gluing, mechanical and laser-cutting and more.

Interfilière Paris dedicated an area to finishers  for the first time this season, featuring eight French companies from the upstream end of the industry to demonstrate their expertise.

These included: Amann France, a leader in the field of sewing and embroidery threads; Chermette, which  offers graphics, digital printing, engraving and mechanical finishes; D&D Groupe, specialising in fabric embellishment, embroidery, covered buttons and screen and transfer-printing; Gauthier Fils, a specialist in braided articles; J. Toulemonde, a manufacturer of threads for lace, embroidery and weaving;  La Maille Plissage, an expert in pleating techniques; Moulinage du Plouy that manufactures and processes yarns; and Vandenhove, specialising in mechanical textile finishing, dry treatments, as well as bonding, transfer, gluing and cutting of all pliable materials.

Designer of the year

In 2013, Interfilière Paris  decided to award two Designers of the Year in accordance with its exhibitors’ two main areas of activity, intimates and beachwear. Following the Italian lacemaker Iluna Group, elected in January for intimates, the French stretch fabrics specialist ESF (European Stretch Fabrics), dedicated to innovative textile products, including a wide range of woven stretch fabrics, was  chosen to fly the flag for beachwear fabrics in July.

ESF products include the following brands: Aquatech (fabrics designed for sport and satisfying the requirements of high-level competitive sports) and Mad About Skin (stretch fabrics for intimates and beachwear).

Bernard de Buhren, CEO of the Payen Group, commented: “We are both proud and happy to win this award. Proud, because we have been working on developing two-way stretch woven solutions for many years; the award shows that the industry has now recognised the extraordinary advantages of these fabrics in comparison to conventional knit supports.”

Swarovski Elements

Swarovski Elements invited a number of partners to create glamorous designs. The creations by Maison Lejaby Couture, Les Jupons De Tess, Daniel Hechter, Barbara, Jolidon, I.R Sarrieri, Zeki Triko, Solstiss, Seram and Art Martin presented were decorated with Swarovski Elements.

Swarovski Elements is the leading brand of crystal components belonging to the Swarovski Group. Founded in 1895, Swarovski Elements offer the latest stylish and innovative designs for creative talents in the fashion, jewellery, accessories, interior design and lighting industries.

Denim Couture

Developed previously at Interfilière Hong Kong, ‘Denim Couture’ was also featured at Interfilière Paris. Ten denim-based prototypes were presented: innovative designs exploring unexpected combinations  of grunge and lingerie, embroidery, frayed and cut details and trompe-l’oeil prints.

Among the participants were Bischoff Textil, Eurojersey, Gruppo Moda Estilmar, Hämmerle & Vogel, Junior Srl By Adele Zibetti, Noyon Dentelle, Ricamificio Paolo, Rocle By Isabella, Union and Zengcheng Oriental Embroidery.

 A day at the beach

Seersucker, sweet pastels, nautical shades and simple graphics, combined with rainbow, psychedelic effects and a strong 1960s inspiration were featuring the Beachwear Forum. A mother-daughter trend with small-scale geometrics in pastels and dark/white combinations, as well as a hippy chic direction, influenced by India, with floral motifs and paisley pattern were the main inspiration sources.

Lace was also defined important for  beachwear, with cotton, crochet effects in a ‘Saint Tropez’ style, as well as showier styles with pops of neon and plasticised lace.

Wellbeing and better living

A ‘Feel good’ wellbeing space highlighted fabrics from Interfilière Paris exhibitors in the form of an overview of the everyday lives of a young couple. It also featured the presentation of the book ‘High-Tech Fashion & Fabrics’ by Sophie Bramel. Two exhibiting companies Robert Blondel Cosmétique and Alvanon also shared their expertise in this area.

An information leaflet offered an overview of seamless technologies, micro-encapsulation, bio-ceramic fibres, microfibres, anti-UV treatments and breathable textiles.

The Fédération de la Maille & de la Lingerie and Interfilière Paris also offered a socio-economic insight into the notion of wellbeing, followed by a debate on the market’s development perspectives for the intimates and beachwear sector.

www.interfiliere.com