Translated by
Isabelle Crossley
Published
Jul 22, 2019
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Who’s Next to launch new additions this September

Translated by
Isabelle Crossley
Published
Jul 22, 2019

A few weeks before the upcoming edition of Who’s Next -- which will take place at the Palais des Expositions at the Porte de Versailles from July 6 to 9 -- the event has released news of new additions to look out for. The Parisian business-to-business trade show for the fashion industry looks to extend fashion boundaries “every season,” according to its director Frédéric Maus. The upcoming autumn edition of the event will, therefore see a number of new features.


Who’s Next’s inspiration for its upcoming edition is “Paris Texas” - (c) Juliette Casella

 
The first change that trade show visitors will notice is the hall location. As work on the Parc des Expositions continue, the event will take place in Hall 1 this time and will also use its neighbouring Hall 2.2. The large Hall 1 will house the event’s 'Fame' section, as well as its lifestyle section -- the ever-expanding 'Beauty Villa' -- and the trade show’s more urban and mixed offerings. The youthful ready-to-wear section, 'Trendy', described as “ultra-dynamic” by the organisers, will be set up in Hall 2.2 and the re-designed space will serve as a portal to access the 'Resortwear.Riviera' section.

Beginning with the creation of its first beachwear-dedicated space in September 2018, the desire of the organisers to expand the event’s beach section is confirmed with this season’s new partnership.

Who’s Next has also decided to expand its offerings in the segment through a partnership with the lingerie and beachwear trade show organiser, Eurovet. The dedicated space, named 'Resortwear.Riviera', gives a nod to the Riviera trade show that Eurovet used to organise in September on the French Riviera. As the Riviera format no longer exists and Eurovet is now positioning itself in Paris at the beginning of the season, the needs of buyers at the end of the commercial calendar is still there. 

Who’s Next will bring together 80 brands retailing swimwear, as well as beachwear, accessories, and summer ready-to-wear. Featured brands will include Pain de Sucre, Calarena, Antik Batik, Les Tropéziennes, Anaïs & Margaux, Lenny Niemeyer, and Rio de Sol, among others.

The wide brand selection is facilitated by the partnership allowing for an amalgamation of WSN and Eurovet clients, which will occupy a central location in the trade show, accessible from both Hall 1 and Hall 2.2. The format is aimed at attracting the event’s usual buyers, as well as new, specialist retailers such as swimwear boutiques from France, Spain, and Italy.


The floor plan for the trade show’s September 2019 edition - WSN


The other main new addition to the trade show this September will be the launch of 'Impact'. This new hybrid event format, almost a trade show within a trade show and one open to the public, will hold its premiere this September. With the aim of representing the changing nature of the sector and the different faces of fashion, Impact will be set up in both an interior and exterior setting covering Hall 2.2 and the promenade bordering Hall 3. 

There were many nominations for brands to participate in this new format and around 100 labels are expected to display their own way of reinventing circular, ethical, and innovative fashion. As the future of the sector will affect each of its components, Impact’s partners will span the whole production cycle from manufacturers to distributors such as Galeries Lafayette.

Who’s Next also emphasised that Impact will be where the main networking will take place, along with the main events of the trade show. The evening entertainment, workshops, and conferences traditionally organised for during Who’s Next will all happen at Impact.

These events will all reflect the evolution of the sector that Impact echos. Who’s Next has also announced that Stephanie Calvino (Anti Fashion), Pierre-François Le Louët (Fédération française du PAP féminin), Valentine Gauthier, Agathe Cuvelier (Les Cachotières), Sakina M'sa (Front de Mode), Guillaume Gibault (Le Slip Français), Olivier Bron (Galeries Lafayette), Rosey Cortazzi (ISKO) and Valérie Fayard (Emmaüs) will all take part in the conferences at Impact.

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