Lyon Mode City, Interfilire Move to Paris

The Lyon Mode City and Interfiliegrave;re trade shows are moving to Paris.

The beachwear, lingerie and fabric trade shows, which have been held in Lyon, France, for nearly 20 years, will be held Sept. 6–8, 2008, at the Paris Expo at Porte de Versailles in Paris. Eurovet, organizers of the Lyon shows, as well as sister show Le Salon International de la Lingerie, held in Paris, has chosen the new venue to renew, refocus and ensure the future of the event. The decision to move the show came after several major French lingerie brands dropped out of the exhibitor lineup in Lyon over the past two years.

While the Lyon show has always attracted half as many brand buyers as its Paris counterpart, visitor numbers have decreased over the last two editions of the show because of the absence of leading industry players, according to Florence Mompo, communication and visitors marketing director for the lingerie division of Eurovet. In response, Mompo said, the show is planning a significant transformation immediately. The show will emphasize its strengths: innovation, creation, fabrics, luxury and beachwear, Mompo said.

By relocating the show to Paris, visitors will be able to also attend other trade shows held concurrently in Paris, including ready-to-wear trade shows Precirc;t agrave; Porter and Atmosphere D’ete. Organizers will emphasize the value of European design in a bid to encourage brands to return as exhibitors. In addition, the show will launch a new segment called “Sportiv,” which will combine ladieswear, fashion and sportswear.

Going forward, show organizers will look into shifting the show dates from early September to late June or early July, Mompo said.

N. Jayne Seward