Boosted by the luxury sector and recognised as THE show for premium raw materials, the 23rd edition of the LE CUIR A PARIS show closed this Friday 21 September on an optimistic note. The first impression from exhibitors was that attendance figures were as high as last season and of even higher quality -14,011 visitors / +9.8%/Sept 11 - an indication of the event's solid reputation.
All the major luxury brands had sent people to the show, which was even bigger this season with some 413 exhibitors in total (+23% in terms of surface area against Sept 11). International visitors once again made up the lion's share of the show's numbers (60%).
European countries form the leading group: there were substantially more visitors from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain. Exports further afield were also showing healthy increases: (+16%) for American visitors, and (+39%) for Japanese visitors.
Less is More, the famous motto of the architect Mies van der Rohe, could be the slogan for this Winter l3-14 season. For all types of skins, visitors were searching fot the authentic, simple and unadorned look, where all the beauty" and fragility of the leather shines through.
For calf leather in particular, the beautiful classics, as the specialists like Tanneries Haas or Roux call them, proudly displayed their grain with its natural irregularity. Lamb also received the most accolades in its dipped versions, which are simultaneously simple, untouched and perfect. Natural, unspoiled goat skin was also popular, revealing its very specific grain in the process.
However, as the exception that proves the rule, some more fantastical trends emerged from this vast ocean of calm, voluptuousness and, above all, luxury!
A number of variations captured the attention of buyers, like the prints that are chiselled at the surface by Officina delle Pelli, a bullock nubuck from Remy Carriat, the "feather" finesse of Riba Guixa and more generally the stretch leathers.
The varnished calfskin from Dias Ruivo "was very popular". The metallic finishes, particularly on goatskin and fish leathers, also delighted many visitors. And on the double-sided market, Le Toscana, as the one exhibited by Gunduz Kurk was the star.
Fox and mink remain the leaders in the fur section. But skins with curls or long hair (Mongolian lamb, Chinese goat) were a roaring success. In the exotics section, alongside the unmissable crocodile and other reptiles, we saw renewed interest in shagreen, salmon and perch.
In terms of colour palettes, visitors also preferred natural shades. The most in-demand tones were chocolate, brown, gold and cognac. However, pastel colours softened these sombre winter shades. Pink, in aged tones, was very popular with designers. And there was a tidal wave of blue in shades of indigo, navy and also petrol.
On the eve of a well-deserved weekend, everyone went theirseparate ways full of inspiration until the next rendezvous. Exhibitors have already shown their enthusiasm for taking part in the next edition from 12 to 14 February-2013. And it's not surprising, as there are going to be plenty of new things in store including a new stand and new material information.
Another strong point of the show, the Bespoke by LE CUIR A PARIS area turned the spotlight on a dozen companies that have specific leatherworking skills, with the aim of developing customised products or limited editions in the fashion and interiors sectors. Lucie Monin, an Art Gilder, who was taking part in the event for the second time, was delighted with the results of the show, both because of the diversity and the quality of the order makers, as well as the boost it gave for the profile of her business.
