Premiere Vision celebrates 45th anniversary with new book on key fashion creative moments

Along with archive images, portrayals of exceptional craftsmen and designers, INSPIRING FASHION TEXTILE REVOLUTIONS retraces the growing influence and leadership of Première Vision in becoming a pivotal force that put forth material innovation and technological progression in the fashion and creative industries, through its long journey from a humble beginning originally created by an association of just 15 Lyon-based weavers.
The authors are two distinguished industry experts: Editor-in-Chief of lifestyle magazine L’Express Dix, Lydia Bacrie who has been identifying, deciphering, analyzing and setting the trend in fashion for over 15 years; and Charlotte Brunel who was for a long time fashion editor at L’Express Dix (and author of T-shirt published by Assouline in 2001), who has also collaborated with Le Journal du Dimanche and Le Monde.

The Paris-based Première Vision is not only well-known for organising and staging world-class international trade shows and marketplace for the world’s fashion professionals, it is also highly respected as a go-to valuable source for inspiration and known for its influential ability to recognise greatness, nurture creativity and decipher trends.
It is therefore fitting for Première Vision to celebrate its 45^th anniversary and achievements by putting it in writing, with the publication on December 5, 2019 a fine new book entitled Inspiring Fashion Textile Revolutions,  published by La Martinière editions.
Highlighted specifically in the book are chapters to focus on key turning points in the fashion and textile industries over the last four and a half decades, including the emergence of knitwear, the rise of Lurex® or polyamide, the crowning of accessories, the arrival of eco-responsible materials and related garments … key developments that have shaped and changed the world of global fashion, telling the unique story behind the makers and the shakers along the way with Première Vision as it develops its role as a leader in the global fashion industry.

DENIM PREMIÈRE VISION in London, December 3 - 4.

Innovative denim developments on display at Première Vision Paris in September 2019.

Photo by Lucia Carpio.

Following on the success of its first London edition last December, and a Milan edition lauded by fashion professionals and the denim industry last May, Denim Première Vision will be returning for  the second time to the UK capital come 3-4 December.

It will be held in a new venue, Printworks London, a cultural destination in southeast London.

Denim qualities from Portuguese mill Trificolor 

 on show at Premiere Vision Paris in September 2019.

Photo by Lucia Carpio.

Presenting the latest on offer from 97 exhibitors from around the world. the show will focus on Spring-Summer 2021 trends and eco-responsible innovations in materials, the latest technologies and techniques as well as various contemporary denim developments.

Organisers say the fair will be targeting all creative fashion brands that develop denim collections - fashion and luxury brands, pure jeanswear players, web players.  This season’s broadened offer is up by 9% over the 89 exhibitors showing in December 2018.


As an itinerant show, Denim Première Vision aims to ensure a continuity between its various editions. While the show relies on new destinations to help professionals conquer new markets, the goal is also to build lasting relationships between these various players.

Sustainability and Smart Materials are key factors 
at Denim Première Vision in London

Returning to Denim Première Vision this December will be Platform C.L.A.S.S. - the acronym for Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy – which will take up a booth to educate, share sustainable innovation and promote smart textiles to professionals in the fashion business.

“In London, we will bring forward its vision and strategy with a set of initiatives, talks and projects,” explains Giusy Bettoni, CEO and founder of C.LA.S.S. and sustainability consultant for the Première Vision in Paris.  Ms Bettoni will curate a programme of #SmartTalks in London with some of the most influential players in the industry.

The programme focuses on the concept of Jeans ReDesign exploring denim becoming smarter with many different expressions, interactions and brand new solutions dedicated to today’s consumers. The series includes The Jeans Redesign Guidelines by Make Fashion Circular; a talk dedicated to the new generation of contemporary fibres and circular economy business models. Other talks focus on the role of the designer as an enzymatic power triggering sustainable change in fashion and the role and the innovative design strategies of brands and retailers bringing together circular economy and a new level of aesthetics, performances and unexpected multiple lifecycles.

C.L.A.S.S. will also bring its Smart Materials Bank featuring some of the most innovative materials on the market to provide an open and inspirational resource and educational tool for designers, students, brands and researchers, allowing them to discover and experiment with a unique selection of sustainable textiles, yarns and fashion components.

This year, Italian denim manufacturer Candiani Denim joins the Smart Materials Bank with its  smart collections, in particular, the ReGen, winner of the 2019 ITMA Sustainable Award.  It is a rigid selvedge fabric composed of 50% Refibra™ fibers and 50% recycled fiber, ReLast, a stretch fabric, composed of organic cotton and the world’s first ROICA™ EF premium stretch yarn made with 58% of pre-consumer recycled content, the ROICA™ EF comes with the Global Recycled Standard - GRS - certification by the influential Textile Exchange. 

“At C.L.A.S.S. we constantly monitor the textile business looking for sustainable and innovative products. Our Smart Materials Bank, the result of such observatory, is open to creatives who can purchase at affordable prices samples and small quantities of sustainable materials up to 50 meters.” Explains Luca Olivini, Eco Hub Material Manager of C.L.A.S.S.

PREMIÈRE VISION, PATRON OF THE EXHIBITION ON THE HISTORY OF SHOES at the MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS OF PARIS

One of the main highlights at the next edition of Première Vision Paris - from February 11 to 13, 2020 at the Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte - will be a relay of an exhibition on the history of Shoes currently showing at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs of Paris - through animations and educational installations about the conception and manufacture of shoes, providing a prospective and creative look at these key products that have entered the collections of all the fashion brands.

The exhibition "Marche et Démarche, Une histoire de la chaussure" focuses on the history of shoes and footwear, and is on until 23 February 2020 at the MAD, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Paris.

Above, a wide range of creative leather qualities on show at PREMIÈRE VISION LEATHER in Paris, and 

Below, displays of components and accessories at PREMIÈRE VISION ACCESSORIES, 

both events took place at the September 2019 PREMIÈRE VISION Paris show.

Photos by Lucia Carpio.

It is an exhibition of natural echo for Première Vision, which, through its flagship event Première Vision Paris, highlights each season the creative complementarity of the fashion industry’s professions, particularly in its specialized spaces: PREMIÈRE VISION LEATHER, the leather specialist universe which presents a selection of tanners and manufacturers for the leather goods, clothing and footwear markets, and PREMIÈRE VISION ACCESSORIES, which presents an offer of components for fashion, accessories and footwear.

British artist among 10 to participate in international exhibition at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art in February 2020 as part of residency programme

Rana Begum, “Baskets” (2017), at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, UK

London-based artist Rana Begum is one of ten artists from around the world invited to participate in a new residency programme at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and their work will culminate in an exhibition in February 2020, with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency (ISTRA).

Rana Begum was inspired by the architecture of Istanbul, in particular the domed roofs that are such a prominent feature of the skyline. During her research trip, she visited workshops and learned about different metal spinning techniques. Renowned for her impressive and varied sculptures, Begum will use the practices she observed in Istanbul to create 60 different molds to make a large-scale wall piece for display in the final exhibition.

Born in 1977 in Bangladesh, then moved to the UK with her family, Rana Begum received a BA in painting from the Chelsea College of Arts, followed by an MFA in the same field from the Slade School of Fine Art. She currently lives and works in London. Using various modes of expression such as painting and sculpture, the artist draws inspiration from urban architecture and Islamic arts. She won the Abraaj Prize at Art Dubai 2017 and has had solo exhibitions and participated in group exhibitions in diverse countries, including the UK, the United States, France, Sweden, and China. Her works have appeared in exhibitions at Tate St Ives, UK (2018); Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, the Hague, the Netherlands (2017); Parasol Unit, London (2016); and MAK – Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna (2015).  One of her recent creations "Baskets" was shown at Kettle's Yard, Cambridge, UK, in 2017 as shown in picture above.

Each resident artist invited by the Istanbul Museum spends a total of six weeks in Istanbul over two separate visits, with the first part devoted to first-hand research and the next to the making process. During their first visit, the artists tour the workshops of different artisans, learning about traditional designs, material choices, and production methods. On their second trip to Turkey’s cultural capital, they apply this understanding of local crafts to their own artwork, creating a new piece that will be unveiled in the group exhibition.

Outi Pieski, “Čohkiideapmi / Falling Shawls” (2017), photo by Ari Karttunen / EMMA, and “Ovdavázzit – Forewalkers”, sitespecific sculptural installation for the Finnish Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale (2019), photo by Ugo Carmeni

Istanbul Modern is producing a series of short films recording the artists’ individual journeys, and will also compile and present an archival section as part of the exhibition. The museum will hold talks with the artists and organise educational workshops in conjunction with the show.

In addition to Rana Begum of London, the other participating artists are: Faig Ahmed (Baku), Benji Boyadgian (Jerusalem), Rodrigo Hernández (Lisbon and Mexico City), Servet Koçyiğit (Amsterdam), Outi Pieski (Utsjoki and Numminen), Randi & Katrine (Copenhagen), Wael Shawky (Alexandria and Philadelphia), and Jorinde Voigt (Berlin).

Mintel forecasts steady Christmas as British shoppers embrace Black Friday!

*Mintel forecasts December retail sales to be worth £48.7 billion 

*39% of consumers bought something during last year’s Black Friday promotions - Electrical items were the most popular purchases - bought by 49% of Black Friday shoppers

Love it or loathe it, Black Friday is now fully ingrained in the UK retail calendar.  While the official date of Black Friday isn't until November 29, many retailers are launching special deals starting from today, Friday, November 22, catching shoppers who want to do some early Christmas shopping.  

So whether you want to brave the high street full of bargain hunters and tourists or opt for shopping online in the peaceful home (or office) setting, there are serious deals and savings to be had, from electronic toys to games consoles, clothing, beauty and personal care.

Luxury Personalised Christmas Cracker - Family Treats by The Handmade Christmas Co. 

Black Friday is a tradition that originated in the US where retailers cut prices the day after Thanksgiving.  In recent years, UK retailers have hoped on the bandwagon and embraced it as a major annual shopping event in the run-up to Christmas.


According to retail and market experts at Mintel, last year almost two in five (39%) British consumers made a purchase during the Black Friday promotions.  Avoiding the retail rush, 86% of Black Friday shoppers bought online, while just under three in ten (29%) bought in-store. Amazon was the most popular destination, with 42% of Black Friday buyers shopping with the online giant during the event. 

ENGLISH LAVENDER COLLECTION By Yardley London

Overall, electrical items were the most popular purchases, bought by 49% of Black Friday shoppers, followed by clothing and footwear (38%) and beauty and fragrance (25%). 

Nick Carroll, Associate Director of Retail Research at Mintel, said:  “Black Friday is here to stay, and we expect it to be potentially the biggest it’s ever been in the UK. Unlike in recent years, Black Friday 2019 falls right at the end of the month - after payday and less than four weeks before Christmas. This makes perfect timing to capitalise on shoppers who are looking to save during this uncertain period.
Mintel forecasts December retail sales to be worth £48.7 billion 

Despite a particularly tough year, Mintel forecasts some Christmas cheer for Britain’s retailers. Latest research predicts that December’s retail sales will reach £48.7 billion, growing a respectable 3.8% compared to last December when sales hit £46.9 billion.  

 Personalised Christmas Bottle Bags can be ordered from Vanilla Reindeer.

Sales through non-food retailers this December are expected to reach £23.9 billion (including £4.2 billion from online sales generated by physical stores); while food retailers will enjoy sales of £18.8 billion (including £1.4 billion from online sales generated by physical stores). And in the battle between the clicks and bricks, Mintel estimates that internet pure players (online only retailers) will account for £6.0 billion worth of sales.

Mintel forecasts total online sales this December will be worth £11.6 billion, accounting for 23.7% of all retail sales.

Nick Carroll, Associate Director of Retail Research at Mintel, said: “The past few festive periods have shown that customers can be resilient in the face of uncertain times and we believe underlying demand will hold up reasonably well. Customers will, of course, be looking for value, and with fewer days between Black Friday and Christmas this year retailers’ margins may be particularly stretched.

“Although high-street retailers may be under pressure … those that can provide valued experiences whilst tapping into other underlying trends, such as local sourcing and ethical production, combined with attracting value-conscious shoppers, put themselves in a good position this festive season.”

Museum Shop Sunday December 1st - over 1,000 cultural venues

Museums and galleries offer not only arts, cultural and heritage attractions, but are also destinations for retail therapy, especially at this time of the year when consumers are on the look-out for unique gifts that range from quirky bespoke ranges to ethically sourced items.

Christmas Traditions – published in September 2019 from British Library Publishing - is a hardback that offers fascinating compendium of Christmas history by renowned popular historian George Goodwin.  It includes 60+ illustrations of original artwork celebrating a traditional Christmas and attractively packaged in a gift-book format.

Come December 1st, more than 1,000 cultural venues worldwide will celebrate the third annual Museum Shop Sunday, that will offer wide selections of gifts and include also happenings for consumers to participate and experience, such as food sampling and drinks tasting, book signings and craft activities.

Baby T. rex costume by Natural History Museum, London, for playtime, parties, anytime.  Ages Height Chest Waist 12 - 18 months 80cm 50cm 45cm 18 - 24 months 86cm 51cm 46cm 2 - 3 years 98cm 54cm 52cm

Participants in the UK include Historic Royal Palaces, London Transport Museum, the British Library, Imperial War Museums and Royal Museums Greenwich, Garden Museum, to name a few, as well as smaller local museums and galleries.

Christmas cards that Plant Trees and save bees from extinction!

This Christmas, send cards to loved ones that show you also care about our planet.

Each 100% recycled card from 1 Tree Cards comes with the planting of 1 tree in an area of mass deforestation. Inside, the receiver is greeted by a token telling them that '1 tree has been planted for you'. This token is embedded with seeds and can be grown into beautiful bee friendly flowersThis design is taken from our Leaf Moments collection and shows a beautiful festive scene carved out of a leaf image from the Suffolk countryside.

The humble greeting card has now been given an eco makeover that spreads joy to bees and the environment too, thanks to 1 Tree Cards which is on a mission to help save the bees with their 3-in-1 eco greeting cards that send love, plant trees and grow bee-friendly flowers.

When opening a 1 Tree Cards (printed with vegan inks on 100% recycled card), the receiver is greeted with a flower seed token infused with seeds that can be grown into bee-friendly flowers.

A box of Tree Planting Eco Christmas Cards from 1 Tree Cards.  Each box has 10 cards inside; each plants 1 tree and include a seed token that grows into bee friendly flowers. This box is called 'Tree Wishes' and has 2 cards of 5 designs each depicting a single tree with a winter companion.

Co-founder Becky Kijima says: “Bees are a keystone species (who pollinate our food supply) so without them, our ecosystem could cease to exist altogether. We wanted to raise awareness and give people a tangible way to help feed declining bee populations. What better time to do this than when someone’s already full of positive vibes from receiving a card?”

With more people wanting to help save the planet, these Eco cards have been a huge hit since launching last Summer with their growing number of almost 100 stockists, according to 1 Tree Cards.