The major fashion trend discussion is about how to update authentic shapes. Colour is a major contributor, plus a growing focus on trims and fabrics. This is determining in the better end of the market. Sadly, there is still a constant development of ‘fast fashion’ with fierce price competition. This starts to become painful for the lace industry where prices have dropped to an all time low. 

The first of our Première Vision reports, is a very perfect illustration of our Summer 2020 Design Concepts. The hunger for authenticity is overwhelming and judging by the first catwalk shows it does not stop with fabrics. The novelty of the season ahead is not just pattern and colour, it is also in technical innovation that often goes hand-in-hand with a growing awareness of sustainable issues – from the actual fibre to the bio-economy.

Diversification and inclusion have taken hold of the lingerie market. For the first time in years the offer and focus is shifting away from predominantly no-frill comfort, sport and wireless triangles into beautiful, designed garments and better range building. Best example of this turnaround is the Chantelle Group launching Soft Stretch, a very well received minimalist, second-skin range at the same time as completely reviewing the look of their other brands. 

A cold but rich lingerie weekend in Paris. Most suppliers and brands at Salon de la Lingerie and Interfilière were in the mood for change. The biggest discussion is, of course, the dramatic change of the retail environment with an empowering consumer who picks up information and develops longings directly via social media. The ever-so influential French leading brands are in the midst of a make-over, which of course has direct effects on the fabric suppliers. The 90 degree turn around of Chantelle and the growing army of New Wave newcomers was THE talk of the fair.