Twentieth Anniversary for 'Who’s Next' at Porte de Versailles

13 January 2015

Discover Contemporary Collections, Trend Predictions for 2015 and the Future of Fashion at Paris Trade Show

Twice yearly, hundreds of established and developing fashion and accessories brands flock to Paris to showcase their ready-to-wear creations for the next season at 'Who's Next Pret a Porter'; all with the hope of catching the eye of international buyers, journalists and industry professionals visiting. Located in the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles, the first four day event in 2015 begins on the 23rd of January and promises to inspire and excite, with contemporary styles and commercial ideas. Celebrating its twentieth year at Porte de Versailles, the international trade show will also offer the chance to attend workshops, browse lifestyle stalls and gain insight into the future of fashion at exhibitions, making it an unmissable event for those working in the industry.

Cutting-Edge Collections

Offering the opportunity to discover the next big labels and spot trends, 'Who's Next' will be exhibiting collections from 750 French and international brands in five curated areas; Fame, Private, Trendy, Urban and Studio. Menswear designers will be present, however the focus will be on womenswear, offering a diverse range from affordable on-trend labels, to couture atelier designers including Orla Kiely and Sessun. Those seeking accessories will be able to browse 680 brands showcasing shoes, jewellery, leather goods and textile accessories at Premiere Classe, including Pretty Ballerinas and Moschino.

Industry Developments

Nail art bars, magazine stands and vintage furniture displays are some of the many additional products you can expect to find sitting alongside clothing and accessories, creating a one-stop destination for all things stylish. Tech plays a big part of the experience; from the chance to find out more about smart bracelets that measure sun exposure, to an intriguing interactive experience that links 'artistic design with virtual reality' using Microsoft Surface Tablets. The next generation of talent will be showcasing works within exhibitions from fashion schools and through the Future of Fashion Program that encourages emerging designers to grow their businesses with guidance. While, a full programme of workshops and conferences will ensure you leave with additional knowledge and skills, from 3D printing and photo e-shops, to priority markets for exporting in 2015.

Trend Forecasting

Though hints have been made towards rebellion, with inspiration from the 1990's and juxtaposition between the structured and the soft, two trend forums will make discovering what every fashionista will be wearing later this year much easier to research. The ready-to-wear and accessories forums will be presenting 10 'obsessions' for A/W 2015/16 in a variety of different ways. Ten digital mood boards, presentations and an exclusive sensory experience will help to paint a picture for next season, alongside a series of photos by L'Officiel Magazine shot be Cédric Viollet.

Exhibitions at Who's Next Pret a Porter

Four main exhibitions will explore different sides of the industry, including the 'Exhibition L'Atelier de L'Institut Curie: White Scrubs in a Thousand Colours', which will display white scrubs worn by medical staff, designed by young cancer patients and customised by famous fashion designers including Antik Batik, in honour of their bravery. For a variety of fashion and accessory products, the 'Fashion Stadium Exhibition by La Federation Francaise de la Maroquinerie' will have sportswear trends redesigned using leather, while the 'World of Jewellery Facets Exhibition' by Swarovski will be showcasing more than 30 contemporary pieces designed by world-class designers including Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier. Lastly, for graphic inspiration and enhancement, the 'JavaScreen' algorithm has been created by Tristan Bagot to interpret one image into thousands of unique creations.

Porte de Versailles

Conveniently located a mere 16 minute walk away from 'Who's Next' at Parc des Expositions, Hotel Median Paris Porte de Versailles offers the comfort of a three-star stay. Relax in one of the 128 spacious rooms and suites on offer, each equipped with a private bathroom and Wi-Fi*. Take advantage of private parking* or great public transport connections with Balard Metro station one minute away and Desnouettes tramway station only a six minute walk. The hotel is not only ideally situated to explore 'Who's Next' this month, but is also offering a great value stay with the best available internet rate here. Contact our team to find out what we can offer you this January.

*Additional costs apply.