PRESS RELEASE 2 DECEMBER 2015
IFM AND PREMIÈRE VISION PARTNER TO CREATE A CHAIR FOR “THE ECONOMICS OF CREATIVE MATERIALS FOR FASHION” Première Vision S.A., the leading organizer of international professional trade shows for fashion industries, is partnering with the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), or French Fashion Institute, to create a chair for “The Economics of Creative Materials for Fashion”, a renewable position lasting a minimum of three years, starting from January 1st, 2016. As the leader in its sector, and through the various shows that bring together some of the most creative, innovative and influential companies in the fashion industry, over the years Première Vision has become a veritable value-added observatory for the fashion industry worldwide. In order to follow developments in the industry as closely as possible and to adapt to the needs of international markets, Première Vision has been collaborating with IFM for several years. Together, they analyze how fashion markets are evolving, shifts in consumer behavior and changes in buying schedules, among other developments. Building upon this experience, IFM and Première Vision have decided to found the IFM-Première Vision Chair for “The Economics of Creative Materials for Fashion”, a new position that will create a high value-added center for research and the sharing of knowledge about the economics of textiles and leathers for fashion and clothing industry. P Research will be focused on the establishment of an international economic indicator for materials – textiles and leather – for creative fashions, the analysis of short-term developments in the industry and the oversight of industry-specific studies.
What is a chair? A chair is the result of an initiative taken by a company that commits to an institution of higher learning to support research programs for at least three years, a period which may be renewed. It allows the company to work with professors who specialize in one of its areas of expertise, as well as with current students and alumni. A chair makes it possible to create a think tank and a space for sharing knowledge; it is a privileged context in which the company can share its expertise while supporting teaching and research activities within its field. For the company, a chair is also a tool internal and external communication.
PRESS RELEASE 2 DECEMBER 2015
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE IFM-PREMIÈRE VISION CHAIR: For Première Vision, this collaboration is intended to nurture the specialized trades represented in its shows by granting access to economic and sector-specific data as well as targeted studies conducted jointly with IFM so that they may better understand and adapt to industry issues and developments. It is also an important communication tool and a means for Première Vision to consolidate its position as a leading observatory for upstream fashion businesses. For these reasons, this chair represents several objectives for Première Vision: P The gathering of economic data on the textile and leather industry and how it is evolving on an international scale; P The implementation of new, specially-developed tools for improving Première Vision’s and fashion professionals’ knowledge base regarding information about the industry and textiles/leather; P The ability to conduct specific studies thanks to the expertise of a recognized authority in the industry, IFM, on various issues and developments concerning fashion’s upstream sector; P The opportunity to communicate a body of data and results with manufacturers (exhibitors at Première Vision’s shows), brands and fashion businesses (visitors), and the media; P Promoting high-level research into the economics of creative materials for fashion; P The reinforcement of Première Vision’s position with respect to the young talents, future directors and fashion designers who are current or former students of IFM. Students will also benefit from access to certain information and studies. For IFM, this partnership creates several opportunities: P The creation of this new chair aligns with the school’s vocation as a specialized institute of higher education and research for the entire textile-clothing value chain P A body of research that, with Première Vision’s support, will reinforce and elevate the academic and professional instruction provided by IFM.
© Gaillarde Deslandes
PRESS RELEASE 2 DECEMBER 2015
THE CHAIR’S INITIAL ACTIONS: u The Première Vision-IFM barometer:
As one of the first actions implemented by the chair, Première Vision and IFM have decided to create a barometer for the activity within the creative materials industry. In fact, there are no indicators or any international statistics that specifically target high added-value materials. This is the industry that Première Vision represents in its shows with a rich and diverse selection of exhibitors. Thanks to this annual barometer and to the support of IFM, Première Vision will be able to establish an index of observation and evaluation for activity within the creative fashion industry. For Première Vision exhibitors, and for all high added-value creative materials businesses, the Première Vision barometer will make it possible to measure the evolution of the high-end and creative fashion sector. It also creates a way for professionals to compare and position themselves with respect to the creative industry index on an annual basis. To create this index, IFM will contact Première Vision exhibitors in order to conduct a statistical survey. The objective is to reveal first results at the September 2016 edition of Première Vision Paris.
u A study on international sourcing: The other mission IFM quickly established for the chair is to organize and lead a seminar on sourcing at the next Première Vision Paris show (February 16th -18th, 2016, at the Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord-Villepinte).
PRESS RELEASE 2 DECEMBER 2015
MORE ABOUT IFM / Institut Français de la Mode IFM is an establishment of higher learning recognized by the French state that delivers specialized diplomas and acts as a center for continued education and expertise on the textile, fashion, luxury and design industries. The Institute is a member of both the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles, a grouping of higher education and research institutions in France and abroad, and the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI). The institution offers graduates the opportunity to pursue high-level professional programs in management and creation. With the implementation of an economic observatory and targeted studies, applied research will now become an essential part of the Institute’s mission. IFM also offers a number of publications specializing in economics and the social and human sciences with respect to fashion and design. www.ifm-paris.com
Première Vision The French leader in the organization of professional trade shows and events for the worldwide fashion and textile industries since 1973, Première Vision S.A. is now internationally recognized for the relevance of its strategic choices and the quality of its services. A subsidiary of Association Première Vision and the leading event management group GL Events, Première Vision is positioned at the center of a network of 12 branches and international offices it has established in strategic areas throughout the world of fashion. All Première Vision shows reflect a unified approach based on innovation and a quest for consistent quality of service, with the aim of showcasing a selective creative offer with high added value. In addition to a qualitative selection of exhibitors, Première Vision is also internationally renowned for offering inspiring fashion information and forecasting within the context of its shows. Over the years, the Première Vision group has successfully diversified its activities, notably through the regular integration of new shows in France and abroad, while widening both its fields of expertise and its expertise in specialized fashion businesses including yarns and fibers, fabrics, leathers and fur, textile design and creation, components and accessories, and manufacturing. Today, Première Vision organizes 27 shows and events per year across 7 countries. www.premierevision.com
PREMIÈRE VISION Igor Robinet-Slansky Press Office i.robinet@premierevision.com T : +33 (0)1 70 38 70 30 P : +33 (0)6 42 06 31 02
INSTITUT FRANÇAIS DE LA MODE Delphine Wharmby Marketing and Communication Director Communication@ifm-paris.com T. 33(0)1 70 38 89 89