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May 22, 2014
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Denim by PV: "very good numbers" for Barcelona

Published
May 22, 2014

It would be difficult for the regulars of the Parisian edition of Denim by not to be impressed by the edition in Spain. The Halle Freyssinet has now been succeeded by the impressive nave of Hall 8 of the Fiera Barcelona, ​​whose industrial vaults echo in turn the rusted girders that make up the exhibition stands.

Denim by Barcelona (photo by Matthew Guinebault)


The new exhibition space is distinctly divided by a central aisle that is framed on either side by two parallel corridors. The floor is elevates at regular intervals, making the view of exhibiting stands - already up by 5% this year - seem even more crowded.

The new 18,000 square meter space seems full for at least the first day of the show’s Spanish rebirth. "We’ve seen very good numbers, significantly higher than we experienced on the same day in Paris,” remarked CEO of Première Vision SA, Philippe Pasquet, to FashionMag.

"The report is very positive. Based on what we have heard, it’s beyond a success. But even if the numbers were average, we kind of just slug away: we’d continue to put in the hours to attract more people one step at a time.”

A Catalan crush

Are there regrets as to leaving Paris behind? While some remain hopelessly attached to the French capital, in the aggregate, professionals are happy with the advantages afforded by Barcelona. From the ease of finding lodgings to the quick ride from the airport using taxis that are more numerous and less expensive than their Parisian counterparts.

“We’re still trying to emerge from a crisis that is difficult to deal with, and every show requires choice to be made,” says a sales manager for a Moroccan producer. “So, if the littlest thing allows us to bring in more business, that’s fantastic."

Denim by in Barcelona (photo Matthew Guinebault)


“Our company is really pleased with the change, both in terms of the exhibition space and the new city,” said a representative from the Turkish manufacturer, Calik Denim. Coming from further afield, the Indian supplier Arvind Denim also indicates having benefited from the move.

“Whether it’s Barcelona or Paris, it doesn’t make a big difference for us," said Rajesh Gupta, the supplier’s creative manager. "But the change does seem to make the show more dynamic, and we have far more meetings than we did last year in Paris."

"Have you been to Amsterdam?"

Besides the relocation of Denim by, one of the recurring themes of this edition is another denim trade show that has recently arrived in Europe. The American organizer, Kingpins, pitched its tent in Amsterdam from May 7 - 8. That has been enough to pique the interest of the French regulars of the show. "I thought it was good, but I'll wait a year to see how it goes before deciding if I really should go," confided one purchaser for a Spanish retailer to one of his colleagues - many are eager to get a feel for the new show.

"Denim by has managed to become a must-attend event for the industry,” said Philippe Pasquet when asked about the necessity of a second trade show. “It’s a different concept. I know that a lot of people like it because we all like outsiders, and they’re sort of the underdogs. We decided to come to Barcelona before getting wind of the show. I'm for the free flow of commerce, but the market will decide. At the moment, I don’t get the impression that we are very similar."

Proud of a standing in the fashion industry that is “unparalleled throughout the world", Denim by Première Vision brought together more than 3,000 professionals in May 2013 in Paris. An even greater figure for May 2014 would very much justify the change in address, and would reinforce the denim show’s aura among professionals.

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