Wednesday, August 27, 2008

le showroom


In exactly 4 weeks, on September 28th, I leave for Paris for Le Showroom. Now the countdown begins to get our goods in order, our announcements out, our catalogs ready to be printed, our new collection in top form.

For the last four seasons since 2006, twice a year during fashion week, I've been launching the next season's collections at a beautiful 18th c. atelier in Paris. It's a tradeshow but unlike the typical tradeshow you might find in a large convention center, it's an intimate affair, with beautiful large windows, ornate fixtures and mouldings, bright light white walls right in the heart of Paris, a stone's throw from the Louvre and the Bourse and all the other shows that take place during fashion week.



We are not boxed in like at other shows, but exposed to our neighbors, other designers, mostly independent, smaller labels who, just like me, work themselves silly to get ready for the show. Like me, they love what they do and are passionate about their creations which have become integral to their lives and livelihood (Think Project Runway final challenge). Hortensia de Hutten and SebastiƩn, her son, the organizers of the show, are also passionate about what they do and work hard to make sure we, the designers, have the best venue possible to expose our work to buyers, the fashion world, the press. They have become like my French family when I'm in Paris and operate their business with grace and humility and tremendous experience and savvy.




Every season I go, nervous with the hopes of introducing my work to the world, always a risk and always made immensely better once I arrive at the show, unpack my suitcase and start to set up. Always made better, when Hortensia and her wonderful family greet me at the door with kisses and smiles, when I see my old friends and meet many new. Always made better when that first buyer or magazine editor walks up and vindicates months and months of hard work.

the flat of my lovely friend Coco, where I stay when I'm in Paris, on rue Cardinale Lemoine

Look at the Le Showroom website under "exhibitors" to see more of our catalog shots and some of the other designers at the show! And if you have another minute to spare, read one of my early posts, in February 2007, with an early packing list for Paris! Ha..so funny to read again now...

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!
it is dreamy- your collection is dreamy!

please sir said...

Wow - that is so exciting! Don't be nervous - you will do great. Your work says it all.

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

that is so exciting!!!

montague said...

oh honey, this looks so beautiful! a perfect fit for your work, a great display to show off your goodies!

Julia said...

You are going to have an incredible time! I'm so excited for you :)

ana dane said...

how l'exciting. can you drink lots and lots of chocolat chaud for me, belle plait?

heidi said...

wow... thanks for that inside look! It sounds like it's a dream come true to be there!

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

your collection looks beautiful displayed. i wish you the best there. you are so talented deb!

Vana said...

Ohhh I am so excited for you! I will be in Europe during that time too....unfortunately not Paris...I would have loved to come and support you! It sounds so much fun!
That last picture of the flat, if you don't mind, I would love to do a little sketch of it....Can i?

Oh--and thanks soooo much for supporting me on the Nie Nie day Auction...and for bidding..You are soo kind!

Bonbon Oiseau said...

Thanks everyone--you're all so sweet for your support---i've done it so many times but hey, deadlines are deadlines---i just want to do my best!

Vana--I would love for you to make a sketch of the flat!

Cindy said...

wow - that looks so exciting, but trade shows wherever they are can be nerve racking and exhausting. your list is something - i'm impressed you can take the nails, pins and scissors now a days. your work is just beautiful! good luck!

Elizabeth said...

Oh how wonderful! What a beautiful setting to show off your jewelry, and to meet friends old and new. I'll send good vibes your way in hopes that many magazine editors find themselves wandering over to your display...

Helene said...

You are going to knock them dead!! Wave hi to my mom and dad while you fly over!!

Fifi Flowers said...

You lucky girl... I wish I could say... in a few days I am leaving for Paris... so jealous!
Have a wonderful time... can't wait to hear all about it!
Good luck with your sale this weekend too!
Fifi

High Desert Diva said...

Fashion week, Paris and a friend named Coco.........sounds tres chic!

cindy* said...

i can only imagine the butterflies you must feel each trip. beautiful!

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

How exquisite!!! I loved every bit of this sneak peek as well as *hearing* the exciting emotions it brings about. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

littlebyrd said...

This reads like a fairytale! I love it and am so excited for you!

molly said...

i know i say it every time i leave a comment, deb, but your life is SO very envious! eat it up!