The luxury and leather goods industry is doing well despite the economic crisis, as illustrated by the number of suppliers to the industry attending the show, which has risen once again: +21% compared with February 2012 in terms of exhibitor numbers.

Some very well known companies are back with us: The Italian companies LIMONTA with a range of textiles for accessories, CONCERIA PRIANTE specialized in upholstery and leather goods, and the FERRERO and ONDA VERDE tanneries for leather goods and footwear, plus the Indian company, SRIVATHSA, a leader in the woven leather sector.

Among the 40 newcomers to the show, we note the arrival of the French tannery, GAL, specialized in vegetable tanning for saddlery and leather goods and the Dutch tannery HULSHOF which offers biodegradable leather. The range of components is strengthened with 8 new exhibitors of soles, heels, ribbons and straps.

The new addition to this edition is the INCUBE forum. It lies at the heart of a cross-disciplinary prospective process, which monitors, identifies and selects the signs from the contemporary design scene that indicate what will influence the design of tomorrow.

This new forum is inspired by the desire to promote the research, creativity, expertise and techniques of the tanners present at the show. It guides them in the exploration of new fields, and drives the development of materials around two themes: Reactivate and Reincarnate.

INCUBE wants to surprise, suggest unusual and unexpected creative routes, and it invites visitors to discover, reflect and to imagine through the use of pertinent and bold material samples.

The other event which draws on contributions from the show’s exhibitors is the exhibition by ESMOD Berlin around the theme of “The Sculpted Body”. This project is the result of a unique collaboration between LE CUIR A PARIS, ESMOD Berlin and the German companies participating in LE CUIR A PARIS. Its aim is to build bridges between industry and educational institutions.

The exhibition consists of 15 - 20 selected works designed and produced by third-year Esmod students thanks to the support of German sponsors exhibiting at LE CUIR A PARIS.

These companies include RICHARD HOFFMANS, WEINHEIMER, GERECKE LEDER and JACOBS for the leather, EMIL HOFMANN for fur and COLORTEX, FASHMO and STOCKMAYER for textiles.

The summer 2014 trends will be illustrated on the Trends Gallery, the essential port of call for all savvy designers visiting the show. And lastly, the Bespoke by LE CUIR A PARIS area is back for the third consecutive edition, showcasing 10 companies who work with leather.

From hand-embossed leather using natural plant forms from Carina Sohl, to tufted fur from Emmanuelle Béduneau, via leather panels from Christophe Fey, visitors should find solutions for even their most demanding orders at the show. 

Lecuir A Paris