The 36th "Mode in France" exhibition, showcasing the 2014-15 Autumn/Winter collection, kicked off on January 15th and is running until the 17th on the 25th and 26th floors of the Hilton Tokyo in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo. 61 brands, including 13 exhibiting for the first time, are showcasing their latest collections in womenswear, leather, fur, and more ahead of next week's Who's Next in Paris. This year, in a first for the exhibition, Paris-based Japanese designers Miki Mially of Miki MIALY, Yukiko Tsunoda of TSUNODA Paris, and Yoshihisa Kondo of YOSHI KONDO are also participating. The exhibition is performing well, with a 41% increase in visitors on the first day compared to last year. Patricia Brafman, international director of the French Women's Ready-to-Wear Federation, said, "I think the strong euro will have an impact, but the number of visitors is increasing, so I think it's okay." She also added, "I'm pleased that three Japanese designers (members of the Federation) are participating. I hope to attract new buyers who haven't visited Mode in France before." Miki Mialy said, "In Japan, we hold exhibitions by appointment only for existing customers, so this time I participated in order to make contact with new buyers and develop new business." She presented her first foray into fur, showcasing sleeveless fur and mohair pieces. Tsunoda Paris presented designs featuring patchworks of deadstock fabrics from the 1980s and 1990s. Yoshihisa Kondo, who launched his own brand in 1993 after working as an assistant to Issey Miyake men's and Jin Abe, exhibited his brand's signature French marine-inspired knitwear, coats, and jackets. "Our goal is to develop new business. By attracting buyers who can't make it to Paris, we hope to expand our presence in Japan." By Braby, designed by Braby Nielsen, who gained experience working for high-end brands, including proposing designs for Ted Lapidus' ready-to-wear collection during her time as a freelance designer, is popular for its dressy designs using silk and cashmere, gray dresses, and silk blouses. Despite being a first-time exhibitor, orders were received from the first day. Korean designer Ekjo has many Japanese clients, but has been focusing on exports for the past three seasons, leading to its participation at Mode in France. Hooded coats made from alpaca cashmere wool are said to be popular. Oakwood, exhibiting for the first time, will be showcasing both women's and men's items. They are showcasing designs with a focus on the Japanese market, including double-faced shearling and leather jackets. Knitwear brand Leo Guy, also exhibiting for the first time, will be showcasing designs using prints and lace. The response was positive, with orders received from the first day. Mode in France is open to industry professionals only.


【Event Information】
Mode in France
Location: Hilton Tokyo 25th and 26th floors
Address: 6-6-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Dates: January 15th to 17th
Time: 10:00 to 18:00