Twice a year, in January and July, the Who’s Next tradeshow in Paris allows designers and manufacturers to meet the buyers. 2,000 ready-to-wear and accessories brands present their collections for the next year. A commercial and marketing move. For me, an opportunity to discover some creative and foreign brands.

Tanni, a Hong Kong-ese brand, was present for the first time this year. The collection is a range of bright colors and high quality finishings. I loved the incredibly soft coral coat in lambskin leather.

Soma London, an English brand, presented gauzy dresses with lace, embroidery and furs, with a romantic and vintage touch.

Grizas, a Lithuanian brand producing clothing from XS to XXXL sizes. I particularly liked their dresses and blouses in velvet and satin stitch silk. Their touch is extremely soft and sensual.

Elisa Cavaletti, an Italian brand, who designed the most beautiful exhibition stand with a tree card and a giant visitors book. The welcome was also Mediterranean warm with customizable cotton cuffs as a gift. I particularly liked their coat jacket with quilted inserts.

Luis Buchinho, a Portuguese brand, which I liked the mix of materials and the elegance of its coats.

Pret pour Partir, a French brand, with its urban chic coats. I especially flashed on the Harris Tweed raincoat.

Ioana Ciolacu, a Romanian-born designer living in London, winner of the “Designer for Tomorrow” contest sponsored by Stella McCartney and finalist in the contest “The Future of Fashion.” Her collection labelled “paradoxes” includes well structured clothes with a combination of geometric lines and flowing fabrics.

I loved the hoodies in knitted alpaca of Stella Pardo and sequin dresses of Antik Batik but I was not allowed to take pictures. Copyright issues.

I walked a little bit faster through the ‘Accessories’ hall, however, I stopped at Vanina, a Lebanese brand, playing with funny or meaningful upcycling: necklaces with matches or keys, canned bags. ..

Codello, a German brand which celebrated its 75th anniversary and offered to visitors the possibility to customize a Snoopy dog on a cotton scarf.

Unfortunately, after a few hours wandering the trade show lanes, my brain had reached its saturation point. Therefore I applied the same strategy at the Louvre: not trying to see everything and saying “to the next time. “