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23rd Rencontres Internationales de la Mode

Interviews, Insights

The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode is a partner of the International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Accessories - Hyères, since 2003. Every year, it hosts the Rencontres Internationales de la Mode, with the support of DEFI, to provide a forum for experts to discuss key current topics.

The 23rd Rencontres Internationales de la Mode focused on Fashion weaving links. Three round tables were held:

Fashion is a collective work. It creates and feeds on the most diverse links between professions, skills, expertise and knowledge of all kinds. These universes unite and work together to create something that is constantly renewed. So, a fashion collection, and the way it is staged, federates talents and communities.

 

First Round Table: Creative communities 

Fashion brings together a wide range of talents from the cultural and creative industries - design, crafts, music, visual arts, set design, dance and film - to create a unique identity that reaches across the globe. These ecosystems thrive on the breaking down of barriers between disciplines, encouraging collaborations between brands and artists to strengthen the links between the arts.

Beyond the production of clothes, a brand creates a multifaceted universe, where different timeframes and expertise come together. These encounters, often facilitated by digital technology, allow each actor to discover the challenges and rhythms of the other. In this way, France's world-renowned creativity unfolds and is celebrated through these exchanges, giving shape to a collective and inspiring dynamic.

 

Speakers:

Gary Farkas, producer, co-founder of PHENOMENA, PHANTASM and VIXENS 

Marion Mailander, interior architect and designer

Pierre Marchal, founder and creative director of JPPM STUDIO 

Fanny Neme Abadie, head of brands partnerships artists services of BELIEVE 

Nicolas Santi-Weil, CEO of AMI Paris 

Emeric Tchatchoua, founder and creative director of 3.PARADIS    

Second Round Table: Ecological communities

Fashion is undergoing a major transformation, driven by growing ecological and social commitments. A committed ecosystem - creative, institutional, associative - is pushing the sector towards greater sustainability, with increased regulations in France and Europe. Choice of materials, care of the garment, quality of manufacture: every stage is rethought to create pieces that are both beautiful and sustainable.

This dynamic is based on collaboration with design teams and producers, valuing craftsmanship and respect for working conditions. Through responsible sourcing and ongoing training in sustainable development, an entire community comes together around shared values, building a more conscious and sustainable fashion industry.

 

Speakers:

Jeanne Friot, founder and creative director of JEANNE FRIOT

Cécile Gaume, general director of La Sirène 

Kevin Germanier, founder and artistic director of KEVIN GERMANIER 

Isabelle Lefort, co-founder and content director of PARIS GOOD FASHION 

Annika Mohr Sorfalt, global sustainability director of BALENCIAGA    

Third Round Table: International communities 

Fashion, intrinsically international, is enriched by local singularities while forging links between cities and cultures. This round table looks at how local issues, such as sustainability, creativity and access to technology, can be found on a large scale and complement each other.

In the US, the data-driven approach and the rise of AI are transforming the sector. Japan, while maintaining an apparent calm, is undergoing similar cultural influences. In China, a post-COVID economic upheaval is redefining the landscape. Africa, with growing pride in its roots, is opening up to globalisation. However, missing links in the production chain and systemic challenges persist, underlining the importance of global collaboration to enrich the creativity and diversity of fashion.

 

Speakers:

Caroline Fabre, executive advisor of YOHJI YAMAMOTO 

Carole Sabas, consultant, writter  

Jenke Ahmed Tailly, stylist and artistic director

Mao Jihong, co-founder of EXCEPTION de MIXMIND 

Simone Cipriani, founder of Ethical Fashion Initiative of The International Trade Centre (ITC)