Paris – Tradeshow organizers WSN and Andam are adopting new partnerships across the finish line to support emerging designers during Paris Fashion Week.
The two pair the Run On Run, a new hybrid model of the young brand that will become part of a wholesale showroom and part of a runway fashion show space under WSN production. Taking over the previous spongy two-storey Habitat store at the Run Republique location, the Run Space will also host retail pop-ups that will be open to the public.
“The project is on the table because what we’ve seen over the years is that it’s very difficult for young brands and very creative brands to emerge,” WSN CEO said. Frederick Mauss states. “The fashion industry is struggling for now. It’s very difficult to see by buyers. Buyers take a lot of risk. So we’ll be able to help them gain this view and make their creativity go global. You need to help show it.”
The organization behind the annual fashion awards and mentorship programme, Andam lends its brand curation expertise. The organization will feature 15 young labels, including ATXV, Benmoyal, Pressiat and Hugo Kriet.
WSN will host a full-service showroom with commercial support teams to assist brands with sales leads, scheduling appointments, business support and on-site receptions.
Retail space is organized by FSHOP. At FSHOP, brands not only can sell existing stocks, but they also take pre-orders for upcoming collections.
WSN will also provide runway shows production on its official calendar. First confirmed, Benmoyal expects to add up to three runway shows during the event open from March 7th to March 10th at 1pm.
“The Run Project fully addresses the need for accessible runways and showroom spaces for generations of designers gathering in Paris, contributing to its global reputation as fashion capital.”
“Identifying, supporting and introducing talent alongside WSN and its team is a natural extension of Andam’s mission. By providing access to the best experts and honorable buyers and journalists at Paris Fashion Week Empowering designers, creating true springboards for their careers,” she added.
Internal Premier Classe in September 2024.
Kim Wekle
WSN will hold trade show premier classifications and material and shapes that match Paris Fashion Week, and who will curve Bjorca, Paris and Interfiliare Paris later this year. Maus said WSN is trying to tap on an extensive database of buyers around the world to drive execution and gain “maximum visibility” for the brands involved.
The new project aims to expand its scope to show production while leveraging the expertise of WSN buyers. Mouse said the younger brand has been hit hard on both ends of the business, with more conservative purchasing behavior on the one hand and costs on the other and struggles early on.
With support from WSN, he hopes that younger creatives can focus on their craft, but organizers are focused on logistics. Such support in the early stages could help stabilize these brands, Mouse said.
“If we accelerate them at the moment, they can really grow. We just want to expand and give them exposure (to the buyers), so they recognize the brand and look at the products. ” he said. Taking the public with you should also be helpful in interest in new names.
Mouse has previously been Andam’s ju apprentice and has served as a leader of the awardees. WSN’s Premier Classe is the official patron of the awards.
Last year, the two organizations held a cocktail party to celebrate their mutual 35 years of operation, and this year they decided to take it a step beyond birthday events. RUN tried out the hybrid concept at Men’s Fashion Week last June, and this is the first time the two have partnered on a project.
“We’re really trying to put something on the mix table,” Mouse said. “And to be honest, I want to be a hotspot during my next fashion week in Paris.”
