The September edition of Première Vision Paris was dedicated entirely to innovation and technology. The show featured conferences, presentations, discussions, and pitches highlighting the profound changes occurring within the fashion industry. With its flagship theme, Première Vision Paris embraced these shifts and reaffirmed the pivotal role of innovation and technology in shaping the future of the sector. It featured a program of talks, forging a global united front across the fashion spectrum, including ready-to-wear, outdoor, sportswear, lingerie, and apparel manufacturing.

Like other industries, the fashion sector must develop concrete, innovative solutions to continue production while minimizing environmental impact, especially as material supplies become scarce due to environmental or geopolitical factors. This emphasis on innovation was particularly highlighted through the design of new materials, with a special mention to GL Events for their Eco Innovation area. This area was one of the most informative at the show, educating attendees on sustainable changes impacting the industry. It provided a platform to share information on various topics, ranging from understanding synthetic fiber recycling to developing biodegradable synthetics and leather-like materials made from leaves, as well as nano-cellulosic finishes. This new section seamlessly integrated with the traditional fashion trend areas and played a crucial role in advancing this expansive industry.

Many exhibitors in the Smart Creation area showcased innovative alternatives beginning at the fiber stage, featuring new treatments, dyes, and finishes aimed at reducing or eliminating the environmental impact of conventional materials. Notably, textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling was a significant focus, representing the latest commercially viable development within the circular economy. Innovation and technology are also essential in addressing pollution.

Advances in fabrics, fibers, and manufacturing processes—including 3D printing—are fundamental to the evolution of the fashion industry and the preservation of the planet. A diverse range of material innovations were showcased at the event, including alternative fibers, new materials derived from mycelium, and innovative finishes and processes. In the fashion industry, AI and data are becoming indispensable tools. Several exhibitors and conferences tackled the role of data and artificial intelligence from various perspectives. The consistent theme: Technology and data are essential levers for decision-making and value creation. Notable applications included fabric defect detection and insights into how AI fits into the broader industry context, underscoring the importance of industry-specific data accuracy.

Ultimately, it is about energizing a sector in urgent need of direction and helping it envision future collections and business development. For the first time, the show welcomed the beauty industry, featuring Make Up Forever Academy, Fiabila, Villa Blu by Robertet (an incubator and accelerator program launched by France’s Robertet Group) and L’Abondance in its Future Trends Area. This synergistic approach toward fashion and beauty aligned with a standard narrative, which connects to the color offerings for Fall/Winter 2026/27. The palette emphasized bold tones accented by burnished and soft hues. The trend area’s iridescent mirrored floor and ceiling created a dynamic environment, proving that flexibility is key in developing innovative collections.

Charting a New Path

Today’s Première Vision is a markedly different entity from the past. Once regarded as the “Grande Dame” of the European textile industry, exhibiting credentials were notably high: companies had to be European, creative, and of top quality. Today, a new business model has emerged, with Turkish and Asian mills dominating the landscape; yet, the event continues to showcase high-quality standards, strong creative awareness and sustainable foundations.

The European mills who have persevered attract significant interest, demonstrating that there remains a strong demand for European know-how, like Italian mill Manteco (known for its  sustainable luxury fabrics and jerseys made with animal and vegetal fibers), where a large queue gathered to get onto their stand. Adding to the global balance at the show was the gathering of 22 federations from various regions. Seventeen countries, including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, united under the leadership of the French Union of Fashion & Clothing Industries (UFIMH), Union of Textile Industries (UIT), and Euratex to issue a powerful joint declaration in defense of the European industrial model. This bold statement emphasized the sector’s competitiveness and took a strong stand against the trend of ultra-fast fashion.

Première Vision is a vital partner to the global fashion industry. This commitment was made evident by the presence of distinguished global buyers, including representatives from Patagonia, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Everlane, all invited by show organizers. This initiative demonstrated a meaningful investment in fostering connections between buyers and sellers, invigorating the supply chain.