Joanna Dahdah – Lebannon
A designer with impeccable credentials. First the famous Central Saint Martin’s in London, then a stint with Swarovski to launch her career, while at the same time obtaining a degree in gemmology. Naturally, Joanna Dahdah launched her own brand. Her designs immediately appeared in specialist stores around the world before she opened her own shop in Beirut, her native city, in 2010.
Joanna Dahdah works with gold, white gold and diamonds. Her works are particularly finely crafted, an intricate blend of luxury and precious materials. Pendants, ear-rings, bracelets – this Lebanese designer adorns women with modesty and discretion.

Marie Depaire – France
Marie Depaire is an artist, a soul requiring inspiration from a whole range of sources before being able to share. Her background is also unusual. Having started out as a classical dancer, she went on to weave a new career for herself at the Créar tapestry school. She then one day decided to follow her personal passion and try her hand at jewellery. At home. On her own. Necklaces, chains, bracelets, ear-rings… she finds the same pleasure in working all her creations, painstakingly, by hand. Her novelty lies in the fact that she combines fabric and metal – leading to the creation of her famous comforter bracelet in 2009.
Her very grunge-rock style is set off with a touch of the 1960s which adds a sensuality and softness, with a personality full of nuance and subtlety.

Amélie Sophie Rue – France
Amélie Sophie above all represents youth and the total romanticism of a carefree life. Her Hispano-French roots add warm overtones of dancing and passion, influenced by both the 1960s and the 18th century. Roots that the designer embraces and explores, with her favourite material – bronze-coloured brass – as well as through her models, all inspired by the accessories of her forebears. Chic and light materials (silk thread, glass beads, etc.) lend women a Bohemian air. Her jewellery is designed to dance weightlessly over their bodies.
Amélie Sophie retains a delicate, precious and elegant touch in the midst of this soft and tender madness to ensure a heightened yet modest femininity.

Galerie Lerique – France
The best way of understanding the Galerie Lerique’s universe is to visit its website. Baroque, gilding, a harpsichord, ball gowns – welcome to the 18th century. A century of refined, exuberant and feminine jewellery. Although the brand now manufactures necklaces, bracelets, brooches, rings and combs, the world of haute-couture fashion has always been Mirko Tomei’s inspiration. The result is a range of creations which combine perfectly as accessories with all sorts of clothes, from the everyday to the very formal. Crystal, coloured resin, pearls, cameos, feathers and silk – the Galerie Lerique works with a range of materials. The best way of stepping into the shoes of Marie-Antoinette. Just try not to lose your head.

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His works are perfectly coherent and rich assemblies of the multicultural jigsaw of his personality. A mixture of materials, a cocktail of colours, a combination of techniques, all brought together in an explosion of warmth and comfort.

Rodrigo Almeida exhibits all the freshness of the autodidact. Although he claims influences including Andrea Branzi, Ettore Sottsass, Sergio Rodrigues, Jean Prouvé and Konstantin Grcic, he is even more inspired by primitive objects and ancestral art. “It is only after this ‘discussion’ with the object that I am able to inject my own ideas. When I succeed, it is a real victory.”

Rodrigo Almeida works mainly with recycled materials, a way of incorporating elements of chance and diversity into his creations. His work reflects this, with incessant layers of inventiveness and folklore.

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As we all know, Luxury is immune to crises. In fact, the market has recorded constant and regular growth. The Centre du Luxe et de la Création held its 11th conference at the start of this year. Four round tables were held, based around the theme “De l’or dans les mains” (“the Midas touch”) and more generally the sector’s future. With the arrival of the new Asian, and particularly Chinese, market, some brands such as Hermès forecast their growth being checked by difficulty in responding to this increasing demand. An enviable problem for this sector, employing 100,000 people, but a problem all the same.

While the leading names in the French Luxury sector are thriving, smaller crafts businesses are doing just as well. French gilders, for example, have established themselves internationally, along with wine and spirits producers. These small firms, ambassadors for French know-how and culture, are experiencing one major problem however – the ageing of their owners.

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Last year, the first event since the two shows merged, a few failures in legibility were pointed out.

To rectify this, Hall 1 has been removed to focus visitors’ attention on the central aisle.

To simplify the visit, each hall will accommodate one, and only one, theme.

This year therefore marks the show’s renewal – a new era, also emphasised by the images for the event.

By turning to Berlin photographer Robert Bartholot and his bright, mystical and chivalrous universe, the organisers make our mouths water with posters which certainly have star quality.

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The most coveted prize, the L’Oréal Professionnel jury’s grand prize, went to Siiri Raasakka, Tiia Siren and Elina Laitinen. Again international, with this trio from Finland, and again eclectic and surprising, with a men’s collection that is fairly unusual for its meticulousness, colour and daring.

Canadian Steven Tai is the final Hyères winner. His silhouette designed for Chloé was the obvious choice in this new mini-competition sponsored by the Richemont group.

Finally, Belgian Lucas Sponchiado did not win anything at Hyères but scooped the first Palais de Tokyo Public’s Prize for his ultra-sharp and attractive women’s collection, which was both classical and modern as well as extremely feminine.

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What better association than between the two countries which have historically been leaders in fashion and creativity? Who’s Next and Coolhunter Italy are organising a competition for the event in Italy from 22 to 24 September. The winner, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be given a stand at the Who’s Next show in January 2013, as well as promotion on all the show’s communication documents.
This continues Who’s Next’s love affair with Italy, historically the country providing the most visitors to the show as well as the most exhibitors.

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Martithé & François Girbaud had the pleasure of handing over a cheque for 5000 euros to Paloma Casile, who will be producing a lingerie line for Allande and will have a stand at Mode City. Romain Urnel wins 7000 euros and a showcase at a Messe Frankfurt France show, along with a stand at the Who’s Next Prêt-à-Porter Paris show. Takuya Isagawa will benefit from a stand at the same show, accompanied by a cheque for 6000 euros and a season of coaching by Muriel Piaser Consulting. Finally, Céline Montoussé and Juliette Imbert have been given a stand at the Ethical Fashion Show along with 5000 euros.

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The materials are ecological, sourced using fair trade and manufactured to ensure dignity and respect for workers. Veja aims to ensure the sale of its products is based on a socially and environmentally responsible chain, from producer to consumer.

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Thanks to the www.creativeparis.info site, everyone can immerse themselves in French culture and expertise, while developing and sharing their own aspirations. It is possible to plan courses in advance of your stay based on dates, budget, interests or location of accommodation. Eight categories are available to cater to every taste: art of gardening/floral art, culinary arts, visual arts/craftsmanship, performing arts, fashion/design, thought (writing/philosophy), photography/cinema/multimedia, and finally science and technology. For family visits, a quarter of activities are tailored to children.

The city of culture, history, craftsmanship and tourism is opening up its heritage to the world and, of course, its residents. A different way of discovering the city of light and plunging into the depths of its soul for a communion with its ancestral exaltation.

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