The international promise

International sales are constantly increasing and, more than ever, they’re a growth strategy for French brands. French apparel exports have risen 4.7 percent per year since 2010 to reach over €10 billion in 2019.

On the international scene, trade shows are rapidly evolving and remain the key meeting place for fashion professionals. In 2020, the Fédération, with support from DEFI, will help French brands participate in 13 trade shows and showrooms in 11 countries.

Asia represents the strongest growth potential: in Seoul with a new B2B (but also B2C) showroom; in Tokyo and Taipei with the Mode in France trade shows; and in China where the Fédération will organize a Mode in France pavilion with around 10 brands at the Shanghai Showroom.

The Fédération supports the presence of French brands in Russia with specialised assistance for fashion labels; it also maintains its activities in Europe, particularly in Italy, Germany, and Denmark.

To round out these field operations, in May the Fédération will hold a Rencontres event connecting American multi-brand retailers and concept stores with French fashion brands. And finally, the Fédération will present two guides: one in collaboration with the trade shows and Paris-based experts to help brands with their international efforts; and the other to better explain how professional buyers make their decisions and to facilitate access to international digital platforms.

Many of these projects are conducted with other Fédérations in the Comité Stratégique de Filière Mode & Luxe, in particular the Fédération Française des Industries du Vêtement Masculin and the Fédération de la Maille, de la Lingerie et du Balnéaire, under the “France Team Export” banner.

Aim for export!

François-Marie Grau

Managing Director