For three days leather creativity and business converged at the Première Vision Paris fair, which took place from September 19th-21st. Brazilian leather met with outstanding success the event: positive contacts were made, networking done , and a prestigious fair award was the highlight for five of the Brazilian companies that were present and supported by the Brazilian Leather project, an initiative from the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) for the expansion of Brazilian leather in international markets.

Première Vision Paris featured lecture cycles that touched on growing trends, including consumer demand for unique articles that differ from mass-produced products. In this area, Brazilian leather took the spotlight: the Wellour tannery (a chamois and nobuck manufacturer) presented specialties offered in none of the other booths, while the Baby Leather tannery (a reference in small animal hides) caught the attention of buyers for the technology and innovation present in their articles, such as stretched and laser-cut leathers.

Att the Rusan tannery booth, fashion developments (five of their hides were selected for the fair's trend gallery) and their classic colors in smooth chamois stole the show. "We took advantage of that which the tannery's known for and created new effects linked to fashions that are present throughout Europe", said Camila Koefender, director of Rusan. The OCM Best Brasil tannery was yet another that emphasized their talents in their hides: their classic leopard and polka dot prints were highly praised by buyers.

 Brazilian participation in the fair had an additional and very important recognition this year, with a leather from the Nova Kaeru company winning a PV Award. The award's delivery was applauded by a large Première

Vision public, along with compliments from the group of judges. "We know the importance of materials sustainability and this leather, which can be used in the production of a wide variety of articles, is highly sustainable", said Gel Egger Ceccarelli, research and development coordinator for Salvatore Ferragamo.

Parallel activities

The Design na Pele project showcased its shoe and furniture collections at the fair's entrance, both of which had already been highly successful in other exhibitions worldwide. Things were no different in Paris: the space they set up with Brazilian leather pieces was an obligatory stop for Première Vision visitors.

In relation to sustainability, leather from Brazil had an additional highlight during the Première Vision Awards. The Brazilian Leather Certification of Sustainability (CSCB) was taken to the Kering group (holder of brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent) in a meeting at the company's headquarters with the director of sustainability and research in innovation, Dr. Helen Crowley, Sustainability Research Specialist, Christine Goulay, and the manager of the Origem group (for sustainable materials supply) Camile Rojot. At the meeting, certification requirements and the certification's alignment with company values were presented. With positive feedback on the principles that underlie the CSCB and initiative as a whole, the group will maintain contact for process and relationship development.