Many of you regularly ask us for manufacturer contacts, and that's one of the reasons why we were delighted to learn of the creation of Faire de Lance... and to enter into a partnership that we hope will be strong and long-lasting!
This new platform aims to bring manufacturers and brands together in order to mobilise and reinvigorate French industrial activity. In this way, it will make it easier for these two worlds with their diverse skills to meet and understand each other.
As a key driver in the promotion of Made in France footwear and leather goods, the aim of the platform is to support young brands and designers in their contacts with manufacturers in the leather sector, so as to encourage the emergence of a new generation of designers in the world of skins. They will be supported from the design phase onwards through a range of services, including sourcing of components and materials, technical support and finalisation of specifications.
Why this partnership between Faire de Lance and Adapta?
We think it's important these days to create an ecosystem and work together rather than working separately. This initiative will enable fashion industry professionals to design, produce better and Made in France wherever possible!
By joining the Faire de Lance network, Adapta is making a quality sourcing solution available to all companies in the ecosystem, enabling them to relocate their production to France.
Relaunching Made in France
One of Faire de Lance's objectives is to revitalise France by redeploying industrial activity in the mid- to top-range footwear and leather goods sectors.
In the world of leather, creative players often come up against manufacturers who are reluctant to design prototypes. Faire de Lance is committed to facilitating and optimising exchanges at this stage, as well as at pre-production level. By helping the various players involved, Faire de Lance provides French manufacturers with new markets driven by these creators and enables the development of new Made in France activities.
Building an ecosystem
This platform is aimed at emerging designers, creators or labels in the launch phase, or textile brands looking to diversify their collections. Established brands wishing to relocate all or part of their production to France will also be included. On the production side, manufacturers, craft workshops and specialist service providers will be able to offer their skills.
The creation of this professional network will enable all the key actors to work together, a project that relies essentially on the collaboration and mutual support of the players in the leather market.
We were lucky enough to be able to interview Catherine Fraisse, former head of sourcing and subcontracting for major luxury houses in France and Italy, now project manager of Faire de Lance.
We were lucky enough to be able to interview Catherine Fraisse, former head of sourcing and subcontracting for major luxury houses in France and Italy, now project manager at Faire de Lance.
What was the trigger for this project?
The project was born out of an observation: leather goods and footwear entrepreneurs have difficulty finding, meeting and mobilising French manufacturers.
French leather goods manufacturers are often monopolised by major clients, and there is often little room for new entrepreneurs. At the same time, footwear manufacturers are reluctant to open their doors, scalded by project sponsors who are not always clear and precise.
As a result, meetings are not always in line with the expectations of both parties, leading to misunderstanding and disappointment. Worse still, the project leaders leave for other countries.
What are FDL's ambitions?
Our ambition is to support between 30 and 50 project leaders every year.
To date, we are already working with around twenty project leaders, all at different stages in their projects.
This involves helping them to define their brand or product project so that it can be accepted by manufacturers: either a manufacturer they know, or a manufacturer to whom they have been referred by us.
We can also provide technical support to help them build their prototype with the manufacturer. Here again, we explain and give the project leaders simple ‘keys’ to understanding these fine trades. We also talk to the manufacturers to explain the expectations of the project leaders.
Do you think that French brands are really ready to relaunch the ‘made in France’ concept, or is it just a ‘ fashion trend’? or is it just a ‘’fashion thing‘’?
Yes, many brands want to produce in France and see it as an important part of their strategy. Many of the managers who create brands have thought about ethical, eco-responsible, environmental and circular economy values. Their brand is built around a virtuous project in addition to the products. What's more, the brands have understood that consumers are genuinely looking for products that make sense for our region. This is not a fashion phenomenon, but rather a search for value. Finally, there is a real awareness on the part of consumers who no longer want to be fooled and who have realised that their act of buying is a power; that through this act they can pass on messages and commitments.
Thanks to this initiative, how do you intend to reduce the traditional obstacles to making products made in France?
We hope that we will be able to create a network of manufacturers who will respond favourably to project sponsors. Based on better-constructed and more complete projects, they will also bring a new image of this industry with a sense of welcome, a desire to satisfy their customers, to show them their know-how and to respond favourably to their needs.
Why do you think Adapta will be a good partner for FDL?
Faire De Lance needs all the players who offer a service that contributes to the production of leather goods and footwear; all those who help to promote, sustain and energise the industry's ecosystem.
Adapta is essential because it offers brands access to fine French and European materials in quantities smaller than the minimum production batches of tanneries.
Adapta is also a strong member of the Faire de Lance network because it has a network of brand designers and can put us in touch with them.
Comentários