Six reputed French fashion brands will be participating in India Fashion Forum to be held from Tuesday 13 th March to Thursday 15 th March 2012 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.   JULES, French men’s wear brand : A highly marketed brand…For mass markets! Our target: young urban men, aged 25 to 30! A concept for men and women who live with them! Jules helps men to change their STYLE, Jules drives men in their first steps towards FASHION, Jules increases men’s SELF CONFIDENCE. JULES is part of HAPPYCHIC an international French company gathering 3 fashion men’s brands: BIZZBEE, JULES and BRICE. JULES relies on a solid network of 380 stores in more than 10 different countries throughout the world. One of the leaders in its mother market, JULES is the Retailer of the Year 2011 in men’s fashion in France (Q&A Research & Consultancy). HAPPYCHIC is part of AFM (Association of Mulliez’s Family) which entitles retail companies like AUCHAN, DECATHLON, LEROY MERLIN… -  www.happychicgroup.com   WEILL, French women’s wear brand : Founded at the heart of Paris by Albert Weill in 1892, Weill is the oldest French fashion house. Its legendary history joins forces with that of fashion and a lineage that is Weill family. Weill has known how to stand the test of time while retaining its know-how, its craft and its soul by following the seasons and Fashions, accompanying society’s major shift towards women’s freedom and glorifying current tastes in its collections. Formerly a pioneer of French ready-to-wear, Weill is consolidating its pedigree today by launching a range of “haute couture” ready-to-wear”, a clever mix of current trends, quality and masterful elegance. Weill’s target is a broad one. Its collections are aimed at all women to secure the loyalty of those mothers and daughters with a love of liberty, elegance and refinement, the ambassadors of the “French” look. Weill’s major asset is the excellent value for money of its various products. Weill represents the quality and glamour of Couture at Ready-to-wear prices, a resolute choice of the most beautiful materials, perfect manufacturing and finishings. Weill offers a complete range of garments aimed at accompanying women anytime in their lives: in the city, at the weekend or for special occasions.- www.weill.com   DIDIER PARAKIAN, French women’s wear brand Women’s wear brand: Didier Parakian, internationally renowned brand since 1989 has dressed generations of women in his practical and elegant style which is both feminine and modern. Mediterranean, colourful and sensual, every creation of Didier Parakian is far ahead of its competing brands, with its play of colours and materials inspired by the designer’s Armenian background, ethnicity and sophistication. This luxury brand uses embroideries, pearls, lace and stunning prints with an obsessive eye for detail on comfortable fabrics of unmatched quality, to evoke the Didier Parakian style, making the collection, be it dresses, tops, skirts, pants, jeans, jackets, scarves and cardigans, distinctly unique. Didier Parakian has a growing following of fashion-conscious women who enjoy the freedom to create their own look. Didier Parakian apparels have a universal appeal and hence have a large customer base in over fifty countries spanning from East to West. - www.didierparakian.com   ORCHESTRA , French Kids wear brand : Created in 1995, in its brief existence the brand Orchestra has managed to establish itself and is well known with its over 350 franchise shops in 30 countries. The product list of the company includes a rich color range of clothes (from infants to 14 year-old children), shoes (from number 16 to number 38), hand watches, sunglasses and other accessories. Each season ORCHESTRA’s collection exceeds 2 million models. A combination of design, fashion and quality is the primary element giving ORCHESTRA’s clothes their identity. The firm’s stylists combine practicality with high creativity and the latest fashion trends. Each season ORCHESTRA strives to offer a complete fashion line that aims to include everything the children need and most importantly to satisfy their tastes regarding design and comfort. - www.orchestra.fr   TEXIER , French leather bag & accessories brand : Texier Company was founded more than half a century ago by Mr Louis Texier. Every Texier design reflects the fashion of the day, thanks to creative inspiration that is culturally enriched by close attention to international trends.  Made in France, a Texier bag can be defined in the following expression “Open it and find what you are looking for” – Appearance is one thing (size, design, choice of leather) but the work on the interior is equally important. It has to be practical, full of details that make it easy to use, well finished and made of beautiful materials. The design is intelligent so that a bag is full of promises, aware that women want a personal motto and an imaginary self. An ideal bag has nothing to do with need and everything to do with dreams, desire and a wish to leave the banal behind. - http://www.texier.com/?cat=&ligne=&lang=en   - MEPHISTO , French Footwear Brand : Founded 1965 in France by Martin MICHAELI, MEPHISTO stands clearly out from all other international or national brands in the world: its product policy “Quality – Comfort – Design” being put into practice with a high degree of creativity and quality control, its know-how, its production in Europe, its worldwide distribution and its intercultural marketing place the brand into a unique positioning on the markets. The brand is in fact situated between the “middle-of-the-range” brands and the luxury brands. 80 % of the sales are made outside France. Subsidiaries based in USA, Canada, Japan, Portugal, distribution in 86 countries, based on a specific intercultural marketing, 600 models of handcrafted shoes and sandals of highest quality every season. The brand MEPHISTO designates modern shoes and sandals for ladies and men in the field of comfort and well-being. - http://www.mephisto.com/index.php?lang=en   The representatives of these reputed French fashion brands will be available for B2B meetings with potential Indian partners at India Fashion Forum at Bombay Exhibition Centre (B7B, Hall 1 – B).   For further information, please contact: brinder.rault@ubifrance.fr

« Elle », the French fashion label enters India through a "Licensee" Elle (Groupe Lagardère Active) , the French ready-to-wear & fashion accessories brand for women has signed a Franchise agreement with Arvind Lifestyle Brands , a leading Indian ready-to-wear brand. According to Mr. J. Suresh, Director of Arvind Brands, "The Indian market for western ready-to-wear for women is booming. By introducing " Elle " an international upmarket brand our company has an early bird advantage in the Indian market." The first Elle brand stores are planned in Delhi, Bangalore and Chandigarh in April 2012. The project is to open stores in the malls, high-streets and shop-in-shops in department stores in India. Arvind Brands already represents international brands like Arrow, Izod, Gant, Polo US. The Indian ready-to-wear & fashion accessories market is estimated at EUR 26 billion of which 12 billion (46%) for men’s ready-to-wear, 10 billion (38%) for women’s ready-to-wear and 4 billion (15%) for ready-to-wear for children and teenagers. The annual growth rates in value for the three segments are respectively +13%, +16% and +17%.   Roberto Cavalli arrives in India Roberto Cavalli has signed a partnership with Infinite Luxury for the development of its brand in India. The first store of the Italian brand is planned, with a surface area of 350 m², on the ground floor of DLF Emporio, a luxury shopping mall in New Delhi. The store will have the complete collection of the brand’s ready-to-wear for men, women & children, leather goods, shoes, watches, sunglasses, jewelry ... Infinite Luxury, a company created by the renowned Indian designer Manav Gangwani in collaboration with an entrepreneur based in Dubai will also be the franchisee of "Cavalli Café" in India. The Indian market for ready-to-wear & fashion accessories is estimated at EUR 26 billion of which 12 billion (46%) for men’s ready-to-wear, 10 billion (38%) for women’s ready-to-wear and 4 billion (15%) for ready-to-wear for ready-to-wear for children and teenagers. The annual growth rates in value for the three segments are respectively +13%, +16% and +17%.

  Ubifrance and the French Trade Commission in collaboration with Syndicat National Lunettes de France ( www.lunettes-de-france ) - the French Association for eyewear is setting up a French Pavilion at Optic India 2012, being held from 28th to 30th January, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. These French companies are looking forward to showcase their latest eye-wear collection and evaluate business opportunities in the Indian optical industry. The French Pavilion at the trade show brings together 9 leading companies from the French eye-wear industry. This presence includes Look Vision, Morel, Opal, Oxibis, Visioptis, Yves Cogan, Zilli and Francis Klein specializing in design and manufacture of top quality frames, sunglasses and licensing of some of the world renowned eye-wear brands. The Pavilion offers a comprehensive platform for these companies to showcase their creative, state-of-the-art collections and share their expertise and professional know-how in the growing optics sector. Featuring brands like New Man, Xenith, Le Tanneur, Crobs and Le Ducat , Look Vision offers a collection of spectacular and trendy eye-wear. Morel , a benchmark company in the French optical industry has as many as 8 brands to offer: Koali, Oga, Nomad, LT, Marius Morel, Rebel and Tatoo . The entire Morel range, manages best to present uncommon luxury, synonymous of fascination and timeless elegance. Opal, a European leader in providing trendy eye-wear for children and adolescents will present its different brands: Hello Kitty will present its latest eye-wear collection for children, New York Yankees will present their latest designer collection to complement urban fashion and Arrow will showcase their recently launched stylish yet elegant sportswear range. Oxibis , a renowned name in the French eye-wear industry, offers brands like Exalto , a leading name in designer eye-wear and Dilem frames with interchangeable temples. Visioptis offers designer brands like Enrico Cecchi, Banana Moon, Vilebrequin and Everest . With prime focus on innovation and quality, they have made their mark in the eye-wear industry. Yves Cogan presents the latest easy-to-wear frames with their Cogan Power Design Collection. House of ZILLI , a well-known name for designer sportswear in France, has recently launched its line of high-end eye-wear collection. Eric Jean, a renowned French designer and optician, partnered with Zilli to craft some of the most exquisite, titanium metal frames in different styles. Hand-made in France, with creative shapes like oval, round, butterfly etc. and a wide-range of special colours, Francis Klein frames are famous all around the world. In addition to these major French eye-wear brands, organizing committee of SILMO , an international optics and eyewear exhibition will also be present at the French Pavilion. This trade fair takes place every year in Paris bringing together the global eye-wear and optical industry under one roof. Estimated at US $ 2 billion, the Indian optics sector has seen an annual growth of 30% in the last few years. The Indian market holds substantial growth potential for optical industry professionals worldwide. France is the 4th largest exporter of opticals in the world. The French optical and eye-wear industry has regularly stood out in the fields of innovation, technology, industrial efficiency and creativity. Thanks to its marketing commercial flair that allows it to offer glamorous and desirable brands that resonate positively in the consumers’ minds. The participating French companies are committed to bring to India, top brands of eye-wear with high tech features and contemporary designs. Optic India 2012 indeed provides an excellent opportunity for French exhibitors to meet the main players of the Indian optical industry - the policy and decision makers, buyers and main retailers to identify new opportunities and challenges and chalk out strategies for business collaborations.   About Lunettes de France: LUNETTES DE FRANCE is the national organization of the French eyewear industry.  It upholds the values and specificities of the manufacturers that subscribe to the same professional ethics and share our recognized know-how. Lunettes de France represents more than 70 companies based primarily in regions of Oyonnax and Jura; Jura being historically the centre for the manufacture of eyewear in France. Since 2007, several contacts have been established between the French and Indian markets with the French delegations visits to India. An Indian delegation also went to France to attend Silmo World optical salon, a major exhibition for this industry and also visited several production sites there in France. LUNETTES DE FRANCE is committed to promote dynamism, creativity and know-how of French Eyewear Companies worldwide. For further information, please contact: Sébastien ANDRIEUX Head of Lifestyle, Consumer Goods & Healthcare Department French Trade Commission Consulate General of France, Mumbai Tel: +91 22 66 69 40 95 Email: sébastien.andrieux@ubifrance.fr   Press Contact: Deepika PRAKASH Press Officer French Trade Commission – Ubifrance Embassy of France, New Delhi Tel: +91 43 19 63 51 Email: deepika.prakash@ubifrance.fr Here is the list of participating companies: Francis Klein - http://www.francisklein.com Look Vision - http://www.look-vision.fr Morel - http://www.morel-france.com Opal - http://www.opal.fr Oxibis - http://www.oxibis.com Visioptis - http://www.visioptis.com Yves Cogan - http://www.yvescogan.com Zilli -  http://www.zilli.fr        

   Maison de la Perle (Tahiti) celebrates 50 years! August 2011: MAISON DE LA PERLE (TAHITI), House of Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia, celebrates 50 years by organizing an Exclusive Fashion Show of Tahitian Pearls and co-sponsoring with the Gitanjali Group, their star studded event “Ticket to Bollywood” on Friday, 5th August 2011 at Hotel Leela Sahar, Mumbai. Based in Tahiti, one of the islands of French Polynesia, MAISON DE LA PERLE is a government structure founded in 2009, which aims to promote the Tahitian Cultured Pearl and become a genuine centre of expertise for sorting these pearls. The mission of this industrial as well as commercial government agency is to promote and market these pearls in French Polynesia and abroad. The Tahitian pearl is much more than a jewel; it is a true symbol of beauty and purity. Firmly rooted in the Pacific’s history, the black pearl of Tahiti sparks admiration and curiosity. Other jewels or stones need to be worked to reveal their beauty; that isn’t the case for the black pearl of Tahiti, which the pearl oyster offers us naturally and in all its splendour. Being organized on the occasion of the India International Jewellery Show 2011 , India’s largest international Jewellery event, “Ticket to Bollywood”: a Gitanjali initiative, is an entertainment extravaganza, celebrating the glitter of jewellery and the glamour and bling of Bollywood . Leading jewellers from across India were present to witness live performances by well-known artists and fashion shows by leading designers. Famous Bollywood stars were also present to grace the show. “Pearl of Tahiti- The Princess of Ocean”, an Exclusive Fashion Show of the Tahitian pearl jewellery, was organised in collaboration with the Gitanjali Group to mark 50 years of Maison de la Perle (Tahiti).  For further information, please visit :  http://www.maisondelaperle.pf/en/ You may contact us for further details/photos and to organize email interviews with Ms. Jeanne Lecourt, Marketing & PR Manager, Maison de la Perle (Tahiti). Press Contact: Deepika PRAKASH Press Officer French Trade Commission Embassy of France, New Delhi Tel: +91 (0)11 43 19 63 51 deepika.prakash@ubifrance.fr    

« France » the Country of Honour at In Optics 2011 - Leading International Trade Fair in Ophthalmic Optics Syndicat National Lunettes de France ( www.lunettes-de-france )- the French Association for eyewear in association with the French Trade Commission had set up a French Pavilion at In-Optics 2011, South Asia’s most prestigious biennial event in Ophthalmic Optics from12th – 14th February in New Delhi. France was the “Country of Honour” at the exhibition and had the largest Pavilion with participation from 12 leading companies from the French eye-wear industry which included, GROSFILLEY, ELCE, MARIUS MOREL, MINIMA, ODLM, OPAL, OPHL LAFONT SA, OXIBIS EXALTO, PINTON & FILS, VUILLET VEGA, WOOD OPTIC DIFFUSION, and YVES COGAN . The exhibiting French companies were specialists in design, manufacturing of top quality frames, sunglasses and licensing of some of the world renowned eye-wear brands. On the eve of the In Optics exhibition a networking cocktail dinner was organized with eminent guests from the top fashion and eyewear companies in India and the occasion was graced by H.E. Mr Jerome Bonnafont, The Ambassador of France in India. The French Trade Commission also invited experts from the retail, fashion and eyewear sector to give presentations to the French delegates and organised a visit of the major markets in Delhi to give an insight about the presence of the fashion brands in India. During the In-Optics exhibition the French Pavilion was the center of attraction for all the Indian companies interested in high-end spectacle frames and sunglasses. The French Trade Commission had organized B2B meetings for the French companies on their stands and the French companies had meetings with more than 40 Indian companies in all. The huge success of the event has given the Syndicat National Lunettes de France the desire and the reason to visit India again in near future ! For any further information, please contact Ms brinder.rault@ubifrance.fr

A growing market for French companies in Luxury ! Ubifrance’s Lifestyle department in Paris in collaboration with the French Trade Commission in India organized a market prospection with BtoB meetings in New Delhi and Mumbai for 12 leading French brands including 3 recognized as ‘Patrimoine Vivant’ (Living Heritage) in various sectors such as Table accessories, Furniture and home decor, Eyewear, Jewelry design and Pret-à-Porter. All of them were delighted to discover the facets of the prosperous luxury market in India for exporters. Highlights of this event: - The informative session, visits of malls and luxury boutiques - More than 80 BtoB meetings prearranged in Delhi and Mumbai - Networking nights where participants had the opportunity to meet with renowned artists, architects like Rajeev Sethi, famous designers like Asshima, Satya Paul, Aadarsh Gill and James Ferreira. And of course the glitterati of Bollywood including Rageshwari. The French delegation comprised of the following French high-end/luxury companies:   L&