The French Shoe Federation opens pop-up in New-York

By

Chenu Alexis

Published
Sep 27, 2022

Starting Saturday, October 1, the French Footwear Federation will be in New York for four weeks, presenting the collections of six French shoe brands in its 'French Edit' pop-up store, located in the heart of the Neighborhood Goods store, a concept store opened in 2019 by Matt Alexander and Mark Masinter, at Chelsea Market.

Co-organized by Business France, the event aims to highlight the diversity of French footwear design, with a selection of brands ranging from activewear to luxury and casual. 
 
Among the brands represented, Arche and its colorful shoe collections will be present; the Avril Gau brand, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, will offer a selection of boots; Anthology will present its range of timeless shoes; and Pare Gabia its collection of elegant espadrilles. Also on the program will be Etre Amis, a French brand that uses recycled or upcycled materials and promotes eco-responsibility; and Craie Studio, whose baby booties are GOTS-certified, a label that guarantees the use of organic materials. 

"We are delighted to collaborate with Neighborhood Goods and to be able to showcase the qualities and potential of the French footwear sector," said Michelle Guilloux-Bonnet, head of the French Footwear Federation. "This pop-up store is an excellent opportunity to present a selection of brands that truly illustrate the exquisite craftsmanship available amongst French footwear companies, a sector that represents over 200 companies and over 14 million pairs of shoes 'Made in France' annually."

Already held in Hong Kong, Shanghai and then Seoul in 2018, the pop-up format organized by the French Footwear Federation is a first in the United States.

"[The U.S. is] a priority market for French footwear brands and in particular premium and luxury" adds Michelle Guilloux-Bonnet. "French exports to the United States jumped in 2021 by 49% and surpassed their pre-Covid level. This trend has also continued in the first months of 2022. New York was the natural choice, as it is naturally the city of reference for American fashion week, but also because new distribution methods to the consumption trends of New Yorkers: sustainable fashion, casual chic and urban chic style."

The French Edit will celebrate at a kick-off cocktail hour on Wednesday, October 12 at 5:30 pm at the Chelsea location. Customers and industry professionals can try on the products in person at the Neighborhood Goods store on 9th Avenue, and the brands will be available for meetings throughout their visit. 

Additional events may be held in the near future in New York City and other U.S. cities as Miami, Los Angeles and cities in Texas.

"We want to renew the pop-up store concept for the next spring-summer 2023 collection to present new craftsmanship representative of French footwear, as well as clogs, sandals, espadrilles or barefoot," added Guilloux-Bonnet.