I had the incredible pleasure of visiting Paris last week on a research trip as part of the DCCOI Driving Export Programme.

I am now in love with Paris!

we had an incredible few days.

We visited many of the big name stores-  Galeries La Fayette,Bon Marche,Au Printemps, and La Tresorerie.

As part of Design week- we availed of an incredible exhibition of makers in many disciplines in Empreintes.

And the variety of concept stores! Merci- was a particular favourite- a store which offers the very best in design and ahead of the trend curve.

I visited several smaller jewellers and had some very interesting conversations with them…. you never know what might happen!?

The highlight of the trip was visiting the top Design Trade Fair- Maison et Objet.

This beautiful fair had everything anyone could ever wish for! it was inspiring, informative, interesting, exciting and amazing!

Im still filtering through my notes and what i saw… it might be a while!

I also attended Bijorcha Jewellery Trade Fair. Here i was quickly distracted by the sheer volume of gemstones for sale- a gemologist like myself can quickly get distracted ! i was fortunate to find new suppliers and discover new exciting machinery companies!

The paris trip has left me buzzing with excitement! i have some exciting ideas and plans for the next few months!!