Moda fair: new exhibitors to know about - Thalassa

In a new mini series in the lead up to the host of internationally recognised trade fairs happening across the UK over the next couple of months, FashionUnited is looking at some of the emerging designers exhibiting at these events for the first

time. Founders and creative directors from across the continent are giving us insight into their labels and why they decided on a specific trade fair. Here we talk to Lizzie Moreau, Thalassa founder and creative director with her husband, Jean Pierre, of womens ready to wear brand Thalassa, who are looking to grow awareness of their well known French brand in the UK market.
 
Who

is Thalassa - whats the design direction,how did the label come about ?
 
Thalassa is a pret a porter brand, which was born from a popular TV show with the same name. Every week the TV show called “Thalassa” is broadcasted on the channels France 3 and TV5 Monde. For over 30 years this TV show has been dedicated to the maritime world and travel culture. In 2002, we - my husband Jean Pierre Moreau and me - were approached by the chief of Thalassa brand and the managing team behind Thalassa derived products  As a freelance stylist for other luxury brands, such as Armorlux, I accepted this new adventure – to create Thalassa clothing.

The concept behind the brand is : “Thalassa collections accompany you to your seaside adventures and beach getaways.” The lines are inspired by the nautical world and fine materials to create a modern and chic French style mainly appealing to fashion-conscious consumers who are looking for the clothing “style de vie” to be worn for urban living and city life.

As a UK fair, why did you choose Moda?
 
Moda corresponds to the concept behind Thalassa. For 3 seasons the brand has been present in the UK market; thedevelopment of our growth, the success of our collections and the welcome from our consumers underline the legitimacy of our choice to participate at Moda.
 
What makes Thalassa niche and to know about in the market?
 
Thalassa prêt-à-porter is dedicated to everyone who has a profound respect for nature, people and the oceans. The collections are designed “out of mode” and Thalassa is timeless while inspired from trends, colours, fabrics, accessoriesetc…

Who is your target customer?
 
Our

clientele is very faithful and appreciate Thalassa’s fully coordinated separates which suit to any silhouette. Emphasis on quality and comfort oursizes range from size 6 to size 22 … perfect for when ‘life begins’ … 40!

What do you expect of your first participation at Moda?
 
We know that the name Thalassa in the UK market doesn’t mean a lot; Thalassa is not as recognized as it is in France, so we have to work hard to find our customer base. With Moda we wish to increase the visibility of our brand in UK. We would like to present as much as possible of our concept to new customers who,we are sure, will love our colourful and comfortable SS13 collection.
 
What is going to be your bestseller this coming season?
 
The Best Sellers of SS13 are: the “mariniére” with set of stripes (block of different colours) and with logo of Thalassa fish in antic silver rivets; and our pedal pushers in fantasy fabric and in large choice of colours.

What do you hope target/sales wise to achieve from exhibiting at Moda?
 
As I mentioned before, at first our goal for Moda is the visibility of Thalassa. We’ll be pleased if we can introduce UK customers with our products, with our philosophy and if we can find devotees of our concept.
 
In our new digital days, why do you think trade fairs have stayed strong presence wise?
 
I think and I’m sure that fairs will always stay because nothing can replace the personal contact with customers and the touch and the feel of fabrics, materials and styles. For our Thalassa team it is very important to be at fairs and to be present at Moda.