FIMI Boutique closed its first edition today at Las Naves, the Innovation Center of the Valencia City Council, after two days that confirmed the children’s fashion sector’s interest in this new format, conceived for the presentation of Spring/Summer collections. “There is no other event in the world that brings together 30 Spanish and Portuguese brands to present their children’s fashion collections internationally,” said Alicia Gimeno, director of FIMI Boutique, in her assessment of the event.
The director emphasized that the event addressed a specific gap in the trade fair calendar: “We’ve boosted a crucial moment, which is the presentation of summer collections, especially important for clients in warmer climates,” she highlighted, “and we’ve heard that both exhibitors and buyers are very satisfied.” Gimeno points to the key element as “the opportunity to come and touch the materials, appreciate the textures, their freshness, and the quality details of these collections, as well as the Boutique format.”
The format, as seen by those who experience it every year
For many of the participating companies, FIMI Boutique is a different way to connect with the industry. Martín Aranda, from the eponymous company, was one of the exhibitors who contextualized the new format after several years of attending traditional industry events. “I think it’s a very suitable format for the size of the event,” he affirmed, “it has an agenda-like structure, allowing everyone to organize and schedule meetings with potential clients, and under that framework, it fits perfectly.” Aranda has finalized deals with clients in Japan and the United States—specifically Puerto Rico and Florida—and has opened markets in Bolivia, Colombia, and Italy, although he noted that the overall retail environment remains challenging. This enthusiastic assessment is echoed by the RAPIFE brand. Chelo Martínez described the initiative as “a very good idea.” “The new format is perfect, the location is perfect, a perfect showcase for shoppers to visualize. It’s a very welcoming place for the number of brands participating,” she explained. Her firm has added contacts in three new markets: “Slovakia, where we didn’t have anyone, Bulgaria, and we’ve also opened up Panama as a possibility.”
From Tartaleta, José Estrada concurred with this assessment. “Attracting international clients is always an excellent way to contribute to the brand’s international projection,” Estrada celebrated. “Our firm has refreshed relationships with existing clients and added contacts in Bolivia and Puerto Rico, with appointments already scheduled to continue the business discussions, so we are very satisfied.”
Latin America, one of the main protagonists of this edition
The pull of Latin American buyers has been a constant theme in the testimonials gathered during the event. Michel Farjas, representative of the Taberner group, described his first participation in FIMI Boutique as “fantastic,” adding: “We’re seeing a lot of international buyers, which is really what you’re always looking for, because Spain is already more covered.” Farjas highlighted contacts from Lima, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Miami, in addition to established Asian buyers. “We’re delighted; this is our first time here, and it won’t be our last, if the sector allows it,” he concluded.
María Pilar López, from Creaciones Foque, emphasized the strategic value of a specific event like FIMI Boutique for the summer season. “We have clients from warm climates who attend summer trade shows looking for cool clothing, and we need to concentrate those clients and attract them,” she explained, while also revealing the addition of a new market for the company: Colombia. Regarding the pre-arranged schedule format, she was clear: “What we end up with is working all day.”
Pilar Rivas, from Mac Ilusión, highlighted the more intimate aspect of the event: “I like it because it’s a bit smaller, more focused.” The brand welcomed both its regular clients and new buyers, including one from Bulgaria. “It’s a country where you’re not yet established, and with a new client, you can start making inroads in that market,” she noted.