Interview with Andrea Price, Manager of Raw Materials at Victoria's Secret & Co.
For the Victoria’s Secret & Co group, an international lingerie pillar, Interfilière is a mandatory stop and an endless source of inspiration for the future of the industry.
Welcome to Victoria’s Secret & Co, an iconic name tackling women’s lingerie with celebration and support, while fostering the sector’s approach to new technologies. With 1350 retailers in around 70 countries, the group is on a constant lookout for innovative fabrics and solutions to support the needs of their worldwide customer base. For Andrea Price, Interfilière is the right place to start.
Tell us about your relationship with Interfilière Paris.
Victoria’s Secret & Co considers it a pivotal event for sourcing materials, solidifying trends and fostering connections with our suppliers. This was my first time at the show and I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I was impressed by the venue’s expansive size, the meticulous organization, and the attention to detail throughout the event. The chance to explore Paris certainly added a dimension to the overall experience !
According to you, why is it such a key event of the creative industries calendar ?
Our team embraces an ‘always-on’ mindset when it comes to sourcing, continuously searching for the next big innovation. While we are always looking ahead, there are key times throughout the year when we intensify our focus on seasonal initiatives and we were fortunate that Interfilière aligned perfectly with our brand calendar. I’m continually impressed by suppliers and sales reps who have dedicated 30 years or more to this industry, yet still manage to approach their work with curiosity, passion, and inspiration. Leaving the show, I couldn’t help but feel inspired and excited about the possibilities that await us.
Tell us about the exciting trends or operational solutions that you discovered.
Among the standout materials this year, I was particularly impressed with sequin-covered laces, intricately printed embroideries, and lightweight knits that managed to be both delicate and strong. But the presentations that truly stood out to me was Manon Benoit’s demonstration of Artificial Intelligence using the Midjourney bot, and Newcomers, an AI Artists Management company that represents artists integrating artificial intelligence into their creative processes.
Did you find inspiration at Jos Berry’s forum as well ?
Absolutely ! Our team went straight to the trend forum as soon as we arrived at the show, and we found ourselves revisiting it throughout the event to reference back to items we were liking towards. Receiving a swatch card of color chips also provided a tangible takeaway.
How do you organize your schedule to make the most of your time on site?
Our team scheduled appointments with key suppliers, while also reserving time to explore potential new partnerships with suppliers in various regions. Personally, I arrived with an open mind and plenty of snacks to keep my energy up. The days are long but incredibly productive, after nearly 15 years in this field, I still learn something new every day.