Eight emerging brands recently received the opportunity of a lifetime: participating in the SPHERE—Paris Fashion Week Showroom. Presented by The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the SPHERE program helps rising brands hone their commercial and economic development through valuable training and promotion. Participating brands from France and abroad have the chance to showcase their designs at the iconic Palais de Tokyo. This season, the showcase was held in person from June 23rd to June 27th, with a virtual edition available since June 25th on the Fédération’s website.

Among the lucky brands is EGON Lab, a year-old French brand from partners Florentin Glémarec and Kévin Nompeix that made headlines for their CO2-absorbing collection earlier this year. Another local darling is Valette Studio, Pierre-François Valette’s namesake brand which refreshes classic garments with impeccable craftsmanship. Paris-based Boramy Viguier, meanwhile, brings a hint of mysticism to menswear. The designer had an impressive 5-year tenure with Lucas Ossendrijver before launching his own luxury brand. Duo Mansour Badjoko and Martin Liesnard joined forces to create Mansour Martin in 2019. Their brand of sustainable menswear pulls inspiration from a wide swath of high and low cultures, without compromising on sophistication and quality.

What makes the SPHERE showcase especially engaging is how each brand brings a unique, sometimes-clashing sensibility. Take the juxtaposition of Arturo Obegero’s romantic, elegant womenswear and menswear alongside the MTV-inspired Blue Marble, a brand keen on international, urban fashion. Another study in contrast: LGN Louis-Gabriel Nouchi and Uniforme. The former brand shapes each collection around a tribute to a book that inspired its eponymous founder, resulting in unisex sportswear like no other. The latter, founded by Hugues Fauchard and Rémi Bats in 2017, touts a philosophy of “conscious minimalism” that informs their sleek menswear.

Beyond the exhibition of their work, each of the brands receives professional shootings of their collections for use in their e-stores, as well as guidance on how to optimize their showrooms and buyer appointments. This training seems especially helpful given the wave of attention the brands are sure to receive post-showcase. The enviable program is made possible by collaborations with Le New Black and Grand Shooting, as well as the FHCM’s longtime partnership with DEFI and L’Oréal Paris. As Paris Fashion Week continues to evolve, the SPHERE program ensures that the industry’s future stars have what they need to shine.