PARIS, Oct 1, 2004/ FW/ ---- Paris’ ready-to-wear or as the international fashion community says “pręt-ŕ-porter” fashion weeks begins in just a matter days. With less than 72 hours to go, the countdown is on!

Eighty-one fashion shows are officially sanctioned by the Chambre Syndicale on the official calendar, which was updated and finalized this week. There are also an additional 20-affiliated shows on the “official” off-calendar.

This season promises to be one of the most exciting for the French capital in a long time.

After several years of financial and economic turmoil that depressed the luxury goods industry in general and more specifically in the global fashion industry, things seem to finally be back to normal. The sign of the times on that one is (a) the return to the runway calendar of some favourites houses like Lolita Lempicka, (b) the increase in the number of international journalists and buyers seeking accreditation through the Chambre Syndicale and (c) the number of plush parties and cocktails planned throughout the October 4th to October 11th season.

Joining Lolita Lempicka of those returning to the official calendar are Akris and Xuly Bët. The later actually tested the waters of return last season and has decided to make Paris the home of its ready-to-wear shows again after several years of absence.

Although the unofficial calendar is not organized by the Chambre Syndicale, it is very important because most of those showing on it are certain to one day find their way onto the official calendar. However, the Chambre Syndicale does work very closely with those showing on the off calendar. It helps suggest the proper times and places to present their collections. And it also provides an ideal way for some designers like Jean-Luc Amsler or Michel Klein, to remain in the eye of the mainstream international press.

Leading the pack on the off-calendar are the likes of Oscar Cavallo, Charles Anastase and the daring and beautiful Portuguese star, Fatima Lopes! They too will be joined by Melodie Wolf, Fifi Chachnil, ES, Fabrics Interseason and Miguel Vieira just to name a few.

Australian designer, Martin Grant, is also one of those who is being carefully monitored for great things by the fashion establishment. His pure lines and elegance is the fashion choice of discriminating women.

And Bisrat Negassi has also powered her way onto this calendar. She will be presenting her second collection after a smash hit in Paris six months ago. One should not be too surprised to see her show packed with the current generation of supermodels.