The vision of a first-time buyer: Pamela Duque shares her Premiere Classe debut experience

On her first visit to Paris for the Premiere Classe trade show, Pamela Duque — a buyer for the URBN group, which includes Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Nuuly — offered a fresh take on the show’s distinctive positioning. She attended with the aim of curating a selection for Nuuly, URBN’s short-term clothing and accessories rental platform.

The trip to Paris was an opportunity to discover new brands and broaden her understanding of the European market. Pamela shared her impressions, her take on the European trade show landscape, the creative energy she encountered, and how her picks reflect the evolving tastes of Nuuly’’s customers.

Paris: A new buying market to explore


For Pamela, Premiere Classe was a complete experience — far more than a typical buying environment. “We’ve never really done much buying in Paris before,” she explained. “Most of our selections come from shows in Los Angeles and New York, with more recent sourcing in India and Copenhagen. This trip was about discovering what Paris has to offer — brands you wouldn’t come across elsewhere.”

She arrived with an open mind and was immediately struck by the international diversity of the show.


“What I found especially interesting was discovering brands that blended different cultural influences — French designers working with Indian artisans, or Japanese makers using unexpected textiles. This kind of creative exchange is less common in the American market.”

Appealing to emotionally-driven customers


URBN’s brands speak to customers who care as much about emotion as they do about style.  “Our customers love pieces with character, colour, and something unique,” Pamela explained. “It’s not just about trends — it’s about stories. They want to discover a brand, learn about its background, and feel like they’re wearing something meaningful.”


This emphasis on narrative and authenticity made Premiere Classe an ideal setting for imagining how a brand and its world could be integrated into her broader selection.
 “I loved being able to speak directly with the designers, to understand their inspirations and craftsmanship,” she said. “It’s very different from showroom visits, where you mostly deal with sales reps. Here, you meet the people who actually make the products.”


One particularly memorable discovery was Carlota Cahis, a Spanish designer specialising in knitwear. “Her way of playing with texture and shape is fascinating — she blends different yarns to create more flattering silhouettes. You can tell every piece is thoughtfully designed.”

A show that prioritises creativity over transactions


Compared to American trade shows, which often focus on efficiency, Pamela found Premiere Classe refreshingly stimulating. “In the U.S., we mostly go through showrooms, which can be very transactional. Here, the approach is more immersive — you meet the creators, touch the fabrics, and really get a sense of the brand’s DNA.”


She also appreciated the accessibility of the event.


“It didn’t feel overwhelming, which meant I could actually take the time to explore. The layout was clear and easy to navigate — I didn’t need to pull out a map every two minutes,” she noted. “And the atmosphere was welcoming — not that rigid ‘Do you have an appointment?’ culture. It was relaxed.”


Premiere Classe: A trade show in a league of Its own


Pamela sees Premiere Classe as a valuable discovery platform that complements her usual buying strategy. “This show allowed me to meet brands that aren’t present in the U.S. market — exactly what we need to keep our selection fresh.” She also found the curation of the show impressive. “The overall aesthetic was polished and coherent, but there was still room for creativity. Between the refinement of Japanese tailoring and playful European knitwear, the selection felt very intentional.”

And would she return to the show?  “Without a doubt,” she said. “For any buyer looking to expand their creative sources, this is one to revisit. The blend of global influences, the quality of craftsmanship, and the direct connection with designers make it a must.”


With this first successful Paris buying trip behind her, Pamela is now focused on translating her discoveries into original, story-rich pieces for Nuuly’s customers across the United States.

Yann Jobard Setzu

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