The Tamesis
It looks like the predominantly American fashion show season has just ended, but many French brands have already returned to stateside. Brands like Dior and Louis Vuitton are back in New York; only this time, not for a runway show, but for a new exhibition.
The “Hidden Treasures, 250 Years of French-American Luxury Story” event organized by luxury association Comité Colbert opened on Tuesday at The Shed in New York’s Hudson Yards, bringing together 65 French luxury brands and cultural institutions. The exhibition, which runs until May 31, is part of a wider program between the two countries to celebrate 250 years of friendship since their alliance during the American Revolution. The French association expects 10,000 to 15,000 visitors during the six-day event.
“Sixty-five [exhibitors] A record-breaking number indeed [for an event of the Comité Colbert]”, says Bénédicte Épinay, CEO of Comité Colbert fashion businesss. “This shows one thing: the United States is the leading market for most of our brands. In this market they want to communicate individually and collectively to promote French luxury goods and French brands.” art of livingand the shared history between France and the United States. “The industry association has 115 members and is committed to promoting French luxury goods internationally, protecting traditional craftsmanship, and coordinating industry cooperation and publicity on topics such as sustainable development, fraud, intellectual property, and artificial intelligence.
The exhibition comes at a perfect time: the United States continues to drive growth in the luxury market, while China’s recovery is slower than expected, consumption is sluggish in Europe and conflicts in the Middle East exist. In the first quarter of 2026, LVMH’s revenue in the United States increased by 3%, Kering Group increased by 9%, Hermès increased by 17.2%, and Richemont Group increased by 18%. “The U.S. remains a resilient and attractive market with a K-shaped economy – growth at the top end but greater pressure at the low end,” said TD Cowen analyst Oliver Chen. fashion business earlier this month.
However, Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, chief executive of Boucheron and recently appointed chairman of Comité Colbert, does not believe the exhibition will help further boost sales. “That’s not what it’s about; it’s about unity,” she said. “It’s amazing to have all these brands come together and all under one roof to tell a beautiful story of French luxury.”
