"Feminine Liberty print dresses have been a great success," said budding designer Diane Hanouna, whose swimwear-inspired ready-to-wear brand, Naelie, was a hit among Japanese clients at the show.

At the Prêt à Porter, French actress Lou Doillon presented her fashion and denim collection for Lee Cooper, while for its 60th anniversary, Repetto unveiled its exhibition of tutus designed by Doillon's sister, Charlotte Gainsbourg, as well as Comme des Garçons, Audrey Marnay and Jean Paul Gaultier, to name a few. The exhibit will travel to other international venues.

While contemporary brands continue to flood trade shows, organizers maintain efforts to boost fledging designers.

At the Prêt, Turkish designer Deniz Yegin presented her Yegi Nim collection of youthful white dresses, with intricate folds and portraits of close family and friends embroidered into dress linings. "The collection is about letters," said Yegin, whose styles wholesale for around 150 to 250 euros, or $208.20 to $347.

The Prêt's So Ethic section continues to expand and in March will stage a separate luxury ethical show for higher-end brands, said the section's sales director, Matthew Allen. Eco-friendly stalwarts with higher price points including Stewart+Brown, Katharine Hamnett and Del Forte will be presented there during March rtw shows. Buyers lauded the increased fashion focus of the salon's So Ethic section.

"There's more style than before, the cuts are more stylish and materials more refined," said Peggy Silberling, a buyer at Galeries Lafayette. She cited Bluebretzel, Sobiotiful and Katharine Hamnett as standout collections. "The eco-fashion movement is moving away from the organic, yoga look."