Best of France takes over New York City

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Sep 27, 2015

On Saturday, September 26, Best of France 2015 kicked off in Times Square and the Garment District in New York City. The event, formerly known as Taste of France, was open to the public including local New Yorkers and tourists alike.

The inauguration was held at a stage on 43rd and Broadway in Times Square. The largest French and US flags there were unveiled by 130 American and French children who led in singing the two national anthems. Following this was the unveiling of the largest “marinière” sweater, the French striped knitted sport sweater, which was 22’ long by 44’ wide.
 
The exhibitors were stationed below 42nd street beginning with the travel companies, some of which included Air France, Rendezvous en France, RATP Dev, Dassault Falcon, and Ponant among others. The food exhibitors were further south and closer to the Garment District. French cuisine and tasting were open to the public. Cuisine Solutions, Président cheeses and butter, Bel Group, and Valrhona among others had booths to represent France’s delectable treats.

The tail end of the event had a 45’ runway for fashion shows. The first of many shows on Saturday was a kids’ fashion show where children modeled apparel from brands such as KENZO Kids, Junior Gaultier and Tartine et Chocolat, to name a few. After the children’s fashion show was the Black French Collection by Franck Danican runway show, and other presentations by Cremieux and Sophie Theallet for Solstiss and a special appearance by supermodel Tasha de Vasconcelos.