Here’s something for chocolate lovers. A chocolate convention kicks-off in Paris this week. With an opera theme and fashion show, it will probably attract many people to the event.

This year's Salon du Chocolat opens in Paris this week. The media was given a sneak preview on Tuesday (October 13). The chocolate show has an operatic theme and includes a charity fashion show.

Belgian chocolate company Leonidas and Austrian crystal specialists Swarovski worked together to build a replica of the Paris Opera in chocolate.

[Jean-Luc Decluzeau, Chocolatier]:
"We had to think about not spending a lot of time, we had to think about doing a piece that will please people and recognize the monument."

One stall displayed chocolates in the shape of seafood, while another displayed chocolates in the shape of pretty flowers.

Despite the economic crisis, chocolate sellers remain optimistic.

[Sylvie Douce, Creator and Commissioner General of Salon Du Chocolat]:
"Chocolate has sold well and during the 1929 crisis it was the same. Chocolate sellers increased sales. In fact, sales are inversely proportional to the economic crisis. The more people have stress and the more they are depressed, the more they buy chocolate. It's good for morale. It's good for the body and it gives you energy. So, it's a certain safety."

The event also includes a charity fashion show with a pageant of dresses designed by chocolatiers. And this year, opera singers took to the stage to display some of the designs.

More than 400 exhibitors will display their works to the public during the event that runs from October 14th to the 18th.