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The GDS/GLS Footwear and Leathergoods event will again take place at the Messe Dusseldorf trade fair grounds between 14th - 16th March 2008. The show will open its doors to a host of international visitors and looks set to be the most exciting edition so far. Two fashion segments, one joint appearance. More than 30,000 fashion professionals from all over the world, the majority responsible for buying fashion products, will be using GLS and GDS as a purchasing platform and contact point for their business, for the new season and beyond
There are some new additions to the event this season such as the 'Trendvision Kids' area taking place in Hall 10. For the first time Children's footwear will be considered a target group in its own right in terms of lifestyle and design.
As always, the fashion shows will form a major part of the exhibition for buyers and retailers, these high tec professionally organised shows will see clothing, footwear, bags and accessories all together and the upper class show in the exclusivity segment will be opened on the first day by a yet to be announced special guest.
The return of the 'Design Attack' young designers platform within the young fashion sector is sure to be a popular area for those seeking out the designers and inspiration of the future. One hundred selected newcomers and their collections will be available to view in a themed area 'Moonwalk'. 'This section of the show will wisk buyers into a space age themed world of neon effects, electronic sounds and futuristic science fiction styling.
Three comparatives thematically sum up next season - less, softer and improved quality. Less means new shoes will be considerably cleaner-cut, i.e. less decorative and less loud.
Soft sells! The magic word overriding all things next season is soft or rather even softer. Flexible soles are certainly a must in any case - who buys stiff and boardy unit outsoles anymore? Though softness is key for uppers, too, Whether patent leather or laminate, nappa or suede - even with non-leather materials - nothing escapes this new softness ‘ruling', new finishes, especially tube features, are intended to ensure shoes do not pinch.
Higher quality relates primarily to the choice of materials used: high-quality nappas, fine suede, shiny patent leather and shimmering metallics determine shoe fashions for next season with findings being used sparingly. However, higher quality also relates to the use of colour: discreet tones, especially white and cream nuances as well as greyish tones ranging from putty, gravel, stone and shining silver, exude tranquility and moderninity. Radiant colours compliment this as energising elements: fuchsia, yellow, red, green and ultramarine are amongst designers' favourites. These tones are used in both large expanses of colour or as accents. The classic 80s style neon colours are also seeing a comeback in the Young Fashion segment.
GDS defines three trend themes for the Spring/Summer 2008 season: Essential, Bionic and Stimulation. The March show sees some exciting newcomers such as Calvin Klein, Duca del Nord, Grotesque, Original penguins and True Religion. A prominent addition to the children's area is Diesel kids.
For further information on the show including tickets, travel and stand build contact the UK Representative for Messe Dusseldorf GmbH: ITSL Ltd Tel: 01442 230033 or Email: info@itsluk.com
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