Particularly evident was the new children's section which I believe is to be extended next season. The variety of shoes available to children is totally mind blowing and seems to increase year on year with more brands than ever keen to get into the UK market.

Newcomers to the arena included US brand Pediped, renowned for great looking children's shoes designed to replicate the natural shape of a child's foot.

Whilst well established companies did not disappoint, Hush Puppies continued offering strong collections of appealing, quality footwear, all with their unique ‘fits both feet' fitting system so popular with retailers and parents alike.

"We had a great show. Given the difficult economic climate and the fact that footfall seemed down our orders far exceeded expectations." Andy Cockayne UK Sales Director of Hush Puppies

Danco Footwear enjoyed an exceptionally busy show exhibiting a wide range of childrens footwear offering real value for money. Danco's Raj Daryanani was pleased to comment:

Danco Footwear were really pleased with the encouraging response they had to the Spring Summer 2009 Collection.

Their Back to School range is also growing from Strength to Strength.

Customers were pleased to see a such a good variety of designs for Children with great prices.

European brands also formed a strong contingent with companies like Ricosta, Primigi, Richter, Billowy, Geox and Garvalin offering eye catching, quality ranges with excellent detailing, including flowers and sequins for girls.

The highlight for me in this area was the absolutely beautiful styles produced by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. Mums looking for something different and totally gorgeous for their ‘little princess' need look no further!

Women's fashion also played a major part at the show with wedges, platforms and chunky heels still dominating. Colours were bold, creating an eye catching display.

The arrival of the Jessica Simpson collection and BCBG Max Aria Footwear from the US caused quite a stir with ranges of incredibly sexy, glamorous styles that would be totally at home on the set of Sex and the City! Vera Dedomonicis, President of the International

Division of the Comuto Group (owner of both brands) commented;

‘We are delighted by the extraordinary response we received at the MODA show! Visitors to our stands were extremely complimentary of the product for both the Jessica Simpson and BCBG brands. The consensus of the many who visited, including retailers, press and other exhibitioners, was that our offerings were fresh and exciting and exactly what the market needs. More than 150 retailers comprised of department stores, footwear chains, independents and e-tailers, reached out to discuss exciting opportunities. We continue to be excited for our international launch and will be following up our first foray into the European market by exhibiting at the upcoming MICAM show in Milan September 17-20, 2008.'

Ravel also presented a high fashion collection of glamorous styles featuring sexy metallics and high heels.

Visitors were treated to some funky fashion from Hush Puppies who have succeccfully managed to combine their expertise in comfort with edgy designs to attract the younger consumer.

An exciting addition to this area was Adesso, a stylish fashionable brand brought to the UK by the West Midland Shoe Company. The collection featured funky, brightly coloured wedges with modern co-ordinating bags. The result is an exceptionally successful mix of sophisticated Italian styling and high quality manufacture.

At the slightly more traditional end of the market, quality brands such as Caprice, Capollini, Moshulu, Emotion, Tamaris, Marco Tozzi, Geox, Beautifeel, Hogl, Finesse, Manas Design and newcomers Gadea all enjoyed interest from retailers looking to attract the fashion conscious lady looking for quality footwear that fits.

More casual brands such as Country Jack, Crocs, Earth Spirit, Moshulu, Chatham and Softwaves provided casual, comfortable ranges designed to wear all day. Bright colours and lots of sandals gave this area a distinctly summery feel.

Footwear with added health benefits also seems to be becoming more mainstream,

 "Fidelio reported orders and new leads resulting from their "Hallux" Sandal". Paul Dean, Northern Sales Manager commented "Our Hallux sandal provides a proven solution to the Bunion problem, given the current environment; retailers welcome such a niche product, we received orders and many leads at Moda.

The men's section of the show was so varied that we will be reviewing it next month!

Some of the highlights of the show for me were a great looking Crocs stand...wow how that brand has grown! And finally, the return of a new look Chatham looking to take advantage of the huge potential offered by the thirty to fifty year old consumer and Philip Marsh, marketing Director commented on the show,  ‘Moda was a success all round for marine clothing and footwear company Chatham, and there was a great deal of interest in the new Spring/Summer 2009 range, including the technical boot, which is available for both men and women. Many other new footwear designs were on show, such as the ‘Seaworthy', a women's casual shoe and the ‘Rafter' sailing shoe for men.'

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