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Vol.08  Issue 03/00, 29.02.2008

GDS Shoe-Trends for the Season Spring/Summer 2008

Theme shows of GDS ...

Three comparatives thematically sum up the S/S season – less, softer and higher in 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 for S/S season is soft or rather even softer. Flexible soles are certainly a must in any case – who buys stiff and boardy Tunit 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.

high-quality nappas, fine suede, shiny patent leather and shimmering metallics determine shoe fashions for next season. Findings are 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 tranquillity and modernity. Radiant colours complement this as energising elements: fuchsia, yellow, red, green and ultramarine are amongst designers’ favourites. These tones are used in large expanses of colour or as accents. Very 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 :

... show the symbiosis ...

Essential
Minimal and perfect. Sensual and clear. Futuristic, architectural and straight-lined. The new shoe fashions captivate us with their simplicity. Neutral colours, starting with white, dominate here. Pale grey tones never look dull. They are highlighted with patent leather and metallic effects. Reflective or more discreetly shimmering silver forms the perfect complement to the basic colour white.

In terms of shoe styles ballerinas and peep-toes remain the No. 1. Lightness is underlined here by laser cuts, transparent acrylic inserts and minimalist styles. Bows look feminine. Classic ballerinas – in patent leather or soft laminates – are given that necessary sex appeal with low-cut fronts. So-called moccasin ballerinas are very fashionable, suiting both sporty and elegant outfits. Peep-toes feature as very flat shoes as well as slight wedges or really high heels. Block or funnel-shaped heels set the tone here. Platforms, especially concealed ones, come to the fore. An innovative note comes into play here thanks to square styles.

Bionic
Bionic principles look to examples from nature for technical solutions. The symbiosis of technology and nature gives rise to innovative high-tech materials. Nylon and metallics meet cotton, natural leather, cork and sisal. The colour spectrum includes green tones in all their shades, especially khaki and yellow nuances. Light reflexes arise through metallic effects.

... of shoe trends ...

Crossover is the watch word for shoe styles: elegant high-heel wedge sandals are made to look more casual with sisal braiding and flat Roman sandals are refined for city wear with sophisticated leather and metallic findings. Girlish ballerinas are given a sporty touch thanks to vulcanised rubber soles and a matt-shine material mix. They are often seen as a substitute for sneakers, though these cannot be dismissed from the market altogether either. New here are light, unlined cycling sneakers, i.e. Jil Sander-style lace-ups that combine perfectly with light, summery outfits.

As a lovely summery theme sophisticated thong sandals and Capri-style slip-on sandals – with or without cushioned insoles – will be as prominent on the scene as evening wear ballet shoes with tone-on-tone decorative gems. Alongside this, wooden-soled slip-on sandals are seeing a renaissance. And clogs are also getting good reviews again.

Fabric is also a favourite upper material (also for cost reasons). Plains, stripes or floral prints are celebrating a comeback – from coarse linen and canvas through to satin. Designers also show imaginative flair with lining fabrics featuring all manner of prints and giving shoes a visual uplift.

... with clothing trends.

Stimulation
Monochrome tones appear as an expansive colour statement. This concentrates clarity of shape and volume. And sends out a signal for modernity in the context of a neutral, calm colour scheme. Designers’ favourites for the coming season include sun yellow, fuchsia, Valentino red and acid green. Intensive ultramarine blue continues its march to victory. The emotional expression of radiant colours is highlighted by clean-cut materials and smooth surfaces, especially thanks to patent leather, high-quality nappas and fabrics (satin). Colour is a theme for all shoe styles: for high heels and sandals as well as for sneakers, ballerinas and moccasins.

GDS/GLS - International Event
for Shoes, Leather Goods & More
and global shoes & accessories 14. - 16. March 2008
Düsseldorf

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