Finally, we’re back on the road at international fashion trade fairs! After a long dry spell during which it was impossible to meet the who’s who of the industry or see the new collections, it is all the more exciting to look forward to inspiration and exchanging ideas about our favorite topic: shoes!
The Milan shoe and leather trade fairs MICAM and LINEAPELLE in particular are important for retailers, trend scouts, journalists and, ultimately, manufacturers too, as they provide an opportunity to showcase their latest products and present them to a broad audience.
BÄR successfully exhibited at MICAM in Italy for the first time in September 2021 with its own booth. We would like to share a few impressions from the trade fair booth:
Mr. Silvio Bongiovanni, Key Account Manager for the BÄR brand, reports on his visit to MICAM in Milan: “For us, participating in the trade fair was, so to speak, a ‘premiere,’ and we are very pleased with the result. We were able to establish many international contacts and are already looking forward to the next MICAM in February 2022—true to this year’s motto, #RestartTogether!”
In the following interview, freelance journalist and trend scout Dr. Claudia Schulz talks about current shoe trends. She attends all the major fashion trade fairs to identify current trends and developments.
What was it like for you to be back at the trade fair in Milan after such a long break?
After the first trade fairs at Lake Garda, in Düsseldorf and Offenbach, Milan was in a way the final highlight. Milan is always about more than just a trade fair. The wonderful atmosphere in the city alone is incredibly inspiring from a fashion perspective. What’s more, it felt really good to finally be able to touch shoes and materials again. And, of course, there were the personal conversations, which—unlike the countless video conferences—can also arise spontaneously. That is exactly what defines our industry. Pure emotion!
Which trends and developments for the SS 22 season particularly caught your attention?
“Color” is an important theme. In keeping with the sense of optimism and new beginnings that was and is palpable in every respect, bold colors are making a statement. Pink and azure blue stand for optimism. Alongside them are many pastel shades that can be combined beautifully. One of my personal highlights is lilac—a beautiful, delicate color that looks great with caramel and white. I also saw many natural tones at MICAM, as well as at LINEAPELLE. Colors ranging from light panna to camel and cognac for next summer will continue into warm brown tones in A/W 22/23. They look particularly beautiful with orange and gold.
How do the MICAM and LINEAPELLE trade fairs differ? Which retailers shop where?
MICAM focuses on the collections for S/S 2022. This means that buyers were there to place their orders for the following summer. In addition, some retailers were still looking for fashionable additions for the current season, such as chunky boots with thick soles. At LINEAPELLE, on the other hand, designers and creatives focus on trends for the season after next. Materials and accessories for Fall/Winter 2022/23 were reviewed there, and sample orders—leather, etc.—were placed.
How is the industry addressing sustainability?
Sustainability is a huge topic, especially for the shoe and leather industry. One thing that stands out is that many recycled materials were presented at LINEAPELLE. Vegan materials are also a recurring topic of discussion. However, it must be said that not every plastic shoe is automatically a high-quality vegan shoe. Certifications and seals are important here, as they prove that the shoes are genuinely completely free of animal-derived materials—in other words, vegan. Nevertheless, leather as an important, high-quality material for shoe production should by no means be neglected. On the contrary. After all, leather is a by-product of the meat industry. Recycling and upcycling are practiced here in the best sense of the words.
Is the industry responding to the “new normal” and offering more than before, particularly in the comfort and easy-comfort shoe segment?
Fashion is very receptive to the comfort-shoe trend. Flat, sporty shoes are fashionable. And even when we talk about glamour, that no longer necessarily means high heels. A good example is the many embellished trekking sandals. Big chains and eye-catching, glittering rhinestone buckles add the necessary touch of glamour even to flat shoes, such as sandals or footbed slides. Another excellent trend is the many padded uppers*—super soft and supple. Nothing pinches! As for the perennial favorite, the sneaker, it is still the somewhat thicker soles that make it possible to present a K width in an aesthetically pleasing way. All in all, the outlook for another successful comfort-shoe season is excellent! With style!
*Shoe shaft/upper
