GDS: Bold boots for feminine heels
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In spite of the large number of exhibitors, uniform trends were observed at the booths. GDS defines the three overriding trends calmness, wilderness and charming for the fall/winter 2011/12 collection. In line with the cold season of the year, calmness focuses on a clear and minimalistic design mainly dominated by simple boots reminiscent of frosty landscapes with their silver-coloured details such as toe caps or heels. Wilderness takes a completely different approach, teeming with warm brown hues such as golden yellow, chestnut or military green and bold details. While femininity misses out in the first two trends, charming portrays a playful and demanding look.
Wedges with plateau heels, Budapest pumps, loafers, tied ankle boots and kitten heels are once again in the trend. With respect to the heel shapes, both block and spike heels remain popular, but the trend of the shoe shape is toward extremely pointy. Fur, be it genuine or fake, plays a very important role as liner and eye catcher in the upcoming winter season. The latest robust models are combined with striking relief and crepe soles and armoured soles are currently the hot bottoms of shoes aside from saw tooth and shark tooth soles. In terms of materials, leather is still the first choice, followed closely by reptile skins tanned and stained by means of expensive procedures. But high-quality materials such as satin and velvet are used mainly for shoes with feminine heels and peep toes. Bold worker-style boots and patent leather Budapest sneakers are the in thing to wear for men.
However, in the long-term, the trend is toward shoe models that combine fashion and function. Wellness has been playing an important role at GDS for several seasons, because the market is not only demanding modern, but also comfortable footwear. According to Kirstin Deutelmoser, this trend is expected to persist in future shows.
From our correspondent in Düsseldorf