Technology has always played a key role in virtually all manufacturing activities, and shoemaking is no exception. It was the “technology” of the first machines, thought to alleviate the  labour of the human workers and to make it faster and more efficient, that allowed the transition of shoe making from a craftsman business to an industrial venture, and it is again technology , in terms of product contents, added value and innovation potential that allows shoe producers to be more or less competitive in their outlet markets. Technology is then a necessary condition for success, although it is not sufficient as such to guarantee success and long life to modern footwear companies.

Young Designers’ Trendy Platform presented in Space-Age Design.
Design Attack is reaching for the stars. From 14 to 16 March this unconventional area within the Young Fashion Segment at GDS/GLS – International Event for Shoes, Leather Goods & More – will once again be showcasing 100 selected design newcomers and their trendy collections and lifestyle products beyond the fashion mainstream. Awaiting the international trade audience are independent fashion, urban and streetwear creations in their own fashion galaxy. Under the design and event motto MOONWALK with its space-age styling, neon effects and electronic sounds visitors will enter a futuristic science fiction world.

An enthusiastic reception! The Première Vision Pluriel events, which recently closed their doors at Paris-Nord Villepinte (18 to 21 September 2007) demonstrated an exceptional vitality, with remarkable results both quantitatively and qualitatively. Once again, the high numbers of international buyers, coupled with high levels of business exchange, underline the impact of this ensemble, which is without equivalent in the worldwide fashion arena.

Individual signatures, creative designs, highest quality—this is what the German bag labels that together started the "German Bag Designer" project stand for. Labels such as OWA, Sequenza, Gretchen – The Little Pearl and Nicole Pietag show bundled German trend expertise in the exclusivity area in hall 9 at GDS/GLS from 14 through 16 September 2007. The labels are using GDS/GLS to present themselves as a community to the international trade audience.

With its new Fall 2007 line, UGG Australia becomes a leader in the fashion world, while continuing to be the premier in comfort and luxury. This season offers a tremendous variety that spans from dress basics to high fashion for Women, Men and Kids. The versatile Soho Collection features beautiful materials such as leathers, suedes, sheepskin and even tweed. This collection satisfies a variety of...

A “new aesthetics” is asserting – reaching from the interior over architecture up to culture. These things that form our ambience also inevitably influence fashion. Clear outlines and new volumes characterize the look. Lengths and widths shift towards all directions. Narrow versus volume. At the same time rouses a “new bourgeoisie” – expression of a reversion to moral values thus creating impulses that enforce a turn towards “old values”. The fundus of “Queen Mum” is all the same plundered like the trunk of a British hunting party.

The Berlin designer Julia Lipinsky develops under the name of ZABOT new and innovative hybrid clogs. Zabot combines the look of Scandinavian wooden dogs and the shape of elegant and narrow closed sandals, which are producing inimitable silhouettes. ZABOT combines the features of timeless shape, high-quality materials of wood and leather, trendy colours and extraordinary patterns. Fascinatingly moulded leather and anatomically welcoming...