Precise and clean-cut in line and shape is the fashion, with pencil skirts, narrow bermudas and capris through to „drain-pipes“ or leggings and straight –cut clothes. These include larger, broader-cut tops. The colour image, defined by white and black through to bright neutral and grey tones, also signals coolness. A look for purists with a sense of allure. The theme’s shoe models have a simple feel, but with high-quality shape and materials, peeptoes, pumps, slingbacks and...

...sandals with platform or half-platform soles through to high heels or wedges give a feminine, elegant impressions. Flat Ballerinas and (Roman) sandals with fine strap-work belong to an easy-going appearance or, if you want to look more sporty, chic moccasins. Calm colours are emphasised. Metallic shimmer underlines the themes classiness. 

COOLNESS

WORKING WOMAN

A re-interpreted classic presents itself in precise and clear-cut lines, and knows how to perfectly combine function and fashion, not relinquishing feminine details despite a hint of androgyny. The emphasis is on a lady’s suit: shirt and trouser suit in lightweight versions, with capris or bermudas figuring as particularly stylish trousers. The white shirt has cult character. The colour tones are light or come in white-black contrasts.

Shoes
Pumps in summery, open version, sling-backs first and foremost, are making fashion headway, and now come as peeptoes or wedge models with trendsetting shapes and heels, contrasting stitching effects, decorative buckles or sparingly used ornamental elements in often refined materials. The must-have models include join-free shoes, sandals and light trotters. Ballerinas and soft moccasins can be recommended as young-looking or casual and top-fashion alternatives.

BEAUTY

SENSUAL WOMAN
A decidedly feminine theme of this season makes an impression somewhere between romantically playful and nostalgic. Inspired by a boudoir and lingerie look, delicate materials such as lace, eyelet embroideries, georgette and shimmering satin or crushed cotton are used, preferably in white or bright skin tones and chalky pastels. Striking decorative details include frills, flounces, gathers and Greek goddess type tunic effects.

Shoes
In this theme too, very youthful models such as ballerinas or flat sandals and Roman sandals contrast with ornamented versions on higher heels or high wedge platforms. In fashion terms these are both on an equal footing, and also share the predilection for metallics such as brass, bronze and silver, but above all gold. In addition, bright colours from the “Light” range are in demand, for tone-in-tone combinations.

SWEET GIRL
A young, very fresh theme, which enlivens romantic influences with casual elements and stylistic details from the 50s to create a fresh midsummer and holiday wardrobe. White shorts or capris, tight-fitting cargos and jeans or short, broad skirt underpin the effect of the most varied, romantic tops, shirt or blouses.

Shoes
The range of shoes is straightforward, extending from small, often ornamented ballerinas through soft moccasin variations to strikingly styled platform sandals with high spring, whose footbeds offer opportunities for imaginative designs. Wood or cork are in as materials, and (printed) textiles, and espadrille-type braided bast or hemp for plating. These can also be more colourful and ornamented.

WORLDTRIP

DESERT WIND
Deserts and savannahs with their peaceful sand- and brown tones extending through to the colours of African sunsets, with nuances of green vegetation, define a theme inspired by colonial style elements. White, the season’s star colour, is also in the picture. The harmony of different materials such as crushed and satinet cotton, linen or georgette, give the image structure.

Shoes
Cream, and bright sand and brown tones are high on the agenda here. Through refined surface work, new finishes and metallic sheen, the leathers acquire special attractiveness, which also make an impact in combination with (reptile) embossing or textile materials such as linen. Discreetly applied handwork details recall last summer’s ethno theme, as demonstrated in diverse ways by current shoe collections.

ADVENTURE MELODY
A young, sporty look, mixing the colonial with adventure and Wild West ideas: composed of earthy and vegetation colours from sand through to agave, khaki and olive, often freshened with white and bright neutrals or accentuated by intense colours in the Fiesta range. Cargos and jeans are still a must, preferably shortened or rolled up; but rips and slits are no longer fashionable.

Shoes
Sportiness prevails here. This means moccasins, docksiders or basketball types and sports ballerinas and when it comes to enclosed footwear then also lightweight boots and western boots as range for the young ones. A broad selection of sandals, pantolettes and boots or clogs round off the range. Alongside braid images, hand-stitched seams or rim holes, there are interesting combinations with canvas and linen or washed leather.

NAUTIC

SEASIDE STORY
Like a sea breeze, here comes a fresh summer and holiday theme in white and blue tones. Inspired by a harbour atmosphere, sea air and water sports, broad and narrow stripe designs, dots, slits, braids and even flower prints give a Nordic feeling. Luminous colour tones such as red, yellow, green and turquoise, also lilac, give clear accents. Humorously combined with lingerie-type details, clean is still the look for city and casual wear.

Shoes
The shoes in this theme are also fresh and clean in look. The sporting variation draws on sports ballerinas and sporty sandals, moccasins and docksider types, as well as gym shoe-type canvas models. White is the dominant colour, enhanced by blue tones such as bright blue or navy, together with red, and also gold. Two-colour images, stripes or dot designs, cord draws or footbeds, colour emblems, and gold rings or eyelets, give zest to the image.

BEST AGERS
Life expectancy is rising continually, according to doctors and people will want to be active for longer and stay fit. This is why they train in the gym, practise Nordic walking, go swimming, play tennis or golf and go walking, preferably in a companionable group. They participate in cultural and social life and travel a lot. Their appearance and thus fashion is important to them, as is going to the hairdresser or cosmetic studio. For shopping they have a lot of time.

Shoes
As far as shoes are concerned, this is often the moment of truth: foot problems are widespread and often necessitate comprehensive advice when buying shoes. Such advice can only be given by a competent shoe sales assistant, who will know the shapes and peculiarities of various manufacturers’ models, and can find something suitable. The fact that the comfortable models leave nothing to be desired fashion-wise is something that manufacturers have once again demonstrated this season.

 (4/11/2006)