After fashion primarily looking back in the past few seasons with its focus on tradition and authenticity, time has now finally come to show our true colours and look ahead. Real statements are needed here and self-staging is allowed again. This young fashion looks modern, cool and uncompromising. And the greatest renewal is provided by expressive colours: grass green, bright pink, bright yellow, pool blue and red all vie for attention on shirts, trousers and shoes – and stand for a modern, self-confident look full of joie de vivre...

The look of urban and streetwear here is pretty sporty and preppy: rolled-up chinos, brief shorts teamed with cotton shirts and comfy lace-ups or casual espadrilles – and the universal summer look for boys and girls is ready. However, alongside classic, sporty maritime looks featuring striped patterns and traditional red-white-blue colour combinations there is also lots of scope for natural flair. Elaborate woven sandals and platform sandals on high cork wedges are reminiscent of the 70s. To match these we see flowing floral dresses and flared jeans in attractive washes. Because the focus on the future in Spring/Summer 2012 does not rule out nostalgic memories from the past.

The Three Trends Themes for the 2012 Spring/Summer Season are:

Colour Up – Preppy Yachting – Soft Seventies

Colour Up

Colours mean renewal. After mainly natural tones characterising the fashion and shoe collections of the past few seasons, a thirst for radiant tones will now finally be quenched in the forthcoming summer. Inspired by sportswear we find simple styles, sleek materials and functional details in a bold colour scheme: traffic light red, sun yellow, lipstick pink and aqua blue are used in extremely large expanses, boldly combined with each other. Colour blocking is the watchword here: whether in block stripes on shirts or as piping or lining on shoes. The colour creed is omnipresent. The bold amongst us can coordinate these in an allover look while beginners can create exciting accents with coloured accessories. Anything goes as long as you like it. Ultra-light technical fabrics are translated into nifty dresses with cuts that are always sporty and unflustered. Striking soles in red or bright pink offer the colourful basis for ballet flats and lace-ups. High-wedge soles in coloured stripes attract everyone’s glances. However, it is not only the soles that shine in the most beautiful shades next summer – surfaces also show their colours, too! Whether canvas, soft nappa or shimmering patent leather – the new summer shoes present themselves in the most beautiful colours of the rainbow. Sporty details like straps/elastic straps create exciting contrasts here.

Preppy Yachting

This fashion theme with its roots in sailing looks maritime, Mediterranean and very sporty. Preppy and always a little tongue in cheek classic separates are translated in a youthful and casual manner. Brief shorts are teamed with fine cotton shirts with ring stripes while lightweight summer parkas and jackets in washed canvas provide a sporty note here. The colour blue is omnipresent in all its shades and is a favourite worn from top to toe. Casually rolled-up chinos skilfully attract people’s attention to our footwear. Alongside deck shoes and docksider variations also featuring with a new slant next summer, we will also see countless espadrille variations. The characteristic bast rope sole here is the basis for numerous shoe styles – from ballet flats and sandals through to lace-ups. Casual canvas shoes in a striped look round off the summery look here. Rope elements, cords and large eyelets give sandals and pumps a maritime touch

Soft Seventies

Natural flair, constancy and a little touch of nostalgia are indispensable in the coming summer season. This longing finds expression in a tribute to the 70s. Long, flowing floral dresses and swinging maxi skirts sum up the trend in a very feminine way. Experimental Bohemian chic feeds on a love of nature – with gentle earthy tones combined with a refined pastel palette. Fine, transparent blouses, embroidered tunics or loose shirts are combined with any amount of denim creating a very authentic note in high-quality vintage washes. Sexy denim shorts – the shorter the better – and flared jeans bring the creative spirit of the floral dresses up to a modern level. Washed or untreated leather offers the basis for matching shoe styles. Elaborate weaving and airy perforations underline the craftsmanship feel of this theme. High-heeled sandals feature on platforms, shapely wedges or block heels. Stable heels in natural materials like cork and bast form the basis for delicate millefleur prints and lavish blossom appliqués. Stylish strappy heeled sandals really put you in the mood for summer. For boys suede moccasins or desert boots in washed leather on sporty soles are amongst the absolute must-haves for summer.

The next GDS / GLOBAL SHOES fairs will be held from 7 to 9 September 2011 and from 14 to 16 March 2012. At the forthcoming event a total of some 1,280 exhibitors from 42 countries will be showcasing their shoe, bag and accessory collections for the 2012 Spring/Sumer season.

(3/8/2011 nst)