The 38th session of Midec - International Footwear Fashion - was held on Friday 3, Saturday 4, and Sunday 5 February at Paris-Expo / Porte de Versailles. Determined to position footwear firmly in the heart of fashion, Midec had decided to change its dates and opening days, in order to participate in the synergy among all the fashion fairs that are partners in Paris Capitale de la Création.

• The session brought together over 550 brands including 73 new ones.
• Midec received 9,873 visitors, a 19% rise on the March 2005 session.
• International visitorship doubled in relation to March 2005: 1,837 visitors (+106 %).
• Opening the fair on Friday rather than Monday worked well because visitor numbers on Friday increased by 32% compared with the Monday opening in March 2005 and by 9% compared with September 2005.
• Professionals from the Ile de France and Aquitaine regions took advantage of the first weekend of the school holidays to come to Midec: visitor numbers rose respectively by 10.5 % and 6 %.
• The visitors greatly appreciated the legibility of the fair, improved by segmentation into seven villages, which clarified the offering and provided an advantageous setting for brands and products.
• Reflecting the changes at Midec, Capture and Imagine were very popular. This policy will be continued in September with the villages Master Class and Feel Good.
• Forthcoming session: Midec Saturday 2 - Monday 4 September 2006 Hall 4 of Paris-Expo - Porte de Versailles

Midec February 2006 - Focus on fashion trends
for Autumn-Winter 2006-07
Shoes make us tell stories... the collections for men and women and children presented at Midec are highly creative and present typical environments in which consumers easily feel at home.
The borderline between street and sport is thinned, producing new casual city wear for all occasions. Chic footwear for everyday wear.
The vintage influence is obvious not only in shapes, but also in textures. Ageing, worn, mottled, dusty, patched effects.
Colour is with us, too, and swings between subdued harmonies and more tonic tones. Metallic effects are still topical.

Trends for men and women play at cut and paste:
A minimalist or tough look for a city style which revamps tradition by giving military codes and the worker spirit a new twist. Tough canvas, worn leather, studs, rivets, straps and lacing enliven biker boots and work boots.
Riding boots, derbies and retro moccasins for the more traditional version. Couture skill and custom bookmaker finishings for a new sophisticated look.
For her, rounded forms and thick soles in a baby doll spirit, pointed toes for a sexier look. Feminine details: jewelled buckles, rhinestones, ribbons, bows, covered buttons, pleated effects.
For him, a dandy spirit and tapered lines.
Popular folklore and ethnic details adorn the wardrobe of city nomads. The organic attitude comes through in models which associate technology, craft traditions and natural materials. Clogs, Indian moccasins, Apache boots, cowboy boots, outdoor boots and after-skis with folk details and rustic finishings. The must for this season is a fur trim.
Ornamental baroque or a rock 'n' roll style for special shoes for evening or day wear. Embroidery, ornate materials, studs and gloss top the bill.