• Svenja Holtmann enthuses at opening show
• Nazan Eckes is “Shoe Woman of the Year”
• Guido Maria Kretschmer creates a media buzz
• Shoe industry looks forward to new GDS concept

GDS was opened by Svenja Holtmann on the catwalk. The charismatic 26-year old model cast a spell on the journalists present, causing a real “flurry” of flash photography even after the official end of the show.

Nazan Eckes named “Shoe Woman of the Year”

Just as high-calibre was the presentation of the HDS/L Award on the first day of the trade fair: as part of the glamorous event German-Turkish TV presenter Nazan Eckes was awarded with the title of “Shoe Woman of 2014”.

The German Shoe Prize this year went to KangaROOS and was received by the musician CRO. Wearing a panda mask on stage the rapper designed the “Basketball Hi-Top Skywalker IV” style with his fashion line VIOVIO in cooperation with KangaROOS.

This year’s HDS/L Junior Award came under the heading of “Black & White”. Under the critical eyes of a jury composed of high-calibre experts the design by Czech designer Barbora Augustinová was selected as the winner.

Guido Maria Kretschmer creates a Media Buzz

Proving a highlight of the show on the second day of the trade fair was the appearance by Guido Maria Kretschmer. He presented his new shoe collection developed in cooperation with, and for, the Austrian shoe producer Högl. In addition to avid media interest many fans also took the opportunity to secure an autograph from this likeable and popular designer.

In terms of media interest this GDS even exceeded expectations. The successful PR activities, however, could not prevent the last GDS in the familiar format from attracting fewer visitors, explained Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf: “Over the four days we registered just under 19,000 visitors, which corresponds to a 10% decrease. One reason for this lies in the structural change affecting the footwear sector which we cannot influence. But you also have to accept that the days of traditional fashion fairs are now coming to an end. New impulses and fresh concepts are now called for which is why I am happy to see a new GDS in July.”

As early as September 2013 Messe Düsseldorf already announced the re-launch of GDS as the “Global Destination for Shoes & Accessories” and presented tag it! by GDS – the show for private labels in shoes and accessories – to the public. In terms of content the GDS concept boasts an all-new structure, a stronger focus on accessories, a press day under the heading of “15 Minutes of Fame” as well as earlier dates. Summer 2014 will see GDS make a clear move forward, running from 30 July to 1 August 2014 as well as from 4 to 6 February 2015. This re-orientation of GDS makes it THE international kick-off event. Retail will be given a directional overview of all important collections and trends for the season and therefore an optimum introduction to range planning.

Shoe Industry looks forward to new GDS Concept

To ensure perfect orientation GDS will be divided up into three big themed worlds “Highstreet”, “Pop-Up” and “Studio”. Each world stands out with its own feel and a specific design. Numerous companies welcome the new format and have already announced their participation.

The products exhibited at “Highstreet – The Modern Pulse” cover a wide spectrum from modern and sporty to classic. Here the likes of Ara, Camel, Gabor, Lloyd, Mephisto, s.Oliver and Wortmann have already confirmed their participation. International exhibitors will include Clarks, Donna Carolina, Manas, Skechers, Unisa and Vagabond, to name but a few. In the Comfort segment Birkenstock, Finn Comfort, Ganter and Sioux have already signed up for exhibitor participation. Those children’s brands joining the fray include Bisgaard, Clic!, Falc and Primigi.

“Pop-Up – The Urban Groove” is a lively market place for up-and-coming streetwear. In July we will see such producers as AS98, El Naturalista, Maruti, Panama Jack, Pepe Jeans Footwear and Wolverine present their latest collections here.

At “Studio – The Premium Note” the styling ranges from minimalist to glamorous. This segment is all about craftsmanship, exquisite design and perfection. This setting will be used by such brands as Ash, Attilio Giusti, Chie Mihara, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dinkelacker, Franceschetti, Jaime Mascaro and La Martina at the forthcoming trade fair.

In each of the three worlds visitors will be given additional guidance thanks to the "Highlight Route" – a defined route guiding them past selected exhibitor stands, specific product presentations, catwalk shows and events.

A particularly positive move is the number of applications received from outfits absent over the past few seasons who now regard GDS as a promising platform again after its re-orientation, says Kirstin Deutelmoser, Director of GDS and tag it by GDS: “Thanks to our new concept we have succeeded in bringing back on board the likes of Gant, Marc O'Polo, Napapijri, Replay, Ricosta and Viking at GDS. And the feedback to tag it! by GDS is just as pleasing: the International Hall and the Sourcing Hall are almost fully booked already and in the European Hall we have also already received registrations from such exhibitors as Intermedium, Kidderminster, Lenci Calzature, New Belle, Poelman and Trend Design.”

Shoes and Accessories for Consumers

Catering to all shoe-loving consumers will be the OUT OF THE BOX Festival for Shoes and Accessories celebrated on the third day of the trade fair. Fashion followers and footwear fans can look forward to special activities, events and entertainment in Düsseldorf’s stores and streets on 1 August 2014 from 3.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Exhibitions and lectures, customising sessions and workshops, events in galleries, bars and off-site locations are just some of the activities planned for the accompanying programme. The shoe theme will be centre stage with installations and attractions all over the city centre. For instance, GDS media partner styleranking.de will be inviting both national and international fashion bloggers to dress shop windows at partner stores in Düsseldorf city centre. Furthermore, the people of Düsseldorf will be given the opportunity to donate their shoes to charity at shoe recycling bins specially set up for this purpose. At the concluding “After Shoe Parties” held at hip clubs in the city people can party into the small hours of the morning.

Exhibitor Testimonials for the New GDS Concept:

“We have always asked for an early GDS and late July is ideal for presenting our innovations. We expect an event for innovations which would help us over the entire orders season. Furthermore, we are looking forward to the “15 Minutes of Fame“ because we have successfully leveraged GDS as a PR platform several times now and view the new concept as a consistent further development.”

Susana Torres Fernandes, Marketing Manager Clarks

“Our collection will be available in late July, which is why the dates are a perfect fit for us. And it is, of course, beneficial to get feedback from retailers at this early point in time. The trade fair organisers have provided precisely the right impulses with their fresh concept. Now exhibitors also called upon to convince the market – for instance, with inviting exhibition stands.”

Jan-Joss Marggraf, Sales Manager DACH G-STAR

“As lifestyle product suppliers we are active on the market at an early stage and have therefore always used GDS to conclude the season. Obviously, this will now change. For shoe retail the benefit is that they can browse general trends in Berlin and then experience their immediate translation into footwear at GDS. The new dates are perfect to present brands because the following six to eight weeks will see the purchase decisions being taken.”

Pierre Lefebvre, General Manager BOSUM (O’Neill, Keds, Maruti, Australian Footwear, Wolverine)

“The dates promise to give us a “first-mover” trade fair kicking off the season – i.e. ideal conditions for retailers seeking information. We do, of course, hope that the decision makers will also accept this. One thing is for sure: bringing forward GDS will strengthen its importance as an information event.”

Dr Markus Reheis, Head of Marketing and Communication GABOR

”I am a supporter of these early trade fair dates. My expectation for GDS as a kick-off trade fair is that many buyers will use it as a platform for early information, opinion forming, agreeing on order dates and placing orders right away. The aim should be to motivate more people to take part in the trade fair. This requires proper dates, a compelling concept and interesting brands. It is key to generate high footfall at the stands and enthuse buyers with our brands through directly addressing our target audience. This is also why we plan to come up with something special for our stand at the forthcoming GDS.”

Stephan Krug, Managing Director Europe Highline United (Ash, French Connection, nylo, Julian Hakes, Luxury Rebel, Elie Tahari)

“I think it was a good idea to give GDS a “facelift”. Furthermore, I welcome the proximity of dates with CPD. This gives GDS even more international flair. The Press Walk gives brands a good opportunity to attract attention to their collections and the details of their work. The fact that Düsseldorf as a location is involved more strongly gives visitors a good feeling – i.e. that GDS is not just held at the Exhibition Centre but also in the city. Keep the city alive!”

Alessandro Nardiello, Branch Manager Dirk Bikkembergs

GDS – international event for shoes & accessories was held from 12 to 14 March 2014; GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing from 11 to 14 March 2014 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. A total of 1,070 exhibitors (800 GDS and 270 Global Shoes) from over 30 countries presented the trends for the 2014/15 Autumn/Winter season.

The next edition of GDS will be held from 30 July to 1 August 2014. tag it! by GDS starts one day earlier running from 29 July to 1 August 2014.

All activities related to GDS and tag it! by GDS as well as numerous features such as exhibitor contact details and collection descriptions can be found online at:

http://www.gds-online.com/ and www.tag-it-show.com

(18/03/2014)