André Assous – Art meets Fashion
André Assous is the “King of Espadrilles”. He has designed shoes for almost 40 years now but his most notable achievement was the invention of the espadrille. Since his first style “Pamela” designed back in the 1970s became a statement piece and started conquering the fashion world, he has re-invented this footwear classic time and again. Designers and brands like Michael Kors, Tommy Bahama, Kate Spade, YSL and Sarah Jessica Parker call this shoe pioneer their source of inspiration – because André Assous’ designs address all women. They are both classic and modern. In addition to espadrilles, loafers, moccasins and light sandals form part of the designer’s “repertoire”. Since the 1990s he has also drawn on inspirations from art always launching special editions that toy with this link between art and fashion. At GDS André Assous will exhibit the special line “Art of André”, which echoes the designer’s own pieces of art dating back to 1969. The styles for the 2016 Spring/Summer collection come in wooden and natural tones. Mixed with metallic elements as well as cork and jute they project a modern look. High-quality materials and stretch elements provide the high wear comfort of such styles as platform high heels and flat sandals. Hall 9 / Stand B-10 / http://www.andreassous.com/

Halmanera – Suit Up Your Personality!
“Halmanera – suit up your personality!” The styles from Italian label Halmanera are unique and stand for a strong personality. This is reflected not only in the brand’s claim but in Spring/Summer 2016 also in the high-impact, colourful heels. Established in 1979 by Guiseppe Petrelli, this Italian label is headquartered on the picturesque Adriatic coast. The old 17th century country mansion evidences the link between the brand and craftsmanship and its true nature. Halmanera produces approx. 130 pairs of shoes a day, with every step of the production – from the choice of leather to manufacturing and finally finishing – in the careful hands its employees. All materials are chosen with care and attention and manufactured in Italy 100%. For Spring/Summer 2016 the brand increasingly focuses on comfort. Shoe lasts and materials are centre stage this time. Especially high-end leather such as venison, moose or kangaroo is used for this collection. This is hand-picked before being turned into exclusive shoes styles. The leather is washed and processed manually, giving it a very dynamic look. The pointed and round-toe lasts of the collection plus the colourful heels create modern looks.
Hall 9 / Stand D-36 http://www.halmanera.it/

Howsty – Helping Others with Style
The name of this Spanish women’s shoe label is an acronym of the statement: “Helping Others with Style“. Part of the revenue is invested in aid projects worldwide. And this is also where the inspirations originate from that characterise the style of the collection. Howsty girls love their freedom, are indomitable and adventurous. They make high demands on quality. By company accounts, only high-quality leather is processed here. The hand-woven and/or hand-stitched details give every pair that one-off look. All styles are produced in Spain and were inspired for 2016 by “wild nature”. Lasts are modern, classic, plain and elegant. They are rounded or pointed and exude a strong ethnic spirit. Elements from hand-woven Moroccan kilim rugs or patterns taken from Indian saris serve as designs here.

Romanticism comes care of frilly details, Cuban-type heels or pointed-toe shapes. Sand and beige tones underscore the look and feel of the leather. The collection includes boots and sandals with patchwork and fine embossing. High heels feature wrap-over ties. Purist leather and suede are available in many colours. A key element here are braided soles featuring as both low platforms and higher wedges.
Halle 9 / Stand C-18 / http://howsty.com/

Punto Pigro – Know-How in Traditional Construction
High-quality casual shoe label Punto Pigro is specialised in traditional construction methods and timeless style. The Italian company enjoys the best reputation for Opanka construction in combination with rubber soles that are considered particularly flexible, comfortable and long-lasting. The label’s style is casual, timeless and at the same time marked by an inimitable signature look. The shoe styles can be recognised by striking cross stitches 4 and welt seams uniting soles with uppers in elaborate craftsmanship. This know-how is also valued by renowned fashion labels. Exclusive styles were already developed in cooperation with Moncler and Dolce & Gabbana. The collection for the 2016 Spring/Summer season exudes an outdoor mood. Life out of doors with an energised atmosphere and a dynamic mood characterise the look. Asymmetric patterns add excitement while vivid colours like blue, yellow and red make for a fresh picture. Natural earthy tones like beige, brown and white underline a love of nature. Many shapes are reminiscent of Indian moccasins and deck shoes. Thick leather straps are woven into multi-coloured uppers for sneakers. The shoes are tied with narrow leather laces.
Hall 9 / Stand F-36 / http://www.puntopigro.it/

Style Heaven – Off Mainstream
Business women Sukey Brandenburger and Sabine Ritter collect ideas for the high-quality accessory collection of their Munich label Style Heaven while travelling the world. They prefer to search in the most remote places off the beaten track for new sources of inspiration that fit their urban styling mix of boho chic, flower power elements and ethnic effects. At the same time, they support local family businesses. Wherever the founders are, they collect ideas for their exclusive accessories. They prefer to browse local markets for hand-crafted and high-quality materials. The most beautiful finds are mixed with the latest trends to produce extraordinary designs that are in tune with our modern, urban life. For the 2016 Spring/Summer season Style Heaven focuses on a hippie look that accentuates plain outfits with a touch of wildness and spreads happiness thanks to colour. For the bag collection only authentic, traditionally hand-crafted fabrics are used. These are casually combined with high-quality leather, 5 embroidered and sequin fabrics, metal appliqués and Mongolian goat fur. In the jewellery collection high quality encounters boho chic. The line presents an innovative mix of cut precious stones, jade and rose quartz, gilded pendants and ethnic-look chain tassels.
Hall 5 / Stand B-18 / http://www.style-heaven.com/

Volver a Vida – Vegan and en Vogue
Volver a Vida means “back to life” and in this case represents a high-fashion shoe collection produced entirely without leather or other animal products. Now the trend label plans to premiere its first summer line with slip-ons, desert booties, flats and wooden heels. As usual, international trends determine the look of the collection for the 2016 Spring/Summer season: cork and wooden soles, as well as platforms made of light EVA, allow the trends of the 70s to come alive once more. Fringe appliqués decorate sneakers, high-heeled sandals, booties and proven slip-on styles. Whether toes are pointed or round makes no difference – both may be worn in 2016. Summer boot shafts are short or ankle height with decorative perforations. Lace-ups or pointy ballerinas in metallic leather and leather looks create a cool vibe. Chelsea boots feature light-cell soles. High-heeled sandals with platform soles and footbed combine top fashion with wear comfort. Natural shades and pastels set the tone of the colour scheme. Gloss and prints such as snakeskin patterns are of course not left out.
Hall 10 / Stand C-16 / http://appleofeden.de/

GDS, Düsseldorf
(25/07/2015)