A feeling of optimism was apparent at the GDS shoe fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, - September 16-19 - thanks to an increase in exhibitors, visitors, and orders. Boasting a new layout and a 10% increase in exhibitor numbers, the fair has been hailed a great success by the organisers.

Some 42,000 visited the event an increase of 5% on last year. This was attributed to the larger contingent from abroad that attended the show. Large numbers from the UK, Benelux, Italy, Spain, France, Scandinavia boosted numbers, as did the 1,200 visitors from the USA. There was also a marked increase in the numbers attending from Eastern and Central Europe, particularly from Russia.

As for the latest trends exhibited at the show, the overall message was one of ‘more is more’ when it comes to decoration. Whilst basic shapes and colours are fairly subtle; with the addition of adornments ranging from butterflies to jewels, the shoes exhibited were far from subtle. As for style, round toes were dominant, but points were by no means absent. Even the men have been given a touch of glamour with baby crocodile, basilisk, and leather/fabric combinations featuring heavily.

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