Shoe fair on Lake Garda fully booked
The Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is taking place on Lake Garda until tomorrow. With 1.300 exhibitors (which corresponds to an increase of 30 percent compared to the previous year), the 99th edition is fully booked. What is striking is the huge comeback of providers from the Far East, with China at the top, but also of companies from India, Turkey and Europe as well as many other countries. Internationality also on the visitor side: Good-humored buyers from all over the world use the opening event on Lake Garda to get acquainted with the new collections for spring/summer.
In this positive, optimistic scenario, Germany shows its colors rather cautiously. Due to the economic difficulties of numerous chain stores, as expected, significantly fewer shoppers traveled to Lake Garda. Online providers were also missing. The mood was also better. A rainy spring, full warehouses, price pressure and the miserable political situation that doesn't encourage much consumption are dampening the mood. The sunny weather of the past few weeks has certainly boosted sales of open goods and finally brought money into the coffers.
What's next in terms of fashion? “Casual Comfort” is the motto of the season. Sneakers assert their position. Loafers, now on thinner bases, continue to move along. Ballerina flats and espadrilles are making a big comeback. Feminine strappy sandals with unusual, not-too-high heels are juxtaposed with sporty sandals and fashionably interpreted (footbed) mules. In terms of colors, things are becoming more subtle: delicate pastels, light natural and neutral tones as well as shimmering metallics, also in color, should provide new impulses in summer 2024. Blue is the color of the hour. Denim in particular is heavily discussed. In the world of colors, blue represents melancholy, but also prudence and security. The industry can really use the latter right now.
Dr. Claudia Schultz
