Newcomers and Returning Names at GDS/GLS

Exclusivity Cefoushoo The US label Cefoushoo draws on many sources of inspiration from all over the world for its hand-made collections: whether it is precious shoe styles discovered at antique markets or elaborately embroidered fabrics found as heirlooms in the possession of Venetian families. Experience and craftsmanship are what distinguish the creations of designer Vartan Mahdessian – uniting in his collections a fashion statement with contemporary comfort.

Jan Jansen
His shoe creations are flamboyant. This ‘master of shoe design’ toys with shapes and materials, creating shoes which have amongst other things featured in numerous exhibitions – like back in the 1960s at Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum. He gives his shoe styles an architectural, almost sculptural quality without compromising on ergonomics or wearability. This is ‘Jan Jansen’s’ typical signature style. Alongside his own collections he also created shoe designs for Christian Dior, Bally, Oilily and Charles Jourdan.

Liebeskind Berlin
A stylish bag collection picking up on a variety of styles is presented by ‘Liebeskind Berlin’: elegant, sporty and clean-chic themes plus basic designer trends feature here. With the highest quality demands and excellent value for money this brand closes the gap between high-end labels and the middle ground.

Missoni Sport
The forthcoming GDS will see ‘Missoni Sport’ launch its first worldwide shoe collection developed under licence. The collection is very fashionable with a sporty underlying basis. It includes sneaker themes, tough-looking boots and ankle boots, sometimes in that boxer style, plus shoes in the upper end of the middling price range. Production comes care of the renowned Italian shoe manufacturer Franco Ballin.

Mousse
‘Mousse’ is the brainchild of Düsseldorf residents Anke Lokietz and Conny Kahl – who have already been enjoying success with their ‘online concept store’ mousseshop.de since the year 2000. Great design and an ingenious mix of clothes, shoes and accessories appeals to customers who share their weakness for that something special. ‘Mousse’ now offers a roughly 15-piece collection featuring unusual bags and accessories in that purist 60s retro look.
 
Vialis/Vialis Aro
The shoe label ‘Vialis’ from Barcelona is seen as one of the most progressive shoe labels ever. Influenced by the cultural and artistic trends of this pulsating city, the creative minds of Jaime Serramalera Cercos and his team unite innovative design with traditional shoemaking craftsmanship. The collection exudes a hyper-modern style which clearly sets ‘Vialis’ apart from the fashion mainstream. Also presented here is the exclusive sneaker collection ‘Vialis Aro’ for women and men whose signature symbol is a serrated circle.

7 for all mankind
The world’s leading name in luxury denim today is ‘7 for all mankind’. The triumphant march of this US label began with its launch in Los Angeles, California in the year 2000. Today the label is worn by the likes of stars such as Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore. Alongside sexy high-end jeans for women there is also a men’s wear and kids’ collection with matching footwear. The product line is constantly extended and the firm has long since become a lifestyle brand.

Young Fashion

Ben Sherman
The ‘Ben Sherman’ story began with shirt production at a little factory in Brighton in 1963. Back then the new shirt design at this label became synonymous with the clean, smart style of England’s Mod movement. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s the label was closely associated with punk, ska and Brit pop and their affiliated youth cultures. For the new generation today ‘Ben Sherman’ is a complete lifestyle brand whose portfolio includes men’s, women’s and kids’ wear plus footwear and accessories. The label sells about one million pairs of shoes worldwide every year.

Bensimon
The lifestyle shoe brand ‘Bensimon’ was voted shoe of the year in France in 2006. Some styles of this cult brand were inspired by the army surplus sneakers of the 1970s. The authentic, timelessly elegant and casual sneaker classic is available in various original styles. Every season they bring out a limited edition in many different colour and pattern variations – black being the only colour with no place in the collection.

Brenda Zaro
Femininity and elegance are embodied by the Spanish brand ‘Brenda Zaro’. The styles range from timeless to fashionable. The firm behind this label is the Fermin & Group. It has been successful on the market now for 25 years and boasts a sales network over 4 continents.

Capwave
The collection at the sport and lifestyle label Capwave is designed, produced and sold to the shoe retail trade out of Munich. The firm collaborates with all large shoe stores in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Lifestyle & Sports

Flip Flop
The firm ‘Flip Flop’ was founded in 1997 out of a need for a fashionable and comfortable alternative to existing slip-on beach sandals. The core product here were thonged sandals – which were pitched in fashion boutique, shoe and sport retail stores as a high quality item. From 2001 to 2003 the coloured Flip Flop was the summer sandal per se. Due to great demand the label acquired cult status in the current fashion world. The colourful Flip Flop Holiday Collection has been on the market now since 2005. This consists of shoes, bags, other accessories and textiles – with high fashion ratings and a great holiday mood.

HUB Footwear
Some typical city guys wanting to make things happen and capture the excitement of city street life were the ones developing the designer streetwear label ‘HUB’. Inspired by this word meaning nucleus the brand was to epitomise a vibrant place where people with their fingers on the pulse meet. And the design of these sport and leisure shoes very much draws on the street life impressions of European cities and come predominantly in white, black or brown tones.

Timezone
This brand with the red “T” in its logo has been selling very successfully throughout Europe since 1993. “Real people in every timezone” – is the steadfast motto of this brand founded by Wolfgang Endler-Ross. His claim: to provide authentic clothing giving the wearer individuality and freedom while meeting the highest quality demands at the same time. “Previously, Timezone was only available in street and sportswear retail. By appearing at GDS Timezone now wants to reach out to the shoe retail trade. We are ready to put our footprint in a new time zone and look forward to presenting the first footwear collection at the Spring GDS,” says Klaus Ziemba, Product Manager at TZ shoes.

International Selection

Alberto Fasciani
In Italy Alberto Fasciani is seen as the best shoemaker of all. His collections range from tailor-made riding boots through to fashionable men’s and women’s shoes – all strongly influenced by the tradition of Italian shoemaking craftsmanship. Fasciani’s creations are available at exclusive boutiques worldwide.

Dresco Footwear
The French firm ‘Dresco Footwear’ is showcasing eight exciting labels at the fair. ‘Elite – Models’ Fashion Paris’ is not just a top modelling agency but also an exclusive fashion and shoe label appealing to the elegant lady. Aimed at a younger clientele is the colourful ‘Friponne’ collection. Good quality and discerning design is promised by the Dresco brand ‘Toscania - Walking & Dreams’. The famous French
seafarer ‘Olivier de Kersauson’ provided the inspiration for the brand of the same name. Its shoe collections not only exude that contemporary city look, they are also suitable for sailing. ‘Complices Eagel’ stands for authentic outdoor shoes and ‘bel canto’ offers casual wear with comfort. Charming little shoes for the youngest amongst us are presented  by ‘Sucre d’orge’, while ‘Casanova Linea’ is the new Dresco label for the discerning gentleman.

Nero Giardini
With over one million pairs of shoes sold per year the ‘Nero Giardini’ brand of the enterprise Bag SpA is at the top of the Italian shoe market. Shoes and accessories by this label are made using the highest quality materials. Skilled translation of the latest trends into quality products meeting the highest of standards form the basis for the success of this brand.

Wellness & Comfort

Reichert
The Reichert Group was founded in Brazil by Albano Reichert in 1935. Under one roof it unites shoe production, leather manufacture at its own tanneries, last development and production plus sole and heel fabrication with its own mould making facility. Its brand JC Jack Cedric is aimed at commercial shoe fashions for men and women with styles ranging from the casual through to the elegant.

Woolenstocks
Acting as a little mascot for the ‘Woolenstocks’ brand is the fluffy monster Woogo. Tradition has it that Woogo came across a village in the Himalayas on his search for comfort for his sore, cold feet. Here the villagers made soft, warm, comfy and colourful animal skin slippers that he slipped into, immediately feeling lovely and warm. Every pair of ‘Woolenstocks’ are handmade one-offs and according to legend they stave off bad karma.

Kids

Camper
After 30 years the Spanish shoe manufacturer Camper has now launched its children’s collection ‘Camper for Kids’ onto the market. The line is young and cheerful and looks to familiar grown-up styles, especially with the classics and in terms of material and comfort.

Garvalin/Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
The prestigious firm Garvalin is now collaborating very productively with the label Agatha Ruiz de la Prada – now to launch its optimistic footwear collection for kids and youngsters. The varied range includes waterproof shoes and boots plus comfy slippers in the most varied of styles. The latest technology and highest quality leather mark the creative design and exclusive collections here.

Living Kitzbühel
Cheeky, modern slippers for children are presented by the new label ‘Living Kitzbühel’. This premium collection stands for lifestyle and tradition, authentic craftsmanship, high quality and wear comfort. These slippers open up a cosy fairytale  world to children inhabited by knights and princesses right in their own homes.

GLS

Gretchen
When the exclusive brand ‘Gretchen’ was founded creativity and a passion for leather goods along with professional training and experience were all top priorities. The designer and co-founder of ‘Gretchen’ is Anne-Christin Kirsten Hofmann who has already designed accessories for luxury labels like Hugo Boss, Escada and Burberry. “We are already successful in Italy, Japan and the USA. Through our presence at GLS we are now planning to conquer the German market,” explains Michael Georg Schmitt, co-owner of the label.

Manetti
For more than 20 years now perfection and practicability have formed the basis of this Italian family-owned company. The high-quality ‘Manetti’ belts and bags bear the ‘Made in Italy’ quality seal. The success of the label is founded on the techniques of traditional craftsmanship translated into state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

Pierre Cardin
He is one of the most famous Frenchmen worldwide. For over half a century this designer has revolutionised the fashion world. His empire spreads across over 100 countries and his name features on 800 products. ‘Pierre Cardin’ bags bear the luxury brand’s unmistakable signature style: sophisticated design plus great attention to detail.

The GDS / GLS – International Event for Shoes, Leather Goods & More and global shoes & accessories will be held at the Düsseldorf exhibition centre from 9 to 11 March 2007.