Caroline de Baere contacted me last week right before I headed off to NYC when I made the announcement about the re-launch of this site. She is a footwear and accessories product development and design consultant who has worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the industry, including Birkenstock, Keen, Stride Rite, UGG, Liz Claiborne and many more. I was excited when I received her email expressing interest of contributing to the site because her experience is with many great comfort brands and I believe her insight will be beneficial to many. Since Caroline was heading out to WSA, I figured we might as well start there and since I have had many requests for articles about the trends I figured this was a great opportunity. I also found her perspective on the show interesting.Please take a minute to check out her website at www.laforma.net.  Thank you for the great contribution Caroline!! It’s much appreciated. – Julia

Trend Report-My Trip to WSA

There was a moment of hesitation on my part about going to WSA.  I did not attend in February and missing it again this time seemed like too much.  Do I attend a show many brands have pulled out of?  Do I leave my twins overnight for the first time in their short 5 months of life?  WSA seems to be as much about where to have dinner, what evening show or party to attend, shopping retail and running into longtime friends you only see twice a year as it does about viewing footwear collections and talking serious business.

After all these years I still feel a wonderful sense of excitement walking into a trade show – a sprawling sea of shoes, rows of booths, the smell of leather, hearing about the biz, seeing friends and more.  Even the 108 degree heat of summer in Las Vegas seems okay.  As a freelance footwear designer currently working on Fall 2010 and starting discussions with clients about the upcoming Spring 2011 season, will I be inspired?  The decision is actually easy to make.  I am going.  My carry on bag is packed and I head to the airport early Friday morning.

I certainly missed seeing many of the brands I love and found the two halls rather quiet.  WSA used to fill up all 3 halls of the LLCC just last year.  Even the collections at the Venetian were not as busy.

The Ed Hardy Booth-Good to know they recycle…They had the same booth back in FEB!

I find such a broad range of product on trend.  Simple silhouettes such as flip flops and ballerinas take on a new look with added comfort features and embellishments.  These flats contrast with the height of many heeled sandals also featured.  I always love a peep toe whether it be on a sandal or pump silhouette.  Did it seem like most women walking the show wore flat and heeled versions of gladiator sandals?  They were everywhere and were in many of the booths as well for the Spring 2010 season. 

Eco trends continue to gain momentum each season with vendors offering an array of eco fabrics, outsoles and linings.  While we are headed in the right direction, there is still a long way to go to be truly “green”.

Metallics sparkle offering shiny and muted options, vintage and burnished leathers provide beautiful dimension, varying shapes on perf’d leathers and innovative prints attract the eye.  Cork seems to be making a resurgence again.  So many choices!

Pantone had a nice color and trend presentation in the Central Hall.  I enjoyed walking through this area and taking a break from the aisle of booths.  The imagery was quite vivid and beautiful, words like Shamanism, Talisman and Magic describe seasonal themes.  I saw a brilliant mix of lustrous reds, golden hues, orange and blues reminiscent of sun filled summer days.  Neutral tones are a perfect compliment to the color palette and this season was no exception.

The Pantone Color section at WSA and I see our friends from MIA popping up in the background. Good to know they were there!  

My questions are these:  Will World Shoe Associates become Western Shoe Associates again?  Many of us remember the old days when it was “Western” not “World”.  Will it become a regional show once more?  Why does a retailer or brand need to attend multiple shows such as Atlanta, OR, WSA, FFANY, Magic and then also go to smaller regional shows?  Can’t you just attend one show and see everyone?  Word on the street is that the Atlanta show is gaining popularity.  Do I need to check it out next time?  FFANY is once again becoming more interesting and we all love a few days in New York.

WSA has published schedules and locations stating they are going back to the regular February and August show dates as well as the familiar Sands Convention Center location in an attempt to regain their presence in the industry.  Yes, FFANY and WSA seem to be battling it out with future overlapping show dates. 

My feeling is that competition among the trade shows is healthy and creates a bit of a stir.  At least people are talking about the shows with some interest and enthusiasm.  My hope is that excitement will be created as business improves.  Our industry is ever changing and fresh product always inspires.  After all, isn’t it our responsibility to create footwear for the over 300 million people in the United States?  They all need shoes for every aspect of their lifestyle!  This freelance designer anxiously awaits the coming season and remains passionate about her love of footwear.

Caroline de Baere

www.laforma.net