Photo credit: © Tillmann
For the 2013 Spring/Summer season, GDS states ten focus trends. They reflect the self-confidence, elegance and innovative power of the new shoe and bag fashion.
Focus Natural Softness
Soft sells! Beautifully soft leather and free-flowing designs are the characteristics of these super-light shoe styles that surround the foot like sweet nothings. No lining and extra-thin, flexible soles – these wonderfully comfortable lace-ups, boots and slippers let the wearer sneak through the fashion jungle almost silently.
Focus High Shine
Shine rules! Brilliant and very shiny – patent leather is making a fashion statement with must-have potential. All intensive colours, as well as light pastel hues, are effectively combined with patent leather. Pumps, ballerinas or peep-toes – and even men's shoes – are the vehicles for this season's very shiny material. Black/white finishes create exciting accents on men's models.
Focus Iced Pastels
Ice cream parlour or candy shop? Marshmallows and sherbets are the role models for this colour theme, which can be interpreted in a sportive or feminine manner. Sweet as ice cream and as artificial as the icing on the birthday cake – pastel hues in apricot, lime, mint, lilac, candy pink and baby blue can be found either by themselves or in a subtle mix. They are prettiest on suede or nubuck leather, but also very enticing on patent leather.
Focus Shaded Metals
Light, not heavy, metal is the theme. Ballerinas and sandals transform into glistening pieces of jewellery with a metallic shine. Gold, silver, platinum and coloured métallisées emit luminosity and transform simple styles into high fashion items with a luxurious attitude. Particularly stylish are metallics mixed with natural leather – long live contrast!
Focus Colour Accents
Colour continues to be an important driver. However, colour is used in more subtle ways. In the upcoming summer season, intensive hues are no longer used all-over, but rather placed carefully as accents. Strong and sometimes fluorescent colours appear in stitching, appliqués or inlays at shafts and soles, and transform even classic styles into unique fashion items.
Focus Original Trainer
Olympic Games, Track and Field World Championships... The enthusiasm for sports-related topics is given a boost in Summer 2013. Retro sneakers in running or jogging styles are heralding a grand comeback. Intensive colours dominate the look and are often combined with clean white. Light-coloured mini wedged soles and colourful appliqués such as stripes, stars or logo prints emphasise the sporty and authentic statements of the "Original Trainers" for men and women.
Focus Fashion Sneaker
Sneakers to the podium! First place finishers are all styles with vulcanised bottoms. Fashion sneakers live up to their name and appear as trendy booties with internal wedges or brightly coloured, with a wild mix of designs. Flashy is good. Stylish accents are provided by de-familiarised camouflage prints, floral and lace designs, multiple rivet appliqués or brightly coloured flag and neon details.
Focus Prints Variations
Print ready! The upcoming summer will yield a cornucopia of printed designs on leather and fabric. Flowers, animals, fruit, as well as all types of graphic and foulard designs will transform sandals and pumps into "walking pieces of art". Used all-over or as a unique fashion statements on interior soles and wedges, these fanciful prints are brimming with individuality and innovative power. And as an aside, they also spread good vibes.
Focus Tribal Remix
The Amazon and the Caribbean. Africa and Asia. The designers are inspired by the melting pot of cultures. Shoe fashion reflects ethnic details from all corners of the world. Very trendy are robust summer boots that captivate thanks to their soft and often perforated suede material. Wooden beads, fringes and feathers as well as subtle material mixes adorn the urban interpretations of the ethno-styles of Summer 2013.
Focus Slipper Shapes
Loafer ballerinas, gentlemen slippers, pope shoes or Prince Edward style. Whether royal or clerical – the range of names for this slipper-like shoe knows no bounds. After all, the new ballerinas with their fine stitching and low décolleté are certainly innovative and ultra feminine. Most beautiful are the ones in powdery hues or in retro looks with fifties-inspired prints.
