(by Elisa Cecchi).
Tough chunky silhouettes,
sneakers and vegan styles conquered the spotlight at the 81st
edition of theMICAM international footwear trade fair at which
1,456 exhibitors this week showcased fall-winter 2016-2017
collections in Rho-Pero, Milan.
The biannual showcase saw a 1.8% increase in visitors from
the previous winter edition in February 2015, organizers said.
It also recorded a 6% increase on last September's fair, a
strong showing for the Italian footwear sector, which currently
employs 80,000 people with exports worth eight billion euros
last year, according to data provided by shoe manufacturers'
association Assocalzaturitifici.
Overall, 16,343 people from 130 countries visited the fair
with buyers from Spain, Germany and France topping the list of
foreign visitors and a noteworthy increase for Russian buyers,
up 13%.
The fair's successful showing comes on the heels of data
registering a drop in the volume of global exports of nearly 5%
last year, driven by the fall in oil prices, the devaluation of
the ruble and geopolitical tension, among other factors.
Nevertheless, the value of exports over the same period
rose by 2%.
Trend-wise, chunky shoe silhouettes reigned supreme at
theMICAM to match the oversized volumes that will be trendy next
fall - in particular for overcoats and parkas - as seen in
ready-to-wear collections just showcased at New York Fashion
Week.
Thick soles and fur were widely seen in both boots as well
as loafers - a current footwear must - at a number of brands
such as Baldinini.
Faux leather and other vegan fabrics also played a role at
deluxe labels including Marche-based Loriblu, which debuted
lycra boots decorated with flowers and leaves.
And boots included sexy over-the-knee silhouettes, another
style making a strong comeback next fall-winter.
The sneaker trend, meanwhile, is still riding strong into
the next season with styles including a memory system to boost
comfort at Stonefly and a special patent called Valletex at
Valleverde to protect feet from water infiltration and
perspiration.
Meanwhile a number of brands, including Vic Matiè, played
up the glamour factor, turning sneakers into a day-to-evening
accessory.
And after a current winter season dominated by mid-heels
and flats, high heels will be back with a vengeance, though in
wearer-friendly block silhouettes.
Stiletto aficionados will have to surrender to comfort,
opting for the on-trend round and square heels, while shifting
the glamour factor on deluxe skins and craftsmanship, as seen at
Tuscany's Pakerson.
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