NEW ENTRIES

The countdown is on. Only a few more days and we will meet again. At SHOES in Düsseldorf. I’m looking forward to seeing many familiar faces again. And of course, I’m especially looking forward to the new collections. What could be better than being inspired in the stylish ambience of the Böhler halls? I especially like the open and therefore very warm and friendly atmosphere. It’s really fun to drift through the halls. Alongside many well-known brands (there are around 500 brands!), I also always discover new, exciting collections. Especially in these times, it is worthwhile to look beyond one’s own nose. Because one thing is for sure: the biggest enemy of fashion is monotony. Apart from that, the charm of discovering something new – isn’t that exactly what makes a good trade fair?

I would therefore like to use the current blog post to introduce some of these innovative brands. There is unfortunately not enough space to present all the “newcomers”. But that makes the trip to Düsseldorf even more worthwhile. The best thing is to touch and order shoes live anyway. Isn’t it? I’m sure we’ll see each other…

WESTERN GIRLS

Do you love western boots, or do you also belong to the group “We have never sold them well”? I don’t let that one stand anyway 😉 The cool boots are always trendy. And internationally anyway. Super sexy: knee-high with mini, skinny and shorts. But they are also a good alternative to the innumerable chunky boots that will probably disappear from the fashion scene in autumn at the latest.

AROUND THE WORLD

The designers are playing with folkloric references. Whether Inuit, Inca or Indian – snowboots, western boots and lusty boots with fringe details venture from the piste/prairie to the street. Especially beautiful in velour and, depending on taste, gaudy or in subtle, natural colors. Important: the comeback of darker brown tones à la Tobacco & Co.

SPORTY & CLASSY

Loafers or sneakers? Best to have both. Sneakers are like jeans and will never disappear from the market. But for a while now, they’ve been getting tough competition from loafers. The looks: This spring, at least for the girls, it can’t get too colorful. Men love hybrid versions – sporty, comfortable styles that work for both leisure and the office.

NEW MEN’S WORLD

The world needs new men. Or at least new men’s shoes. Instead of sneakers (OK, of course they’re still on), the gentleman can be a little dressier. Whether it’s business styles in fancy colors and with a hand-finish or robust boots with handcrafted details. One thing is very important: the new men’s shoes can again be recognised as being made of genuine leather.

OUTDOOR & KIDS

We have a heart for kids. Whether rubber boots, sneakers, or hiking boots – in the Kids’ Corner you’ll find fashionable and functional styles that equip the little varmints for all outdoor activities. Talking about outdoor: here, too, it’s worth looking at well-known newcomers. I’ll just say this much: the wanderlust is unbroken. The best thing is to go with the whole family!

HAND-SOME

Fashionable bags enliven the assortments. Especially when it comes to unusual styles that are eye-catchers in the shop window. Luxurious beach bags in bright colors that also look great at the farmers’ market, or feminine handle bags…and many, many more! Let us inspire you! By the way: soft sells. In short: Winter 23/24 is going to be cosy. And quite colourful, as our “New Entries” prove.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

In discussion

One of the “New Entries” is the literally cool label “Cole Haan”. We spoke to Christian Ast, Commercial Director Central Europe, about the direction of the US brand and the development of fashion in general.

How does Cole Haan define sportiness in the A/W 23/24 season?

Christian Ast: The headline at Cole Haan for the season is “PROGRESS”. The collection stays true to your USP and shows hybrid, very light but functional shoes that reflect the specially developed category “dress-casual”. The collection increasingly encompasses new lifestyle fields and is aimed at consumers who are looking for a mix of sporty dress sneakers. A new segment for Cole Haan is real running shoes, which are not only well received due to their independent design, but also developed directly into bestsellers in the home market of the USA at the time of their market launch.

Everyone is talking about a return of femininity/galanty. What role do sneakers play against this background?

Christian Ast: Personally, I also see a strong tendency, but on the other hand, the sales at the key accounts Cole Haan is already working with in Europe indicate that the hybrid sneakers are selling the fastest and the “All American Penny Loafer” are still struggling in the pre-selection. But I could imagine that in the coming SS24 season especially the good & elegant “penny loafers” will be purchased well.

What trend do you see in the bags/accessories sector? In particular: what kind of bag does a man need?

Christian Ast: Here, too, the brand follows the hybrid approach of functional aspects and bags suitable for travelling. Complementary to the shoe design, the aim is to show a good mix of elegant bags that are also suitable for everyday use and are aimed at business travelers, for example. Cole Haan strongly believes in the PREMIUM men’s backpacks of the ZEROGRAND series.