Colour

Sun-soaked sandy dunes and objects found on the beach evoked a new colour direction for spring at the same time in Paris and in Milan, a welcome change from an all-white statement of previous seasons. 

Black and white, plus red/white and blue were overwhelming early spring colour statements in Paris and Milan. European retailers usually receive merchandise closer to the actual season, and, indeed, there was only a sprinkling of newness in Paris this past month. However, Milan windows had transitioned into spring more extensively, not only with the traditional crisp graphic colour story but also with an abundance of pales and floral prints.

Leisurely languid and very feminine were La Rinascente’s “Secret Garden” windows in Milan showcasing Philosophy’s spring/summer collection designed by Lorenzo Serafini. 

Based on the strong tradition of leather tanning and leather goods manufacturing in Italy, Lineapelle in Milan is the important international trade event for anyone in those industries. The fair this past month proposed a colour story for spring/summer 2017 with ranges referencing contemporary pop, bright digitized colours, neutral earth tones and soothing pales. And every palette used black, white and grey as an anchor to build on. However, it is the treatment of leather, textures and finishes that were really providing newness.

Première Vision in Paris this February has become a one stop shopping expedition for all those seeking early Spring/Summer 2017 guidance and inspiration. This international textile fair has expanded into leather in a separate hall, Première Vision Leather, and another section has been dedicated to findings, called Première Vision Accessories.

Jewelry, from fine to fashion, was the primary focus at Bijorhca, the semi-annual trade fair held in Paris last month boosting exhibitors as well as visitors from all over the world.

To buy boots or not that was the question at FFANY, the New York Shoe Show, the first of a string of footwear trade fairs presenting Fall/Winter 2016/17 collections. Many retailers complained that tall-shafted boots did not perform this last season, and everybody lamented about the weather; either too warm, too little snow, too much snow etc. However, there was consensus about one thing: anything with stretch was successful. So naturally, there were plenty of new stretch footwear options at all price points.

Moods ranged from ultra modern futuristic to ever-lasting nostalgia at NY NOW, the trade fair held in NYC formerly known as the Gift Show. There was so much more than gifts. Accessories have become an important component of the fair representing many artisans/designers who add a unique, treasure trove-like vibe.