The shoe import row between China and European Union (EU) that had persuaded the European manufacturers to be at odds with the consumer groups and companies, operating with China, will now be resolved by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

As discussions between China and EU ended undecided, WTO’s dispute resolution body, decided to constitute a panel to judge the matter.

The row instigated by China, which is a second of its kind at WTO against EU, was in opposition to the anti-dumping duties that were imposed by EU on imports of shoes from China. The duties have been fixed at 16.5 percent on shoes imported from China, while it is 10 percent for those imported from Vietnam.

An official from China at the meeting stated that, such duty imposition by EU had impaired the jobs and living of around 150,000 persons engaged in the leather footwear industry.

Speaking further he said that, Chinese industries would also like to emphasize that their interests were severely harmed by the anti-dumping schemes imposed by EU.

As per the WTO rules, the member countries were authorized to levy duties on products that were being dumped and sold at a price below their production cost, which ultimately damages the importing countries’ trade.

Nonetheless, such anti-dumping tactics may be manipulated for safeguarding the domestic industries, and thus turn out to be the usual cause for trade collisions.

Refuting these allegations, EU trade lawyer, Sybilla Fries said that, the anti-dumping measures for which China is demanding a panel were not imposed by EU to protect its own domestic industries, but to combat fraudulent trade practices.

With a view to give a fillip to the footwear and leather industry, Janata Bank Ltd (JBL) of Bangladesh recently launched a special loan disbursement program of Tk 70 million for leather-tech graduates and non-graduates.

Seven graduate entrepreneurs, selected through a baseline survey conducted by Bangladesh Bank Governor Mr. Atiur Rahman, would be disbursed Tk 30 million collateral free loans by the Bank under a model pilot project. These graduate entrepreneurs are from Bangladesh College of Leather Engineering and Technology.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the state-owned Janata Bank Ltd Mr. SM Aminur Rahman informed this while addressing a workshop held at JBL head office. Further he said that the rest Tk 40 million will be provided as house-building loan with collateral.

Moreover, Tk 6 million from bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund will also be provided for capacity building, he informed. Loans and grants will be utilized for dedicated credit lines. In addition to this, bank will also offer facilities such as linkage finance, common finance, relocation of linkage factories, special workers scheme and poverty alleviation scheme.

This pilot project will be conducted by JBL in collaboration with Bangladesh Leather Service Promotion Council (BLSPC) and Bangladesh Leather Service Centre (BLSC).

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

Calling for regular commencement of leather shoes trade with the European Union (EU), China’s Ministry of Commerce, on April 9, re-called its strong stand for safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of domestic shoe-makers.

After the failure of several rounds of dialogues, China hoped that, the EU side will take genuine efforts towards resolving their concerns and disputes regarding the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports of footwear. These comments were in reply to China’s recent attempt to deal with the shoe trade issue.

Urging for a governing body to study their complaint filed in February and to give a decision on their case, China sent a letter to the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

According to an official, implementation of anti-dumping duties, of about 16.5 percent, against Chinese leather, was initiated by EU in October 2006 and it also allowed a 15-month extension in December 2009.

However, EU’s anti-dumping survey and judgments lacked justice and lucidity that violated WTO regulations. As per data received from the ministry, in 2009 alone, EU had levied seven new anti-dumping investigations against China.

Adding further, the official said that, EU had 14-years of experience in trade protection for its shoe industry and that extensive duties, instead of being advantageous for its shoe-makers will in a way, will hurt the interests of the European consumers.

Statistics for the Tunisian leather industry reveal that the sector which was badly hit by the economic crisis with diminishing exports during the whole of 2009 has started recovering significantly, to come out with positive results, during the initial two months of current year.

The figures were validated by the National Centre for Leather and Footwear (CNCC) in its recently published economic report, concerning the impact of the leather and footwear Industries on foreign trade in the initial two months of 2010.

For the first two months of 2010, the sector with exports worth €76.68 million, depicted a growth of 6.4 percent over corresponding period of the previous year.

The exports mainly constituted of products like fancy leather goods which formed 13.9 percent of exports whereas, leather clothing and shoes, each constituted 10 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively, of overall exports.

Pavers England, the pioneers of a new breed of comfort footwear and the world’s fastest growing footwear brand has launched new chic Life Collection for the fashionable men and women of today; the hip and comfortable styles for men and the ultra feminine styles for women.

The Life Collection for men has newly designed casual slip on shoes with leather uppers that are perfect for the hot summer months. The unique foot bed of the shoe conforms to foot creating custom fit and comfort.

Life for women are open strappy flats in contrast colors from soft and gentle to the powerful hybrid environment colors. The stylish-beaded, leather flats from Pavers England are sure to pep up any outfit. The flats are available in vibrant colors including Orange, Green, Pink providing feminine flair and making it a great wear for the summer season.

Pavers England Footprints Limited (PEFL) brings International Customer Experience and world class products and trends to the Indian consumers at value for money.

Pavers England Footprints Limited

Stylish, Aristocratic, Classy, Trendy and Durable – Fossil’s leather collection will prove to be an absolute delight for all the fashion mongers out there.

This summer, the brand has in the offering an all new range of exciting accessories for both men & women.

Travel Bags: Travel in style… Perfect for an official day or a weekend break, these travel bags from Fossil are Stylish yet trendy. Made from fine genuine leather these Fossil travel kits comprise of Duffels, Messengers and Shave kit.

The Jackson EW Messenger is a modern alternative to the older generation office briefcase. Made from fine genuine leather, it has beautiful glazed and antiqued hardware which are specifically designed to conveniently carry laptops, important documents, and other daily essentials.

This leatherwear is perfect to be carried everywhere!These are available across all leading departmental stores.

Ladies Leather accessories: Classic yet contemporary, Simple yet detailed. The concept of modern vintage design represents the defining aesthetics for all the Fossil leather products for women.

Belts: Fossil ladies belts are distinct because of their causal construction and authenticity. In its purest form, it’s a mixture of the best of what’s old and what’s new. Designed with modern styling and made of smooth genuine leather, the array of belts feature silver-tone buckle with embossed logo plate, metallic detailed patchwork with floral-shaped studs and a variety of piece-y patchwork of summer colors.These belts are available across all leading departmental stores.

Wallets and Clutches: Defined by clean lines, soft shapes and natural materials, the Fossil wallets and clutches look chic and simple. Contrast color stitching and pop-stitching gives the exterior a versatile and stylish look. The collection has been designed with refinement keeping in minds the needs and comfort of today’s young women. Multiple features of spacious dual compartments, card slots, a bill compartment, & a zip pocket all ensure the lady is organized and has ease of accessibility. With a youthful touch to the collection, the effervescence lies in the array colors one can choose from. These are available across all leading departmental stores.

Fossil India Pvt. Ltd

Graffeeti Inc., the kids footwear maker known for its Remarkable kids shoes and backpacks, announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has awarded the company a patent for the write-on/wipe-off technology used in its shoe and backpack products. Unique in footwear for pioneering the integration of dry erase style write-on/wipe-off panels, Graffeeti is now prepared to expand its unique market position as the only kids shoe line that can offer boys and girls the fun and expressive ability to write, doodle and draw on the shoes over and over again.

The issuing of this patent comes at a critical time for the company as it continues to expand Graffeeti’s product offerings and market presence both domestically and internationally.

“This patent really comes at an ideal moment for Graffeeti,” commented Steven V. Rubin who recently moved from his post as VP of Sales & Marketing to president of Graffeeti, Inc. “It’s a fantastic confidence builder and one of many positive strides forward that we have made this year including the extension of our endorsement contract with rising teen star Booboo Stewart. This patent is just one more positive sign that our stars are aligning for 2010 and beyond.”

The multi-talented Booboo Stewart, who recently secured the role of Seth Clearwater in the upcoming feature film ''The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,'' will continue to be an important and creative ambassador of the Graffeeti brand and a featured endorser of the signature Booboo Stewart Graffeeti shoe. Graffeeti’s patent will protect the company’s market position as it surely grows with Boo boo’s celebrity in 2010.

Graffeeti Inc

The Düsseldorf Shoe Fairs GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessories and GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing – drew to a close on Sunday with great optimism and more than satisfactory results. In total approx. 29,500 trade visitors used the three days of the trade fair to gather information on the 2010/11 Autumn/Winter season and place their orders in Düsseldorf. Prevailing in the exhibition halls was a concentrated working atmosphere.

The unanimous mood amongst many exhibitors was that buyers were in very jovial spirits and the talks they held struck a basic positive note that had not been felt for quite some time now reflecting an avid interest in the new fashion details for the next season. So as to gear the shoe-fair duo to changing market conditions the GDS Advisory Board decided to adopt a different sequence of exhibition days on Sunday. From 2011 both trade fairs will be held from Wednesday to Friday.

Describing the situation Kirstin Deutelmoser said: “GDS was a key indicator for the sector. Retailers have substantially benefited from the long and cold winter. Their stocks are depleted and need to be replenished for next winter. We felt optimism and a good mood paired with a concentrated though relaxed working atmosphere on all three days.“ Commenting on the changed days of the week she explained: “Together with the Advisory Board we have decided on changing to weekdays. We are confident that this move will make GDS and GLOBAL SHOES even more attractive for retailers.

Thanks to the new days we have avoided the day with the highest retail sales – Saturday. This means retailers no longer have to decide between visiting the trade fair and selling. Now both are possible. The 111th GDS will therefore run from 16 to 18 March 2011. For the forthcoming GDS the Friday to Sunday format will remain unchanged.” Summing up the course of the trade fair Horst Wortmann,Managing Director of the Wortmann-Group, said: “We have had a really good GDS.

Our various stands were very well attended on all days. We could virtually feel this spirit of a new beginning when talking to our customers. Now it is up to each retailers and manufacturer to make the best of this favourable initial situation. With its new running schedule GDS follows the needs of retailers and, hence, of our customers. It is the task and duty of a trade fair to identify and fulfil such needs. I assume that this decision will improve the position of GDS on the market even further.” Boasting such brands as Tamaris, s.Oliver, Marco Tozzi and Caprice the Wortmann Group is among Europe’s biggest shoe producers.

Having returned to GDS as an exhibitor Giancarlo Sonaglioni of the Italian brand Roberto Botticelli was also satisfied with the outcome of the fair: “After six years’ absence we have taken part in GDS again and are very happy. Thanks to the different segments buyers find what they are looking for fast and can work efficiently. We want a bigger stand in September.”

A larger stand is also the aim of Cleto Sagripanti of Manas: “GDS is indispensable for Central and North European markets. We meet many of our key accounts here. The mood prevailing in the halls was positive. For us GDS went very well.”

Almost one in two visitors of GDS / GLOBAL SHOES came from abroad (Top 5 apart from Germany: Benelux, France, Italy, United Kingdom and Austria). At the same time, the trade fair duo succeeded in widening its reach within Germany once more welcoming a noticeably higher number of buyers from Southern Germany.Visitors included such renowned retail firms as Alsterhaus, Amazon, Görtz, Karstadt, KDW, Prange, Tretter, Uli Knecht, Zumnorde (all Germany), SOK (Finland), Jones Bootmaker and Office (both UK), Humanic and Stiefelkönig (both Austria), Apollon & Afrodite (Norway), Betsy Palmer and Shoebaloo (both Netherlands) and Aleksi 13 oy (Finland).

Three quarters of all visitors were buyers with a say in the decision-making process. 94% rated GDS as good to very good and were very satisfied with their visit to the trade fair. In addition to the versatile ranges on show visitors predominantly praised the “proximity to trends”, the information side events and the GDS fashion shows as being especially rewarding service options.

The GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessories – and GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing – were held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 12 to 14 March 2010. A total of 1,120 exhibitors (GDS: 760, GLOBAL SHOES: 360) from 40 countries presented the latest shoe and bag styles. At GDS to the tune of 1,750 collections were exhibited for the 2010/11 Autumn/Winter season along with trends for the current season.

The next GDS / GLOBAL SHOES trade fairs will be held from 10 to 12 September 2010. For 2011 the exhibition dates are: 16 to 18 March and 7 to 9 September.

Igedo Company GmbH & Co KG

SKECHERS USA Inc a global leader in lifestyle footwear and the No. 2 footwear company in the United States joined developer Highland Fairview and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday, March 12 to mark the groundbreaking of SKECHERS’ new 1.82 million square-foot distribution center in Rancho Belago, California.

With Highland Fairview, SKECHERS is constructing the facility to handle the distribution of its product in the United States and Canada. The distribution center will be the largest LEED-certified building in the United States. In addition, SKECHERS will be transitioning from 1.6 million square feet of distribution space across five buildings in Ontario, California, to the more efficient, automated, single facility. This will further reduce the Company’s energy consumption and environmental impact. The facility is expected to be completed in 2011.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger began his remarks at the groundbreaking by noting the unemployment rate in the region, and added: “SKECHERS will be the first phase of development here and that’s something to be celebrated. Plus, the fact that this will be the most environmentally sound, progressive, sophisticated building in the United States proves that what’s good for the economy can be good for the environment too.”

Commenting on his first visit to SKECHERS headquarters in Manhattan Beach in 1999 just after SKECHERS went public on the New York Stock Exchange, the Governor continued: “The Company was skyrocketing, and then they started expanding all over and they were in Europe and in Africa and in Asia; now they do business all over the world. I was a big fan of your shoes then. I’m a big fan of the SKECHERS shoes now.”

“This new facility will provide SKECHERS with the logistics and distribution support required to match our growth,” stated Michael Greenberg, president of SKECHERS. “By using the latest efficient technologies, we’re able to streamline our expenses while reducing our environmental impact at the same time. For SKECHERS, that’s a win-win.”

“We’re excited to be bringing a major global company like SKECHERS to Moreno Valley,” said Iddo Benzeevi, president of Highland Fairview. “This project will provide jobs and revenue in our city at a time when it needs it most. We hope with SKECHERS as the anchor, more large employers will discover the opportunity that exists here.”

SKECHERS USA Inc

The leather industry is in a fix as regards whether the export concession of two percent interest subsidy in respect of export of leather goods will continue to exist till 2010-11. The Finance Minister’s proclamation with regards to the extension of export concession has led to this confusion amongst the industry circles.

FM while presenting the Budget for 2010-11, has announced further extension of interest subsidy of two percent for one more year on pre and post shipment credit for exports including handicrafts, carpets, handlooms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but no mention has been made as regards leather goods. Leather industry at present is availing the benefit of this subsidy.

Due to this a predicament has arisen in the minds of the industry leaders, as just like those sectors, leather is also an employment intensive and exports of leather items too were adversely affected on account of economic downturn in developed countries, owing to which since July 2008, an interest subsidy of two percent on export credit for the sector was offered.

Experts say that the budget proposal has left them bemused. Though, they are optimistic that the leather exporting sector which with all its endeavors is trying to regain its lost ground will not be kept away from the export concession in form of interest subsidy. Nevertheless, if the export subsidy is retracted from the sector then they would urge the Finance Minister to reinstate the sector with the same.

If the sector is left without interest subsidy on export credit then the leather exports will be adversely affected, experts opine.

An industry expert also stated that their reactions with regards to the budget proposal will follow once; they get the matter clarified with the Finance Minister. He also said that, not all of the leather industry exporters will be benefited by furthering interest subsidy in favour of SMEs. Anyhow, he added that, the industry will robustly demand extension of the export concession for leather goods export, which is yet to come out of the impact of the recession.

The leather industry is in a fix as regards whether the export concession of two percent interest subsidy in respect of export of leather goods will continue to exist till 2010-11. The Finance Minister’s proclamation with regards to the extension of export concession has led to this confusion amongst the industry circles.

FM while presenting the Budget for 2010-11, has announced further extension of interest subsidy of two percent for one more year on pre and post shipment credit for exports including handicrafts, carpets, handlooms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but no mention has been made as regards leather goods. Leather industry at present is availing the benefit of this subsidy.

Due to this a predicament has arisen in the minds of the industry leaders, as just like those sectors, leather is also an employment intensive and exports of leather items too were adversely affected on account of economic downturn in developed countries, owing to which since July 2008, an interest subsidy of two percent on export credit for the sector was offered.

Experts say that the budget proposal has left them bemused. Though, they are optimistic that the leather exporting sector which with all its endeavors is trying to regain its lost ground will not be kept away from the export concession in form of interest subsidy. Nevertheless, if the export subsidy is retracted from the sector then they would urge the Finance Minister to reinstate the sector with the same.

If the sector is left without interest subsidy on export credit then the leather exports will be adversely affected, experts opine.

An industry expert also stated that their reactions with regards to the budget proposal will follow once; they get the matter clarified with the Finance Minister. He also said that, not all of the leather industry exporters will be benefited by furthering interest subsidy in favour of SMEs. Anyhow, he added that, the industry will robustly demand extension of the export concession for leather goods export, which is yet to come out of the impact of the recession.

The leather industry is in a fix as regards whether the export concession of two percent interest subsidy in respect of export of leather goods will continue to exist till 2010-11. The Finance Minister’s proclamation with regards to the extension of export concession has led to this confusion amongst the industry circles.

FM while presenting the Budget for 2010-11, has announced further extension of interest subsidy of two percent for one more year on pre and post shipment credit for exports including handicrafts, carpets, handlooms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but no mention has been made as regards leather goods. Leather industry at present is availing the benefit of this subsidy.

Due to this a predicament has arisen in the minds of the industry leaders, as just like those sectors, leather is also an employment intensive and exports of leather items too were adversely affected on account of economic downturn in developed countries, owing to which since July 2008, an interest subsidy of two percent on export credit for the sector was offered.

Experts say that the budget proposal has left them bemused. Though, they are optimistic that the leather exporting sector which with all its endeavors is trying to regain its lost ground will not be kept away from the export concession in form of interest subsidy. Nevertheless, if the export subsidy is retracted from the sector then they would urge the Finance Minister to reinstate the sector with the same.

If the sector is left without interest subsidy on export credit then the leather exports will be adversely affected, experts opine.

An industry expert also stated that their reactions with regards to the budget proposal will follow once; they get the matter clarified with the Finance Minister. He also said that, not all of the leather industry exporters will be benefited by furthering interest subsidy in favour of SMEs. Anyhow, he added that, the industry will robustly demand extension of the export concession for leather goods export, which is yet to come out of the impact of the recession.

The Leather and Shoe Research Institute, has prepared a plan for development of Vietnam’s footwear sector by 2020 and meeting the end target by 2025. The plan is to chase an export turnover of US $16.5 billion to be achieved by 2020. Nevertheless, many issues have been raised with regards to viability of the draft.

Bui Xuan Khu, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT) posed many questions concerning the draft. He held that the export target of $6.3 billion set for this year to be incredible, as last year’s exports only accounted for $1.4 billion and a fall of 13 percent was revealed in comparison to 2008. Shrinkage in exports to US market was cited as a reason, for such fall.

He also informed that globally, the sector holds second position, next to China. Nonetheless, the issue was that whether leather shoes can originate as and grow into sector’s leading export product, as sports shoes has the highest cut in Viet Nam.

Foreign direct-invested firms accounted for a huge share of canvas shoes and bags, Mr. Khu remarked. He suspected if the firms will carry on investing in the sector during next 10 years.

Issues were even raised regarding the availability of materials for the sector as most of it was being imported.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

Footwear etc., a well-established retailer of high quality, comfort footwear for over 24 years, introduces the first line of Skechers Shape Ups sandals to be released in May 2010, available now for pre-order. The new spring arrivals also include the latest styles from the highly sought-after Shape-Ups fitness shoes, available online now and in Footwear etc. retail stores.

“Sales have been soaring since the release of Skechers Shape-Ups,” says Andrew Monarch, District Manager for Footwear etc. “We are proud to be one of the first retailers to offer the newest styles from Skechers Shape-Ups.”

‘Shape Ups’ is the new fitness footwear line from Skechers, the global lifestyle shoe manufacturer. Designed to simulate walking barefoot on uneven surfaces such as sand, Shape-Ups help you tone your muscles, lose weight, and improve circulation. They feature a unique soft kinetic wedge insert that absorbs shock and a dynamic rolling bottom that naturally rolls your feet forward, shifting your weight to the center and allowing for your toes to easily push off the ground. Shape-Ups combine the stylish features of Sketchers athletic lifestyle shoes with the latest fitness technology allowing you to get in shape just from walking.

Following the highly successful Shape Ups shoes, the new line of Shape-Ups sandals expertly combines the same health and fitness benefits of the popular Shape-Ups shoes into a stylish fitness sandal.

The Shape-Ups Sandals are available for pre-order in four trendy styles:

• Skechers Shape-Ups ‘Electrified’ – available in two electrifying colors: purple and silver • Skechers Shape-Ups ‘Dash’ –available in Black and Gaucho Crazy Horse Leather • Skechers Shape-Ups ‘Omega’ – available in Olive Leather and Red Brick Leather • Skechers Shape-Ups ‘Strolling’ – available in Black Leather and Gaucho Crazy Horse Leather

With more and more people canceling their gym memberships, fitness footwear has become increasingly popular among men and women all over the nation. Not just a fashion fad, wearing Shape-Ups regularly can help tone and strengthen legs, buttocks, back and core muscles. During a 6-week clinical trial, Skechers reported that women wearing Shape-ups for their normal daily activities and walking program, lost an average of 3.25 pounds and reduced body fat by an average of 1.125%. Plus, there was an average increase of 41% in butt muscles and 37% in lower back strength.

India International Leather Fair (IILF) 2010 will take place from January 21 to February 3, 2010 in Chennai, India.

In hall 1A visitors find the German Pavilion with the whole product range from semi finished hides and skins, finished leathers, shoe materials, chemicals for the tanning process as well as machines and tools for the leather and shoe production.

Among the exhibitors are suppliers of chemicals and technical solutions for leather production. The application of these products ensures efficient use of resources as well as conformity with environmental legislations.

New machines and technical solutions are presented for the tanning, shoe and leather goods industry. There are producers of components, tools and accessories for the shoe industry. German technology stands for greater cost efficiency and more innovative production techniques.

High quality leather collections for shoe uppers, leather goods and saddlery will be on display. Finally you will find suppliers of leather fibre board for uses in the shoe and leather goods industry.

Contacts to other high quality German producers of technology, materials and components not only for the shoe industry but also for the automotive or furniture industry can be made at the information stand in hall 1, booth number A20.

At the Federal Republic of Germany's information stand, our experts will be glad to consult you on additional export and import possibilities and respond to questions on economic relations with Germany.

India International Leather Fair

With this handbag collection as well as the clothing and shoes, I am once again a fan of the iconic label Gucci. If Frida Giannini can promise to never, ever do the awful hippie, disco, or flowery designs from previous collections and more of this clean glam style, Gucci could recapture it’s once stellar reputation.

When Tom Ford left and Giannini stepped in there were many season’s of horrible designs, and fans of the label, like myself, thought they were becoming a dinosaur in the luxury accessory industry. However this collection is genius. The show began with all white and it slowly progressed into grey and finally black. The overlying theme of the presentation was sex appeal and bondage, very apparent in the clothing designs and hints in the shoe and handbag collection.

The clutch bags were neat and clean, and provided the only color in the show. The smaller shoulder bags feature a bamboo handle and small detail, something I love in spring/summer bags. They also have a metal chain shoulder strap, as well as the standard leather shoulder strap.

The large totes are in white guccisima embossed leather and feature harness detail on the front of the bag and have double whip leather straps and are the bags that really capture the theme of the collection the most.

Gucci

Kirstin Deutelmoser, director of GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessories, as well as GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing, at Messe Düsseldorf, was honoured on Tuesday with the Fashion Fuchs 2009 from Hermann Fuchslocher Business Consultancy (hfu).

With the award, the jury around Dr. Rolf Klinke again honours an "exemplary personalised fashion achievement". The laudatory speech went on to state that, "Like no other, Ms. Deutelmoser was and is committed to bring the increasingly diffused trade fair landscape together in Düsseldorf under the aspect of a true industry meeting for shoes. In Leipzig and in Düsseldorf, she managed in an exemplary manner to set an important personal note for the fashion and most notably the shoe industry through her exceptional efforts."

This puts Kirstin Deutelmoser in a class with such personalities as Dr. Karl-Wilhelm Vordemfelde, managing director of Wilvorst Herrenmoden GmbH; Achim Gabor, chairman of the board at Gabor Shoes AG; and Wolfgang Jassner, managing director of bruno banani Underwear GmbH.

GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing 12 to 14 March 2010.

Messe Düsseldorf

The European Footwear Alliance notes with great dismay that Germany, followed by Austria and Malta, have decided to abstain in a crucial vote on whether or not to extend antidumping duties on footwear imports from China and Vietnam.

Germany had declared its opposition to the continuation of the duties. However, it then inexplicably decided to abstain on condition that they come to a definitive end in 15 months' time, despite the European Commissionâ€s admission that there can be no legal guarantee of this.

This sudden U-turn is a catastrophe for all those who care about European business, European consumers and, more broadly, about Europeâ€s place in the world, and it raises serious questions about the application of EU trade law and policy in these times of economic crisis†said Manfred Junkert, Director of the Federation of the German Footwear Industry.

It is unclear what is behind this sudden U-turn. We can only conclude that, like the European Commission, certain EU Member States have bowed to pressure from protectionist lobbies within Europe. Germany and Austria have inexplicably disregarded the views of their domestic footwear industry which is clearly against the continuation of the duties. Considering Malta’s liberal trade record, the reasons behind their changed position are obscure.

Keeping the measures for a further 15 months will cost European consumers and businesses hundreds of millions of euros. The total cost of duties will be well in excess of 1 billion euros, without benefiting anyone. Imports from China and Vietnam have been replaced by imports from other third countries and not a single shoe manufacturing job will return to Europe.

This is deeply regrettable. Extending the duties will jeopardise the EUâ€s good relations with key emerging markets at a time when European footwear producers are just beginning to tap into their full commercial potential. China has made it known that it strongly opposes the footwear duties and is considering possible action at the WTO. It is already under considerable pressure from its own producers to curb surging high-end imports from Europe and retaliatory measures cannot be ruled out.

European Footwear Alliance

The 67th edition of Modaprima, the international fair presenting ready-to wear men’s and women's fashion and accessory collections created-for-large-scale-distribution for the 2010/2011 fall-winter season and sneak-peeks of the 2010 spring/summer collections, will be held in Milan from 28-30th November 2009, in the Portello at FieraMilanoCity.

The protagonists of this edition will be 75 companies who will be previewing around 150 collections to a public of international buyers. The fair - the first event created on the international scene for this particular market segment – will present a selection of the best companies specializing in ready-to-wear and created-for-large-scale-distribution fashion products.

“We can confirm Modaprima’s strategy of focusing strongly on scouting, quality, research and segmented proposals”, says Agostino Poletto, deputy general manager of Pitti Immagine. “This is the eighth edition we have organized and, once again, the event takes on the role of a reference point for an important production sector in the Italian fashion system featuring companies from our top industrial districts. In this continuing difficult economic situation, it is important to offer our international buyers – who represent 45% of the total - fast fashion collections with quality content and exciting prices with which to constantly renew their seasonal product proposals”.

Alongside the BRANDS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED Modaprima, there will be names such as: Nuovi Sarti - Karat, Beatrice B., Sfizio by Plissè, Ann Max, Vezzo, Esseci, Zanetti Moda, Qubhà - Critina Rej, Bernardini, Incontro, Cristian International, Algis and Maglificio Venezia; and NEWCOMERS: Cix & Co., Cix & Co., Arduino Gironacci, Bon Bon, Ramas, T & T, Sorriso, Emmetrade, Verderame, Carnevale and Franzoni.

Another important feature of this event is the FASHION CUBE, the research area curated by Sergio Colantuoni – one of Italy’s most successful visual designers – and produced with the valuable cooperation of the exhibitors. Next season’s inputs and fashion trends will be showcased inside this area using visual and scenographic installations: the 5 THEMES for this edition are Sauvage, Useful, Wood, Edelweiss and Pottery.

The international dimension that characterizes Modaprima is also the result of a targeted promotional strategy directed towards both emergent and traditional markets realized by Pitti Immagine in collaboration with ICE - Istituto per il Commercio con l’Estero [Italian Foreign Trade Commission]. The countries invited to this edition include Canada, South Korea, Denmark, Japan, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Portugal, Spain, United States, Russia, Ukraine and Scandinavian countries.

Modaprima

As the international meeting point for the shoe sector the GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessories held in Düsseldorf from 12 to 14 March 2010 will be the place for information, inspiration and exchanging news.

In response to the continued dynamism felt in the sector organisers are now reacting with the implementation of further individual concepts and new ideas for contemporary stand design. After the past seasons’ good response to the different segment restructuring concepts into lifestyle worlds, the last event saw these being consolidated still further in several halls, making them even clearer and more coherently arranged. “We are still fine tuning this conceptual approach – which makes the planned rearrangement and structuring of Hall 4 into different Premium segments at the spring event a further key step on the way to developing the individual lifestyle worlds,” explained GDS Director Kirstin Deutelmoser.

GDS is therefore now further positioning itself as a fashion and trend trade fair – with its claim to market leadership in terms of individual concepts and stand design. At the focus of the planned structural improvements in Hall 4 is the re-arrangement and modernisation of the Prime Square section. A merger of the two concept areas Upper Style Concept and Prime Square has produced a new area called Prime² (Prime Squared) that impresses us with both its quality and modernity: “In addition to the individual Upper Style Zone there will be two other concept areas: The White Cubes area presents trendsetting and progressive high fashion while the brands in the Prime² section stands for contemporary design plus tradition-rich, skilled craftsmanship. This means we create a clear structure in Hall 4 making it easier for buyers to find their way around,” explained Kirstin Deutelmoser.

Forming a communication focus for exhibitors and visitors is the centrally located Lounge featuring inspiring trend elements. An alternating area for various activities will also be set up revolving around the topic of skilled craftsmanship and quality. A separate reception in the central entrance concourse will receive and welcome trade buyers. Unlike White Cubes, however, this area will be freely accessible. A new stand construction system makes for an even more sophisticated look that stages high-quality collections to great effect. It is functional, sleek and yet unusual. Different levels provide transparency here: around the Lounge are flat, open stands while a border around the area is formed by higher stands. Materials are selected in line with the principle of sustainability. Lightness, warmth and originality characterise the atmosphere of this zone that places honest products in the foreground.

Stabilisation at GLOBAL SHOES Running in parallel to GDS is GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing in Halls 8a and 8b that will once again feature the entire range of the global high-volume business. Due to the world economic crisis some exhibitors were forced to cancel fair participation at the start of the year. However, market recuperation brought their return to Düsseldorf in September with renewed strength and optimism.

After this positive development GLOBAL SHOES was able to successfully regain its importance both as a leading fair and key business platform. “The global shoe business, and thus also GLOBAL SHOES, have now stabilised. Which is why at the next fair we do not expect any notable drops in exhibitor and visitor numbers,” says Kirstin Deutelmoser, Director at GLOBAL SHOES, summing up the latest developments. The last event once again saw strong market suppliers and all key European volume buyers back in attendance.

GDS and GLOBAL SHOES will be held in Düsseldorf next year from 12 to 14 March 2010 and from 10 to 12 September 2010. A total of approx. 1,145 exhibitors from 42 countries will be presenting their shoe fashions here for Autumn/Winter 2010/11.

Igedo Company GmbH & Co. KG