GDS and Global Shoes ready to inspire

3 February 2012



More modern and exquisite – this is how the forthcoming GDS - International Event for Shoes & Accessories will be presented in Düsseldorf from March 14-16. Under the heading ‘Inspiration to Go’ the entire image of GDS has been re-designed and translated into pictures.


Within the eleven themed worlds the area white cubes with its progressive premium high-fashion labels has also re-invented itself to address a select audience. Stand design has become more high-end giving exhibitors an even better setting for their products. New surfaces, exquisite luminaires and easy-care flooring with a contemporary concrete look strikes an ideal blend of formal aesthetics and functionality.

Summing up the changes GDS Director Kirstin Deutelmoser says: ‘With our new trade fair design and the white cubes facelift we are also showing in visual terms that we are the trendsetter and pathfinder for a whole industry. The preparations for the forthcoming GDS and Global Shoes events are going very well and we are perfectly geared to receiving the international shoe sector as it gets together in Düsseldorf in March.’

New designers and brands

The coming GDS has numerous new exhibitors in store including the likes of Benson Shoes, Via Roma, Dumond, Piedi Nudi, Aerosoles and Barefooters. Showing for the first time at the premium segment are Jo Ghost, Kenzo, Paul & Joe/Berthier, Santoni Club/Vestitus and Ducanero, to name but a few. For the first time fashion designer Michael Michalsky will be exhibiting a shoe collection at GDS in the white cubes area. In the Urban area such exhibitors as Nickelson, Panama Jack, PLDM by Palladium, Shepherd, Coqueterra, Moonboot by Tecnica, Hi-Tec, Les Tropeziennes par M Belarbi, Trifoglio and Umber celebrate their debut. And even in the Kids segment there will be many exciting first-time exhibitors such as Lea Lelo or Aster.

Design attack circus

Another eye-catcher is this hip area in Hall 3. For the 16th edition of Design Attack circus ‘Chikki Mikki’ will be performing in the halls of the Düsseldorf exhibition centre. Around 100 young designers here will be able to enjoy the taste of the circus and show the audience their extraordinary collections off the beaten track in amongst the circus rink and trailers.

‘Brit edition’ in Hall 4

The ‘Brit Edition’ in Hall 4 is all about selected British designs. Newcomers such as Australia Luxe Collective, Base London, Cocorose, Fury Sweden, Jean-Michel Cazabat, Joseph Cheaney Shoes, Julian Hakes, Red by Wolves and The Jacksons present their collections in the premium area here in cooperation with BFA - the British Footwear Association.

All in all, over 800 exhibitors from over 30 countries are expected at GDS. They will be presenting their latest shoe, bag and accessories collections for the 2012-13 autumn/winter season. The spectrum ranges from design newcomers and widely accepted brands in the market to kids' fashion. Featuring over 1,800 collections the trade fair provides trade visitors from throughout the world with a comprehensive overview from the classic and progressive prime fashion segment to the fast-moving colourful world of sports and denim items. In parallel with the exhibition proper there will be a wide and varied programme of side events on all three days of the trade fair boasting catwalk shows, seminars and lectures.

Global Shoes – Leading trade fair for sourcing

An international marketplace, Global Shoes is also presented with a new design alongside GDS. Under the motto ‘shoe fashion all along the line’ this platform for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and high-volume suppliers presents a multi-faceted range of shoes and leather goods for the volume market. In excess of 360 exhibitors from all major footwear-producing countries are again expected to attend the coming event.

White Cube area will be revamped for the next GDS


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