Fashion and Comfort Fuse in Footwear at the Upcoming WSA Show
Increased consumer demand for comfort footwear with a fashion flair is evidenced by the growth in new collections for spring/summer ‘08 at the upcoming WSA Show, July 30 – August 1. Established comfort companies such as Crocs, Clarks, ECCO, Dansko, and Mephisto are using their well-accepted comfort technologies as platforms for new designs that match consumers’ desires for fashion-forward products.
“Consumers want fashion and they don’t want to sacrifice comfort to get it,” said Diane Stone, chief operating officer of The WSA Showtm. “Exhibitor demand in the comfort category has been outstanding -- the category is sold to capacity. This is clearly because the companies merchandised on the show floor in this category are developing larger and more exciting collections that meet consumer demand for style without pain.”
According to NPD Group analyst Marshal Cohen, comfort has become the number one factor after style that people consider when buying shoes. To bring fashion looks to the comfort category, industry magazine WSA Today™ reports that artisan touches, as well as distressed and embossed leathers are prevalent for spring/summer 2008. Additional styles that bring fashion flare are cut-out wedges, ballerina flats, thongs, andnew espadrilles in woven bamboo with fabric covers instead of traditional rope. Popular colors include khakis, silver-mirrored grey, distressed metallics, greens, and icy blues. It’s clear that styling and color treatments are broadening from brands that have not always been as fashion and style focused.
Embracing the latest trends with a new fashion footwear line is Crocs tm with YOU by Crocs, a comfortable yet chic high-heeled women’s collection. Offerings will combine Crocs’ comfort technology with luxurious materials such as lambs wool, leather and suede. Crocs will also debut its fall ’07 fashion-focused line of clogs and Mary Janes that will integrate leather, canvas and suede bringing stylish features to traditional Crocs’ comfort.
Clarks Companies, N. A. takes flats to a new level at The WSA Show with The Clarks Artisan Collection for spring ’08. The collection features built in comfort technology in silver and bronze metallics and colored patent leathers. Mephisto expands its fall ’07 line with The Gazelle Collection, using Sacchetto comfort construction for flexible wedge heels and flats. Dansko will launch a spring ’08 Sausalito collection, a modern interpretation of the clog in nubuck and pull-up leathers. The brand will also relaunch Nolita, a wedge heel with crisp linen uppers and accents. Hush Puppies dresses up the ballerina flat for spring ’08 with “Break”, a polka-dot suede flat in silver metallic, red and lavender, and “Bubble-Up,” a lightweight rubber sole and bubble sock Mary Jane.
Continuing to deliver stylish trendsetting footwear is ECCO with the debut of the “Supreme Sandal” for spring ’08. Designed with ECCO’s patented DIP technology, this strappy 50mm wedge heel sandal combines beautiful leathers in black patent and espresso with comfort. Also debuting is ECCO’s Summer Ballerina Collection for spring ’08, which will include a perforated mary jane in gold and silver metallics.
New Zealand-based Kumfs, known for catering to women who require orthotics, is making fashion achievable for these consumers with two new lines. Feminine and fashionable, the D-series sandal collection in silver, old gold and bronze includes Aztec and Roman stylings with embroidered stitching for a contemporary look. The X-series casual sport line has fashion elements that include patterned leather and detailing in old gold, taupe and chili.
“Research has shown that women are thinking younger and no longer want to be thought of as their age,” said Anne Casey, Kumfs marketing director. “Women want shoes that look more youthful and that still feel good on their feet.”
Sacrificing style for comfort is not an option for Tsonga, known for its hand-stitched South African leather footwear and handbags. Tsonga will debut its nature-inspired Naturally African spring ’08 collection that includes comfort features for the fashion-conscious woman. Dockers will launch its spring ’08 leather beach sandals collection for women that features sponge rubber midsoles for comfort.
The upcoming WSA Show, July 30 – August 1, will feature more than 1,600 exhibitors showcasing 6,000 brands spanning the world’s most prominent names. Show organizers recommend that retailers and buyers schedule meetings in advance with exhibitors at The WSA Show and The Collections at WSA™, the luxury show-within-a show. Events at The WSA Show will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Events for The Collections at WSAtm are held at The Venetian Hotel and Resort. More information is available at www.wsashow.com.