Totally Relaxed!
The world is changing. And affected by these changes on the market, fashion is now also distancing itself from the exaggerated and exalted. Value, sustainability and consistency are now the themes moving people. And these themes are also impacting shoe and bag collections for the 2010
Spring/Summer season. The fashion picture is considerably calmer now dispensing with excessive extravagance. The authentic and natural remain in focus. Looks are suitable for everyday wear. They are individually interpreted with creativity, modernity and a touch of irony.

Colours
The summery colour scheme is caught in a force field between movement and tranquillity. Use of colour is significantly subtler. Mid-tones and tone-on-tone graduations are gaining ground. Light, neutral nuances are countered by strong, radiant colours. Pastel tones have lost their sweet touch. They already look near transparent as if covered by a milky veil. Neutral beiges and greys are supplemented by faded, mid-blue and green nuances. Tropical inspirations are at the focus of a very cheerful, intense colour scheme. Papaya, turquoise, kiwi and fuchsia spread exotic flair. These are tempered by a combination of dark brown tones. Brushed gold and silver bring subtle sheen into play.

Materials
The intensity of the colours is influenced by the look of materials and their surface texture. Criteria here are lightness, softness and a natural feel. Against this background soft kidskin plus lamb and goatskin, especially nubuk and suede, are gaining significance. Surfaces feature typical scarring. Leather comes washed, roughened up or with a patina and has a very casual, authentic look as a result. Perforations and latticework provide ventilation on hot days. Playing a key role are here textile materials. Canvas and linen, often in combination with leather, come in an enormous range of washes, dyes and tie-dye effects. Influences from foreign exotic cultures are visible in python and lizard embossing. Next summer sees material mixes, though ones that are considerably more subtle in the way they are presented. Matt-shine effects are a key style medium.

Shapes
Well-being and wearability are the pre-requisites for contemporary and modern shoe fashion suitable for everyday wear. Fit and fashion enter into a harmonious union. Compromises often made in the past in favour of
extravagant design escapades are no longer in demand. Following the trend towards casualisation designers focus on beautifully soft moccasins and casual top siders offered in unisex styles. Ballerinas, sneakers and canvas shoes still play in the premier league. New to the fray are retro tennis shoes and so-called running styles that pick up on typical active sport features. Platforms and wedges see another successful season. Materials like cork, sisal and wood plus variations that are printed and (partially) covered with leather look natural and casual at the same time. High-front styles are a fashion must next season. Gladiator styles with fairly wide straps and numerous fasteners are
either totally flat or come with high platform wedges. Next summer these are given a run for their money by so-called ankle sandal boots that are open toe with the leg reaching over the ankle. These exude modernity and coolness. Unlined, lightweight summer boots with wider legs and perforations are perfect companions for shorts and shirt-style dresses. Clogs and sabots are undergoing a fashion renaissance. Grainy leather, rivets and wooden soles look authentic. On hot days flat, strappy, little Capri-style sandals envelop the foot almost invisibly.

With men's shoes sportiness is in demand across the board. The trend is heading for rounded lasts that are sometimes slightly domed in shape. Lace-ups and loafers feature an elaborate finish and often two-tone effects. Casual boots have also become a firm fixture in the shoe closet. Alongside mid-cut styles in canvas, desert boots in supple suede prove ideal companions for chinos and denim. Pale, mainly white soles and white laces exude summery freshness on sneakers and docksiders. Moccasins are the No. 1 theme for underlining that casually sporty look. Materials and soles here have to be light, soft and flexible. After all, no man wants to dispense with comfort wherever they are.

The New Bags
Never without my bag! This motto also applies for the forthcoming summer - allowing lots of leeway, alongside bags, for accessories like belts, scarves and opulent fashion jewellery. Voluminous pouch bags in washed, crumply leather head the trends oozing casual sporty flair. Alongside smooth leather, suede is developing into the absolute must-have of the season and looks particularly stylish in powdery pastel nuances and a touch grainier in typical cuoio tones. African flair is exuded by baskets, jute and canvas bags with magnificently coloured, ethnic print or batik motifs. Latticework and python and lizard embossing look authentic in natural hues. A touch of glamour is added by intense colours and subtle metallic coatings. The popular clutch is given a run for its money by so-called messenger clutches that are casually wedged under the arm but are roomy enough for the most important items now in their new medium size.

In colour terms the new bags and accessories pick up on the shoe fashion spectrum. Little details like antique-finish rivets and sequins, leather-covered bows plus oversized tassels and bobs are just some of the examples of this trend towards more individuality. Crossover bags, bowling bags and weekenders have become indispensable companions for him and her.


GDS defines three themes for the 2010 Spring/Summer:
                     
EASYGOING - ORIGINAL - UNIVERSAL
EASYGOING
Cool, casual and comfortable. Looks are minimalist and relaxed. Pale, neutral tones underline the lightness of the outfits. They flatter the body and follow its every move.

ORIGINAL
Authentic, robust and reliable. Clothing and shoes tell stories and reflect that longing for nature and originality. Used effects and irregular washes underline the look here.

UNIVERSAL
Global, individual and decorative. Like souvenirs of travel to distant lands cultural elements meld into a free, personal look. The new goes with the
recycled, gloss with patina. Colours and patterns are blended into a surprising collage.

The forthcoming GDS - International Event for Shoes & Accessories and GLOBAL SHOES - leading trade show for sourcing will be held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 11 to 13 September 2009. A total of 1,145 exhibitors from 42 countries will be presenting their latest shoe and bag collections (correct as of: 20/08/2009). On show at GDS will be 1,800 collections for Spring/Summer 2010 plus trends for the current season.