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Chatham sponsorswimmer’s worldrecord attempt

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3 February/March 2016

By Olivia Taylor

CHILDREN’S foot health looks setfor a boost with research teams atthe Universities of Salford andBrighton attracting £1.5m from theWilliam M. Scholl Endowment Fund.

Professor Chris Nester (Salford) andDr Stewart Morrison (Brighton) willjointly lead the ambitious ‘SMALLSTEPS’ research programme,starting in the Spring.

Research led by Dr Morrison willfocus on understanding the beliefsof parents and health careprofessionals with regard tochildren’s foot health and thefactors that influence these.

Dr Morrison said: “There are somefundamental gaps in ourunderstanding of where parents gettheir knowledge on foot health,what concerns them, and howhealth professionals might provide

appropriate support.

“This is very timely because of theincreasing emphasis on preventionrather than cure of diseases inadulthood.

“Getting evidence based public foothealth messages to parents shouldbe a great way to prevent futureproblems.”

Professor Nester is leading work onhow the foot develops as childrenstart to walk independently.

He added: “These developmentalmilestones typically occur betweensix and 18 months of age andbearing weight drives many changesin the feet and legs.

“We want to understand thefundamental relationship betweenthese milestones and how our feetdevelop into the shapes they do.”

Data will be collected on childrenbetween Manchester and Brightonover three years.

The teams will work closely withclinicians from a wide range ofdisciplines, including health visitors,paediatricians, surgeons,physiotherapists and podiatrists.

Members of the footwear industrywill be involved through stakeholdergroups, including leading children’sfootwear and high-street retailers.

Support from European andInternational partners will supportthe global reach of the project.

The funding comes from William M.Scholl Endowment Fund, a charityfocussed specifically on advancingfoot health research and educationin the UK.

The fund is part of Central andNorth West London NHS Trust.

Boost for children’s foothealth thanks to £1.5mfunding for research

LUCY Choi is gearing up toshowcase her AW16 collection,which is inspired and named aftericonic Bond Girls and Bond Women.

Celebrating these empowered, sexyand strong leading ladies, the shoesreflect these qualities with confidentshapes and striking features.

The brand’s philosophy of Comfort,Craftsmanship and Character areuppermost in the design process.

Combined with Lucy’s unique designstyle, each season she offerswearable and desirable shoes forthe modern woman.

Famed for her signature use ofdifferent textures, this collectionutilises pony hair, a kaleidoscope ofleathers, tartans, furs andsnakeskins to create exciting newdesigns.

New shoe shapes too arehighlighted for the Autumn and therange includes chunky heels onboots and pumps. Ankle boots toohave a fresh new direction withstyles that skim the ankle or tallerankle boots which wrap around andencase the ankle with a chic leatherstrap.

2016 looks set to be a busy year forLucy. Having taken on theConnaught Street store space onceinhabited by her Uncle Jimmy Chooin August 2015, the brand hasbenefitted from a high demand fromcustomers enjoying the opportunityto browse and try shoes from the fullrange.

As a result, she plans to expand herstandalone store portfolio in thefuture both in the UK andinternationally.

Bond inspired range

FOOTWEAR designer SophiaWebster has made the 2016BFC/Vogue Designer FashionFund shortlist.

The fund provides onedesigner with a bespoke, highlevel mentoring supportprogramme over a 12-monthperiod, as well as a £200,000grant to provide thenecessary infrastructure totake them to the next stage inits business.

The designers, which havebeen selected by the fundjudging committee, have allbeen chosen for theirpotential to develop into aglobal designer brand.

The other names on theshortlist are Emilia Wickstead,Mother of Pearl, Osman andPrism, with the winnerannounced in March.

Chair of the fund committeeAlexandra Shulman said: “Thisis an inspiring shortlistbecause of its diversity. It's agreat representation of thespread of British fashiondesigners and all thecontenders have hugestrengths to their creativevisions.”

Previous winners includeChristopher Kane and Erdem.

Sophia oninspiringshortlist

03 3/2/16 09:52 Page 1

4 February/March 2016 news

By Olivia Taylor

LEADING footwear brand Chatham issponsoring swimmer Ben Hooper ashe plans to swim the Atlantic Oceanin an attempt to set a new worldrecord.

Ben will be swimming more than2,000 miles from Senegal to Brazil,across some of the most dangerousparts of the ocean.

Risking his life to raise vital funds forhis chosen charities – SOSChildren’s Village, Addaction,Maggie’s and County CommunityProjects, Arena, BRIG andHelp4Henry – Ben admits there isan 80 per cent chance he could diein the attempt to complete his

challenge. Chatham is supportingBen with branded footwear andclothing for his training and for thetime when he is out of the waterwith an investment worth over£5,000.

Ben will be wearing Chatham’siconic Aqua Go footwear – highperformance shoes which are superlightweight, ultra-grippy andanatomically designed, with nocompromise on style.

Ben said: “Chatham's supportmeans everything to me and mycrew. Not only do we get completeour world-first in style, but with ourpractical needs being met.

“Chatham’s footwear is quick

draining, drying and comfortable too– we are very fortunate to havePhilip and his team as partners.

“For us, the best part is we will raisefunds for ‘Help4Henry’ – the charityvery close to Chatham, whichexemplifies all my expedition standsfor; never give up and nothing isimpossible.”

Managing director of Chatham PhilipMarsh added: “This is an absolutelyincredible challenge and we are veryexcited to support Ben as heattempts to make history.

“We look forward to helping Ben inthe build up to his challenge and wewill follow him every step of the way,good luck Ben.”

Chatham sponsor Ben’sworld record attempt

A GROUP of 12 well known friendshave joined forces to provideconsumers with a smarter and moreentertaining way to shop.

tbseen.com rewards shoppers withcashback and discounts andcombines shopping andentertainment to create a platformwhere every purchase brings asaving or deal – all wrapped up inoriginal content that’s been createdby women for women.

The site offers cashback and dealson 500 key brands, fronted andcurated by Kate Thornton, MyleeneKlass, Tamzin Outhwaite, LisaFaulkner, Amanda Byram, Heidi

Range, Denise Van Outen, NicoleAppleton, Melanie Blatt, NatalieAppleton, Shaznay Lewis and JulieGraham.

Kate said: “Cashback is a brilliantlysmart way to shop. You get moneyback on the stuff you’re alreadybuying, and we really wanted tobring it to life for women who, likeus, put most of their spend online.

“With the brands we have on boardyou can earn money back and saveas you go with some really smartdeals on everything from food andgroceries to fashion and beauty andhealth and fitness, all the way downto your utility bills.”

Celebrities join tobring a new worldof smart shopping

tbseen.com rewards shoppers with cashback and discounts.

Irregular Choice has collaborated with Disney on a new Alice in Wonderlandcollection. Following the success of the brand’s Star Wars collection, theshoes will be released in time for the new Walt Disney Studios film, AliceThrough the Looking Glass, which is premiering in May. The film brings backcharacters from the previous 2010 movie and the Irregular Choice shoes tiptheir top hat to the iconic references fans know and love.

FOOTWEAR company MillennialBrands – the home of Rocket Dog,Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn and Pour LaVictorie – has announced two newappointments.

Ciaran Henderson has joinedMillennial Brands as EU marketingmanager, covering maternity leavefor Alison Lawton until January2017.

Ciaran joins with a wealth of brandexperience including marketingmanager for the Wolverine Companyand global marketing manager forCushe Footwear.

Ciaran’s experience includes buildingbrand strategy, trade and creativemarketing, as well as digital.

Daniel McGinley joins as Europeanhead of e-commerce from T.M.Lewin where he spent the last 13years expanding the digitalbusiness.

Daniel brings with him a wealth ofcommercial experience coveringmerchandising, buying and trading.

Millennial Brands Europeanmanaging director Derek Bowensaid: “We’re delighted to welcomeCiaran and Daniel to the team andthe expertise and innovativeapproach they bring.

“Their appointments represent achange of pace within the businessas we continue to expand and growover the coming years.”

Two appointmentsat Millennial Brands

Ben Hooper and Philip Marsh.

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7February/March 2016news

A new shopping app has launched which alerts users about exclusive offers and discountsvia their mobile device. SaveAsYou is an innovative, location-based app, which is free andeasy-to-use for shopping centres and customers. It is compatible with iOS and Androidplatforms and available to download on the App Store and Google Play.

Expert to teachnext generationof designersBy Christina Eccles

A FOOTWEAR expert who has taughtthe likes of Jimmy Choo and PatrickCox has joined the University ofNorthampton to tutor the nextgeneration of shoe designers.

Chris Hill has over 30 years'experience in the footwear industryand will be teaching on the BA(Hons) Footwear and Accessoriescourse.

Having graduated with a BA (Hons)Fashion and Textiles, specialising infootwear design from LeicesterPolytechnic, she began her careeras a footwear designer/patterncutter for a number of shoe factoriesin the East Midlands, before joiningthe Cordwainers Technical College inLondon as its first female lecturer.

It was there she taught a newgeneration of budding shoedesigners who were focused onsetting up their own businesses,among them Jimmy Choo.

Chris said: “At that time thesilhouette of footwear was veryheavy and influenced by the DocMartens work wear or by theminimalist styles of Japanesedesigners, such as Rei Kawakubo ofComme des Garçons.

“Jimmy had a vision to produce lightdelicate feminine shoes which werevery much at odds with the designsensibility of the time.”

After leaving the Cordwainers, Chriswent on to work overseas in the FarEast and India, as well as taking onfreelancing contracts and setting upshoe design courses for the LondonCollege of Fashion and Central StMartins.

She also worked as head of

footwear for Hobbs before returningto education in 2011 to head upthe FdA Cordwainers FootwearDesign course at the University ofThe Arts (UAL) in London with herstudents having gone on to work fora variety of companies, such asAlexander McQueen, Ecco andClarks.

As well as teaching, Chris has alsobeen studying and has justcompleted an MA in the History andCulture of Fashion at UAL, with herdissertation focusing on the historyof British women's fashion footwearmanufacturing from the 1940s tothe 1970s.?She added: "Coming toteach students at the University ofNorthampton is the culmination ofover 30 years in the footwearindustry and education side and Iam looking forward to a creativefuture here."?Head of fashion at theUniversity of Northampton Julie Kingadded: "We are delighted towelcome Chris to the University ofNorthampton.

“She brings with her a wealth ofexperience, both academic andindustrial, further strengthening ourtremendous Footwear andAccessories team.”

Chris Hill

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GDS attractsexhibitors fromaround the world

it’s showtime startson page 11

Early Days set tolaunch all-leatherfirst walkers afternumerous requests

Cover story – page 10

8 February/March 2016

Handbag designer Anoesjcka Gianottihas introduced a range of new coloursand shapes for AW16 which sitalongside her signature briefcase andunisex traveller totes. This seasonbrings new elegant colourcombinations on the designs andtrendy Autumn/Winter leathersincluding red, plum, pink, taupe, greyand black. AG also introduces the newfunctional Three Pocket Soft Clutchand the Large Structured BusinessClutch. In the new men’s range, theSports Tote and Traveller makes abold statement; designed in a richcharcoal grey leather, set off withorange piping. Designer Anoesjckalearnt her craft first training in Milanfollowed by experience with Italianfactories, including Armani, and onSavile Row. She began her successfulfashion career as a clothing designerof bespoke shirts for professionalathletes and now extends herexpertise to bags.

Graduate wins fundingto boost her businessAN AWARD winning young designerhas secured university funding tohelp bring her innovative backpacksto market.

Charlie Evans, who runs Grey HouseEngland, has created sustainablecardboard backpacks, sewn togetherand woven to produce a hard-wearing yet environmentally-friendlyproduct.

Charlie has been one of 10 DeMontfort University Leicestergraduates to have been part of TheCrucible Project, which offersentrepreneurial graduates an£8,000 package of mentoring andbusiness help, based in DMU’sInnovation Centre.

Now she has become the firstCrucible participant to win universityinvestment to help manufacture her

bags.

Charlie, who graduated with a Firstin Graphic Design and Illustration in2014, has spent the past fewmonths sourcing manufacturers whosupport her sustainable focus and ispreparing for a launch later thisyear.

She said: “It is a massiveopportunity, it does not feel realright now.

“It has taken up a lot of time to findthe right manufacturers, becausethe process is so specific, and I’vealso been designing in a new lining.

“Getting this investment has allowedme to be patient, and have the timeto think through the process, andensure everything is absolutely rightbefore I launch.”

THE Healthy Back Bag Companywill be launching its SS16collection at MODA.

The collection features a mix ofneutrals, cutting-edge design andcitrus brights which provides aseasonal update through trend-led colour, pattern and print.

The SS16 Collection has beencreated around three keyseasonal trends: SummerRomance, Industrial Chic andTribal Energy.

MD Priscilla Chase said: “OurSS16 Collection features trend-led colour combined with hi-techpattern and print.

“Our customers tell us how theylove our innovation and style andthe development of this latestcollection of bags reflects this.

“From the use of cutting-edgeprint design through to newmaterials, we are always lookingat ways to add value and interestto our range.

“We spend time researchinginternational colour trends, fabrictechnology and design so ourseasonal collections benefit frombeing exactly the right hue,shade and print each season.”

Collectionto launchat MODA

Putting an adventurous new twist on the brand’s mix of semi-precious stonescombined with essences of nature, Meriko’s new Colorado Escape collectionfeatures a unique gold leaf design on four pieces; ear cuff, ear stud and jacket,necklace and the much sought-after two finger ring. Complementing thesepieces is the mesmerising hand bracelet, complete with Meriko’s signature smallgold flower and miniature precious stone. The collection comes in both 18ktyellow gold or rhodium plated sterling silver, showcasing autumnal shades inMeriko’s usual bohemian flare. Stones include green Turquoise, burnt orangeCarnelian, black Agate, navy blue Lapis, cool blue Aquamarine and the everpopular dark green Malachite; each stone possessing personal attributes toenhance the wearer’s mood.

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9February/March 2016it’s showtimefeatures

Josef Seibel’s autumn/winter 2016 collection includes the Sabrina for ladies (left ) and the Rudi for men (right).

JOSEF Seibel has fused innovationwith tradition for the brand’sautumn/winter 2016 collection.

The Josef Seibel women’s rangeextends from warm brown tones toshimmering reds and on to livelyshades of blue. Dazzling in dynamicyellow and orange tones, thesuccessful Spirit of Nature range hasbeen extended further.

Prominent profile soles are a must-have for ladies, too. Combined withdifferent materials and colour

variations, they make a clear fashionstatement and prove themselves tobe practical and comfortable. Someankle boots are lined with lambskinfor guaranteed comfort and warmth.

The range of ballerina pumps willalso be extended in the comingseason. Subtle colours contrast withred tones, material combinationsand crocodile appearance.

For autumn/winter 2016, JosefSeibel is offering an extensive rangeof modern, comfortable and

traditional styling that will live up tothe expectations of consumers whovalue sustainability and fashion.

The highlights of the Josef Seibelmen’s collection are the new citydesigns: comfortable, modern andeye-catching. The urban styleproduct features prominent profilesoles, with interesting colourcombinations.

Achieving first place in the GermanShoe Index 2015/2016 the triedand tested Rudi series is being

expanded.

Fans of this product group can lookforward to new dark soles withstrong profiles, as well as interestingmaterial combinations.

New designs in the Rudi seriescome equipped with Top Dry Tex sothat dry feet are guaranteed inwinter, while the genuine lambskin inselected boots offers the cosywarmth and comfort wearers desire.

The new ranges will be launched atGDS and MODA.

Josef Seibel – a fusion ofinnovation and tradition

For Autumn/Winter 2016, GerryWeber shoes present a range offlats, laced platforms, heels andover-the-knee boots.

Trends from the 1970s and 1990sare being reinterpreted as the keypieces of the new season usingmaterials such as lacquer finishesand felt/crocodile combinations,without losing sight of the brand’smotto ‘Fashion Meets Comfort.’

Whether you are looking for anelegant feminine look, a morecasual look or a biker style, GerryWeber’s new range of boots will adda fashionable finishing touch to anyoutfit.

Discreetly placed zippers and stretchinserts look stylish and are alsosmart and functional solutions tomatch the majority of calf shapes,ensuring a perfect fit.

The brand also offers knee-highboots featuring nubucks alongside

smooth leathers in bright cognacshades that reflect the influences ofthe 1970s. Flat options withfashionable treaded soles continueto be essential. Current platformlace-ups, booties and slippers willbe getting a winter makeover in thecoming season. The must havesinclude sneakers, as well asmasculine laced shoes.

When it comes to heels, there arenumerous heights for everyoccasion, allowing flexible use and ahigh degree of comfort.

In terms of colour, it is black thattakes centre stage in this collection.However, this classic choice is facingstiff competition from trend colours:fine brown tones, warm shades ofred and blue, grey, titanium anddark green kid suede.

To complement the footwear, theGerry Weber autumn handbag rangewill also be available in the UK andIreland this season.

Brand presents the ‘musthaves’ of coming season

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10 February/March 2016 features

Out on a Limb cover story

Early Days set to launchall-leather first walkersafter numerous requests

EARLY Days have beenmanufacturing baby and youngchildren’s shoes in its Leicesterfactory since 1952.

Following the launch of its all newleather pre-walker range in 2013,the company has seen its salesincrease by over 40 per cent andhas been expanding its productionline to cope with the ever increasingdemand.

This year sees the launch of itslatest collection of all leather firstwalkers following numerous requestsfrom customers for larger sizes.

The new high quality range featuresstyles for both everyday and specialoccasion wear all with leatheruppers and linings.

In addition to the first walkers, somegorgeous new pre-walker designs

have joined the range featuringdainty decorative edge and punchdetails, diamante bows andinterlaced ribbons.

Early Days offer low minimum orderquantities and six to eight weekslead times for non-stock linescombined with friendly customerservice.

Orders are being taken now forSpring delivery.

For a copy of their latest catalogueplease contact 01162 716944; email

sales@earlydays.ltd.uk or visit thewebsite: www.earlydays.ltd.uk

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11February/March 2016features it’s showtime

DUSSELDORF Exhibition Centre willonce again become the pulsatingheart of the international shoesector from February 10 to 12 ,when exhibitors from throughout theworld will be showcasing theircollections for the forthcoming2016/17 Autumn/Winter season atGDS.

Labels to watch at the show includeFratelli Lisco, G-Star, Jack and JonesFootwear, Lyle and Scott, Philipp-Lacquer, Roy Robson, Ten Points,Timberland and Veja.

An Italian sense of style andfuturistic look enter will be ondisplay at luxury shoe label FratelliLisco, founded in Milan in 2013.

The highlights of the 2016/17Autumn/Winter season in the GravityCollection include unisex GravityBoots with their traditional shapeand futuristic appeal.

Until now the G-Star shoe collectionwas created under licence anddistributed by Overland FootwearLimited, but for the 2016Autumn/Winter season G-Star hastaken full charge of its shoecollection.

After taking over the licence, the G-Star RAW shoe collection, developedfor the first time alone and in-house,now presents a modern classic lookbut always with a special twist.

This, the first in-house collectionwas created by a speciallyestablished design team that

ensures the footwear styles for menand women perfectly fit G-Star’sDNA.

For the 2016/17 Autumn/Wintercollection, Jack and Jones drewinspiration from the urban pulsatinglifestyle of the creative metropolis ofHamburg, taking this from theplimsole to the sneaker and theleather bootie to all styles in itsshoe range.

For this, Jack and Jones Footwearcontinued its collaboration withsneaker guru Tuan Le. Particularlybearing the signature style of thiswell-known co-designer is theDanish design team’s latest coup:robust sneaker soles especially forwinter. At GDS the label ispresenting its sneaker collectionlaunched last season with a winterfacelift.

Men aged 30 plus is target groupLyle and Scott increasingly has in itssights, so the British brand is nowtaking a more classical approach,presenting for Autumn/Winter2016/17 mainly formal styles likebrogues, Derby and Chelsea boots.

The classic collection issupplemented by the Lyle and Scottcasual segment which has also beengiven a more grown-up facelift. Inline with this fine-tuning, GDSnewcomer Lyle and Scott is lookingback to its roots this season.

Here the British lifestyle brand candraw on its wealth of experience

accumulated over 142 years ofcompany history condensing itsentire skilled craftsmanship into the2016/17 Autumn/Winter collection.

In the classic segment, formalbrogues, Derby and Chelsea bootsmade of premium grain leather willmove centre stage. Just like theirleather sneakers and desert boots inthe casual segment these reflectthat typical Lyle and Scott style withtheir slim silhouettes and modernlooks while still looking more grown-up.

The shoe collection at men’slifestyle brand Roy Robson is to beextended for the Autumn/Winter2016/17 season. High-qualityleather combinations as well as new

shapes and colours are in focushere.

The collection theme forAutumn/Winter 2016/17 is Returnto Essence.

The established business, semi andcasual styles will now be joined byhigh-quality leather combinations,new shapes and colours.

New last shapes for double welt-sewn styles made of fine calfskinleather are among the highlights inthe premium collection.Characteristic are square-toed formswith classily curved tips andelaborately hand-smudged heels andtoes. There are matching belts forevery shoe.

GDS attracts exhibitorsfrom around the world

The new LEGeRO Collection for Autumn/ Winter2016/17 is casual, cool and cosy.The collection is based on the three moodthemes; urban traveller, weekender and winterfestival. Urban Traveller stands for a casual,urban everyday look anywhere and anytime –intelligent, sensible, timeless and for all agegroups. The key features of Weekender areoriginality and authenticity. It’s all about slow-ing down and enjoying the relaxed, simple lifeduring weekends and moments of leisure.Nature and technology enter combine to cre-ate Winter Festival. These shoes are equallywell-suited for a visit to a wintry market or forensuring reliable warmth to brave any – realor imaginary – snowstorm. LEGeRO definesitself as an international shoe brand for adultsand is a passionate partner to shoe dealers innearly all European countries.Every year, the Legero group manufacturesand sells over 5m pairs of shoes, making thebrand an important player in the Europeanfootwear market.

ACCORDING to the AmericanPodiatry Medical Association up to75 per cent of people will at sometime suffer with ailments related tothe over pronation of the foot, yetless than one per cent of footwearsales are accounted for by Orthoticfootwear.

Vionic have successfullydemonstrated that there is agenuine opportunity for qualityfootwear retailers to increase salesby introducing products that helpcorrect the over pronation that canlead to ailments such as Plantar

Fasciitis, knee pain and lower backpain. How many of your customerscomplain of these? Surprisingly it isestimated that only seven per centof sufferers seek the professionalguidance of a podiatrist, meaningthat 93 per cent are self-medicatingand looking for solutions.

The surprising factor is that this isachieved with shoes that just oozewith style. Floriana (around £60 atretail) is a top selling sandal andFyn (around £80) a fitness walkingproduct which is market leadingboth in looks and support.

Increase sales withOrthotic footwear

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12 February/March 2016 it’s showtime features

THE exhibitor line-up at Pure Londonwill bring a whole host of first-timeexhibitors, adding to the mix.

They will showcase the finest incapsule collections from emergingbrands, young designers,contemporary brands, premiumaccessories and footwear.

The Pure Footwear offering willshowcase everything from expertdesigner heels, high-street casualsand international staples.

Returning brands to the area includeUnisa, Fly London, Moda in Pelle,Aspiga, Birkenstock, Caprice, PeterKaiser, Cara, Ten Point, Zaxy, Lofina,Ska and Lacoste Footwear.

British footwear brand, YULL, will beshowcasing a collection inspired byBritish and Irish heritage usingtraditional tweeds in a range ofthree different colours.

Block heels are designed forpracticality, detailed with goldbuckles and leather straps, makingthe footwear modern and stylish.YULL will be joined amongst otherBritish brands such as CocoroseLondon and Ravel.

Premium brand, Auldey willshowcase a range of elegant,original and modern shoes, createdwith quality fabrics, intellectualdesign as well as comfort andpracticality.

The Auldey brand combines design,quality and natural fabrics within itscollection. Auldey will be joined byniche designs set to inspire

independent buyers looking forsomething different.

The line-up for Premium FootwearBrands includes Chie Mihara,c..doux, Imelda’s Secret, UnitedNude, CREL, Marita Moreno, PacoHerrero, Cocorose London andCamper.

Menswear brand Jacksin will be onshow in February 2016.Incorporating a true gentlemen’spersonality with the spirit of hand-made craftsmanship, Jacksin aimsto provide high quality shoes withcompetitive pricing.

Managing director Satya Singh said:“Pure London is an ideal platform tonetwork with like-minded businesspeople.

“Being a start-up, the show will helpus create opportunities to take ourbusiness to the next level. I am

looking forward to promoting ourbrand and values at the show.”

Fellow menswear brand, Shackletonwill be showcasing their firstfootwear range, displaying a fullcollection of knitwear, outerwear,footwear and accessories for thefirst ever time at Pure London.

Founder and creative director SimonMiddleton added: “We’re reallypleased to take part in the firstedition of menswear at Pure London.

“It will be one of the firstopportunities for us to show our firstcomplete collection, includingknitwear, outerwear, footwear andaccessories.

“We have quite an established directfollowing at the moment, and PureLondon is a great opportunity for usto raise our profile into the fashiontrade market.”

First-time exhibitors addedto the mix for Pure London

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15February/March 2016features it’s showtime

MODA Footwear – taking place fromFebruary 21-23 – has every elementcovered this season.

Returning to the NEC with anunparalleled line-up of men’s,women’s and children’s collections,the UK’s national exhibition bringstogether every aspect of thefootwear trade.

Having undergone a reorganisationfor a/w 16, Moda Footwear is betterplaced than ever to showcase theindustry’s leading line up. The showmaintains its convenient adjacencieswith Moda Gent and Moda Woman,while evolving its own distinctidentity as a standalone show.

Portfolio director of show organiserITE Moda, Nick Cook, said: “As wellas benefitting from being part of alarger event each of the Modashows also has its own individualrequirements, something which asorganisers we review every season.

“The changes we’re making for nextyear allow us to take full account ofthe requirements of each of theindustries we represent, andintroduce new features whichexhibitors and buyers have beenasking us for.”

New features within Moda Footwearinclude the launch of Boutique, adedicated area for directional andcontemporary women’s footwearlabels. With labels including LemonJelly, Peter Kaiser, Lisa Kay, Hoegl,Alpe, Ruby Shoo and Jessica Wright– the TOWIE star who made aphenomenally successful debut lastseason – the area is shaping up tobe a destination for footwear andwomenswear buyers alike.

Other changes within ModaFootwear this season include therelocation of Mini Moda to a moreprominent position alongside thecatwalk and plazas. The movereflects the strengthened line-up of

the February edition, which willwelcome back leading Italian labelLelli Kelly and Six Pieds TroisPouces, the heritage French label forbabies and children. Otherconfirmed exhibitors include Plae –the washable shoe label whichenjoyed a successful debut lastseason – and returning favouritesRap, Noel, Primigi, Gioseppo,Petasil, Bobux, Bo-bell, Froddo andRicosta.

Mini Moda has also attracted labelsfrom the main Footwear arena whohave opted to take additional standsto showcase their children’scollections. Chatterbox andSalamander will both branch outinto the dedicated children’ssection, as well as showcasing theiradult offer within Moda Footwear.

Event director Sean O’Connoradded: “This season will see somevery strong additions to the MiniModa line-up.

“The area is the ideal platform fromwhich to attract buyers from bothdedicated children’s boutiques andfootwear stores alike, and therelocation of the section to a moreprominent position reflects theongoing popularity of the Mini Modaconcept.”

Within the main Moda Footweararea meanwhile, the industry’sflagship brands will come together toshowcase their a/w 16 offer within adedicated and accessible setting.

Hush Puppies, Cat, Sebago, Rieker,Skechers, Dr Martens, Aigle,Salamander, Chatham, Ara, Hoegl,Base London, Mustang, Fly London,Barker Shoes, Goodwin Smith,Hispanitas, Art and Birkenstock arejust some of the returning favouriteswho will showcase their autumncollections, making for one of thestrongest line-ups to date for ModaFootwear.

MODA to bringevery elementof the footweartrade together

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THE shoe sector has beenundergoing a huge transformationprocess for some time now.

Those who want to be among thefuture winners need to do onething in particular: convince withquality.

The best basis is achieved withshoes that impress:

� With premium leather.

� With unique added value incomfort (patented CAPRICE onAIR-Technology).

� With fashionable class.

� With excellent craftsmanship.

� With an attractive price-benefitratio.

All of this is combined, andunrivalled, in the new CAPRICEcollection.

Our competitive edge in quality is aguarantee for success for theAutumn/Winter business 2016/17.

CAPRICE is successfully continuingon the course it has taken over thepast years and is presentingdesigns that know how to impresswith their high fashion level and theusual CAPRICE quality.

Premium leather and excellentworkmanship combined with the

interpretation of current fashiontrends are bundled together in thecollection featuring 200 models, tocreate a highlight in the comingseason.

Familiar trends are picked up andreinterpreted.

Innovative sole designs and stylishmaterial combinations are fullyreflected in the new collectionappearance.

Striking sole profiles combined withfeminine shoe shapes create asensational new look.

Soft nappa leather in a two-tonefinish, combined with high qualitymetallics, nubuks in various looks,velvety soft velour and our unique

deerskin quality lend the collectionits expressive quality character.

The fusion of various types ofnatural materials within a colourpalette provides stylish highlights,without appearing obtrusive.

Glamour is created by classicbeauty, paired with playful details.Shading effects in the leathercreate an antique look, whichunderlines the claim to quality evenmore.

Modern applications andsophisticated embellishmentdetails, some featuring a leathertrim, as well as fine andimaginative drawstrings used asvisual detailing and artistic stitchingdesigns reinforce the symbiosis offashion and functionality.

New shoe models are equippedwith comfort elements, such ashigh quality stretch materials, andare offered with the onAIRinnovations patented by CAPRICE.

The wearer is guaranteed a flexibleyet stylish walking experience.

Colours such as black, brown,cognac, blue, bordeaux, taupe andgrey are mainly used in the newCAPRICE collection. Metalliccolours are also used as a fashioncomplement.

Ankle boots in various heel and legheights still remain one of the mostimportant shoe groups in the

collection.

Chelsea boots and laced ankleboots, some with a gentle platformand block heels give a boost to thenew collection image.

Leather sneakers in variousmaterial combinations, sporty lowshoes and boots on very lightbases in the extra widths G and H,as well as high boots in variousshaft widths (XS and XL) and lotsof heel variations are also part ofthe wide-ranging and versatileCAPRICE collection.

A touch of glamour and elegance isalso shown in the new pumps,ballerinas and loafers with subtledecorative pieces. Elegant patent,metallic and fantasy materialsmade of the finest leather roundoff the look of these shoe groups.

The skill in shoe craftsmanship isimpressively proven once again byCAPRICE with this fascinatingvariety of models.

The fact that comfort and fashionare not mutually exclusive is in turnconfirmed by this collection, whichpresents itself in a new,fashionable and fresh wellnessoutfit.

17February/March 2016features it’s showtime

CAPRICE – quality isthe recipe for success!

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18 Pure 2/2/16 14:53 Page 1

19 Delicious Junction 2/2/16 14:54 Page 1

20 February/March 2016 kool for kids – kids at Moda features

THIS year the FRODDO factory iscelebrating 70 years ofmanufacturing footwear, and fromthe very beginning the philosophyhas been about sustainability, caringfor the local community andenvironment and using natural, highquality materials.

Using this long experience ourdesigners are continually striving tocreate exciting new styles, whilemaintaining a commitment to bothquality and comfort.

The new AW16 range sees somefantastic innovations and styles. Thenew collections are full of interestingand unique details.

Simple, but sophisticated cuts,bright contrasting colour stitching,fur, buckle and tassel trim, therereally is something for everyone.

Our shoes all have arch support andbreathable membranes, we usevegetable dyes and no harmful, toxicmaterials or chrome V1 compoundsare used in production.

Last season our Chelsea boots flewoff the shelves so this year we haveexpanded the range to include 24colour options, including four withmulti-coloured striped elastic.

Alongside our usual rich, vibrantcolours we have introduced beautifulmetallic leopard print finishes,

vintage patent colours in gold andpurple and a trendy green. Sizesfrom 25 to 40.

FRODDOTEX range of shoes andboots use waterproof and breathablemembranes. The productionmethods together with our naturalwool linings will keep feet warm anddry in the coldest rainy and snowyweather.

New range of Froddo Prewalkersin 2016

Beautifully soft and brightlycoloured, these baby shoes aremade with premium chrome freeleather.

They have a unique non slip outsoleand the Velcro fastenings create awide opening to allow easy fitting onthose small chubby feet. Liningsoptions include leather, 100 percent wool or sheepskin. Priced from£13 to £15. Our all year round BackTo School range sees the addition offive brand new styles in 2016.

With our new B2B online service inthe coming Spring, our customerswill be able to check on availabilityand place orders at their leisure.

Come and see us at MODA on stand H41 orcall 01707 888388 for further details.

Also exhibiting at: Gatwick Show,Holiday Inn, February 28-29.

FRODDO – every step is your story

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22 Jaybill 2/2/16 14:57 Page 1

23February/March 2016kool for kids – kids at Modafeatures

Cool footwearwith feel-goodfactor for allconditionsTHE new Superfit Collection for AW2016/17 is structured into threethematic segments: Street Sports,Urban Casual and Winter Fun.

Street Sports is a year-round theme– shoes for all weather conditionsand any hour of the day – footwearwith a feel-good factor that offers upan invitation to explore the worldaround, at school or during leisuretime.

The range of designs extends fromfirst-steps models for toddlers tocasual, sporty footwear for olderkids. With these shoes, being activeis also fun because they are notonly robust and sturdy, but very softand comfy as well.

Urban Casual is an outdoorsy themefor cool yet sunny days in the openair that are ideal for exploring thecity.

This footwear is very casual andpartly features outsoles with deepprofiles to ensure reliable grip.

From low shoes to mid-cut models,the segment offers many noveltiesfor little and not-so-little “cityrascals”. The silhouettes are verysimilar to adult styles anddominated by fine leathers, aboveall smooth leather.

Winter Fun is obviously a wintertheme – with cuddly-warm, weather-resistant winter footwear offering afresh, modern interpretation andmany new, visually attractive detailssuch as shark grip outsoles ordecorative edging for playful girls.

The warm inner lining and GORE-TEXtechnology of these low, mid andhigh-cut models – designed as slip-on or laced footwear – ensurecarefree fun despite icytemperatures.

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24 Hotter 2/2/16 14:59 Page 1

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27February/March 2016business and technology

Dune London has implemented a retail operations management system from StorIQ.

Dune London putsbest foot forwardwith new systemFOOTWEAR and accessories retailerDune London has implemented aretail operations managementsystem from StorIQ; designed toimprove operational efficiency andconsistency and share best practiceacross the store estate.

The company is using the StorIQArea Manager application across itsUK store portfolio to enable areamanagers to efficiently conductstore visits and reviews, includingissuing of tasks and uploading andsharing of images.

The Area Manager iPad applicationhas been set up based on Dune’sexisting and well established “WOW”store review framework, with the appspeeding up the review process andallowing improved communication

with store management and centralsupport office.

Retail omni-channel manager atDune, Dave Abbott, said: “My role isto bring the best and most suitabletechnology into the stores and ourarea management team.

“The app has been designed withthe area manager’s workflow inmind and is helpful in preparing for,conducting and reporting on storevisits.

“Since using the StorIQ AreaManager application, our AMs havereported that a full WOW storereview takes roughly half the time itused to while maintaining the samehigh standards we as a companyexpect.”

Four tips forselling onlineBy Ian Tomlinson

THERE are so many things forindependent retailers to considerbefore they sell online that it canbecome a little overwhelming.

Here are our top four tips for sellingonline:

1. IntegrationWhat you sell in store you now wantto sell online. For indies, it’s oftenmost cost effective to pick salesfrom the shop floor, so having a tillsystem and website that aresynchronised and share data in real-time will help with this. That wayshoppers can buy online withconfidence knowing stock isavailable.

2. Securing PaymentsTo sell online, retailers will need toprocess card payments, whichmeans complying with the PaymentCard Industry Data SecurityStandard (PCI-DSS). This sets thestandards for securing andencrypting card payments and howbusinesses process and store cardand customer data. Compliance withthis is difficult for most independentretailers, therefore it is simpler touse a payment gateway from a thirdparty, such as PayPal, who collectthe data and process the paymenton your behalf.

3. Social mediaMore and more people arecommunicating and sharing theirexperiences online. Platforms suchas Facebook, Twitter and Instagramare becoming a hybrid of a salesand communication channel.

If you are selling online you canreach more people and promoteproducts (with direct links to buy) ifyou are active on social media. Theyare also great customer serviceplatforms, as you are able to answer

questions instantly. A pragmaticapproach may be to start with onesocial media platform andexperiment with that to see whatworks and what doesn’t, then moveonto another.

4. SEOWhen you open a shop it’s relativelyeasy to drive traffic to it but onlineit’s a different matter. Improvingyour website’s ranking on searchengines is commonly referred to asSEO, which ensures your websitecan be found easily. The choice ofecommerce platform you use isimportant. You need to be able toadd and amend content easily butalso ‘tag’ pages with titles anddescriptions. You will need tounderstand how people are findingyour site and what are they typinginto search engines. GoogleAnalytics and Google WebmasterTools help retailers find this out, andthey are free.

If you are unsure how to approachSEO, consider working with areputable company that can provideassistance. Another key factor forSEO, particularly on Google, ishaving a ‘mobile-friendly’ website,such as a responsive or mobile site,so it’s worth researching youroptions.

� Ian Tomlinson is CEO and founderof Cybertill.

Ian Tomlinson

Woodhall Spa to host annual golf eventTHE 71st International Golf Championship of theShoe Leather and Allied Trades will take placeon June 22 to 24 at The National Golf Centre atWoodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, the home of GolfEngland.

The site has two 18-hole Championship Coursesand the finest practice facilities in Europe. Theworld renown Hotchkin Course is rated amongthe world’s finest heath land experiences and israted 25th in Golf World’s Top 100 Courses, andin England, is rated fourth after Royal Birkdale,Sunningdale and Royal Lytham.

President Gordon A Wilson and chairman IanFerris hope that you will support thechampionship once again.

In 2015 at The Druids Glen Resort in Ireland,over 100 golfers competed for the numeroustrophies, and it is hoped to have a similar

turnout at Woodhall Spa, enabling the CharityTrust to continue to donate large sums to theTrade Charities. In 2015, a record total of£19,500 was donated to Footwear Friends, theLHTBI and the Downs Syndrome Charity inIreland.

The current champion is Pat Connolly fromDublin, and the ladies champion is Kate Jamesof Euroleathers, who successfully defended thetrophy last year, so is attempting to make itthree in a row with a win at Woodhall Spa.

Visitors and guests are most welcome and canplay in the main championship with their inviteeor in groups of three; it provides an excellentopportunity to entertain customers and friendsalike.

The informal trade dinner will be held on theThursday June 23 at The Petwood Hotel.

Kate James receives the Ladies Championship Trophyfrom Gordon Wilson (President) having successfullydefended the Trophy won at The Belfry in 2014.

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28 February/March 2016

By Laura West,The Society of Shoe Fitters

WE know that badly fitted andcheaply made footwear are bad forus, but they are our guilty pleasure.

We make excuses to buy perceivedbargains (even those of us whoknow better). What many still fail tounderstand is that even anunsuitable shoe can be fitted morecomfortably with professional adviceand service – although there isnever an excuse for cheaply madefootwear that floods our shores andends up in landfill in a matter ofweeks after wear.

Tomorrow never comes when wewant something that is bad for uslong term, but with footwear thereare two primary groups for whomthis is seriously dangerous andirresponsible – children anddiabetics.

Independent retailers are moreimportant to the footwear industryand health than they are givencredit, and most will agree they havenot been supported oracknowledged enough by suppliersor the government. Independentshops are the backbone of thiscountry, the bread and butter ofboth suppliers and HMRC, so why dowe continue to put our eggs in thebiggest baskets when the smallerbaskets are more reliable, flexible

and hold more in the long run? Oneugly word – avarice! We want whatthey seem to have – high streetstatus and profit…but is it smokeand mirrors? The multiples, chainstores, multi-nationals allude tomassive orders and greater brandawareness, but they are just asfragile as the small people. Theallure is obvious; but when the ‘bigboys’ (and girls) buy in bulk they cutmanufacturers’ margin to the boneand suppliers stretch themselves tothe limit to please. However nice abuyer is there is little loyaltyinvolved…it is justifying numbers. Asupplier may step up to supply, butwhat happens when a few seasonsdown the track they decide thesupplier is old news?

In countries like France, Italy, Spainand Germany independents thrivewith two or three shoe shops in thesame street, but here in the UK the‘indies’ scream if another shopdares to come within five milesthinking it could be their end whenoften it just increases footfall.

The public still like appreciation forspending their money and demandmore product information, the smallshop has time to give it. Footwear isnot simply a commodity; it is proventhat footwear is linked to our well-being. However even some goodindependents think that shoe fittingis still an add-on not a vital priority

and many fail to realise it is theironly USP. Traditional shops pass onknowledge through generations andunderstand there is much to learnabout physiology, footwearmanufacture, how materials affectthe fit and know only one third ofthe populous actually have ‘average’feet? But who is left to fit the twothirds that need a little extra helpand care? Who will inform theparent that by neglecting theirchild’s foot health it could causethem physical pain which will needexpensive treatment later?

Diabetes UK is onboard andsupporting the 2016 National ShoeFitting Week starting March 192016. Together with The Society ofChiropodists and Podiatrists, TheInstitute of Chiropodists,Lymphoedema Support Network andothers, Diabetes UK are sending outhard-hitting evidence of the linkbetween ill-fitting shoes and long

term illness leading to amputationsand worst case scenario death.There are now 135 foot amputationsweekly, many patients sadly needingmuch greater medical care andlongevity not assured.

The most vulnerable part of adiabetic is their eyes and their feet.The SSF covers this subject in theirFootwear and Fitting Course so thatstudents/prospective membersunderstand the problem sufferer’sface and the importance of givingbest advice.

We therefore urge everyone to getinvolved with National Shoe FittingWeek as the posters are becomingmore noticeable with so manylooking for them. Artwork is availablefrom our website www.shoefitters-uk.org and A4 posters are availablefrom the MODA footwear – or can beposted.

The SSF also need more shopsselling purely adult footwear toqualify their staff. There are notenough members in theMidlands/North West where there isa high population and a largevolume of calls from the publicneeding a professional fittingservice, so if you are selling adultfootwear don’t think the SSF is justfor kids shops – stand tall againstthe others and make your shop afitting destination!

Tomorrow never comes ...

business + technology

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Contacts

DIARYdates

London Edge:

www.londonedge.com

February 7-9

Olympia, London

GDS +tag it!:

www.GDS-ONLINE.COM

February 10-12

Düsseldorf

Pure London:

www.purelondon.com

February 14-16

Olympia, London

MICAM:

www.micamonline.com

February 14-17

Milan

Moda:

www.moda-uk.co.uk

February 21-23

NEC, Birmingham

More records brokenfor industry’s awards WITH 2016 seeing more peopleentering and voting than everbefore; the Footwear IndustryAwards continue to be a keymotivator for members of theindustry.

The big event is set to grace theNational Conference Centre (formallyknown as the National MotorcycleMuseum) on Sunday February 21and will be presented by London’snumber one drive time host, CapitalRadio’s Greg Burns.

The dress code is formal attire withblack tie / lounge suits for the menand cocktail dresses for the women,for a night of glitz, glam andnetworking. To get everyone updancing, a live band will take to thestage after the presentations.

The awards also welcome a newwine sponsor, GRS Footwear.Established in 1880, GRS Footwearis one of the longest establishedcompanies in the UK shoe trade,now distributing the brands Lunar,Grisport, Goodyear and Rider. GRSFootwear adds to the ranks of the

growing support for the awardsincluding main sponsor Clarks andCherry Blossom, Legero Superfit, HBShoes, MODA, pediped, Rieker, Outon a Limb Magazine and Skechers.

The awards are also supported bythe Independent Footwear Retailer’sAssociation (IFRA), British FootwearAssociation (BFA), Society of ShoeFitters (SSF) and Footwear Today.

CANADIAN footwear brand Kamikhas taken its first steps into theUK and Ireland following theappointment of Hej Internationalas its distributor.

The move will see Kamik’sextensive range of adult andchildren’s outdoor footwear madeavailable to UK and Irishconsumers for the first time.

CEO at Kamik Rick Cook said:“We are truly excited to introduceour range of wellies, winter bootsand outdoor footwear into UKand Ireland, and are confident inHej International’s ability to buildthe Kamik brand in theseterritories. The team at Hej hasnot only embraced this newchallenge with exceptionalenthusiasm but has alsodemonstrated a clearunderstanding of our company,values and products.

Hej International will embark onan intensive trade-focusedcampaign, with the Kamikcollection due to hit stores inAutumn/Winter 2016.

Hej takesgiant stepforward

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