Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, which just ended its 100th edition, has released a list of trends for the next winter based on what product was in the limelight.
- Around 1,300 exhibitors, represented companies and brands from 39 countries, including the world’s largest producing countries, participated. Gardabags (bags and accessories) featured around 50 companies from Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey.
- The event, organised by the Riva del Garda Fierecongressi SpA, was held at the exhibition halls of Riva del Garda in Milan from 13–16 January. The event, held twice a year, also marked its 50th year.
- The next edition is scheduled from 15–18 June 2024 at the Riva del Garda.
Major highlight: A short film and photo exhibition during the celebration night on 14 January retraced the path forged by Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags in the history of the footwear industry and highlighted the exhibition’s capacity to keep pace with global changes.
- The short film and the exhibition “A step in history” curated by Roberta Bonazza and Luciano Stoffella sought to highlight the event’s capacity to address the numerous changes undergone by the market in the last 50 years.
- The film captured the history of the exhibition within the broader framework of the major international transformations that have taken place, the most important moments in history, sports, fashion and society.
- The photo exhibition, stylised to look like an old-fashioned film, revisited the major milestones in a continually dynamic, never-stagnant journey. This was symbolised by the final frame—alive with colour and motion—depicting the modern-day, the present and the proactive drive towards the future.
Spotted styles: A number of styles caught the eye during the exhibition.
- WOMEN: The themes that most caught visitors’ attention include, for women, a strong emphasis on elegant velvet proposals, a preference for low and sophisticated shoes, but also plenty of Sexy Camperos making the typical tex-mex style perfect for elegant evenings too. Warm materials and fur are naturally a must-have.
- MEN: Men revert to elegance with an array of timeless selections that pay tribute to the art of dressing with an extra twist of originality and modern flair. A staple in men's fashion, the casual look is defined by distinctive structures and bold volumes. The Athleisure style is trending in men's fashion too, where sporty elements are combined with sophistication and the right attention to detail.
- BAGS: Those on the lookout for bags cannot do without colour, even though we are talking about winter trends. Full, saturated tones ready to light up the winter season. Adding warmth are numerous solutions that elevate upholstery, and especially fur, to an important material but also a crucial style element. The focus will be on everything that shines and glitters, from metallics to sequins.
Consumer trends: The new Highlights area sought to promote the latest consumer trends, analysed the models set to become cult items in the coming seasons. Processing techniques that add value to the models, making them identifiable and desirable, were explored. And the incredible variety of material working techniques were compared. There was also talk of the applications consumers are sure to love and which metals will be used to make them.
- WOMEN’S BAG TRENDS: Various unusual and interesting forms will reveal themselves as must-haves for the women’s bag season: from croissant to classic saddle bags seen on the catwalk and already in shop windows, to the revisited bucket and oversize shopping bags. The trapezoid silhouettes have their own unique appeal too. When it comes to materials, soft tubular-woven bags are the preferred choice for a highly accentuated third dimension, or else the more classic matelassé. Woven techniques are in high demand, as is the use of warm materials like fur. Even patchwork will seize the opportunity to be seen. Bags are also design objects often complemented by various accessories and metal objects. Unusual chains will be all the hype, as will handles different to anything we’ve seen. Tone? Light and luminous, even better if gold-plated, but also sequins and transparency.
- MEN’S BAG TRENDS: The male market is normally more restrained when it comes to the choice of materials, colours and workmanship but is just as keen to play with shapes and volumes. Men's handbags, be they bulky or more like small shoulder bags, will enjoy positive feedback. Soft overnight bags will be the choice for travelling in style and comfort. These will be offered alongside more structured proposals thanks to the varying interpretations of the many stylists who have already brought them to the catwalk. The unisex concept is a success but with its due distinctions. Briefcases are being increasingly replaced by handbags, naturally adapted to the male world and much softer. Men too can opt for shoulder straps but the prevailing forms will be squarer. The belt-bag—a huge success in past seasons—evolves with a new position and sometimes very unusual new form. More technical materials or looks continue to be a hit, especially in the form of backpacks, which are also available in work or more sophisticated versions. An accessory with an undeniably cleaner look in terms of both its shape and added details. Lastly, men too can opt for shopping bags as an alternative to the classic and now overused backpack.
