Last week, I attended a very interesting press conference organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in KL and the Assocalzaturifici (the Association of Footwear Manufacturers). It was the press conference for the International Footwear Exhibition MICAM Milano which is in its 86th edition (held twice a year). The event was held at Kyo @ Mandarin Oriental. MICAM is the largest international footwear exhibition due to take place at the Fiera Milano (Rho) from the 16th to the 19h of September.
Shoe manufacturers, footwear buyers and international experts will converge on this 86th edition of MICAM Milano and be among the first to preview the latest in footwear designs and shoe trends for Spring/Summer 2019.
Dr Matteo Scarparo, Head of Business Service & Global Trade Unit, Assocalzaturifici and WGSN Expert, Ms Jess Tang were the speakers that introduced MICAM and spoke about the footwear industry and the latest trends.
During this presentation, ITA and Assocalzaturifici in collaboration with KL Fashion Week (KLFW) announced their support in sending one of the designers that has showcased at KLFW to attend a Business Enhancement Program in Italy. This business program is specially curated by Assocalzaturifici and MICAM, in support of ITA’s efforts to encourage young Malaysian fashion talents to experience and discover creativity, ideas an innovation within the lifestyle industry of Italy. The winner of the Business Enhancement Program in Italy will be announced later at the KLFW press conference.
The previous MICAM Milano exhibition drew over 44,000 visitors where 60% hailed from overseas coupled with over 1,300 exhibitors where 40% came from overseas. The pinnacle of creative excellence and craftsmanship in footwear, it has become the hub for footwear manufacturers launching the hottest new products, build business relationships and the stepping stone for their global expansion.
I thought the Jess Tang’s presentation was one of the best I’ve ever heard. Previously and entrepreneur, Jess understands the ins and outs of a business and the importance of a brand story. Before her career in trend consulting, Jess co-founded and operated her own boutique creative agency which specialised in helping Asian brands understand who their target customers are. Her company, named “Intangibly”, helped clients conceptualise brand storytelling ideas suited for online and offline platforms. Now Jess is part of the growing consulting team at WGSN, providing key insights and creative direction for regional and global businesses.
SHOE TRENDS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2019
Trends for Spring/Summer 2019 are inspired by meditation and well-being, both physical and mental, with a colour palette that can positively affect your mood.
The fun and funky bohemian look abounds with retro detailing, conjuring up a feeling of summer and visions of faraway places.
Another big trend is the search for authenticity, taking the form of timeless accessories, prints and patterns representing the desire to take a stance and fight for one’s convictions.
Shapes are minimalist, classic or revisited; colours, on the other hand, are bright and vibrant.
IN TOUCH – WOMEN, KIDS
In Touch is the most introspective of the trends for Spring/Summer 2019. Well-being, especially with oneself, becomes a new source of inspiration. The design of accessories, jewellery and shoes in fact are inspired by meditation and colour therapy, according to which colours are selected and used in order to have a positive effect on the mood of those wearing them. Shoe shapes are minimalist, almost conceptual. The latest generation of footwear materials are particularly pleasing to touch, create a shimmery watered effect and combined with the warm tones of the palette to produce bold and unusual nuances.
IN TOUCH – MEN, KIDS
The theme of physical and mental well-being also inspires the In Touch trend for men, together with references to the world of technology. Classic forms and shapes, revisited, create a flexible and functional design. The wide colour palette uses tones and prints with a relaxing effect. Colours are light and bright, so as to create a greater contrast with the materials used for the finishing. The nuances reflect a sense of tranquillity and have been carefully selected to influence the mood of the wearer and induce a new sense of spiritual well-being. The brighter tones give an almost chromatic effect, while soft pastels intermix to create subtle delicate contrasts.
CREATIVE MANIFESTO, WOMEN, KIDS
In an increasingly politicized world, the Creative Manifesto trend celebrates the need to take a stance and make a difference. Designs reveal the will to emerge and fight for what you believe in: so products used to display slogans are becoming increasingly popular.
The palette is made up of bold colours, intensified further by a wide range of strong military tones or more neutral, softer shades.
CREATIVE MANIFESTO – MEN, KIDS
This trend represents the search for authenticity, by breaking the rules and combatting global unrest and disorder through collaboration and creativity. The theme for accessories is youth, for shoes with a “timeless” style.
The colour palette is dominated by a deep sense of optimism and action, combining military colours with vibrant primary shades and creating a transpersonal appeal
