With the various trends forecasts for Spring/Summer 2006 that have been coming out of the leading international style and colour bureaus, we realise that things can get very confusing for the uninitiated. So we have been keeping a close watch on the development of these trends in order to give you some of the "strong movers" that will most likely end up as the major trends for the season. Hopefully, this will help you come up with a strong, "in-the-trend" collection that will be well received by your buyers.

REPTILIAN TALES


With the African, safari, jungle themes strongly predicted for Summer 2006, reptile skin bags, footwear and accessories are sure bets for the season. Snakeskins (particularly python) and crocodile skins, either real or in embossed leather, bring a bite of the wilderness into chic urban fashion.
(9 September, 2005)



RETURN OF A CLASSIC


The classic lace-up leather shoe is what men will be wearing next summer. This simple style reminiscent of the thirties and forties featurepointed or slightly rounded toes. It works extremely well with the slim silhouettes that will be the mark of next season's fashions.
(8 September, 2005)



SPORTY WHITES


The one item guys must have next summer is the white sporty shoe. They may be sneakers, espadrilles, loafers or trainers, and may be made of leather, canvas or what have you. . .but they definitely must be white!
(7 September, 2005)



TRAVEL IN STYLE


Satchels and duffel bags all in leather or combination canvas and leather are the must accessory for those weekend trips. Retro box style or soft leather luggage are also cool to tote around. This is really travelling in style.
(6 September, 2005)



EARN YOUR STRIPES


French sailors in their trusty stripes seem to be the inspiration for this strong summer look. Paired with other navy details, it will be seen in everything from sneakers and wedges to flip flops and high heels.Handbags and those ever-useful beach totes in canvas get their stripes as well. Stripes can be simple or multicolored. However, blue and white seems to be the runaway favorite for a bit of seaside glamour. (1 September, 2005)



ALL LACED UP


Ankle lace-ups will continue to be a big story for shoes in Summer 2006. Laces may be of leather, ribbons, and rope, among others. You'll find them in casual sandals, espadrilles, funky wedges and even high heels for evening. It's a romantic, feminine style that is most flattering and sexy.
(5 September, 2005)



ON BEING WELL-HELLED


High heeled shoes, both simple and luxurious, will be a staple in any fashionable lady's closet, along with the skirts and dresses of the season. Plain court shoes will walk in step with be-ribboned and be-jewelled peep-toes, sling backs and high-heeled sandals. Flirty and feminine is clearly the desired look for the well-heeled fashionista.
(1 September, 2005)



WALKING HIGH


Wedged platforms seem like the big footwear fashion hit for Summer 2005 so expect to see more of them in 2006. They'll run the gamut, from casual beach styles to glam, evening pairs. There will be lots of embroidery, frills, feathers, sequins, studs, ribbons and laces. Unusual colour combinations provide an added dash. For the gals, it will be like walking on a cloud.
(29 August, 2005)



WHITE WASHED


White has always been a summer colour mainstay but in 2006, expect it to hit the fashion scene with a great splash. Ladies and gents in white, from head to toe, will be a common sight. And if all that whiteness is too much for you, all you need is a small dash of contrast as relief.
(25 August, 2005)



WITH BAG IN HAND


Handbags will most likely be the must-have accessories for Spring/Summer 2006. Ones made from soft leather and embossed reptile skin leather are expected to be particularly popular. Proportions are bigger than normal, with interiors featuring more useful compartments to help the ladies organise their stuff within. Studs, buckles, braided leather handles, pockets, big buttons, piping, stitching and pleating are important elements. Floral and jewel accents are added for a more feminine silhouette.
(22 August, 2005)

Publisher: aplf
For over two decades, Hong Kong-based APLF Ltd has been providing the global leather industry with its most important meeting and trading place. The Asia Pacific Leather Fair is organised by Asia Pacific Leather Fair Ltd, a joint venture between CMP Asia and SIC Group. With APLF Ltd as the catalyst, companies in Europe, the Americas, Australasia and Asia come together to trade and exchange information at a number of fairs. These include the flagship APLF, which incorporates the annual MaterialsManufacturing and Technology event and the bi-annual Fashion Access shows. APLF Ltd has pioneered the industry's push into mainland China with the ground-breaking All China Leather Exhibition. This important fair will run concurrently with the China International Footwear Fair and Moda Shanghai in the same venue. Simple and easy to understand, APLF offers a recap of Spring 2006 trends focused on footwear, handbags, and small leather goods. The website offers an excellent trend section that highlights the most popiular trends from Spring 2006. The site offers information for both the exhibitor and visitor at the Fashion Acess Fair.
Web: www.aplf.com
Published: september 2005
Market: mens womens
Region: china
Industry: apparel

DISCLAIMER
Information in this report relies on sources including Trade Shows, Associations, News Releases, Government Reports and other public sources. Infomat can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for loss or damage caused by any use thereof.