GDS

From the 10 to 12 February 2016 the international shoe and trade fair GDS (Global Destination For Shoes & Accessories) opened its biannual gates in Düsseldof. This time I  got the opportunity to visit the GDS for the first time and could already cast an eye on the shoe and accessories trends of tomorrow and beyond as well as the new collections for the autumn and winter season of 2016/2017. Next to the 800 brands, who showcased their newest collections in the three themed GDS worlds called HIGHSTREET,STUDIO and POP UP, the FashionBloggerCafé shoedition by styleranking took place for the fourth time last friday.

A highlight of mine definitely were the beautiful fashion shows. I checked out the upcoming shoe & accessories pieces on the runway at the POP-UP-SHOW and STUDIO Show “Maximal Minimal” and last but not least the Blogger Runway Show. I’m still super overwhelmed by all the new impressions and experiences I made during my time at the GDS and extremely grateful that I got the opportunity to visit my first fashion shows! 

The new shoe trends I spotted at the GDS offer an exciting variety of different fashion images including new lengths, widths and fabrics, which primarily put a new drift on classics. The color schemes for the autumn and winter season of 2016/2017 reach from warm camel and cognac nuances to dark burgundy shades and intense tints of blue. While yellow and orange colors create a strong and vibrant contrast alongside the classic tranquillity of black, which thankfully never becomes old. Oveknees will lift up the season whereas ankle boots develop a passion for details like fringes, fur, embroidery and patchwork. Snake prints no longer feature as discreet appliqués but wriggle all over the shoe and seductively shimmering velvet keeps hold of the shoe scene in secretively shades. Of course leather is still pretty much dominating the game especially as soft nappa, suede or metallic finishes. In contrast to the Androgynous shoe styles, which are currently conquering womenswear, court shoes and pointed ballerinas provide a feminine and filigree touch thanks to ingenious ankle straps.

strayed sandals between the winter boots
a quick sushi-stop in between the shows
my personalized keychain from Timberland

At the third day of the GDS Shoe & Accessories trade show (the “Bloggers’ Friday”) fashion bloggers met for joint networking at the FashionBloggerCafe shoedition. The event was organised for the fourth consecutive time in cooperation with styleranking and around 110 fashionbloggers came together to exchange thoughts on the latest shoe and accessories trends or to get creative at the offered do-it-yourself activities. This time seven partners provided a varied program including various raffles at the styleranking booth. By Alegory one could free one’s creativity skills to design their own heels and at the neighboring beauty corner I got my make-up redone with products by Inglot. It was actually the first time I got my make-up done by a professional make-up artist and I have to say he did an amazing job especially my lips looked a lot fuller afterwards! At the stand of the Berlin company Caseable one could design their own phone cases. I made it a little easier for myself by choosing a pre-designed case in a dark marble look (get the same case here), which should arrive within the next days. My personal highlight was the Blogger Runway Show, where the latest trends were staged eye-catchingly by five chosen bloggers. Who created their looks for the Autumn and Winter season 2016/17 using key pieces of their exhibiting partner labels’ collections. A further surprise was the filled goodie bag sponsored by the GDS exhibitor Fritzi aus Preußen. The bag includes a lot of great must-haves for every women handbag like small beauty products, reading material and other little goodies.

At this point I would also like to greet all the dear blogger girls I got to meet at the FashionBloggerCafe. It was really nice to meet you all and I hope to see you again for the next FashionBloggerCafe shoedition! Thanks for the nice conversations and lovely greetings to Nicole (bluetenschimmer), Olja (styleexercise), Annika (TheBB), Sarah (pueppi-c’est-moi), Alena (st3rnenstaub), Isabell (MorganLeFlay Beauty), Catharina (catharinacouture) and Victoria (victoriabx3).

the vanity case equipped by Inglot

Of course the lovely fashion crew from styleranking also provided trendy snacks and drinks at the fashion blogger cafe! The girls from Just Spices conjured new taste sensation from ordinary popcorn with flavors reaching from sweet to spicy. While one could get freshly mixed smoothies made out of fresh fruits and refreshing coconut water at the Vita Coco bar, naturally I was instantly hooked! 

 excotic flavours at Just Spices
fresh smoothies from the Vita Coco bar

A huge thank you goes to the fashion crew from styleranking for offering me the opportunity to visit my first fashion shows and to spot the newest fall / winter shoe and accessories trends for 2016/2017 at the GDS before everyone else.  But most importantly I’m grateful for all the kind bloggers I got to meet at the FashionBloggerCafe and I’m already looking forward to see everybody again next time!

Fabienne