Having outlined the most relevant technologies available today to support the design process, we now focus our attention on the manufacturing of the shoes. If giving a complete description of what are the possibilities and detailed functionalities of the design tools, was a complex task, summarizing in a few pages the whole range of diverse technologies that enter into the manufacturing phase is virtually impossible.

In order to start dealing with the technologies that are used in this process, we must give a definition of where its boundaries are; by design process of a shoe we mean the sequence of phases and operations that go from the first style concept of a new footwear, through its complete design (engineering of the shoe), to prototyping its components, making the first samples and running preliminary production batches to accurately estimate time and costs of production. These various operations, possibly iterated a few times and repeated for each new product and for each new collection, define the so called “product development”  process. We will not go in details in describing the goals and nature of each of those activities; we will rather concentrate on listing the most relevant technologies that are nowadays available to support this part of the work.

The upswing of the Düsseldorf trio of shoe trade fairs drawing to a close on Sunday – GDS/GLS and global shoes & accessories 14 from 16 March – has continued. The three days of the trade fair were characterised by a busy, satisfied mood, good turnover, avid interest in the presented trends and, above all, packed stands. Compared to the previous year’s event the number of visitors was up by approximately three percent – with 34,000 visitors...

Technology has always played a key role in virtually all manufacturing activities, and shoemaking is no exception. It was the “technology” of the first machines, thought to alleviate the  labour of the human workers and to make it faster and more efficient, that allowed the transition of shoe making from a craftsman business to an industrial venture, and it is again technology , in terms of product contents, added value and innovation potential that allows shoe producers to be more or less competitive in their outlet markets. Technology is then a necessary condition for success, although it is not sufficient as such to guarantee success and long life to modern footwear companies.

Young Designers’ Trendy Platform presented in Space-Age Design.
Design Attack is reaching for the stars. From 14 to 16 March this unconventional area within the Young Fashion Segment at GDS/GLS – International Event for Shoes, Leather Goods & More – will once again be showcasing 100 selected design newcomers and their trendy collections and lifestyle products beyond the fashion mainstream. Awaiting the international trade audience are independent fashion, urban and streetwear creations in their own fashion galaxy. Under the design and event motto MOONWALK with its space-age styling, neon effects and electronic sounds visitors will enter a futuristic science fiction world.

An enthusiastic reception! The Première Vision Pluriel events, which recently closed their doors at Paris-Nord Villepinte (18 to 21 September 2007) demonstrated an exceptional vitality, with remarkable results both quantitatively and qualitatively. Once again, the high numbers of international buyers, coupled with high levels of business exchange, underline the impact of this ensemble, which is without equivalent in the worldwide fashion arena.