Premiere of GLS fair

From March 5-7 2006, Messe Düsseldorf will open its gates for the first edition of GLS-International Event for Leather Goods & More- and will present a comprehensive product range of leather goods by global brand producers. Twenty-two exhibitors have already confirmed their registration for the new event. 'I am very excited about GLS because it offers me access to international markets, and because I think that the combination of shoes and bags is a stroke of genius. To me, this combination spells essential lifestyle,' states Hans-Joachim Vogt, founder and managing director of VOGT of Florence. VOGT's products are manufactured exclusively in the Italian city of Florence. In March 2006, the latest models will be seen at GLS for the first time. Accessories label L.CREDI-Peugler will also be represented at GLS. 'To us, GLS is the ideal platform to expand our contacts to international buyers. A very attractive feature for L.CREDI is the symbiosis with the exhibitors from the shoe sector, as customers choose bags to match the current shoe fashion at the point of sale,' explains Claus Peugler, owner. In the course of numerous meetings between Messe Düsseldorf and leather goods producers in Germany and Europe, the desire for polarisation of European goods at GLS became apparent. Messe Düsseldorf has now fulfilled this request by offering a new hall allocation which in addition to hall 5, also includes the use of halls 7.0 and 7a. Under the heading 'Fashion', middle to top class leather goods from the classic producer countries Italy, Spain and France as well as renowned German suppliers will present their goods in hall 7.0. There will be the 'Italian Club' with an exclusively Italian leather goods range, for example. This re-structuring guarantees optimal product presentation in a sophisticated, European exhibitor environment. The theme 'Global Performance' in hall 5 offers fashionable leather goods from all over the world. The new hall 7a is dedicated mainly to product groups from the sectors 'Young fashion, lifestyle & sports', 'Travel' and 'Business'. A special highlight is 'Bagstage' where GLS present accessories by young designers in an atmosphere reminiscent of the backstage of a theatre. The objective is to continue to promote and sponsor young talents at future editions of GLS.