Preparations for GLS going well

Preparations for the next GLS - International Event for Leather Goods & More - are in full swing. Several international leather goods manufacturers have already confirmed their attendance. The GLS, which got off to a successful start in March 2006 with 161 exhibitors and collections from 16 countries, is taking place for the second time from 15-17 September 2006, parallel to the GDS - The Premier Shoe Event to be held at the Messe Düsseldorf exhibition grounds. Amongst the German and European exhibitors who have already confirmed their participation are many renowned brands, which will use the GLS and proven synergies with the GDS to present their latest Spring/Summer 2007 bag and accessory collections to specialist buyers from all over the world. In the exclusive area in Hall 9 of the GLS/GDS, alongside bags by Spanish market leader Juana Llop with the label DRAP, Lupo, Puntotres and Torrens y Paya, there will be companies such as ABRO, Bogner, Garis, René Lezard, Sequenza, Stuart Weitzman, Toni Gard and Tosca Blu. In the 'agents only' section of the GDS bags, accessories and more can be seen from Duccio Del Duca, Jamin Puech, Mariana Méndez bags, Pontine Paus, Sequoia Paris and Strenesse Gabriele Strehle. Also on display in different halls of the GLS will be bags and leather goods by German brands like Bellissima, Contempo, L. Credi, MGM, Vogt of Florence as well as international suppliers such as Arwa (Bulaggi), Boona Boona, Fabio Dericci, Leontine Hagoort, Vodabag and Wittchen. More and more shoe providers are also offering bags, such as Berkemann, Gabor Shoes, Lloyd, Menbur, more & more, Peter Kaiser and s.Oliver. The productivity of the leather industry in each country will, furthermore, be shown by selected non-European traders who will be presenting their fashionable and high-quality goods, from countries including Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia and Mexico. They will be presented under the motto 'Best of the Global Best' in Hall 7.0, which is directly connected to the North entrance area, the Mall and the fashion shows in Hall 7A. These manufacturers offer order quantities in line with specialist dealer requirements. 'The forthcoming GLS will allow specialist dealers to gain an interesting overview of the national and international leather goods on offer', says Armin Stader, GLS Project Manager. A new hall layout awaits the buyers of the forthcoming GLS, as well as optimised visitor guidance, an innovative design concept and a creative program of events. The focus of the new hall concept is to meaningfully integrate the leather goods offered at both GLS and GDS. The style symbiosis between GLS and GDS will become even more apparent. Messe Düsseldorf is thus further pursuing its goal of continuing to develop the GLS concept and to respond to the changing requirements of the international leather goods markets. The 'Design Attack' platform is being presented together with the GDS and under the motto 'Mambo Italiano' it heralds a revival of the Italy of the 1960's and 70's. And relevant to this theme, 16 young bag and leather goods designers will be showing off their unusual collections in the 'Bagno di Flash-Bag' section. Retro style shower cubicles, a beach atmosphere in a trompe-l'oeil painting, wooden elements and antique taps serve as an effective backdrop for this part of the Design Attack.