Amsterdam-based forecasting agency Y Trends has released their footwear and sneakers trend books for autumn/winter 2006/7. Shoe trends Luxurious and decorated, those are the key words for next season. This development is reflected in all the different styles, whether it is about a folkloristic, sexy, or neo-romantic look. Even casual shoes for both men and women get more sophisticated, with great emphasis on texture and material. At the most recent trade shows in Europe, brands were reluctant to thoroughly innovate the collection, so reinventions of existing shoes, using new colours, materials and details, like embroidery, applique, prints will be common. Colour is still a big trend, but the market is moving away from fluorescent and very bright colours, to warmer and richer tones, with a broad range of reds and violets. After the long trend in boots, shoes and pumps will be emerging again. Sneaker trends The design of sneakers will be more refined, using luxurious materials and hand crafted constructions and details in a more skilled and decorative way than before. Colours for sneakers are getting warmer and richer as well. The reinvention of classics remains important, but will focus more on redesigning the actual shape of the shoe than on merely adding retro prints and materials to existing styles. Apart from the cosy, happy, folkloristic looks that will keep dominating fashion, a darker trend emerge, translating influences from self-defence and martial arts to the street. The overall message of the season is: 'Cherish your own identity'. During the past seasons, influences have come from various cultures around the globe: African, Native-American, Asian etc. But Y Trends believes that to create a truly unique look for a brand/collection, it is best to start from the designers' own background, mixing that with influences from other parts of the world.
