Shoe deluge

City’s forecast says it will be raining shoes as Italy’s shoe fair comes to town.

Luxury hoarders, with an eye for custom-made footwear, have been scouring Italy for exquisite pairs for long. Closer home, local leather product manufacturers have been creating designer imitations as a consolation for those who cannot afford a Euro trip.



However, from July 28 to July 30, Delhi will turn into a ‘shoe capital’ as Expo Riva Schuh Fair, Italy’s renowned trade fair of leather footwear and accessories is being held at the Pragati Maidan. "India is the world’s second largest manufacturer and consumer of footwear, so it makes perfect sense for us to bring this exhibition to India," says Roney Simon, Director, FICCI Italy.

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Though a business to business platform, the fair promises to give footwear connoisseurs a visual treat as more than 200 Indian and international exhibitors from countries such as Spain, Italy, France, UK, China, Thailand, among others, will showcase their products. Italy will be represented by nearly top 40 brands, such as Giovanni Fabiani, Loriblu, Massimo Santini, Manas and Fabi.

Some highlights of the fair
Two trends corner showcasing shoe trends for 2012 by final semester students of FDDI and NIFT will be set up.
Famous journalist and trend forecaster Dr. Claudia Schulz will share footwear trends for the summer of 2012 and winter 2013.
Trade seminars on the domestic retail industry will be held.
Interaction between Indian retail heads, international accessory designers and participating brands will be organised.
An art installation on shoes and a ‘Shoepedia’ will be showcased.

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