Footwear News articles from September 2008

Footwear News archives from September 2008

On The Wedge.
September 22, 2008... The standard warm-weather wedge style was updated for spring with sculpted Lucite, welded steel and carved wooden heels. Slingbacks and ankle laces added fresh appeal at Diane von Furstenberg and Vera Wang. CAPTION(S): TRACY REESE's...

The Scoops.
September 22, 2008... From backstage to the front row, Footwear News brings the dish from New York Fashion Week. Rock-cessories Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez's full-scale accessories collection bowed at their Proenza Schouler runway show, with...

The "Best [and Worst] In Show".
September 22, 2008... FN's look at the most innovative thinkers of the season. Best Editorial Front Row: Donna Karan Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Carine Roitfeld, Glenda Bailey, Ingrid Sischy and the list goes on... Best Celebrity Following: Marc...

The Reaction.
September 22, 2008... What buyers think about the footwear showcased on the NY runways. Elizabeth Kanfer, Fashion Director for Women's Accessories, Saks Fifth Avenue Strongest Trends: "We're excited about the emergence of the brown color palette,...

Spring '09 Must Buys.
September 22, 2008... Byline: Photographed by JOHN AQUINO, GEORGE CHINSEE, JIM DECKER and ROBERT MITRA. Footwear News shopped the markets to uncover spring's biggest trends and boldest looks. From naturals to neons and flats to geisha-inspired platforms, the...

Geisha Girls.
September 22, 2008... Platforms detailed with sculpted heels and turned-up toes are on parade this spring. Bright colors and varied textures guarantee the chunky, geisha-style sandals will get noticed. CAPTION(S): COACH FERGIE BEHNAZ KANANI ...

Fruit Of The Loom.
September 22, 2008... Woven raffia, leather and burlap are giving day silhouettes handcrafted appeal. But it's not just about basket weaving or laced leathers. Mixed materials, both organic and artificial, are boosting color and shine. CAPTION(S): ZINC...

Neutral Territory.
September 22, 2008... Nude is pass for spring '09. Muted shades including lavender, blush, powder-blue and pale-turquoise are staking their claim as the season's new neutrals. CAPTION(S): BE & D POUR LA VICTOIRE JILL STUART DANA DAVIS ...

Wedge Fund.
September 22, 2008... Two classic warm-weather styles merge into one, as high wedges go strapless for spring. Further boosting their fashion currency are bold prints, snakeskin accents and neon brights. FRANCESCA MAMBRINI POLLINI RODO COLIN...

Beach Babes.
September 22, 2008... Flip-flops are growing up. Dressed-up footbeds and treatments such as beading and fabric give this summertime standby a sophisticated update, taking it well beyond its beachy beginnings. MIA CL BY LAUNDRY GRENDHA PENNY...

By The Yard.
September 22, 2008... Textiles are giving spring shoes a ready-to-wear angle. Classic herringbones, plaids and gabardines are among the fabrics adding a tailored touch to sneakers and boat styles. TRUE RELIGION SKECHERS ESTABLISHED 1971 PENGUIN...

Metal Detectors.
September 22, 2008... Metallic finishes inspired by the auto world are revving up men's footwear. From silver to pewter, the shiny hues are a hot alternative to black and can instantly shift daytime looks into eveningwear. JOHN FLUEVOG ROBERT ZUR ...

Easy Access.
September 22, 2008... Laceless looks -- including vulcanized sneakers and sleek leather styles -- are offering guys a laid-back option for summer. Worn sockless, they're a cool way to beat the heat. SANDRO MOSCOLONI ROBERT WAYNE TIMBERLAND BOOT CO....

Prep School.
September 22, 2008... Madras, a summertime staple in the clothing category, is making a bold statement on boys' shoes. The preppy pattern adds kick to vulcanized sneakers, including high-tops and slip-ons. SPERRY TOP-SIDER DYNASTY ROCKET DOG ...

Electric Company.
September 22, 2008... Neon is lighting up the kids' market this spring. From hot-pink to fluorescent-yellow, the ultra-bright shades add some serious wattage to sandals and skimmers. NINA JESSICA SIMPSON STEVIES MOSCHINO PLAY HOUSE ...

Natural Selection.
September 22, 2008... While bright, cheery colors define the kids' category, subtle shades of cream and beige offer a fresh alternative for spring. The natural palette brings grown-up sophistication to ballerinas, sandals and Mary Jane styles. NATURINO ...

Buckle Up.
September 22, 2008... When it comes to buckles, bigger is better. Oversize, 1960s-inspired treatments are making a comeback for spring, blending function with fashion and offering a chic way to adjust everything from sandals to sneakers. CAPTION(S): ANYI...

Pop Culture.
September 22, 2008... Comfort brands are turning up the volume on simple dress and casual shoes with bright color pops. The multicolor effects, showcased in strapping and embroidery, add playfulness and versatility. CAPTION(S): TARYN ROSE ARCHE ...

Basket Case.
September 22, 2008... Woven accents are crisscrossing their way across sandals. Done in rich, earthy colors such as brown, red and green, the artisan-style looks bring a bohemian spirit to the season. CAPTION(S): HUSH PUPPIES DANSKO J-41 EL...

Higher Ups.
September 22, 2008... This season, it's all about height for women, with mid- and high-tops the name of the game. But the trend is up, not out -- athletic companies keep the look sleek with trim silhouettes. CAPTION(S): PUMA NIKE 6.0 CREATIVE...

Track Stars.
September 22, 2008... Runners hoping to emulate their Olympic heroes -- or just shave some time off their personal records -- are in luck: Athletic brands have a slew of ultra-light racing flats for spring that offer protection without added bulk. ASICS ...

Multiple Choice.
September 22, 2008... It's all about multitasking this spring, with outdoor firms making shoes that work across categories. Whether it's trail running, light hiking, biking or even kayaking, these styles can take it all in stride. TIMBERLAND NEW BALANCE...

Lighter Touch.
September 22, 2008... Outdoor brands are looking to lose some weight for spring. Everything from hiking styles to water shoes to trail runners is shedding ounces -- but without compromising performance. VASQUE AHNU COLUMBIA PATAGONIA END...

Comfort: Buzz.(Pikolinos joining green movement)(Taos Footwear's new women collections)(Ralph Libonati Co. Recyclus a collection of shoes with green initiative)
September 22, 2008... Nature's Valley Spanish brand Pikolinos , based in Davis, Calif., is joining the green movement with the launch of a new collection for men and women under the Eco-Label name. The shoes are made using 98 percent chrome-free...

Taking Stock:.(briefs)
September 22, 2008... The Bottom Line on the Shoe Biz DOLLAR COMEBACK: The strengthening U.S. dollar has some retail analysts concerned that footwear firms with overseas exposure -- which had in the past few years benefited from foreign currency exchange --...

Trading Report.
September 22, 2008... For 9/11/08 9/17/08 High*****Low*****Retailers*****PE*****Volume*****Last*****Change (52-Week)**********(in thousands)***** 101.09*****61.20*****Amazon.com*****57.0*****494,739*****71.54*****-5.20 5.75*****0.86*****Bakers...

Award Slashed In Pss/Adi Case.
September 22, 2008... Byline: NICOLE URBANOWICZ NEW YORK -- The Adidas AG trademark infringement suit against Payless Shoe-Source isn't over yet, but Collective Brands Inc. will emerge from it better than expected. "The worst-case scenario did not...

4 Picks.(Column)
September 22, 2008... JUMP IT Ugg could have some stiff competition as the go-to fashion boot. At this year's show jumping World Cup in Sweden, equestrian entrepreneur Alexandra Cherubini spotted a sporty lace-up Tretorn riding boot designed by Swedish...

Fringe Factor.
September 22, 2008... Fringe added a rough-and-tumble touch to boots, open-toe booties and even stiletto sandals. Nicholas Kirkwood's chain version for Rodarte took embellished innovation to a new level. CAPTION(S): AKIKO OGAWA's T-strap platforms with...

State Lines: Highest Per-Capita Footwear Spend Expenditures In 2007.
September 15, 2008... Which states have the biggest footwear fans? While New York and California spent the most money total on shoes in 2007, the Washington, D.C., Beltway area dominated the ranking for per-capita spending. Residents in the District of Columbia...

FN.(briefs)(Brief article)
September 15, 2008... 2 Soho Rolls Out: Bloomingdale's to Push Smaller Concepts FOOTWEAR NEWS VOL. 64 NO. 35 WWW.FOOTWEARNEWS.COM $10.00 SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 Major Tom In a Footwear News exclusive, Tom Ford sounds off on the challenges of creating his own...

Bloomie's Soho Strategy.
September 15, 2008... Byline: NICOLE URBANOWICZ Four years after bowing its Soho unit, the retailer will use the specialty format in two new doors. NEW YORK -- Bloomingdale's expansion of its Soho specialty store concept beyond Manhattan is a good...

Bakers Narrows Loss, But Stock Sinks.(Financial report)
September 15, 2008... Byline: MEREDITH DERBY NEW YORK -- Bakers Footwear Group's financial performance showed improvement in the second quarter, but the firm isn't out of the woods yet. And clearly, Wall Street remains worried. Bakers' stock plunged...

On Deadline.(Global Brand Marketing Inc.)(Brief article)
September 15, 2008... Future of Global Feet Inc. Operations in Question The fate of Killick Datta's newly launched venture, Global Feet Inc., is unclear. Multiple sources close to the company said last week that Datta had laid off all employees. Datta was...

Footwear Veteran Fieramosca Retires.(Franco Fieramosca )
September 15, 2008... Byline: MEGHAN CASS NEW YORK -- After a 10-year love affair with Prada -- and 48 years in the footwear industry -- Franco Fieramosca retired last month. "It's been the most enjoyable time of my life," said the Italian-born...

Absence Of Key Vendors Impacts ASR Show.
September 15, 2008... Byline: JENNIFER ERNST BEAUDRY SAN DIEGO -- The decision of four major footwear brands to pull out of this season's Action Sports Retailer event was the talk of the show floor, but some retailers said the exhibitor shift gave them...

Faces.(Brief article)
September 15, 2008... Byline: Meghan Cass New York Fashion Week took over the city once again, and there were plenty of posh parties and events to keep showgoers gallivanting around the clock. Saks Fifth Avenue kicked things off on Sept. 4 with an in-store...

News Briefs.(shoe market of the americas)(Brief article)
September 15, 2008... Weather Woes Force SMOTA to Trim Schedule In the face of Hurricane Ike, Shoe Market of the Americas in Miami Beach, Fla., hosted an abbreviated two-day version of its normally three-day event last Monday and Tuesday. "For it being a...

Insider.(footwear industry)
September 15, 2008... Byline: Jennifer Ernst Beaudry and Wayne Niemi. Got tips? Email jennifer_ernst@condenast.com or wayne_niemi@ condenast.com Star Performance Alicia Keys might have some competition as Ruthie Davis ' biggest celeb fan....

Ford's New Model.(Interview)
September 15, 2008... Byline: ELISA ANNISS Tom Ford redefined the luxury business at Gucci. Now he's working hard to shake up the industry again. Eighteen months into his second act, the designer opens up about his new, ultra-luxe ideology for the men's...

Female Factor.(footwear industry)
September 15, 2008... Byline: Jocelyn Anderson Insole makers are targeting women with products made just for their particular needs. For women looking for better comfort and alignment from their insoles, the latest female-specific inserts are a welcome...

Chunky Town.
September 15, 2008... Byline: Photographed by JOHN AQUINO and GEORGE CHINSEE. Who says slim is in? Chunky heels add shape and substance to women's sandals, giving them a fresh look for spring. CAPTION(S): SERGIO ROSSI NINE WEST L.A.M.B. ...

Mix & Matches.(footwear industry)(Company overview)
September 15, 2008... Byline: Elisa Anniss Home to an exclusive roster of designers, Matches has become a destination for London's fashion flock. Since opening his first Matches store in the well-heeled London suburb of Wimbledon in 1991, Tom Chapman has...

Three For All.(footwear industry)
September 15, 2008... Byline: Erin E. Clack In a crowded category, budding baby brands attempt to break out with designs for fashion-conscious parents. Christian Denney Line: Me-In-Mind Launch: July 2005 Headquarters: Pleasant Grove, Utah...

Candy Stripers.
September 15, 2008... Byline: Photographed by ROBERT MITRA. Kids' designers are sweetening up sandals with multicolored straps in bright shades such as lemon, orange and raspberry. Whether crisscrossed, knotted or braided, the straps bring a burst of retro...

Taking Stock:.(Foot Locker Inc. )
September 15, 2008... The Bottom Line on the Shoe Biz FOOT LOCKER'S NEXT MOVE: Is athletic retail giant Foot Locker Inc. gearing up to make an acquisition? Rumblings in the market suggest the company will, and it's believed it is focusing on the skate...