Prices slow U.S. buying at MICAM. (Bologna, Italy footwear show)

Prices slow U.S. buying at MICAM

BOLOGNA (FNS) - High prices and a lack of fashion news in women's footwear prompted cautious buying from many Americans at last week's MICAM shoe show here.

Among the major fashion trends in the women's area were a profusion of bright colors, such as fuchsia, orange, yellow, green, blues and purples. These vivid tones mixed and matched in polka dots, printed leathers and, especially, florals. What made these colors really pop was the abundant use of nubuck, to achieve full color depth.

In a more traditional color scheme, exhibitors showed lots of navy and white in a nautical mood, followed with a positive/negative story in basic black and white. Shining some light on the footwear picture for spring were a range of metallic in softer, subdued versions.

In the men's market, the fashion story being told had a less intriguing plot. Decidedly British-looking classics like wingtips and cap toes were a key category, …