The growing interest of not only German businesses, but above all international ones, in the event has led the Director of the project, Ulrike Kähler, and his team to opt for the creation of a new tensile structure, which will welcome businesses representing the PREMIUM and CONTEMPORARY segment. Moreover, the two previously existing tensile structures from the first edition of the Show will not only continue to be used, but will also be enlarged. The Kids area will instead be moved to the Edelstahlhalle.

These are just some of the changes in store for the second edition of Gallery Shoes, which will host a total of 500-plus brands in the industrial-trendy spaces of the Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf, with more than 17 different nations represented.

“We created new exhibition areas in order to expand our portfolio of exhibiting companies without comprising on our philosophy that limits the size of the individual stands, which will not exceed a maximum of 150 square meters” – commented Director Ulrike Kähler. “Through some of the agencies that participated in the first edition of Gallery Shoes, we also welcoming new brands now. Some of these brands, in fact, waited to see how the first edition of the event went before climbing on board with us. At this point you could say the ice has been broken!”

Among the new entries that will be featured in the PREMIUM segment, we will find Aldo Brue, Elena Iachi, Fabio Rusconi, Fauzian Jeunesse, Strategia, Todai, Stokton and Silvano Sassetti from Italy. From Germany, there will be Heinrich Dinkelacker, and from Spain, Preventi. The new brands that will enrich the URBAN & CONTEMPORARY area will instead include Marc Cain Shoes & Bags and Gosch from Germany, Blundstone, Blu Heeler and Emu from Australia, and Twinset and Mery from Italy. The latest brands in the KIDS area will feature Colors of California, Jarrett, Mou, Primigi and Verdecchia from Italy, Bellybutton, Lowa Kids and Pololo from Germany, Phister & Philina and Racoon from Denmark, and Genuins from Spain. Among the new entries in the COMFORT area we will find Mobilis Ergonomic by Mephisto from France, Grünwald by Glücksschuh and Meisi by Berkemann from Germany, Giesswein from Austria, Haflinger from Poland, IGI e Co. from Italy, Joe N Joyce from Spain, Wolkenwerk from Portugal, and Vionic from the United States.

“It is not easy to satisfy the demand of some exhibitors to increase their individual exhibition areas – added Ms. Kahler – since the mission of Gallery SHOES is to present itself as a fair with a select and interesting mix of brands. In the end, I believe that everyone will benefit from this choice, including both visitors and exhibitors!” “For this reason, we are very cautious in our expansion of the exhibition area, trying at the same time to ensure sufficient space for new brands that bring a breath of fresh area to the entire event”.

Among the brands that will return to exhibit at the second edition of Galley Shoes, in the Premium Area, we will find names like Abro, Aigner, Alexander Hotto, Ama Deluxe Brand, ASH, AU79, Bogner, Camerlengo, Calpierre, Candice Cooper, Chie Mihara, Floris van Bommel, Jaime Mascaro, Karl Lagerfeld, Katy Perry Collections, Lola Cruz, MOA- Master of Arts, MOMA, Pertini, Pura Lopez, RAS, and Voile Blanche.
As far as the external dining area is concerned, which many have described as the “star of the event”, there will now also be a new area inside the halls with a bona fide restaurant providing table service, thus ensuring visitors and exhibitors have the “warmest possible reception in a friendly environment”, even in the rain and cold.

Finally, as far as the different initiatives enriching the commercial offering are concerned, the first day of the event will feature a Round Table, organised in collaboration with the Federal Association of the German Footwear and Leather Goods Industry. The second day will feature the first HDS/L Junior Award 2018 awards ceremony dedicated to the theme “Fashion meets comfort”, and at noon, there will be a press conference presided over by the Director, Ulrike Kähler.