February 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:

Anne Meerboth-Maltz
Tel. (312)781-5185
Fax (312) 781-5188
email: ameerboth@mdna.com

Messe Düsseldorf North America
150 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60601

GDS 2010 URBAN SEGMENT EXHIBITOR PROFILES

The “Urban” segment in Hall 3 at GDS 2010, International Event for Shoes & Accessories, will feature urban, street and sportswear collections ranging from established icon brands and well-known lifestyle and fashion brands to young designers. Following is a small selection of interesting first-time exhibitors and exciting collections in the “Urban” area:

Outdoor and water sports brand Helly Hansen complements functional sportswear with footwear collections for the sailing, hiking and lifestyle segments. In terms of functionality and design all styles from this Norwegian label meet the requirements of adventure sport enthusiasts. Inspired by Helly Hansen’s nautical tradition the product portfolio ranges from classic chamois topsiders and robust sneakers to boots in leather and untreated used-look canvas. www.hellyhansen.com

It’s hard not to attract attention with the stylish Zippyboots by GDS-newcomer Redfoot. This British label is creating a stir not only with its featherweight folding shoes for him and her but also with the Two-In-One-Boots in its womenswear collection. High-quality finished sheepskin outside and soft fur lining inside makes for the casual, comfortable look of these flexible boots. The “specialty” of the Zippyboots is their variable shafts which can be folded over or removed thanks to a zipper and can therefore be worn as high-leg boots or shorter ankle boots. Sufficient support is ensured by heel splicing and non-skid soles. www.redfootrevolution.co.uk

Casual, cool and simple is the principle of the young London label Pointer for designing its varied boot and sneaker collections since 2004. Their styles made of printed canvas or leather is innovative and minimalistic in design. British understatement and timeless flair are ensured by classic two-tone looks. Essential features include padded foot beds, lacing panels with metal eyelets and vulcanized-look outer soles. www.pointerfootwear.com

Napapijri Footwear combines aesthetic looks with functionality. This label meets the needs of both demanding and nature-loving globetrotters and active city dwellers alike. Inspired by the elements fire, water, air and earth the new collection comprises casual leather boots, urban sneakers and outdoor boots for explorers big and small. High-quality materials and the associated wear comfort plus numerous details make for a fresh design while leather and textile combinations along with vintage-look washes and finishes underscore the authentic and natural feel of the label. www.napapijri.com

Lavishly decorated with trendy details – women will find pumps and bootees in a variety of styles at British brand Feud London. The style of this young label is reminiscent of the times when swing dancing on King’s Road was popular and punk rock was still in its early stages. Nostalgic British shoe shapes are completely revamped through the creative use of materials, colors and styling. Boots sparkle with double buckles and striped inside lining. In contrast, the pumps feature a marbled surface and a slightly arched toe cap. www.feudlondon.com

Featured at “Design Attack” for the first time will be the young label Pololo showcasing its shoes for those learning to walk and its super-soft leather slip-ons for older kids and grown-ups. With respect for the environment and future generations, Pololo uses only high-quality vegetable-tanned nappa leather for its hand-made styles. The learning shoes Mobby, Nelly and Orca bear the Greenpeace Label for high ecological standards. www.pololo.com

Danish label Duckfeet will be represented at “Design Attack” with handcrafted sporty lace-up shoes and boots. The anatomical fit of this footwear provides optimal freedom of movement allowing feet to bend and roll naturally. The Duckfeet shoes are made solely of natural materials such as leather and raw rubber. Exclusive use of vegetable tanning methods and a special finish highlight the natural grain of the leather thereby creating small differences that make every Duckfeet pair unique. www.duckfeet.dk

With the label Herzstück designer Susanne Schröder designs and creates individual handbags for dancing shoes as well as leg warmers, brooches and cell phone and eye glass cases made of wool, silk, velvet and lace. A special feature in her collection includes reversible bags with two different looks. www.herzstueck.eu

GDS will be held from March 12 - 14, 2010 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at GDS 2010, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit our web site http://www.mdna.com; Subscribe to our blog http://blog.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago

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