Following a smart kick-off, it came to an end positively. Lineapelle New York, which took place at the Metropolitan Pavilion, closed its stands yesterday. It was a positive edition, as “attendance of visitors was good – pointed out the event managers – and encounters were highly rewarding, in terms of quality: overall, it definitely went much beyond our expectations”. A comforting message for participating exhibitors, 132 in total, who presented and showed their “work-in-progress” samples about summer 2020, therefore taking into consideration buyers’ interest and opinions before finishing their products. They are going to exhibit them at Lineapelle Milano, scheduled on February 20-22. While speaking to buyers and listening to their points of view, one realizes that the business market is still facing tough and lacklustre times: Italian materials are sought after just to enhance the product high end or to develop product lines in limited run. Such trend is being confirmed by Maria Cox, Material Manager of US Wolverine Worldwide footwear group: “We make use of Italian leather just for specific projects which I personally consider to be most stimulating, since they do not hang on prices. Namely, Saucony and Sperry. At present, everybody is paying very close attention to prices. I am happy basic leather, with few finishing, is back”, wrapped up Maria Cox, while emphasizing, at the same time, that ingenious and sporty options are rather important as well, “because of sneakers”. In contrast, Takako Tojo Piro, a Japanese fashion designer who founded, in New York, Circle3.Nyc, a brand specialized in high-end sneakers, pointed out: “I make use of Italian leather exclusively: I could not do otherwise. I do not comply with trends, but information is essential: that is why I join, every time, Lineapelle New York, to keep up to date with all the latest colours and style new trends”. Furthermore, Lineapelle exhibition, which went on in New York for two days, questioned the US market on its potential interest in the prospective contents provided by Lineapelle Innovation Square: the “hub of inspiration” is going to come back, on its second edition, next October, during Lineapelle97. Innovation Talks proved to be successful and fully effective, since researchers, experts and opinion makers gathered together around a concept: the future is underway. Next Lineapelle New York edition will take place on 17-18 July 2019.
New York smiles, as Lineapelle edition ends positively while shedding light over limping market
