Fall/Winter 2012 footwear: Chelsea boots and cognac colors among key trends

Chelsea boots emerged as the 'must have' footwear item for Fall/Winter 2012 during the GDS international footwear and accessories trade fair, while in terms of color, cognac and red/orange tones dominated.

Running March 14-16 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in Germany, the event welcomed exhibitors from over 40 countries including Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo and PLDM by Palladium.

With buyers from across the globe attending, the event's director Kirstin Deutelmoser found there were distinctions in terms of country -- German retailers showed particular interest in urban outdoor styles for example, while foreign retailers were big on high loafers, contrast heels and rubber soles.

But some styles appealed across the board, with Deutelmoser citing Chelsea boots as the "must-haves for next winter."

Buyers insisted that the most important materials for Fall/Winter 2012 were leather and suede, while in terms of color an average of nearly one in two buyers were attracted to cognac or red/orange tones. The rising significance of children's fashion was also noted at the fair, with one in three visitors taking an interest in kids' styles. Women's footwear was still in highest demand (73 percent), compared to 44 percent for men's.

Watch models present Fall/Winter 2012 footwear styles at GDS at http://youtu.be/2V5xXoC0WJY.