Editor and publisher of fashionFACTSfolio Ellen Campuzano

In this difficult economy, consumers want more out of their purchases, so versatility will be key for next spring, according to style expert Ellen Campuzano. Dressy embellishments are toned down, casual comfort shoes are dressed up and trends in both color and silhouettes are evolving at a slower pace. Still, there are always exciting themes for the season that will prompt consumers to splurge on something special. Campuzano reveals what buyers should keep an eye out for in this extended interview previously published in The WSA Show daily.

Nico by Groove

Eco Style
“Ecology is still a big theme going forward,” says Campuzano. This theme revolves around color and will include more neutral shades. “We’ll see more vegetable-tanned leather,” she adds. Eco styles will carry across multiple segments—“from funky junior gladiators to sophisticated city sandals”—to include a variety of interpretations.

Rainbow Brights
Bright colors are a staple for spring and summer styles, but while this year is all about citrus overtones, next year will emphasize turquoise and coral hues. But Campuzano warns that spring/summer ’09 will not be a matter of “boiling your offerings down to two or three brights.” You’ll need a wide color assortment, and don’t count out citrus too soon. “Yellow has been successful for the past two years.” This theme will be important for open-toe pumps, flats and the athleisure category.

Juniper by Terra Plana

Melting Pot
The luxury consumer will come down to earth next spring as ethnic prints dominate. “This is the next big push, but there will be different approaches on this theme. It’s not confined to one geographic place, it’s multiethnic, global.” Targeting high-end sophisticates—think fancy cruise customers or ladies who lunch—these exotic prints are derived from ready-to-wear, and Campuzano calls out ikat and tie-dye as two examples of how this trend can translate to footwear. “Safari prints also fit into this story,” she says, and “accents like wooden beads and etched silver hardware” will share the spotlight with these ethnic prints. This particular theme will be seen in updated gladiator styles and simple sandals.

Ménage A Trois
In the working world, the classic colors black and white have seen consistent popularity year after year. But next year’s career market refreshes this classic duo by adding a third, contrasting hue, like red or yellow. “Shoes may be black, white and yellow, or black and red.” While the career market dips its toes into color, styles will stay inside the lines, continuing to follow a traditional approach. “Shoes will be clean, crisp, with just a dash of color.”

Vantage by Chinese Laundry Wash

Weekend Warrior
For “those who participate in serious sports and those who pretend to,” the athleisure category will respond to consumer cravings for comfort. Fabrics are extremely important in this theme and stand-out styles include hi-tops and canvas slip-ons. “The ballerina flat evolves into this category with a dressy upper and casual, flexible bottom.” Dress flats will also receive a makeover with new incarnations of the Mary Jane and ankle tie popping up.

Dress To Impress
Dress styles get sophisticated for spring ’09 with simple, sophisticated details like big flowers and high heels. “Instead of the overdone jeweled sandal, style will take the bling out with polished opaque cabochon accents rather than translucent crystals.” Fresh from the runway, oversized floral prints and espadrille bottoms typify this segment. This category will also see beautiful sandals and phenomenal heel shapes.

Ellen Campuzano is the editor and publisher of fashionFACTSfolio, an e-mail newsletter for the footwear and accessories industry. She is also the founder and president of the Committee for Colour & Trends, the only color forecasting, trend tracking and consulting service in the United States for the footwear and accessories industry.

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