MILAN, Italy (Mar. 12, 2008)—Earlier this month, the MICAM shoe fair underwent a minor makeover, moving its dates to midweek (Tues. – Fri.) from its usual weekend-inclusive schedule. But the workweek interruption wasn’t enough to dissuade buyers from attending the event. On Wednesday, crowds flooded the exhibition halls and most exhibitors were pleased with the response, though event organizers later reported lower buyer attendance, “especially those from Italy,” who made up less than 50 percent of the attendees.

Exhibitors were pleased with MICAM's buyer turnout, despite the lower attendance.

Some exhibitors did admit to feeling rushed at the event, since MICAM was scheduled so soon after The WSA Show, which took place 5,000 miles away in Las Vegas. Though the dates were tight, a representative of Luciano Padovan felt it was important for his company to be at both shows because “the Russian and Japanese buyers are looking for different things than the American market.” Italian manufacturers were still the dominant exhibitors at MICAM, with almost 70 percent representation.

Duccio del Duca's stivallo dentro la scarpa

Whether appealing to Japanese, Russian or American buyers, Italian brands had a cornucopia of styles available. While no stilettos were in sight for Duccio del Duca, the brand’s collection of 1920s-inspired lace-ups, multi-colored “Can-Can” zip-ups and slouch boots with comfortable heels reflected elegant comfort. Adorning them were accents of gold-tipped laces and gold and silver buckles. Uppers were available in vegetable-tinted, deep eggplant purples, reds, and a “petrolio verde” (petroleum green), a color so dark it appeared almost black. A style getting a lot of attention for the brand was the “lo stivallo dentro la scarpa,” a shoe-within-a-shoe that appeared to be an ankle boot inside an open-toed, patent-leather sandal with a heel.

“Cowboy boots are still very popular,” remarked Duccio del Duca representative Ljuba Bellofiore, noting that the brand’s earth-toned cowboy boots were a muted offering when compared to the brightly colored, often two-toned patent leather versions found at Luciano Padovan. Brilliant gemstones, brooches and chains glittered on high heels and exotic skin boots that were popular with Russian buyers.

A whimsical leather starburst adds unique detail to Antonio Barbato's peep-toe Mary Jane.

At Max Monelli, shoes closely followed clothing trends, as the collection is usually paired with clothing at retail. Brand spokesperson Mario Grassetti remarked that “the U.S. market usually buys very colored shoes” and their two-toned stretch elastic boots echoed some of the more daring colors seen at several stands. Some styles had pointed toes, though a line with a concealed platform, similar to Christian Louboutin’s popular model, took center stage in the collection.

Several exhibitors paired shoes with matching purses and handbags, and though they generally insisted the shoes came before the purses, purses are starting to attract more attention for many brands. Barbara Bui released a catalogue of “Sacs” purses with not a shoe in sight. Attilio Giusti Leombruni also released a new line of original purses to complement their ballerinas, moccasins and lace-up boots with heels.

An oversized weave gives these classic ankle boots by Max Monelli a chic update.

Smaller brands, such as Antonio Barbato from Venice, exhibited only at MICAM but with the hope of becoming more active in the U.S. market “through finding the right channels.” He wasn't bothered by the lack of a Saturday to interact with his customers and felt it was a successful event for his brand. The collection, which was distinguished by clean lines and design, tended to stay away from black since Americans “like a lot of color,” he explained. Tapered heels, bright patent and leather designs including a few whimsical leather starburst accents gave the collection a playful feel as well as being sophisticated.

MICAM will see more changes as it changes format once again for the fall edition, which will run Wed. Sept. 17 – Sat. Sept. 20.

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