Italians stepping out in style at Shoe and Leather Fair Middle East

In collaboration with ANCI Servizi S.r.l., the Italian Footwear Manufacturers Association and the Italian Trade Commission, ICE, Shoe & Leather Fair Middle East will present more than 50 of the most prestigious Italian footwear designers and manufacturers at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre between 26th to 28th October, 2009

"The Italian footwear delegation is the largest ever seen in the region and demonstrates the value they attach to the UAE and the Middle East as export markets, markets which have retained demand for high quality, directional and luxury brands".

comments Christopher Hudson, Managing Director of Mecom Forums, the show organisers.

"We are delighted that visitors will have the opportunity to see so many Italian exhibitors who will present new designs, trends and highlight the characteristics that distinguish Italian footwear such as creativity, style, innovation and quality materials."

With more than 6, 200 companies and almost 86,000 employees, the Italian footwear industry is of considerable importance to the Italian economy and represents one of the pillars of the international fashion network. A highly creative sector, the Italian shoe industry is by definition continually evolving, and its leading international position and competitiveness is based on the superior quality of the product and an elevated capacity for innovation.

"The Italians are the undisputed leaders of luxury and high level shoe design and manufacturing and the third largest exporter of footwear in the world", adds Hudson.

"Guaranteeing stylistic content, high quality materials and innovative design, the Italian exhibitors represent a unique opportunity for buyers and retailers to choose contemporary and designer footwear brands that will dictate next season's fashion."

Over 150 companies and hundreds of brands from Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom and the Middle East will show their collections in Abu Dhabi making Shoe & Leather Fair Middle East an international point of reference for the footwear trade in the mid to upper market ranges and the most important exhibition in the region. Many are thinking big and are introducing brands and collections previously unavailable in the GCC to make a major impression on the regions retailers, distributors and media.

In an exciting fusion of contemporary footwear and directional style, Fashion Arabia is running in tandem with Shoe & Leather Fair Middle East, creating the most fashion forward event in the Middle East and transforming Abu Dhabi into a new style destination.

Featuring over 400 mid to high end designers, brands and labels from Europe and the Middle East, Fashion Arabia is the ultimate 'wardrobe fix' for buyers sourcing quality merchandise. London, Paris and Milan will take centre stage with the region's finest designers on The Runway - Fashion Arabia's spectacular catwalk show featuring 30+ collections from 'A' list designers, including: Gaspard Yurkievich (Paris), Sakina M'Sa (Paris), Carta E Costura (Milan), Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (Dubai) and Kyri (London).

A perfect fit for the regions fashion industry and Abu Dhabi, Shoe & Leather Fair Middle East and Fashion Arabia are a totally fresh concept and take up residence at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) between the 26th to 28th October 2009.