General Concept - Fall Winter: 2021
A particular situation is being experienced by the fashion industry, and in particular the production of footwear, due to the global health crisis.
The immediate effects have been the retraction of consumption and its changes in habits, which has caused a slowdown in the creative activity of the main international brands. The new proposals are limited to a basic and timeless modeling, where sneakers, and casual shoes concentrate the majority of the offer, to the detriment of luxury products that await the reactivation of demand.
Therefore, the classic structures are reissued with a vintage and at the same time futuristic attitude, where the renovation goes through the application of new materials and components, and sporadic innovations in volumes and lasts.
Visually, together with the restyling of the classics, there is a trend towards the fusion of styles, which results in hybrid and disruptive models.
In general modeling, medium and low heights predominate, and it is composed in addition to the aforementioned sneakers, by different lines of smooth and laced-up casual shoes, and an inexhaustible assortment of booties and boots.
Volumes that were a feature of previous seasons tend to be more moderate and better modeled.
By its essence, the cold season demands thick, warm, protective and comfortable materials. This line includes leathers, synthetics and textiles that guarantee those functions.
The smooth and engraved leathers exalt their naturalness, softness and touch, in opaque and semi-gloss finishes, a long list of paddings, double-layer, fur, cloths, wool and matelassés that meet the requirements is added.
Somewhat more industrialized, technological materials appear such as mesh knitted fabric, neoprene and ripstop for higher performance footwear.
Aesthetically, in leathers and skins, the original textures, reptiles and various wefts predominate on which new technological processes are added that incorporate greater visual value.
For their part, synthetics also have a wide field for developments, which, thanks to technology and design, achieve very attractive results. To the textures, they can add infinite real, abstract and digital images, ranging from animal print to three-dimensional geometric.
The industrial cloths and especially the handmade ones show voluminous textures, fur and suggestive colors. Its congeners such as velvets, corduroy, bouclés, brocade, Scotch and velveteen will also be in high demand for footwear.
Although most of the material collections have opaque finishes, full and sectorized shines are left for very specific alternatives.
Here too, mobility restrictions and longer domestic life have had an impact on the production of these components. Due to the type of modeling chosen for isolation and current activities, the search is directed towards soles of low and medium heights, with adequate weight and flexibility conditions.
For this reason, soles for sneakers and casual shoes are increasing their use, with very sober and rational designs, where volumes give space to a more minimalist and ergonomic modeling, without losing sight of their aesthetic qualities.
Cupsoles and wedges are the most representative of this segment.
Soles for the chunky and ugly styles, of greater volume and moldings, remain in force, although in a moderation stage.
The lines that have been reactivated are those of medium volumes, with heel and sole, prominent welts and classic profiles or with a track or toothed tread. They are the most used in booties and boots.
For women's shoes, heels in general have decreased their heights, preserving the elegance of their shapes and in other cases maintaining good volumes. The renovation is expressed in the new finishes, based on original textures and paintings, which make them the protagonists of many models.
The validity of a chromatic palette of warm, basic, natural, positive, timeless and versatile tones is confirmed, to create an environment of calm and comfort.
Along with them, more stimulating alternatives appear to shed light and hope to the post-quarantine period.
Thus, the choice is directed towards essential beige and gray colors, which in pastel versions are very innovative, at a time when functionality is a priority over an eminently fashion aspect.
From them, the earthy and toasted ones are produced, such as almond, chestnut and sand. While from the gray, ash, smoke and steel emerge.
Within this proposal of medium tones, colorations with greater pigmentation will also be present, such as the extensive range of deep reds, such as Pantone samba, red wine and plum. The greens are added, with avocado, moss and olive, in addition to the blues with ultramarine, porcelain and Persian.
Despite the trend for the monochrome use of colors, combinations will have excellent opportunities to establish the identity and expressiveness of the products.
It is up to the designers and their creativity to achieve it.
The traditional white and black will have an important participation, either alone or accompanying other tonalities.
