This article highlights five of the most important trade fairs in the Footwear & Accessories sector in Europe, providing a concise overview of their locations, product showcases, and key organizers. These events are essential for industry professionals, buyers, designers, and footwear enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, discover new collections, and connect with key players in the ever-evolving world of footwear and accessories.
A Brief Overview of the European Footwear and Accessories Sector
The European footwear and accessories sector is renowned for its craftsmanship, quality, and diverse range of styles, from luxury brands to independent designers. The industry is characterized by its constant evolution, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements in materials and manufacturing, and a growing focus on sustainability and ethical production practices.
Footwear and Accessories Industry in Europe
The European footwear and accessories industry is a significant contributor to the global fashion market, known for its high-quality products, innovative designs, and influential fashion weeks. The industry faces challenges such as competition from global brands and the need to adapt to consumer demand for sustainability and transparency.
Europe’s Most Important Footwear and Accessories Fairs
Europe hosts numerous prestigious footwear and accessories trade shows that attract industry professionals from around the world. Here are five of the most influential exhibitions:
1- MICAM Milano – Milan, Italy
MICAM Milano is one of the world’s leading footwear trade shows, showcasing a vast array of footwear collections for men, women, and children from international brands and emerging designers.
- Date of foundation: 1969
- Period: Twice a year, in February and September
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 45,000 visitors and 1,300 exhibitors from 130 countries in September 2022.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Milan, Italy, Fiera Milano Rho
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Footwear for all seasons and occasions, including classic, contemporary, and sportswear styles.
- Organiser of the Fair: Assocalzaturifici (Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association)
2- Expo Riva Schuh – Riva del Garda, Italy
Expo Riva Schuh is a leading international footwear trade show, focusing on volume footwear production and offering a wide range of footwear for men, women, and children at competitive prices.
- Date of foundation: 1970
- Period: Twice a year, in January and June
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 12,000 visitors and 1,400 exhibitors from 100 countries in June 2023.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Riva del Garda, Italy, Riva del Garda Exhibition Centre
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Volume footwear, private label footwear, and footwear components.
- Organiser of the Fair: Riva del Garda Fierecongressi
3- Première Classe – Paris, France
Première Classe is a leading trade show for fashion accessories, showcasing a curated selection of bags, jewelry, scarves, hats, and other accessories from established brands and emerging designers. It takes place concurrently with Who’s Next, a major ready-to-wear fashion trade show.
- Date of foundation: 1989
- Period: Twice a year, in January and September
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 45,000 visitors attend Who’s Next and Première Classe combined.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Paris, France, Jardin des Tuileries
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Fashion accessories, including bags, jewelry, scarves, hats, belts, and other fashion complements.
- Organiser of the Fair: WSN Développement
4- The London Textile Fair – London, United Kingdom
The London Textile Fair is a leading trade show for fashion fabrics, accessories, and print studios, showcasing a wide range of materials and designs for the fashion industry. It includes a dedicated section for footwear and accessories.
- Date of foundation: 2007
- Period: Twice a year, in January and July
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 5,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors in July 2023.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: London, United Kingdom, Business Design Centre
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Fabrics, trimmings, accessories, footwear components, and print designs.
- Organiser of the Fair: Textile Events Ltd.
5- AYSAF – Istanbul, Turkey
AYSAF (International Footwear, Slippers, and Leather Goods Fair) is a leading footwear and accessories trade show in Turkey, showcasing a wide range of footwear, leather goods, and accessories from Turkish and international manufacturers.
- Date of foundation: 1998
- Period: Twice a year, in March and October
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 10,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors in October 2022.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Istanbul, Turkey, CNR Expo Center
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Footwear, leather goods, bags, belts, and other fashion accessories.
- Organiser of the Fair: CNR Holding
Conclusion and Brief Evaluation
These five trade shows represent some of the most prominent gatherings for the footwear and accessories industry in Europe. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new trends and challenges, these events provide crucial platforms for professionals, buyers, and designers to connect, discover, and shape the future of footwear and accessories.
