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Review
A premier venue
The Kensington Shoe Event, 27-29 September 2009
for all UK buyers of quality and fashionable footwear
T
he Kensington Close Hotel, in West “Key trends for next season see increased de-
London, once again played host to the mand for suede, platforms, a growing interest in
18th Kensington Shoe Event in Septem- peep-toes and frilly trims becoming a focal point
ber. The 45 plus years of industry experi- on many styles. Important accents colours for
ence shared by the organisers, footwear agents Spring/Summer 2010 include Lilac, Lime
Renato de Angelis and Martin Ward, has en- Green, Taupe, Red, Pink and Navy,” says Buhr.
sured that this twice-yearly ‘Event’ has grown in Martin Ward outlined the strengths of the
stature over the past nine years since its launch. Event that benefit both exhibitors and visitors.
Established as a showcase for the finest "This event is organised from the point of view
designers and manufacturers in Europe, it is of footwear agents rather than event organisers
now a premier venue for all UK buyers of in terms of our experience. This means that we
quality and fashionable footwear. The mix of can understand better the needs of our col-
medium-to-high quality footwear appeals to leagues and the trade as whole. We are trying to
buyers who visit the show, namely independents offer the best setting for the business we are in,
and high-grade multiples, who prefer the and we want to maintain a suitable ambience
relaxed, professional environment, to the hustle where visitors feel they can view the products at
and bustle of the larger trade shows. a comfortable pace, and establish a relationship
With ranges made in the best factories in with the exhibitors which will benefit both."
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Germany, and The setting of The Kensington Close Hotel
footwear collections across age groups, The has also proved cost effective in terms of the way
Kensington Event has some fantastic new styles in which the brands are displayed, as there is no
to please all those who attend. At the last Event representing a wide range of prices and styling. need for exhibition stands because most of the
there were 65 of the industry's top brands on There were around 300 visitors over the three- exhibitors have a room, while others in bigger
display from 27 agents, taking over the ground day Event, which is around the same number areas have units with dividers. Martin points
floor of The Kensington Close Hotel. attending last September, but judging from the out: "The way that exhibitors display their ranges
Having attended these shows for the past two numbers of buyers I came across at the recent also means that, while the products are well on
years, I remain impressed by the quality and show - largely independent retailers who were sight, there is also privacy for customers and no
value for money of the shoes on offer, with regular customers - visitors came to do business pressure on them to visit brands that they may
wholesale prices averaging between 38 and 65 and not to browse, and orders were made. not wish to view. It also allows us to offer
euros for many brands. This season saw a Renato de Angelis maintains if retailers see quality of service to our visitors. Free refresh-
gorgeous selection of women's footwear, from something worthwhile buying, they will buy it, ments are available to everyone and this is very
bejewelled sandals, to high despite the credit crunch: “My impression is welcome by all visitors. Exhibitors and visitors
platform courts, peep toe that retailers have become more fo- can also choose to have late appointments where
wedges, ballet pumps and cused and discerning with their necessary as there is not a set 'lock-up' time in
loafers, as well as a bevy of buying, allocating their budget the hotel."
beautiful boots in softest to particular brands, neces- Since the Kensington Shoe Event first began,
suede and buttery leathers. sary items or really attrac- its exhibitors have increased from five to 27, and
Top quality footwear was on tive and saleable footwear”. there are now over 65 quality factories on
display, notably a fabulous new I met up with Rolf Buhr, show. This is a clear sign that the show has been
on-trend range from the fast Chief Executive of leading Ger- highly successful, but the organisers plan to stay
growing Italian brand recently intro- man footwear and accessory producer true to their original intentions in terms of
duced in the UK, Nero Giardini, which Peter Kaiser, who together with Sabine controlling the expansion of the event.
produces formal, contemporary and sporty Schunk, from PK’s export division, pre- Next Kensington Shoe Event: The
ranges for women and men. Their strong, sented the new Spring/Summer 2010 Peter Kensington Close Hotel, March 21st - 23rd
urban, trendy and yet commercial Italian design Kaiser collection at The Kensington Event. The
www.thekensingtonshoeevent.co.uk
has become successful. This is reflected by the three-day show saw Peter Kaiser extend its UK
repeat orders made by various UK retailers. A foothold, opening a significant number of new
sensibly priced range of quality footwear (they accounts.
sell over 3 million pairs a year, mainly in Italy). “The Kensington Event, which is one of the
Watch this space. most important venues for Peter Kaiser, followed
According to the organisers, brands including GDS and Micam. Many UK clients attend the
Unisa, Sachelle, Pam, Paco Herrero, K&S European shows before finalising their orders
Shoes, Mascaro/PrettyBallerina, Magrit and Pons for the new season at the London show,” Buhr
Quintana all sold well during the Event whilst told Footwear Today.
20
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FOOTWEAR TODAY
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 www.footweartoday.co.uk
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