FROM THE EDITOR All change please!
You may have noticed some big changes on the cover of this latest issue! It’s been a very exciting few weeks here as we launched our incredible rebrand of the magazine! The evolution of Footwear Today into Footwear & Fashion Today marks more than simply a new name – it’s a bold step forward and a natural
progression for an industry that never stands still. For years, we have proudly championed the UK footwear sector, bringing insight and inspiration to our readers. But now, as the footwear, fashion and accessories sectors continue to evolve and grow even closer, it feels only right that we grow alongside them. This new chapter with Footwear & Fashion Today reflects the way our audience does business – holistically, creatively, and with a keen eye on their customers’ complete look!
To that end, this transformation also mirrors the exciting changes happening with Footwear & Fashion Live, now with a new home and an expanded offering that brings even more opportunity under one roof. These developments represent a stronger, more dynamic platform for brands and buyers alike. And you can read more about the new show on page 6. Also in this bumper issue there’s all the latest footwear trends, plus plenty of fashion advice on what’s hot right now! We’ve got a fascinating interview with Damon Murphy, Director of Jess & Lou – which makes super cosy scarves, socks and other accessories. Damon talks about the growth of the brand and opening a record number of retail stockists so far this year. So as you can tell, it’s business as usual all round… For us at Footwear & Fashion Today it’s the beginning of a new era, but our commitment remains the same: to deliver trusted insight, celebrate innovation and support this wonderfully vibrant industry!
Jack Cheeseman Editor, Footwear Today
jcheeseman@datateam.co.uk Web:
www.footwearandfashion.today Instagram: @footwearandfashiontoday
CONTENTS APRIL 2026
4 FOOTWEAR NEWS 10 REVIEW: FOOTWEAR TODAY LIVE 12 PREVIEW: MICAM 14 INTERVIEW: CHATHAM 16 INSIGHT: THE CHANGING HIGH STREET 18 BRAND FEATURE: HEALTHY BACK BAG 20 FASHION STYLING: SPRING/SUMMER 2026 22 BRAND FEATURE: STRIVE 24 INTERVIEW: JESS & LOU 28 SUPPLIER INSIGHT: ASBCI 30 EDITOR’S CHOICE: LADIES’ SUMMER FOOTWEAR 35 EDITOR’S CHOICE: MEN’S SUMMER FOOTWEAR 38 EDITOR’S CHOICE: KIDS’ SUMMER FOOTWEAR 40 FASHION KEY PIECES 42 FASHION RETAILER OF THE MONTH 44 FOOTWEAR RETAILER OF THE MONTH 46 FASHION STYLING 48 INSIGHT: THE ECONOMIC FORECAST 50 FASHION LAW
EDITOR: Jack Cheeseman
jcheeseman@datateam.co.uk • 01622 699120
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Ana Lambert
alambert@datateam.co.uk • 01622 699188
FASHION LAWYER: Stephen Sidkin DESIGNER: Steve Stanton
JOURNAL MANAGER: Charlotte Steadman
csteadman@datateam.co.uk • 01622 699142
CIRCULATION: Curwood CMS Ltd
datateam@c-cms.com Tel: 01580 883844 • Fax: 01580 883849
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Paul Ryder
pryder@datateam.co.uk
website:
www.footwearandfashion.today instagram: @footwearandfashiontoday
Footwear Today: ISSN: 1475-8601
© 2026 Datateam Business Media Ltd Published by Datateam Business Media Ltd, London Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY. Tel: 01622 687031 • Fax: 01622 757646
The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any discrepancies either in copy or between products and/or services listed. Nor can they be responsible for illustrations and/ or copy for products which lead to infringement of copyright.
APRIL 2026 • FOOTWEAR & FASHION TODAY • 3
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