Which men’s and women's bags (shapes, accessories and materials) will be most popular in the coming seasons? You’ll find all the answers in the new HIGHLIGHTS area at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags dedicated to consumer trends in the leather goods industry.
Bags: the most loved accessory throughout the history of fashion. A life companion and loyal friend to women everywhere, and increasingly chosen by men for their style and elegance rather than mere practicality.
The new HIGHLIGHTS area sought by Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags to promote the latest consumer trends, analyses the models set to become cult items in the coming seasons. Processing techniques that add value to the models, making them identifiable
and desirable, will be explored. And the incredible variety of material working techniques will be compared. There will also be talk of the applications consumers are sure to love and which metals will be used to make them.
WOMEN’S BAG TRENDS
Various unusual and interesting forms will reveal themselves as must-haves for the women’s bag season: from croissant to classic saddle bags seen on the catwalk and already in shop windows, to the revisited bucket and oversize shopping bags.
The trapezoid silhouettes have their own unique appeal too.
When it comes to materials, soft tubular-woven bags are the preferred choice for a highly accentuated third dimension, or else the more classic matelassé. Woven techniques are in high demand, as is the use of warm materials like fur. Even patchwork
will seize the opportunity to be seen.
Bags, as we know, are also design objects often complemented by various accessories and metal objects. Unusual chains will be all the hype, as will handles different to anything we’ve seen. Tone? Light and luminous, even better if gold-plated, but
also sequins and transparency.
MEN’S BAG TRENDS
The male market is normally more restrained when it comes to the choice of materials, colours and workmanship but is just as keen to play with shapes and volumes.
Satchels, be they bulky or more similar to small shoulder bags, will enjoy positive feedback.
Soft overnight bags will be the choice for travelling in style and comfort. These will be offered alongside more structured proposals thanks to the varying interpretations of the many stylists who have already brought them to the catwalk.
The unisex concept is a success but with its due distinctions. Briefcases are being increasingly replaced by handbags, naturally adapted to the male world and much softer. Men too can opt for shoulder straps but the prevailing forms will be squarer.
The belt-bag – a huge success in past seasons – evolves with a new position and sometimes very unusual new form.
More technical materials or looks continue to be a hit, especially in the form of backpacks, which are also available in work or more sophisticated versions. An accessory with an undeniably cleaner look in terms of both its shape and added details.
Lastly, men too can opt for shopping bags as an alternative to the classic and now overused backpack.
HIGHLIGHTS AREA IN SHORT
WHAT IS IT?
The Highlights area of the 100th edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is the starting point of an ambitious and innovative project dedicated to the footwear, bags and travel items market. While the bag market has been selected as the pilot project
for this edition, as of June 2024, the footwear segment will also be included, complete with shoe or bag samples from exhibitor collections hand-picked by a fashion committee and on display as an indication of current trends, during the exhibition.
The aim is to become an important benchmark of style trends for all exhibitors, designers and buyers at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags. The Highlights area thus becomes not only an exhibition space but also a source of inspiration and driver of innovation
for the entire community in the fashion and accessories market.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Buyers and exhibitors interested in exploring the latest trends in the leather goods and accessories market for the upcoming autumn/winter 2024-25 seasons.
The 100th edition will offer 4 workshops dedicated to the leather goods and accessories market, called: “The bags people will love in the coming seasons”.
The workshop will be run by Arsutoria Workshop School (a school specialising in footwear and leather goods based in Milan), and led by teacher and expert in leather goods, Maria Cristina Rossi.
