Wolverine Leathers is the global leader of Performance Leather which offers an array of performance features, colors, weights and other varieties. Their speciality is in working with designers, product development and sourcing to meet their needs in footwear design. Some of their clients include UGG, DKNY, Adidas and Vans to name a few. Go here to learn more about their company.
Here is a preview of their Autumn/Winter 2014-15 trends where you can view the entire report here. Their trends are inspired by 4 concepts: The Greatest Explorer's Club, In The Balance, Indie On The Hudson and La Zingara.
THE GREATEST EXPLORER'S CLUB
The economic model based on selfish over-consumption seems to be wavering and taking a page from our great grandfather’s diary, we are steeped in the lore of his conquests and surrounded by the souvenirs of his success. He had an adventurous life: an archeologist, an intellectual and a true gentleman. I want to be an explorer too! This has a 1920’s Great Gatsby spirit with tweeds, hunting jackets, argyles and tartans. We look to the Golden Age of tycoons, movie stars and Industrialists when over the top interpretation of European styling was all the rage. New wealth looked to great estates like Versailles to design the first mansions replete with dark mahogany wood, gold leaf, Italian marble and crystal chandeliers.
IN THE BALANCE
We strive to prove the theory that simplicity is the antidote for turbulence. Don’t call this minimalism, as this is about purity and a departure from fakery and gratuitous embellishment. It’s a concept that focuses on living on simplicity, friendship and comfort. Selfridges in London offers a refuge for overwrought shoppers – a “no noise room” where all products are completely devoid of logos and call outs. We streamline our lives to create more space to think and just ‘be’. There is a subtle sense of humor in the trend with color pops and offbeat angles.
INDIE ON THE HUDSON
All across the country new bohemian enclaves that are popping up like mushrooms in the woods. Old industrial cities along our rivers are being reclaimed and revitalized. Main Street but not mainstream. Here, artists, writers, foodies and farmers can live close to the land and to each other. Collaborative villages merge an urbane taste with a rural palate. This new collaborative is nixing old taboos and even modifying the behavior of seniors who today find new love well into retirement. These new relationships are more complex but more tolerant of all people.
LA ZINGARA
An air of enchantment infuses the season. Do you want to be rich? Do you want to be beautiful? What if your heart’s desire? In a worldwide context of fast and furious mutation, where aesthetic desires are too often translated in hasty, ill-assorted choices – the need to give meaning to beauty is a strong one. This new perception invites us to explore History, taking inspiration from the splendors of other ages and their application of golden rules. Within 10 years, 25 emerging countries will have twice as many households disposing of yearly revenue of over $30,000. These new middle classes will demand more embellishment in everyday life. “Looking rich” and blingy things are no longer enough and in developed countries where consumers find that sketchy aesthetics are not very inspiring. It is the use of classical artistic codes from the past that inspires us. La Zingara refers to gypsy styles with ornate brocade, priceless jewels and sumptuous velvets.
