Leather and material collections presented at Lineapelle, the Milan trade fair, offered a preview of what designers will get inspired by for their spring/summer 2018 footwear and leather accessory designs. And there was plenty of inspiration to be found! Leather was still the main attraction with a multitude of new patterns and finishes. But the rise of non-leathers could not be ignored. New mesh and neoprene versions catapulted materials into the future, whereas natural straws, raffia and hemp promoted eco-friendliness and sustainability.

The most obvious over-all trend regardless whether leather or non-leather was glamorous shine. Glamour could be subtle metal dustings on leather, in-you-face glitter or obvious high shine mirror finishes. Any shade of gold outshone silver, and any colour under the rainbow was available in a metalized version as well.

Prints and embossing techniques emulated textiles with micro geometrics, raised 3-D patterns, perforations and cutouts and fresh woven patterns. Yet underneath all that busy-ness was the calming influence of natural dyed leathers, simply tan and timeless.