Antonio Vietri returning to Leatherworld ME 2017

Vietri was a crowd favourite at Dubai's Leatherworld Middle East exhibition last year, when he launched a pair of blue suede loafers with gold ribbons weaved into the outsole.

"The collection also features silk pumps embossed with gold or silver and buyers can customise them if they wish with pearls, Swarovski crystals or diamonds. I am delighted to officially unveil my women's collection at Leatherworld Middle East 2017, following the resounding success of the global launch of my men's collection at the show last year," said Vietri.  

"Gulf consumers love exclusivity and luxury that's entirely unique, and I am looking forward to presenting to customers and retailers something completely different from anything they have seen before," added Vietri.

Antonio Vietri is one of more than 60 exhibitors from 18 countries at Leatherworld Middle East 2017, which will take place from April 30-May 2 in Dubai. The show has been organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

Dozens of other exhibitors will also launch their latest products and services at the Middle East's only dedicated trade fair spanning the leather industry's entire value chain. IkhayaElite Collection from South Africa is a first-time exhibitor in 2017, and will introduce its genuine exotic ostrich skin travel bags, handbags and accessories.

Leatherworld Middle East 2017 also returns with the Fashion Avenue, where a talented team of students from prestigious fashion institute ESMOD Dubai will reveal their creative flair with an inspiring array of leather garments, handbags and accessories. Eleven looks from the institute have been selected to be exclusively showcased at the event.

ESMOD Dubai's founder & CEO, Tamara Hostal, said the creations were developed from leathers provided by Leatherworld Middle East exhibitors Afriwest and Al Khaznah Tannery – the UAE's only tannery producing chrome free eco-friendly camel hides.

"The final pieces will be mostly seen as dress creations in full leather or paired with cotton in a palette of beige, turquoise, navy blue, camel and cappuccino. The themes this year revolve around galaxy, space and zero gravity," said Hostal.

Leatherworld Middle East 2017 spans the entire value chain of the global leather industry, from semi-finished and finished animal hides, chemicals, and machinery to finished leather goods, including footwear, clothing, bags, wallets, and accessories.

The ultra-luxurious B2B platform will return with other key show highlights such as the Trend Area, a showcase of leather innovations seen for the first time; Leather Production for tanneries and dealers of semi-finished and finished animal hides; and the Shoe Box, a dedicated section for mid to high-end leather footwear.

"Leatherworld Middle East was designed to showcase innovative and novel products and ground-breaking designs in leather manufacturing, design and finishing," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Frankfurt Middle East. "The show's vast reach makes it a very efficient vehicle to reach the potentially lucrative regional market."

Leatherworld Middle East 2017 will feature national pavilions from France, South Africa, Indonesia, and for the first time, Egypt, while supporting associations are headed by the French Hides Association, the French Federation of Tanners, South African Footwear and Leather Export Council, the Indonesian Footwear Association, and the Egypt Expo and Convention Authority. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India