

To date, more than fifty leading Spanish and foreign brands have already confirmed their attendance in this section of the fair, based on their desire to present their most innovative ideas in leather goods and travel items for next 2010/11 season. This strong business presence testifies to the increasingly important role that this specialised sector is acquiring within the framework of INTERGIFT as a whole. The fair that will bring together nearly one thousand exhibitors at an exhibition that revolves around seven clearly-defined sections, thus enabling visitors to locate the products and companies that interest them with the greatest of ease: Atmósfera ("Ambience"); Mesa Viva ("The Living Table"); Decorative Items; Textile; Fantasía ("Fantasy"); Miscellaneous Gifts and Travel and Leather Goods.
A Desire to Travel with Light-Weight Luggage
The increasingly light-weight appeal of suitcases, trolleys, hand luggage and all kinds of travel items will set the general trend among the new features presented by the leading manufacturers from the sector. In this respect, companies from the field have worked actively to search for materials that offer maximum benefits in terms of light-weight appeal, durability and elegance. These new collections also make the very most of the space available by perfecting the shape and volume of their creations, which means that every last inch of the suitcase can be used for storing luggage. Neither must we forget aspects such as design and quality, elements which make these items an important fashion accessory, effectively enabling users to keep up to date with the latest trends, whether they are travelling for pleasure or for business purposes. In this respect, the new ideas from manufacturers incorporate designs, logos and an endless range of patterns in cheerful colours, fleeing from the traditionally rather serious approach that has characterised these products. The weekend bag or suitcase is becoming an increasingly important piece of luggage, being perfect for its small size and clever use of space, enabling the traveller to carry everything he or she needs.
The travel line from Miguel Bellido consists of a collection made of leather known as the "Antarctic Collection", together with another collection made of leather combined with a technical material, which is known as the "Pacific Collection".
The Antarctic Collection brings together a number of items made of soft but hardwearing cow-skin, which has been carefully selected based on its origin. Featuring an exclusive and carefully-studied design, a perfect eye for detail and a refined finish, aesthetic appeal and functional excellence, this collection includes a series of trolleys, briefcases with computer compartments, messenger bags, bandoleer-type bags, 48-hour bags with wheels, etc.
The Pacific Collection encompasses a series of exclusive designs based on carefully-produced and exceptional finishes, as can be appreciated in every last detail, such as the red-coloured insides and the varnished metallic fasteners. Among the items that will be presented at this edition of INTERGIFT, we might mention rucksacks, dressing cases, travel bags with wheels, suit-holders, etc.
The company, Contys, through its brand known as Privata, invites us to travel the world, christening its new collections of rucksacks, suitcases, bags and other travel accessories with the names of the most interesting and evocative destinations.
Three ideas will be presented by Gladiator, the brand owned by Maletas Queralt. The first is known as "Ultra Light", featuring a collection designed with special light-weight materials: a small-sized trolley measuring 50 cm weighs just 2.4 kg, whilst a large trolley measuring 70 cm weighs no more than 4.2 kilos. Furthermore, the brand has adapted the shapes of its smallest models to the requirements of airline companies, especially the "low-cost" operators.
For the travelling woman, the brand has created a collection in jacquard, featuring geometric designs in different sizes, thus creating an up-to-date appeal that it also sober and elegant. These items are also highly practical.
Finally, the brand's Ibiza Collection includes trolleys made of polycarbonate, replete with youthful and highly distinctive designs. Another of the collection's characteristics consists of the use of light but hardwearing materials, based on a series of carefully-studied measurements that make these items the ideal travel companion for short trips.
Sophisticated Belts, Gloves and Bags
With regard to the latest new features in leather goods and accessories, we might mention belts, which have recovered their leading role with a wintry look designed to hug the waists of both men and women They will not only be used for trousers and skirts but, above all, for dresses, endowing any style with a feminine and highly sophisticated touch.
The predominant shades will be natural, based on light brown, black and camel, combined with small concessions to the range of blues, reds and pinks. As far as shapes are concerned, narrow belts will continue to offer their classic appeal, although those models that are several centimetres wide will gradually gain ground. The most cutting-edge lines will combine various strips of leather, almost always featuring flat designs.
Gloves will constitute another of the indispensable items for the season. On this occasion, they will increase in size and in terms of sensual appeal, extending up the arm almost to the elbow. Reminiscent of the legendary "Gilda" style, these gloves are made of exquisite tanned leather of prime quality. Another outstanding new feature will focus on the return of mittens, featuring either one finger versions (usually the thumb) or five-finger models.
Brown, black and deep crimson make up the reigning triumvirate, always in light kidskin and delicate varieties of leather. Long-haired fur will also make an appearance, not only providing a spectacular finish for gloves, but also covering the gloves entirely, recalling Siberian and polar clothing items. The most popular finishes will be matt and velvety, contrasting with daring patent leather versions.
However, the realm where designers and brands present their greatest capacity for creativity is within the world of bags. A thousand and one materials, varieties of leather and fabrics are employed, ranging from wool to cloth, either on their own or combined, giving shape to a series of extremely comfortable, practical and sophisticated ideas designed to suit the tastes of every woman.
One of the predominant trends will be, precisely, the use of new materials, such as knitwear, velvet and treated leather that imitates snakeskin or the skins of other wild animals. Another outstanding trend for next season will consist of a series of high-impact adornments, including studs, buckles, strass, tassels, bows, leather details, embossed details and even feathers in a thousand different colours.
As far as volume is concerned, large-sized formats for everyday use will predominate, together with square designs and models featuring straight angles. Bags will continue to be strongly inspired by the doctor's and lawyer's briefcases of the early twentieth century, bags that are perfect for carrying everything we need for work. Alongside these models, shopping bags will consolidate their popularity, featuring reinforced handles and a range of increasingly daring colours.
Other new and striking shapes that will come to the fore in bags next season include rhombuses, trapeziums and similar designs, creations produced thanks to the incorporation of new angles that lead us away from the customary rectangular and square shapes.
Fans of a more comfortable style will also find what they are looking for in a series of small bags with flaps, models that can be worn across the chest. And for evening-wear, clutch bags and bombonnière bags will be the favourite choice, together with handbags with small handles and even versions that have no handles at all.
The colour range will continue to revolve around classic black and brown shades, which will incorporate an endless series of daring and distinct nuances designed to break the monotony of winter: fuchsia, rosewood, Klein blue, chocolate, anthracite, burgundy, pistachio ...
Creations Designed to Suit Every Taste
The leather goods line from Miguel Bellido brings together a sense of elegance and hardwearing appeal, two qualities that combine perfectly to create a collection of exclusive design made of cowhide. Each piece exudes a strong sense of personality based on numerous details: a soft and ductile texture, practicality, combinations of stitched details, the brand's enriching logo and linings of different textures, not to mention contrasting colours and some very special coloured motifs (featuring horse designs, for example).
The Abbacino Collection from Seyma Import-Export for Autumn-Winter 2010 is inspired by the warm days of the Majorcan autumn. These creations are born in the orange groves that cover the slopes of the Tramontana mountain range. For day-wear, we come across practical and urban-style bags in the brand's Urban and Classics lines. For evening-wear and special occasions, we might highlight the sophisticated clutch bags of the Cocktail line, based on the use of exotic prints. The most demanding customers will find everything they need among the exclusive creations that make up the Premium line.
The colour range, which is more relaxed than in the autumn season, extends from chocolate brown to blue, not to mention the entire gamut of earthy shades. For their part, materials such as wool, velvet and suede add a touch of much-needed warmth for the cold days of winter.
International Recognition for Spanish Products
According to figures contained in the Leather Yearbook 2009 produced by ASEFMA (The Spanish Association of Leather Goods Manufacturers), Spain has around 1,600 companies devoted to the manufacture and sale of items such as bags, wallets, belts, purses, cases, portfolios, briefcases, gloves, travel items, etc., based on a market with a turnover of around 1,800 million euros.
Although the domestic market continues to be the main destination for Spanish products, sales in other countries have gradually increased in recent years. This growth is backed by the business acumen and negotiation capacity of Spanish leather goods companies, as well as the high quality of Spanish products. In fact, Spanish leather goods have earned a place among the most luxurious and highly-valued items on the market, thanks to the quality of the materials employed, the exquisite manufacturing processes applied - in many cases featuring a handcrafted component - and their excellent design.
The Largest Showcase for the Gift, Jewellery and Fashion Jewellery Sectors
INTERGIFT will be staged within the framework of GIFTRENDS MADRID, a grand fair event organised by IFEMA that also encompasses the simultaneous staging of BISUTEX, the International Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Trade Fair, and IBERJOYA, the International Jewellery, Silverware, Watch and Related Industries Exhibition. As a whole, GIFTRENDS MADRID will feature the participation of some 1,500 exhibiting companies and thousands of segments, based on the presentation of a series of new features designed specially for the Christmas and New Year sales campaigns.
