Luxury goods and the Leather Industry Follow the Money

The world is changing The leather industry today is one totally unlike that of 10, even 5 years back. From a sector operating largely independently of outside factors it is, now, an integral part of the much larger apparel and fashion industry. As such, it is subject to the same pressures for seasonal trends in colour, feel and design as any other material supplier. No major or aspiring tanneries in the world today survive without contact with international brands. From Hermes to Wilson's Leathergoods: from Timberland to the Ford Motor Company what brands do affects what tanneries make and how they make it. Know what the customer actually needs and wants The seminar helps both the brands and the tanners "follow the money". David Shah, from the magazine View, not only understands what the brands do, but helps them do it. He works with people like Volvo, Puma and Etienne Aigner to plan the future and prepare the correct materials. He helps us in thinking about what the customer might actually need and want, and then see how we can best develop the necessary leather to meet that particular need.		During the seminar we examine primarily how luxury fashion retail is changing and how that affects the leather and industries. But, to a great extent understanding the disciplines involved in keeping up with the trends applies to all market segments. What are the underlying trends? For those wanting to stay ahead of the game The seminar will not give us all the answers to these complex issues but will lead the way in showing us what is likely to happen and the best way to respond to it. For those wanting to stay ahead of the game, wanting to understand how leather and competitive materials will develop, and what the market place will look like in the near future, this is a 'must attend' event.
This is not just another 'talking shop': along with the rest of our small panel David Shah will help us plan for the years ahead.		Seminar moderated by Mr Mike Redwood Date: 31 March 2008 Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm Venue: Seminar Room 608 Registration Fee: US$50 * Walk-in registrants please arrive 20 minutes before the seminar starts. Click here for seminar registration.

David Shah is the Publisher of Metropolitan Publishing BV (magazines include Textile View Magazine, View2, Viewpoint, View Colour Planner, View China). He is the owner and director of DRS Consultancy BV, which is a specialist company dealing in publishing, fashion and lifestyle concepts and future strategies. At the same time, David is the Visiting Professor Royal College of Arts, London, Associate Professor at Arnhem, Netherlands and Guest Professor, Renmin University Beijing, teaching courses related to textiles, fashion and marketing, branding strategy and lifestyle behaviour.