The international division of the Danyu Co. of Tokyo were showing at Fashion Access for the second time.  On this occasion though they were in the Japanese pavilion - which was a 'first' - situated in the prime Fashion Avenue location.  General Manager Koichi Kikuchi was happy about his booth in Fashion Avenue, where a selection of the company's leather boots and shoes were on display. Denyu was established 41 years ago and sells well in the domestic Japanese market, but they are trying now to penetrate the international market and reach other countries in Asia, and further afield.

The company has a team of eight designers, five for women's shoes and boots and three for men's. They are influenced by international trends, he said, but their designers also show typical Japanese creativity.

Most Danyu shoes are in leather but, in line with, prevailing trends an increasing number of styles use PU and fabric, said Mr Kikuchi. The leather footwear sells on international markets for an average wholesale price of US$18 for shoes and US$35 for boots. The footwear is manufactured in China but it all goes through strict quality checks, including X-rays by Japanese inspectors, before it is delivered to customers. A special agent called Wasaace is used with all the leather footwear to prevent mould and bacteria. 

At the Fashion Access in March they made contact with Chinese buyers. Mr. Kikuchi said they expected this would bear fruit in the March show.

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