The much-anticipated Highlights Area of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags will once again take the stage as the creative engine of the fair’s January 2026 edition. Acting as a strategic observatory for evolving consumer behaviours in the global footwear, leather goods and accessories markets, the area will welcome visitors across two locations: one in Hall B4 and one within the Innovation Village Retail zone, positioned between Halls A2 and B2.
Developed in collaboration with Arsutoria, the Highlights Area has over time evolved from a simple trend showcase into a “sectoral compass” guiding buyers and exhibitors in shaping their purchasing strategies. This edition will also feature the brand-new Showcase Area inside Pavilion A2, presenting a curated selection of colour-focused bags, leather goods and travel accessories from Gardabags exhibitors.
2026 Trends: A New Narrative Between Memory, Material and Desire
The upcoming season will be defined by four stylistic visions that reflect consumers’ growing attention to sensory quality, durability and a meaningful product story:
- Opulent Grace – A baroque-inspired world of velvets, brocades and metallics; gold and black delivering theatrical yet modern luxury.
- Heritage Remix – Tradition meets contemporary design as woven fabrics, tartans and traditionally crafted leathers blend with modern geometries and metallic touches.
- Denim Renaissance – Denim becomes a full creative playground through washes, embroidery and patchwork, forming a gender-fluid, inclusive and expressive design language.
- Wild Allure – A raw yet urban aesthetic inspired by nature’s instinctive energy, featuring animal textures, hair-on hides and iridescent effects with sculptural shapes.
Together, these four narratives outline the direction of fashion for the coming seasons: balancing heritage and innovation, tactile richness and visual lightness, authenticity and experimentation.
Market Insights from Northern Europe
In addition to style previews, the program will feature deep-dive sessions on key Northern European markets, where casual elegance and conscious consumption are being redefined.
An Ecosystem of Knowledge
The Highlights Area stands alongside Innovation Village Retail—focused on startups revolutionising retail technologies—as well as Market Focus economic sessions and the new Showcase Area, creating a complete “knowledge ecosystem” for Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags.
Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, emphasises:
“Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags together represent two crucial segments of the international fashion market; a space where professionals can find inspiration, data and practical tools to navigate their strategies.”
Opening the Fashion Season
Scheduled for 10–13 January 2026, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags serves as the first major moment of the year to assess the market and define new collection strategies. The Highlights Area embodies this mission, transforming observation into knowledge and trends into opportunity.
