The excellency of Italian craftsmanship is once again a main character of New York Fashion Week [2]. Arts & Tannery [3] was in New York City, for its tenth time in a row, for the presentation of the latest trends in leather. The event organized by the Italian Leather System Consortium with the Italian Trade Commission [4], took place at the Midtown Loft and Terrace [5] on September 4th and 5th.

Arts & Tannery is an exclusive event exhibiting the highest quality in Italian leather products. It is a unique and useful opportunity for those seeking the latest in materials and is a vital reference for those designing collections of footwear, handbags, and clothing.

The 13 exhibitors that presented their fall/winter 2014/2015 collections were: Ascot, Atlas Conceria, Ausonia Conceria, Bopell Conceria, Conceria di Urgnano-IL CEA, Conceria Pellegrini Group, MB3, Mohai, Natural Pelli, New Pelli, Sanlorenzo, Tuscania Industria Conciaria and Vesta Corporation.

They all brought collections selected specifically for the American market. The style and research teams of the Italian Leather System Consortium have pinpointed following four key trends for the Fall/Winter 2014 season:1.TECHNO COUTURE, 2.FLEMISH FLAIR, 3.WOODED MOOD, 4.ARMOUR THRILL.

Techno Couture [6] is characterized by sophisticated elegance of extreme formality. It presents a variety of combinations, amid light shades with striking optic effects and dark tones inspired by minerals. “Subdued and pastel shades create sophisticated blends of elegance and sobriety. Naïve pink for chic doll effects; refreshing and suave Cinderella aqua green and bright yellow recalling the 60s.”

Flemish Flair features multitudes of formal results with exaggerated symbolism. “Full bodied with subdued overtones for an imaginative poetic world. From warm sand to the reverential grace of powdery, nostalgic purple rather than deep, tormented versions.”

Wooded Mood recalls dreamy panoramas proposed in a magic mood board of ambiguous beauty. “A carousel of evergreen tones with bursts of energy that modernize without eliminating aplomb.”

Armour Thrill is perfect for daring experimentations in a war-like layout. “Assemblage of timeless colors in a high-tech theme, amid marked iridescence and delicate profiles. Shades of taupe, bright blue and sleek black covered by a quietly fascinating antiqued coating.”

Visitors to Arts & Tannery were able to view products and materials, as well as participate in trend presentations by the Italian Leather System highlighting the trends, ambiances, themes, and colors for the upcoming season.

“Arts & Tannery always showcases the best of Italian leather,” said Pier Paolo Celeste, Executive Director of the Italian Trade Commission network for North America. “The show is visited by renowned designers and companies seeking innovative raw materials for their collections, enriching their creativity with the expertise of Italian vendors. The Italian craftsmanship coupled with techniques always more sophisticated through the passionate process of growth through generations, contribute to making Italy the leading supplier in the industry.”

Today there is an even bigger demand for Italian leather and components in the US. In recent years, the leather industry recovered a leading roll among the suppliers to the US with a market share of 26% in 2013, with Brazil, Mexico and Argentina following behind.

Aldo Donati, President of The Italian Leather System Consortium declared, “Every year, Arts & Tannery greatly celebrates the quality of the leather working tradition and it represents a special occasion to strengthen the relationship between American designers and the Italian market. We are especially excited for this year¹s show, as it marks the tenth edition of this celebration‹it will be a rendezvous not to be missed. Visitors will be able to view upcoming trends in material, colors, and themes.”