GDS has made it its task to promote talented young designers.  Design Attack is an exciting platform for young labels. In this environment of established brands they can appear as a community, present themselves and get in contact with important buyers, explained GDS/gLS Project Director Kirstin Deutelmoser. After they participated several times, promising young labels are given the option to exhibit in a larger booth with about 20 brands to further develop already established contacts.

The booths in the MOONWALK Design Attack section will be half-moon shaped with metallic framework and illuminated with lighting effects in neon blue. A walk-on space shuttle in the event area in the shape of a UFO will become the catwalk. A further highlight will be the Design Attack Party on the evening of March 14.

Visitors will benefit from the combination of aspiring independent labels and established young brands such as Ben Sherman, Converse, Replay, Hello Kitty, Fly London, Keds, Evisu Shoos, Kangaroos and Skechers. First time exhibitors will include the Dutch brand Stacy Adams and Warmbat from Australia .

Design Attack: New labels to watch Original, sporty shoes will be presented by the Swedish label Cheapo Footwear. The current collection consisting of styles in neon colors features a casual cross-over between sneakers and ankle boots. The famous trademark is the skeleton design on the sole of the shoes. www.cheapo.de

Red chilli, blue dog and gold fever are the names of the extravagant hand-made bags by Winibag. Bag designer Charlotte Lth combines different materials such as velvet, silk and fine upholstery fabrics. From hand and shoulder bags to small cosmetic bags, they all feature creative design details like leather insets, trims and decorative buttons. www.winibag.de

The Danish label with the Japanese name Kawasaki Footwear caused a stir in the sporting world in the 70s with its two-tone badminton shoes. Today the trendy bar and clubbing scene would be unthinkable without these low-tech sneakers with their colored design. The label also makes its contribution to the environment by only using natural materials such as cotton, suede and rubber. www.kawasakisko.dk

Also presented for the first time at Design Attack will be the Dutch brand Salty Dog. Their comprehensive kids shoe collection includes unusual footwear ranging from
First Steps and slippers to trendy boots for children of all ages. www.saltyshoes.com

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at GDS/gLS 2008, contact Messe D'sseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920 , Chicago , IL 60601 . Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com. Or visit the web site http://www.mdna.com