Arsutoria Studio
Arsutoria Magazine

Co.Bo., 40 years of innovation combining performance and fashion

I believe that what makes Co.Bo. unique is its singular corporate journey, straddling seemingly irreconcilable sectors such as the field of luxury and the technical world of sport.

 

Being involved in tackling the technical developments of complex projects alongside international brands and then producing items for needs that at first glance seem so different has probably allowed the company to consolidate technical skills that most players in the Made in Italy supply chain are unable to offer.  

 

“We sell soles,” an American designer who has designed some of the world’s most iconic sports products confided to us years ago. For those of us at Arsutoria School who specialise in upper construction methods, this is a difficult statement to digest. But it is clear that being able to master the complex aesthetics of sneaker soles today, while at the same time being able to focus on different technical characteristics and performance parameters that often conflict with each other, requires in-depth knowledge of materials science and moulding technology.   

 

One might wonder what someone who has to create glamourous sneakers for a fashion house’s upcoming Paris show is looking for when they choose to work with a company that has a history of working with major sports brands and handling technical polymers such as Pebax, Nylon and Polyamide. The answer is simple: the ability to manage complexity and master the industrial process of injection moulding, which sometimes resembles an art form.

 

It is therefore not surprising that Co.Bo., in 2025, in the midst of an absolute crisis in the fashion industry, decided to invest heavily in Italy in the creation of an innovative structure capable of pushing the limits of manufacturing one step further. And that it has created, with courage and foresight, one of the first Italian factories completely dedicated to Super Critical Foaming.


 However, these technical skills would not mean much if the people involved were not respected in the industry for their competence, professionalism and honesty. These are values that have always distinguished Co.Bo., founded in 1984 by husband and wife Leonardo Procaccini and Rosanna Borroni.

“Leonardo wouldn’t let me get away with anything if he thought I was doing something wrong, but for him everything was black and white. He told you things as they were in an honest way and, if he made a mistake, he paid for it out of his own pocket,” a friend who has been working with this company for many years told me. “And I can only say good things about their sons: they have carried on the style of professionalism and competence that has always been the hallmark of Co.Bo.”.

 

So, best wishes to Co.Bo. for these 40 years of commitment and well-deserved success.

Co.Bo. for the safety sector: Hypercell

A few evenings ago, I was having dinner with some entrepreneurs who manufacture footwear in the Far East. The sourcing manager of a large Italian group that develops and markets safety footwear was also invited. A clear and decisive statement: “I have no intention of being a guinea pig: you have to prove to me that you have already produced safety footwear that complies with current regulations”. It is clear that safety is a world apart, one that cannot be improvised: materials and construction, and therefore technology, must comply with precise standards. 

 

If a sole for sports footwear involves a complex system of performance values, a sole for safety footwear adds a list of requirements relating to use in challenging work environments: from a restaurant kitchen to a construction site, an oil rig or a room in the middle of a fire. 

 

This is where a reasonable knowledge of materials and moulding technologies is not enough. You really need to be an expert because safety requirements are no laughing matter: shoes can only be placed on the market after being certified by a specific body. 

 

Co.Bo. now has several years of experience in the design and production of soles for safety footwear and has also supported companies in the sector with direct injection projects on uppers. Its in-depth knowledge of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer chemistry, combined with experience gained in dealing with the science of more complex performance materials, has enabled Co.Bo. to always offer the most appropriate solutions for different contexts of use, such as composite safety toe caps.

 

This experience and a naturally innovation-oriented DNA have led to the proposal to bring Hypercell, a technical expanded polymer launched on the market in 2025, into the field of safety footwear. In a world currently dominated by PU, Co.Bo.’s proposal provides an alternative for creating lightweight and comfortable inserts and fillers, with superior shock absorption and reduced overall footwear weight, while maintaining the same level of resistance to oils and hydrocarbons required to comply with typical safety footwear requirements.

 

Matteo Pasca, Arsutoria director

135 years of history for U.S. Polo Assn.

The brand’s authentic style evolves without losing its identity, giving life to footwear and accessories with a versatile, fresh and sophisticated design, conceived to accompany every moment of everyday life with style and comfort.

Among the novelties is the return of the espadrilles, a summer icon par excellence, reinterpreted with modern materials and up-to-date details: a perfect proposal for those seeking lightness and elegance in the warmer months. Among the models on offer is SAMOA, a versatile and comfortable shoe available in both slip-on and lace-up versions, ideal to accompany every moment of the day in style, from the city to the sea.

Big debut also for SWIFT, the new running model that interprets the sporty universe with character. Lightweight, colourful and rich in details – including mesh, prints and embossed work – SWIFT is designed for those who do not renounce style, even on the move.

SAMOA
SAMOA
SWIFT
SWIFT


How luxury customer choices change

The EY Luxury Client Index survey involved 1,600 luxury consumers across 10 markets globally, including Italy, providing an up-to-date overview of the sector and analyzing how customer preferences and behaviors change (Aspirational Luxury Client).

“According to our survey, 68% of Italian Aspirational Luxury Clients reward the quality of the product in their purchases which becomes the protagonist again, together with its history, authenticity and craftsmanship” – says Stefano Vittucci, Consumer Products & Retail Sector Leader of EY in Italy.

Anna Nasole, Partner EY Parthenon, Fashion, Luxury & Beauty in Italy, comments: “Luxury is experiencing a profound repositioning: consumers no longer reward only status but coherence ‘value for money’, therefore recognizable quality, authenticity, sustainability and experiences. For brands this means concentrating investments on three directions: product innovation and strengthening of the supply chain to preserve excellence and craftsmanship; digitalisation and omnichannel to guarantee a fluid and personalized customer journey; and concrete sustainability as a competitive and reputational lever. It is the ability to turn these priorities into structural levers that makes the difference today and makes companies attractive in the eyes of investors.”

Quality first: the intrinsic value of luxury

The large majority of Italian consumers choose luxury because they want to own higher quality products (68%), a figure that goes against the trend of the world champion who mainly seeks personal recognition (47%), 9% less than the average globally; among the reasons, it also follows the acquisition of a status symbol (28%).

The quality of materials and craftsmanship are therefore the main aspects that influence purchasing choices, overcoming customization and price. Despite the rise of so-called quiet luxury, the brand maintains a certain relevance: 22% of Italian consumers consider it among the most influential elements (26% internationally), while only 9% prefer products without visible brands (-3% compared to the world population). The generational factor also plays an important role: while Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2008) places greater value on brands involving celebrities and influencers (43% Italian champion compared to 28% worldwide), Baby Boomers (1946–1964) reward the historical identity of the brand (71% of respondents in the country, 56% worldwide).

Luxury and sustainability: an increasingly relevant theme in purchasing choices

Sustainability exceeds the price in the decisions of Italian consumers. In fact, a third of those interviewed consider it decisive in their purchases, with a gap of 7 percentage points from economic considerations (a share lower than the global average, which stands at 30%).  This trend is driven above all by the new generations, with 26% of Gen Z and 36% of Millennials (1981-1996) including sustainability among the five fundamental criteria in purchasing choices, in line with the global average of 36% and 34% respectively.

Price and quality: an equation to be recalibrated
Although the luxury sector has long benefited from substantial flexibility with respect to changing prices, the consumer perspective is changing. In the last 12 months, due to the price being too high, almost 1 in 3 consumers globally have given up on a planned purchase; in Italy the percentage drops to 23%, however reporting in the price a significant reason for abandoning a purchase.
One of the possible responses to this dynamic could be the adoption of flexible payment plans (indicated by 22% of Italian consumers), to prevent consumers from turning towards counterfeit products, quality economic alternatives or giving up purchasing altogether.
The role of omnichannel: how the customer experience evolves
The store continues to be central to customers’ purchasing journey, chosen by 73% of Italians, in line with the global sample. The decision to go to a physical location is affected by the possibility of touching and trying the products before purchasing (for 31% of respondents), and the personalization of the service (16%). However, fashion houses cannot ignore the evolving digital expectations of luxury consumers who, especially in reference to digital natives, use the online channel (50%), mainly for convenience (25%) and for the convenience of prices and discounts (20 %).
 Growth opportunities: exclusive experiences and new business models

A significant proportion of Italian respondents (74%) stated that they would be more likely to conclude the purchase if unique and exclusive experiences were offered (83% worldwide). A clear signal that perceived value is not limited to the product, but is increasingly built through emotions, exclusivity and connection with the brand.  Compared to new business models, over a third of Italian consumers say they have already purchased second-hand luxury items (38% worldwide), while 17% do so regularly.

Stefano Vittucci, Consumer Products & Retail Sector Leader  EY in Italia


Big changes for Spanish trade fairs

The September 2025 edition of MOMAD, Intergift, Madridjoya and Bisutex ended on a positive note in terms of professional participation and business generation. The quality of the offering in the accessories and fashion, decoration, interior design, gifts, fine jewellery/watches and costume jewellery sectors attracted national and international professional visitors, who found IFEMA MADRID to be an unmissable meeting place to learn about new trends and strengthen business relationships.

MOMAD, in particular, closed with excellent results, presenting the new SS26 proposals of over 300 brands, with a focus on sustainability and textile innovation. The show recorded an 11% increase in professional visitors compared to September 2024, coming from 70 countries. The event once again hosted the MOMAD Talents competition, which rewarded emerging young designers, with Victoria Af Burén and Sandra Vargas recognised as the first and second winners of this edition, respectively. The Pasarela MOMAD fashion shows attracted considerable interest, with participants including designers from Bogotá Fashion Week, as well as a full programme of conferences and meetings.

With an eye to the future, MOMAD will now meet with professionals from the accessories and fashion industries from 5 to 7 February at IFEMA MADRID, together with Intergift and Bisutex (4-7 February 2026). The coincidence of dates and locations will strengthen the synergies between the fairs, multiplying business opportunities.Madridjoya, on the other hand, will concentrate its efforts in a single annual edition in September, from the 24th to the 27th.

GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD establishes itself on the market

Nowadays, safety boots must offer much more than just protection. They must be comfortable, lightweight, and weather-resistant in everyday use. “Safety boots featuring EXTRAGUARD upper technology combine all these characteristics: they are sturdy, waterproof, dry quickly, and remain lightweight even after long periods in wet conditions,” says GORE-TEX®.

This performance has been confirmed by a six-month field test conducted at Deutsche Bahn (German Railways). At A+A 2025, the GORE-TEX® brand and its partner brands Atlas, Elten, Fal, HAIX, Heckel, Obuv, Robusta, Solid Gear, Steitz Secura, and U-Power will present their new collections of boots featuring the innovative upper technology in Hall 11, Stand H 67.

With EXTRAGUARD upper technology, the GORE-TEX® brand combines the advantages of traditional robust materials with those of lightweight fabrics, paving the way for greater protection and comfort with minimal maintenance. EXTRAGUARD upper technology is suitable for the most challenging work environments and offers robust protection and comfort even after months of continuous use in demanding and wet conditions. “Workers in the construction, demolition, rail, utilities, agriculture, power, and water industries benefit from our innovative upper technology: these are all fields where people doing heavy, strenuous work need sturdy, durable, lightweight, and comfortable footwear they can really trust,” explains Johannes Krieg, footwear product specialist for the GORE-TEX® brand.

Steitz Secura
HAIX

A+A: a trade fair projected into the future

Since last September, the director of the A+A safety trade fair has been Daniel Feische, a manager with extensive international experience who has been with Messe Düsseldorf for many years. He takes over from Lars Wismer, who has become Regional Manager Asia for the trade fair based in Singapore. The new director Feische agreed to answer a few questions.

Daniel Feische

A+A 2025 promises to be the biggest ever. Can you give us some details about the number of exhibitors and the floor space occupied?

“Absolutely. A+A 2025 is set to be the largest edition in the trade fair’s history. We are expecting more than 2,200 exhibitors from over 69 countries and around 87,000 square meters of exhibition space have been sold. This makes the 2025 edition the largest A+A we have ever organized. We are also seeing a continuously growing number of international registrations, particularly from Europe, Asia, and North America. The trade fair will bring together a strong mix of established global market leaders and many first-time exhibitors, who will enrich the event with fresh ideas and innovations. What we can already confirm is that large parts of the fairgrounds will be dedicated to future-oriented topics such as wearable technologies, robotics, smart PPE and digital solutions. This clearly reflects the growing importance of innovation and future orientated technologies within our industry.”

Could you provide us with some data on the presence of exhibitors from the specific footwear sector?

“Safety footwear is an essential segment within A+A and we have more than 340 exhibitors related to footwear The dedicated Corporate Wear and Fashion Show formats highlight this trend, underscoring how important the combination of safety, ergonomics, and style has become. This increased focus also suggests that protective footwear will have a stronger presence compared to previous years.”

How many visitors do you expect and from which countries?

“Workplace safety, health, and wellbeing are gaining global importance as companies face demographic change, digital transformation and new work models. Rising ESG requirements and employee expectations make safe and future-oriented workplaces decisive factors for competitiveness and employer attractiveness. In 2023, A+A welcomed around 62,300 visitors from more than 140 countries. For 2025, we expect growing visitor numbers, underlining the truly global scope of the event. Pre-registration trends already show a strong increase in participation from outside Europe – especially from Asia and North America – alongside consistently  strong attendance from European neighbor countries.

Looking at exhibitors, we already see significant representation from countries such as Italy, the USA, India, Korea, Spain, the UK and China. This illustrates the broad and highly international spectrum of A+A 2025.”

During the fair there will be many side events. Which ones are not to be missed?

“The supporting program is a core element of A+A and one of its major strengths. A particular highlight is the A+A Congress, one of the world’s leading international conferences on occupational safety and health, which this year will feature new interactive formats. Key topics include sustainability, climate change, mental well-being at work, prevention strategies for SMEs, as well as digitalization and artificial intelligence. In addition, WearRAcon Europe will take place at A+A for the second time, providing in-depth insights into wearable robotics and exoskeletons, and showcasing how these technologies can be applied in professional contexts. At the Trend Forum, leading experts will discuss the latest research and developments – from sustainability and innovative materials to corporate wear. Another highlight will be the Corporate Wear/Fashion Show, once again a visitor magnet, presenting workwear and PPE in a modern, stylish format that combines safety with design and fashion.”

In recent years, the safety sector has experienced steady growth. However, the international economic context is now dominated by uncertainty…

“It is true that the current economic climate – with supply chain challenges, inflation, and geopolitical tensions – creates uncertainty across many industries. However, the safety and health sector has proven to be particularly resilient. Occupational safety is not optional: it is a regulatory and ethical obligation in many countries, which ensures a stable demand for reliable solutions. At the same time, the industry is undergoing significant transformation. Trends such as digitalization, wearable technologies, AI, and sustainability are driving investment because they provide efficiency, compliance, cost savings and improved employee protection. These factors make us confident that A+A 2025 will once again showcase the sector’s innovative strength and underline its essential role in creating safe and future-ready workplaces worldwide.”

 

 

GRISPORT presents “MISANO””

The Grisport shoe factory turns the spotlight on the “Misano” safety footwear, part of the STS (Super Trail System) line, which joins the Imola, Mugello, Adria, and Monza models, all comfortable and safe. At the same time, in line with the latest trends in the sector, Misano is increasingly similar to a city sneaker in terms of sportiness and lightness.

The upper is made of top-quality genuine gray suede and Cordura, which, thanks to the new construction technology applied to the sole and the breathable perforated steel toe cap, is unique in its kind, also thanks to the sportiness and lightness that distinguish it.

The Misano features a non-slip Vibram sole and an anti-torsion “Block-Up” system that guarantees ankle support.

 The models in Grisport’s STS line also feature an innovative patented BOA closure system. With almost 14 million users worldwide, this system is reinventing the way we think about sports footwear. The system is durable, secure, comfortable, quick to adjust, and easy to close, open, and clean.

 

TFL presents Spring-Summer 2027

TFL has released its new catalogue for Spring-Summer 2027, presenting the latest colour trends for leather garments, footwear, accessories and for the upholstery industry.

The trends are divided into “Wearing” and “Living”. 

“Wearing” comprises inspirations and colour trends for garments, footwear and accessories.

The “Living” section features all colours that will decorate the season’s interior designs.

In the “Wearing” section, fashion and design embrace bold contrasts and natural inspiration. The negative reptile print makes a comeback in striking greens and lemon yellow. Boat shoes dive into a spectrum of sea blues and reflection of the open sky, while suede takes on sandy neutrals combined with pop colours inspired by fruit ice creams.

In the “Living” section, sofas and armchairs light up in vibrant camellia pinks for dynamic environments with character or opt for timeless elegance with taupe and earthy browns. TFL Colour Trends Spring-Summer 2027 are an invitation to explore tactile and visual emotions through colour, combining innovation, comfort and style.

The TFL Colour Trends catalogue is available.  More info: www.tfl.com.

Stardust by Satorisan

Inspired by the idea that every human being comes from ancient stardust scattered throughout the universe, Stardust carries a profound message: an invitation to rediscover one’s origins and the bond that connects each individual to the universe, to others and to the environment around them. The design is inspired by the iconic football boots of the 1960s, revisited with a modern twist. The silhouette is simple yet distinctive, with long laces that ensure a precise fit, embellished with exclusive details such as an embossed logo, gold accents, decorative stitching and reinforced flaps on the tongue and heel. The result is a versatile, sturdy and incredibly comfortable shoe, designed to become a new classic.

There are two versions. Stardust Suede: made from suede combined with full-grain leather from LWG Gold-certified tanneries, it comes in refined colour combinations and stands out for its stitched toe cap, which enhances its sporty character. Stardust Premium, on the other hand, is made from premium leather with a nubuck finish, combined with full-grain leather and high-quality suede, all sourced from LWG Gold-certified tanneries. The upturned toe is inspired by old footballs, while protective flaps on the tongue and heel and a leather inner lining complete the design.

Stardust Suede
Stardust Premium