LF "This Year's Footwear Trend M.U.L.T.I... Simultaneously Fulfilling Function and Fashion"

LF announced on the 15th that it has selected 'MULTI' as the keyword encompassing this year's footwear fashion trends.

'MULTI' is derived from the first letters of the English words Minimalism, Unique, Luxury, Technology, and Interaction. It is a keyword that predicts trends in the footwear market, including various collaborations, with the expectation that brands and products crossing the boundaries of lifestyle will emerge by satisfying both functionality and fashion in response to diversifying customer demands.

LF's selected footwear fashion trend of the year, 'Multi' (MULTI).
[Image provided by LF]

This year, from the perspective of Minimalism, LF anticipates that minimal styling inspired by 1990s minimalism will be popular. As classic-based fashion trends such as 'office core,' 'business core,' 'saser core,' and 'preppy look,' derived from the neat style of 'minimal look,' rise, dress shoe styles (loafers and oxfords) are expected to gain popularity in footwear fashion this year. With the increasing purchasing power of men aged 35 to 45 who have a strong fashion preference, the purchase of business casual dress shoes by men is also expected to rise.

Marketing of unique limited editions and collaborations is also expected to accelerate. Various footwear brands are anticipated to actively engage in fresh collaborations and limited edition marketing. The American urban outdoor shoe brand 'KEEN,' imported and sold by LF, celebrated the 15th anniversary of its 'JASPER' model last year by releasing a 'Hiking Patrol' collaboration, which sold out within two weeks.

The popularity of luxury shoes is also expected to increase. Despite the recession, the demand for luxury goods is predicted to grow due to polarization trends. Additionally, as interest in sports, leisure, and outdoor activities rises, 'technology footwear' brands based on specialized technical skills are expected to stand out. Furthermore, interaction with customers is expected to play an important role. Accordingly, O4O (Online for Offline) channel strategies that freely mix online and offline shopping experiences, such as pop-up stores and select shops where customers can try on products and fully experience the brand, will become increasingly important.

LF plans to continue expanding direct communication touchpoints such as pop-ups targeting the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) this year as well. While conducting various pop-up stores tailored to each brand's target customers, LF will also actively strengthen 'Raum Edition,' a select shop-style store where multiple brands can be browsed in one place.

Choi Yoon-hyung, head of LF's footwear division, said, "LF is responding swiftly to market changes by building a broad brand portfolio that covers all genders and ages in footwear fashion, which has become a major pillar of fashion. This year, we will continue to lead the market by discovering new brands and products that stay ahead of ever-changing fashion trends and by increasing customer touchpoints both online and offline."