LAS VEGAS—The World Shoe Association hosted the WSA Show, the footwear and accessories trade show, and The Collections at the WSA, its luxury and designer footwear show-within-a-show Feb. 21-24 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Sands Expo and Convention Center and The Venetian in Las Vegas. While a later show date pushed attendance down from more than 36,000 last February to 28,700 this season, WSA welcomed the Materials at WSA—a division that showcased innovative materials, components, chemical treatments and technology processes,

and general suppliers to the industry.

Buyers, who bounced between the WSA's various venues, focused on Fall 2008 styles. Rich tones in satin and leather proved popular in every silhouette from flats to towering platform stilettos. Designers also showed flights of fancy, decking party shoes out in delicate feathers, tulle and sequins. The animal kingdom, including creatures that swim, slither, fly and prowl, lent its stripes to delicate silhouettes. And bad girls got a dose of sophistication with grown-up shoes laden in studs, spikes and all manner of tough touches.