Sapica Celebrates 100 Years of Guanajuato's Footwear Industry

The Salón de la Piel y el Calzado (Sapica) in León, Guanajuato, recently hosted its 95th edition, marking a significant milestone: 100 years of the organized footwear industry in the region. The event, held from August 11-13, blended tradition with innovation under the "FUTURA 100+" concept, honoring the industry's heritage while looking toward the future.

Organizers estimated that the fair brought together more than 380 exhibiting companies and over 2,000 brands. It also attracted specialized buyers from 17 countries, highlighting the international appeal and export quality of "Made in Guanajuato" products. The event facilitated an estimated 14,000 business meetings, connecting manufacturers with national and international distributors and buyers.

Fashion was a central theme, with trends for Spring 2027 showcased across various sections including women's, men's, children's, and the currently booming cowboy boot segment. A notable highlight was the "100 years walking together" runway show, featuring designs by three Mexican talents: Raquel Dorantes, Fernanda Muñoz, and Elizabeth Salim. The event also included conferences offering insights into brand building, luxury, creative direction, finance, consumer trends, and crucial technological topics like artificial intelligence and e-commerce.

The celebration extended beyond the exhibition halls. The interior courtyard of León's Municipal Palace served as a runway for the opening night, commemorating both the 450th anniversary of León's founding and the centennial of Guanajuato's footwear industry. Designer Raquel Dorantes, with experience at brands like Miu Miu and Prada, presented her "Traccia" collection, inspired by nostalgia and sunset hues, in collaboration with Botas Jever and Perugia.