Jean Michel Cazabat – Fall 2011

Jean Michel Cazabat is in his shoes. Each of his designs are very strongly a direct representation of what he feels, how he thinks. When we spoke, he told me that his heart and his art is still very much in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. This shows in his shoes, but interestingly enough his work is not retro. It’s bold, sexy impressively sculpted, and balanced in its adornment and detailing, but it doesn’t immediately claim an obvious influence. Mr Cazabat’s shoes contain an erotic energy even in his more practical designs.

story by Seth Friedermann
photos by Freda Henry

Jean Michel Cazabat is in his shoes. Each of his designs are very strongly a direct representation of what he feels, how he thinks. When we spoke, he told me that his heart and his art is still very much in the 60s, 70s, and 80s.  This shows in his shoes, but interestingly enough his work is not retro. It’s bold, sexy impressively sculpted, and  balanced in its adornment and detailing, but it doesn’t immediately claim an obvious influence. Mr Cazabat’s shoes contain an erotic energy even in his more practical designs. Continue reading “Jean Michel Cazabat – Fall 2011”

Fratelli Rossetti – Fall 2011

Put a Fratelli Rosetti pump next to a cheaply made heel and it’s a stakes grade thoroughbred next to a donkey.

story by Seth Friedermann
photos by Freda Henry

Endurance is not out of style. In today’s disposable world, convenience and price matter more than permanence on a cultural level, and its amazing that labels like Fratelli Rossetti thrive. Passe notions such as familial tradition and a commitment to craftsmanship are at the core of this classic Italian shoe company. Season after season Fratelli Rossetti creates breathtaking examples of the cobbler’s art. There is always a classic nature to their shoes. Distinctiveness in their shoes and boots comes from subtle detail and the almost spiritual ability of high quality leather and construction to stand out. Put a Fratelli Rossetti pump next to a cheaply made heel and it’s a stakes grade thoroughbred next to a donkey. Continue reading “Fratelli Rossetti – Fall 2011”

Mikhael Kale Spring-Summer 2010 Collection

Standing in the Audi center, with the Le Mans Audi R15 TDI 100 feet away, Mikhael told me, _when dealing with these hand embroidered details and construction, it is easy to be pretentious but that is not what this is about. It is about having fun with design and challenging oneself so if it is young, poppy, cool, and sexy, then we have succeeded._

story by Rebekah Glasgow
photos by Sandy Ramirez

It was the first day of New York Fashion Week, and designer Mikhael Kale went all-out creating a stunningly sexy and uniquely playful line. The dresses were very short and necklines were low, projecting a gladiator-bustier image. Continue reading “Mikhael Kale Spring-Summer 2010 Collection”

5 Minutes With Misha NoNoo and Deborah Lyons

The NoNoo Lyons designers were featured in the July issue of W Magazine as part of the new guard, and are among this season’s breakout stars.

story and photos by Sandy Ramirez

It’s Fashion Week! Yes, the semi annual gathering of buyers, press, fashionistas, and other sundry glitteratti, all here in New York City. Today I had the fine pleasure of attending the presentation in Soho, of NoNoo Lyons’ new line of jackets for Spring 2010.

The NoNoo Lyons designers were featured in the July issue of W Magazine as part of the new guard, and are among this season’s breakout stars. Some of you may recall the interview I did with Deborah Lyons in February, were we discussed her line of shoes. Today I got to spend another five minutes with Deborah, and now also Misha NoNoo. . . Continue reading “5 Minutes With Misha NoNoo and Deborah Lyons”

Fratelli Rossetti Fall-Winter 2009

Fratelli Rossetti mixes leathers and blends leather with suede for yet another strong stylish line. Usually we try to report on innovation, but with this label, these pieces are all about craftsmanship. The company was started shortly after World War II and since its foundation has demonstrated a consistent application of their awareness of fashion history and contemporary style time and again in their new collections. This season is no different. These are some very nice shoes.

reportage by Charles Beckwith
photos by Sandy Ramirez

Fratelli Rossetti mixes leathers and blends leather with suede for yet another strong stylish line. Usually we try to report on innovation, but with this label, these pieces are all about craftsmanship. The company was started shortly after World War II and since its foundation has demonstrated a consistent application of their awareness of fashion history and contemporary style time and again in their new collections. This season is no different. These are some very nice shoes. Continue reading “Fratelli Rossetti Fall-Winter 2009”

German Shoe Porn

Ok, not really “porn” per se, but these images will definitely stimulate desire in many women. Maybe a few men as well. Here are some of the footwear looks from Berlin Fashion Week and the Spring-Summer 2010 Collections.

story by Charles Beckwith
photos by Boris Marberg

Ok, not really porn per se, but these images will definitely stimulate desire in many women. Maybe a few men as well. Here are some of the footwear looks from Berlin Fashion Week and the Spring-Summer 2010 Collections. Continue reading “German Shoe Porn”

Reebok

by Charles Beckwith

I was at Reebok’s big launch party for their new season collections, when I noticed some unusual sneakers. When I inquired further, I was told they were the result of a collabloration with street style label Orchard Street.

They’re called Re-Up Pro Luxe and feature what Reebok calls “alternative lacing.”

Such a departure from everything else on display, everything else on the street. Very cool.

Fratelli Rossetti – Spring 2009 Collection

by Charles Beckwith

photos by Sandy Ramirez and Charles Beckwith

Fratelli Rossetti, producers of Italian leather shoes and accessories, recently premiered a new line at the Italian Consulate on Park Avenue, anticipating the upcoming 30th Anniversary of their New York Boutique, established in 1949. All their products are made in Italy, about 20 minutes drive outside Milan. Shoes and handbags of impeccable quality are produced and expected.

Although they come out with new shoes each season, their products are rarely something you would discard after one year. Their design team seems to not chase or try to make short term trends, preferring to make timeless pieces that will be as attractive this season as next, and perhaps equally 100 years from now.

“One” is the newer active womens’ collection, with comfortable yacht shoes, running shoes, and other more casual footwear.

Standing out in the main Fratelli Rossetti womens’ line was a distinct pair of masculine-form oxfords.

Look how elegant the shape of the heel is on the white shoe pictured below. These are works of art.

They are accompanied by a large number of other strong casual and formal footwear silhouettes, and a lot of fun warm colors.

Less fun was on display in the mens variants, but still shoes I think people would look forward to putting on and walking about in.