shoes – modaCYCLE

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

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”

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.

New Balance

by Charles Beckwith

I was recently in the New Balance showroom to look at their new collections. Not much revolutionary in the sneaker world, but I found their new Aravon line very interesting. Apparently a large number of podiatrists recommend New Balance sneakers to middle-aged women who were having foot problems, so the company created a line of more classical casual non-athletic shoes called Aravon for active people who need a bit more support from their footwear. The line is all womens, and various models are designed for daily routines in the workplace, being around the home, and for traveling. I think my mom needs a few pairs of these.

New Balance has been doing a lot of research into creating sustainable athleticwear. Their lightning dry fabrics are starting to incorporate a lot of recycled materials. A major component is cocona, a carbon residue that comes from burning coconut shells, which they mix with polyseter to provide UV protection, water wycking, and anti-bacterial properties in these new highly-resilient materials. Their NBX lightweight shell jacket is made from recycled soda bottles mixed with polyester. They aren’t quite off petrolium-based products, but seem to be gettign close.

I like this thumb-secure point on the mens jacket, which prevents the sleeves from working up your arms while jogging:

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.