FRYE PRE-FALL 2011 FOOTWEAR/ACCESSORIES: Women’s

PART I

Fifth Avenue, NYC

Words/Images Judith Ecochard

"What’s not to love?"

That’s was our emphatic gush at for our exclusive preview of footwear/ accessories at the highly coveted Frye's Pre-Fall 2011 collections…what many felt “was the best show (at the tradeshow FFANY) ever.”

Lucky us, we had Michael Petry the chief Creative guru- takes us around for the tour of the outstanding foot offerings---set for delivery mid-late Spring 2011.

Starting with---

The Boot of the Season...

An image John A. Frye- a reminder of this company’s American heritage was front and center on a table holding a collection of old world, Spanish hertage kind of kickers that we thought STUNNING. Priced around $600 using “existing lasts” have forever beauties are made in Mexico--- hand wiped for patina perfection.

Other two tone Riding classics in color waves---as pictured above. Major gush.

Clogs-a little different to this updated 70’s staple-detailed cut-outs, hand hammered studs...

Distressed leather---added sheen in a Vernoica Slouch…we love the pull-on ease of these lookers.

Traction on the soles-made for walking

Vintage-y Pebble Textured Leather=FANTASTIC---the feel is incredible

Limited editions and some color updates on Fall/Spring 2010 profiles...kept our heads spinning for good reasons.

Over the Knee---in new color waves...

TOTES---Our top carry-alls want its---"BRAND RIGHT" ---in full grain calf leather.

Thick stitch---if retailers sell one tote---this should be it.

Vintage Stud Tote

We liked this female friendly take on an ankle work boot---lace-ups with urbane style in leather and reverse suede...

Terrific...back detail elevates from ordinary--- to Frye

Reed Runners and Kira's are classic Frye styles. Here--- in super soft washed leather--- in slip-ons and high tops.

Back to back "F's" - an on trend logo

LEATHER STORIES "Smaller groups of big items"---meaning different takes on major styles for FRYE-lasts...silhouettes.

Easy city boots

---with rubber lugs, rolled edges of the Jenna...the chunky heels of the Alexis---details like the double zipper....

Our eyes popped at the Paige variations---a vintage look---that's a cool lace-up booty, oxford and tall riding...soft washed buffalo leather with thin, flexible soles.

Casual Otis and James penny loafers in a soft grain leathers....

A Top Three: the short and taller Carmen back lace up in antique brushed full grain-can leave it dangling...

Clogs---round and square toes...with hand hammered / leather harness details... the stacked heels---especially the leather overed =well done taking this hippy staple- polish.

Kilty looks-Menswear inspired...the Frye way...Burnished Antique, Tumbled Full Grain Leather and Brush-off Leather.

Naiya Kiltie Oxford

Pumps, Peep Toe, Oxfords...stacked platforms, high and mid heels for different customers...

The Jane Boot---with hand wiped leather...elegance to a casual profile.

Nice detail in the shorty... and a Rock Star high version as well.

Pointy toe flats...

Fringes, braided straps-lug soles-this is a versatile kicker that works well dressed up or down. A great value.

Lace-up back on this ballet flat

This is the "new everyday boot..."

The more rounded toe gives it feminine flair...hand burnished leather for warm tones...

A look from the guys---Oxford lace-ups and graduated tones on an urban hiker boot.

Carson Pull-ons Antiqued/Vintage/Burnished Leather Options

This harness-stacked heel would look great with jeans tucked in...clog version pictured above.

Convertible shoulder in mustard ($398)-- haulers like this reasonably priced

Wallace Chukka $228!!!!

Leather heel trim elevates what could have been a drab shoe

More style here---with a heel and studs.

Surprise... fun chukka.wallaby styles in Oiled Suede are very popular.

Major sellers---wedge boots/booties...with leather trim.

Classic profiles---distressed finishes, hand-worked.

Harlow silhouettes and a plush Jillian Convertible Shoulder in Tan

Office footwear gets a Frye take...in vintage distressed leather pumps and Oxfords---

Vintage leather

Everyday boot options...with a feminine round toe.

Taylor Gore Bootie

Flirty T-Straps---Lois and higher heeled Miranda---check out how clever the upper strap wraps around.... available in Burnished Antique and Brush Off leathers.