LUXURY ITALIAN SHOES & ACCESSORIES = URBAN/ COUNTRY PERFECTION
October 15th, 2008, Italian Consulate Park Avenue, NY
Words Judith Ecochard, Images Courtesy of Fratelli Rossetti and J. Ecochard
We expect the best from the family owned Fratelli Rossetti.
Having attended previews of this famed Italian collection prior, we wondered how the company could keep re-inventing the wheel, so-to-speak…when it comes to covering our feet with urbane panache.
But of course, Fratelli Rossetti kept it all in motion…and then some.
WOMEN:
Feminine sandals in mixed materials and masculine inspired spectator shoes are highlights of the line, set for delivery in a few months.
Other highlights:
Sculptural (and walk-able) wedge platforms get an update with architect Frank Gehry overtones…via thin brown ankle multi- straps and a white patent thick toe band.
There's a ‘reverse’ version too…with a thick black patent ankle strap offset by three strips of leather securing the feet.
We also saw ourselves pairing the chunky dark/light wood heel platform sandals with incised tortoise shell tops …with the denim jeans we live in…or the frilly summer dress we don for nights out.
Peep toes continue to be popular. For S/S 09 Fratelli Rossetti’s stacked heel supporting a muted turquoise/mustard yellow/stone grey-banded suede shoe with decorative perforations- is unusual in that we haven’t seen this winning color combo.
The versatile peep toe sandal also comes in luxe python skin toned blush.
Not surprisingly, men’s tailoring inspires a best selling style-the spectator shoe-including our favorite black with white piping and contrast stitching-with an added oomph of delicate side cutouts.
There are other arty and flat-heeled sandal options in shiny patent white, sea blue, coral red and pale green leathers.
The black or white sandals with a decorative oversized oval medallion are our pick for what will be worn the most.
AMERICA'S CUP:
Patent red, white and blue yacht loafers lined with plush French terry cloth should be part of some lucky team’s wardrobe.
MEN:
Hand applied interior and outer stitching, dye, and finishes, and hard brouging are labor-intensive details that many men notice, appreciate…and willingly pay for. These high-end delights conjured up the most skilled craftsmen- come in many styles for the warmer months.
For casual wear, velvet slip-ons with masculine embroidered upper flourishes come with durable heels.
Linen fabric slip-ons with leather tassels and trim- are a new, elegant way to complete an outfit.
We feel the Goodyear™ constructed oxfords in nubuck leather-that has been painstaking rubbed for a deep finished polish- are the ultimate shoes for discerning men. The heavier soles for durability and hand stitched details on the outside-are features that dress up any attire.
Sophisticated loafers and wingtips in buttery napa leathers and suede are also debonair selections that fit into one’s upscale wardrobe.
ROSETTI ONE:
The women’s and men’s shoes, boots and sneakers that belong to this younger, sportier collection have unique rubber soles and breathable vegetable based insoles that make this informal line-up of peds- strides ahead of other brands.
Flat, easily pack-able loafers with thick top-stitching are available in a delightful robin’s /sky blue patent (and white, black and putty choices) for ladies. There are chic driving mocs and refreshed sneaker options too.
One of our favorite styles for winter, the patent leather rain boot with a chunky white stridden platform heels…returns for S/S 09 in a Mary-Jane cut in turquoise, and a slip-on version with a modern side cut outs.
Men also get new sneaker styles but we think the men’s driving mocs and slip-ons are the real standouts.
We particularly liked the silver metal side rivets that add a nautical wink to a dark blue pair- with white over stitching and a fringed brogue.
Light brown and tan suede also make Spring appearances-in wear everywhere tasseled slip-ons and lace-ups.
ADDED PLUS:
The hip lineup of everyday bags with bold patent trim… pack more pizzazz than clone-able rivals. Fratelli Rossetti ‘s day/travel carryalls are more structured than flimsy-with roomy outer pockets and matching colored canvas handles and thick ribbons that cinch the top as well as play up the contrasting different textiles.
ACCESSORIES:
Handbags, satchels and clutches often go matchy-matchy with the luscious women’s shoes. But we’d carry these haulers by themselves…leather and linen handbags with leather trim hit the right notes for Spring.
Added plus…understated hardware that is…of course…unique to FR. And a hidden magnet flap closure in addition to solid zip tops.
Our top pick-the white leather bag in an elongated narrow trapezoid shape.
INFO: FRATELLI ROSSETTI