DIEGO ROSSETTI
DELUXE ITALIAN SHOES, SANDALS AND ACCESSORIES
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
There are just a few must see collections …that bi-annually ignites our eager curiosity------ wondering how ‘they’ can possibly come up with a fresh, luxurious line of shoes and accessories--- that could ever equal their last season.
Fratelli Rossetti, an Italian family owned purveyor of the finest handcrafted/finished men and women’s RTW footwear--- is one of the few.
Staged at the stately Italian Consulate on New York’s Park Avenue, Fratelli Rossetti captures the spirit of exotic travel--- an Out of Africa vibe fused with the attire of the poster child of glam adventure ladies, Amelia Earhart…
For the glamorous women’s collection.
No surprise, we were more than beyond impressed with the first group of shoes we saw…a masculine/feminine saddle leather shoe, with a wonderfully deep hand polished natural hue.
The summer boots take a nautical slant with what reminded us of sailing rope in a knit--- over a buttery smooth leather lining.
A Prince of Wales tartan-suede/leather combo is an unusual and elegant mix.
Oversized wide flat bows, a look that takes us back to those Mad Men days or retro forties, is new for 2010--- and adorn ballerinas, flat slip-ons, sandals and court shoes.
As always, Fratelli Rossetti excels in the innovative hand details---clearly visible contrast stitching,
Embellishments like leaves on a flat sandals, are applied by hand…
Another stunner--- brogue oxfords with a hint of color underneath --- that showcase a beautiful medallion pattern.
Our peds always appreciate how wearable and comfortable Fratelli Rossetti’s shoes are…and this seasons chunky heels on spectator pumps and platforms are made for walking... as dapper feminine tie shoes.
Two tone leather peep toes with a stacked heel, multi-strap sandals, and gladiators are classics.
THE NEW SANDAL
A feminine natural saddle leather/rose pink suede “Emma” sandal is a key look for S/S 2010. Timelessly elegant in profile with a cone shaped heel, the added touch of “flesh-split” strips of leather (hand done) – equestrian inspired—are kickers we could wear with a summery dress or denim.
Other warm weather winners for ladies are the basics (sling back, peep toe, spectator) in colors we love…
An eye catching thè verde (green tea), metallic, cornflower and “Olympic” blue, coral red, dark brown…
and one of our top looks, a denim/patent spectator peep toe and pearlized suede/leather flats.
Leather, canvas and croc provide interesting surface contrasts while stitched patterns across the surface play up the materials.
HANDBAGS and TOTES
Brushed silver hardware subtly adorns classic shaped bags that range from practical totes to roomy satchels and shoulder strapped day haulers.
MEN’S SHOES
“This man is made for that woman” is how the Fratelli Rossetti SS 2010 men’s collection was described.
Every design is handsome, whether the classic oxfords with artisan touches (medallion on toes, textured leather) or the vegetable dye, applied by hand- patina that cannot be duplicated by cheaper methods of production.
Upper parts made from one piece of leather with thin rubber soles are summer perfect and packable.
Other winning slip-ons include mixed textiles suede/linen and an unlined selection that’s super soft…and comfortable.
A desert boot is here ---as it’s always in style. What’s special is the many layers that comprise the heel, topped off by a trademarked rubber sole.
Other great classic loafers in suede…and Goodyear Welt Constructed lace-ups (a traditional patented process to make dress shoes that allows for a constant flow of air to flow for ventilation…plus a thread twelve strands thick that makes for a durable strong shoe)
A “fantasy shoe” with a bump toe amps up the profiles of classic styles.
Mixed skins (croc, lizard, python) or a bold solid croc--- are laboriously channel stitched underneath---another production step that a lesser shoe skips.
Interesting Note: One man is in charge of cutting the exotic skins…one version of a high-pressure job.
TOP PICK:
The glove leather loafers that come in the richest colors…
…and yacht shoes with terry lining topped off with the classic Rossetti ribbon.
ROSSETTI ONE:
The casual “second” line has lifestyle sneakers and shoes for guys ---that grip with the patented sole.
A great look for summer: the black/white wedge.
Versatile metallic zed leather loafers in summery shades are perfect for strolls on the ocean boardwalk or urban cobblestones. We can see this style add sparkle to our all black wardrobe or denim/tee uniform…and we like the square toe.
INFO: FRATELLI ROSSETTI
