FFANY – Fifth Avenue, NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
Walking into the spacious Fyre showroom overlooking a sunny Fifth Avenue recently--- was a journey to an American Oz for boot lovers …
We knew straight away that a) there would be plenty to oogle for Spring 2011 (2000 +skus), and b) we’d want everything.
Easy to wear out of the box…FRYE ‘s are kickers we can wear for long stretches, with no break in trauma necessary---in part, thanks to their signature leathers.
As popular as ever, Frye is expanding both here and abroad, leveraging the authentic/ heritage MO with fresh updates for the summery months.
Color-wise, Spring 2011 has several of the popular groupings (Carson, Campus, the stacked heel Taylor bunch)…in summery shades like cognac and sand…as boots are wardrobe staples year round now.
Comfy and casual, and more edgy over the knee samples---with some that are one offs (and probably tough to find, retail wise)---- often Fall picks that are continued…
A big push in general for the season---is on clogs- that 70’s giant, re-emerging for 2011 in a big way, updated with stacked heels and metal details...and some of the best we have seen, trendy not nutty crunchy.
Antique and washed out finishes--- on the footwear and handbags…are interchangeable... there is less matchy, matchy going on…but more pairing up of complimentary shades to play off the colors.
Other details that continue from Fall…nail head studs...a bit flatter this season, less biker...more equestrian.
We think Frye really bumped up their handbags offerings this year…we hope that retailers pick them up.
Satchels, shoulder bags...silver/gold metal details---studs with great contrast stitching...and sturdy---we could shove our lives in here.
Teardrop hobs ---
---with eye catching hardware like this bold diagonol hardware, and a metal ring-a detail picked off from the Equestrian line.
What we call lifestyle sneakers ---vintage inspired---are now offered in 16 colors!!!!
---some a continuation, some new for Spring---in the über chic kicker Reed Runner (in multi-leathers and suede nylon)…outsole gets roughed up for some edge. Keds style for grown-ups.
There is even a gym bag shape emblazoned with “1863”---the year of the first Frye boot.
Italian buffalo leather is a staple for material for a lot of Frye styles….and holds finishes well---including hand burnishing.
For the best selling Carson boot, there is a new tailored tapered toe and higher heel ----and the addition of many transitional colors like ecru.
Plus---saturated brights and smoke, and metallics.
Carson flats also sell well…sandals for summer.
The Campus line has all new products, December deliveries are scheduled for this knee/cuffed style-made in the USA.
There’s a higher heel, tapered toes, lace-ups and models that ride up shorter on the legs.
Lug soles made of Vibram are ideal for those trekking through sloshy streets.
This is a shoe we could wear with a lot---jeans, tunics/leggings...etc
Reagan Campus Drivers in a neutral pale palette mimic the classics and are made from special Montana leather.
Also in this group---we thought the wedges with stitch details, and the clogs –more contoured with a bump in the toe---nicely done…comfy too.
The ”crunchy leather Italian story” washed material that due to the type of hide—-gets this neat effect…
Split open construction for summer in flats---with rubber bottoms, they are easy go to shoes---to the beach, travel and biking the old fashion way.
White is big.
Fisherman sandals are back in new colors.
Updated grommets---in leather.
Our want---a high heel clog…we could wear this with practically everything especially the denim we live in.
For office workers…Frye has some rather stylish pumps, open toe sacked mules with wrap around straps, t-straps and peep toes in new colors.
Stacked platform heels ---get different treatments.
In the Slouch boot… easy pull ons look great with straight leg jeans tucked in--or short hemlines.
MEN’s –the boots always sell…and top picks for spring are the washed, antique leathers…with dressy details like these oxford inspired punch-outs.
And the Oil Suede and waxed canvas lace-ups.
Boat shoes personify the season, and there are new color waves.
Flexible outsoles that pack well are notable.
A lace, boat shoe inspired look---a bit dressier...but still casual enough for the weekend.
INFO: THE FRYE COMPANY
RETAIL--- ship late Fall-December, we were told. Frye is widely available online and in stores worldwide.
INFO: THE FRYE COMPANY
RETAIL--- ship late Fall-December, we were told. Frye is widely available online and in stores worldwide.
MICHAEL PETRY--FRYE's Creative Director
