words/images Judith Ecochard
It's familiar-yet always -there is something astonishingly completely new-at the Frye showroom in midtown.
Amazing-how this label has soared upwards in terms of design of footwear and accessories ---and all that continues on ---as seen at the Spring 2012 media preview-that did not disappoint.
Far from it-we were so wowed---we get how one has to make the Frye Soho store-a "must" when in NYC-to see the collection in person.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Women's and men's selections -from the classic profiles of the Campus boots-to more dressy options-that maybe one would not think "Frye"---yet-unmistakably-have the company imprint---whether the leather used, heel profile, or literally-on the footbeds/outsoles.
Spring 2012 had several style stories---including leather sneakers (pictured above), wovens...flats/ballet shoes, cnavas/leather mixed material kickers (men), oxfords-in terrific southwest colors (Blood Red)...and our two fav for gals-the use of agate stone as embellishment---and an entire antique/distressed white collection.
What jumped out immediately for us-are the colors available-from pale pastels to tinged leathers-like this terrific coral tone.
More wovens-here thick bands of leather-that reminds us of iconic fishermen sandals/huraches. Frye interprets this everywhich way-flats, chunky heels, slips-ons...
Leather lifestyle sneakers-are always popular...with white rubber soles.
Slip-ons in soft leather-with the option of 'converting' into a slide---
The women's collection-so exceptionally feminine -IMHO---the best yet.
Gals get some menswear inspirations---but in lady like shades.
Sprinkled throughout the showroom-were haulers-including this buckled briefcase-interpreted by Frye so as to be chic-not geeky.
The stacked Maggie Oxford -stacked heel lace-ups are so versatile-available in assorted colors with an antique polish-can wear with jeans, dresses/skirts-wardrobe basics.
Woven flats---fab.
The braided trim make these platforms special-all leather uppers.
Our fav-the agate stone used as the centerpiece of an upper. Good thing we are not sample size-would have walked out in these. Braided trims, beauty of the stones...on elegant heels---ankle straps hit the ankle just so....
Frye boots get a refresh----wovens in a stacked heel are great---these pull-on and add a pop to our basic denim/tee shirt uniform.
Frye boots-braid harness---we wold find a way to wear these everyday.
Fringes or studded-the handbags synch-up with the footwear.
Antique-distressed-white roughed up...these kickers had their own section in the showroom. Nothing says "summer" than wearing white.
Always big sellers-boots in iconic styles---always for sale in different tones.
MEN's
We breezed through the men's selections----but noticed many wearable lace-ups---with classic oxford/derby styling-that are casual enough for weekend wear too.
Liked how the Frye logo-gets stamped on the upper...subtle.
Old fashioned leather hiker lace-up boots get a dressy polish in the manner of a oxford---with smooth leather/perforated styling.
Lug soles---year round options in a traditional work boot profile.
Guys get the basket weave MO too---
Mocs-c stitching...
Canvas and leather mix of materials in neutral tones---major style for Spring 2012.
Slip-ons-male versions of the perforated leather
Boat shoes---in woven leather
Lifestyle sneakers for guys are big sellers for Frye...we admire these low and high top pumped up kicks-with the brand's signature leather uppers/trims
All day comfort----tassels make a suede loafer style special-
Monk straps suede slip-ons.
Drivers---
Two tone boat shoes that are lace-ups too--non marking outsoles---
It's familiar-yet always -there is something astonishingly completely new-at the Frye showroom in midtown.
Amazing-how this label has soared upwards in terms of design of footwear and accessories ---and all that continues on ---as seen at the Spring 2012 media preview-that did not disappoint.
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| Handbags, crossbodies, totes |
Far from it-we were so wowed---we get how one has to make the Frye Soho store-a "must" when in NYC-to see the collection in person.
 |
| Corrina Cross Stitch |
Women's and men's selections -from the classic profiles of the Campus boots-to more dressy options-that maybe one would not think "Frye"---yet-unmistakably-have the company imprint---whether the leather used, heel profile, or literally-on the footbeds/outsoles.
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| Wingtips |
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| Janna Flower T |
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Alessia Leaf Sling |
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| durable |
Spring 2012 had several style stories---including leather sneakers (pictured above), wovens...flats/ballet shoes, cnavas/leather mixed material kickers (men), oxfords-in terrific southwest colors (Blood Red)...and our two fav for gals-the use of agate stone as embellishment---and an entire antique/distressed white collection.
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| woven style wallabees---dorky made fashion-y with pretty color options |
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| Delia Oxford |
What jumped out immediately for us-are the colors available-from pale pastels to tinged leathers-like this terrific coral tone.
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| Madison |
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| Holly Gladiator |
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| What makes Frye sandals special-details like -leather heels |
Leather lifestyle sneakers-are always popular...with white rubber soles.
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| Chukka |
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| Mindy slip-ons |
Slip-ons in soft leather-with the option of 'converting' into a slide---
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| Cork sandals-comfy |
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| stitched leather flats---quality is outstanding |
Gals get some menswear inspirations---but in lady like shades.
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| Mens inspired lace-ups for women |
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| Delia Saddle |
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| brass hardware-solid |
The stacked Maggie Oxford -stacked heel lace-ups are so versatile-available in assorted colors with an antique polish-can wear with jeans, dresses/skirts-wardrobe basics.
Woven flats---fab.
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| wovens on stacked cork platforms |
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| Ramsey |
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| Ramsey woven peep toe-cut-outs-basket weave sandals another top pick |
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| Another great Frye detail--- |
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| Emma Woven Ballet |
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| we liked these a lot-rubber soles on a woven flat-driver syle |
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| all leather |
The braided trim make these platforms special-all leather uppers.
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| Woven oxfords -very labor intensive |
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| Madison Agate Stone |
Our fav-the agate stone used as the centerpiece of an upper. Good thing we are not sample size-would have walked out in these. Braided trims, beauty of the stones...on elegant heels---ankle straps hit the ankle just so....
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| Reese Agate Stone |
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| zippered ankle |
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| top pick |
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| metallic ballet flats |
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| labor intensive-woven oxford |
Frye boots get a refresh----wovens in a stacked heel are great---these pull-on and add a pop to our basic denim/tee shirt uniform.
 |
| Carmen woven short |
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| Camera bag style-we think this would be a great travel hauler too |
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| Dorado Short-woven |
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| Kira-perforated slips- leathers |
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| two tone braids |
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| Mary Jane style Carson T straps-get the woven touch |
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| Braided T Ballet |
Frye boots-braid harness---we wold find a way to wear these everyday.
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| Veronica Boot |
Always big sellers-boots in iconic styles---always for sale in different tones.
 |
| Loved the roughed up look of these boots-with graduated tonal changes |
MEN's
We breezed through the men's selections----but noticed many wearable lace-ups---with classic oxford/derby styling-that are casual enough for weekend wear too.
Liked how the Frye logo-gets stamped on the upper...subtle.
Lug soles---year round options in a traditional work boot profile.
 |
 |
| rough/smooth leather mix |
 |
| clever-braid trim |
Canvas and leather mix of materials in neutral tones---major style for Spring 2012.
 |
| Canvas/leather |
Slip-ons-male versions of the perforated leather
Boat shoes---in woven leather
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| durable---Frye outsoles |
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| crepe soles---darkened toe caps---contrast laces...never boring |
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| Stitched heel-a detail of a well made shoe |
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| roomy "man" bags |
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| our top pick for guys-are the slip-ons-so elegant yet simple |
Drivers---
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| fancy engineer style workboots |
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| high polish-two buckled lickers |
Two tone boat shoes that are lace-ups too--non marking outsoles---
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| Canvas and leather uppers- |