JACK STUDIOS West 26th Street, NYC
words/images Judith Ecochard
When we attend a luxury footwear preview nowadays---including the most recent- featuring the luxury Italian Fratelli Rossetti (http://www.fratellirossetti.com) for A/W 2012-2013...we muse about how all of those digital versions of print reads and their ubiquitous get the look for less columns- will fare on the up close and personal, gazillion pixels- iPad 3.
Because one can somewhat get the style for less, but never the look ---the exceptional quality of a master craftsmens' hand construction- and laboriously applied tonal polishes-by a brush-- buffered with wax to polished perfection--on the uppers, welts, and even the sole edges(!!!)--that can take up to three days for a typical pair of Fratelli Rossetti shoes--like all of the samples that we previewed last week.
For the upcoming seasons there is a lot to gush over---including amazing carry-alls for men and women.
Our preview began with a "tour" with cobbler par excellence, George Esquivel- who continues his partnership with this family-owned brand.
The archives of Fratelli Rossetti are so extensive-in a wonderful way-he clued us in---that what he brings to the table -so-to-speak ---is a fresh look via modern "tweaks" to the designs.
LOVE-the autumnal tones----including "myrtle, bottle green, burgundy"----Venetian tints that are "unconventional" and really work as well as a neutral color---that pairs up well with the basics.
Dress shoes---lace-up oxfords, derbys and boots-in evening wear patents...with hand punched, eye- catching details including---contrast edging in an unexpected red (right).
The chukka style is a forever look---like ballet flats for women...the silhouette is timeless and effortlessly easy to wear...all day.
Fratelli Rossetti's versions are in rich, autumnal tones in suede and smooth leathers...solid hand stitched welt construction-often with fancied uppers like punched hole details.
Feminine/masculine...references to men's shoes-including the Fratelli Rossetti Brera- abound-but always, with a female friendly silhouette...
Equestrian styles get an elegant Italian look sumptuous leathers, deluxe buckled hardware...
Women get tasseled boots-Lady Brera....
Classic criss cross straps-elegant
Fun colors in footwear brighten up the basics...
Androgynous in theory-but hardly in looks-stacked heel bootie lace-ups, oxfords with punched holes...
Two tone shoes, and pull on boots are an art form here...
Bold ----these snap grommets that are similar to eyelets on hiking boot----but here in plush leather...with a quilted pattern---and BONUS matching satchel. With denim-how perfect.
Snake and pony skins---paired with patent leather---
Swoon inducing-the satchels---classic shapes, roomy, lovely lining with zipped inner compartments---Fratelli Rossetti makes some of the most plush bags we preview---and roomy enough for NYers who haul around their lives.
INFO: Delivery ETA late summer---http://www.fratellirossetti.com
words/images Judith Ecochard
When we attend a luxury footwear preview nowadays---including the most recent- featuring the luxury Italian Fratelli Rossetti (http://www.fratellirossetti.com) for A/W 2012-2013...we muse about how all of those digital versions of print reads and their ubiquitous get the look for less columns- will fare on the up close and personal, gazillion pixels- iPad 3.
Because one can somewhat get the style for less, but never the look ---the exceptional quality of a master craftsmens' hand construction- and laboriously applied tonal polishes-by a brush-- buffered with wax to polished perfection--on the uppers, welts, and even the sole edges(!!!)--that can take up to three days for a typical pair of Fratelli Rossetti shoes--like all of the samples that we previewed last week.
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| Diego Rossetti |
For the upcoming seasons there is a lot to gush over---including amazing carry-alls for men and women.
Our preview began with a "tour" with cobbler par excellence, George Esquivel- who continues his partnership with this family-owned brand.
The archives of Fratelli Rossetti are so extensive-in a wonderful way-he clued us in---that what he brings to the table -so-to-speak ---is a fresh look via modern "tweaks" to the designs.
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| George Esquivel |
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| brown edging-nice contrast on a wonder deep blue loafer |
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| details-refreshing the classics-croc band makes this "penny" (lira) loafer a tad more elegant |
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| rich burnt oxblood and brown-elegant lasts are slim-not clunky looking |
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| mixed textures-hand stitched welts-woven and smooth leathers in a leather soled lace-up and lug heel 2 buckle monkstrap |
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| perforated linings- a luxury-breath |
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| suede zipped boot -a handsome take on the desert boot |
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| casual pull-on in a plush suede-a versatile shoe from the work week to the week-end |
Tassels everywhere...the Brera moccasin, a Fratelli Rossetti signature profile gets handsomely re-interpreted in sporty/casual lace-up and pull-on ankle boots---made of suede and special calfskin leather.
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| Slip-ons are easy to wear---boat shoe remained in high-end leathers |
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| the soles are exceptional too-leather with durable rubber heel |
LOVE-the autumnal tones----including "myrtle, bottle green, burgundy"----Venetian tints that are "unconventional" and really work as well as a neutral color---that pairs up well with the basics.
 |
| burgundy -eggplant deep purple can be worn with aplomb by even the most conservative dressing types |
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| lug soles make these shoes for walking |
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| stitched and constructed meticulously |
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| grainy leather texture-burnished toe---punch holes by hand=nice |
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| proprietary rubber tread outsoles-long lasting and practical |
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| Love-darkened toe cap---took many applications of vegetable dye to get just right |
The chukka style is a forever look---like ballet flats for women...the silhouette is timeless and effortlessly easy to wear...all day.
Fratelli Rossetti's versions are in rich, autumnal tones in suede and smooth leathers...solid hand stitched welt construction-often with fancied uppers like punched hole details.
 |
| we like the slightly tapered toe profile-more polished versus typical clunky of other brands |
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| this sole reminded us of the casual Rossetti One collection of a few years back |
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| Mixed materials in a casual lace-up boot---hipster alert |
WOMEN's shoes for Fall 2012 take a sartorial page from the "Neo-Dandy"man.
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| Lady Brera-high heeled tassel pumps in vintage tones are so chic |
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| this slip on-lace less bootie is one of our top picks |
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| Men's style slip-ons-lace free derby-in a way reminds us of a lot of the shoes we wore, all day---from the 90's including our coveted Costume National ones...that we have been searching for a replacement----here in terrific vintage tones |
Equestrian styles get an elegant Italian look sumptuous leathers, deluxe buckled hardware...
Women get tasseled boots-Lady Brera....
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| the back zip and snap strap make this lace-up with hiker edge...easy/on off |
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| patent leather sling back with cap and peep toes -lady like and with slight platform-are very comfortable too |
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| monkstrap for gals |
Androgynous in theory-but hardly in looks-stacked heel bootie lace-ups, oxfords with punched holes...
 |
| square toe with solid buckle hardware, cross stitched upper---beautiful |
Bold ----these snap grommets that are similar to eyelets on hiking boot----but here in plush leather...with a quilted pattern---and BONUS matching satchel. With denim-how perfect.
Snake and pony skins---paired with patent leather---
Swoon inducing-the satchels---classic shapes, roomy, lovely lining with zipped inner compartments---Fratelli Rossetti makes some of the most plush bags we preview---and roomy enough for NYers who haul around their lives.
INFO: Delivery ETA late summer---http://www.fratellirossetti.com