Midtown, NYC
words/images Judith Ecochard
MEDIA PREVIEW
H.H. Brown's spacious midtown showroom---staged a media preview for the Spring 2013 collections of its brands: BORN CROWN, BORN, KORK-ESE, VINTAGE, WALK-OVER ISOLÁ, SÖFTT-women's and men's footwear.
Defined by style and comfort---the women's looks featured a wide assortment wedges in pastels-with a metallic sheen leather uppers, embossed leather strappy heels and flats in animal and reptile prints, chunky heels with wooden blocks, an assortment of ballets flats, and work worthy pumps. Men-as always get the classic lace-up but with a fresh dose of color-often via contrasting outsoles.
Highlights:
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| BORN CRWN |
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| Caity-metal sheen finishes-wedge with cushioning footbed |
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| Stowaway flats...sweet round toes ballet style |
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| flexible-great packer-uppers |
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| colorful embossed python uppers for a host of shoes-like the Cassady Wedge |
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| Gloria slie in the moddle with pretty leather flower detail |
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| solid block heel in patent -polished work shoe Danine |
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| cork wedge heel-leather footbed-multistrpa sandal vachetta leather...and patent. Pretty. |
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| Farrah-flat thong with ethnic print strap...patent toe thong. |
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| love the outsoles... |
http://www.borncrown.com
BORN collection....
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| Lillibelle-these flats with pretty flower petals---our fav |
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| Verna-moc/boat shoe inspired with punch-out details, nice stitch work...sweet lace-up |
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| Naura -leather slip-on w/nice punch-out details |
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| Apryl lifestyle sneakers- in leather and canvas mixed uppers-striped lining very fun-for the street not the gym |
KORK-ESE is a celebrated brand from the dawn of the disco era- that has really resurrected itself so to speak---since 2005-taking the iconic signature favorite of that era-and reinterpreting it -into wearable trendy kicks.
FYI-The most comfortable wedge platform boots we have ever worn...helped by a supportive footbed that cushions well.
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| wrapped printed wedge heel-leather uppers- |
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| we expect to see these in editorial print reads-Haley $170-double criss cross leather sandals-in Vachetta or full grain leather, petite adjustable buckles, cushioned leather footbeds |
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| DIXIE-$170-feminine T strap wedge in vachetta, full grain or metallic leather, 4 1/2 inches heel-adjustable buckle, cushioned leather footbed |
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| no pedicure-no problem...cap toe multi-strap leather uppers-cushioned leather footbed |
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| CONSTANCE $165-latticed front full grain leather upper with hardware grommets-in a retro style we lovr |
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| Constance-ther colors--- |
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| dyed cork wedge heel.... |
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| SUSIE $170-leather slingback vintage appeal-full grain leather upper-4 inch heel height-cushioned leather footbed, adjustable strap, in fun colors-Red Carpet and Guadalupe Turquoise pictured |
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| SLOANE $170-polished strappy slingback- |
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| Add caption |
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| AVA-the original $140-different upper straps-3 1/4 inch heel $140 |
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| Aubrey $179-wing tip with feminine flair-washed suede upper, leather lining/sole, |
Vintage Shoe Company shoes-are a made in the USA -heritage brand---with a strong grip on the feet of men...and now women.
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| Congo boot style-in suede-w/rubber fine line and leather sole |
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| HANA $169-laced walking shoe handcrafted in distressed suede, featuring a small heel, leather lining/sole |
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| brogue flap-welt construction-harness leather upper-from Fall |
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| ERIN $339-Roper boot inspired from the 1950's-harness leather or suede upper, cowboy style with round toe, low-heel--- -sturdy Goodyear Welt Construction, leather lying |
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| Mitchell-$195-penny loafer in full grain leather upper or suede, preppy looks-leather lining/sole |
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| Mitchell-Scott, Chocolate Harness, Hound Dog Suede |
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| SCOTTY-"Weejuns"-slip-on in suede-w/leather lining/sole |
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| SCOTTY $185 Suede -or-leather upper-comfy casual |
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| WARREN-An elegant classic Brogue wingtip lace-up $245- distressed suede, harness or full grain leather upper, leather lining/sole |
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| HENRY $235-traditional Oxford in vintage inspired suedes and leathers w/ leather lining/sole |
With a shoe making heritage dating back to 1758, by cobbler George E. Keith...men's shoe brand
Walk-Over still offers classic designs with a bump in color...plus cushioned leather footbeds+ MADE IN THE USA
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| Derby Midi with hints of color-suede upper, Goodyear Welt Construction, colorful non-slip EVA outsole and midsole $255 |
Derby and saddle classics are the brand's claim to fame...but now with modern twists ...
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| CHASE-finely crafted full grain leather $295 or suede $275- uppers with Vibram® non-slip EvaFlex" outsole EVA wedge heel-durable, welt construction- |
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| MARTIN classic in bold colorations, full grain leather upper, hand sewn (!), Littleway stitched Sole construction-made in MAINE...$395 |
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| Martin details--- |
Women's styles too----play on the classic oxfords and derbys-in spring colors...
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| Adina-rope sandle strap... |
Same corporate owner...but a totally different side to chic-
Isolá is a very trendy chic brand of women's shoes and sandals for the glamour gal. Gold hardware trims and embellishments-had us thinking Miami Beach-or Capri. Patent leather straps in color blocks ---in sandals with heels--- well done.
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| ankle strap detail-gold trim toe.... |
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| Daena |
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| Badre |
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| Dasai |
The
SÖFFT label---shoes with European comfort and style--- but not too different a market segment than H.H. Brown's other brands we saw, meaning modern gals wanting lookers on their feet without the pain. A huge collection----with selection still
on-trend-and for Spring 2013-lots of bold neon pop colors, metallics, jute wedge heels, and animal inspired uppers.
We also saw a lot of office friendly shoes too---and all wearable all day good looks.
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| Velia |
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| we liked the mix of cork and patent here-with leather/gold detail--- |
BORN collection....
With a shoe making heritage dating back to 1758, by cobbler George E. Keith...men's shoe brand Walk-Over still offers classic designs with a bump in color...plus cushioned leather footbeds+ MADE IN THE USA
Derby and saddle classics are the brand's claim to fame...but now with modern twists ...
Women's styles too----play on the classic oxfords and derbys-in spring colors...
The SÖFFT label---shoes with European comfort and style--- but not too different a market segment than H.H. Brown's other brands we saw, meaning modern gals wanting lookers on their feet without the pain. A huge collection----with selection still on-trend-and for Spring 2013-lots of bold neon pop colors, metallics, jute wedge heels, and animal inspired uppers.
