530 Seventh Ave, NYC
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| Charles Amar. Creative Director |
We were practically clueless as to what we were going to preview ---when we accepted an invite to the NYC's showroom of new to us Carolinna Espinosa...
But wow ---we were impressed from the get-go---as soon as our eyeballs swept right and did a speedy 3 sec sweep of the four tiers of shoes/boots-- simply on display at this brightly lit, midtown space. And that was something because the makeshift bar was the first 'thing' on the left.
Immediately we queried the PR gals stationed at the door---on the who/what paradigm of this new to us footwear collection---and when told that the lead guy-Alan Luchette was the former Chief Operating Officer at Nine West Group, and that the USA based Creative Director, Charles Amar...had lead cobbler roles at Steve Madden, 9 West's top tier Boutique line, and Charles David- in its glory days (imo)...well that explained it.
THAT they know what what they're doing was obvious...plus joined by a former Nordstrom sales and veteran and another Italian based Creative Direction with Sergio Rossi/YSL pedigree=a total explanation.
OF why these sophisticated, très chic shoes ---so on trend elegant and sexy, beautifully made, plush European leathers. suedes and solid hardware like the best YKK zippers----manufactured into the latest and, mercifully also timeless silhouettes... well priced ($200-$400)...at what some would call affordable ("sensible") luxury.
The name Carolinna Espinosa belongs to a colleague/friend...who we were told- is a style setter in her native Spain.
What we liked best---is always what we would wear-that being single sole, sculptural pumps---in skinny spike heels and the always walkable kitten heels--- with artful details like gold/pewter/silver metallic toes and multi-zippers... and embellishments (studs, chains)...and the booties-with pointy toes, sharp hardware details ---on a somewhat spikey heel...that banishes any signs of clunkiness that a stacked block heel often gives---making them more combat/hiker than urban finessed.
NOTE: Carolinna Espinosa is an A to Z collection...there's menswear inspired lace-ups, graceful pointy and square toe slip-ons, a few platform shoes that adds lots of height-no doubt destined for Hollywood, Fall ready suede peep-toes, zip up to the knee boots, so very utilitarian too-not just good looking, and ankle/multi-strap shoes and sandals that are year round ready...
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| is a easy height of a heel---in fun purple animal print---goes well with skinny jeans ---or a pencil skirt. |
Suede and leathers- mixed textures---in jewel dark autumnal tones, black, a very snazzy 60's retro bunch of black/white...and an entire glam group -from flats-to boots- of fab tomato red.
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| color blocked-leather slip-on-square toe....reminded us of the 60's luxury Italian labels. |
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| gold chain detail...in a suede boot... |
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| nice assortment of styles in a Bordeaux-brown group. |
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| Black and White-huge for Spring 2013....we were told-some styles start shipping in May |
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| tiny studs on a criss-cross straps...a bit of edge---but elegant -upscale--- |
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| blocks of mixed materials and color-with gold metallic finish outsole.....nice |
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| love this embossed reptilian wedge detail...pops---with ankle strap and heel also of different textures. Subtle and fab... |
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| back zip-easy on/of-can leave the straps buckled |
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| we like this bootie too---the fabric insert makes this easy to slip-on ez-on/ off---and adds an architectural sharpness to the overall design-with an extended angle- while being a functional element |
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| zip down booties...zipper edges---very cool |
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| pointy studs a a demure ankle strap---makes this not so demure ha ha |
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| love these colors mixes...on a metallic heel--we are sure that this style will be available in many color permutations---like the red modulations pictured up top. A modern classic. |
If you like a stacked block heel---what better than have it in studded metal----with patent...NICE.
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| interesting-square slab of a heel... |
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| easy to walk in heel height-yet this shoe manages to be sexy with its pointy toe-and mixed materials... |
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| that bootie we love-in red. |
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| proof that she designs in a 360º thing---- |
New is a 'second 'line of shoes and boots ---Charley Amar (after the aforementioned design director)-aimed at the contemporary market...with fashionable designs priced for the masses...around $90-$150...
ADORE..this group are the terrific ankle boots that never go out of style- the Victorian style lace-ups and the terrific mixed Native American textile print/leather boots- both the pull-on with side leather tabs...and the lace-ups. These are versatile kicks- for denim and to wear with frilly frocks and skirts...year round too.
Fun-the red lining....
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| sweet-bows a a wedge slip-on in suede |
Not just for the casual days---Charly also has some very savvy pumps---with chic pointy toes...and made with a great eye for colors and textures.
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| Nice mix of materials...snake embossed mixed with patent with a gold metal heel |
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| multi-straps-in solid leather with animal print... |
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| suede/leather booties, nice gold details-including outsole on a leather backed heel. |
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| more of a chunky heel---but never clunky-roundish metal toe cap with suede |
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| python print, metal...leather and suede---nice shape to these booties---- |
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| Charly Booties...in leather |
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| slight platform ...easy to wear suede booties... |
The presentation was filled with a lot of people---interesting for us as we did not recognize many blogger that we usually see at previews---but better we thought-we met several domestic BUYERS who were ready to come onboard with Carolinna Espinosa...
A good thing---as currently one has to venture to Asia to find a pair.
INFO: www.Carolinna Espinosa.com
