Alternative to the Repetto Ballet Shoes

In the world of fashion, one thing that fascinates me is the fixation the market can have on some products.

France is a land of stereotypes; in that context, Repetto has succeeded to position themselves as an irreplaceable staple of the Parisian Chic ideal wardrobe. Their flexible ballets flats - and now pumps - and iconic Zizi derbies are a must have for the Ines de la Fressange wannabes.

Strong of their success, Repetto would not allow multibrand etailers- or very a few-  to sell their brand online. Probably because they believe that this will propulse them to the land of luxury. 

It probably is why, on www.luisaviaroma.com, one can find an alternative to the Repettos: Suzie Mas. Same type of shape as the classic Repettos which probably are the cash cows anyway.

Interestingly, it is a brand I have never seen on thefashion circuit... One can´t help but wonder if it is not a brand  developed by the shop LuisaviaRoma under private label.
Anyway, if people can´t see the difference, it will make the trick!

They don´t come cheap: 165€ on www.luisaviaroma.com

Head over Heels

It started this season already thanks to late Genius Alexander McQueen with his extravagant sculpted soles and it is the height of high fashion for next season.

Roberto Cavalli is, along with other few shoemakers such as Casadei, one of the last brand to perpetuate the Fellini era, reminding them of the Grandeur of Antique Rome.

 Roberto Cavalli is a great designer and probably one that is misunderstood by the Luxury world as it often is associated with vulgarity. I suppose that celebrities such as Victoria Beckham -the "old version" - didn´t help improve the general image that some people like to stick to.
Personally, image put aside, I adore the craftmanship, the expertise of prints and the attention to details along with great cuts make the brand an extravagant yet highly stylish one.
The Pumps adorned with a sculpted lion heel are definitively a must in any goddess´s wardrobe. Who would not love to wear those?
Be out there people of the world. Forget about the gloomy economy or atmosphere! Have fun with your shoes.
The black model will be found on www.the-temple.com this spring 2012.

Designer to watch: Jerome C Rousseau

Meeting with talented designers is a privilege. Meeting a very talented yet humble is a rarity.
This week, I have been really lucky to meet with Jerôme C Rousseau and discuss with him about his inspiration.

I particularly liked this model featured ( left) as it reminds me of an armadillo or any prehistorical exoskeleton... Possibly, a medusa... And this is what is so good about Jerome's shoes: they carry your imagination away, like in a Tim Burton  or Terry Gilliam movie.
It is not by chance that his shoes were featured on a scene of The Mysterious Mr Parnassius.

One likes that his cultural references are so diverse and full of imagination transfigured onto something so grown up and sexy.
An exciting and great shoemaker!


Sold soon on: www.le-temple.com

Would you pay 450€ for a pair of tongs?

As a Luxury multi-brand buyer, I am often required to prove the company I work for is good enough for the brand we'd like to sell. In other words, it is my duty to prove are worthy of the brand! I often take it as an insult that they would think I didn't evaluate their value and that I didn't make any research before contacting them but I guess that attitude from people who can barely afford the goods they sell comes as a consolation lot to their own ignorance and poor salary
One recurrent argument is that, because of their exclusivity, they don't want their products to spread too much but when asked why they sell to Net-a-porter or on the discounter YOOX, they usually come up with a rather poorly prepared answer.

Rarity, selective distribution are very dear concepts to the luxury brands often dreaming to be consolidated in one of the luxury groups that force them to sell more and do better margins, thus cutting costs which often reflects poorly in the quality, in both the products and staff...  but one has to understand that luxury brands are masters in justifying their own contradctions. Let's just say that rarity and selective distribution rather than volumes in sales are concepts which are dear to luxury houses - at least in their speach- and, Pinel & Pinel didn't disappoint.

One doesn't need to introduce Havaianas anymore. One of the most common footwear brands around. In revanche, not everyone knows the luxury leather trunk maker Fred Pinel, founder of Pinel & Pinel, a very discreet luxury company. Their collaboration with the plebeian Havaianas must  have been such an extravaganza, designing a series of tongs and succeeded in making the rubber sole flip flop a luxurious item by dressing the strap in crocodile.  

These tongs cost  450€ . Mind you, they're hand made (!!!)  and "customized": i.e. one can choose between a selection of tasteful colours for the sole an for the straps. How so ... personnalised...

I wonder if there will be a waiting list...

Anyway, it should be available - no irony- on the website of Pinel & Pinel in December. 

But Pinel&Pinel, in high Luxury house is true to their motto: Selling is not their priority! But get talked about is very important and, for that, they don't need to acquaint themselves with la Creme de la creme, rubbing with rubber is enough.

Missoni for Converse

Missoni collaborated with Converse and came up with rather interesting models.
I was expecting more colours but I believe men wouldn't wear the pink and orange I guess.
Well, see for yourself and enjoy!

Rio Ferdinand is the New Beckham

I consider long socks sexy in a footballer's gear as it enhances the legs of the athletes, the same outfit transferred to urban wear however could not be further from sex symbol material. Sadly as well, those who usually embrace the comfy and lose shirt look are more into the beer binging than into the physical fitness culture of football.
I am no wallflower and, as I enjoy my occasional glass of wine, I am not the one to necessarily advocate the fitness regime. However, I always encourage people to dress better.

So for those who want to dig the "footballer style" while still being acceptably dressed, an urban style alternative exists:  Rio Ferdinand is the internationally renowned Manchester United player and captain of the England national football team. Recently, he became the head of an eponymous Brand: Five by Rio Ferdinand.
The range consists of shoes,boots and accessories such as man-bags and wallets of casual inspiration.

The man is sexy, manly and, unlike Beckham, his style fits a fashionable style without the metrosexual connotation.
The adverts pictures give a sense of the look. Dark, washed colourways, crisps and urban and it will even fit those who are not football fans, I am sure.

I am told Five by Rio Ferdinand will be sold on Spartoo.com from this spring 2011.