Magrit ~ Spring/Summer Collection 2010

For more than 80 years, Magrit has been making shoes one pair at a time, by hand, in their workshop in Elda, nestled in Spain’s Alicante region. Haven’t heard of them? They produce and distribute nearly 200,000 shoes a year to parts of Europe, Asia and the United States.

Ballerinas and “saquettos” have extended Magrit’s traditional flats and kitten-heel line to bring a new type of comfort with their refined toes and flat heels. “We are very satisfied with them because we feel we can offer our customer base something really new.”

For more Magrit, search “Magrit” in shuzsociety.tv’s shop.

Pura Lopez ~ Spring/Summer 2010 collection

For Pura Lopez, an International brand based in Spain, there is not one single thing that defines her shoes. The spring/summer 2010 collection is at once sophisticated and playful, and range from sweet multi-colored skimmers to way-high whip-stitched sandals. And in the fall, mmmmm, her boots are lovely.

Who is the Pura Lopez woman? As described by Pura Lopez, for her eponymous line, “she’s a sophisticated women who knows about fashion, wants to feel feminine, and not afraid of change.”

Her Spring/Summer palette is a collection of navy and dusty blues, on chiseled heels or stacked wedges, with detailing coming from the patchwork leather or grommet accents. There are also some dressy numbers in strappy black or silver metallic.

Below are a few styles pulled from shuzsociety.tv. Simply enter “Pura Lopez” in the search box and see all shoes FOR SALE online presently… and others ON SALE! Here are just a few…happy shopping.

The suede leather sandal with gold-tone grommets, ankle strap and stacked platform wedge outsole. $419.95 at Endless.com. Right now get FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING.

Pura Lopez “S577″ knotted metallic sandal with covered platform and slingback heel. Made in Spain. $420 at Endless.com.

Turning up the heat, and waaaaaay up, is the lizard-embossed strappy sandal with rear zipper and covered platform. Reeaaaar. $414.95 at Endless.com.

Magnanni ~ Spring 2010

Some of you may have noticed a little something-something happening at your favorite online-shoe source shuzsociety recently… we’ve expanded! Now, we’re giving you more of the shoes you want, on video, at shuzsociety.TV!

This week shuzsociety offers up some eye-candy for the gents: Magnanni. ‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man!

The Spanish-based shoe company has been in the (family) business for more than a half a decade, and making drool-worthy shoes for gents. The original vision of Sebastián Blanco Aldomar, who started working in Spanish shoe factories at the age of 12 then opened his own company, is alive today in their finely-crafted leather shoes… from Contemporary lace-ups like the “Basilio.”

To the sleek sophistication of the suede wing-tipped lace-up.

And the classic Nappa-leather lace-up “Lorca.”

With Magnanni you get sophistication and quality, as ““every facet of this 3rd generation business is overseen by a family member.” (You can see them in the video!) Which ever one—of the more than 300 lasts—your man dons, he’s sure to step-out in true Don Juan fashion.

Chie Mihara ~ Spring 2010

Chie Mihara, the Alicante-based shoe designer born in Brazil to Japanese parents, has been turning heads for years. Her shoes are beautiful to look at… and simply wonderful to wear. Nestled quietly among the shelves at Anthropologie, her use of supple leathers, combined with elegant and purposeful design, make her a favorite among bloggers and fashionistas alike.

We’ve pulled a few of our favorites to wet your whistle… The “Emozine” updated Mary Jane in Leche ruched leather with tan strap, on stacked 3″ heel. $370 at Piperlime.com.

Ruffled-cuff sandal in Falco taupe with covered cone heel, the “Kaida” is at once pretty… and pretty stunning and would pair well with any smart dress of the season. $410 at Piperlime.com.

The “Wonton” geometric toe-ring flat also boasts an adjustable ankle strap and is offered in a delicate peach. $345 at Shopbop.com.

The sling-back “Frieda” combines a soft pastel color palette of cream, olive and peach, with a cushioned insole and covered 2″ heel to create a spectacle of functionality and classic design. $316.95 at Shoebuy.com.

Still can’t get enough Chie? Check out her darling, and entertaining, site… ChieMihara.com.

Designer Spotlight ~ Attilio Giusti Leombruni

Who is Attilio Giusti Leombruni?
In an era where shoe production is heading to the Orient, Attilio Giusti Leombruni (AGL for those in the know) pride themselves on maintaining an Italian operation. AGL’s leathers and components are all Italian made. Their production takes place in their own factory nestled in the valley of Montegranaro, a municipality in the Province of Fermo. “It has been our home for generations and we couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere else,” offers Marianna Giusti, the designer behind the brand and a third generation designer of the Giusti family. She inherited the art of design from her father Attilio, for whom the brand is named.

“We also pride ourselves on running an eco-friendly organization. In the fall of 2008 we converted the factory to solar power. While we are not vegan, we use natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic glues. We believe that a shoe is a work of art. We like to say we are artisans working in a state of the art facility.” In this way, Attilio Giusti Leombruni is a company that embraces the best of modern technology, but refuses to abandon traditional craftsmanship.

What is your design philosophy?
“Designing the Attilio Giusti Leombruni Collection comes natural to me,” says Giusti, “and at the same time is a new challenge every season. It’s necessary to start with an idea, a specific theme and with time and patience it all comes together. One moment I’m negotiating leather deals and then the next I’m off for a seaside picnic with my husband and nephews. One night at dinner with clients, another out with my sisters. I love the fact I can go to my closet and find a ballet, a riding boot, a smart pump and a fun metallic sport shoe and they each express who I am. My style preferences vary, but I will never compromise on fit or comfort.”

Describe AGL’s design style 5 words:
Refined. Pure. Timeless. Smart. Classic.

What brought you to the shoe industry?
“Shoes are part of my DNA. I grew up among shoes! Since I was a child I spent my afternoons in my father’s workshop. I loved watching him work. It was our time together. I had my own sketch book and would draw shoes, heels, buckles. He’s always encouraged me and I remain his #1 fan. My sisters all caught the shoe-bug as well. Sara and Vera work in PR and production. My brother who recently graduated from university has joined the team, too. It’s a family affair! Mom still works tirelessly in the stitching room and Dad still runs the show.”

What can we expect for Summer 2010 collection?
“Inspiration comes from two great cities where urban landscapes merge with water: Vancouver, Canada on the Pacific Ocean and Venezia on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. Colors from the different architectural silhouettes and the spirit of the two lifestyles inspire me. I love the season’s sea blue and mango patent colors. They remind me of sunset at the shore.”

And for Winter 2010?
It is characterized by a new freedom of movement… “which include loose and soft fits, rounded shapes and a new mix of volumes. I’m in love with our new equestrian-inspired boots and can’t wait until our new buttery over-the-knee design makes its debut.”

What else is in the works?
A Men’s Collection — a collaboration between Giusti and her father and brother.

How does AGL give back?
For more than 20 years AGL has been supporting “La Lega del Filo d’Oro” — an Italian association that helps blind and hearing-impaired children. Their aim is to inspire, educate, assist and impart skills to allow these children to achieve their dreams and be as self-sufficient as possible.

Just a few of the places to find Attilio Giusti Leombruni…
Nordstrom.com and at 83 of their stores; The Shoe Box in New York, NY; Matava Shoes in Baltimore, MD; The Shoe Salon on Cape Cod, MA; FootStock in Boston, MA; Shirise in Glencoe, IL; Wilkes Bashford in San Francisco, CA; Village Bootery in Tequesta, FL; Embellish in Chatanooga, TN; and Goler Shoes in Santa Fe, NM.

Getting Personal:

Which song or recording artist sets the tone for your spring 2010 line?
“Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz’s duet “Lucky.” The song always makes me smile. Last summer I married the love of my life and feel very lucky that he is my best friend.”

What are you reading right now?
“Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson…so inspiring!”

What is YOUR personal favorite pair of shoes?
As much as I love our heels and boots, I have to say my favorite is our toe cap ballet. Love the feel, love the way it is perfect with so many pieces in my closet.

How do you pack your shoes for travel? Tips?
“I always use AGL dustbags – one comes with every pair. Instead of using paper to stuff them, I roll up my socks and tuck them in my shoes. Saves room in my suitcase and helps shoes keep their shape,” offers Giusti. “One other travel tip I live by is to always pack a pair of metallic shoes. They go with practically everything and as much as I would love to wear a different pair every day, I like to travel smart and light.”

What is your favorite vacation spot? And why!
“Italy remains my favorite because it keeps surprising me, though I am fortunate that both my husband and I travel for both business and pleasure and have spent time all over the world,” ends Giusti. “Each corner of this wonderful country is steeped in ancient tradition and everything from its remarkable landscape, to its stunning architecture echoes to a particular sensibility towards beauty that is so inherently Italian.”

Spanish-made Sendra Boots

Sendra Boots began in 1913 as a small family-owned business in Almansa, Spain. It has since become one of the most well-respected names in boot making especially for cowboys.

Sendra Boots are all made with full grain leathers and Goodyear welts for a boot that is comfortable as it is durable. The tough, sexy sensibility of the boots, combined with meticulous Old World craftsmanship make a pair of Sendra Boots something to be worn and treasured.

Sendra Boots continues to make a name for itself with their well-crafted, edgy designs.  Get a sneak peak at Sendra Boots’ Spring 2010 styles in shuzsociety’s trend report.

Rising Star Jerome C. Rousseau

JEROME C. ROUSSEAU launched his eponymous label with the Fall 2008 collection.  His distinctive creations have been extensively featured in Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Style.com and other publications worldwide. Celebrities wearing the label include Charlize Theron, Cameron Diaz, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Stewart, Katie Holmes, Drew Barrymore, January Jones, Toni Collette, Rose McGowan and others.

Jerome finessed his design skills for ten years in London and Los Angeles, where he worked alongside Matthew Williamson, Isabella Fiore, John Richmond and John Rocha, as well as Paris based forecasting house Promostyl.  He had previously built a strong technical knowledge in footwear design at London’s Cordwainers College, famous for its many reputed alumni including Jimmy Choo and others.

Modern art, European design, pop culture and nightlife are some of Jerome’s inspirations.  “I initially think in terms of shape, silhouette and structure when I design.  It’s later on that I bring fashion in the equation”.

Born in Quebec, his interest for design was shaped through art and music.  “I started drawing shoes as a teenager after watching a Deee-Lite videoclip.  I was influenced by its unique styling, but it was the overstated retro footwear that first caught my attention”.

JEROME C. ROUSSEAU is available at highly reputed retailers worldwide, including Barneys, Net-a-porter, Fred Segal Feet (Los Angeles), Harvey Nichols (London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Riyadh), Le Bon Marche, Holt Renfrew, The Wynn Resorts (Las Vegas) and others.

The JEROME C. ROUSSEAU footwear is expertly handcrafted in Italy.

Jerome C. Rousseau was featured on E! Networks “The Daily Ten” that aired on November 30, 2009.

See for yourself why this rising star in the footwear industy is quickly making a name for himself.  View his chic and elegant collection at JeromeCRousseau.com.

Marc Joseph New York

Note the name … Marc Joseph New York … because this design house is quickly gaining a reputation with their diverse line of casual, contemporary and couture women’s footwear and accessories. There’s something for everyone — flats, pumps, platforms, ankle, knee- and thigh-high boots!

Visit the New York showroom to decide which Marc Joseph New York style .. or styles .. will be going home with you!

New York Showroom
390 5th Ave, Suite 505
New York, NY 10018

or

Visit MarcJosephNY.com to contact the store via email … they will be happy to assist you!

Coye Nokes Launches Designer Shoe Collection

Coye Nokes brought together her knowledge of the fashion industry and passion for shoes to launch her brand. After several years of advising leadership of prominent brands as a strategy consultant, she decided to launch with a Fall | Winter 2009 footwear collection.

She was inspired by her constant search for shoes that are both fashionable and functional.  After more than a decade spent searching for the perfect shoe, she decided to create her own!

Working together with her London-based design team, Coye is committed to making beautiful footwear for the modern woman – the woman who knows where she’s going and confident in making her own way.

The signature clean lines and stunning details combine to deliver styles that are versatile and always flattering.  In a range of heights and styles, they take you from a day in the office to a night on the town with style.

With the aim of inspiring strong women, her styles are named for women who have accomplished great things …. Ginger, Katharine, Amelia, Josephine … so allow yourself to step into greatness!

shuzsociety had the opportunity to catch  up with the budding new designer  ….

shuzsociety:  Please list 5 words that describe her design style.
Coye Nokes: Confident, chic, versatile, flattering, effortless

shuzsociety:  Tell us about your fall 2009 collection. What were your inspirations?
Coye Nokes: The fall /winter 2009 collection is inspired by the ‘parisian office’ – combining global sophistication, urban edge and effortless style. The color palette of rich neutrals is delivered through a selection of high quality Italian leathers and fabrics.  The overall design of the line emphasises clean lines and flattering styles.

shuzsociety:  What are you most enthusiastic about for spring 2010?
Coye Nokes: Our inspiration for Spring 2010 is ‘Urban Riviera’.   The styles are inspired by the glamour of the Riviera and the edge of summer in the city.  The color palette is a stunning combination of sugar coral, ocean blue, metallics and versatile summer neutrals.

shuzsociety:  How do you pack your shoes for travel?  Any tips?
Coye Nokes: “I carry them on when possible.  I nearly lost one of my favorite pairs of shoes when the airline lost my bag.  I was devastated and have been very careful with them since!  Also, I always use shoe bags.”

shuzsociety:  What is your favorite vacation spot?  And why!
Coye Nokes: “My favorite vacation spot is Jackson Hole, Wyoming.   We spend the winter holidays with my family there every year.  Also, my husband and I had our wedding there in June.  It is a beautiful place and so wonderful to share it with our family and friends!  The mountains are amazing for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer – perfect!”

The Coye Nokes brand is effortlessly chic and confidently feminine with an understated urban grace.  Visit CoyeNokes.com to view her entire fall / winter 2009 collection.

Spanish Designer Pura Lopez

“Shoes are communication. They transmit the personality of who is wearing them.” – Pura López

The Pura López footwear collection mixes fantasy and practicality, eclectic ideas with vitality.  The designs are characterized by elegant, but not conventional forms, based in basic but avant garde lines which have been carefully placed to bring out the femininity of the foot.

Pura López is part of a strong family tradition that began in 1956, and has dramatically evolved into a sophisticated international brand. Yet the core values of the company have never changed: Offer clients a carefully crafted high quality product of Spanish design. www.puralopez.com.

Step to shuzsociety’s featured shoes to view The Artful Design of Pura Lopez Shoes.

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