Shoe Stoppers Melbourne 2011


Rockin' Reptile - Stand 1706

Fancy something nautical? Try the strappy Bon Voyage numbers in red, white and blue. How about a safari? No problem; lots of animal prints including leopard, cheetah and zebra.

That's just a small sampling from Rockin' Reptile. "There are 140 new styles for Spring/Summer 2011/12 and the collection is being featured in the major glossies," reports Natalie Lomas, Australian distributor for the hit London label created in 2003 by Shan Tan, a young barrister turned shoe designer.

"Styles range from very feminine pumps, sling-backs and wedges, to androgynous lace-up brogues, in leather and suede, and there's colour everywhere - brights such as coral pink, aqua and yellow, plus a section in lollypop colours."

Nuptials get full blast glamour from Rockin' Reptile: white lace ankle boots or satin heels for the bride and Swarovski crystal drenched dazzlers for bridesmaids.

 

Rebecca Venetta/Bec & Leni/ Tony Boy - Stand 1326

The triple treat comes from Melbourne company Heltonbec which will launch its new labels at the Australian Shoe Fair.

Leading the trio is Rebecca Venetta, aimed at fashionistas who crave the glamour of Salvatore Ferragamo and Sergio Rossi, but are loath to bust the bank.

"Rebecca Venetta is high-end, high fashion and affordable," assures senior executive, Kylie deMole.

"The leathers and suedes are beautiful, colours such as aubergine, turquoise, magenta and tangerine, are hot off the European catwalks, and both shoes and boots feature lots of details including fur trim, studs and contrasting textures."

For the 18-28 female market, there's Bec & Leni - "easy, trendy, PU styles" - while men's label, Tony Boy, will make its debut with a sleek collection that spans classic and casual footwear.

 

 

 

Miz Mooz - Stand 1716

There are six stores in SoHo, New York - three each on either side of Broadway - that carry Miz Mooz. A case of overkill? Not at all, says Simon Cron, CEO of Miz Mooz Australia.  

 "Each side of Broadway has a completely different ambience and people simply don't cross the road to do their shopping," he explains.

 That has proved a minor obstacle for Miz Mooz. Born in 2001 as private label brand carried exclusively by a small boutique chain in New York and San Francisco, it is now a major force in the US - stockists include department store giant, Nordstrom - and rapidly becoming a global presence.

 "Women love the combination of fashion, comfort and hand-craftsmanship," says Simon. "We've been very pleased with the response to Miz Mooz in Australia - 60 stockists since we launched it late last year." 

 

Peyote - Stand 1718

Peyote provides a range of authentic, quality handcrafted designer product. Any Peyote investment is one in durability, comfort and practical elegance which will set an outfit apart from the crowd. With strong classic style Peyote items are destined to be a treasured lifelong possession. Boasting a range of soft leathers, amazing textures and attention to detail, come and see their Mens, Womens and Childrens boots and accessories at Stand 1718 in the Designer Shoe section of the Australian Shoe Fair.

 

 

 

Kajo & XTI - Stand 1812

One label is brand new. The other is a European favourite that will have its Australian launch. Both offer classy women's leather fashion footwear and are made in Spain. And driving them is John Stevens, principal of Sydney's Cotton Willow Group.

"I've been in IT for 18 years, but fashion is my passion," says the Canadian-born entrepreneur. "I checked out the local scene and everything looked the same, so I decided to provide something fresh."  

Also hot in the case of XTI, whose current season ad campaign features two of the world's sexiest models, Russia's Irina Shayk and Brazil's Arthur Sales.

Joining XTI at the Australian Shoe Fair, will be John's own brand, Kajo, which has also been developed and manufactured in Spain.

"The Kajo launch collection, from flats to heels, is trans-seasonal and like XTI, upmarket but affordable. We'll present 86 styles for XTI - Spring-Summer as well as Winter 2012.  It's a stunning brand."

 

Wendy & Holly Shoes and Accessories - Stand 1434

The first Wendy & Holly collection started out with four basic flats in cream, black, white and purple. Then a dash of creative wizardry was applied. "We ended up with 14 designs and got orders from 32 stores," says Wendy MacManus.

 The jelly shoe label was launched on February 10 and has been blitzing ever since - outlets across Australia, 14 in New Zealand and fresh takers almost weekly. Behind the phenomenon are two dynamic young Sunshine Coast women.

 "Me and my gym buddy, Holly Daniel," says Wendy. "She's a designer - jewellery and hats - and I was a fed up financial controller. 'I'm going to find something I really want to do and run with it!' I said one day. Then Holly and I discovered we both loved jelly shoes and that was it."

 In their inspired hands, the plastic footwear born in the 1960s has been given the works - feminine easy-wearing shapes, lots of detail and inventive extras in the form of shoe slips and jewellery.

 "For our new collection, we've done ballet flats, wedges and courts, plus boots - all water-proof of course and really comfortable because we do a cushioned inner sole," says Wendy.

 Attractive price points and a scrumptious palette - brights such as tangerine and hot pink, as well as soft gelati colours - should also see to the continuing rise of Wendy & Holly.

 

Ramarin and Beira Rio - Stand 1826

Leading Brazilian label Ramarin will have its Australian launch with a collection that underscores why it is a favourite in 50 countries. Quality leathers and suedes in brights such as aqua, fuchsia and coral, plus neutrals, feature in elegant heels, cork wedges and dainty flats, often with intricate laser-cut details.

Melbourne-based sole distributor, Easy Life Shoes, will also present the latest collections from Brazilian giant Beira Rio, including a stunning, bejewelled bridal/red carpet range by luxury sub-label Vizzano.

 

Belanci - Stand 1606

Madam Sienna combines classic pump and ankle boot in two-tone drama. Madam Pascarl is in snakeskin with curlicue leather trim and features a swizzle-stick heel. Both have proved best-sellers. And of course both are stilettos - practically de rigueur for Belanci.

Apart from the occasional lofty wedge, the stiletto reigns supreme at the label launched in January 2010 by young Sydney duo Annie Xaypangna and Belinda Lui. Both craved high fashion shoes, but balked at the sky-high price tags. How about affordable luxury shoes, they mused.

Add wickedly sexy to the formula and you get Belanci, designed by Annie and managed by Belinda to killer effect. Celebs adore the label and the glossies practically drool.

Belanci's latest collection continues the love affair with temptations including the equestrian-inspired boots of Madam Megan and the leopard-print wooden pumps of Madam Lauren.

 

Aetrex: Comfort brand goes trendy - Stand 1642

The Aetrex people don't bother with subliminal messages. "The healthiest shoes you'll ever wear" is the slogan of the long established, family-owned New Jersey company which ranks as the global leader in pedorthic footwear and footcare products.

During the past decade, it has also stepped smartly into fashion and sole Australian distributor, Allied Footwear, will launch Aetrex's latest lines for women. Heading them is Berries, with its colourful stretch fabric clogs, slip-ons and Mary Janes.

Also new are Aetrex's cork-soled Sandalistas, sporty Bodyworks and - definitely chic - its Essence collection of comfort heels, wedges and casuals.

 

Holster: Jellies and jewels - Stand 1712

Wellies in honeysuckle pink? Diamante-studded sandals and espadrilles? If you haven't already guessed, the label is Holster, the Noosa phenomenon that has gone global and given "jelly" a whole new meaning.

Launched in 2003 by surfer-turned-entrepreneur Ben Nothling - a direct descendant of David Jones' founder - and his designer wife, Nathalie Miller, who struck gold with her glam Jelly flip-flops, Holster now sells to 1800 stores in 40 countries.

"We'll be showing our women's and children's Spring/Summer 2011 and Autumn/Winter 2012 ranges at the Australian Shoe Fair," says the laid-back Ben. "We also do a men's footwear range, though we're phasing out belts."

Key items will include the latest Jelly designs - "they take you from beach to dressy dinner" - and wellington boots in brights such as red and honeysuckle pink as well as neutrals.

 

Dani K Shoes - Stand 1806

Pumps, peeps, wedges, flats - the common denominator for Dani K is classic glamour, especially for young professionals who love luxurious, but affordable shoes that span office and after-five with ease.

"My shoes are sexy and elegant, but not fashion-driven," says Victorian designer Dani Golby, who founded Dani K in mid-2009 and will be making her Australian Shoe Fair debut.

Her new trans-seasonal collection includes blue and coral suedes, snakeskin-print satin, patent leather in chameleon-like hues such as olive/orange and several bridal styles in ivory. The label is easily recognised: all Dani K shoes have signature pink soles.