Like Banana Republic and the young footwear label Salone Monet, Naturalizer has answered the call for nude footwear that matches the skin tones of all women.
The Caleres brand first launched its True Colors collection in spring 2019. Spread across three styles—all of them dress—the original line offered six hues. Naturalizer recently expanded that selection, introducing four neutral shades and two new items.
“We are always looking to expand styles based on consumer needs and interests—the introduction of sport and casual in our expanded collection is based on shifts in consumer behavior and lifestyles,” Angelique Joseph, vice president, design and product development, told Sourcing Journal. “We will listen to our consumers and their reaction to the current offering and see how we can enhance or improve upon to make sure we customize for her as much as possible.”
The collection, launched April 1, features a sneaker, flat, sandal, dress sandal and clutch. Prices range from $79 for the flat and clutch to $119 for the dress sandal. According to Joseph, one of the cast promoting the expanded line, Candace Reels, will launch a special-edition collaboration sneaker this fall.
“Nude is a not a one-shade-fits-all-color, so it was important that we think differently and create an inclusive spectrum of neutral tones that recognizes the diversity in all women,” Joseph said in a statement. “This collection is a celebration of who we are when we are honestly ourselves and is designed to inspire every woman to live her true colors. No apologies.”
With the pandemic stymying demand for dress footwear, Naturalizer faced a tough environment last year. In November, Caleres announced plans to shutter 133 stores. In March, Diane Sullivan, the company’s CEO and chairman, said it closed 60 locations in 2020, with 73 to follow by the end of the first quarter. These closures, she noted, would bring the brand’s physical presence to seven flagship stores in the United States and Asia and approximately 150 partner stores around the world.
“This effort will result in improved profitability going forward and we will more closely align this important brand with the accelerated consumer shift toward digital,” Sullivan said.