First time exhibitors and brand-new brands made their mark last week at FFANY, offering a blend of heritage styles and fun fashion statements. Here’s a look at some of the companies out to inject newness to your selling floor.
Danner
Danner’s story as an outdoor boot brand began in 1932 and has since garnered a Hollywood following, most recently being worn by Reese Witherspoon in the critically acclaimed drama, “Wild.” For next season, the brand introduces new colorways and fabrications, including a new boot with a new woven polyester upper and Vibram sole. Danner is also focusing on the new Jag for women, which offers a slimmer look and a multitude of colors.
Cortina Group
Sprox, a division of Cortina Group, is tapping into playful styles for children for Spring ’18. The collection spans popsicle prints and ruffles for girls, to trendy Velcro sneakers for boys. Paul Shapiro, North American sales, said retailers are gravitating to ruffles and printed uppers for spring, as well as classic navy and white combinations for boys. Cortina also presented a new concept, High Beam Shoes, for children and adults. The sneakers with lights to help bikers, runners, hikers and hunters remain visible at night.
Piccasso
After making an impression in the UK and European markets, men’s brand Picasso aims to grow its footprint in the U.S. A division of Karam Shoes, the brand specializes in classic men’s silhouettes, including casual, work/dress and comfort footwear, with a focus on craftmanship and quality materials. Kanwaljit Singh Kohli, a partner and co-owner of the company, said styles with Goodyear welts were the most popular at FFANY.
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4EurSole
Lifestyle comfort brand 4EurSole presented a new collection based on wearable neutrals, warm hues and hints of metallic. A division of Rocky Brands, 4EurSole is pivoting its focus to include more lightweight work-to-weekend silhouettes, including wedge sandals, flat sandals and clogs. Each shoe is designed to help improve body alignment, while memory foam footbeds provide extra comfort.
La Forst
Slip-resistant footwear company La Forst aims to capture the attention of young restaurant workers with its sport- and skate-inspired silhouettes. The brand offers an array of black footwear outfitted with its own lab-tested slip-resistant outsole. For the uppers, La Forst uses coated leather and Sunbrella—a material typically used for outdoor furniture—to ensure durability and water resistance. The brand also offers a collection of clog footwear with colorful patters for the healthcare industry.
So Me
So Me, previously known as Machi flats, presented a revamped collection with a focus on booties. Presenting its pre-fall and Fall ’17 lines, the California-based brand made a statement with embroidered booties, peep-toe boots and flats adorned with pearls. So Me sells to stores like Forever XXI, Lola Shoetique, Fashion Nova, Go Jane and more.
