MILAN — Expect to hear more about shoes by Brunello Cucinelli.
The designer put on a lavish outdoor feast on Wednesday night for the launch of his spring ’10 apparel collection. The brand, which started selling fine cashmere, is currently ramping up its complementary footwear offering that sits alongside the clothing (rather than on shoe floors), in department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman and in its stand-alone stores.
The 20-strong footwear collection has expanded since its fall ’09 launch. This chic casual collection, retailing from $440 to $750, includes open-toed thong boots in soft suede; washed suede shoes and boots with brogue punching detailing; cleated soles together with flats; driving mocs with ribbon ties; and sneakers with gray jersey toe caps.
“It’s a moment for a more understated look,” said the designer, who added that accessories account for 10 percent of the collection and would be featured in a new Madison Avenue store set to open at the end of the year and a Bal Harbor, N.Y., store in the spring.
