Not your mother's shoes...That was the message that the Naturalizer team set out to show shoppers last week. My younger sister wouldn't let my own mother walk into a Naturalizer store for years to ween her away from frumpy but ultra-comfortable shoes.
Angelique Joseph, the brand's director of product design has overhauled the look and direction for today's fashionistas. The chic designer set out with distinctive trends to design around this fall. My favorite, the ultra-hip "Mad Men" influenced retro-style. This included vintage details like suede pleats and demure bows. These were updated with stacked heels with platforms and stitched color blocked panels.
Another direction was the Americana-inspired shearling collection. Rugged suede and warm shearling, faux fur were interpreted into trend-right platform boots.
Naturalizer is not about style without substance. The new design direction does not pull the brand away from its roots. The team invited guests of their Fall fashion event to try out the actual shoes. They are offered across a wide range of sizes and widths. The pleasant surprise was stacked platform heels, prim pointed heels were actually very flexible and comfortable. Their signature wearability was not lost in the stylistic revamp, and their price point stayed friendly too.
