Now available in Manila are the holiday collections of Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson and BCBGenerations shoes, bags and accessories. They are a modern take onholiday dressing — without the glitter but with the spirit that brings in stylish festivity.
Gregory Morel, president for the international business of Camuto Group, is holding a shoe in his hand and telling media people in the store what he thinks would look good on them.
It’s not part of his job to give individual shoe advice but last week was special because Greg, a Frenchman based in New York, was in Manila to launch the holiday collections of three brands under the Camuto Group at the new boutique of Vince Camuto, located on the second floor of Central Square Bonifacio High Street. Central Square houses more than 20 global brands brought in by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI)., earning for itself the nickname SSI Mall.
Greg leads the international business development, retail and wholesale divisions for Vince Camuto, VC Signature, Vince Camuto handbags, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, BCBGeneration and BCBG Max Azria. He oversees 40 freestanding and shop-in-shop stores worldwide and his role in the Connecticut-based company is to expand its retail presence around the world. Next up after Manila, he says, are stores that are scheduled to open in the UAE, UK, Australia, Japan, China and India, bringing Vince Camuto’s presence to 62 countries.
Strangely enough, Greg — a native of Champagne, France — went to the US about 14 years ago doing his other career: as a professional equestrian, and then he got into the shoe business in 2008, and joined the Camuto Group in 2011.
Company founder Vince Camuto launched his eponymous footwear line in 2005, decades after he founded Nine West (and later divested himself of that business). Today, the Camuto brand has 30 categories of sportswear and lifestyle products including dresses, handbags, jewelry, swimwear, fragrance and menswear.
Also in 2005, Camuto Group acquired the master license for the Jessica Simpson brand and built the line into a billion-dollar business. Camuto Group partnered with Tory Burch in 2006 to launch her footwear collection and collaborated with her to create the iconic “Reva” ballet flat. In 2008 Camuto Group went into partnership with Sanctuary Clothing as well as signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Lucky Brand Jeans.
“Not a single shoe goes into production without Vince Camuto inspecting it and giving his approval,” says Greg.
Now available in Manila are the holiday collections of Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson and BCBGenerations shoes, bags and accessories. They are a modern take on holiday dressing — without the glitter but with the spirit that brings in stylish festivity.
Vince Camuto’s holiday line offers three trends to take you into the new year: Prime Cuts, Fringe Benefits and Band Practice.
“Prime Cuts features asymmetrical and honeycomb cut-out designs, diamond perforated detail, scalloped edges and peep-toe footwear silhouettes,” Greg says. The shoes and handbags are refined in feminine silhouettes, in soft calf and suede combinations. Classic rich black, shades of gray, and dark walnut complement the seasonal deep cherry red, lapis blue and antique steel. These styles are the perfect accent to add edge to a more polished look.
Fringe Benefits is about “carefree attitude and style, encouraging the Vince Camuto woman to embrace her unique individuality.” Expect oversized fringes, chain detail, gold buckles, and blocked heels.
Band Practice includes modern gladiator and caged uppers, sculptured silhouettes, lock closures and multiple bands and buckle fastenings. Materials include combinations of soft matte leather, smooth croco and glossy snake, handbags include tote, clutch and the ever-versatile cross body bags fit for a woman who leads the fast lifestyle.
BCBGeneration
For a tailored but laidback style for the holidays, a girl can’t go wrong with BCBGeneration. Key colors in this collection include soft neutrals such as smoked taupe, French vanilla, and hues ranging from a warm bright cherry and sunshine yellow to cool sugarplum and deep sea. Key materials include modern metallic snake and bold geometric synthetic options that complement kid suede, crackle and silky leather offerings.
The collection is comprised of pointy-toes, blocked heels, mules and asymmetrical patterns. Minimalist in its color-blocking, other details include leather and geometric prints with unfinished surfaces and luxurious texture clashing.
“Chic vagabond” is a statement she can make to add edge to her winter OOTDs — boots with attitude by way of hardware-heavy accents, huarache detailing and intricate cutout patterns.
“Midnight glow” brings up platform silhouettes that are flirty and strappy and design details that include scalloped edges with hints of metallic embellishments for a hint of glamour and sparkle.
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson the shoe brand has gone beyond the singer and reality star’s career — because even if you’re not a fan, you’ve got to admit the shoes are well designed. “Design is approachable yet inspirational, sexy yet sweet, flirtatious and whimsical, vintage at times, but always of-the-moment.”
Its holiday collection puts a modern, whimsical spin on global influences with the themes wild kingdom, desert bloom and sea-worthy.
Wild kingdom is all about contrasting neutral animal prints with dynamic graphic, metallic and multicolored snake prints and leopards and zebra hair calf. Desert bloom features cage detailing, ankle straps, a little bohemian fringe detailing, and bejeweled pumps and platform sandals. Sea-worthy brings muted metallics and dressier silhouettes in soft, sleek leathers bring a rich and feminine balance to the collection.
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In the Philippines, Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson and BCBG are exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI). Vince Camuto stores are located at Central Square Bonifacio High Street, Rustan’s Makati, Glorietta Mall, Alabang Town Center, and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.