A couple of weeks ago I attended the Transit LA Shoe Show that was at the California Market Center. I really enjoy trade shows even though it’s not the most glamourous side of the business. Trade shows are where you can really connect with representatives from brands and you get to see what stores will be carrying and see what buyers are looking at. It’s a peek into how the industry actually works.
Runway shows are fun and of course free drinks are nice too, but it’s only the cover to the “fashion industry book” if you will. Time was a bit limited so I was only able to check out a few vendors, but I saw some really fantastic new styles for Fall 2011 from some of our favs, like Jeffrey Campbell, but then also some really bitchin’ styles from unexpected brands like Volatile. Yes, that shoe brand that you (well I did at least) wore in high school from Hot Topic. I also really loved the shoes from Matiko, who I just discovered. LOVED the paneled cutout wedges they had (pictured above) and their use of animal prints and mixed materials…totally swoon-worthy yeah?
I didn’t realize that Volatile had branched out their brand. Their Very Volatile line really hits home with styles that target a younger demographic. So much more hip and contemporary than I would have ever imagined. Thanks so much to their sales rep Michael for showing me around and asking what I thought of the shoes, I was quite flattered that my opinion mattered that much! The Sling Shot was one of my favs, I love elastic straps…they make shoes much more wearable and comfortable. There was also a few brogue styles that would be perfect with a girly dress or even with a more tomboyish look paired with rolled trousers and a button up top or blouse. Super impressed. Another one of Volatile’s sub-brands was Sbicca of California. A pair of rustic boots caught my eye and also their 70′s inspired wood/clog styles. Love it or hate it, clogs are back to stay…at least for a while.
Irregular Choice Bow Wedges
The most anticipated booths, Irregular Choice and Jeffrey Campbell, were by far my favorite, but pictures weren’t really allowed, but that’s okay! I got to see some really phenomenal and innovative new looks including the much buzzed about Benched Platform. It’s cousin the ‘Bus Stop’ should be released soon hopefully…I’m dying for pictures! Both feature the new “archless” arch and seriously are unfrickinbelieveable. Other new styles to lookout for are the ‘Rockin’ and the ‘Revolver’
I also happened to meet THE Jeffrey Campbell, but didn’t even realize it. How is that even possible you ask? Well, he introduced himself as “Jeff” and was like “Oh, I just work here” so I didn’t think anything more of it. I mean, it clicked in my head that maybe he’s JC but then I was like nah…but it WAS! Well, I OOoo-ed and Ahh-ed over the shoes and even wore my Copen Platforms so at least he knows how big of a fanatic I am without having to directly be like “YOU ARE MY HERO!” because y’know that would have been embarrasing…
