When revenge dressing made itself known a few years ago, Retrofête was there to bask in all its glory. The evening-focused brand trades in plenty of sequins, sparkles, feathers, silks, crystal fringe and all-that-glam, an aesthetic that continues to resonate even as revenge dressing settles into a routine and fashion moves into other catchphrases (looking at you, quiet luxury).
Now, the New York-based label is completing the glitzy look with its own line of footwear, launching today at its spring ’24 runway show, its first-ever at New York Fashion Week.
For cofounder and creative director Ohad Seroya, designing head to toe was always part of the plan for the five-year-old brand.
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“My dream of designing footwear has finally become a reality—offering the head-to-toe Retrofête look, finishing touches and all,” the designer told FN exclusively ahead of the Monday runway show.
The designer traveled to Italy to create the eight-piece capsule, overseeing the sample development along the way. “I kept myself very involved throughout the design process, traveling to Italy to handcraft the fit of every shoe,” said Seroya, who worked in wholesale and private label manufacturing for contemporary ready-to-wear and luxury resort wear brands prior to launching Retrofête in 2018 with husband Aviad Klin in 2018.
The collection is heavy on 90’s-inspired stilettos, done in metallics and python-embossed leather alike, plus a series of slick snake-wrap-inspired sandals also done in metallics, and a few slingbacks and heeled mules. Standout boot styles include a pair of knee-high stilettos in denim, complete with pockets, rivets and button fly detailing, and another knee-high style is outfitted with grommets, straps and cargo pockets, offered in both suede and embossed leather. A mix of lime green, hot pink and purple metallics with tonal textures echo the ready-to-wear.
The collection’s price points range from $498 – $1,598 and the brand will launch the footwear on Retrofête’s site in March 2024, with the plan to roll out to some of the brand’s major retail partners after that.
