Gianvito Rossi has a very good problem on his hands: His shoe collection is swiftly selling out at Bergdorf Goodman. The store’s display team was even concerned they might run out of merchandise before the official launch. But Rossi was in good cheer as his well-heeled customers gathered on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the debut of his fall 2013 collection at the store’s Fifth Avenue flagship. Vogue accessories editor Rickie De Sole hosted the luncheon, which was attended by Bergdorf’s Linda Fargo, editors Karla Martinez and Marina Larroude, and bold-name types like Kate Foley, Natalie Joos, and Tamu McPherson.
Rossi beamed as shoppers and fans crowded around the central display, a marble slab bedecked with dozens of styles from his fall collection. Remarked De Sole, “Everyone’s competing to have the craziest shoe out there, and he’s sticking to something that’s so feminine.” She pointed to her own black, strappy Rossi heels. “It’s the discreet, chic shoe that is so big for the season and he gets that.”
Writer and new mom Stephanie LaCava, who wore a pair of Rossi’s green suede over-the-knee boots, waxed further on the designer himself: “He’s an elegant, reserved man. I like to think that his shoes reflect his character.”
Rossi watched as Fargo tried on a pair of tan knee-high boots, a popular style with the crowd. “You can explore more with winter shoes,” he said, pointing to his favorite style, a bootie with a subtle cutout at the top of the foot, which comes in a satisfying shade of plum. “I’m also always imagining a woman wearing my shoes who is showing off a little,” he said with a sly smile. “That makes me happy.” Those booties, as well as nearly 25 other styles, are now available at Bergdorf Goodman, but it’s likely they won’t be around for long.
