Shoe designer Brian Atwood and friends (and when you are Atwood that means Hilary Rhoda, Molly Sims and Rose McGowan) crowded into the West Village eatery The Lion last night to preview the designer’s upcoming lower priced shoe line made in conjunction with Jones Apparel Group named “B.”
Guests mingled downstairs, while the shoes were carefully guarded upstairs in what is normally the private dining room. Everyone was required to have an an escort just to get a glimpse of the shoes (and unfortunately no photos were allowed). Leopard ankle boots, cobalt blue suede mid-calf boots and ankle strap rounded toe platforms were just some of the shoes on display. Atwood hasn't strayed from the sky-high heels and the red-carpet appeal that he has become synonymous with, don't worry.
A tan Atwood (he had just come from Miami) said of the collection, “I would definitely say there’s three kinds of aesthetics melted together: Upper East Side poshness, mixed with downtown cool, along with a Parisian sophistication." In other words, there is something for everyone (and every budget). It’s no surprise that Shopbop.com and Barneys New York have already picked up the collection, and the designer hinted that there could be bags and jewelry in the future.
The collection will range between $100 for sandals, on up to $650 for boots—certainly not bargain basement but far less expensive than Atwood's signature. There will be between 35-45 styles when the line hits stores in mid-August.
