Shopping: L.A.’s Madison steps out with shoe line
Rugged boots and delicate ballet flats are modern must-haves in any stylish shoe wardrobe. This may be why the first shoe collection manufactured by Los Angeles boutique chain Madison is made up entirely of the two looks.
That, and the Italian factory producing the private-label collection “happens to be very good at making both,” said Mark Goldstein, president and owner of Madison et cie, the parent company for Madison stores.
The company recently debuted the line — which ranges from $185 for simple black ballet flats to $445 for the studded, ankle-length “Gioiello” boot — at all seven Madison locations in the Los Angeles area.
“We are always looking to find something — whether it be shoes, clothing, handbags, etc. — that’s new and exciting for our customers,” Goldstein said. “This shoe line provides it all.”
While ballet flats are a well-worn style standard, Madison’s punk-y new boots tell a more original narrative.
Rugged and vintage-inspired, the boots hit just above the ankle (a perfect height for spring’s floor-dusting skirts) and riff off the styling of combat, biker and cowboy boots.
The kick-around styles “are somewhat rustic,” featuring aged leather, noted Goldstein, adding: “They are classic with a twist and look like they have been with you for many years, like your favorite pair of vintage boots.”
Of the four boot styles, our favorites are the “Punk,” $395, a shorty black suede boot boasting a lug sole and side zipper, and the “Militare,” $395, a classic combat boot that looks best with the shaft unlaced and folded down, willy-nilly, around the ankle.
Goldstein said he hopes to debut sandal styles in the near future. And if they’re as trend-right and substantial feeling as his first offerings, we’re definitely in the market.
Visit MadisonLosAngeles.com for store locations or to purchase online.
EVENTS
Rag & Bone Tuesday: Intermix boutique welcomes David Neville, co-designer of hot New York-based denim and contemporary brand Rag & Bone, to an in-store event featuring styling tips and the label’s breezy spring collection.
110 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 860-0113. 3 to 5 p.m.
Helmut Lang spring 2011 trunk show Thursday: Madison Pacific Palisades hosts an evening trunk show for cult-favorite fashion brand Helmut Lang.
1017 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades. (310) 459-7755. 6 to 8 p.m.
helmutlangjournal.com
Target’s Go International dress relaunch through April 10: In a savvy marketing move, Target has reissued 34 dresses from its über-popular Go International designer collections, which it launched five years ago. Available on Target.com and in all local Target stores through April 10 (or until they sell out), the dresses will be priced under $50. Designers include Luella Bartley and Tracy Feith (who have closed their lines since their collaboration), Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Thakoon, Rodarte and Zac Posen.
Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija bridal trunk show Tuesday through Saturday: The Bridal Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills hosts a five-day trunk show to highlight the glamorous, curve-friendly gowns of Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija.
9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Call (310) 275-4211, Ext. 5509, to make an appointment.
Picture Perfect Prom Saturday: Nordstrom at Fashion Island hosts a prom-centric event, Picture Perfect Prom, that showcases its brands’ latest gowns for prom.
401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. For more information or to RSVP, call (949) 610-0700. 1 to 4 p.m.
GQ men’s event at Bloomingdale’s Wednesday: Join GQ magazine for an evening of jazz, artisan-crafted cocktails and discounted men’s fashion at Bloomingdale’s Men’s Store at Century City. Get styling tips from Bloomingdale’s vice president of fashion direction Kevin Harter and GQ’s executive merchandising stylist Brett Fahlgren while enjoying 30% off almost all regular-price dress shirts and ties and 25% off a good selection of regular-price shoes. The event will also feature a monogram station offering free monogramming on shirts, ties and pocket squares.
Bloomingdale’s Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 6 to 9 p.m. (310) 772-2100.
