MANILA, Philippines - For the first time, pioneering shoe brand Rusty Lopez joined Philippine Fashion Week in its expansion to include younger and fashion-forward consumers.
With 23-year-old designer Nicole Lopez, Rusty Lopez infuses young blood into its fold. Nicole brings with her fresh, vibrant and up-to-the-minute ideas that include a trendier line, adding to Rusty Lopez’s classics and basic footwear selection.
Rusty Lopez presented its holiday collection dubbed “Women of Strength.” The booties, stilettos and high-cut sandals were bejeweled with sparkling studs. Head-turners included gladiator-inspired and suede semi-boot style sandals, sandals in pewter metallic material, and multi-strap platforms in patent and suede.
Inspired by Robert Palmer’s hit song Addicted to Love, the “Woman in Love” collection featured models in black with the exception of one clad in red. There were trendier versions of classic pumps embellished with wide front straps, sling-backed pumps, and office shoes in outer weave or stitched designs.
The “Men of Mystery” collection evoked masculine class and elegance as worn by the likes of James Bond. Models showcased contoured lace-up patent leathers, formal monk-straps, pointy formal loafer shoes, men’s classic boots in full-grain leather and sleek animal-print loafers in waxy leather.
Equally attention-grabbing was the “Woman of Intrigue” collection. Sexy peep toes, platforms, pumps and ballerina flats were accentuated with feminine touches such as teasing lace layers, ruffles and ribbons. This collection had the women wishing for the perfect footwear to don in boardrooms all the way to social dinners and even after-parties.
The “Untamed Woman” collection was the star of Rusty Lopez’s summer offerings with footwear echoing modern ethnic vibe in hues of brown, beige and camels. Models sashayed the catwalk with gladiator pumps, strappy and high-heeled with wide, buckled straps as accent, multi-strapped gladiator-style flats and wooden wedges with fabric straps and metal studs.
The rest of the summer collections paid homage to men’s classic shoes. The “Men of Ivy League” highlighted preppy topsiders, boat shoes, leather thongs, and casual sandals that carry them from school, office and on the streets.
Gauging from the audience’s response and reception, Rusty Lopez’s unveiling in the Philippine Fashion Week reinforced the brand’s stature as a formidable name that is here to stay and is attuned to the needs of its clientele.