Footwear News

VIVAIA’s inaugural U.S. physical retail store is officially opened. The permanent outpost, located in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, was a no-brainer for the brand as the move comes after a series of pop-up shops in New York, as well as Paris and L.A. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQbaAQZM

Nordstrom has tapped Reformation for the latest edition of its Make Room for Shoes program. The department store, which is going private this year, has teamed up with the brand for a month-long event that gives Nordstrom customers access to a limited-edition capsule collection of footwear designed specifically for the retailer. The exclusive Reformation shoe collection includes six footwear styles like day-to-night heels, stylish flats, versatile sandals and more Read more: https://lnkd.in/edCVjC3c

With summer approaching, Havaianas NA&C - an Alpargatas Brand is coming in haute with?Gigi Hadid?as its new global brand ambassador. The Brazilian brand debuted the supermodel as its new face — and foot — on Friday, posing in the Slim Point Flip Flop in a campaign shot. https://lnkd.in/eQir63Ra

The?creative director?musical chairs continued on Thursday as?BALENCIAGA announced?that?Demna?would be leaving his position to become the new artistic director of fellow Kering-owned luxury brand Gucci. But ever since Demna took the creative helm at?Balenciaga?ten years ago, he has made it his business to create viral shoe moments. Some of his first releases were seen everywhere including the Speed sock sneaker, the Triple S and the Track model. More recently, Demna is opting for oversized shoes like the 3XL and 6XL sneaker silhouettes. Following today’s Balenciaga news, FN is looking back at some of most groundbreaking shoes he has created for the house during his tenure.

There’s life beyond the catwalk, in bustling showrooms and charming presentation venues that rival runway shows. These locations provide the perfect backdrop for accessory brands to spotlight shoes and bags from their fall 2025 collections. From ‘90s minimalism that elevates everyday styles to artful flourishes highlighting craftsmanship, brands explored a range of creative direction. In between, labels revisited their icons with subtle tweaks, embraced suede and animal patterns with gusto, and even tuned into new, innovative frequencies with their designs.? See all the highlights from Paris Fashion Week: https://lnkd.in/eDeZiphZ

For someone as accomplished jeff staple, firsts are hard to come by. However, the?sneaker and streetwear?pioneer has ventured into uncharted territory with his brand’s first-ever retail store. Thursday night marks the grand opening of?Staple?21 Mercer, located in the heart of New York City’s bustling SoHo neighborhood. The store is located at 21 Mercer St., an address that is particularly special to sneakerheads: it was the longtime home of NikeLab 21 Mercer. https://lnkd.in/ejPzyibr

Demna?is leaving?Balenciaga?to become the new artistic director of?Gucci, tasked with jolting the Italian fashion house out of its doldrums with a gust of strong creativity. “Demna will bring to Gucci something exceptional. His way of defining fashion today is pretty unique, and this is what Gucci deserves and needs for the future,” Gucci chief executive officer Stefano Cantino said, speaking to a clutch of reporters summoned to the Paris headquarters of Gucci’s parent company Kering for the announcement. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEY7dXvn

Duluth Trading Company?president and chief executive officer?Sam Sato has announced his plans to retire, effective April 25. Read more exec moves: https://lnkd.in/eeNaCZnv

Donatella Versace?was named chief brand ambassador of the fashion house she has helped grow on her own for the past 28 years, following the death of her beloved brother Gianni. On Thursday,?Versace?announced that the designer would be succeeded by Dario Vitale, named chief creative officer, effective April 1. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ekxipCXm

After a year focused on its core turnaround strategy,?Allbirds?is looking to newness to drive growth in 2025. On the company’s fourth quarter?earnings?call on Tuesday, Allbirds chief executive officer?Joe Vernachio?told analysts that it’s an “exciting time” at the company. The CEO noted that its development center in Vietnam is set to deliver new concepts, materials and prototypes in the back half of 2025 and into 2026. “Our fall ’25 lineup will bring a much broader range of products and colors than the year before, and we can’t wait to get them on people’s feet,” Vernachio said Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTDhzDQp