A classic, spiffed up
A mainstay brand of many an American dad’s shoe rack, Florsheim is making a bid for a new generation via New York design outfit Duckie Brown. Your father might recognize Florsheim by Duckie Brown’s classic styles -- wingtips, French-toe brogues and loafers -- but this time they’re rendered in eye-popping colors including purple and electric blue.
For years, the American shoe brand had a store in nearly every mall. This time around, though, it’s going the exclusive route, offering a preview of its new look in just one shop. Starting Thursday, Confederacy will stock the fall collection and next year’s spring collection, which will be available for pre-order until the collaboration goes nationwide on Aug. 1.
Fifth-generation Florsheims Tom and John, who bought the trademark back in 2002 after 50 years of outside ownership, learned in a New Yorker article that Duckie Brown designers Daniel Silver and Steven Cox were pairing the line’s retro-minded suits with Florsheim shoes. The Florsheims enlisted the duo to punch up the brand after realizing that stylish young men were hankering for a more mature look and rediscovering classic American brands.
Florsheim by Duckie Brown encompasses nine traditional footwear styles: wing tips (with and without laces), plain toe, studded and saddle shoes (all $295) plus loafers ($175), brogues ($395) and boots both in brogue form ($425 and up) and a World War II-era “patriot” style ($495) in red, white and blue.
For purists or old-school dads, Florsheim by Duckie Brown footwear is still available in black and brown. The line kicks off with an event Thursday hosted by Confederacy owners Ilaria Urbinati and Danny Masterson along with designers Silver and Cox from 7 to 10 p.m. RSVP is required ( rsvp@shopconfederacy.com).
4661 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 913-3040. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.shopconfederacy.com
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SALES
Archive Agency Today: The popular sample sale debuts a designer vintage collection featuring Bill Blass, Valentino, Zandra Rhodes, Oscar de la Renta and Pucci. New designer pieces will be offered at up to 80% off retail, and current season shoes will be an additional 20% off. Major credit cards accepted. RSVP at info@archiveagency.net.
530 N. Larchmont Ave., No. 3, Los Angeles. (323) 951-1066. Noon to 5 p.m. archiveagency.net
Yigal Azrouel/EBay Tuesday until June 19: New York-based designer Azrouel has teamed up with EBay for a charity auction to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council, which works for a safe and healthy environment. Select spring/summer pieces from the runway collection will be on offer, including $190 high-waisted denim trousers (regular price $460) and a $185 green-gold stripe jersey top ($445) and a $420 strapless peach column dress ($1,110). Eco-friendly T-shirts exclusive to the online sale are $35. www.ebay.com/yigal
Martin + Osa Thursday: The refined casual brand throws an evening charity sale at its Century City location, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Fashion Forward Foundation, which raises funds for local charities and sponsors a twice-yearly clothing drive. Martin + Osa, a division of American Eagle Outfitters, will give a 20% discount on purchases that evening, and the first 15 guests will receive a $25 gift certificate. New summer styles on offer include a braided racer-back maxi-dress (regularly $150) and a racer-back camisole top ($59.50). Father’s Day gift ideas to look for: polo shirts ($44.50) and board shorts ($54.50).
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 785-7924. 6 to 8 p.m. www.martinandosa.com
Joie and Current/Elliott Sample sale Friday and Saturday: The women’s contemporary fashion brand headed by Serge Azria teams up with denim label Current/Elliott for a warehouse sale of current and previous season fashions. New Joie styles -- dresses, tops, bottoms and jackets -- are 70% off retail (prices range from around $20 to $100). Also available: shoes, the Petit Joie collection for young girls and Current/Elliott denim samples. Credit cards accepted.
4599 District Blvd., Vernon. (323) 277-3900. Noon to 6 p.m. Friday. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. www.joie.com
Kenneth Cole Friday: For this charity shopping event to mark Gay Pride Month, the shoe brand gives a 20% discount and donates an additional 20% of sale proceeds to support the Human Rights Campaign, an organization dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay and transgendered people. A $35 limited-edition “Awearness” T-shirt supporting same-sex marriage will also be available, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting the Awearness Fund and HRC.
8500 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 659-2396. 4 to 9 p.m. www.kennethcole.com
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EVENTS
J.F. Rey at Hotel de Ville Saturday: Eyewear boutique throws a trunk show for French designer Jean-Francois Rey’s latest collection. New styles include an “Alfie”-era Michael Caine-inspired black Traveler frame ($350) and a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired collection ($425 to $450) with laser-cut louvered steps on the temples. Refreshments will be served. 7911 Rosewood Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 782-0772. Noon to 6 p.m. www.jfrey.fr, hoteldevilleeyewear.com
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max@maxpadilla.com
See an expanded version of this list at latimes.com/image
