Footwear Insight

THE FOOTWEAR EYE L uxe De Leon is the new brand from Romeo & Juliette, best known as parent of Bearpaw. The "Luxe" line will feature men's and women's footwear, leather bags and small leather goods with "an Americana feel," according to Aaron Brown, the VP who is heading up the collection. The collection, which will begin shipping to select retailers on October 1, uses sheepskin and leathers from the United States and will be manufactured in Mexico, taking advantage of three of that country's top factories known for craftmanship and hand finishing of suedes and leathers. In fact, the brand's name Luxe De Leon takes its name from Leon, the city in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato known for its leather factories. The collection will feature a range of styles, including boots, shoes and leather footwear, including leather sneakers. "Every style has comfort features built in under the sock liner for all-day wear," Brown says. The Fall/Winter line will retail from $160 to $270, with the bulk of the line in the $250 rage. Spring/Summer will be $120 to $160 retail. Target distribution is "better end shoe stores and boutiques that can sell this type of price-point along with key e-commerce and drop-ship partners," Brown says. "We're building products for consumers with a wanderlust spirit who have an appreciation for authenticity and style," he adds. "We'll be very flexible in how we work with accounts and will offer solid margins and attractive retail pricing. We'll be priced sharper at retail than similar quality product, making it easier for the end consumer to try something new." Brown is an experienced shoe executive who started his career at Nordstrom and also spent time with Doc Martens. O Photos by Frank James A sampling of styles from new brand Luxe De Leon, clockwise from top left: Aura, Tempest, Arco and Tierra. The Luxe Life BRAND LAUNCH 6 • Footwear Insight ~ May/June 2018 footwearinsight.com

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