All summer we gawked at the fuchsia ply wood that veiled the underpinnings of Madison Avenue newcomer, Devi Kroell. Last week, the plywood came off and the store officially opened. Our curiosity couldn’t keep us away long and the a 20% markdown even made it more exciting.
Devi Kroell is a relative newcomer to the world of Madison Avenue Fashion. She debuted her eponymous collection in 2004. To begin, she focused on her handbags, later expanded into footwear in 2006, and just unveiled her first ready-to-wear collection for spring 2009.
It is truly thrilling to see shoe innovation in an era where designers and department stores are all trying to play it safe in order to drive sales in a shaky economy. We went wild for her low boots that incorporate a variety of skins and materials, including wood and metal ( orig. $1,190). The bright colored, pointy toe, lizard wedges (orig. $690) are a great alternative to the pedestrian Chanel ballet flat. The rainbow python knee high boots are a sure way to brighten a dreary February day.
Upstairs, the designer has a small but well rounded ready-to-wear collection that makes Gucci seem as mass market as Gap. Devi’s clothing is designed and executed like an old master. Forget about the boyfriend blazer, you want a jacket that is going to hug your waist (or waste) and kiss your hips. A great jacket should look chic with everything from jeans to a suit skirt to tuxedo pants (orig. $2,090). Need a Rachel Zoe fur vest? That’s here too, in purple silver fox (orig. $5.600-ish).
Great bags, fierce shoes and well constructed garments –all with a very Madison Avenue price-tag. We’ll wait for another markdown but happily look forward to making several purchases at this avant–garde boutique.
Devi Kroell
717 Madison Avenue @ 63rd Street
Contact: Eric 212-644-4499