Saturday, June 14, 2008

Back to Bespoke

Hetty Rose Vintage Kimono Fabric Collage

Vintage Kimono Fabric from Hetty Rose

Almost a year ago I told you about my experience having a pair of bespoke Amalie heels made for me by the incomparable Henrietta of Hetty Rose.

At that time Hetty had done her first Kimono collection featuring twelve styles that could be custom made to your specifications from a selection of vintage kimono fabrics. Now Hetty is back with a second collection which has all new designs and includes adorable clutches as well. She's also received a ton of press coverage as well. Be warned, this post is very image heavy!

What I love about the whole process is getting to interact with the creator on a personal level. When I got back in touch with Henrietta she was on a buying trip in Japan, searching out new fabrics. She was also in country for the cherry blossom festival and sent me some surreally beautiful shots from there.

One of the first shoes in the new collection which caught my eye was the adorable Ella mary jane. It's just super cute and has a great chunky heel with front stitching down the toe. If you go to the press page you can see if has already been featured in several magazines.



Well I had to have it. As was done the previous time, Henrietta sent me a variety of fabrics to choose from and I decided on this very intricate and metallic phoenix pattern.













I like the way each shoe is individual. And, of course, the riot of colors!











They are just so cute on that I can't get over them!

As I was reading through all of the new press coverage Hetty Rose had received I came upon these articles: one, two, three. It seems Henrietta paired with theatrical wig designer Yuki Saito to create a special display for Valentine's Day and created these amazing "Love" shoes for the pairing.



Well, I fell for them. Hard. I especially love the platform element. And although they were not a part of her regular line, she agreed to make them for me.



I was lucky enough that Henrietta still had some of the same fabric that she used to create the original pair. I did make one change to the design. Knowing that I'm not going to get many opportunities to wear these with the ties wrapped up above my knee, I asked for them to be just long enough to tie around my ankle.







Oh, yes, they are super tall, but given the platform and that they are made to measure, they are very easy to wear.







I like the heart-shaped peep-toes too!





What's also cool is that the straps are not attached to the shoes. So I can wear these with and with out the leather ties. The beaded hearts just clip on, so I can adjust where they go, either on the shoes or on the ties.



A-dor-a-ble!









I know I've said this before, but she does amazing work. If you have the opportunity, drop Henrietta an email and work with her on a pair of shoes. She is a true artist. Not only will you be supporting her art, but you will be avoiding the the huge manufacturing machine and preserving a small piece of history.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

could we be informed on the prices for the two shoes? I'd love to purchase a pair, but I don't know if I can afford it.

Poochie said...

Anon -

I think prices may vary based on the design and possibly the complexity of fitting. But I would put them in a comperable range of a pair of designer shoes. But less than a typical pair of Manolo Blahniks these days. I'd just send her an email for the style you like. She's SUPER nice and sweet!

Hope that helps.

Luv
Poochie

Anonymous said...

:O

Wow!

Simply beautiful.

Anonymous said...

yeah, how much did you pay for each pair? About $500 from that comment? I really like the platforms. I'm thinknig about askin her if she can do it in a diff fabric.

Lisa Clark said...

Ohmystars - I love these shoes and I LOVE your site - whatta great place to hang!

This is cutenessx1000, and I heart all things cute - come visit me in my world o' pink www.pink-world.co.uk

Love and glitter sprinkles...

l x

WendyB said...

Amazing!

Dog Friendly Dallas said...

The heart heels are fabulous! I like your version better than the originals - they have a rock & roll edge to them.

Leanne Pizio said...

Love these shoes! What amazing pieces of art. When you wear them next give me a shout. I would love to see them in person.

Poochie said...

Thank you j-t!

Painter Girl - of course, darlin'. Heck, just come on over any time. I need to get you to try on those vintage shoes - you can try these on too!

Luv
Poochie

Anonymous said...

Oh, such lovely fabrics with lovely shoes!

eade said...

wow, next to the mui mui's with ruffles, the prada flower heels, and the blue lace laboutins, these could be my favorite shoes of yours.. works of art! ;-)

Poochie said...

Thank you m-l-e. Miss Henriett does do amazing work!

Luv
Poochie

Ashe said...

Oh god! I am a huge Hetty Rose fan, and those heels are to die for! I am absolutely in love with them. Lucky lady!