Loeffler Randall: Head to Toe

Some people, or companies, just do everything right. That seems to be the case for Loeffler Randall. Their business began as footwear collection in 2004, picking up press and distribution by Fall 2005.

When their first boot hit the “Best Bets” page of New York Magazine two falls ago, it was love at first sight. When the boots were delivered to Intermix a week later, I picked up a pair in camel without hesitation and have been a devotee ever since.

Made from fine leather, with a simple slip-on design and 3 inch cone heel (pictured above), the boot is pretty much perfect. From black, to deep midnight blue, most of my friends now own a pair, and even a year and a half post-purchase, collectively, we are rarely without them.

Our wardrobes now also stock high-levels of their flat Matilde boot and Estella Sweetheart pump. Recently, I have begun to notice that when I am immediately drawn to something in a shoe department or magazine, Loeffler Randall is usually behind it.

But my friends and I are hardly their only fans. In 2006, designer Jessie Randall—who owns and runs the company with husband Brian Murphy—was nominated for the Swarovski Perry Ellis CDFA Award for new emerging accessories talent. By 2007, the company had enough steam to launch a line of handbags.

This week, Randall will debut her first ready-to-wear collection, Fall/Winter 2007. With a sneak peak at their lookbook, my love affair with Loeffler Randall will undoubtedly continue, bordering on full-blown obsession.

Randall, targeting the “chic, modern girl,” operates on the aesthetic of designing accessories—and now clothing—that she would want to wear, but was never able to find. Lucky for us, her taste—and work—are impeccable.

For the ready-to-wear collection, expect voluminous coats and capes with two-layered batwing sleeves and high-waisted belts, short, loose-fitting dresses of wool, satin, metallic and plaid, and blousy tops that pair perfectly with fitted jeans and the aforementioned boot perfection.

Final Word: The Butterfly and Fraulein series are amongst our faves, but we’ll have to wait months to get our hands on them. For the time being, stop into Bergdorf’s or Intermix to accessorize for spring. Mark my words, you’ll be back to more.