ClickZ Luxury Footwear Newsletter - 09.05.2024

PLUS: Allen Edmonds' $3000 shoes and Birkenstock's surprising luxury makeover.

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ClickZ
September 05, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

Winona Ryder, the quintessential 90s goth icon, stars in Jimmy Choo's fall 2024 campaign. Dressed in scarlet, black, and cream, she embodies the brand's edgy aesthetic. Creative director Sandra Choi highlights Ryder's enduring influence, linking the collection to the brand's 90s roots and Ryder's iconic roles.

Lily Collins showcases Gianvito Rossi's Ribbon Jane shoes in the "Emily in Paris" Season 4 trailer. The stylish Mary Jane shoes, priced at $895, feature a pointed toe and gold buckle. The show, known for its chic fashion, promises new characters and more antics in its upcoming episodes.

Nicole Kidman dazzled at the Venice Film Festival in a Bottega Veneta ensemble, featuring a black A-line dress and white leather mule heels. Her look was completed with elegant accessories and a stylish updo. The shoes, available at Neiman Marcus, added a modern touch to her classic outfit.

Allen Edmonds is stepping up its game with the launch of the Reserve Collection, a line of luxury shoes that scream "American craftsmanship" louder than a bald eagle at a Fourth of July parade. This isn't just any shoe collection; it's the crème de la crème, handcrafted in Port Washington, Wisconsin, using only the finest leathers. And if you think you can snag a pair for cheap, think again. Prices start at $800 and can skyrocket to $3,000 for those rare leathers that probably have their own security detail.

David Law, the big cheese at Allen Edmonds, claims this collection is the pinnacle of American shoemaking. "We dug through our archives, dusted off some ancient machinery, and spent days with our most seasoned artisans," he said, probably while sipping on a vintage whiskey. The result? Eight styles, including brogues, loafers, cap-toes, and derby boots, each pair a testament to timeless craftsmanship and enduring quality.

But why the hefty price tag? According to Law, it's not about the money—it's about redefining American luxury. "The concept of luxury has evolved," he said, as if channeling a philosopher. "It's about craftsmanship and quality that transcend trends." Jay Schmidt, CEO of Caleres, chimed in, saying the collection showcases Allen Edmonds' commitment to sustainability and market expansion.

Grenson x Belstaff Black Boots Credits: Courtesy Belstaff

British heritage brands Belstaff and Grenson have collaborated on limited-edition boots, launching September 19th. Inspired by Belstaff's history with Britain's service industries, the handcrafted boots feature the Goodyear Welted technique. Three styles include high-shine leather, waxed suede, and waterproofed grained leather with shearling linings, priced from $625 to $675.

Birkenstock has ventured into luxury fashion through high-profile collaborations and limited-edition releases. Notable partnerships include Hermès, Valentino Garavani, Rick Owens, Dior, and Jil Sander, resulting in exclusive, high-priced sandals. These collaborations blend Birkenstock's comfort with luxury, making them highly coveted in the fashion world.

Performance Platters 🍽️

In August 2024, TikTok and Amazon teamed up for a seamless shopping experience directly within the TikTok app. This timely partnership, coming just before the Q4 shopping season, leverages TikTok's massive user base and Amazon's e-commerce dominance.

But how will it impact brands?

A major challenge for brands is measuring the halo impact of social media interactions on Amazon sales, as Amazon's data exists in a walled garden and relies on a last-click attribution model, potentially overlooking external contributions that drives product discovery.

The partnership highlights the need for more holistic marketing measurement solutions as the line between social media and e-commerce blurs.

Google's digital ad revenue is growing rapidly, outpacing Microsoft's. In 2024, Google's US ad revenues are projected to hit $77.49 billion, driven by its search dominance. However, a US ruling against Google's search monopoly could shift market dynamics. Marketers should consider investing in leading search platforms.

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