LONDON — Up-and-coming designer Jonathan Kelsey is expanding his reach via a new partnership with British fashion player Mulberry.

Kelsey is designing the firm’s first collection of shoes, debuting for fall ’08.

The line will be unveiled in the company’s Bond Street showroom on Feb. 14, during London Fashion Week.
“I’m so excited to work with Mulberry on their first shoe collection,” said Kelsey. “It’s great to work with an established English company that has a great brand presence globally. Also, it is always refreshing to collaborate on design, to take on some extra outside influences.”

Mulberry said shoes have always been part of its long-term plans.

“Footwear has always been part of our business plan,” said Lisa Montague, COO for Mulberry, who added that the company has partnered with the designer at least through spring ’09. “We loved Jonathan’s fall ’07 collection and thought his energy and design ethos would be an excellent fit for our brand.”

The five-strong collection — a riding boot, ankle boot, shoe boot, pump and flat lace-up shoe — comes in shades of plum, coffee and gray leather and will retail for $500 to $1,100.

The shoes will hit retail in September and will be exclusive to Mulberry stores. The company has 42 international retail locations including shop-in-shops in department stores, airport stores and five standalone U.S stores.

~ I personally think that it will be interesting to see how Kelsey merges his Jimmy Choo training with Mulberry’s sophisticated and classic looks. It seems as though Kelsey is no stranger to footwear, he designed the “Amy” last year for singer Amy Winehouse and he has worked with many top designers. I will definitely keep my eye on this and will have the photos as soon as they become available. Here are some pics from Kelsey’s 07/08 collection:

I have once again complied some of my favorite over-the-top, quirky shoe designs. There are just so many hot looks coming out that I cannot control myself. I mean every time I turn around I am looking for or purchasing shoes. Looks like DH will have to find a couple more jobs to support my habit (I’m just kidding, as long as he contributes from time to time, he’s good)  ;) Anywho…on with the shoes!

Sergio Rossi
Brian Atwood
Christian Louboutin
Christian Lacroix
Ralph Lauren
Yves Saint Laurent
Balenciaga
Christian Louboutin
Nina Ricci
Roger Vivier
Sergio Rossi
Yves Saint Laurent