In step with style

From flats to sling-backs, mules to boots - the latest entrant into the Indian high-end fashion accessories market is Fratelli Rossetti. Retailing primarily in leather accessories, the Milan-based fashion brand is spearheaded by the Rossetti family.

Says proprietor Diego Rossetti, “We have big expectations from India, though we know we have to make a big effort to educate the customer and convince them that it’s worth paying a certain amount of money for a pair of shoes.”

The ‘certain amount’ retails from a hefty Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000. But as Diego points out, Fratelli Rossetti has always strived to give their consumers the best value for their money, a fact that has earned them repeat customers every season.

“Our customers are our inspiration. They keep coming back as we know their taste which matches ours. It’s a very natural process season after season. We do follow the trends, but our products are easy-to-wear.”

It is with this philosophy that their spring-summer collection is splashed out with blues, yellows, beige and metallic sheens. Though the international trends are moving towards flat soles, Diego candidly admits that in India it’s all about heels. “The trend is moving towards flats, but our best selling shoes here are those with a 4-5 cm heel, no matter what!”

While commenting on their men’s range, Diego drew interesting comparisons, finding more differences in taste of Italian and Indian men as compared to the women.

“Men here prefer black shoes to brown ones as they’re not ready to spend so much money. Black is considered formal and brown casual. In New York, it was the same 10 - 15 years ago. Bankers, lawyers etc would only wear black shoes! Things changed there so we’re hoping to do the same here.”

So are Mumbai’s men going to sport a rainbow of high-end casual shoes? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.

v_shabana@dnaindia.net