Wynn Magazine - Las Vegas
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/149416
around with multiple colors on a shoe is very challenging, but potentially very exciting. What all those things have in common for me is a sense of discovery, for me and for the woman who wears them." Kirkwood has kicked off the new boutique with a few limited-edition styles he says will remain exclusive to the Las Vegas store, such as the pointed-toe pump with a pleated back frill above a metal stiletto heel and a spray of gold Swarovski Elements splashed across its toe, a style the designer is offering in ocean blue, strawberry, and black. "A woman walking into the store usually does so because she's drawn to that beautiful color, but you have to have plenty of black on hand, especially in a city like Las Vegas, which is so ruled by its nightlife," he says. "But without question, it's the color that allows our shops to really come alive." A men's collection is another new project for Kirkwood, who notes that he was designing shoes for himself before he ever ventured into women's designs. How might those same principles apply to his men's shoes? "I want them to be kind of cool and feel a bit forward in their thinking, and yet not too fussy," he says, pointing to black leather loafers subtly adorned with diminutive gold studs, on through to oxfords in a highsheen silver, as examples. "For the boyfriend of the girl who wears my shoes, I think they'll be just right." Ultimately, in a notice-me town like Las Vegas, Kirkwood's eye-catching looks seem to have found an ideal home. "We're doing well with the more statement type of shoes, as well as the high-evening pieces and the crystals," he says of the new store. "You don't open a store so it can be a museum—you want to see the shoes worn, see how women respond to them and walk in them. It's been an education, that's for certain, but one that's been great for us." Nicholas Kirkwood boutique, 702-770-3543 n THE GALLERYLIKE BOUTIQUE PLAYS BEAUTIFULLY INTO KIRKWOOD'S AESTHETIC, ITS VIBE PROVING TO BE AN IDEAL FRAMEWORK FOR HIS HIGHLY SCULPTURAL STYLES. above, clockwise from opposite page: Kirkwood's sketch of one of his Vegas-exclusive styles; Nicholas Kirkwood; a look at Kirkwood's recently opened store at Wynn. below, from opposite page, far left: Jade elaphe and neon-pink two-strap sandal; zigzag printed suede pump; black suede curved-heel pump with pearl details; beetroot suede slipper with black frill; off-white calf bootie; and studded patent pump. WYNN 084-087_W_Fash_Shoes_Fall13.indd 87 87 8/9/13 12:18 PM