Okay folks, up until now my Magic/Project posts have been somewhat hampered by the fact that I left my laptop in Brooklyn (it’s always something–one time I forgot bras and only had the bikini top I was wearing!) so get ready for a barrage of posts, which will mostly be shoe themed. This post features “Plastic Dreams” shoe brand, Melissa, famous for its creative collabos. On this page the collaboree is Jason Wu and there is more of him, plus Gareth Pugh on the next page. Images from these collabos showed up a month or so ago online, but I think we have some new colors plus one of the Pugh shoes was only shown in the form of a sketch, though do not quote me on that.

p.s. Massive shout out and thanks to men’s fashion blogger Marcus Troy who organized the “Blogger Project,” which we were invited to participate in while at Project. A well organized, stimulating and super fun experience, which we appreciated the opportunity to be a part of.

More Melissa on the next page.

Melissa showed an Autumn 2011 collection, titled “Time Code,” with each style name after ways we spend our time: “Kissing,” “Waiting,” “Making,” etc. What’s different  and exciting about the brand is all the new material offerings. The pumps on this page are still “plastic dreams,” but during the manufacutring process, a velvet material is blown on the shoe, resulting in a lightweight and waterproof shoe. And since velvet is having a moment, we are loving it. Many more styles on the next page including a convertable fur rain boot and another Alexandre Herchcovitch collaboration, this time a super neat Beatle boot. There are also menswear-inspired oxfords and for the first time sneakers! More on the next page with all images via Highsnobette.

Through its collaborations, Melissa has established not only that it’s savvy about who to rub shoulders with, but also that it’s willing to give its partners free rein to take some risks. In this case, it turned its design boards over to Italian architect Gaetano Pesce, whose resultant ankle boot includes giving the buyer the fun option of customizing her boot by cutting away the plastic circles. Not sure if there’s less ego in the look of the final product because Pesce is an architect and is less ardently married to the design, but if that is the case one would hope to see more collaboration between brands and designers from outside industries. Via Dezeen.

Given Malcolm McClaren’s recent passing, there’s something fitting about these recently-launched winged sandals designed by Malcolm’s old pal Vivienne Westwood, in collaboration with Melissa. Perhaps Malcolm flew to heaven in these. Available at Patricia Field.

The same pair in black after the flip.

We showed you the first look at the Jean Paul Gualtier collaboration with Melissa. Now you get a look at the same shoe in a variety of hues. On the flip, find an update–with cherries–from Vivienne Westwood, and some sparklet go-go boots!

Melissa booties

Melissa has become a must-visit stop for me at trade shows. This is a company that’s taken a very well-worn concept and reenergized it with some very savvy collabos and careful distribution. Plus I have a now-no-longer-secret-vendor-crush on Melissa’s U.S. distributor, Charles Gepp, who is warm, charming and smart.  As he said to me, “We’re not as dumb as we look” about some of the collabos and exclusive retail partnerships the company has made happen. They’re on the hunt now for a U.S. designer to collaborate with.  Ya gotta hope they somehow snag Mr. Jacobs for it.

Several more styles on the other side, including three Vivianne Westwood collabos.