NewbarK Fall/Winter 2014

Tess Fries for WSN

Alyssa Buffenstein, Contributing Writer

Click for more looks from NewbarK F/W 2014.

Maryam and Marjan Malakpour, the sisters behind the accessories label NewbarK, have one thing in mind when dreaming up a new collection: comfort. From foldable slippers, to shearling-lined boots, to clogs with memory foam soles, NewbarK’s 2014 F/W presentation showcased just that.

Known for their flats and slippers, a surprise this season was an ambitiously-heeled wedge—NewbarK’s take on a clog. In black and cream leather with fur lining, the shoe raised the question of the brand’s signature level of comfort. But rest assured, with a memory foam sole and solid platform wedge, the clog was designed for the NewbarK woman: one who lives a hectic, yet stylish, life of travel, work, and play.

NewbarK is intentionally discreet in branding and in aesthetic, focusing instead on small details, like hand-painted oxblood pony hair on slippers and clutches, or, another novelty this season, subtle embroidered patterns. Moroccan-style abstract florals in white or red and gold adorned black leather foldable slippers. Such subtle, timeless detailing, as Maryam explained, conjured myriad identities, “from Moroccan babouche, to English gentleman, to a Japanese spy.”

Other highlights included a graphic white leather clutch with the word “Love” boldly embroidered in red, complementing the brand’s popular heart-motifed shoe, which made appearances in leather, fur, and metallics. Or there was NewbarK’s take on the Chelsea boot, with a “not too round, not too square” toe, which came in black leather and pony hair or brown leather and snakeskin, and with a detatchable spat for two looks in one: “victorian or English rocker.”

More than anything, NewbarK is about neutrality and accessibility. Whether it’s a loafer, slipper, boot, or handbag, the Malakpours know how to accessorize for anyone looking for a go-to grab-and-go.

Alyssa Buffenstein is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected]