Jean-Michel Cazabat

French cordonnier Jean-Michel Cazabat opened his first flagship boutique at 350 Bleecker Street in the West Village on October 12.

Maxwell and Jean-Michel Cazabat

With DJ David De Barce at the turntables and a healthy pour of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, guests such as: designer Nicole Miller, Shala Monroque, Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo, designer spouses Naeem and Ranjana Kahn, haute couture genius Ralph Rucci, and signer Maxwell, mingled and marveled at the sleek, refined space. Delicious canapés from Indochine were passed amidst the sea of fantastic shoes and tasteful contemporary furnishings.

Originally inspired by his childhood observations of local women’s footwear styles in his rural hometown of Gascony, France— Cazabat embarked on a “life-long pursuit to appeal to a woman’s beauty and sense of style.” He launched his career as a buyer and store manager for famed shoe designer Charles Jourdan, from 1980 to 1985. He then crossed the pond to take a post in New York City as president of the Stephane Kélian brand, overseeing operations and developing products for the American market.

Linda Fargo, Naeem Khan and Ranjana Kahn attend Jean-Michel Cazabat's Flagship NYC Store Opening Party

It wasn’t until 1999 that Cazabat finally broke off to establish his own eponymous luxury women’s shoe line. His playful, sexy and fanciful designs received much praise from the get go; solidifying his influence on the fashion world. In 2003, Cazabat expanded to men’s footwear, adding his intrepid style into each design.

His shoes have won the hearts of many celebrities and notables including: Madonna, Seal, Mary-Kate Olsen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lenny Kravitz, Steven Tyler, Penelope Cruz, Mickey Rourke, French crooner Johnny Hallyday, Elton John, Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Hudson, and Oprah Winfrey.

Some of the world’s most venerable retailers carry the Jean-Michel Cazabat collections including Barneys, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Harvey Nichols.

DJ David De Barce; Shala Monroque and Becka Diamond

Now you can enjoy the entire world of Cazabat all under one fabulous roof, right in downtown New York City!

Jean-Michel Cazabat autographs one of his masterpieces.

http://www.jeanmichelcazabat.com/home/

Jean-Michel Cazabat, U.S.A
350 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
Tel : +1 646 669 8508
Fax: + 1 646 669 8510

Like Haute Living New York? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingNY. Want Haute Living New York delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.