Seattle - August 25, 2008

Tread a Fine Line

Elsa Shoes

Team building + too much prosecco = unfortunate intraoffice overshare. (Yes, that was you playing “dirty secretary” with the GQ-ed out GM.)

Elsa shoes cross boundaries, too. Only the collaboration between Belgian designer Els Proost and Italian producer Angelo Penazzato is anything but unintended.

A former designer for Dries Van Noten and Maison Martin Margiela, Proost creates cool, contemporary shapes that are nimbly sculpted with an urbane edge devoid of clunkiness. Contrasting leathers and painted soles display true, wearable artistry without any runway pageantry.

Penazzato’s Goodyear welting, a process long considered the finest method of shoe construction, ensures greater durability, comfort, and the possibility of resoling as needed long into the future.

The result is the perfect blend of modern form with old-world technique.

And the loveliest foot you ever stuck in your mouth.

Available at A Mano, 1115 First Avenue (206-292-1767 or shopamano.com).