Launching for Autumn/ Winter 2013, Dorraj is the new prestige shoe specialising in simple, decidedly comfortable styles in exotic skins.
Founded by 25-year-old Jarrod Grossberg, a graduate of the London College of Fashion, Dorraj re- interprets the sophistication and old-world glamour of the pre-war French Riviera into strictly limited runs of hand-made styles easily dressed up or down.
The first collection comprises two styles for men and women: a low-heeled, leather-soled smoking slipper in ostrich with metal mesh tassel - set to be a staple style for Dorraj every season - and a high-top sneaker in suede and ostrich on a slim-line black rubber sole.
“I wanted there to be something for everyone, and if I had to boil all shoe models down to two quintessential styles, it would be these two” says Grossberg. “Both can be smart or casual, both are distinctive but also timeless wear-anywhere styles. These aren’t fashion shoes. You should be able to wear them for many years.”
Both slipper and sneaker will carry Dorraj’s blue metal monograph tab on sole or heel - blue being Dorraj’s signature colour, echoed in packaging and branding, and a nod of course to the new label’s Riviera inspiration. Think the azure blue of its coastal waters and of cloudless skies.
Each of the two launch styles has also been refined to an extreme degree - each looks soft, for example, but is fully constructed to ensure the shoe is long-lasting and maintains its shape. And repeated sampling has ensured ideal proportions, both to elongate and flatter the foot and to make each style eminently wearable, be that with bespoke tailoring or just an old pair of jeans.
Experts renowned for working with exotic skins, hand make all of the Dorraj shoes in the heart of Milan.
“Exotics offer the kind of surface and colour effects I love, and which you just can’t get with regular leather,” explains Grossberg. “But that means very careful sourcing for the best skins, very careful tanning and very careful handling in the making of the shoes. Exotic skin shoes are often so expensive not because of the skins but the labour involved in working with them.”
Future Dorraj models, in the pipeline, are likely to see styles in python and crocodile. To the shoes will also be added a small leather goods collection, also in exotic skins, including a briefcase. It is all building towards Grossberg’s long-term aspiration to create a full lifestyle brand.
www.dorraj.co.uk
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