Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair: the Brand & the Designers

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair finds inspiration in conserving tradition as well as breaking those same norms.

The label is inspired by an old shoemakers shop in London that has gone from generation to generation passing on knowledge in craftsmanship and traditions of this old profession.

Since classic tailoring, pattern making and authentic knowledge always stays a priority and a necessity in the collections this label was named Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair in 2004.

Our creative focus will always lie in draping technique where the silhouette progresses through sculpting. In contrast, these advanced shapes are combined with classic wear such as the old man’s chino or the classic white shirt. Attention to detail and love of fabrics is something we honour and for which we stay ready to walk an extra mile in order to achieve.

Exploring femininity and masculinity is a constantly recurring issue and will always be addressed in our collections. The colour range has a solid base of black, white with all shades of grey in between. For every season new colours are chosen, mainly in faded shades.

SHOEREPAIR BY THE NO is a collection with the ambition to lead way for the traditional retail collection. Experimental and exaggerated with a dramatic silhouette made by hand in our atelier and only made on order. Evolving constantly upon impulse.

Fifth avenue shoe repair was founded 2004 by Astrid Olsson and Lee Cotter, and started as a very delicate experiment in knitwear and jersey showing only ladies styles. It has now evolved into a full ladies and men’s brand.

Fifth Avenue is proudly presented in stores such as Selfridges in London, Barney’s in USA, Galleries la Fayette in Berlin, IT in Hong Kong, Daily Projects in South Korea, Supermarket in Amsterdam, Opening Ceremony in NY and LA and many more.

Astrid Olsson has a background of patternmaking and sewing and a traditional tailor’s exam before taking her fashion design exam at Textile School of Fashion in Borås, Sweden.

Lee Cotter is self-taught in terms of design and has his training through working as a buyer and freelance designer for different men’s brands.

See the collection here.

Photo, text & slideshow 2010 a/w collection, Copyright Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair.

Category › Astrid Olsson , Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair , Lee Cotter , press release , Swedish designers

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair: the Collection—Autumn/Winter 2010

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair Autumn 10 collection balances on the verge between two cultures; the British and the Japanese. It travels in time holding the heritage of traditional utility and sportswear together with a futuristic, technical feel.

Picture a young Japanese guy interpreting the stereotype look of a traditional British male, or how a young British woman would appear dressing up in a Japanese manner, and the core of the collection is presented.

The cultural backgrounds colours the way garments are worn, changing their visual shape and silhouette.

Big checks, argyle patterns and pin stripes mixed with faded greens, blues and reds forms the colour palette with a solid foundation of black and white as our everlasting base.

The men’s collection is properly dressed with sporty, technical elements. Inspired by the British gentleman you find pieces such as the red suited college jacket with striped lining.

The sporty elements are found in the doubled coat in two different fabrics with detachable collar and hat. Other key items are the checked bomber jacket, the loosely fitted sweaters in argyle patterns and the bowler hat in a modern translation.

See the collection here.

Photo, text & slideshow 2010 a/w collection, Copyright Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair.

Category › Astrid Olsson , Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair , Lee Cotter , press release , Swedish designers