CITYist

G.H. Bass & Co., the iconic, heritage footwear brand teams up with Rachel Antonoff – fashion’s current it-girl – for an exciting new collection that will roll into stores just in time for the 2011 spring season.

Of course, when one usually thinks of the reactionary meeting the revolutionary (the old encountering the new), an ideological clash of some sort is imminent. Nothing could be farther from the truth with this unique collaboration. Antonoff, who is known for her “ultra feminine frocks that evoke the polish and prettiness of the ’50s,” should have no trouble complementing the classic aesthetics of the century-old Bass brand. And since when don’t saddle shoes (I, myself, own a pair of Bass’) and the ’50s go hand-in-hand? And with Antonoff drawing inspiration directly from lead Bass designer Anita Da Silva’s archive of vintage designs, how could the result be anything other than amazing?

The collection includes the “Alice” perforated Oxford with bow, the “Lulu” leather high-heeled saddle, and the “Wendybird” heart penny keeper loafer. The “Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff” collection will be available at select Bloomingdale’s retailers nationwide with retail prices ranging from $100 to $150.

Classic branding meets new-found talent? What could be better?