On October 9th, a gorgeous fall evening in NYC, Raine Magazine had the distinct pleasure of attending Fly London’s first North American boutique opening gala reception. The event marked a noteworthy milestone in the footwear brand’s 20-year history, and the start of an incredible new chapter across the Atlantic from where Fly London was first conceived.

It’s slogan – Don’t Walk. Fly. – embodies the unconventional essence of the brand. Fly London is renowned for its unique mix of exceptional quality with uncompromising fierceness; it’s a smooth blend of casual cool with luxurious comfort that is unwaveringly practical. It is therefore appropriate that the event at the newly open NYC boutique perfectly reflected this.

The interior space was tastefully decorated with colorful footwear and uber cool handbags strategically placed throughout. In between, beautiful people casually hung out, lounged in comfortable chairs and snacked on delicious d’oeuvres, as a seasoned DJ played ambiance setting music. In the back, a small but pleasantly decorated courtyard featured a mini bar and photo area where attendees laughed and mingled.

Amilcar Monteiro, co-owner of Fly London, and Dean Bosco, the brand’s VP, showed us around as we discussed the brand, its presence in 5 countries, the skills of the designers who make it possible, future hopes and ambitions of the owners (the other being Fortunato Frederico), as well as the brand’s motto: “always progressive, never conventional.” Then, the ultra lively Trudy Harkness, sales rep extraordinaire, brought out a number of “fabulous” shoes try on. Needless to say the experience was very cool and casual in and of itself.

This kind of attention to detail and personal consideration propelled the brand to its current status. And what began as a relatively small-scale business venture some twenty years ago, evolved into a standard setting brand in the footwear industry that is poised to make a real mark. The testimonies of its numerous loyal devotees are evidence enough that this is only the beginning for Fly London, the brand is perfectly positioned to soar higher.

Images courtesy of Fly London