Black velvet slippers, the statement piece that makes everyone you encounter think, damn I need a pair of those in my closet.
Del Toro, the brand responsible for bringing you those standout slippers relaunched their line earlier this week. To commemorate the re-launch, Del Toro hosted a party in the Rabbit Hole, the private party space inside New York’s Playboy Club (yes, that Playboy) to unveil their latest collection that now includes both a men’s and women’s line. Del Toro returns to the fashion scene with new leadership in CEO Andrew Forbes and with new investors including NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Draymond Green, as well as Maverick Carter (Lebron James’ best friend and business partner).
Photo credit: Shareif Ziyadet
Out to celebrate the release of the new collection was the Del Toro team of course, as well as Carmelo Anthony, the Brooklyn Nets Caris LeVert, rapper Jidenna, and social media influencer TK Wonder. The evening featured a Don Julio tequila tasting, a festive atmosphere with a DJ spinning the latest hip hop tracks, and of course the Playboy bunnies playing gracious hosts while sporting the reversible Del Toro bomber jacket.
In speaking to Mr. Forbes, he detailed his vision for the brand, which is to continue being an Italian luxury brand that blends American style with Milanese-infused style. He went on to tell me that his aim is to “create comfortable lifestyle pieces that you can wear anywhere from the couch, to a nightclub, to a black-tie event”. The focus of the brand is to redefine how consumers shop luxury by providing high-end products at attainable price points.
The pieces, including the unisex satin bomber ($245), suede sneakers ($245), and of course the velvet slippers ($325) definitely have a premium feel to them and come at price points that if you’re shopping in the luxury category are certainly more agreeable than other labels. Aside from being an attainable luxury brand, Del Toro also wants to give back to their local communities. It’s the driving force behind their decision to donate, rather than burn (as other brands do), their old inventory of shoes. Del Toro will go into New York’s underserved communities and donate shoes to students who will be attending prom soon. As Forbes said “Prom is expensive and we want to be able to help these kids”.