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New Kid Draws on Chinese and Italian Street Style

Drawing inspiration from the street style of Australia, England, China, and Italy, jet-setter Rachel Beagley’s stitched and studded shoes are anything but formulaic. After a stint as a buyer in Asia, the self-taught designer developed her own offbeat vision for what footwear should be. Walking the streets of London, she saw a gray area between heels and sneakers. “I wanted cool flats that weren’t ballet slippers,” she says, “And I wanted to make shoes that were reasonably priced but not cheap-looking.” She launched her own label, New Kid, in 2004. The unusual kicks are a welcome departure from exorbitantly priced ballet flats and platform heels of Frankenstein proportions: her booties, oxfords, and loafers are embroidered in colorful patterns and embellished with understated hardware.

After several seasons in China, Beagley recently relocated to Florence, in a country known for fine leather and craftsmanship. Though the move has brought a slightly more refined aesthetic (as well as higher-quality leathers and fabrics), Beagley maintains her unpretentious sensibility. “It’s fun to break the traditional Italian rules,” she says. “There’s always a twist to every style — the silhouettes look familiar, but they’re not the same as everything else out there.” Her fall collection is stocked at Gargyle and Urban Outfitters. Click ahead to see more.

New Kid Draws on Chinese and Italian Street Style