After opening fourteen boutiques throughout Europe and Asia — with two more in Copenhagen and Athens slated for August — the Italian-based, French-designed footwear brand ASH launches its first U.S. location in Soho today. Shoes and handbags are displayed against whitewashed walls in the 2,300-square-foot, gallery-like space, which showcases platform heels, peep-toe wedges, strappy sandals, and boots of both the biker and Western variety, all done in Italian leather and suede ($165 to $300). But the brand is perhaps best known for its spin on the humble sneaker, with buckled styles in washed canvas, leather, and denim for both sexes ($85 to $250). The boutique is also a spot to get your Jean-Michel Cazabat fix: A smattering of spring styles from the French label are temporarily available here before the flagship opens on Bleecker in September. Click ahead for a look at the offerings.
ASH Shoes, 44 Mercer St., nr. Grand St.; 646-422-7098.
