For Cole Haan’s latest ballet flat design, the brand collaborated with the true experts on the matter: three principal ballerinas from the New York City Ballet. Released on World Ballet Day (Oct. 1), the four flats of the Avery Ballet Studio collection feature the unique characteristics of classic ballerina pointe shoes, from crisscross ribbon details to tulle prints.
“The shimmer of my costume for Balanchine’s Jewels served as a jumping off point,” says Sara Mearns, one of the principal dancers at the NYCB who collaborated with the shoemaker.With pale pink sock lining just like that of the ballerinas’ actual flats, the feminine new collection is certainly on point (pun intended). But there’s one big difference between Cole Haan’s version and the dancers’ real thing. “A pair of these flats will last much longer than our pointe shoes,” says Mearns. “Most people don’t know that we can sometimes wear through a pair in one or two hours!”
Shop the styles for $168 per pair at Cole Haan stores and colehaan.com.
Looking for more fall fashion ideas? Check out how to expertly rock a crop top!