FN
SHOW ISSUE
FOOTWEAR NEWS VOL. 57 NO. 8 FEBRUARY 19, 2001

WOMEN'S WRAP - WOMEN'S WRAP - WOMEN'S WRAP

· It Takes Gutzees
Lightweight, convenient and a fashionable replacement for heavy shoe trees and crumpled tissue paper, Gutzees are the newest shoe-care accessory for treasured footwear.

The idea is the brainchild of friends Jacqui Forman and Denise Fleischman. They were inspired when they saw a pair of hand-embroidered silk-shoe shapers while researching Edwardian designs at the Costume Institute in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. "We noticed women were spending tremendous amounts of money on high-end footwear and then stuffing them with wrapping," co-designer Forman explained. "So we wanted to offer something that was both beautiful and purposeful."

Available in round or pointed-toe shapes (below) and made from luxurious materials including chinchilla , sheared beaver and mink, Gutzees are targeted toward "the woman who has everything." The product comes with matching drawstring bags that can also be used as shoe totes. Gutzees range in price from $40 for cotton to $700 for mink. - C.C.