SHOOTING-STARNEW YORK – Fashion Group International celebrated the accomplishments of EQUIPT for play at their prestigious ‘Rising Star’ Awards luncheon held on January 28th at Cipriani’s midtown. Introduced to a sold-out audience of fashion industry luminaries, founder Annie Jaroszewicz, was was honored for  her creativity and vision and cited as an emerging talent to watch.

Thanks to its new hybrid outsole, EQUIPT’s Spring 2014 collection of shoes isn’t just for the golf course any more. Women can move easily from course to street in a range of styles that reflect the new wave of brogues and oxfords shown in the collections of top labels like Jil Sander, Givenchy and Marni. All lace-up styles retail at $229 at www.equiptforplay.com

Since its inception, EQUIPT’s retro-chic vision has focused on modernizing classic Wing Tip, Spectator and Oxford styles, by mixing unique patterns with playful colors and contrasting details. Set atop a hybrid comfort-traction sole, every shoe is water-and-stain repellent and can be worn as easily on a golf course as city street. All lace-up styles come with a detachable kiltie.

Expanding on founder Annie Jaroszewicz’s belief that “life is no fun when your feet hurt and your shoes are ugly,” EQUIPT is introducing the Weekender, a chic and modern update on the classic suede loafer. It’s made with the same proprietary comfort-traction sole as the lace-ups and easily transitions from course to street. The Weekender retails for $198 and is offered in a luscious range of 11 colors. Style meets comfort at last!

About EQUIPT for play ®

“Comfort is our mantra – good looks our religion”, says Founder, Annie Jaroszewicz. EQUIPT for play was established with one purpose in mind: to creat shoes for the weekend warrior that are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. This is not a special-occasion shoe – no. It’s the go-to weekend shoe for wicked comfort and on-trend style. Ride a bike, take a hike or play golf in this cushy all-terrain shoe and add one of our coordinating gloves or bags to polish things off. We make shoes that are blissfully comfortable and runway-worthy with accessories to match, so the days of choosing between comfort and style are truly a thing of the past.