Hayden-Harnett Adds Swimwear, Shoes

Hayden-Harnett, the Brooklyn-based accessories brand, is launching footwear and swimwear for spring.

The firm’s founders and designers, Toni Hacker and Ben Harnett, are also said to be partnering with Target Stores on a limited edition collection, as reported. Also on the drawing board is a possible opening of a boutique in Grand Central Terminal early next year, along with a project with Pony Footwear.

“If we had an investor, we would be ready to expand,” said Hacker, who declined to comment on speculation of a Target deal. Target also declined comment.

The nine-style shoe line will make its debut at the WSA trade show today.

“The designs are definitely Eighties influenced, specifically 1980 and 1981,” said Hacker.  “It’s very ‘Working Girl’ meets ‘Xanadu’ meets Memphis design. Women in New York City don’t have cars, we have shoes. I have decided to simply refuse to compromise style for comfort or vice versa.”

The all-leather shoe line includes flats, wedges and pumps detailed in colorblocking, weaves and appliqué with colors anchored in neutral palettes and predominant colors blueberry, ginger and aqua.

The six-style swimwear line is based on the unexpected success of the company’s initial design of a bikini for a 900-unit order from Anthropologie last spring. Hacker plans to selectively preview the new line to stores this month.

“The concept for our swimsuits is to be able to merchandise and deliver seamlessly with our apparel for our specialty retailers,” said Hacker.

The line showcases the company’s signature in-house prints on nylon and spandex fabric and ranges in price from $88 for a ruffled pinup bottom to $148 for a ruched keyhole maillot.

Lined up for the upcoming spring season is the expansion of the label’s travel line, including an exclusive travel edition featuring designs from French textile artist Paule Marrot, which launched in fall 2006. The Hayden-Harnett namesake, however, continues to hold true to its New York roots with the debut of a Bleecker backpack and Bedford messenger bag.

“I can’t believe this has happened so quickly,” said Hacker, who had dreamed of launching a shoe line a year ago. “We have really done so on our own terms and it’s refreshing the way things are communicated — there is still a human element, the soul and personality.”