Katie Holmes, Jameela Jamil, and Chanel Iman Celebrated Rothy’s Environmentally Conscious New Flats With a Cocktail Party

Guests took a step in the right direction at Rothy’s socially conscious cocktail in honor of their new Merino Collection. Famous for transforming plastic water bottles into “timeless, durable flats,” Rothy’s zero-waste process was laid out like a museum exhibit on the walls of the Gramercy Park Hotel Terrace. Bowls of raw thread derived from the very same plastic bottles we throw away lined the candlelit tables next to the shoes in their final form as Ruby Aldridge spun poppy tunes at the deejay booth.

Regarding the new Merino collection, Rothy’s creative director Erin Lowenberg, sat down with Vogue, explaining the partnership with Italian designer, Marta Ferri. “Marta put the romance back in,” Lowenberg said. “Together, we created something really special and deeply heartfelt.” The wool itself was spun at Tollegno 1900, an Italian mill in practice for more than 100 years. “Wool is biodegradable. I always say it’s mother nature’s performance material. It’s very versatile, very soft, it’s natural, you can also wash it; it stays clean, lifts away moisture, and it lasts.”

As coupes of Prosecco and brandy cocktails circled the room, artist Gretchen Röehrs, drew portraits of guests on the back of Rothy’s lookbook for a keepsake, many of whom were sporting a pair of cozy loafers or ballet flats. Katie Holmes, Stella Maxwell, Chanel Iman, and Jameela Jamil were all in agreeance—the shoes really are comfy as you hoped. A glowing Iman appreciated the Chelsea silhouette’s easy slip-on factor. “I’m always looking for something comfortable, especially with my pregnancy. Rothy’s shoes are so comfortable, and they’re so perfect for pregnancy. I fell in love with them.”

Holmes, dressed in a Gabriela Hearst slip, also waxed poetic on the slippers. “Sustainability should live in as many aspects of our life as possible. I think it’s really inspiring to see this brand not only make a shoe that’s comfortable and wearable, but they are making patterns, and they’re working with Merino wool, and it’s becoming more and more creative.” The collection ranges in fall colors from caramel and hunter green to cranberry and jet black. Actress and activist Jamil, who founded “I Weigh,” a movement checking unregulated Instagram endorsements at the door, gave the most amusing description: “Feels like a cat lying on my foot. Feels so wonderful. It proves that you can make the effort to be ethical and also stylish and comfortable. You can do it all.”

Rothy’s Merino collection launches on October 8th.