Hunt Country shoe aficionados are hurrying to Middleburg's newest shop, Nobel Nielsen on Madison Street, and they won't be disappointed when they step inside. Beautiful, sumptuous, classically styled shoes preen on wall-to-wall perches in an amazing range of Italian inspired colors that will tempt every shopper. Luxurious fit and amazing comfort don't really do justice to the impeccably constructed Franchetti Bond designs. And the color pallet designer Baronessa Franchetti uses would drive Sarah Jessica Parker absolutely mad with desire.

Troye, a stunning native Virginian who is half Norwegian, purchased her first pair of emerald green "mock crocs" in 2002 and when everyone asked her where she got her shoes, she sent them to Franchetti Bond in London's Burlington Arcade. After wearing Franchetti Bond shoes for several years, Troye was devoted to firm's dedication to both style and comfort. "Now," she says smiling, "they can only be purchased in Middleburg and London." "These shoes are seamlessly lined with beautiful, soft kid skin leather to ensure that the wearer has absolutely no discomfort. The craftsmanship is truly glorious."

Sumptuous suede and soft calf leather, casual, court shoes and boots are on display in opulent Tuscan tones: Papal ruby red, sinful chocolate brown, Machiavelian black, creamy caramel, olive and evergreen, and Botticelli pink. The impeccable fit and delightful styles would be enough for most, but, until you've visited the Nobel Nielsen shop to see the color pallet for yourself, one really cannot imagine the possibilities. Should you wish a color dearer to you heart, swatches of dozens of beautiful shades from swimming pool blue to indigo, dove gray to puce and everything in between are available for special order. The only problem is trying to leave the store without three pair or more.

It's no surprise that Troye came back to an area of the world she loves, and even less of a surprise that she brought the finest in fashion with her. After her Hill School graduation, a gap year in Norway and degrees in English Literature and Theatre from UVA, she went to New York to model. Soon, she was working for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren as a merchandise coordinator. But she always came home to Middleburg.

In 2002 when she bought her first pair of Franchetti Bond shoes, she was living in Knockavilla, Ireland, an area well known for a Conemarra gelding named "Dundrum." "I'm so happy to be in Middleburg now," she emphasized. "It is a pleasure to bring such beautiful shoes to discriminating Piedmont shoppers. They love them as much as I do, they recognize style and quality just as quickly as I did." When you visit Nobel Nielsen, be sure to see the shoes in glitter leather. Precisely what you need for fancy dress parties. Franchetti Bond shoes and boots range from $200 to $500 at Nobel Nielsen, 15 South Madison Street, Middleburg, Virginia. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and appointments may be made by telephoning 540 687 8200.