Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Save Stilettos (Cromie Stilettos)
Summary
Cromie Stilettos is a 2023 collaboration between Faile and Studio Cromie, produced as a 6-color hand-pulled and hand-painted silkscreen on Fabriano Rosaspina 290gsm paper. Signed and numbered in an edition of just 20 at 27.5 x 39.5 cm, its hand-painted finish makes each impression a unique variation within a tightly limited run.
Why It Matters
The Studio Cromie partnership situates this print within Faile's tradition of print-atelier collaborations, where a master printer's craft elevates the studio's imagery. With six hand-pulled colors, added hand-painting, and an edition of only 20, it sits firmly in the labor-intensive, low-run tier of the catalog that collectors prize for individuality.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 20 with hand-painting means scarcity and impression-level uniqueness are the headline draws. Collectors should confirm the signature, number, and the FAILE x Studio Cromie attribution. The Fabriano Rosaspina support and hand-pulled process signal this is a workshop print, not a reproduction, warranting closer condition scrutiny of the painted layers.
Historical Context
Faile has repeatedly partnered with specialist printers to push their silkscreen technique. Studio Cromie, based in Italy, is known for artisanal screen printing. This collaboration reflects the duo's respect for hand craft, extending their stiletto and pin-up motifs into a European print-atelier context and a notably scarce edition.
FAQ
How limited is Cromie Stilettos?
It is an edition of only 20, each a hand-pulled and hand-painted 6-color silkscreen.
Who collaborated on this print?
It is a FAILE x Studio Cromie collaboration produced in 2023.
Is each print identical?
No. Because it is hand-painted, each impression carries subtle individual variation.
What paper was used?
Archival Fabriano Rosaspina 290gsm paper, sized 27.5 x 39.5 cm.
About the Artist
FAILE is a Brooklyn-based artistic collaboration founded in 1999 by Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller. Known for a distinctive collage aesthetic that blends comic-book imagery, pulp advertising, religious iconography, and street-poster typography, FAILE built its reputation through wheat-pasted works and stencils in cities worldwide. The duo is celebrated for reviving printmaking and woodblock techniques, and for immersive installations such as their prayer-wheel and temple environments. Their work has been exhibited internationally, including projects with the New York City Ballet, bridging street practice and fine-art institutions.
Collecting Faile at Gauntlet Gallery
Which FAILE works are best to collect?
FAILE's signed, numbered silkscreen editions and their hand-finished wood and mixed-media pieces are the core of the market. Screenprints from their studio releases offer an accessible entry, while unique wooden "blocks" and painted works sit at the higher end. Gauntlet Gallery focuses on complete, well-preserved impressions with strong color registration.
How is a FAILE piece authenticated?
We sell FAILE works with documented studio provenance, backed by the edition's signature and numbering. Every piece is photographed as-is, including the signature, edition number, and any studio markings, so you can confirm details before purchase.
What makes one FAILE piece worth more?
Edition size, medium (unique wood pieces over open prints), iconic imagery, condition, and provenance from a known release all drive value. Hand-embellished and one-of-a-kind works consistently outperform standard editioned prints.