Angeleigh Anastasio
March 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under Designers, Shopping Guide
description:
Women’s fashion shoes & accessories designed & made in Italy with passion & amore~ Inspiration from the beauty of the world, a deep love of people and a passion for invoking pleasure drive Angelo Anastasio to design extraordinary footwear and accessories. The success of his luxurious women’s line, Angeleigh Anastasio, is testament that his mission is working. With quality craftsmanship and use of only the finest Italian leathers and fabric, the Angeleigh Anastasio line exemplifies simple refinement and definitive luxury.
For a more indepth look at Angelo’s shoe story, click on our original “designer spotlight” article we posted in the fall of 2007.
shoes we specialize in:
Casual Contemporary / Fashion Dress Evening Luxury / Designer
Jimmy Choo
February 1, 2009 by cinder
Filed under Designers, Shopping Guide
description:
This Malaysian fashion designer was born to a family of shoemakers in Penang in 1961. According to Pendersen, inspired by his family’s profession Jimmy Choo created his first shoe when he was 11 years old. After graduating from Cordwainers college, (at what is now part of the London College of Fashion) in 1986, Choo set up a workshop in Hackney, in London’s East End and then opened a small boutique in upmarket Mayfair. In 1988 British Vogue featured a record breaking 8 pages of his designs, and from 1990 until her death, Choo was under the patronage of Diana Princess of Wales.
In 1996, he joined forces with Tamara Mellon, Vogue’s accessories director, (who recognized Choo’s potential and a niche in the luxury accessories market), and co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd. Together they sourced shoe factories in Italy to produce footwear on a bigger scale.”It doesn’t matter what you are wearing – if you have good shoes and a good bag, you’ll look right”.
As the success of his designs escalated, according to the official website, Choo then sold his half-stake in the ready-to-wear side of the company in 2001 to Equinox Luxury Holdings, in order to concentrate on his more exclusive line of Jimmy Choo Couture footwear, made under license from Jimmy Choo Ltd. His ready to wear label continues to grow under the guidance of Tamara Mellon and now incorporates other accessories like handbags and sunglasses. The RTW label continues to go from strength to strength, having celebrated more than 11 years of high fashion footwear, sold in around 60 branded stores worldwide. ~ suite101
shoes we specialize in:
Bridal Casual Contemporary / Fashion Customized Dress Evening Luxury / Designer
Botkier
January 29, 2009 by StephinitelyShuz
Filed under Designers, Shopping Guide
description:
A native to New York City, Monica Botkier delved into the fashion industry in 2003. Working as a fashion photographer shooting for magazines such as Surface and Mademoiselle. Using her developed photographers eye for detail, artistry and key functionality, Monica took on a new niche in the fashion industry. Inspired by her busy, downtown NYC lifestyle, Monica designed and produced her first handbag collection—fusing luxury and functionality—that resulted in immediate cult status.
A favorite among celebrity fashion icons, Botkier handbags have been spotted in tow of many of the most recognized women in the world such as Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Blake Lively, Heidi Klum, Joy Bryant and Kate Bosworth.
In celebration of Botkier’s five-year anniversary, Monica launched an extensive collection of footwear. Steadfast in her vision and brand promise, the designer infuses the same luxuriously chic style into the custom assortment of Botkier shoes. Botkier has developed into a luxurious lifestyle-brand offering classic handbags in proprietary shapes, totes, clutches, wallets, cuffs and shoes and boots.
Read Monica Botkier’s exclusive “fab friday” interview.
shoes we specialize in:
Contemporary / Fashion Customized Dress Evening Luxury / Designer
Shoe Designer Spotlight: Mary Norton
January 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Designer Spotlight
Who is Mary Norton?
The designer behind Mary Norton is…Mary Norton! She designs all her shoes and handbags herself. She began the company as Moo Roo in 1998 and rebranded under her own name as Mary Norton in 2006.
Mary Norton’s design philosophy:
To design timeless treasures at affordable prices.
Break it down in 5 words:
Classic Hollywood glamour for everyone!
What brought you to the shoe industry?
“When Mary Norton was launched,” Norton confides, “I felt the company should begin taking the next steps in becoming a lifestyle brand. As such, shoes were the next logical step because they pair perfectly with my handbags. Now I adore every minute I spend getting to design and learn from the maestros in Italy on how to craft the very best shoes.”
Tell us about your spring 2009:
Spring 2009 was inspired by the Five Senses, which Norton interpreted into the bags and shoes with color, embroideries, jewel pieces, feathers, leathers, and so on:
The sense of sight is represented by the entire collection.
The sense of taste is translated into candy, with candy dots, cotton candy, candy colors and so on.
The sense of sound is represented by disco music and interpreted into jeweled and embroidered disco balls.
The sense of smell is translated into a fantasy orchid appliqué.
The sense of touch is inspired by the swirling motion within a tidal pool.
What are you most excited about for fall 2009?
“I ADORE MY FALL 2009 COLLECTION!!! I am most excited about some of our new shapes that are a real advancement for us and the fact that we have improved our price point to be even better for our customers without having to compromise the quality or design…wait until y’all see this collection!”
Which celebrity or political figure do you envision wearing your shoes?
“Oh please, what designer has not said Michelle Obama!! Really though, our new Fall collection has some low heeled pumps that would be sooooo her.”
“With regard to celebrities, we have been honored to accessorize nearly every leading lady of our time. Carrie Underwood, Dancing With the Stars Carrie Ann Inaba, Teri Hatcher, Angela Bassett, and Catherine Zeta Jones to name a few. “However,” says Norton, “there are a few left on our most wanted list: Meryl Streep, Kate Blanchett, and Jennifer Aniston. So watch out you fantastic ladies….we’re after you!”
What are you working on right now?
“I am currently working on Spring 2010…I’ll give you a hint at the theme…Babalooo!”
How do you give back?
Mary Norton is very committed to their local Children’s Hospital in Charleston. She offers, “We will be putting on a huge event in conjunction with Charleston Fashion Week at the end of March to benefit the hospital.”
- The event will begin on March 26th with a Mary Norton runway show followed on March 27th with the premier Mary Norton-Saks Fifth Avenue “Catwalk For Kids” benefit luncheon.
- Norton’s dear friend Wayne Newton is coming out to perform, and Michael Fink (Fashion Director-Saks) will be on hand to give expert Spring fashion advice. “We’re putting on a big party to make lots of money for this wonderful hospital,” Norton adds.
If you’re anywhere near Charleston at the end of March, please plan on attending. We’re ensured it will be a blast. For more information, check out Mary Norton, MUSC Kids or Charleston Fashion Week for details.
What shoes are you wearing RIGHT now?
Mary’s sporting her own Mary Norton silver python Bridgette flats. “From my first season-trendless, timeless,” she beams.
Any tips for travelin’ shoes?
“I always use my dusters for packing. I also keep those silly little shoeshine kits in tins that they give you in nice hotels. They work wonderfully for a quick little shine while traveling.”
Her tips for keeping shoes in tip-top shape:
“Have a good shoe repair person in your hometown. Keep your shoes resoled and reheeled. Buy good quality shoes (such as ours) and if you maintain them they will last for many years (trendless and timeless).”
What is your favorite vacation spot?
“Anywhere with my daughters! Micah is 13 and Reilly is 11, they are wonderful and hilarious. They make anywhere we go on vacation an adventure and fun. Our last vacation was skiing in Crested Butte Colorado and it was so terrific to see them learn to ski and get better each day. Last Christmas we went on a tour of Haciendas of Mexico in the Yucatan. It was totally off the beaten track, no TVs, no other kids, just us, for two weeks and they didn’t even want to kill my husband and I by the end!”
What are you reading right now
“Understanding Islam, The Bible (everyday) and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.”
Best place to get YOUR Mary Norton’s:
Saks Fifth Avenue (multiple locations), Tootsies (Houston and Dallas, Texas), Harrods (London), TSUM (Moscow) among other locations. For a complete list please visit their website at MaryNorton.com.
