As temps drop, be on the lookout for steamy resort shoes…

December 4th, 2008

Sure, it’s cold outside. Warm your insides knowing as soon as temps allow, you can slide yourself into any these fabulous spring footwear. This next few weeks while you’re frantically shopping for your loved ones, saunter by your favorite shoe boutique for a little one-on-one with your favorite designers. It’ll ensure you’re no grinch. And to wet your merry whistle, we’re showing you what you can look forward to:
COLOR COMBO: The bold palette of the Davis by Ruthie Davis Mondrian-inspired pump will no doubt put some pep in your steph and Luciano Padovan’s nod to neon—the orange/fuchsia/blue neon peep-toe patent—will turn the heads, ladies. Calvin Klein mixes rich coral patent with tan-colored suede in a play of color and materials that garner attention. Gigi Favela combines several bold colors for her Ibiza

GOING NATIVE: Homage was paid to our country’s rich heritage from several designers who worked fringe and feathers into their footwear. Bettye Muller’s fringed-flat totally rocks. Angeleigh Anastasio offers a flirty T-strap suede sandal with a girlish grin and this darling flat from resort sandal maker bo’em turns up the fun factor! Born busts out whip-stitched and braided sandals and Pour la Victoire is bringing out a fun beaded moc.

MATERIAL: We’ve been anxiously waiting for Jessica Bennett’s stained green leather boot. Boots for spring show you’re just girlie enough to hang tough. Trust us. you. want. a. pair. Robert Zur’s “true glove” leather drivers feel like your most comfortable slippers. Be on the lookout for Frye’s vegetable-tanned leather whose colors are as yummy as their new silhouettes. Plus you’ll also see elastic straps worked into a few clever designs (think Colin Robertson from this year) and satin, satin, satin.

SHOE SHAPE: Platforms are still the height of fashion, folks. Modern Vintage collaborates with Johnny Wujek for a sculpted strappy sandal. Designer Georgina Goodman offers height with this strappy 130mm leather clog. Claudia Ciuti’s triple-strap crackle metallic leather platform with ankle strap is stunning. Claudio Merazzi who’s always good for a tall, stilt-like creation doesn’t disappoint with his fur and swarovsky collection.

The shoe designs of Carolina Pagano

The designer behind Carolina Pagano:
A shoe admirer since childhood Carolina Sadowski, called “Carola” by close friends and family, has always been intrigued by the construction of shoes, the manufacturing of heels, the materials, colors and shapes used in every pair she has acquired throughout her years.

With extensive knowledge of the fashion business (she served as Director of Operations for Tufi Duek International in Brazil after only eight months at the design house), and the desire to create something uniquely Brazilian with character and essence, Sadowski has launched a luxury shoe brand called Carolina Pagano—a combination of the designers name and the Italian last name of her maternal grandmother.

A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Carolina married and moved to the US, where she began her research to transform her dream of launching of her own collection into a reality. Armed with perfectionism and curiosity, Carolina enters the shoe business with the eye of an expert, manufacturing pieces that reflect her style and are a perfect blend between the high quality she is accustomed to and the sensuality of her homeland.

What is your design philosophy?
“It starts with designing things that I would like to wear myself,” offers Sadowski, “then I search for my inspiration in the natural beauty of Brazil, the forests, the fauna, the colors of Brazilian precious stones. I like to observe the way sophisticated and contemporary women carry themselves, their attitude and their creativity when putting things together when they get dressed.”

Design style in 5 words:
Sophisticated, chic, modern, sensual, edgy.

Why shoes?
“I chose to design shoes because I like the fact that a shoe can change an outfit even when you are wearing jeans and a white t-shirt,” says Sadowski. “I have loved fashion as far back as I can remember. When I discovered that I could go to University to study fashion and become a professional in this business, I knew there was nothing else in the world that I would rather do.”

The spring 2009 collection:
Of her first collection Sadowski admits, “I am enthusiastic about the way the market reacted so positively to our collection and the styles, so far. There is big trend of wearing flats now–a–days. We tried to bring the embellishments used in our high heels to the flats, making them more special.”

A sneak at fall 2009:
“With details like trims of bronze leather, gold buckles and a jewel-colored palette, adorning each pair with a special touch,” Sadowski says, “It’s like jewelry to the feet!!” Fall 09 for Carolina Pagano is about the eclectic beauty of Brazil. Sadowski found inspiration in the country’s exotic and natural beauty to create a collection of flats, platforms and heels, handmade in the most exquisite materials. Always attentive to the details and embellishment of each pair, she brings the shine of Brazil’s gold and precious stones to each shoe.

designer Jerome C. Rousseau’s premier footwear collection

July 21st, 2008

during the vegas shoe show this past spring we had the nice fortune of meeting unassuming shoe designer ~ jerome chouinard-rousseau, the creative force behind his eponymous line JEROME C. ROUSSEAU. quiet-spoken, he welcomed us into his showroom and walked us through his fall collection. hailing from isabella fiore, where we acted as footwear design director, he’s also worked alongside the likes of Matthew Williamson, Jasper Conran, John Richmond and others.

we talked shoes in the showroom. his favorite, the “dragon” the suede color-block pump which features a vintage toe shape and modern heel with beautiful lines. traveling between las angeles, uk and italy making shoes must make him tired, i suggest. (he’s in his twenties afterall, so what was i thinking?!) he says, adrenalin keeps him going and he sleeps well at night. that’s possibly in part due to the fact that his shoes are just now hitting the shelves, and he’s already captured the attention of Vogue UK, Vogue Pelle, Footwear News and a slew of shoe bloggers, including imelda. see him in our exclusive shuzsociety interview…

to check out our other designer interviews, visit our youtube page!